Christian Temple - The Seed: May 7, 2023

The Seed: May 7, 2023

Dear Christian Temple Family,

Two days ago, the US Surgeon General drew America's attention to what we've known for a long time: we are in the midst of an epidemic of loneliness. It is both striking to consider and not surprising. Loneliness is a public health issue which means community can help us lead healthier lives, in every sense of the word.

Now, I want to be clear here in saying that some of us can be surrounded by community and still feel lonely, still be depressed, still have chemical imbalances, and still be unhealthy. But I think that we can agree that community helps us get through that a little more whole.

As I have been thinking about the role of the church in 2023, I wonder if we are poised to step in a fill this gaping hole in our society with regard to loneliness. What if the church--our church, in particular--could be a fixture in promoting public health?

I think we can. Maybe we already are, simply because we are in community with each other.

Community is important, y'all. Relationships literally save our lives. I hope we can continue to live into that as a church body. That is part of the reason why I often find myself laughing when someone asks, "Is this event for us or for the community?" To me, there is no difference.

We are the community.

Grace and peace,

Katie

BIKE RODEO

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 7th (1:30pm). We will be having 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.

Bring the kids and bring the bikes!

Hotdogs and refreshments will be served!

Activities:
-Bike Maintenance
-Tips and Tricks
-Safety and Wellness

May 7th - 1:30 p.m. - Christian Temple (lower) parking lot

CAMP & CONFERENCE

If you haven't started already, it is time NOW to begin thinking about Summer Camps. Take a look at the BROCHURE to view all the opportunities that are available!

Online Camp Registration is open now at app.campdoc.com/register/ccca

For Early-Bird rates, camper scholarship resources, and other details, please visit cccadisciples.org/camp

Questions: Email campregistrar@cccadisciples.org or call 301-942-8266

The 2023 Camp Brochure is also attached to this email for you to print or download.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please send us pictures of your child(ren) with their family, mentors, church members, and friends! We want to celebrate the community we are building together as a church and share the love and care we give to all of our children. Pictures of hugs and smiles are greatly appreciated! Pictures of grandchildren are wonderful as well!

A digital copy is best as we are hoping to create a wonderful montage for our May 14th service. Please send via email to office@christiantemple.org If you do not have a digital copy, but have a hard copy to share, then that is fine too. Please drop it off at the church office on Sunday (May 7th) in an envelope with your name on it. We will do our best to get it back to you promptly. Thank you!

Be part of worship to bless the builders, the resources, and the homeowners, and then help frame a house right in the Exhibit Hall! Join Week of Compassion on Sunday morning at General Assembly, and stop by afterwards to leave words of blessing within the walls. Spots are limited, so add this to your General Assembly registration and more information will follow soon!

LECTIO AT LUNCH

Join us from your office or home on Wednesdays (12pm Noon) 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.

Please use the Zoom link below to join:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86986398860?pwd=Ync1V0MwQ3hNNkV0MmFSV3dvcExPUT09

NEW! FORUM TOPIC: History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

For the next few Sundays in 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 on Zoom at 9AM.

Sundays (9 AM), Zoom Sessions Only: https://zoom.us/j/91547210479

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.

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

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, May 7th. The choir will be singing on May 14th!

Transformers will be in session on May 7th! 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!

Lectio at Lunch (12 PM Noon) - Zoom Sessions Only

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86986398860?pwd=Ync1V0MwQ3hNNkV0MmFSV3dvcExPUT09

Nine O' Clock Forum, Sundays (9 AM), Zoom Sessions Only

https://zoom.us/j/91547210479

Wednesday Bible Study (9:30 AM), Zoom Sessions Only

https://zoom.us/j/94040874646

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!