Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday evening ... or, do forget, and come just in time for the benediction!

I trust that by 5:30 Sunday evening we'll all be running on the same time, and so we can gather together for the third Lenten Unchurch!

This week friends from our sister congregation Church of the Covenant will join us, and lead us through an evening of Godly Play. Godly Play is a fun way into the stories of our faith, and it will connect with you in whatever stage of life or faith you find yourself.

So, this Sunday come out and play!
peace,

David

PS: Thomas Jefferson was the antichrist ...

As the church enters a season of self examination with an eye to the future we also need to extend that discerning view towards our facilities and personnel structure here at CPC.

Many of our practices, from mission-related tenant arrangements to personnel policies, have evolved over several decades and they are due for an update.

Likewise, member feedback indicates interest reimagining worship space, improving exterior space, and making capital improvements to the building.

 

All of these things items, and more, can use fresh eyes and new input! Join Carol DeFord in the tan parlor after worship this Sunday to discuss these issues and develop a plan of action.  

 

If you're not able to attend, please send Carol email to cpc.fandp@gmail.com  and we'll make sure to keep you in the loop.

 

Please join us for the CPC Kids' Second Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 24th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in Wilson Hall.  All donation proceeds will go to benefit the Heifer Project. If you don't know what that is, feel free to ask the kids to fill you in! An RSVP to mollydemaret@hotmail.com is appreciated but not required

The 10th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days, March 23-26, will explore "Economy, Livelihood, and Our National Priorities."

In this era of economic and political urgency, as critical decisions are being made about U.S. federal budget priorities and as national elections are fast approaching, join other Christian disciples in seeking a global economy and a national budget that breaks the yokes of injustice, poverty, hunger and unemployment -- heeding Isaiah's call to become "repairers of the breach and restorers of the streets to live in."

Experts will offer a faith-based vision for a just economy and training on key policy issues and grassroots advocacy, culminating on Monday, March 26, with lobby visits to Capitol Hill.

For details visit www.AdvocacyDays.org.

Presbyterians will hold a training day, Presbyterians and Economic Justice, at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Friday, March 23, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. To register visit www.pcusa.org/washington.

As many of you know, I was ordained in Transylvania Presbytery in Lexington, Ky. Last week's storms tore through that part of the country, leaving at least 20 dead and hundreds injured. The following note from Transylvania Presbytery was sent to churches there over the weekend.

"We have received a number of calls and emails from around the presbytery concerning the storms Friday evening and how we can respond. Let me tell you what has happened thus far, and what plans we are putting in place to respond in the weeks ahead. As you know from the news media, the town of West Liberty suffered terrible destruction, but that community is not alone. Rev. E.G. Clark, pastor at Jackson and Ezel, reports that Ezel was also hit hard by the storms.

"I have been in contact with John Robinson from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and we are processing an immediate financial response of $10,000. (By the way, these monies come from your offerings last year to the One Great Hour of Sharing - a fact that you might use in promoting this year's Easter offering). John Robinson is also working through the PDA program to put together an emergency response team which will be traveling to the region and will coordinate with E.G. Clark the Presbyterian response on a longer term basis.

"Presbyterians are well known for our quick response, but also for our staying power. Long after a disaster drops from the front pages of our papers, the Presbyterian efforts continue.

"Our Mission Committee is also organizing Transylvania's immediate and continuing response, and, as we know more about the needs, we will communicate with you about the exact kind of help that you can provide.

"Disaster kits are always needed. Here is a link that has information regarding what is included in those kits: http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/making-gift-heart-kits/#baby."

CPC's staff design group continues its work this month according to the principles laid out fully in the attached document.

The group's work is being conducted in relationship to the broader visioning work of session and the congregation, and will proceed according to a set of broad goals and principles that emerged from the group's conversations and guidance from session.

To maintain and expand a vibrant congregation, the staff design group will ensure that staffing at Clarendon be designed to:

1. Ensure effective and efficient stewardship of the congregation's human, financial, and physical resources.
2. Develop more diverse and interactive ministries, particularly with respect to music and Christian education.
3. Facilitate better identification and harnessing of congregational time and talents.
4. Complement the strengths of existing staff and lay leadership.

The group has reviewed data from National Capital Presbytery and from the broader Presbytery Church (U.S.A.) on staffing patterns of similar-size congregations, and will present those findings Sunday. Elders Travis Reindl, Karen Kimmel, and Gordon Hawthorne, and members Dave Norman and Grant Mandsager are serving on the staff design team.