See you for Sunday’s Sermon!

Happy Thursday Dear Church!

I hope this check-in finds you happy and content and that you are continuing to encounter Jesus in amazing ways. We are headed into week 5 of our Lenten journey, “Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind.” Last Sunday, Rev. Brandon brought us an amazing message on encountering Jesus in the least of these. That was quite an encounter. It is my prayer that something in the message resonated with your spirits, and you left changed, maybe with new eyes and heart to see and encounter God. This week, we continue our trip towards Jerusalem, in Bethany, about 2 miles from Jerusalem. It is the very familiar story, of Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus, new life after death. Please make every effort to join us in worship this Sunday.

Today, (Monday, March 16th) I received news that our Guatemala folks are still not home. They now have a flight to Ontario that should land tonight about 9 p.m. In addition to their delay and cancellations, our dear Mark Holland had a health issue that kept him, Vicki and Vicki’s sister Leah in Guatemala. I pray by the time you read this that they are ALL home safely and healthy. We are proud of all of you and the work you have done with the dear people of Guatemala.

Until Sunday, know that the God of resurrection is with you. The last few days of our journey will grow increasingly difficult, so love yourselves and each other. Feel all your emotions, from the joy of Lazarus’ new life to the celebration of Palm Sunday, to the love and introspection of Maundy Tuesday, the fear and sadness of Good Friday and the elation of resurrection of Easter Sunday. I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Where do you see God working

We can often find God working in the unexpected places if we put aside the way we think God is supposed to work or the way it is supposed to look or who we expect God to most be working in. One powerful question we can ask one another during our fellowship times is “Where have you seen God working in your life recently?” This will help the person to reflect on the fact that God has been working in their life and to discern where and it will encourage us when hear the story! God is working in all of us if we have the eyes to see, don’t become blind after years of following God.

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.

“A 5th Sunday Cabaret”

Sunday, March 29th

4:00 p.m.

Tickets on Sale Now

Holy Week in the CCPUCC Family!

Sunday, March 29th, Palm Sunday, 9:15, worship hour

Thursday, April 2nd, Maundy Thursday

Brown Bag Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

Friday, April 3rd, Good Friday—Combined worship with 1st Congo of Escondido

6:00 pm here in our Sanctuary.

Sunday, April 5th, Easter Resurrection Celebration, 9:15 worship hour

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 :)

Quote of the Week:

Sent in by John and Mina Foster, thank you!