See you for Sunday’s Sermon!

Happy New Year Church!

We have arrived at 2026. Hard to believe. We had such a wonderful holiday season! There are so many people to thank for making sure all the moving pieces were going in the same direction. Christmas Eve is a big night in the life of our church. We had 138 dear souls worshiping with us! Many have shared with me how meaningful the evening was. It is as if, “the word is getting out” about us. I joked about it in worship on Sunday, but we really did have as many guests as we had CCP regulars. The view of the candle lit sanctuary was glorious.

With the holidays coming to a close, we are gifted with a new year! The new year is often a time of new year’s resolutions. I hope that your new year is one where the “new” is welcomed. It seems that many times we hold on to the “old” so tightly that the “new” God has planned for us never even gets tapped. For myself, I know that I hold on to “stuff” very tightly. Most of the time, I sense God wants me to let it go, open my heart and receive the new. The “new” will come in all different kinds of ways. We must, as scripture reads … “Arise and shine for our light has come.” Isaiah 60:1. The coming of the light enables us to see the “new,” and the presence of God gives us the courage to jump right in. I am reminded of the lyrics of a song that I sang in a musical adaptation of Aesop’s Fables, “The Fabulous Fable Factory.” I played Mr. Aesop and sang these words to a young boy name Elliot.

“New, that’s what we’re going to do,

Find places to go to,

Do things we’ve never done.

Now is the time to run … to new.”

So put on your sneakers and let’s run to “new.” It is going to be an amazing year. On your mark … Get Set … GO! I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

I have been tracking the days of Kwanzaa and learning about this holiday with some other chaplains and the 5 day of Kwanzaa which celebrates the principle of Nia stuck out to me. Nia is the word for purpose in Swahili. The principle of Nia encourages us to "look within to reflect on our personal goals and also consider how we can benefit our communities" - Mary Frances Winters.

Many of make personal new years resolutions this week l, but what if we also asked how we might benefit our community in this new year? Our neighbors? Our workmates? Our church? What is your Nia?

Gifts to the Manger

At the Community Church of Poway, one of our most cherished holiday traditions is collecting “Gifts to the Manger.” Each year, we come together to support local families with young children who could use a little extra help with essential baby items, such as diapers and wipes, but all items are welcome. These simple items make a real difference for parents striving to care for their babies, and your generosity brings comfort, hope, and love right into our community. We will be collecting donations on Christmas Eve, and we invite you to take part in this meaningful expression of Christ’s love.

If you aren't able to bring your unwrapped gift on Christmas Eve, we will accept your gifts through January 4, 2026, and deliver them to Interfaith Services the following week.

Thank you for helping us share the spirit of the season with families who need it most.

Greetings Friends,

As 2025 comes to an end, the Outreach Ministry would like to take the time to thank all of you for your support throughout the year.

Our community and world has been blessed beyond measure by your generosity🙏

Having a church family and wonderful friends like we have here at CCP, makes being God’s hands, feet and face for others.. pure a joy!!!

We wish you many blessings for the season and year ahead.

God bless you and Happy New Year,

Love the Outreach Ministry

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.

Our Outreach Ministry invites you to a special afternoon supporting Alabaster Jar Project on January 11, Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

There are two events planned at Koi Zen Cellars. You may attend one or the other, or both if you like. From 2 to 3 pm there is a Wine Tasting, which is $50 per person. This will be a guided wine tasting with 70% of the ticket price going to Alabaster Jar Project. From 3 to 5 pm there is a free event, with a presentation about human trafficking and 20% of wine sales benefiting Alabaster Jar Project. Both events require a reservation at givebutter.com/wineday. Koi Zen Cellars is located at 12225 World Trade Dr., Suite P, San Diego, CA 92128. From the outside, it may look like a business park, but inside you'll find an inviting urban winery. Non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Alabaster Jar Project provides 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 to their communities. January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, #WearBlueDay. There are special events and educational activities, with a spotlight on #WearBlueDay. Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness.

Interfaith Services Request for Support: Additional food donations

Dear CCP members and friends,

As of this writing, San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards. This is good news

While we can be thankful for this positive information, CCP would like to collect and accept food donations for our own pantry, and any additional donations you are able to contribute to Interfaith Services. We will make sure these additional donations are delivered directly to them. As food costs remain high, and we approach Thanksgiving, let’s be reminded that sharing what we have, especially food, is part of loving each other.

CCP Outreach Ministry

Books & More

On Tuesday, January 6, Books and More will start the new year with a novel by Matt Haig called The Midnight Library. This book is about a woman named Nora Seed, who after reaching a breaking point in her life, finds herself in a mystical library that allows her to explore the

infinite versions of her life and discover what truly makes it work living.

Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

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: