See you for Sunday’s Sermon!

Happy Thursday, Church!

I certainly hope that your week has been illuminatingly salty. If you were with us in worship last weekend you know what I am talking about. I think the kids now type … IYKYK. I had such a great time writing that message. You would not believe the “rabbit holes” I went down researching salt. I just couldn’t get enough. I hope the message was one that resonated with you and that in claiming your identity, you are empowered to have huge effects on the lives in your world.

This coming Sunday is one of my favorite observances in the church—Transfiguration. It is a bit “other-worldly” and supernatural, but a great reminder of the immensity of God. With his transfiguration, Jesus opened the door to discovery, that is not about an old man, white bearded God sitting on a golden throne, but rather one who comes to us in many forms so that Christ’s message is ultra-clear. There are many directions the message could go, so I encourage you to be in worship Sunday, to hear where God eventually led me. But I can leak this much …. God says, “This is my son … listen to Him.” Not a great deal of wiggle room there.

I want to thank each one of you who have been so supportive in these last weeks. Preaching has been a challenge. With everything that is going on in our country, I have decided to not hide any elephants in our space. If there is something that needs to be said and God has given me direction to say it, then I will say it. That, in itself is a bit scary. Your words, cards and emails have been a sign that God’s grace is alive and well in our congregation.

Until Sunday, I encourage you to read through the story in Matthew 17:1-9.

Click on this link to read the passage.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 17%3A1-9&version=NRSVUE

Also … on this website, you can choose what translation to read from. Have some fun with that. It can be very helpful when one is trying to decipher the real meaning in a text. There are some great ones to look at. I would suggest:

1. English Standard Version (ESV)

2. The MESSAGE paraphrase

3. The New American Standard Version (NASV)

4. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Try reading the passage from all four translations. How do they differ? How do they sound alike? You will be surprised how fun this activity can be.

Until Sunday, know that God loves you more than you can ever imagine. Take some time in prayer this week and muse on how you might have reacted, had you been on the mountain that day. Afraid? Mesmerized? Confused? Excited? Come Sunday and see where you land. Have I told you lately that I love being your pastor. Well—I do.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

New Song for Sunday - take a listen

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. It was a mystical encounter reported by Jesus' disciples where their eyes were opened to fullness of the Christ force within Jesus. This song, "Center" by Charlie Hall has always captured for me a possible response to such a powerful encounter. I think it may be a song that could serve us well as we enter into our Lenten series - Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind.

Take a listen in preparation for our worship together on Sunday - https://youtu.be/G0ia3ZUgvf8?si=tf0_TXjbm-388Xgd

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”

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.

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

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