The Seed Newsletter
February 20, 2022
THIS WEEK AT CHRISTIAN TEMPLE
We have a treat in store for all those who plan to worship with us this Sunday, either in person or online. John Griffin will be sharing his experiences of growing up as a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina. John's dad was a minister and his Disciples roots go all the way back to his grandparents in the 19th century. In addition to hearing John's testimony we'll hear a little about our African American Disciples history and how we have lived with, and attempted to address, the presence of racism in our past and present. Join us as we celebrate our diversity this Sunday!
Remember, we will be welcoming people to worship with us in-person and asking that everyone wear a mask while they're in the building. We will also be streaming the service live, on YouTube. Once the service is over, you will be able to watch it on Facebook and YouTube.
AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT MINISTRY UPDATE
THE MOHAMMEDY FAMILY
Thanks to your overwhelming generosity we have gotten the Mohammedy family settled into their new home. Nasir and Maryam Mohammedy continue to offer their thanks for all that you have done. The latest update on the family is that Nasir was able to get a phone, and now has a bicycle. He hopes to use both to secure employment nearby until he is able to get a driver's license and, ultimately, a vehicle.
THE ZAFAR FAMILY
Early this week we became aware of a second family that was in need of settlement. The Zafar family is one of only a few families remaining at Fort Dix in New Jersey, a location that will soon close for resettlement. Soon, all the families remaining at Fort Dix will be transferred to other bases around the country. Mr. Zafar is a journalist (which made him a target in his home) and he feels it will be easier for him to find work in his profession here in the Baltimore, Washington, Virginia area. They will be arriving in Cockeysville on Friday to an apartment very near where the Mohammedys are living.
At a meeting on Tuesday our Afghan Resettlement Team decided (on your behalf) that we would take on this second family and help them in the same way we helped the Mohammedys. We realize that we can't keep taking on more families, and will focus exclusively on these two once we get the Zafars into their home. But, we also realized the value and possibilities in working with a second family that will be living very close to the first. The Zafars are a family of five with three little boys, ages seven, four and two.
Already the team has assembled many of the items we will need to help the Zafars move in over the next two weeks. Items still needed are listed in the attached flyer.
HOW CAN I HELP?
There are several ways we can be part of this important, timely and transformative effort. Some things we need very soon. Other items will be needed over time as we seek to help these two families assimilate into their new homes.
Financial contributions- This ministry came up long after the congregation created our budget for this year. So, while we may incorporate this outreach as an ongoing ministry next year, we could use financial contributions now that will go toward things like rental assistance, gift cards and school supplies. The critical need now is to underwrite the security deposit and the first month's rent for the apartment AND to purchase mattresses and beds for the Zafar family. You may give online using the Afghan Resettlement tab or write a check to Christian Temple with Afghan Resettlement mentioned in the Memo. Also, Target and Food Lion Gift Cards would be helpful as these stores are within walking distance of both families. Uber gift cards might be helpful too, as the need for travel to and from appointments becomes necessary.
Help on Moving Day, Saturday, February 26th- We will need people and trucks on Saturday, February 26th to load up furniture and supplies at Christian Temple (and maybe other nearby locations!) and take them to Cockeysville. The transportation help will most likely be needed in the morning, while we will need a few people to help move things in a little later in the day.
Longer Term Volunteering- As time goes on we will need people to continue to help. Families with children (or not!) might want to volunteer to play with the kids and help them learn english. We will be able to help with transportation to and from appointments. Computer setup assistance might be helpful. A whole array of opportunities will open as we work with these brave families. Maybe offering to help once a month to do "whatever" would suit you? Or maybe a more specific offer might make sense.
Groceries- Please see the attached flyer for guidance on groceries that we hope to deliver both to our families and to families who are staying in hotels in the area until they find homes.
CLICK HERE to see the Mohammedy's thank you note to Christian Temple Members & Friends! And don't forget to look at the attached flyer and keep it handy!
THE ART OF NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
The Fourth (sort of) Annual Congregational Symposium Sponsored by the Christian Temple Elders, Saturday, March 12th 9:30 to 11 am
In these divisive times, when there are so many topics and issues that threaten to disrupt our families, our circles of friends, our communities and our congregations, there is a way of communicating that allows us to better connect with each other. Nonviolent Communication, developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, offers us a way to communicate with each other that increases our ability to live with choices, helps us connect empathetically with others, and allows us to share resources that benefit everyone.
On Saturday, March 12th from 9:30 to 11 am the elders invite all members of the congregation to gather over Zoom. We will be led by John Earl Rich, ordained Disciples minister who grew up at Christian Temple and who has used this technique in his ministry. There is no cost for this event but you are encouraged to purchase a copy of the book Nonviolent Communication written by Rosenberg which is available on Amazon or at the website https://www.cnvc.org/bookstore/books/NVC-A-Language-of-Life-3rd-Edition
CAW & TRANSORMERS FAMILY- INFORMATION REQUESTED
A Note from Kecia Johnson...
Please help to update our records! I am asking ALL Christian Temple families with kids aged Birth to 8th Grade to complete and submit this Form ---> https://forms.gle/h2bDFT7d7LkBHfE39
CAW & TRANSFORMERS- HELPING OUR COMMUNITY!
Hello CAW/Transformer Families! This February let us show "some love" to our local community by filling the Little Free Pantry (upper parking lot of Christian Temple Church). Sign-Ups are every Wednesday and Sunday in February. Please, refer to the email from Ms. Kecia for Pantry suggestions.
Sign-Up here ---> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44A8A928A1F9C34-love
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CHALLENGE
From Laurie Lane...
If you are interested in increasing your awareness and understanding of systemic racism, please try some of the activities in this year's Black History Month Challenge Calendar. The following link will take you directly to the calendar as well as 2 other pages that give details and links to the activities, along with the time needed for each:
If you would like to learn more about the committee and/or have your name added to the email list so you can read about upcoming events and actions being taken, please contact Jeff Bolognese at jbolognese@gmail.com or Vickie Lord at lord.victoria@gmail.com.
9:00 O'CLOCK FORUM
NEW SESSION! Groundhog Day: The Effects of the Pandemic on Our Mental Health
Feel like we are not getting anywhere with the pandemic? You are not alone. Join us (Sundays, 9 AM) as we explore how the pandemic is affecting our mental health, including those of us who were already living with mental health challenges.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Every Wednesday at 9:30 to 11 AM, a group of Christian Temple members meet via Zoom to learn and discuss topics about Christianity, the Bible, other religions of the book, religious history, and a variety of other religious topics. Beginning on January 26, 2022 and for the next 23 weeks we will be studying about “Jesus and His Jewish Influences.” If you are interested in furthering your understanding of Christian traditions, practices, and theology we invite you to join us on our journey.
We know that Jesus was born of Jewish parents, that he obtained Jewish religious training, and preached throughout Judea his understanding and views of biblical Jewish law. His followers carried on his teachings, practices, and legacy through Christianity. The aim of this study is to obtain an understanding of how Jesus’s teachings and views were shaped by his Jewish background and context, and illustrated by selected passages from the canonical Gospel accounts. Use this Zoom link to join us: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678926477?pwd=Yno4ZW01RER0a00zNGlnWUFyWE9wQT09
WATSON HALL- NEW YEAR SALE! (By Appt Only)
The New Year is always a good time for a change! Watson Hall Montessori School is in the process of selling a portion of its classroom furniture and educational toys. So much stuff accumulates over the years! If you are interested in purchasing some of these items, please contact Kenda Watson at kenkenwatson78@gmail.com She would be able to tell you a general description of what is left and also set up a date/time for you to view these items.
KIDS CHOIR WELCOMES ALL KIDS!
Each Sunday from 10:15-10:45, the Kids Choir meets on Zoom to learn about Jesus through music. We'd love to have your child join us this Sunday! The Zoom link is also posted each week in the Sunday Morning Worship & Information email.
TRADITIONAL CHURCH DIRECTORY
The church directory is now back up on the website! It is password protected, so you will need to log-in to your Members & Friends account to view the directory. This document is updated every month or so and should provide you with the latest contact information. (A revision date is on the lower front cover of the church directory.) Please know that we only include contact information in this document that a member or friend would like to have published.
As always, feel free to contact Robin by email office@christiantemple.org or phone 410-747-2041 if you would like to make any changes or additions to your information.
To view the directory, please CLICK HERE
If you are not logged into your Members & Friends account, then please follow the directions on the Traditional Church Directory page (located under Archives). If you have any difficulties, please feel free to contact Robin.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO ISN'T RECEIVING THE SEED?
Our email distribution lists are almost up-to-date, but we are concerned that we may have missed a friend or two during this process. 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!
ZOOM LINKS!
Wednesday Bible Study, Wednesdays (9:30 AM)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678926477?pwd=Yno4ZW01RER0a00zNGlnWUFyWE9wQT09
The Well, Thursdays (6:30 PM)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89200881845
9:00 Forum, Sundays (9 AM)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/602793616
Children's Choir, Sundays (10:15- 10:45 AM)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87001372088
