See you for Sunday’s Sermon!

Happy Thursday Dear People!

I hope that your first full week in the Lenten season has been meaningful. At times, I have found that getting into the “Lenten groove,” took a minute. It is a different time. When I wake every morning, I wonder what the day could hold rather than “here we go again.” In our current situation, I wonder if I will have a “Close Encounter of the Jesus Kind.” Last Sunday morning, Rev. Brandon preached on one of those close encounters … the 40 days Jesus was in the wilderness, being tempted by the evil one … you got it—the close encounter was between Jesus and Satan. We learned from his anointed words that we often operate under a false sense of self—I am what I do, I am what I have, and I am what other people think about me. I fall between, I am what I do and I am what other people think about me. In this amazing story, Jesus faces his own true self. He is able to call on the scriptures of his childhood to rebut the evil one’s attempts to derail him. He remained true to his true self, while Satan was appealing to what could have been his false self. Thank you, Brandon for your wisdom.

Sunday morning, we will continue our Lenten series, “Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind.” After becoming aware of our false selves, we can more easily see the need—or rather the next step to be—new birth. The scripture on Sunday is the beloved passage John 3:1-17. I hope you will be with us in worship as we unpack this world-famous scripture.

Until Sunday, know you are loved! Continue to travel your Lenten journey with Jesus to the cross. I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

I am…I am not…I am

Thank you all for the outpouring of appreciation this past Sunday. It was great hearing people sharing with one another which false-self trap they most identify with. I’m glad the Spirit spoke something to you through my sermon and this encounter of Jesus with the producer of lies and the false self.

Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 at the end of the sermon on the mount though, “The foolish person hears my words and does nothing with them, but the wise person hears my words and puts them into practice.” The goal is not just an intellectual exercise, but a transformed life, going from I am what I do, to I am not what I do, to I am a child of God and have all I need. What are you doing this week to put into practice the word your heart heard from the Spirit this week?

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.

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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