The Seed: April 16, 2023
Dear Christian Temple Family,
I'm still on cloud-9 after Easter Sunday. All I can say is wow. I consider it such a gift that my first Easter as a pastor was with you all. From the introit to smashing eggs on the kids' heads to joining our voices with the women at the tomb who proclaimed "Christ is Risen," it was a wonderfilled whirlwind.
We move into this season of Easter in recognition that even with our spectacular celebration--even with a filled sanctuary (thanks that the fire marshall didn't come!) and bright, beautiful music--the celebration of Easter cannot be contained in a day.
May the Easter spirit remain with us in the days and weeks to come, journeying with us through these Great Fifty Days, transforming us, and holding us in hope and joy.
Best,
Katie
LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE
On April 30th, we are asking all leaders of teams, committees, and boards to meet together with the pastors for a time of sharing in order to best understand the institutional needs and opportunities of the church. The meeting will begin at 1:30pm in the Library.
BIKE RODEO
Mark your calendars for May 12th. Immediately following worship, we will have a Bike Rodeo in the lower parking lot. This will be a service for the entire community to learn about bike safety, but mostly an opportunity to mingle and fellowship with one another over two wheels or two legs.
LECTIO AT LUNCH
Lectio at Lunch begins April 19th at 12pm on Zoom. Join us from your office or home for 45 minutes of lectio divina on the upcoming week's Gospel lesson. For more on the practice of lectio divina, click here. For questions, contact Katie@christiantemple.org.
NEW! FORUM TOPIC: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
For the next 6 Sundays in April and May, we will be exploring the early American church, learning about the founders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), from a frontier religious movement to a 21 Century mainline Christian denomination. If you are interested in knowing about the history and polity of our church denomination, please joint us at 9 AM on Zoom.
FIFTH SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP! (APRIL 30TH, IMMEDIATELY AFTER WORSHIP)
Join us on the fifth Sunday of the month for a fun time of fellowship. Refreshments will be served! Catch-up with some friends and make a few new ones as well! All Are Welcome!
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION SHARED AT THE LISTENING LUNCHEON
Missed being able to attend the Listening Luncheon? Please use this link to view a PowerPoint presentation that was shared at the meeting.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12UMcYY0yHuIaR9FADUQeqYD98oI136i-/view
ATTENTION POTENTIAL GARDNERS
If you are interested in having a garden plot this summer please email Kim Junker at rio_jo@yahoo.com and she will assign you a plot. The plots are $10 a year which includes access to the church’s outdoor water source. The garden plots are located behind the church near the baseball diamond. The plots will need some extra TLC this season since they have been unused during the pandemic.
WOMEN'S RETREAT | MAY 6th | 10am-4:30pm
Join us as we embark upon a communal journey of lyrical listening that will include building relationships, breaking bread, and plenty of laughter. Sign up here.
CATONSVILLE GIVING CIRCLE
The Catonsville Giving Circle is sponsoring a free event to discuss human trafficking on April 17, 7-9 pm at Baltimore Co. Arts Guild Clubhouse, 10 St. Timothy’s Lane in Catonsville. Panel includes representatives from local agencies that support survivors in our community. Donations of women’s sanitary products will be collected. More info: CatonsvilleGiving@gmail.com
A NEW WAY TO CONTACT US!!
We have made a few changes to our email addresses... Feel free to reach out!
Katie Callaway- katie@christiantemple.org
John Callaway- john@christiantemple.org
Mark Wilson- mark@christiantemple.org
Kecia Johnson- kecia@christiantemple.org
Robin Picanso- office@christiantemple.org
COFFEE CONTAINERS NEEDED: URBAN HERBS PROGRAM
My Colleagues at the University of the District of Columbia use sustainable materials in their Urban Herbs Program. They are collecting coffee containers for a project. Students will grow their herbs in recyclable containers. They will paint and decorate the containers. The container can be any size and brand of coffee or similar containers. (pictures below)
Please save your coffee containers and bring them to church. There will be a collection box.
Thanks, Amy Luking (Please email amy.schweitzer@udc.edu with questions)
VOLUNTEER WITH THE KIDS!
We have the best opportunity before us: a whole lot of kids and a need for adults to help! Will you consider volunteering once a month (or even less often) to help Kecia wrangle and love our kids during Transformers? Click here to sign up
The Children's Choir will be meeting this Sunday, April 16th at 10:15 am! The kids will practice and learn a new song to get ready for another worship performance!
Transformers will be in session on April 16th! Kids will leave to participate in the program right after the Children’s Moment during our worship service. Kecia Johnson, the Education Coordinator for Christian Temple, will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the Transformer program and schedule.
ZOOM LINKS!
Nine O' Clock Forum, Sundays (9 AM), Zoom Sessions Only
Wednesday Bible Study (9:30 AM), Zoom Sessions Only
Join the Wednesday Bible Study! This group is exploring the study, “Understanding the New Testament.” There is no need to purchase books or course materials, as the WBS coordinator distributes appropriate reading materials and a Zoom link each week for each lecture. Please join us in learning about our Christian faith, its scriptures and authors. If you have questions, please contact Vaughn Ouellette at 410-313-9661 or email: vaughn.ouellette@verizon.net.
PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS POLICY UPDATED
The Official Church Board updated Christian Temple's Pandemic Preparedness Policy to more accurately reflect the current realities of the pandemic. Anyone who would like to see the policy as it now is written may CLICK HERE.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO ISN'T RECEIVING THE SEED?
If you know of anyone who isn't receiving the J&C and/or The Seed, please ask them to let the office know. Contact Robin at 410-747-2041 or at office@christiantemple.org. Thank you!
