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CPC Links
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Past Sermons
CPC Online
Pastor's Blog
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In This Issue
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Writers' Circle
Justice Notes: Meet Mel White
Peace Notes |
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AFAC Bagging and Food Offering
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We bag groceries for AFAC on the 16th at 7:00 p.m. We'll dedicate our monthly food offering in worship on the 15th.
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Pastoral Notes & Words of Thanks
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Thanks to Cheryl, Clark, Mike, and Martin for cooking and setting up for Wii Kirk last month.
Thanks to Toni for hosting last week's coffee hour. We look forward to this Sunday when Carol DeFord will host.
We will have a third-Sunday brunch on the 15th. If you can help out, please contact Cheryl Lederle (cledster@gmail.com).
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Partner Notes
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As noted at the congregational meeting last month, we have a number of new building users this year, including several support groups. Here's a bit of information on one of them:
AA Speaker Meeting Tuesday Night - 8:30 Adult Ed Room Open Format - All are welcome! Contact Todd B @ 202 255 4181 for more information
With the new users, our facilities are being used weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. most evenings, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. To keep track we've posted a building use schedule on the church web site on the "this week" page.
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Make a Joyful Noise!
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We are the joyous people of God at CPC, and the most fun, joyous group going is the choir!
We welcome anyone who likes to sing, whether or not you know a base clef from a fine chef.
We practice at 7:00 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of most months, and meet Sunday mornings at 9:15.
We're singing tonight! Come and sing with us. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
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This Week @ CPC
Progressive ... Inclusive ... Diverse
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November 2009
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Greetings!
 On my way to the More Light Presbyterians board meeting this week I noticed a Christmas tree in an apartment window in one of the Shirlington high rises. I am not ready for that just yet, but it did remind me that the holidays are coming whether or not we're ready. Thanksgiving is three weeks from today and Advent begins the following Sunday. Christmas cannot be far off.
But before panic sets in, take a moment today to reflect on what you have been given. Henri Nouwen observed that gratitude in the fundamental attitude common to all authentic religious expression, which, if you think of it, makes Thanksgiving our most religious holiday. So as this holiday season approaches -- and while you still have a moment before the hectic sets in -- ask yourself today: for what am I thankful?
I am thankful for this community, and for all that we are about. This week's news is, like our common life, rich and full. Enjoy!
Grace and peace,
David
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Upcoming Events ... Take Two
The block is a repeat from last week. These are compelling opportunities awaiting your leadership and participation. Send me a note today indicating your interest.
CPC has had an active women's group for several years. The group has typically met on the first Thursday of each month, but has been on hiatus since last spring.
Would you like to bring the group back from its break? Please let me know, and we'll spread the word and set a schedule.
We have also had a number of adult education series over the past several years, including a wonderful DVD-based program called "Saving Jesus," which we enjoyed last fall. I have access to another DVD-based program produced by the same people. This one is called "Living the Questions." Anybody interested? Please let me know and we'll plan accordingly.
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Worship Week
There are only three Sundays left in the liturgical year, which begins anew with the season of Advent. The arc of the year moves toward completion with a heightened sense of purpose, reflected in the readings.
That same sense of purpose is heightened in our worship through November as we consider what we have been given and what we are called to give. Various members of the community will share reflections on giving this month, beginning this Sunday. On the final Sunday of November, the first Sunday of the new liturgical year, we will dedicate our pledges for 2010.
The gospel story for this Sunday morning comes from Mark 12:38-44. The sermon is Coming Out, Again.
If you would like to join in worship leadership, please let me know. The word "liturgy" comes from the Greek meaning "the work of the people," and we believe that worship is a community act. Every aspect of worship belongs to each of us and all of us, so if you would like to lead in any aspect, speak up.
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Expanding the Circle of Writers -- Join the Circle Monday
Our new Clarendon Writers Circle is off to a grand beginning, with a half dozen or so folks gathering on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Each time we meet we share a group writing experiment with a five-minute burst of creativity typically followed by much laughter as we share the results.
We also share thoughts and experiences from our own efforts. Last month we heard the first chapter of a novel. Next week we anticipate a bit of poetry or a short story.
The circle is open, so if you enjoy writing or would like support in your writing, please join us. We meet again next Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:00 in the church library/purple parlor.
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GLBT Justice Notes: Mel White Visits People of Faith for Equality Virginia
The Rev. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce (and contestant on The
Amazing Race) will join People of Faith for Equality Virginia at a
house party Sunday, Nov. 15, at 3:00 p.m. in Richmond. If you are interested in attending with me, please let me know (revdocdee@gmail.com).
The Rev. White's personal story of coming out in a conservative evangelical context is powerfully described in his book Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America.
I have served on the People of Faith board since its inception in 2006, and am excited by the opportunity to meet Rev. White as we move ahead in our work for justice. The house party will be a great time to learn about the work of People of Faith, and it will no doubt simply be a great time.
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Peace Notes: Updates from Christian Peace Witness
 As I begin my third year serving on the national steering committee for Christian Peace Witness the United States enters its ninth year of war in Afghanistan and is well into the sixth year of war in Iraq.
As we mark sad anniversaries and tragic milestones -- the deadliest month for U.S. forces in Afghanistan just ended -- Christian Peace Witness encourages congregations to renew commitments to nonviolence and to the way of the Prince of Peace.
In particular, CPW endorses the National Religious Campaing Against Torture's 300 in 30 campaign to screen the short film Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever, and to talk about it.
In addition, CPW has signed on to a letter to President Obama urging him to follow principles outlined by the American Friends Service Committee in crafting U.S. policy on Afghanistan.
If you would like to learn more about the ongoing work of Christian Peace Witness, or to get involved in Christian peacemaking or the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship please speak with me about it anytime.
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