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’m out on the Sea of Galilee today, where Jesus’ ministry began, far from the craziness and glory of Jerusalem. It was here Jesus first proclaimed His mission: “The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” And when people, even unschooled fishermen responded, He told them to drop everything and “Come, follow me.”
on the road to Jesus’ trial jumped out of a tree to join the parade, and, at the very end, a thief dying on the cross by His side said, “Can I come, too?”
Jesus pulled together a motley crew and showed them an upside-down Kingdom, calling them to set out hooks to catch people instead of fish.
Many turned Him down, including suspicious Jewish leaders and a rich young man Jesus loved, who “went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Thousands were enchanted by His miracles, but they dwindled away when Jesus stopped feeding the crowd to call for crosses to be lifted. But still He kept inviting: a man born blind, another filled with demons, a woman with a bad reputation from another religion. Jesus pulled together a motley crew and showed them an upside-down Kingdom, calling them to set out hooks to catch people instead of fish. He showed how to invite all the way to the end of His earthly time. Even a crooked tax collector
Most of that motley crew couldn’t believe He died—and then really couldn’t believe He came back from the dead! But it changed everything, beginning with them. Now THEY were the ones inviting. Grace replaced guilt, fear turned to boldness, ambitions morphed into a desire to serve others with love. More and more people listened and recognized something missing in their own lives. Even strangers implored, “Tell me more about this Jesus,” and Jesus’ enemies complained, “I thought we got rid of this guy!” When the authorities told Jesus’
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followers to stop talking about Him, they refused, boldly saying, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). I just read an email on the bus to Bethlehem from a young woman going through a tough stretch. She’d been invited to CPC for years and came for the first time last month. A neighbor persisted and loved and cared enough to be available—and to invite again, just one more time. Who knows where it will lead? All I’m sure of is that Jesus’ “motley crew” is keeping the doors open, inviting people to come and to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” We can have confidence that God will do the rest!
John Crosby serves as Senior Pastor.
Director of Communications: Sarah Long Editor: Jennifer Boardman Art Direction & Design: Matt Schubbe, Byron McConnell Editorial Assistants: Maggie Keller, Claire Sweem
Special thanks to Molly Braun for the photography in this issue // themollybphotosite.com.
AT E S T INVIT
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TI
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E REC
VER REC L E E
EVER
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YOU'LL EVER EXTEND
T O S OM E ON E E L S E
In the next
'L
'LL
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I N V I TAT I ON
IV
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Y
THE GREATEST
YO
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IS THE ONE JESUS MAK ES TO YOU
E V E RY DAY. we’ll meet
five people who have received Jesus’ invitation: busy wife and mother. businessman. middle schooler. cardiologist. Sunday school volunteer.
Five stories of five different ways Jesus invited people into a
REA L • VIBRANT • L IF E - C HA NG ING • UNC O M PR O MISE D
REL ATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
THERE ARE SO MANY MORE STORIES TO TELL,
SO MANY MORE LIVES CHANGED
by the love, grace, & mercy of Jesus.
WILL YOURS BE ONE?
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y husband, Dan, and I were high school sweethearts, and we got married in 2003. Growing up in a Lutheran church, we both believed in God, but we didn’t live as though we were following Him. Fast forward a couple of years: We had moved out East, living first in Philadelphia and then New York. When our son was four months old, we moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Back home I ran into an old friend who told me about Mom’s Morning, which led us to joining CPC. We learned things for the first time here, like the power of God’s grace. Three years ago invitation again played a part in my faith journey when a woman invited me to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). BSF has been a huge part of my faith formation. I can now see God’s story from start to finish, and I have a greater understanding of the fullness of His character.
handle a loss of that magnitude with the verses that came to mind, the podcasts that I listened to. I realized that these things weren’t really for my knowledge; they were to equip me to handle the losses and, in that process, to glorify God. So it was this weird point in my life when I went through sadness, but I also had this sense of peace and joy knowing how real His presence was. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” I felt His presence in the way the CPC community surrounded us. I could feel the prayers.
I’m usually a behind-the-scenes kind of person. But at the same time, it’s important for me to share my story because of what it says about God and His character. Last year Dan and I experienced two miscarriages. I had been studying the life of Moses in BSF, and I felt like we were in the wilderness, too—I didn’t understand God’s timing. Then this past July we lost my dad unexpectedly at a young sixty-three. It was such a difficult time, but now a year later I can see His bigger picture. I can see how God was preparing me to
Three days after my dad died, my family returned home to find an eagle sitting on our house. A real live eagle in Edina! Isaiah 40:31 says for those who put their hope in the Lord, He will renew their strength and they will soar on wings like eagles. I felt like that was a visual reminder of His truth to me: “I’m here, and I’m with you.” And it was a neat way in the midst of my loss to share with people who didn’t understand why something like this would happen. I could say, “God is real!”
This has been the biggest shift in my life, understanding that we’re not blessed by the things He gives us. We are blessed to know Him. The blessing is Him, not what comes from Him.
Dan and I knew we would try for another baby, and we thought, Is this going to end up in another miscarriage? I knew it might not work out the way I wanted it to, but I knew God could sustain us because He has in the past, even when I didn’t see it. There’s so much power in that realization. We often think of God as this big, sovereign God who’s in charge of all the nations. But He shows up in such personal ways— through Christian community, even landing a bald eagle on my house to bring comfort. It’s pretty remarkable. Even though I grew up going to church, my faith has been a slow progression. But in the last year of my life, I trust Him more, and I’m more honest in my prayer life. On All Saints’ Day this past November, I was newly pregnant. I remember my husband and I praying to God in a very honest, emotional, vulnerable way about our fears. And the difference was before we would have asked, “God, will you answer this prayer?” But now we said, “These are our concerns, but we trust Your will. And even if the outcome isn’t what we want, You will sustain us.” And this has been the biggest shift in my life, understanding that we’re not blessed by the things He gives us. We are blessed to know Him. The blessing is Him, not what comes from Him. Our hope and promise is in God alone.
Michelle and her husband are expecting their third child, a son, in July, one year after the death of her father. CPC LIFE
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here was not a whole lot of Jesus in my house growing up. I was baptized, but the only other times I was in church were at weddings and funerals. When I was ten, my parents divorced. Then at age twelve a friend of mine who had just returned from a Christian camp explained to me the Gospel. I was so affected by the news of Jesus that I completely fell apart. It was not a sorrowful thing; it was a beautiful “Andy, I am here with you” moment. That was the start of my faith journey. An unassuming twelve-year-old kid shared the Gospel with another twelve-year-old kid. Thank God he did.
In junior high I got involved in a Bible study through Colonial Church. There was so much to embrace in the Bible, including this abundant life promised to us and a real, living, breathing personal relationship with Christ. It wasn’t academic or a mere formality. This was life.
I’ve never understood how to share the Gospel because when I do, I’m an absolute train wreck. But I’ve learned that when you have confidence in a living Savior who delights in you, you don’t need to worry about your reputation or status. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a place with an abundance of both temptation and opportunity. Early on I went to a Cru event and heard a man’s profound story of faith. In a follow-up meeting, Cru leaders told me I needed fellowship, prayer, Scripture, and a mentor. So I got the opportunity to start a Bible study with a small group of guys in my fraternity. I worked at a liquor store with two fraternity brothers who set the standard for partying. One day at work we started talking about the Bible study, and they concluded, “I think it would be kind of cool to go to something like that.” God was at work in a college-town liquor store. Once again He took an unassuming young person—and this time it was me—to extend an invitation. And now, incredibly, one of those guys serves in Chad, Africa as a medical missionary. My wife and I met in college, and after we were married, we ended up in Edina and started attending CPC. One Saturday I went to hear Medtronic’s Bill George speak at a Men’s Breakfast. I sat down at a table, and this white-haired guy named Randy Johnson asked, “What are you involved in here at CPC? You should come to our Monday morning men’s Bible study!” I had sat down with a men’s small group and was once again on the receiving end of an invitation. Six years later, I’m still part of that Monday morning group. None of these guys has an ego or puts up a façade, which quickly produces intimacy among a bunch of dudes. The leader of our group is Adult Ministries Pastor James Madsen, who invited me into a separate mentoring program. It has been hugely impactful for me. I’ve never understood how to share the Gospel because when I do, I’m an absolute train wreck. But I’ve learned that when you have confidence in a living Savior who delights in you, you don’t need to worry about your reputation or status. And these are things, by the way, that I’m very naturally disposed to. God’s work in me, through me, and for me has been the removing of layers of desires, patterns, habits. He’s freeing up time and space. Here’s who I am: flawed, broken, messy. This is the package I came in, these are my problems and tendencies. But all of this is why Christ came, why He died, and why He rose again.
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liked coming to church when I was younger. But as I entered middle school, I started thinking, Why do we believe all this about Jesus? What makes us think there’s a God out there who plans everything? And I also started questioning the Bible, asking, I know God was there for His people then, but why isn’t He here for me now? Why can’t I feel His presence?
Because my dad travels to Europe for work, my brother and I take turns going on a big trip with him. When I was in sixth grade, I got to travel to Poland. I spent a week with one of his employee’s wives, shopping, touring around—it was super-duper fun. But then my dad took the weekend off to take me to Auschwitz. When I got there, I could just feel the evil. As someone who takes problems on my own heart, it was especially awful to see. When I got ready for bed that night, for the first time I really felt God. And I said to Him, “I have a seven-hour flight tomorrow, and I will sit and think what I can do with this experience.” On the plane, I was there, waiting, listening. Nothing. I came home and waited, going into months of depression, not understanding how people could do this to one another. I started thinking about how hopeless the victims must’ve felt. Then how there are so many people around me who also must feel hopeless. So I finally asked myself, How can I give God’s hope to people?
God is the only one I can turn to all the time, even when I don’t understand. . . . When I don’t know what’s going on, I become so anxious. He tests me on that a lot, but it’s cool because He’s faithful. So I set out to plan a fundraiser—Glam for Giving—for Hope International, a microfinance organization for third-world countries. We had facials, manicures, raffles, photo booths. We raised $1,000 and helped 27 people! I loved the planning process and helping people so much that next I started a T-shirt company where all the profits go to an organization fighting sex trafficking. I struggle with depression, and I get out of it through planning these events for God. This is how I connect with Jesus. I used to ask, What’s the point of going through this life when I just want to see God in heaven? But God has completely changed my mindset to help as many people as I can along the way. God is the only one I can turn to all the time, even when I don’t understand. I’m the type of person who likes to have everything planned out (surprise, surprise!). When I don’t know what’s going on, I become so anxious. He tests me on that a lot, but it’s cool because He’s faithful. If He doesn’t do things the way I want, it’s because His plan is different. I got really mad at Jesus the other day because though I felt called to do something, I fell flat on my face doing it. But like my mom says, just like in any other relationship, you cry with Jesus, you talk with Jesus. You work it out together. There is a particular sermon illustration I heard at CPC that changed my whole life. Imagine a candle inside a broken glass jar. Even though the glass jar is broken, the candle still shines through it. That’s just like God’s love shining through my broken life. Even in all my imperfections, I know Jesus lives in me.
Annika is an eighth grader. Visit her website—jumbagohope.com—to join in the fight against the sexual exploitation of children. CPC LIFE
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am an interventional cardiologist—a doctor that takes care of heart attacks—at North Memorial Hospital. I am also a husband and a father of two girls and a boy. At North Memorial we serve a lot of North Minneapolis’ underserved population. North also has a large number of recent immigrants. Although there can be a language barrier and their viewpoints and life experiences don’t always mesh with western medicine, I can understand the immigrant experience—I am a child of immigrants. My dad grew up in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, and was persecuted for his faith. He was actually expelled from middle school because he wouldn’t renounce Christianity. Then Communism came through, and my grandparents were told they needed to leave immediately. So they picked up what they could carry and took a train to South Korea. My dad doesn’t talk about it much. I was born in Seoul, and we immigrated to the United States when I was six. We didn’t have very much growing up, but my dad and mom passed on a very strong faith. We lived in an economically depressed area of Chicago, and somehow my parents found a church that would pick up my sister and me on Sundays and on Wednesdays for Awana, a great kids’ program. I had a wonderful Awana
leader who was a truck driver, and he’d say, “Hey, Steve, I’ll give you a nickel for every verse you memorize.” We were inner-city kids; a nickel was tons of money! I have four Awana trophies for memorizing verses, and to this day, I still think of this man and how he has impacted my faith.
I’m still not sure how an immigrant kid was given this great privilege to care for others. . . . I’ve just fumbled my way through life. It all reminds me that I am living in God’s grace. Growing up, I struggled in school. I couldn’t speak the language, my parents couldn’t speak the language. I studied so hard, but no one taught me how or what to study. In middle school I remember praying, “God, this is so hard. I’ll do my best to serve You, if You could just show me . . . I don’t understand how to do this.” Then over the next couple years, it started to click. My grades kept getting better. I’m still not sure how an immigrant kid was given this great privilege to care for others. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to any college; I filled out all my own financial aid forms. I went to Knox College, and they gave me huge financial support—I have absolutely no idea why. Then I got into medical school at Indiana University, and again, I
have absolutely no idea how that happened. I’ve just fumbled my way through life. It all reminds me that I am living in God’s grace. God has given me this incredible blessing to serve at North Memorial, where we serve a great diversity of patients—those with great social support and economic freedom but also those that struggle daily with financial, social, and economic hardships. I am amazed at the strength and resilience of these patients and families who have so many challenges, and yet they persevere. They have such strength. My own personal struggles and God’s presence in my life remind me to meet my patients where they are. All that I dealt with when I was younger—the financial struggles of my parents, dealing with cultural differences, language barriers—it’s served me well. Though it is a cliché, I believe I had those experiences for a reason. Now I feel like I am serving where I’m supposed to be. My faith roots me in humility and gratefulness for all God has done. I feel that the true meaning of grace is a unique concept best understood only through Christ. It is not a word with a “definition” but an experience. The song “Amazing Grace” has great meaning to me. As a recipient of grace, I’ve been given strength and guidance to give to others and serve them. Because God continues to meet me where I am, I want to meet my patients where they are. CPC LIFE
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y rural upbringing was ultra Catholic. There were nuns and priests on both sides of my family; my dad would kneel by his bed in prayer each morning and night; my mother would often have a votive candle lit as a reminder to pray for someone; and my four siblings and I attended a rigid parochial school, which left lasting memories of overworked nuns and priests. For me, the heavy emphasis on the Sacraments, Mary, saints, and obligatory practices muddled up the salvation message of grace. But in spite of that, I have never wrestled with the existence of God. I always believed Jesus loved and took a personal interest in me. After high school, instead of practicing my childhood faith, I was out collecting experiences from the vogue ideas of the cosmic-consciousness era: yoga, vegetarianism, dabbling here and there. When I read my journals from that time, it’s apparent I really wanted my faith in God to deepen, but I didn’t know how. When I was twenty-two, I lost my boyfriend, Ted, in a car crash. I had experienced a cluster of intimate deaths the year prior, including my father’s. Ted—who had been wonderfully supportive through my previous losses— and I were moving toward marriage when I found myself at his gravesite in a rainstorm. The pain of losing him was enormous.
In my misery I was open to the Lord with greater earnestness than before. I looked up verses that offered comfort. The following year I started attending charismatic prayer meetings. Then a young Christian couple invited me to join them in a weekly Bible study. I started to experience fellowship for the first time in my life. My faith in Jesus grew, and I learned how wonderful the body of Christ is in our lives.
Looking back, I believe Jesus was in the midst of all of the losses, suffering, and starting over again. I praise Him for healing my crushed spirit—a few times over—through His mercy and love. I later married Doug, a pastor who had to drop out of parish ministry due to reoccurring depressions and bipolar disorder. When we left our last post, it felt like, yet again, I was starting all over. Our family experienced tangible care and hospitality when we were invited to live in the old Smiley House, formerly on CPC’s property. I knew we desperately needed affordable housing, but God, in His wisdom, also provided a caring Christian community. I’ve been a member of CPC since 1998, and for over fifteen years, I’ve taught Sunday school to 2nd-4th graders. It’s the best morning of the week for me. I’m still surprised how kids recognize the intense emotions that are part of Bible stories: love, fear, compassion, forgiveness, jealousy—they get it! And they want to talk about God, the supernatural, relationships, worries, struggles, and death. When I’m sitting on the floor, surrounded by dozens of elementary kids and their teenage leaders, I’m aware of what a sacred moment it is. Looking back, I believe Jesus was in the midst of all of the losses, suffering, and starting over again. I praise Him for healing my crushed spirit—a few times over—through His mercy and love. My life verse says it all:
“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all of His kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt His name” (Psalm 34: 1-3).
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Need Care? WELCOME
Two Groups for Support and Encouragement
TO CPC! Infertility Care Group
A pastor answers your questions in this thirty-minute gathering about CPC and our mission.
Support for couples experiencing infertility. Thursday, April 14 • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 107
Sunday, April 24 • 10:30-11:00AM or 12:00-12:30PM • Fireside Room
LGBTQ Family Group
debbiem@cpconline.org
Explore how to best support loved ones who are LGBTQ. rgarton1@msn.com
CPCONLINE.ORG
Happe nings
E V E NT S MINNETONKA CIVIC ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT
Friday, April 8 • 7:00PM • Sanctuary Enjoy an evening of beautiful music by Mozart, Handel, and more, featuring the Minnetonka Civic Orchestra directed by Dr. William Mayson. Sponsored by the CPC Christian Fine Arts Committee, this concert is free and open to the public (free-will offering).
MID-MONTH CHAPEL SERVICE
Wednesday, April 20 • 12:00PM A traditional service with a short message, hymns, Communion, and prayers. Lunch follows. No reservation necessary.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN MEN’S CHORUS AT CPC
Sunday, April 24 • 9:30 & 11:00AM • CPC Join us for CPC Sunday worship with special music featuring the University of Northwestern Men’s Chorus directed by Timothy Sawyer and the CPC Chancel Choir directed by Heather Hood. Morning services are identical.
K I DS & S T U DE NT S K IDS SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN cpconline.org/events
Kids who are 3 by June 1, 2016 through kids entering Kindergarten can attend: • VBS (June 7-9) - Play fun games, worship through songs and Bible stories, eat snacks, create crafts, and make new friends! T-shirt included. ($35) Entering 1st-4th graders can attend: • Big Fun Kix (June 20-23 or June 27-30) - God’s Big Story in a big, fun camp! Get ready for a day full of activities, games, and field trips. Bring your own lunch (peanut-free, please). Snacks and T-shirt included. ($100) Entering 5th & 6th graders can attend: • Summer Surge (July 18-21) - High-energy, all-day fun for older elementary kids! Every day is a new adventure including field trips, opportunities to serve others, large-group games, impactful Bible teaching, and awesome small groups. Snacks and T-shirt included. ($150)
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952 .920.8515
Entering 5th-8th graders can attend: • The Edge (June 14-16) - Putting others first has never been more fun! Days are filled with large-group teaching and unique opportunities for students to love and serve their church, community, and world. ($80)
KIDS’ MINI CAMPS
Wednesdays, April 6-27 • 6:15-7:30PM 1st-5th graders can choose from fun classes and adventures. Previous enrollment in Wednesday night groups not required. Cost: $10/first child, $5/each additional child. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
WEEKEND PROGRAMS
During Saturday 5:15PM, Sunday 9:30AM, 11:00AM, & 5:00PM services Ministering to kids through 6th grade and their families. The Chapel Sundays • 9:30 & 11:00AM • Chapel An in-depth exploration of God’s Big Story for 5th-8th graders. Sign up: cpconline.org/kids
STUDENTS SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN cpconline.org/events
Entering 7th-8th graders can attend: • The Edge (June 14-16) - Putting others first has never been more fun! This day camp is filled with large-group teaching and unique opportunities for students to love and serve their church, community, and world. ($80) • Rockslide (June 27-July 1 at Pictured Rocks Camp in Monticello, IA) - An overnight camp full of swimming, zip lines, mountain boarding, amazing large-group times, and small-group times with your cabin. ($350) Entering 9th graders can attend: • 612 Experience (June 13-15) - An overnight camp serving the Minneapolis community. ($150) • Quest (July 11-15 in the Boundary Waters) - Spend a week on houseboats! This trip is a student all-time favorite. ($495) Entering 10th-12th graders can attend: • 612 Experience (June 13-15) - see above • Summit (July 23-29 in Idaho) - A week of fun, friends, and growing closer to God! We cannot wait for all the awesome activities this camp will allow us to do. ($685)
SPRING BASH
Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00PM Students and their families are invited to worship together with musical guest BJ Skoog and celebrate the past year of ministry. Join us for worship, a message, and fellowship.
HAPPENINGS | 2016 STORIES ISSUE
ELE VATE & COMMITMENT CL A SS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Wednesdays, April 6-27 • 6:15-7:30PM • No programming due to spring break: March 30 Fun, large-group learning and small-group discussion for 7th-9th graders. vanc@cpconline.org lexis@cpconline.org
COMMITMENT CLASS YEAR-END EVENTS
• CC Spring Retreat Friday-Sunday, April 8-10 • CC Prayer Service Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30PM at CPC • CC Elder Visits Wednesday, April 27 at 6:15 PM at CPC • CC Weekend April 30-May 1 cpconline.org/events
HSM HSM HOUSE GROUPS
Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 27 • 8:00-9:15PM • No programming due to spring break: March 30 House groups meet in area homes. mycahc@cpconline.org
HSM LARGE GROUP
Wednesday, April 20 • 8:00-9:15PM • CPC
SPECIAL NEEDS MOSAIC WORSHIP SERVICE
Sundays, March 20 & April 24 • 12:30PM • Sanctuary Mosaic is a worship service for kids and students with special needs and their families. Noises, sounds, and movements are welcome! Followed by a light lunch. erind@cpconline.org
TAPESTRY
Tuesdays, April 12 & 26 • 6:30-7:30PM We explore who God is and how we can have a relationship with Him through Bible study, service projects, games, guest speakers, and story/drama. erind@cpconline.org
A D U LT S
S TUDIE S ESSENTIALS 301: GOSPEL OF GRACE Tuesdays, April 5-May 10 • 6:30-8:00PM • Room 202 Grace is a spontaneous gift from God, unexpected and undeserved. Learn what difference it makes not only in eternity but in your everyday life. Led by James Madsen. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/studies
WOMEN IN THE WORD
Mondays through May 9 • 9:30-11:45AM • Fireside Room We study Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald, focusing on passages from Isaiah seeking to reveal the sovereignty, holiness, grace, and glory of God. Format includes DVD lecture, small group discussion, and fellowship. Cost: $20. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/studies
IN THE WORD
Mondays • 9:30-11:30AM • Room 107 Led by James Madsen, this discussion-oriented Bible study for men and women focuses on 2 Corinthians.
GROUPS SUNDAY COMMUNITIES
Sundays • 9:30AM or 10:45AM • new series starts April 10 Sunday Communities offer a place to belong and a place to grow with people in a similar life stage. • MIXED TAPES (20s & 30s) | “Six Stages in Our Spiritual Journey: Insights from John’s Gospel” with Randy Anderson (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall West) • S.A.L.T. (40s & 50s) | “Philippians” with James and Anna Madsen (9:30AM - Fellowship Hall East) • A.C.T.S. (50s & up) | “Step It Up! Living a Faith-Filled Life” with Dave Scherf (9:20AM - Fellowship Hall Center) • MORE (Active Retired) | “The Four Gospels: Same, Only Different” with Carl Grosse (10:45AM - Room 107) • CREDO (Intergenerational) | “Five Great Streams of the Christian Life and Faith Formation” with Al Johnson (10:45AM - Room 10 South) • L.I.F.T. (new community for engaged and newly married couples) | Meets monthly at the Mulliken home (Sundays, April 17 & May 8 from 6:30-8:30PM) lauram@cpconline.org
CPC BOOK CLUB
Thursday, April 21 • 7:00PM • Parlor We discuss Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. Nancy Reutiman at 952.920.1837
MEN WELCOME TO CPC
Sunday, April 24 • 10:30AM & 12:00PM • Fireside Room If you’re new or have been attending CPC for years, come learn more about our community and how to connect! A CPC pastor will answer your questions in this thirty-minute gathering.
MORNING MEN’S GROUPS
Several existing men’s small groups that meet either Thursday or Saturday welcome new participants. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/groups
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DADS’ GROUP
Wednesdays • 6:25-7:30PM • Parlor Led by Allen Pofahl and Tom Wagner, this group meets during Wednesday night programming (no meeting March 30 due to spring break). We focus on growing in our roles as dads. Sign up: cpconline.org/adults
WOMEN NEEDLEWORK GUILD
Saturday, April 9 • 10:00AM-2:00PM • Fellowship Hall Our mission is to make warm garments and blankets for local agencies that serve the needy. We have yarn, fabric, and knitters to get you started. Sally Stoutenburgh at 952.927.6915
MOM’S MORNING
Large Group Wednesdays, April 13 & 27 • 9:30-11:30AM • Fireside Room April 13: Spring Fellowship Day April 27: Stacia Christenson speaks on the “Power of Presence.” Cost: $25/child for childcare momsmorning.cpc@gmail.com Sign up: cpconline.org/adults/groups
Large Group Thursday, April 21 • 9:15-11:15AM • Anderson Hall Join us for “Mental Health and Cyber Addictions” with Dr. Ryan Wohlman. He speaks on adolescent mental health including the impact of video and online gaming. Cost: $5/session at the door. Small Groups Thursdays, April 14 & 28 • 9:30-11:15AM Receive support and discuss a Christian teen parenting book. coprohof@gmail.com
OLDER ADULTS EDYNAMOES
Wednesdays, March 30 & April 27 • 11:30AM • Fellowship Hall March: Please join us for lunch and program, “Bee Aware!” by the U of M Bee Squad. Some bees are in trouble, and we will learn how to “bee” friendly to these little pollinators! Sign up by March 28. April: Welcome spring with friends at our lunch and program, “Minnesota’s Remarkable State Parks.” Enjoy seeing great photos and hearing interesting stories about our state’s many natural wonders! Sign up by April 25. Please bring Jerry’s cash receipts, pop/can tabs, and soup labels. Cost: $5. Sign up with Cleo Wedge: 952.922.2769
NESTERS: GROWING WISER AS WE GROW OLDER LUNCHEON
Sunday, April 17 • 12:30PM • Fellowship Hall Enjoy good food with other active retired folks and an opportunity to receive some basic fitness instruction from fitness
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CIRCLES (WOMEN 60+)
Fellowship, learning, and service in a small-group setting; new members always welcome. • Esther Circle Wednesday, April 6 • 1:30PM • Home of Deb Jorgensen Enjoy fellowship and a study on faith Char Bonniwell at charbonn3@aol.com • Lydia Circle Saturday, April 16 • 9:30AM • Parlor Ellen Hastings at 952.896.0066 • Martha Circle Wednesday, April 20 • 10:00AM • Parlor Pat Haberkorn at 952.941.4188 • Ruth Circle Every Wednesday • 9:30AM On the first and third Wednesdays, we meet in a home for food, fellowship, devotions, and prayers. On the other Wednesdays, we serve at Feed My Starving Children and at CPC. Barb Bucha at 952.470.4414
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expert Grace Wagnild. Cost: $12. debc@cpconline.org Sign up:
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CPC LIFE
NEW BEGINNINGS: FMSC
Saturday, April 16 • 8:30AM-1:00PM • Meet at CPC’s north entrance New Beginnings is CPC’s support, resource, and friendship community for those dealing with the practical issues that follow a spouse’s death. This month we’ll serve at Feed My Starving Children. On our return trip, we’ll enjoy lunch together. Sign up: debc@cpconline.org
SINGLE PARENT FAMILY MINISTRY
Thursday, April 21 • 6:00-8:00PM • Fireside Room In this community for single parents and their children, we share a family meal, then the adults break off to hear from Rich Phenow on a topic that encourages single parents. Childcare and programming for infants through twelve years. No cost. sarahn@cpconline.org
CARE ABUNDANTLY SATISFIED
Sundays, April 3, 17, May 1 • 9:30-10:30AM • Room 203 We support each other with weight issues that keep us from experiencing the abundant life God wants for us. No weigh-ins; sandy_radeke@earthlink.net lots of grace and support!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Fridays, April 8 & May 6; Saturday, April 23 • 10:00AM • Parlor The goal of our ministry is to knit or crochet shawls
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made with the hope of being vessels for God’s presence and comfort. Experience not needed; all are welcome! Coaching and materials can be provided. Pat Johnson at 952.947.0734
GRIEF RECOVERY
Tuesday, April 12 • 6:00-8:30PM • Parlor Grief Recovery is for those who have lost a loved one. We experience God’s hope and healing through fellowship, prayer, and sharing a meal. Grief counselor Paul Johnson speaks. debbiem@cpconline.org
INFERTILITY CARE GROUP
Thursday, April 14 • 7:00-8:30PM • Room 107 “Do you have kids?” is a familiar question for married couples. But it’s a difficult question when couples experience infertility. Receive support in this care group. debbiem@cpconline.org
GRACE & HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Tuesday, April 19 • 7:00-8:30PM • Parlor Does your child experience emotional or mental health issues? You are not alone. Join other parents, friends, and caregivers as we care for one another on our journeys. Meetings include support and fellowship. dbrown@dcbrowninc.com
LAY CARE CELEBRATION DINNER
Thursday, April 28 • 6:00-8:30PM • Fellowship Hall Celebrate God’s goodness, be blessed with the fellowship of others who serve in Lay Care Ministries, hear stories, and enjoy a meal prepared by Pastor/Chef Rich Phenow. All volunteers in CPC Lay Care Ministries are welcome! RSVP: marya@cpconline.org
LGBTQ FAMILY GROUP
A new group is forming for parents and family members of someone who is LGBTQ. Discuss together how to best love and support loved ones and each other. rgarton1@msn.com
S E RV E NE AR SEEDS OF HOPE
Thursday-Sunday, April 14-17 Help break the cycle of poverty and hunger that exists both near and far. We’ll prepare seed tape that Urban Ventures in Minneapolis will use to plant vegetables to be sold in their Mobile Market. We’ll also assemble seed packs to ship to our partners at Jubilee Center in Zambia for local farmers to plant. Invite friends and family—our goal is 100,000 seed packs! See page 11 for more information. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
TWIN CITIES JUSTICE WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15 CPC, Grace, Wooddale, Westwood and other local churches unite for a special weekend of song, stories, and prayer in the fight to end slavery. •May 14-15: Sean Litton, President of IJM, is CPC’s guest speaker in all worship services. •May 15 • 7:30PM • Grace Church Art Music Justice Tour with musical guests Brandon Heath, Sara Groves, and Jenny & Tyler. Cost: $15-$25. Tickets: cpconline.org/events
URBAN HOMEWORKS
Saturday, May 21 • 8:30AM-3:00PM Work alongside other CPCers aged 16 and over to rehab a home in North Minneapolis. Work includes a variety of chores; all skill levels are welcome. Sign up: cpconline.org/events
THE PLUNGE
Saturday, May 21 • 9:00AM-12:00PM The Plunge helps you go deeper with missional engagement. Work alongside Urban Ventures in the Phillips neighborhood for a morning of outdoor community activities, including: •L ive cooking demonstrations, serving samples of recipes from Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day • Increasing exposure to gardening/urban farming options • Volunteering in the UV greenhouses • Exploring the role of bees in the neighborhood Sign up: cpconline.org/events
FAR UPCOMING GO!TRIPS cpconline.org/serve/far
Granada, Nicaragua • with Opportunity International • June 20-25 Serve the least-resourced country in Central America. As we travel through Nicaragua, Opportunity International staff partners will lead us, teach us, and help us to understand what poverty is all about—its effects and its impact on men, women, children, and communities as a whole. We will learn about economic development, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, faith, and stewardship through age-appropriate and fun service learning projects for every member of your family (aged 13 and older). Zambia • with World Vision and The Jubilee Centre • October 31-November 15 Come see how God is using local Zambian churches to transform a community. Through the work of the Jubilee Centre, walk alongside pastors, leaders, and youth as they serve impoverished urban Lusaka, and learn about the rural recipients of our April seed packing event. Next, we’ll travel to Moyo with World Vision where we’ll visit CPC-sponsored projects, such as Ndondi high school, clinics, gardens, clean water/sanitization initiatives, and the new Kanchomba Health Center. Plus meet CPC-sponsored children!
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Chatting during the Edynamoes February gathering.
Investigating the answer to “Who do you say I am?�
Carrie Gleeson welcomes guests to CPC.
Kids lead worship during their spring musical.
High schoolers fundraise for their GO! Trip to Jamaica.
Pastors John & Rich prepare lunch for the Edynamoes.
Musical guest Sharon Irving joins us at the March Women Who Inspire and in weekend services.
John and Laura Crosby lead a GO!Trip to Israel/Palestine.
Women Who Inspire . . . for all ages!
Sharon Irving and Joelle Syverson speak to more than 200 women.
Easter
2016 Flowers
Our beautiful Easter flowers were donated in loving honor and memory by the following: Bill and Darren Barr: In memory of Norma Jean Barr Mary Jo Brown: In memory of husband, Tom, and sister, Lora
The Fryklund, Markham, and Larson families: In loving memory of Gordy Johnson, Anita Markham, and Jean Larson Jane Fuller: In memory of Bud Fuller
Sue and John Burritt: In honor of our children and grandchildren
Tom, Paula, Nancy, and Susan Gulliford: In memory of parents, Bill and Julie Gulliford
Dorothy Buteyn, children, and grandchildren: In memory of Don Buteyn
Robert and Patricia Haberkorn: In memory of Ruth and Lowry Nelson, and Lucile and Robert Haberkorn
Mary Jo Carlson: In memory of Larry Carlson Richard Charleston: In memory of Barbara Karen and Don Ciske: In memory of Karen’s brother, William Atkinson John and Luann Cosgrove: In memory of James, Corrine, Michael, and Laurie Cosgrove Scott, Becky, Ryan, and Eric Danielson: In memory of Dale Erickson (Grandpa Doc) Jim and Sally Dimond: In memory of our son, Paul The Doudiet family: In memory of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents: Ted and Helen Doudiet, and Roger and Millie Stevenson Alice Dubpernell: In memory of Amy Neracher Dawn and Jon Earl: In memory of Thomas and Donna Kidd John and Marlene Ellis: In honor of our family Joyce Ervin: In memory of Bob and Brad Ervin. Rebecca, Lee, Evan, and Emily Flack: In memory of Shirlee and Mitchell Seidler, and Elsie and Leo Flack Bill and Joann Foreman: In memory of Ronald Park, and Harold and Marge Foreman
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Robert H. Hamilton: In memory of Abigail Hoge Hamilton Ellen Hastings: In memory of Del Hastings Ron and Anne Hoffman: In memory of L.O. Dayton, Raymond Hoffman, Dorothy Hoffman, Alan Hoffman, and James Hall
Ruth Nelson: In memory of Duane Nelson “Ole”, Kit, Bethany, and Christopher Olson: In memory of beloved and very missed son and younger brother, Samuel “Sammy” James Olson Sue Payne: In memory of Joanne Payne Craig D. Peterson: In memory of Rodney P. Burwell Craig D. Peterson: In memory of Justice and Mrs. C. Donald Peterson Rich and Jody Phenow: In memory of Reaburn and Maurita Phenow Molly Portz and family: In memory of Annie Portz Ruth Reed: In memory of Glen Reed
Heather Hood: In memory of parents, Sam and Bee Hood
Susan Risius: In memory of my parents, Merlyn and Betty Elman
Ken and Holli Hotz: In memory of our parents
The Seeger family: In memory of loved ones
Fred and Donna Kraft: In memory of Matthew and Angeline Cole, and Louis and Anna Kraft
Betsy Shober: In memory of Bob Shober
Jean A. Knowles and family: In memory of Phillip H. Knowles John Leak: In memory of Mary Leak
Loving spouse Sally Stoutenburgh, children Chip Stoutenburgh and Kit Olson, and grandchildren Bethany and Christopher Olson: In memory of husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Stoutenburgh
Bob and Mary Melander: In memory of our parents and sister-in-law
Tom, Michelle, Natalie, Sophie, Jennifer, John, Bobby, and Amy Terwilliger: In memory of Mary Leak and Patrick Denais
Beverly Pochat Meyer: In memory of Byron Meyer
Audrey and Herb Telshaw: In memory of loved ones
Gladys Mitchell: In memory of J. Gordon Mitchell
Al TeWinkel and family: In memory of Jean TeWinkel
Fay and Dick Morris: In memory of Alice Morris, Dr. Closuit, and Dana Kraemer; in honor of Lenore Closuit
Marilyn Tyckoson: In memory of Gil Tyckoson
Dirk, Laura, Kari, and Sonja Nelson: In memory of our dads and grandpas, Edward Mezner and Gunard Nelson
John and Janice Velgersdyk: In memory of Jeff Bilger Audrey Vermilyea: In memory of husband, Bill Vermilyea
MARRIAGES
Hallie Jo Tengwall and Robert Gentry Bain were married on February 20. The Rev. Judie Ritchie officiated. Alexia Lorraine Soldo and Bradley James Skoog were married on February 26. Pastor Cesar Castillejos officiated.
BIRTHS
Erik and Liza Quarberg welcomed a son, Logan John, on February 8.
Karen Carpenter passed away on February 18 at the age of 79. Her daughter is Kim Dulas. Ardyce Davies passed away on February 25 at the age of 89. Her daughter is Annie Kapsner. Virginia Krusell passed away on February 26 at the age of 91. Roger Keller passed away on March 4 at the age of 84. His wife is Kay Keller.
Bill and Lindsey Alms welcomed a son, Bennett Christopher, on February 18.
Kimberly Haglund-Zachman passed away on March 8 at the age of 52. Her husband is Craig, sons are Alex and Nate, and parents are Dewey and Delphy Haglund.
Brett and Kelly Gearou welcomed a son, Cooper Thomas, on February 18.
RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED
Todd and Mara Teske welcomed a daughter, Harlow Kristianna, on March 4. Phil and Andrea Johnson welcomed a daughter, Chace Caroline, on March 9. Jennifer and Zach Boardman welcomed a son, Wallace Ross, on March 17.
DEATHS
Myrtle Fisher passed away on January 30 at the age of 102. Her daughter is Karen Ford. John (Jack) Low passed away on February 4 at the age of 91. Bryan Gray passed away on February 6 at the age of 50. His wife is Kristin and his children are Jacob and Jordan. Robert Shober passed away on February 8 at the age of 65. His sister is Betsy Shober.
Dolly Danielson Chuck Benson Amby Beasley Lindsay Gilligan Norm Densmore Ruth Krieger Kathe Nolan Mavis Klefsaas Frances Whetstone
STAFF TRANSITIONS
Becky Bormann left her position as Associate Director of Early Childhood. Cindy Sherman left her position in Accounts Payable.
FINANCIAL UPDATE June 1, 2015 – February 29, 2016 Ministry Offering Budget: $3,777,399 Actual Offering: $3,689,176 Variance: (88,223) YTD Mission Focus Total: $463,854 Expenses are under budget year-to-date.
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Join us for
WORSHIP Saturdays at 5:15PM | Contemporary Worship Sundays at 9:30AM | Traditional Worship Sundays at 11:00AM | Contemporary Worship Sundays at 5:00PM | The Table at CPC
Worship Series
We are wired to be in relationship. Whether in person, through email, or on social media, we’re constantly relating with others. But how can we take those everyday interactions and infuse them with more meaning, more purpose? How do we relate well? Together, we embrace a biblical perspective on relationships—to bring life, healing, and hope to those we encounter each day.
Christ Presbyterian Church
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952.920.8515
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cpconline.org
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facebook.com/cpconline
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@CPCEdina