Volume 39, Issue 10
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart… Presbyterians are “reformed and always being reformed.” We believe that God is always teaching us new ways of being faithful. God is always shining new light on the way of Jesus Christ. Ours is a dynamic faith, rooted in history and open to–indeed welcoming and expecting to be made new. To that end, your session has formed a Visioning Team, eight people plus myself who are devoting a year of their lives to the task of leading us to discern God’s call to CCPC anew. They will study God’s word, pray and listen for what God is saying through you. Your visioning team will be helping us to consider the questions of identity, purpose and context. Who are we? Who comes to CCPC? What makes CCPC different from other churches? How would you describe CCPC to a friend? What does it mean for us to have more children than our chancel area can hold? What particular gifts do we bring to the community of faith? Education? Our role in society? Who are we as leaders in the neighborhood, nation and beyond? What is our historic identity? Why are we here? Why did God bring together this community of faith at this place in this time? What is our particular contribution to the Kingdom of God? How will we make a difference in people’s lives-both in and beyond our congregation? What does it mean to live out resurrection faith? How
NOVEMBER 2010
might we demonstrate life out of death, hope out of despair, peace out of violence, love out of hate? Who is our neighbor? Near and far, who are the people to whom God calls us to speak God’s life-giving word? What does it mean to be a church in the age of globalization and Facebook? What does it mean to be a church in a “Post-Christian” culture? What is our area of influence? To whom are we connected? What and who is God calling CCPC to do and to become? What’s next? Together we are listening for God’s word to CCPC. We will find it as we listen to one another, as we pray and as God’s Spirit moves through us. I hope that you will add your thoughts to our blog, Theoptia which is accessible at our website www.chevychasepc.org. In the coming months, I will be preaching on the themes of identity, purpose and context and inviting people to stay after the sermons to continue the conversation. Members of the Visioning Team will be meeting with folks in small groups to engage you in conversation. The members include: Meg Artley, Greg Fudge, Andy Graeub, Michael Huerta, Tracy Loh, Beth Mullin, Dick Riegel, Jessica Wick, and myself. God is calling CCPC and has a bold charge for us as we begin the next decade. Let us listen together to hear what God will say. God’s Blessings ~ The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert
WHAT’S INSIDE…INQUIRER’S CLASS, CHEVY CHASE CONCERTS, WORSHIP & PREACHING SCHEDULE & MORE...
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Worship Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM unless otherwise noted
November 7 10:00 a.m.
The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching Stewardship Commitment Sunday Celebration Luncheon Immediately Following Worship Arabic Language Worship Service at 12:30 PM
November 14
The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Recognition of November birthdays following worship Chevy Chase Concert at 4 PM Youth Worship Service at 6 PM
November 21
The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching Christ the King Sunday The monthly Hunger Offering is received Welcome of New Members
November 28
The Rev. Steve Robertson preaching First Sunday of Advent
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHURCH? The next Inquirers’ Seminar of the year will be offered on Thursday evening, November 4 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 350-B (Calvin Hall, east side) during the FOCUS classes at CCPC. Participants are invited to join us for dinner (on us!) at 6:30 that evening as well. This session is open not only to those persons who may have decided to become members, but also to persons exploring their call to Christian discipleship as members of this congregation. The agenda for the evening includes a brief overview of the basic history, beliefs, and traditions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as an outline of specific opportunities for using your gifts with others in ministry at CCPC. If you are interested in participating in the seminar on November 4 (or know someone who may be interested), please contact Lynn Jostes, Associate Pastor at 202/363-2202 or lynn@chevychasepc.org for more information or to sign up. Those persons who decide to join will meet with the Session before their regular meeting on November 16 and be welcomed by the congregation in worship on November 21. Come join with the disciples of The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church as we discover our gifts and answer our calling, and together serve our Lord.
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WORSHIP & MUSIC
HOME COMMUNION On Sunday, November 14th, the Elders and Deacons of our congregation will be serving the sacrament of Holy Communion with church members unable to be with us personally in worship on that day. All ordained Elders and Deacons are eligible to participate. Training is provided. Elders and Deacons should contact Steve Robertson (202-363-2202 or steve@chevychasepc.org) to learn more or to sign up to serve communion. Anyone wishing to receive home communion on November 14 th should also contact Steve Robertson to request to be included among these visits.
THE CHEVY CHASE CONCERTS presents
Mozart “Coronation Mass” November 14 at 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir combines with the choir of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and orchestra to present Mozart’s Mass in C-major, K. 317, composed in 1779 and known as the Coronation Mass. Also on the program is Josef Rheinberger’s (1839-1901) Concerto No. 2 in G Minor for Organ, played by Julie Vidrick Evans. A reception in Chadsey Hall to meet the artists and to greet one another takes place following the concert.
The Gateway Newsletter is published monthly by The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, One Chevy Chase Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20015. Contact the church at 202-363-2202; office@chevychasepc.org; or www.chevychasepc.org.
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Adult Education and Nurture at CCPC
SUNDAY MORNINGS AND BEYOND
Sunday Mornings Continuing in November 2010 The Bible in Context Class (Meets from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. in Room 350-B, third floor, Education Building) Early Christian Letters. Please join us to examine some of the letters outside of the canon which circulated in the first century church in this year-long course led by Peter Combes. For more information, look for a complete syllabus at http:// ccpc.petercombes.com. Faith Trek (Meets from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in the Library, first floor, center building, alley side) Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who are curious about their faith and the world and who want to explore in the company of a circle of friends. The circle expands easily, and we would be delighted to have you join us. The class is completing its discussion of Michael Sandel’s book, Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do and will read Hans Kung’s new book, What I Believe when it comes out in November. Check with Margaret Chan (301/656-5034) if you have questions or to reserve a copy of the book. We serve real coffee, so please feel free to drop by any Sunday. Open Forum (Meets from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in Geneva Hall, second floor, Education Building, street side) The Open Forum offers a forum for the discussion of a variety of topics on the intersection of faith and life. Join us in October for a discussion of these topics:
November 7—NO CLASS (10:00 a.m. worship followed by all-church luncheon) November 14 – Update on Shikikho. Come hear more about news from the village of Shikokho (in western Kenya) through a report from Bonnie Norman who visited there this summer with two of her children and learn abou plans for another visit to the village in the summer of 2011. November 21 – Christmas Giving Through Gifts of Hope. One of the longstanding mission efforts of CCPC is the Gifts of Hope Market, scheduled for December 5, 12, and 19 this year. Join us as we learn in more detail of the ministries and causes which benefit from your giving, so that you can prepare your shopping list now! November 28 – NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Weekend)
Wednesday Mornings (Bi-Monthly) The Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group is continuing its study of the Revelation to John twice a month in Geneva Hall on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:30 – 12:30 noon. A calendar and our study guide, Breaking the Code ($10.00) are available from study leader, Lynn Jostes. Contact Grace Hyslop for more details. Come join us as we explore the vivid images and often confusing symbolism of this intriguing book. See you in class!
Wednesday Evenings (Monthly) The Young Women’s Bible Study has reorganized and invites all young women of the congregation to join their study and fellowship! Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of the month (in November on the 17th) at 8:00 p.m. in Room 350-B (third floor, Education Building, street side.) Bring your Bibles and join us and teacher, Lynn Jostes, for some great discussion of the Gospel of John!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS EXHIBITION OF WATERCOLORS Mimi Morse November 6 2010— January 30, 2011 Geneva Hall at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Sunday Mornings 9 to noon Weekdays: call first 202-363-2202 Opening Reception Saturday, November 6 3—6 PM
HELPING OLDER ADULTS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME Tuesday, November 9 at 7:30 PM, Geneva Hall Have you or someone you know made the decision to remain living independently at home in later years? Are you wondering what plans can be made for older adults living at home to insure safety, security, and wellbeing? Do you need to know how to offer help or ask for help when assistance may be needed or other arrangements should be made? And what resources and support networks are available for older adults living at home or for their families? On Tuesday, November 9, Deb Rubenstein, MSW, LICSW, the Director of Consultation, Care Management and Counseling at Iona Senior Services, will be speaking with our Board of Deacons from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Anyone is invited to attend this presentation as we seek for answers to some of these questions. There is no cost for the program, and reservations are not needed.
SAVE THE DATE TO DECK THE HALLS! Mark you calendar and plan to join your church family as we Deck the Halls on Friday evening, December 3! The fun begins with dinner (catered by Boston Market) at 6:00 p.m. in Chadsey Hall followed by creating natural Christmas decorations and door hangings for the church, decorating cookies and trees, sharing with others, singing carols, and enjoying being together. The cost of the evening is $6.00 for adults (age 12 and up) and $3.00 per child (age 4-11; younger children eat free). A nursery will be available for infants and young preschoolers. The evening will conclude by 8:30 p.m. Reservations (to the Church Office 202/363-2202) are appreciated, but not required, though they help us know how to plan!
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764 Current membership number of people who pledge 355 Average pledge $2,945
266 number of adults nurtured in worship on a typical Sunday Number of children and teachers feasting on God’s word in Church School every week
101
$610 Cost per/person for Christian Education Cost of worship service $1,600
1,500 number of people who come to CCPC every week for assistance at TAP, to worship, Nursery School, After School Program, Narcotics Anonymous, Parkinson’s Support Group, English as a Second Language and much, much more.
portion of our income pie from pledges
86%
15% portion of our pie we spend on mission Monthly utility bill
$7,200
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A REVEALING BREAKDOWN OF OUR CONGREGATION’S GIVING PATTERNS
FIND WHERE YOU ARE ON THE CHART
WILL YOU GROW ONE STEP THIS YEAR?
CCPC YOUTH GROUP EVENTS 11/7: 5:30-8ish: Hearthstones (middle school) only youth event, bowling. Meet at the CCPC parking lot at 5:30pm. Bring $10 to help with the cost of the event. 11/14: 6-8pm: Alternative worship service, dinner and games. 11/19-20: Firesides (high school) mini mission trip to Philadelphia. We will be working with Broadstreet Ministries. Meet at CCPC at 3pm. We need to be in Philly by 7pm. 11/21: 6-8pm: Annual youth Thanksgiving dinner. 11/28: No youth group Sign up now for: Montreat! Volunteers are always needed for youth events. If you're interested in getting to know the youth better, contact Jennifer Griffin at jennifer@chevychasepc.org
ALTERNATIVE GIFTS MARKET AT CCPC The Gifts of Hope alternative gift market opens in Chadsey Hall after services on December 5, 12 and 19. Consider making some of your presents this year Gifts of Hope to the needy around the world. Look for the 2010 Gifts of Hope Catalogue in the December issue of the Gateway.
Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church ...“Where Faith and Life Intersect”
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