CPC Life is a monthly publication of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC).

Complimentary copies available monthly at CPC or at www.cpconline.org/cpclife.

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© Christ Presbyterian Church 2012.

Director of Communications: Sharon SampsonEditor: Jennifer BoardmanArt Direction & Design: Jeremy EmmerichEditorial Assistant: Claire Sweem

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©

Saturday, December 24 Worship services

Christmas Eve

MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIPThursday, April 5 at 7:00PMA favorite of many, this traditional 75-minute service remembers the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, including Scripture lessons, artwork, lighting, special music by the Chancel Choir, a medita-tion from Debbie Manning, and the Sacrament of Holy Commu-nion. Childcare available for 6-week-olds through pre-kindergarten.

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP Friday, April 65:00PM – A 45-minute service examining Jesus’ last days and His sacrifice on the cross, organized by the Kids’ Ministries Team. Childcare available for 6-week-olds through 2-year-olds.7:30PM – A reflective service focused on the story of the cross. No childcare available.

24-HOUR EASTER PRAYER VIGIL IN THE CHAPELSaturday, April 7 at 6:00AM until Sunday, April 8 at 6:00AMThis 24-hour silent vigil symbolizes the time of waiting following

the Crucifixion. Sign-up in the Great Room for a 30-minute slot to pray expectantly for yourself, others, and the church. The Chapel will be open from 6:00AM on Saturday until 6:00AM on Sunday. Prayer guides provided. No childcare available.

EASTER WATCHNIGHT SERVICESaturday, April 7 at 11:00PMExperiential worship based on the ancient Easter vigil service with candles, processional, Scripture lessons, music, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and the Renewal of Baptism Vows. A great way to greet Easter day! No childcare available.

EASTER SATURDAY CONTEMPORARY WORSHIPSaturday, April 7 at 5:15PMIn a Saturday evening version of Easter morning worship, the Con-temporary Worship Team will lead in a celebration of the Resur-rection, with a meditation by John Crosby. Childcare available for 6-week-olds through 2-year-olds.

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, April 86:00AM – Sunrise ServiceAs the sun rises, we celebrate the Resurrection with singing, Ortho-dox traditions, Communion, and a meditation by Rich Phenow. Dress casually to walk outside! No childcare available.8:00 & 9:10AM – Traditional Celebration Services*Traditional services of celebrating the Resurrection with music by the choir, organ, and brass ensemble, and a meditation by John Crosby.10:30 & 11:40AM – Contemporary Celebration Services* The Contemporary Worship Team will lead in a celebration of the Resurrection, with a meditation by John Crosby.6:00PM – The Table at CPC*A celebration of the Resurrection led by The Table team, with a meditation by Brad Jackson.

*Childcare for 6-week-olds through pre-kindergarten (no elementary programs available).

EASTER FLOWERSOn Easter, we adorn the Sanctuary with flowers representing new life in the resurrected Christ. If you would like to donate $20 toward

the purchase of these plants as a memorial or tribute to someone, please complete a form located at the CPC Infor-mation Desk or office and return with a check to the office by Monday, March 26. Donor names and tributes will be listed in the Easter bulletin.

HolyWeek

E V E N T SThursday, April 5 -

Sunday, April 8

Mixed SourcesProduct group from well-managedforests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fiberwww.fsc.org

C P C L I F E | M A R C H 2 0 1 2 3

grew up in Philadelphia. When I was young, my family some-times went to a Presbyterian church, but by middle school, church stopped being part of my life. As I think back, I don’t

think I ever heard the gospel preached.

My mom and I had a strained relation-ship. Most of my life I was overweight. When I was in 5th grade, my mom brought me home for lunch everyday to keep me on a diet. Her heart was in the right place, but whenever you stand out as a kid, you feel ashamed. After my fresh-man year of college, my mother took me to the doctor to get diet pills. My weight swings continued into adulthood, mar-riage, motherhood. My husband, Mike, was patient throughout it. I would go up and down by 20 or 30 pounds. After I had my third child, I lost 65 pounds. You would think that’d be the end of the strug-gle — but I soon gave up and ate more. I realize now I had a spiritual hunger that I was trying to treat as physical hunger.

A friend whose life I admired went to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Mary’s life seemed to be in control, but she wasn’t doing the controlling. I figured if Mary had such a great life, I should try BSF, too. It never occurred to me I had a spiritual need. BSF was just one more attempt to

lose weight. I hoped someone would say something so inspiring I’d never want to eat again.

My first day at BSF they sang this hymn: “When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries: May Jesus Christ be praised!” I thought that was the weirdest thing I’d ever heard. Why would I need to praise Jesus? But for some reason I kept going back to BSF, and, over the next year-and-a-half, I asked Mary a lot of questions about Jesus. I also gained 40 pounds.

In January of 1981, at age 40, I prayed a very simple prayer in my den. I prayed that God would forgive my sins and ac-cept me. I didn’t really know what I meant by that, but I trusted God. I wanted to be in His arms instead of me trying to do it alone. It wasn’t working for me to be in control.

I threw myself into studying the Bible, praying. A few months later, I had a

stomach-stapling operation. Honestly, it probably shouldn’t have worked, just like every other thing I’d tried to lose weight. My problem had never been big portions, but that I ate all the time to fill my spiri-tual hunger. This time, the spiritual void at my core was being filled by Jesus. Over the course of ten months I lost 105 pounds. People noticed a change in me, telling me I walked around with a grin all the time. It wasn’t just because I was losing weight. I was having a spiritual awakening. I was filled with energy for God.

The point of my story is not that I lost weight; the point of my story is that Jesus redeemed me. I don’t want to make it sound like you accept Christ and then you lose weight. I still crave food a lot. I need God every day to help me manage that — and to help me with all the areas I struggle to trust Him. But He is with me, even when I fall short. My favorite verse is John 15:5: “I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

I am almost 71 — and I’m still full of energy for God. I feel like I want to make up for the first 40 years of my life when I didn’t know Jesus. I feel so blessed that I didn’t waste any more years. Knowing Him, following Him, sharing Him is my passion. I used to think of my life in terms of “fat years” and “thin years” — and the thin years were the good ones. But now I think of life as two chapters: before Christ and after Christ.

When I hear the hymn, “When morn-ing gilds the skies . . . ,” I feel like it’s my birthday. That song marked the beginning of a journey to an incredible new life. It’s my salvation song.

I“The point of my

story is not that I lost weight; the point

of my story is that Jesus redeemed me.”

Debbie DuCAr serves as

Director of Women’s Ministry

At Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. His defeat of death demonstrates that we can have new life in Christ through our relationship with Him. We asked three CPC staff

members to share stories of what their lives looked like both before and after Christ.

S T R I E SR E D E M P T I O N

Debbie DucarSatisfying Spiritual Hunger

4 M A R C H 2 0 1 2 | C P C L I F E

grew up in a Roman Catholic family, the oldest of four boys born in the span of four-and-a-half years. I went to paro-chial schools from kindergar-ten through 7th grade. I was an altar boy for a while, but

my family wasn’t very religious. As I went into middle school, my parents stopped making me go to church, so I quit. I had a general disaffection with God, picturing Him as stern in a way that made me feel bad about myself. I couldn’t measure up. I thought of Christians as judgmental legal-ists who thought they had the corner on a truth that could not be known.

There was a lot of chaos in my home growing up. Financially, we lived an odd lifestyle. My father lost his job but didn’t tell us how tight money was, draining our savings to keep up the appearance of success (the nice house, etc.). There were parts of me that knew things weren’t secure — like the way we didn’t have money for new clothes. By the time I finished high school, we had to move out of our house, and there was no money for college, retirement, anything.

My parents’ drinking also accelerated while I was in middle school. By the time I graduated from high school, my mom was in bad shape. She was a bright woman who graduated valedictorian

of her college class the year I graduated from high school, but she had become a functional alcoholic. My dad was mostly absent by then, working out of state, and when he was back, my parents had a largely upstairs-downstairs relationship.

The chaos at home shaped my attitudes toward success, marriage, and commit-ment. And, in the end, that’s where I came to faith. My senior year of high school, I followed a cute cheerleader to Campus Life, a local youth ministry. I wasn’t looking for romance with the girl so much as the challenge of dating a girl who was way too nice for me. She made it clear she wasn’t interested in me, but I kept going to Campus Life because I had a new set of friends and, even more im-portantly, a relationship with the Campus Life director. He invested in me, answered my questions, and affirmed me. He let me drop by and, while he was washing his car, we would talk about life and God. I wouldn’t say he took the place of my parents, but he became the stable figure I needed. I wanted to be like him.

He is exactly nine years to the day older than I, so he would have been 27 when I was 18. I thought he was old because he had just gotten married. The way he talked about his wife and sex was very different than the way I did. He helped me to have a new view of how to treat

women. He also challenged me to let go of the pretense I hid behind — of all the ways I was a “wannabe” and pretended to have it more together than I did. He asked, “What happens when people see the real you? Will they still love you?”

One night in January 1970, when I was 18 years old, I was closing down the skat-ing rink where I worked. As I looked out at the ice, I said a simple prayer: “God, if you really are there, this is John, and I would love to be part of your family and not feel like I have to pretend anymore.” In that moment, I felt like God saw me. I wouldn’t have said it then, but I had the sense that now God had my back, that He would be with me.

I went away to school at Western Il-linois, with a latent intellectualism and a passionate faith that grew quickly. State school was easy academically, and I wasn’t good enough for the football team, so, after the first year, I transferred to Wheaton to play football. I had to drop out of Wheaton twice because of finances, but with construction jobs, I graduated in four-and-a-half years.

Wheaton is where I learned the intel-lectual underpinnings of what I call the classical “C.S. Lewisan” Mere Christianity. It wasn’t until my junior year at Wheaton that I would describe myself not just as

I

S T R I E SR E D E M P T I O N

John Crosby | Grace & The Gospel

a Christian but a whole-hearted follower of Christ. Prior to that, I used the “Jesus words,” but it took time to do more than believe in God. I finally became convinced inside and outside that Christ came to rescue us and die for us and we need to trust in Him. That’s what defines us as followers of Christ.

The apostle Paul says we move from the citizenship of darkness into the citizen-ship of the light. I think we live in both of those worlds all the time, but I spent more time in darkness than a lot of people would have known. You don’t automatically undo the drinking, sex, and language. It took time to move away from the “destroy and conquer” relationships I had with women, those things that not only leave scars, but you can’t just flick off like a switch. I lived in tension all the way through college and even when I joined the staff of Campus Life after college. But it comes back to that moment on the ice rink when I first became assured that no matter what anybody discovered about me, the God of the universe loved me. As I came to Christ, that turned into grace. Not only was I forgiven, but I was loved. For me, the best part of the Bible is the story of the prodigal son where it says, “When he came to his senses, he turned and said, ‘I don’t have to live like this. I can go home.’” I feel that’s my story, too.

At my root, I want to share with people that they can be home in the grace of God no matter how screwed up they are. I’m still pretty screwed up on the inside, but I know I am enormously loved.

I moved to Colorado in my mid-twenties to join a political campaign and do a little graduate work in economics. I attended

First Presbyterian Church of Boulder and started to think that maybe instead of being the junior senator from Colorado, I should try to be Chaplain of the Senate. Always grandiose dreams! I attended sem-inary at Gordon-Conwell in Boston, and one of my professors, Gordon McDonald, taught a course called “The Possibilities of the Parish.” He challenged me to see the

local church as the best place to minister, where a passion for justice and poverty can combine with the lives of people whom you grow to know and love.

I met Laura while serving as a youth pastor in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Laura laughs that the timing of our meeting was providential. She says I had already dated everybody else, and it took God a long time to straighten me out and loosen her up! We married just after I turned 31. I was attracted to Laura’s passionate com-mitment of faith and her deep desire to learn. I loved her laughter filled with joy and energy, and I came to love her family, too. Joining Laura’s family gave me a picture of what a family could be like.

We lived in Glen Ellyn for five years and then went to Washington D.C. where I served as the Executive Pastor at National Presbyterian Church. We stayed two years and came to CPC in September of 1989. Being part of this community has been the greatest privilege of our lives.

I am delighted to be a pastor, but I’m much more committed to being a good husband, father, and follower of Christ. I recently spoke to the staff about a verse in Titus that talks about being agents who proclaim the faith, and that our aim is to “raise hope.” That’s my call. My hope comes out of a sense that Christ came to rescue us. That hope frees me to see the poor with fresh eyes and to take on things that are not always popular, but to say, “I am at root a person beloved by Jesus.” We can flourish when we realize it doesn’t depend on us alone.

If I were to point to a “life verse,” it’d be 1 Corinthians 15:10. When I think that I don’t deserve to be a leader because of the things I’ve done, I think of that verse: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.” At the core of the gospel is grace, and I keep coming back to that grace.

JohnCrobSyserves as Senior Pastor

“I am at root a person beloved

by Jesus. We can flourish

when we realize it

doesn’t depend on us alone.”

C P C L I F E | M A R C H 2 0 1 2 5

6 M A R C H 2 0 1 2 | C P C L I F E

y parents are from Laos, and I was born in a refugee camp in a tent in Thailand. My parents wanted

a better life for my brother and me, so they waited in the camp to emmigrate to America. We eventually settled in Eden Prairie. Although our family wasn’t devoutly Buddhist, we still observed its holidays. I never had much desire to dive deeper into Buddhism. I just took it for what I saw it as: live a moral lifestyle and hopefully come back in the next lifetime with a better situation.

In 9th grade, a friend invited me to Wednesday night small groups at CPC, but I declined. Yet he continued to ask every Wednesday for the next three months: “Van, it’s Wednesday. Want to go to church with me?” Finally I said, “If I go with you once, will you stop asking me?” He agreed. That first night, Kyle Jackson shared that God accepts me no matter how I look or where I come from. Because I’m Asian in a Caucasian environment, I often felt different. So, the fact that this Jesus guy accepted me perked my attention. Then Kyle said, “God loves you no matter what.” I thought, hey, I could use a little extra love in my life. I figured if Jesus didn’t work out, at least I knew I gave Christi-

anity a shot. I went home and decided to pray, not knowing the change that would occur in my life through it. From what I saw in movies I figured I should kneel and fold my hands. “I don’t know You God, but I want to know You. It seems like a great idea. Help me to be less stressed. Love me for who I am.” He’s kept His side of the bargain ever since, which has been a beautiful thing.

Toward the end of 11th grade, the small group I had joined in 9th grade fell apart because the guys lost interest in church. I said to them, “We have found something amazing! Why wouldn’t you want to share it with the world and be a part of this?” I was told I needed to join a new group, but I said to myself, that’s not how things are going to go down. I asked friends at school the same question I was asked back in 9th grade: “Do you want to come to church with me on Wednesday nights?” I invited

eight friends, one of whom is Jim Lee [CPC Kids’ Elementary Associate], and that’s how he found God, too. I just love the power of invitation and how it has impacted my story. A friend invited me to church, and here I am working with kids. I invited Jim to church, and now he’s going to seminary.

When I began college at St. Thomas, I laughed at the idea of how Jesus had “messed up” my future plans. Before Jesus, I wanted to be a doctor because my parents had ingrained in me that I needed a prestigious career. They were living this American dream through my brother and me, and though I appreci-ated their sacrifices, making a lot of money just wasn’t my main priority. I had been pursuing perfection before I met Jesus. I’m so thankful for the teacher in high school who gave me an A-, because it meant I didn’t have to pursue valedictorian anymore! I realized my grades don’t define me; Jesus defines me. Throughout college, I volunteered at CPC in High School and Kids’ Ministries, and I’ve been working in Kids’ Ministry since I graduated. Going forward, I’m contemplating sticking with ministry, but I’m also open to God calling me to teach or work in chemistry.

Being the only Christian in my family is difficult at times. I remember feeling this huge burden to bring them to Christ, but they haven’t been open to it yet. So in the meantime, I show them love through my actions. I understand that it’s God’s timing, because God’s timing was right for me. Many times I’ve asked, “Why me, God? Out of all the boys raised in a Buddhist home, You chose me.” I don’t know why He did, but I’m very thankful. My friends and family see that where I used to pursue perfection, I now pursue God.

MVan Chounlamountry

The Power of Invitation

VAn ChounlA-MounTry serves as Elementary Associate

S T R I E S

“Why me, God? Out of all the boys raised in a Buddhist home, You chose me.”

R E D E M P T I O N

ur daughter Katy has been training to run a half-marathon. This should really be il-legal in our family because, although we’re athletic, we don’t run. It’s kind of been a rule of family solidarity. But one day

Katy tied up her shoes and put one foot in front of the other. For two blocks. And then a mile. And then three . . . and then 13.1 miles. And in the process, she’s learned that to be a runner, you have to run. You have to make it a part of your everyday life.

She has learned that there are benefits to running alone, but it’s also helpful to have the accountability of others, so a couple of days a week she runs with a group of friends. They tell each other their goals and successes, and complain about sore muscles. And that helps. She’s found routes she likes and times of the day that are better than others. And that helps, too.If, five months ago, someone had told Katy she would run a half-marathon, she would have said, “You’re crazy.” She couldn’t achieve it by just trying; she had to go into training. No one drifts into becoming a marathoner.

No one drifts into spiritual maturity either. Enter the integrated life of training with Jesus. Enter spiritual disciplines.

Twenty years ago I was a Christian. I had a “quiet time” set aside during the day to pray and read my Bible, but that was about it. Faith was nice, neat, compartmentalized. But then I read John Ortberg’s book The Life You’ve Always Wanted, and a whole new way of viewing my relationship with Jesus emerged.

OLike someone discovering a runner’s high, I found that as I integrated training practices into my life, my relationship with Jesus deepened.

I now think of spiritual practices as things I can do to live more of the “with Jesus” life. Even little things make a difference. An ongoing conversation with God or praying for strangers I encounter through the day seems to grow compassion a smidge in my selfish soul and make me aware of grace. Thanking God while I’m walking, driving, or washing dishes may help develop a more grateful spirit. Journaling over my day — noticing when I turned toward or away from God — is a spiritual habit that’s like looking in a mirror and noticing I have a smudge of mascara that needs cleanup. Purposely getting in the longest line or slowest lane is a spiritual practice that I’m still hoping is forming patience in my hurried heart. And I pray that engaging in secret acts of service helps me let go of my need for approval from anyone other than God.

The key is not to see these as rules or burdens, but as joy-bringers that lead to the abundant life God desires for us. Celebration. Rest. Silence. A life lived more like Jesus. Step by tiny step. I stumble a lot.

I am not a natural runner. I’m not setting any speed records, and my gait is a little awkward. But the race of faith is a marathon, and I want to cross the finish line finally with the “unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28, The Message). That’s only going to happen if I tie my shoes and put one foot in front of the other today. Run with me?

by Laura Crosby

S T R I E S

C P C L I F E | M A R C H 2 0 1 2 7

8 M A R C H 2 0 1 2 | C P C L I F E

ary* is a widow in her late 30s living in the George Compound, an urban slum on the western out-skirts of Lusaka, Zambia’s

capital. Her husband died a number of years ago, leaving her with limited re-sources and the responsibility of caring for five young children. Devastated by grief and the unimaginable challenge of raising her children in a situation where the rights of widows are often neglected, if not deliberately trampled upon, Mary attended a support group for widows of AIDS victims. After months of being ministered to by other women who had experienced the loss of a spouse, she learned of a training program conduct-ed by the Jubilee Centre. Lay people like herself were equipped to become caregivers for people trying to navi-gate the torrential waters of grief, loss, chronic illness, and other life challenges. As a trained lay care minister, Mary is fulfilling God’s calling to care for those living under the same strains that she herself has experienced.

MJanet* joined CPC after she was ministered to by members of the CPC community following the death of her husband. The grief and loss she felt in the months following his death were intense. She points to the care she expe-rienced from trained Lay Care Ministers as a pivotal point in her recovery and decision to become a lay care provider herself. She now serves as a Lay Care Minister, one of an army of CPCers who have been trained, equipped, and deployed as a caring cohort of men and women of all ages and backgrounds, united by a willingness to be available at the point of people’s deepest felt need.

Often our cross-cultural mission partnerships reveal in stark contrast the differences between our lived experi-ence in the West and the lives of those we are called to serve overseas. And although these differences are very real, they tend to overshadow the similarities and shared experiences that, with a little effort, can enrich both communities as they are shared and understood. Our

two communities (the Jubilee churches of George Compound in Lusaka, Zambia and CPC in Edina, Minne-sota) seem worlds apart at first glance. When we care enough to dig below the surface, however, we notice how inter-twined our communities are and how much shared DNA we have. Driven by our mutual commitment to empower our members to serve, both communi-ties are living out the calling to “love others” in the name of Jesus.

This year’s Easter Offering will once again be earmarked to enable our partners in Zambia — Jubilee Centre and World Vision — to empower the communities of George and Moyo to be the “salt of the earth and light to the world.” A wise person once said, “Money is a means for making our time and energy portable.” We are hopeful CPC members will seize the opportu-nity this Easter to exhibit outrageous generosity in support of our initiatives in Zambia. * Names have been changed.

Easter Offering 2 0 1 2 : Z a m b i a

by David A. Schwandt and Paul Tshihamba, Missions

This year’s Easter Offering for Zambia will support HIV care in George as well as benefit Moyo’s high school. Please make your check out to “CPC” with

“Easter Offering” in the memo.

CPC Ministry ProgrammingMarch 2012At CPC, we seek to inspire all generations to follow Jesus, love others, and live missionally. Please look through the various programs for kids, students, and adults --- and join us! For fuller descriptions and more information on any of these programs, please visit www.cpconline.org.

M A R C H 2 0 1 2 | M I N I S T R Y P R O G R A M M I N G

gEnERAL

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERSDinner served in the Great Room from 4:45-6:00PM. Salad Bar-$4; Dinner & Salad Bar-$8; Dinner without Salad Bar-$7; Kids’ Meal-$4; Max-$25March 7 - Chicken strips, tator totsMarch 14 - Lasagna, browniesMarch 21 - Chicken enchiladas

MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICEWednesday, March 21 at 12:00PMA traditional service with a short mes-sage by Deb Kielsmeier, hymns, com-munion, and prayers. Lunch follows.

HOLY WEEK EVENTSSee page 2 for a detailed listing of services and events during Holy Week. Maundy Thursday | Thursday, April 5 at 7:00PMGood Friday | Friday, April 6 at 5:00 & 7:30PM24-hour Prayer Vigil | Saturday, April 7 at 6:00AM - Sunday, April 8 at 6:00AMeaster Watchnight Service | Saturday, April 7 at 11:00PMeaster Saturday Worship | Saturday, April 7 at 5:15PMeaster Sunday Worship | Sunday, April 8 at 6:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:10AM, 10:30AM, 11:40AM, & 6:00PM

SUNDAY COMMUNITIESSunday Communities offer a place to belong and grow with people in a simi-

lar stage of life. Through April 1, we’ll take an in-depth look at The Apostles’ Creed. Join us as we unpack these ancient words.9:30AM: S.A.L.T. (30s-50s)A.C.T.S. (50s & 60s) MIXED TAPES (20s & 30s couples) CPC Singles (40s & 50s)-2nd, 4th weeks10:45AM: MORE (mostly retired)CREDO (open to all ages)Visit www.cpconline.org/SC.

SUNDAY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: S.A.L.T.Sundays at 9:30AM in Room 107The S.A.L.T. (Sharing and Learning Together) community is made up of people in their 30s-50s. We are a mix of married and single, with and without kids, and we share a common desire to learn more about Jesus, feel a sense of community, and develop strong Chris-tian friendships. Come by for treats, fellowship, prayer, and discussion. We’d love to have you join us any Sunday!

LENTEN SMALL GROUPSSmall groups run through the week of March 25: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:15PM, Thursdays from 12:00-1:00PM, or Thursdays from 7:00-8:15PMStudy passages for Easter. Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: James Madsen at 952.920.8515 x308; jamesm@cpconline.org.

THE DEATH AND RESSURECTION OF JESUSA four-week small group on Wednesdays running through March 21 from 6:00-7:30PM in the ParlorJoin us for a study on Ray Vander Laan’s

video “The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah,” told within the context of Jesus’ Jewishness. Contact: Debbie Du-car at 952.920.8515 x226; debbied@cpconline.org.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE NECESSARY: SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AS A FAMILY Wednesdays through March 21 from 6:00-7:30PM in the Fireside RoomThis series focuses on how to raise kids with “faith that sticks.” CPC parents will share stories of bringing various spiritual disciplines into their family rhythm. Topics include solitude, confes-sion, generosity, and prayer. No need to register. Contact: Debbie Ducar at 952.920.8515 x226; debbied@cpcon-line.org.

STARTING POINTSundays, March 11-May 20 from 9:30-10:50AM in Room 201 This conversational small group is a safe place to explore faith, ask questions, and experience community. It’s ideal for people who are a little unsure of their biblical knowledge or want an overview of their place in God’s story. Suggested donation: $20 (includes a Starting Point Bible and CDs). Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Debbie Ducar at 952.920.8515 x226; deb-bied@cpconline.org.

CPC BOOK CLUBThursday, March 15 at 7:00PM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Thursday monthlyOn March 15, we’ll discuss Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagner. On April 19, we’ll discuss The Glass Blower of Murano by

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w w w. c p c o n l i n e . o r g

ADuLTS

1 0 M A R C H 2 0 1 2 | C P C L I F E

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Marina Fiorato. Contact: Nancy Reuti-man at 952.920.1837.

WEDNESDAY MORNING STUDYWednesdays from 11:00AM-12:00PM; meets weeklyRick Byron leads this lively discussion of Daniel. We meet every Wednesday except Edynamoes days. Contact: Debbie Ducar at 952.920.8515 x226; debbied@cpconline.org.

MEN’S SMALL GROUPSTuesdays at 6:45AM (Eden Prairie); Tues-days at 7:00AM (Plymouth); Wednesdays at 12:00PM (CPC); Thursdays at 7:00AM (CPC); Thursdays at 7:00PM (CPC)A men’s small group is a great place to connect with other men, share life together, and grow in your relation-ship with God. Listed above are the new groups that are starting. Contact: James Madsen at 952.920.8515 x308; jamesm@cpconline.org.

NEEDLEWORK GUILDSaturday, March 10 from 10:00AM-2:00PM in Room 10; meets 2nd Saturday monthlyThis month’s meeting will be held in Room 10, which is downstairs on the ramp leading to the Fellowship Hall. Needlework Guild’s mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve the needy. Contact: Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915.

MOM’S MORNING LARGE GROUPWednesdays, March 14 & 28 from 9:30-11:30AM; meets 2nd & 4th WednesdaysJoin other moms for fellowship, food, and inspirational speakers. On March 14, we will celebrate Fellowship Day with optional crafts, chair massage, etc. On March 28, Becky Danielson will speak on “A Family Easter.” Contact: Tonya Beck at tonyabeck1@comcast.net. Recordings are available in Pathway.

MOMS OF TEENS large GroupThursday, March 15 from 9:30-11:30AM

in the Fellowship Hall; meets monthlyDr. Tim Johanson, pediatrician with an emphasis on behavioral pediatrics, will speak on “Over-Parenting: Unpacking Affirmation, Protection, and Indul-gence.” Cost: $5/session. Contact: Anita LaHaye at mlahaye@comcast.net.

Small GroupsTwo Thursdays a monthMoms meet biweekly to help navigate kids’ teen years. Contact: Ann Satterth-waite at annsatterthwaite@comcast.net.

60s AND STILL GROWING 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 1:30-3:00PM in the Parlor As you approach retirement age, do you still want to grow in your faith? Then this is the group for you! We are a vital group of older women who want to continue to follow Jesus even more closely. We encourage new folks to join at any time. Contact: Sandy Thoermer at 763.559.2960.

TUESDAY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDYTuesdays from 1:00-2:30PM; meets weekly in Room 107Join Carolyn Beatty as she leads an in-depth Bible Study on Romans. This group generates lively discussion and cares for one another. Contact: Judy Romine at 952.929.4983.

CIRCLESCircles combine fellowship, learning, and service in a small group setting. They consist primarily of women over 50; new members welcome any time.lydia CircleSaturday, March 17 at 9:30AM in the Parlor Mike Hotz, Associate Pastor of Urban/Local Engagement, will speak about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation trip. Judy Romine and Marilyn Pertl hosting. Contact: Ellen Hastings at 952.896.0066.esther CircleSaturday, March 17 starting at 10:00AM; meets 3rd Saturday monthlyJoin us at the home of Ellie Alcock (5421 Mount Normandale Drive, Bloomington 55437) for fellowship and Bible study. Contact: Ellie Alcock at 952.831.5471.

Martha CircleWednesday, March 21 at 10:00AM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Wednesday monthly Glenn Mork, Executive Director ofHope Center for Children of Africa in Bunia, Congo, will share with us. Con-tact: Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188.ruth CircleMeets every Wednesday at 9:30AMOn the first and third Wednesday of the month, we meet in a home for food, fellowship, devotions, and prayers. On the other Wednesdays, we serve at Feed My Starving Children and at CPC, including cooking and serving lunch for Edynamoes and office projects. Con-tact: Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414.

NESTERS: “THE 39 STEPS”Sunday, March 25 at 2:00PM at the Bloomington Community Theater“The 39 Steps” is a fast-paced whodunit packed with nonstop laughs. Following the show, we will eat at Olive Garden (not included in the ticket price). Cost: $15 per ticket, payable by Monday, March 5. Register: Mary Allen at 952.920.8515 x243; marya@cpconline.org. Register early. Nesters is CPC’s active retirement age community.

EDYNAMOESWednesday, March 28 at 11:30AM in the Fellowship HallJoin us for a delicious luncheon (made by Linda Cravens and her team) and the delightful film “Celebrate What’s Right with the World,” narrated by Na-tional Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones. Cost: $5. Register: Judy Romine at 952.929.4983 by March 26. Please bring Jerry’s receipts (cash purchases), Campbell’s Soup labels, and can tabs.

COUPLES’ SMALL GROUPSA new group is forming for couples over 50 for weekly fellowship and Bible study. Contact: James Madsen at 952.920.8515 x308; jamesm@cpcon-line.org.

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ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP & EDUCATIONAL SERIESThursday, March 8 in the Fireside Room; meets 2nd Thursday monthlySupport Group: 5:30-7:00PMSeries: 7:00-8:30PMA series for care partners and those with an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. March’s talk is “Caring through the Stages.” Prior to each talk, a support group meets for spouses and adult children caring for loved ones. Register: Mary Allen at 952.920.8515 x243; marya@cpconline.org.

GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDRENTuesday, March 20 from 7:00-8:30PM in the Parlor; meets 3rd Tuesday monthlyA support group for parents of kids with emotional and/or mental health issues. We seek to be a caring commu-nity as we share our journeys. Con-tact: Doug Brown at 612.839.9992; dbrown@dcbrowninc.com.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Tuesday, March 27 from 7:00-8:30PM in the Parlor; meets 4th Tuesday monthlyThe Prayer Shawl Ministry’s goal is to knit or crochet prayer shawls made with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. You do not need knitting experience, nor is this group age/gender specific. Materials provided. Contact: Pat Johnson at 952.947.0734.

ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED: WEIGHT CARE GROUPMeets monthly; contact Sandy Radeke Are weight issues keeping you from experiencing the abundant life? Do you look to food to satisfy emotional needs? A new group around weight/food issues is being formed. We will study the book Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desires With God, Not Food. Contact: Sandy Radeke at 952.452.1205; sandy_radeke@earthlink.net.

SERVING: PASSION TO ACTIONThursdays, March 1-April 19 from 6:30-

8:00PM in the ParlorThis study explores how to move from passion to action by discovering power-ful principles and tools for serving. It’s not only important that we serve, but it’s also important how we serve. Con-tact: Mike Hotz at 952.920.8515 x210; mikeh@cpconline.org.

MORE THAN SERVING: THE MISSIONAL LIFESaturday, March 10 from 9:00AM-2:00PM in the Multi-Purpose RoomGod has designed you in wonderful ways to be a blessing. Yet too often our desire to respond to this call runs into barriers that prevent us from responding fully. Join us to discover God’s desire for your life and how to begin living into His desire. At the retreat, members of CPC will share how they have moved from simply serving to serving out of God’s gifting in a lasting way. Cost: $5 suggested donation for sandwich lunch. Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Leslie Boie at 952.920.8515 x274; leslieb@cpconline.org.

URBAN HOMEWORKSSaturday, March 17 from 8:30AM-12:30PM, 12:00-4:00PM, and/or 8:30AM-4:00PMGather friends and family (ages 16 and up) to rehab homes in North Minne-apolis. Closed-toe shoes, work gloves, and water bottle are suggested. Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Kathy Nielsen at 952.920.8515 x311; kathyn@cpconline.org.

BANYAN COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 17 from 9:00AM-12:00PMFor 20 years, CPC mission partner Ban-yan Community has brought hope to the East Phillips neighborhood. Learn more about their mission at the BanyanOpen House (2647 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis 55407). No registration necessary. Contact: Lori Nissen at 612.865.6527; lori@banyan-community.org.

CALVARY KIDSTUFFCalvary KidStuff (located at Calvary Baptist Church in Minneapolis) is a second-hand store for children’s cloth-

ing, books, and toys. Make a difference by volunteering at the store on Satur-days from 9:00AM-12:00PM. Dona-tions of gently-used children’s clothing and toys are also needed. Place them in the donation boxes near the northwest door of CPC (no baby equipment and large items). Contact: Liz Isaacson at 952.541.0051; lizzielou45@gmail.com.

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL SPRING BREAK GO! TRIPApril 1-5; registration deadline is March 11Join this family-friendly trip (ages 5 and up), led by Dave “Ole” Olson and Mike Hotz. With Yahweh Ministries, we will help meet the Gulf Coast com-munity’s needs through painting, yard work, light construction, and repair. Cost: $225. Travel by road or fly (airfare ~$500). Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Kathy Nielsen at 952.920.8515 x311.

PIEDRAS NEGRAS, MEXICO GO! TRIP June 16-23; registration deadline is March 15Join us on this hard-working, family-friendly trip (ages 10 and up). Our team will build a home alongside a family experiencing housing insecurity. Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Joan Bentz at 612.861.2915; jsbentz@comcast.net.

MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT INTERNCPC Missions is now accepting appli-cants for a 2012-13 Missional Engage-ment Intern to begin in August. Con-tact: Paul Tshihamba at 952.920.8515 x217; pault@cpconline.org.

FAMILY COMMUNION WORKSHOPSaturday, March 10 from 3:30-5:00PM in the Fireside RoomThe Communion Workshop is for ele-mentary-aged children and their parents, led by Pastor Deb Kielsmeier and Kari Dubord. We’ll talk about why Com-munion is special. A light supper will be served ($3/adult; $2/child; maximum of $10/family). Register: Anne McCracken at 952.920.8515 x216; anne@cpconline.org.

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KIDS’ MINI-CAMPSApril 11, 18, & 25 and May 2 from 6:00-7:30PM; register from March 1-30Kids in K-5th grade take part in large group worship and choose from fun classes and adventures. Learn more about electives at www.cpconline.org/mini_camps. Cost: $10/first child; $5/second and third child each; $20 family max. (5th graders to pay additional $7.50 to cover off-site activities.) Regis-ter: www.cpconline.org/register.

2012 SUMMER CAMP DATESRegistration opens March 15 at 9:00AM; www.cpconline.org/kids_campsVbS - June 12-14 OR June 19-21 (3-year-olds by June 1, 2012 through those entering kindergarten)Summer Surge - June 14-15 overnight (those entering 4th & 5th grades) Family Frenzy - June 20, July 18, & August 15 Summer blast - June 25-28 (those entering K-5th grades) The (big huge Ginormous outra-geous Super Fun) Camp - July 9-12 (those entering 1st-3rd grades) Camp-in - July 24-26 (those entering 4th & 5th grades)

2012 SUMMER CAMPSRegistration opens March 15 at 9:00AM; www.cpconline.org/student_campsMiDDle SChoolrockslide – June 18-22 (students enter-ing 6th & 7th grades) Quest – July 9-13 (students entering 8th grade) Camp 6:8 – July 24-26 (students enter-ing 6th-8th grades) hiGh SChool612 experience – June 14-16 (students entering 9th-12th grades) Grad Getaway – June 14-16 (graduat-ing seniors) Summit 1 – July 8-14 (students entering 9th & 10th grades) Summit 2 – July 21-27 (students enter-ing 11th & 12th grades)

STUDENT CURRICULA ONLINEStudent Ministries staff writes all curri-cula. Visit www.cpconline.org/students

M I N I S T R Y P R O G R A M M I N G | M A R C H 2 0 1 2

to see what your child is learning.

MIDDLE SCHooL

ELEVATE AND COMMITMENT CLASSWednesdays, March 7, 14, & 21 from 6:00-7:30PM; no programs March 28 and April 4; programs will resume April 11 Large and small group learning for 6th-8th graders. Elevate (6th-7th grades): Mandy Jester at 952.920.8515 x232; mandyj@cpconline.org. Commitment Class (8th grade): Lee Hanssen at 952.920.8515 x267; leeh@cpconline.org.

RUCKUS: GUT BALL AND PROGRESSIVE DINNERFriday, March 9 from 6:00-9:00PM; buses leave from CPCStudents will head to five different fast food joints and then back to CPC for a game of dodge ball. Cost: $10. Register: www.cpconline.org/register. Contact: Mandy Jester at 952.920.8515 x232; mandyj@cpconline.org.

HIgH SCHooL

HOUSE GROUPSWednesdays, March 7 & 14 from 8:00-9:30PM; no House Groups March 21 & 28 and April 4If your student would like to plug into a core group, contact Brooke Toftoy at 952.920.8515 x286 or brooket@cpconline.org.

HSM ENCOUNTERWednesday, March 21 from 8:00-9:30PM at CPC Instead of house groups, we will meet at CPC for this special event. As we jour-ney through Lent — a time of prayer and fresh perspectives — we invite students to come and encounter Christ in new and exciting ways. Contact: Matt Moberg at 952.920.8515 x260; mattm@cpconline.org.

SMALL GROUP GATHERINGSunday, March 11 from 5:00-5:50PM in the Fireside Room. Small Group Gatherings are a space to grow as a small group community. Get to know others while sharing ideas,

supporting one another, and chatting about the current series. Light dinner and childcare provided. Contact: Ashley Barlow at 952.920.8515 x223; ashleyb@cpconline.org.

TABLE HANG-OUTSunday, March 18 after The Table service at Poor Richards in BloomingtonJoin other Table folks post-service at Poor Richards to eat, drink, and enjoy some good old-fashioned community.

TABLE WOMEN’S RETREATSaturday-Sunday, March 17-18A retreat for Table women at a cabin to grow in community and faith together. Limited to 30 people. Cost: $20. Register: www.thetableatcpc.org/events.

MINNEAPOLIS YOUNG LIFE NORTH: SERVING MEALSMondays from 6:00-8:00PMGroups of four to eight Table folks are needed to purchase, prepare, and serve a meal for students at Young Life North. For most of these students, it’s the only home-cooked meal they get during the week. Contact: Ashley Barlow at 952.920.8515 x223; ashleyb@cpcon-line.org.

FAMILIES MOVING FORWARDThe week of Easter: Sunday, April 8-15Give time to homeless families. CPC provides sleeping accommodations, meals, evening activities, and fel-lowship. Contact: David Carroll at 612.802.8487; davidccarroll@msn.com.

LAY CARE CELEBRATION DINNER Thursday, April 26 from 6:00-9:00PMSave the date if you have served in Lay Care ministry. Invitations will be mailed in April. Contact: Mary Allen at 952.920.8515; marya@cpconline.org.

MEN’S BREAKFASTSaturday, April 28 from 7:00-9:00AM in the Fellowship HallA time for fellowship, breakfast, and to hear from Ben Utecht, former Gopher and NFL tight end. Register: www.cpconline.org/register.

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1 70 middle schoolers and their parents ski at Student Ministries Avalanche Retreat in Duluth.

2 The coins that were donated at Student Ministries’ weekly offering for Feed Zambia.

3 Ava Mikulsky plays on a new toy in the nursery on a Sunday morning.

4 & 5 Lillie, Mark, and KK Anderson and Katie and Marit Peterson enjoy crafts at Winter Fam Jam.

6 & 7 Friends take part in The Table’s Minnesota Potluck — including an ugly sweater contest!

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FamilyIn Our

IN THE HOSPITAL 1/14-2/25Norma Jean Barr - MethodistJack Nichols - MethodistJoelle Bass - Abbott NorthwesternPolly Denison - Fairview S.D.Matt Nelson - MethodistGerald (Jerry) Magnuson - Fairview S.D.Frances Whetstone - Fairview S.D.Bill Rieckhoff - Fairview S.D.

SYMPATHY TO:Jon and Christy Ressler on the passing of Jon’s father, Rex Ressler, on January 27. A memorial service was held February 4 in the Chapel. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated.

Gerald (Jerry) Magnuson on the passing of his wife, Myla Magnuson, on February 2. A memorial service was held February 9 in the Sanctuary. The Rev. Dr. John Crosby officiated.

Pat and Bernie Johnson on the passing of Pat’s mother, Evelyn Monson, on February 3. A Memorial Service was held February 17 in the Chapel. Pastor Tim Gibson, a CPC member, officiated.

Lisa Bjerken and Dana Widstrom on the passing of Lisa’s father, Maurice Bjerken, on February 8.

Lois and Steve Erling on the death of Lois’s mother, Susan Shimmin, on Febru-ary 5. A memorial service was held in Cloquet on February 9.

Dave and Karen Parrin on the passing of Dave’s mother, Lorraine.

Steve and Patty White on the death of Steve’s father, Robert White, on Febru-ary 17.

Family and friends on the passing of Dodie Raichert on February 19 at the age of 95. A memorial service was held Feb-ruary 22 at Normandale Baptist Church where her son is a pastor.

Tom Gulliford, Paula and Richard Blomquist, Nancy Gulliford, and Susan

In May 2011, the PC(USA) denomina-tion passed Amendment 10-A, giving congregations the freedom to remove historic standards of sexuality from ordination requirements. The CPC Ses-sion has participated in many months of study, discussion, and prayer on this issue, along with the broader issues facing the denomination. In a February 2012 retreat, the Session discussed the leadership standards required of CPC ministers, elders, and deacons. The Session voted 16-4 in favor of reaf-firming leadership standards that have been in effect at CPC for more than 50 years; this is the third time in ten years the Session has reaffired them. These standards include a requirement that ordained leaders commit to “live in fidelity within the covenant of mar-riage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”

The Session affirms that in faithful reading of the Scriptures, God offers all of humanity love without limit, even as all of us are broken by sin. Fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness are among many leadership requirements

Update from the Session:

to which CPC’s leaders humbly seek to submit. Other standards include not being quick-tempered, quarrelsome, given to drunkenness, violent, dishon-est, or a lover of money. All should seek to live with a Christ-like character and in submission to the authority of the Bible in life and practice. A fuller list of leadership standards are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-16, CPC’s elder and deacon manuals, and the Presbyterian Book of Order.

While CPC as a church does hold to traditional biblical views of sexuality, we have handled and will continue to handle the issue not with judgment, shame, or pride, but rather with a spirit of grace, humility, and fairness. We are a church that is welcoming to all, regard-less of where one is on the journey.

At its February meeting, the Session also affirmed that the issue of ordina-tion standards in general, or sexuality specifically, is NOT what compels CPC to evaluate its denominational affilia-tion with the PC(USA). CPC’s stance has not changed, nor are we being pushed to change our beliefs. In April, the Session will distribute an informa-tion packet that outlines a vision for a healthy denominational relationship, inviting your participation. Other resources are available at www.cpconline.org/pcusa.

Thank you to the 667 families and individuals who made a 2012 commit-ment to CPC. If you have not yet turned in your Commitment Card, copies are available in the pews or at www.cpcon-line.org/give. Thank you for investing in CPC’s mission.

Gulliford on the passing of their father,and Shelley Gulliford on the passing of her grandfather, William “Bill” Gulliford, on February 20. A memorial service will be held at Christ Presbyterian on March 31.

FINANCIAL UPDATEJUNE 1, 2011 – JANUARY 31, 2012Ministry offering budget: $3,445,885.32Actual offering: $3,294,707.88Variance: ($151,177.44)January Mission Partner of the Month (Go! Trips): $5,018.14yTD Mission of the Month Total: $221,493.78Expenses are on budget year-to-date.

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T H I S M O N T H

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6901 Normandale RoadEdina, MN 55435

952.920.8515www.cpconline.org

H I g H L I g H T S

H I G H L I G H T SCelebrate with us how CPC’s generations are fol-lowing Jesus, loving others, and living missionally.

CPCers marked the beginning of Lent at three Ash Wednesday services.

In worship, we are learning how spiritual disciplines help grow our relationship with Christ.

There are 20 Lay Care Ministers who regularly visit CPCers in the hospital or rehabilitation facilities.

Middle schoolers and their parents spent a Febru-ary weekend skiing and learning about God together.

Two seminars to learn how to effectively share your faith were held at CPC in February.

The Table has begun serving meals for teens in-volved in Minneapolis Young Life North.

FoLLoW JESuS

LovE oTHERS

LIvE MISSIonALLY>>

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Sermon Audio Looking for something to run to on the treadmill instead of tired old songs? Sermon audio is available on iTunes or

www.cpconline.org/messages. Check out sermons from February’s series on “The Christian Atheist” to look at ways we say we

believe in God but live like He doesn’t exist. Or listen to sermons from our current “Spiritual Disciplines” series on practices that help cultivate our relationship with Christ.

Study Tools Dig deeper into the week’s sermon or Lenten Scriptural passages with CPC’s individual and small group study ma-terials. Message Gear is CPC’s weekly message tool to take a closer look at each week’s sermon. Subscribe to a weekly email at messagegear@cpconline.org. During Lent, we also offer a Lenten De-votional Study Guide to study passages that prepare our hearts for Easter. Find it at www.cpconline.org/lent.

Men’s BreakfastFootball fans, invite your friends to hear from Ben Utecht, former Gopher and NFL tight end, on Satur-day, April 28 at 7:00AM. Men’s Breakfast is a

time for fellowship, a hearty breakfast, and to be encouraged in faith.

Spiritual Inventory Did you miss the Spiritual Inven-tories passed out in worship on February 25/26? To download an

inventory to evaluate your current spiri-tual life, visit www.cpconline.org/inventory.

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More than Serving:

The Missional LifeWould you like to serve in ways that use your God-given gifts? In this mini-retreat on Saturday, March 10 from

9:00AM-2:00PM, we will explore how God has designed all of His people to be a blessing to others. Learn how you can serve out of your gifting instead of out of guilt. See page 11.

Summer CampsKids’ and student summer camp registration is about to open! Starting Thursday, March 15 at 9:00AM, sign

up for faith-filled camps for kindergar-teners through graduated seniors. See pages 11-12.

Elder NominationsElders are chosen by the congregation to help lead, govern, and encourage the

members and staff of CPC. To nominate a CPC member to be an elder, email his or her name to Gary Tygesson (tygesson.gary@dorsey.com) or

Becky Danielson (faithfirstparent@aol.com) by Friday, March 16.

Worship Times this MonthSaturdays at 5:15PM | Contemporary Worship

Sundays at 9:30AM | Traditional Worship

Sundays at 11:00AM | Contemporary Worship

Sundays at 6:00PM | The Table

March 21 at 12:00PM | Mid-Month Chapel Service

Christ Presbyterian Church | 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55435 | 952.920.8515 | www.cpconline.org | www.facebook.com/cpconline

CurrenT SerieS | Spiritual Disciplines: Cultivating Your Relationship with ChristSpiritual disciplines are practices that open the door to a flourishing life in Christ. Like a field requires tilling or a marathon involves training, spiritual maturity comes from integrating certain practices into our lives over time. During Lent, we want to focus on five spiritual disciplines — solitude, worship, confession, generosity, and prayer — that both deepen our relationship with Christ and connect us to community. We hope to demystify spiritual disciplines as merely “work” and instead celebrate them as a means to experiencing the abundant life God offers us.

MARCH AT A gLAnCE (see pages 9-12 for details)

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Esther Circle

Lydia Circle

Calvary KidStuff

Urban Homeworks

Banyan Open House

Table Women’s Retreat(through 3/18)

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Starting Point

Table Hang-Out

Ruth Circle

Daniel Study

60s & Still Growing

Wed. Dinner & Programs

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Starting Point

Table Small Group Gathering

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Starting Point

Nesters

Romans Study

Lenten SmallGroups

Grace & Hope for Our Children

Romans Study

Prayer ShawlMinistry

Lenten SmallGroups

Needlework Guild

Calvary KidStuff

More than Serving Retreat

Family Communion Workshop

Children’s Musical

Calvary KidStuff

Alzheimer’sGroup

Serving: Passionto Action

Lenten Small Groups

This Month in WorshipMarch 3/4 | Worship (Hebrews 10:19-25 & 2 Corinthians 14) | John Crosby speaking; Brad Jackson at The Table

March 10/11 | Confession (1 John 1:7-10) | Lee Hanssen speaking at all services

March 17/18 | generosity/Simplicity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) | Brad Jackson speaking Saturday and at The Table; John Crosby speaking Sunday

March 24/25 | Prayer (Luke 11:1) - Children’s Musical | John Crosby speaking; Brad Jackson at The Table

March 31/April 1 | Palm Sunday | Paul Tshihamba speaking

Ruth Circle

Edynamoes

Mom’s Morning

Table at Young Life North

Table at Young Life North

Table at Young Life North

Table at Young Life North

Romans Study

Lenten SmallGroups

Romans Study

Lenten SmallGroups

Ruth Circle

Daniel Study

Mom’s Morning

Wed. Dinner & Programs

Ruth &Martha Circle

Daniel Study

60s & Still Growing

Mid-Month Chapel

Wed. Dinner & Programs

Moms of Teens

CPC Book Club

Serving: Passionto Action

Lenten Small Groups

Serving: Passionto Action

Lenten Small Groups

Serving: Passionto Action

Lenten Small Groups

Ruckus

Calvary KidStuff