The Seed Newsletter: January 29, 2023
Dear Christian Temple Family,
What a season, eh? With all of the viruses, rain, and cold weather, I hope this message finds you healthy, safe, and sound.
There are so many things on the horizon that are going to be meaningful for Christian Temple. You may have seen in the last Joys and Concerns that we will be postponing the Chili Cook-Off. On February 12, which is also Super Bowl Sunday, we will gather after Worship for a little tasty competition. More information about submitting your entry next week. The lunch fellowship will be followed by a movie matinee with the children led by Kecia Johnson, with a parent’s meeting led by Katie Callaway at the same time. Don’t worry, you will be out in time to put together your Super Bowl Nachos.
I think most of the congregation knows now that Mark Wilson has officially announced his retirement for June of this year. There are so many words of gratitude and love that need to be shared and, luckily, we have a few months to share them before John and Mark travel the world. There will be more information passed along about celebrations and ways to thank Mark for a job well done for over 20 years.
Mark has made a big impact on your new Co-Pastors in a very short amount of time. We look forward to expressing all of the joy and gratitude with you all.
Stay warm, Christian Temple!
Much love,
John
*We will be holding an in-person service at 11 AM, and also streaming the service live on YouTube. Once the service is over, you will still be able to watch it on YouTube or Facebook at your convenience.
Click Here to go directly to Christian Temple's YouTube Channel.
 COOK-OFF BEFORE THE KICK-OFF
For a variety of reasons, it has been decided to postpone the Chili Cook-off. With illnesses going around and busy schedules for many, it makes sense to wait until another day. The Chili Cook-off has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 12th, immediately after the worship service.
We know it is also Super Bowl Sunday, but just think of our cook-off as the appetizer to an overall fun day! We will even have a "Favorite Chili" contest. Each vote will cost $1 and all donations will be used to purchase supplies for the 2023 Kid's Easter Egg Hunt. We hope you can make it!
WATSON HALL OPEN HOUSE
CHANGE OF DATES
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Watson Hall Montessori School Open House has been rescheduled.
Please reach to Kenda Watson for the new dates and times. We truly apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your support.
NEW DATES AND TIMES BELOW:
CLICK HERE to view a pdf or scroll down to the bottom of this email to see the flyer!
 9 O'CLOCK FORUM
We hope you will consider joining our 9AM Sunday Forum for thoughtful discussion and reflection. On January 29th, we will have a guest speaker in our group. Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, director of Christian World Service's DC Regional Office, will be presenting on "Immigration: Challenges and Faith Responses".
Please use this link to join us: https://zoom.us/j/91547210479
 OUR KIDS NEED YOU
Are you interested in giving back? We need volunteers willing to be in a rotation every 6-8 weeks for the Transformers. If you want to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Katie Callaway or Kecia Johnson. Background checks will be required to participate.
 SPECIAL SPIRITUAL FORMATION POP-UP EVENT
On February 2nd, starting at 6:45pm, we will gather around to learn, discuss, and experiment with creative writing as a spiritual practice. Join us for this engaging webinar and community building experience that will surely be memorable and meaningful.
https://pres-outlook.org/product/creative-writing-as-a-spiritual-practice/?fbclid=IwAR0lkh6_uPEhuVN0-B1q50eXG5FhlZtf4D1wad9KzntbkxvGftC5YWDOw2Q
FARMERS' MARKET - NEW DATES!
The next Farmer's Market will be held on February 8th. (There will be no market on February 1st.) Please see the new dates below:
February 8th and 22nd (10 to Noon)
March 8th and 22nd (10 to Noon)
April 2nd, 19th, and 26th (9 to Noon)
Every Wednesday starting in May!
Please let you friends and neighbors know. We apologize for any inconvenience.
IMPORTANT TAX STATEMENT INFORMATION
This year, in an effort to save postage fees ---and trees!--- the 2022 statement reflecting your contributions to Christian Temple will be sent electronically if we have an email address on file for you.
Statements will be sent directly from the church Financial Secretary ( kari.t.barnes@comcast.net ) in the next few weeks, so check your spam folder occasionally!
The Children's Choir will be meeting on January 29th (10:15 am). Hope to see you there!
Transformers will also be meeting this Sunday, January 29th. Kids will leave to participate in the program right after the Children’s Moment during our worship service. Kecia Johnson is the Education Coordinator for Christian Temple who also leads this group. Kecia will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the Transformer program and schedule.
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!
ZOOM LINKS!
Nine O' Clock Forum, Sundays (9 AM), Zoom Sessions Only
https://zoom.us/j/91547210479
We hope you will consider joining our 9AM Sunday Forum for thoughtful discussion and reflection. The topic for January 29th is "Immigration: Challenges and Faith Responses" with Dr. Sharon Stanley Rea as Presenter/speaker.
Wednesday Bible Study (9:30 AM), Zoom Sessions Only
https://zoom.us/j/94040874646
Beginning on Wednesday, November 2 and for the next 24 weeks the Wednesday Bible Study group will begin a new study on “Understanding the New Testament.” The course is led by Professor David Brakke, Ph.D. This is a 24 lecture series that takes us behind the scenes to study not only the text of the New Testament, but also the authors and the world in which it was created. The course explores Jewish lives under Roman occupation, reflects on the apocalyptic mood of the first and second centuries A. D., witnesses the early Christians’ evangelism beyond the Jewish communities, and witnesses the birth of a faith that continues to shape our world today.
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 this fall 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.
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