See you for Sunday’s Sermon! “Do…Love…Walk”

Happy Thursday Church!

I hope this email check-in finds you listening intently for God’s call. I am always amazed when the “call” comes, and sometimes I have to make a quick decision … just like yesterday. I was on my way to run some errands on my day off. My first stop was the dry cleaners. As I was leaving the parking lot, for the first time in, well, forever, there was no traffic keeping me from making a left-hand turn. I had thought I would make a right turn to start checking off my to-do list. Enter the Holy Spirit.

“Hm … if you make this completely safe and easy left turn, instead of right, you can go see your mama first, before your errands.”

Now of course, I didn’t actually hear words from the Spirit, just a gentle nudge, a little

reminder. I am so glad I followed the “call,” my mama needed a little extra love. Her first

words were, “I am so glad you came over.” All I could do was say, “thank you, Spirit.”

Remember we are all called. Our first move is to embrace we are children of God.

The action steps, the “doing,” will be laid out when the Spirit gives you a nudge.

Our scripture passage this week is well-known, Micah 6:6-8

:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah 6%3A1-8&version=NRSVUE

Again, this week, I am amazed how the lectionary reading corresponds so closely to everything we are going through in our country. I hope you will make an extra effort to be with us in worship this Sunday. The title of the message: “DO … LOVE … WALK.”

Until Sunday, continue to pray for our country. The word on the street is that ICE will begin having a larger presence in San Diego county in the coming days/weeks. I pray for all of our safety as we possible will endure what Minnesota has been dealing with. I also pray for the hearts of our leaders to be softened and their minds to be changed. May we be very careful to look at every person as an image of God that we are called to minister to. I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Rivers

Rivers have an interesting place within the lyrics of worship songs. Growing up, my church sang a number of river songs. Generally, they had a happy feel to them talking about dancing in the river joyously or songs about the river of God flowing from heaven to earth that brings blessing (ala The River is Here and Revelation 22 or Ezekiel 47). I always remember not connecting with this imagery much. But there is another way river is used in scripture. In Amos 5:24 the prophet beseeches God to let justice roll down like a river. The imagery here is not a party and splashing around but an endless stream, even chaotic waters like those when the earth was formless and void because justice is not always pretty or neat unfortunately, but Lord do we need it. I’ve been praying this prayer this week and its come to mind often as I’ve meditated on our passage for the week in Micah 6:8 that the Lord require us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

Congregational Meeting!

Join us on Sunday, February 1, 2026 after worship for a CCP UCC congregational meeting! We want everyone to be part of this important gathering, whether in person or via Zoom.

Your voice and input matter as we discuss key updates and our community’s future plans. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share, and help shape what’s next. Hope to see you there!

Zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89773655150?pwd=mO10DLSXtKfsyE0roCAFu4lz0kk0Vb.1

Blood Drive -Blood shortage

Right now, hospitals across the country are facing a severe and worsening blood shortage, with national supplies dropping 35% in the last month. This drop is due to winter storms, widespread flu, and hundreds of cancelled blood drives. The shortage is putting patients at risk. People undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, childbirth and chronic illness all depend on donated blood to survive.

If you are a regular donor, thank you. If you are unable to donate, for whatever reason, mention our drive to a neighbor, or a coworker. Maybe they'd like to donate in your name.

* As an incentive, the Red Cross is offering a $20 e gift card for donations made between January 26-February 28.

The CCP drive is February 12, 2026, 11:00 am-5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

See the flyer for more detail or email sgurriell@gmail.com.

Ash Wednesday 2026

February 18, 2026

Ready or not … it is time to prepare for Lent and to affirm our place once again, in God’s world. Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 8th, we will gather in the fellowship hall for a brown bag lunch, a time of reflection and song, ending with Communion and the imposition of ashes. It will be a very informal gathering and everyone is encouraged to be a part. The first Sunday in Lent is February 22nd.

Lent 2026

“Close Encounters … of the Jesus Kind”

During the time of Lent, February 18th, through Palm Sunday, March 29th, we will focus our minds and hearts on the many amazing encounters Jesus had with people. As we did during the season of Advent, we will gather for a small group experience on Tuesday mornings at 11:30 (bring your lunch if you like), and Wednesday early evening at 6:00 p.m. No need to sign up, just come. We will meet in the Fireside Room. The time we spend together will further prepare us for Holy Week and Easter.

“This means something … This is Important”

—Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfus, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

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

Books and More will start reading Once There Were Wolves on Tuesday, January 27. The author Charlotte McConaghy imparts the suggestion that we may yet be able to reclaim what has been lost — a world in which we are all kinder to the planet, ourselves, and each other. This is the unforgettable story of a woman desperate to save the creatures she loves―if she isn't consumed by a wild that was once her refuge.

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 joke or any tips to make the BUZZ even better, please send emails to julie@ccpucc.org :)

Joke of the Week: