Happy Thursday Dear Church!

I hope your week is going great. It has been a busy one around the church office, which is just how I like it. When there are people buzzing around doing different things it brings a smile to my face. I take a deep breath and thank God for the life we are afforded as part of this beloved community. What an amazing job, Megan McPherson did in introducing us to “Transitions,” a post high school program of Abraxas High School, that builds on the high school experience and takes it even further to explore what is often left out … basic life skills. Thank you Megan! Also, a big thank you to her grand-parents, John and Mina Foster. Don’t forget to bring your food gifts for the Abraxas special food pantry.

I am still in deep contemplation about our worship time this past Sunday. It was a different kind of Pentecost for me. Usually, the Pentecost services I am involved in are … hmmm … how you say? …. Happy Clappy! I was impressed and blessed by the many, amazing musical choices that Brandon chose for the service. The music this year was more contemplative. The lyrics of the songs we sang are so full of truth.

“Holy Spirit you are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God is what our hearts long for,

To be overcome by Your presence, Lord.”—Jesus Culture

I hope your worship experience was meaningful. I know it was for me. We went a little bit over time wise, so thank you for going with the flow. Several of you asked me about the piece I did right before the benediction. I added it “on the fly.” I should have given the source for this amazing monologue. Here it is if you would like to re-read it.

“The Church Triumphant”

By Bill and Gloria Gaither

God has always had a people. Many a foolish conqueror has made the mistake of thinking that because he had forced the church of Jesus Christ out of site, he had stilled its voice and snuffed out its life, but God has always had a people. The powerful current of a rushing river is not diminished because it's forced to flow underground. Now the purest water is the stream that burst crystal clear into the sunlight after it has forced its way through solid rock. There have been [?] who like Simon The Magician sought to barter on the open market that power which cannot be bought or sold, but God has always had a people. Men who could not be bought and women who were beyond purchase. God has always had a people. There have been times of affluence and prosperity when the church's message has been nearly deluded into oblivion by those who sought to make it socially attractive, neatly organized, financially profitable, but God has always had a people. Yes it's been gold platted, draped in purple and encrusted with jewels. It has been misrepresented, ridiculed, lauded and scorned but God has always had a people. And these followers of Jesus Christ have been, according to the whim of the times, elevated sacred leaders and modern heretics. Yet through it all, their march is on that powerful army of the meek. God's chosen people who cannot be bought, blabbered, murdered or stilled. On through the ages they march, the church! God's church triumphant! Is alive and well!

You might remember this piece from years back as I make it part of every Pentecost worship. I wonder, if we were to write line to include in the piece about our congregation … what would it be?

I would love to read your responses, so send them to me at

pastorgregccpucc@gmail.com

This coming Sunday, our friend and ministry partner, Zoe Mara from Fundamaya will be with us. As we are not making a service trip to Guatemala this year, due to political unrest, the Guatemala ministry peeps still wanted to highlight this beloved, heart-breaking country and the ministry we partner with. I am grateful that we, as a congregation, partner with Fundamaya. Sunday will be a day when we spend some time talking about our holy partnerships. The fact is … none of us are meant to be “lone rangers” in ministry; and that goes for ministries like Fundamaya, Ladle Fellowship, Abraxas High School. They exist and can do what they do because of our participation, our partnership with them. I hope you will be here Sunday to hear more about Biblical Partnership. Until then … know that you are loved and have a forever partner in Christ. I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Worship as Contemplative

Last week I talked about the idea of waiting in worship riffing off of the idea of Jesus followers waiting between the ascension and Pentecost. I tried to create an environment where we would want to wait and just kind of sit in the presence of God. Many mainline churches, including our own, have adopted various types of contemplative prayer such as the centering prayer group that meets regularly. I wonder if we have thought of worship as contemplative as well? Certainly, listening to a musical prelude is one opportunity to just be and enjoy good music. Being present with the music and with one another is a contemplative act. As we sing a song that we are not familiar with, it is another good opportunity to practice contemplative worship, meditating on the words, let the music and the presence of God wash over us as we simply rest in that presence with one another. As Christians practicing contemplation, we also believe that in sitting in the present moment we are sitting with God and opening ourselves up to the surprise of God and God’s presence like the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. There are many ways to engage in worship, even through the contemplative.

Everyone please know that Pastor Greg will not send you and emails or texts asking for anything. (Amazon gift cards, money etc.) You are encouraged not to open or click on any such emails. Always check the email address, pastorgregccpucc@gmail.com.

Guatemala News:

We're excited to announce that Zoe Mara will be delivering a captivating presentation at our service on May 26th, shedding light on the incredible work of Fundamaya, the organization we support in Guatemala.

Following the service, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a special opportunity to purchase authentic Guatemalan goods. Every purchase directly contributes to supporting our upcoming service team's journey to Guatemala in March 2025, ensuring that we can continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Your participation not only enriches your life but also uplifts entire communities in Guatemala.

🌟🚗✨ Lantern Crest Lunch Trip Alert! ✨🚗🌟

Hey there, wonderful folks of Community Church of Poway!

We're gearing up for a special outing on June 15th from 12-2pm to visit our dear friends at Lantern Crest in Santee,Ca.

Join us for a heartwarming lunchtime gathering with Joann Bleich, Bernie Gonzalez, and Ann Davis. Sign-ups start May 19th in the Fellowship Hall. We are planning to Carpool from the Church! There's a small $15 fee per person for lunch.

See you there! 🎉

What an awesome crew we had to pick up all kinds of trash laying around at our local park! Every one can make a difference, big or small! Collectively, we acquired quite a few bags of trash from glass bottles to little stickers! Thank you to everyone who showed up and came out! See you at our next CCP Trail Clean Up!!

Poway Interfaith Team

You are welcome to join the Poway Interfaith Team (POINT) meeting June 13 at 6:30pm on Zoom! Contact Autumn at autumnhankinson4@gmail.com for the Zoom link or if you have any questions.

Our church is a member of POINT, which makes you a member too! POINT works to create fellowship between different faith traditions and cultivate the peace and love that all religions strive towards. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month at different locations and on Zoom.

Greetings from the Outreach Ministry,

We have an amazing opportunity to help the young people of our community! For the next two months, our Basket of Hope, will be filled with our gifts to benefit the Abraxas school “Safe Center Pantry” here in Poway.

Abraxas serves the children of Poway, as an alternative education option for students working through life challenges while earning their diploma. Students that receive a free lunch on campus, for some this may be their only source of a complete and nutritious meal. At this time, 13% of their students are facing housing instability, and working through other life challenges. They are able to find support at Abraxas so that they could better focus on their academics.

Abraxas is a year-round school, in session, every nine weeks after which there is a three week break. During the breaks no lunch is provided, so many of the teens are happy to get the extra support they need from the Safe Center Pantry at Abraxas. The pantry is able to send them home with the nutrition they need.

Together, we can help replenish the pantry and get it ready for the needs of the children during the break. Please prayerfully consider how you can help these amazing students at Abraxas.

The grocery wish list is for

Shelf stable milk - boxed cereal- instant oatmeal-cornbread mix-pasta or spaghetti-pasta sauce-canned protein, Chicken, tuna, roast beef or low sodium spam-canned soup-canned vegetables and easily prepared shelf staples microwave items.

They also have a gift card wish list for

Stater Brothers-Walmart-Aldi-Albertsons/Vons-Target-Ralph’s or Arco gas cards. They would also welcome gift cards for local fast food places for a hot meal.

If you are able, please pick something from the wish list and bring to place in the Basket of Hope!!!

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for sharing your gifts with others. Big Blessings and Big Hugs

The Outreach Ministry

Greetings from Outreach,

Join us in spreading kindness and compassion at Ladle Fellowship on May 26th! We're rallying together to make a difference in our community, serving meals and providing support to those experiencing homelessness. Meet us in the parking lot at 12:30 to carpool and be part of this wonderful outreach initiative. Additionally, we'll be collecting men's clothing, backpacks, and blankets for donation.

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to Colleen Clementson at 858-663-6584. Let's brighten lives and make a positive impact together!

Hello from Outreach!

All are welcome to join the Board of Outreach! We meet the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm in the Fireside room and on Zoom. Contact Linda England at LindaDEngland@gmail.com or 858-748-3304 if you are interested in getting involved.

Outreach brings forth local and global service projects, from fundraising for medical supplies in war-torn areas, to gathering and assembling supplies for our unhoused siblings in our own county. By joining Outreach, you could contribute your passions to our church by voicing your ideas for service projects, suggesting new projects, and contributing to these projects in whatever ways you feel comfortable. By joining Outreach myself, I have found tangible ways to realize my dreams for our church, community, and world.

Have a great week!

Autumn

Adult Scripture Review:

Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!

Books & More

Starting on Tuesday, May 21, in the Fireside Room we will begin a new book. The Girl in his Shadow by Audrey Blake. An unforgettable historical fiction novel about one woman who believed in scientific medicine before the world believed in her.

Books and More meets every Tuesday at 10:00am in the Fireside Room.

All are welcome to join us.

Centering Prayer:

Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Contact Colleen Clementson at powclem@yahoo.com or on

her cell at 858-663-6584, for the ZOOM invite

Thank you for checking out our BUZZ! Here is what you were waiting for! If you have a favorite joke or any tips to make the BUZZ even better, please send emails to julie@ccpucc.org :)

Joke of the Week:

How does a penguin build its house?

Igloos it together…

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