See you for Sunday’s Sermon!

Happy Thursday Church!

I hope you all survived the storm. There indeed, was a lot of water and wind. I am so grateful that our “newish” roof seems to be doing its job and keeping us dry. Thank you again for those that made the new roof a reality. Please be careful out there. Mother Nature is teasing us!

We had a smallish crowd last weekend with folks taking advantage of another long weekend. I look forward to seeing you back this week as we worship in our 1st Sunday of the Lenten season. Lent is a special time, that I label, “the season of the heart.” This year, our theme is “Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind.” We will be focusing on Jesus’ encounters with all kinds of people. There is so much to be learned from the way Jesus communicated his message. My thanks to Brandon, our Minister of Music for organizing our Sunday time during the six weeks of preparation for Easter Sunday.

I hope you are planning on being a part of our Lenten small group opportunity. It is also about encountering Jesus. We will be using the book,

“The Last Supper—Conversations That Led to the Cross,” by Will Willimon.

The book surrounds the parables that Jesus told when he was eating with people. I think it will be a worthwhile study as we hold to our theme, “Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind.” There is a book that goes along with the study. Let me know if you would like one. As of Tuesday, 2/17, 6 of the 12 books I pre-ordered are spoken for. The sooner I have requests in, the sooner the extra books will arrive.

As we head into this “season of the heart,” I pray that your find time to sit with God and listen. If I were to choose a sense that encapsulates Lent, it would be deep listening to God, each other, and to our own hearts. This 6-week journey will make Easter Sunday more meaningful than you could ever imagine. I will be praying for all of you during these 6 weeks. I love being your pastor

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

I Shall Not Want

As you read this we will have started our Lenten journey toward Resurrection Day. A major part of the Lenten journey is the idea of fasting. Its not a requirement, but an invitation to go without something as a reminder that God is our provider and that when we trust in God for all we need, we shall not want. This is true for material possessions, but also for our emotional, social and spiritual lives.

This Sunday we will look at how Jesus’ Encounter with Satan provides us an example of how we can engage the Lenten Journey and confront give up our false self and begin to more fully live out or true identity as children of God. We will use this song, “I Shall Not Want” as a response this Sunday as well as our song from communion during Lent.

I invite you to listen to it in preparation for our time together on Sunday.

https://youtu.be/12NMGC5YjYY?si=CqkB1zzbT4QOGMSK

Lent 2026

“Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind”

A journey through the Holy Encounters of Christ

Small group gatherings on Tuesday at 12 noon, and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.in the Fireside Room, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 24th. For the Tuesday gathering, feel free to bring your brown bag lunch, or treats to share. Hope to see you at one of the gatherings.

Ash Wednesday

February 18th, 2026

12 noon, Brown Bag Lunch, readings, singing, communion and the imposition of Ashes.

Hope to see you there.

CCPUCC 101

New Member Informational Gathering

Sunday, March 8th, following worship.

It is that time again when we welcome new members into our beloved community. Prior to New Member Sunday on March 15th, we offer an informal class/gathering to learn mstuffore about the United Church of Christ, and the beloved congregation of The Community Church of Poway. This gathering is not mandatory for membership but is worthwhile to anyone seeking more information and a better understanding about CCPUCC and the UCC wider church. Everyone is invited to come and learn. It is our hope that many decide to adopt The Community Church of Poway as their church family—their community of Faith. If you know you will be attending, it would be great to let Pastor Greg know so he can get enough materials together. pastorgregccpucc@gmail.com

Help support our Guatemala Team!

We have a group of volunteers going to work in Guatemala with Fundamaya leaving March 6th. Our CCP Outreach is asking our congregation to help support this service trip. Donations of children’s new or gently used preschool sizes 10 to 2 shoes, preschool size socks and adult reading glasses, are what is needed.

Also, during January and February you can also donate money as the Outreach special offering. Please make a note that the money is for the Fundamaya service trip. The team also appreciates your prayers! If you need any further information you can contact Mary Jo Longo or Colleen Clementson.

Books & More

On Tuesday, March 10, Books and More will start reading “The Death of Us All” written by Gregg Brandalise. The extraordinary life of Sister Dorothy Stang, a catholic nun who was brutally murdered while she dedicated her life to saving the Amazon Rainforest and ending the atrocities inflicted upon its indigenous peoples. Three women rise above their challenges through friendship, faith, and determination amidst the destruction of the rainforest.

This book is inspired by true events.

Everyone is welcome to join this wonderful group of ladies every Tuesday in the Fireside Room at 10 a.m.

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

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