See You for Guatemala Sunday!

Happy Thursday, Church!

I hope your week is turning out to be everything you dreamed it could be. Gratitude and pride filled my heart Sunday, as our Guatemala Team provided our message. What a gift Fundamaya is to our Guatemala siblings and what a gift our teams always are when they go down to minister with them. We have been forever changed because of our involvement in this tragically beautiful country. Thank you, team for your dedication and faithfulness to this important ministry. As I left worship on Sunday, I could hear in my heart, over and over, the lyrics of the beautiful piece Brandon shared with us:

“Now that I have seen, I am responsible.

Faith without deeds is dead.”

I don’t know about you, but those two phrases, rock my world. They made me search my own heart for the times I have seen and walked the other way—the times I have seen yet turn my heart away. May we all use these words as a mantra to focus our hearts on the others in God’s world and may the ministry of Fundamaya continue to minister and change lives.

Sunday morning, I was thrilled to present our Janet Williams Service Recognition to Pamela Marsh. While I talked a bit about her faithful help on our Community Road sign box, there are several other things that make Pamela the perfect recipient this quarter. For one, Pamela, never misses a trip to Ladle. Every other month, she is part of our team that go to minister with our downtown, shelter challenged neighbors. Pamela also is one of the precious few who make sure that our communion elements are ready for us on the first and the third Sundays. Thank you, again, Pamela for your sweet spirit and generous heart.

This coming Sunday, we will be observing Good Shepherd Sunday. Good Shepherd Sunday was actually a week ago, but we shifted our focus last week to allow our Guatemala Team to share. I hope you will make every effort to join us in worship in person and online, as we concentrate on our Good and gentle shepherd. (gotta love a flexible church). If you want to get a head start, click on the link below to read our scripture passage, John 10:1-10.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John 10%3A1-11&version=NRSVUE

As the summer months are ahead of us, just a gentle nudge for everyone. Do not forget your church while you are on vacation. Pray for us,—watch us online (if possible)—remember to make sure your weekly tithes and offerings stay on schedule. I wish our financial responsibilities had a vacation, but alas …

Thank you for your continued faithfulness.

I love being your pastor!

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

A number of you said how much you loved the special song we did this last week. It was called "Albertine" by Brooke Fraser. Here is a link to listen to it https://youtu.be/BXApy0IegKs?si=ebPxrgwI3lFOQ2c_

Brooke also did an amazing love concert with a full symphony that included some of her most well known music. It was a spiritual experience for me to watch. It included the song Albertine. https://youtu.be/eTiiHIzGhYU?si=tFq-fG2YQ5H1B-P4

Greetings from the Outreach Ministry

It’s time to put our basket of hope back in service for God’s most vulnerable. This month we will be supporting the Alabaster Jar Project. This nonprofit supports women survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. You might ask, “Does this happen here?” The answer is YES! Human trafficking is San Diego’s second largest underground economy, after drug trafficking, an estimated $810 million in annual revenue.

The mission of the Alabaster Jar Project is to provide long-term housing and comprehensive support for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, empowering them to move from crisis toward healing, stability and successful return into their communities.

The project is comprised of 3 programs, Grace House, which is a long-term residential program; a Resource Center, which is a drop-in center that provides clothing toiletries and other needs; and Peer Support Groups.

For our basket of hope, we want to provide the items needed to create comfort baskets that are handed out to new residents of Grace House, bringing them comfort and helping them feel settled and cared for. New items requested for these baskets include:

· Small blanket

· Reed diffusers (no candles or plug-ins please)

· Slippers or shower shoes

· Coloring books or activity books

· Small snacks

· Tea

· Reusable water bottle bottles

· Notebooks or journals

· Fuzzy socks

· Basic toiletries (full size, body wash or hair care items for all different hair types)

· Small comfort item such as a stuffed animal or stress ball

Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to help this amazing organization. Thank you again for all your amazing support for all of our Outreach projects!!! You are truly God‘s hands and feet!

Blessings,

The Outreach Ministry

Books & More

On Tuesday, April 21 st, Books and More will start reading “The Rosie Project” written by Graeme Simsion. This is an entertaining and amusing, feel-good story of love, personal relationships and self-discovery as the reader navigates the choppy waters of adult relationships that’s filled with humor and plenty of heart. The Rosie Project is a delightful reminder that all of us, no matter how we’re wired, just want to fit in.

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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