The Seed Newsletter: April 2, 2023
Dear Christian Temple family,
I have had two highly formative experiences as a pastor in formation:
1. Starting a justice ministry as a coalition of 24 different congregations of all major religions
2. Being trained as a Godly Play facilitator
Both experiences brought different aspects of my ministerial goals to light, namely justice and spiritual formation. Both of these experiences made me a better human. Both of their lessons continue to echo in my mind and heart years later. Both began with a humble disposition, rooted in listening and a commitment to act on that which is spoken into the sacred gathering of community.
Both community organizing and spiritual formation begin with a very simple task of listening. And listening is different from hearing.*
Sunday we have an opportunity to begin the process of listening to one another using a spiritual practice to kick off our music director search process. This is going to be a foundational part of moving into the future together, united by our collective desire for inclusive community, moving musical experiences, and the creation of justice in our community. Please consider joining us and let us know you’re coming so we can be prepared for you!
Grace and peace,
Katie
*If you are partnered, ask your partner about the difference between listening and hearing. I bet you’ll be in for an interesting conversation.
WE NEED YOU TO RSVP!
Our Holy Week and Easter Schedule is complete. Dates and times are listed in the graphic above!
This Palm Sunday we will be hosting a Music Search Lunch Listening Session after worship (12:15 pm). Later in the week we will host a Maundy Thursday lunch fellowship, and there will also be an Easter Breakfast on Sunday. We need your reply so we will have enough food for everyone! If you plan to attend the Music Search Lunch Listening Session, Maundy Thursday Lunch, and/or the Easter Breakfast, please click this link to RSVP: Holy Week Meals
Thank you!
EASTER LILIES!
Remember your loved ones this Easter with a special dedication of an Easter Lily. Each lily costs $13 and may be taken home after the Easter worship service.
We have paper order forms on the Welcome Table right out side of the sanctuary, as well as an online order form and payment system. Just scan the QR code below or visit www.christiantemple.org!
Hello, Church Family!
This is Kecia Johnson, current Children's Educator Coordinator, asking for your help... Easter is fast approaching (Sunday, April 9th), and we are planning to return to a traditional Egg Hunt on Easter morning for our kiddos! Therefore, help is needed with two items in particular:
1) Goodies to "stuff" the Easter Eggs with... We do have a few kiddos with allergies to be mindful of (pistachios, walnuts, cashews, and latex - found in band aids, balloons, paint, and gloves, to name a few). Additionally, we would love to receive non-candy options. Some ideas might be stickers, stamps/stampers, slime, trinkets, bubbles, and any small-portioned items that would be found in the party/favor/birthday section of most stores. *Donated items may be placed in the large, clear bin located on the bench in The Gathering.
2) A few people to assist with physically filling the Easter Eggs. I have both daytime and evening availability during the week of April 2nd-8th. If interested, please email me at KeciaCTC@gmail.com or Call/Text at (410) 802-6053.
Thank you, family, for ALWAYS encouraging and supporting our church kiddos and Children's Ministry! 
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.
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
FARMERS' MARKET - NEW DATES!
Please see the upcoming dates below:
April 2nd, 19th, and 26th (9 to Noon)
Every Wednesday starting in May!
Don't forget to let your friends and neighbors know!
The Children's Choir will be meeting on April 2nd (10:15 am) to practice. The choir will also be singing in the service on Sunday!
Transformers will also be meeting this Sunday, April 2nd. 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!
