Christ Congregational Church

Calendar
Donate
Menu

Author: Matt Braddock

May 25 Worship Materials

May 25 Worship Materials

Worship This Sunday: A Communion of Memory

Memorial Weekend | 10:30 AM

This Memorial Weekend, we gather for A Communion of Memory—a sacred space to honor those who shaped us during times of conflict, and to reflect on the struggles that formed our lives.

In place of a traditional sermon, Pastor Matt and Pastor Aubra will offer  reflections, followed by an invitation for members of the congregation to share their own stories in response to this prompt:

“What was the war when you were being formed? Is there a lasting peace?”

This “war” might have been the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Second Gulf War in Iraq, Desert Storm, or the War in Afghanistan.

We each carry our own stories.
And we are shaped by the people who stood with us—
mentors, chosen family, siblings, elders.
Maybe even a stranger who showed up when it mattered.

We invite open sharing.

After worship, during coffee hour, we’ll write simple notes of gratitude or remembrance on red hearts to send to residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC.

Come as you are. Bring your memories. Share if you feel led—or simply listen.
Together, we’ll practice sacred remembering.

Download the Bulletin

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

May 18 Worship Materials

May 18 Worship Materials

 

Worship With Us This Sunday May18  |  10:30am

 

Budget Hearing Town Hall Meeting 
with Potluck Brunch Following the Service

(Child Care provided for all ages.) 

This Sunday at Christ Congregational Church
“Feathers of Resilience” — A Service of Strength, Spirit, and Soaring Hope

🕊️ Worship at 10:30 AM | Brunch & Budget Hearing to Follow

This week, we gather as a community of spiritual seekers, truth tellers, and tenderhearted activists. Whether you’re weary, curious, returning, or just testing the waters, you are welcome here.

Our worship will lift you—through gospel echoes of Deep River, the soaring words of Isaiah, and a sermon titled “Feathers of Resilience” that reminds us we rise best when we rise together. Pastor Matt will guide us in remembering the strength we find in love, in community, and in the grace that carries us when our own wings falter.

We’ll honor the small, everyday offerings that sustain us—rides, casseroles, notes, presence—and dedicate them as acts of sacred generosity. And we’ll sing, pray, and show up for each other like we always do: with joy and honesty and maybe a few laughs.

After worship, stick around for brunch and our annual Budget Hearing Town Hall. We’ll nourish body and soul, then lean into our shared commitment to shaping the future of CCC. Please see sign up link below.

Childcare provided. Compassion required. Curiosity encouraged.
Come as you are—there’s a seat for you.

 

CLICK Here for the bulletin

Here is the signup link for the Potluck Brunch
following the service this Sunday May 18.

 

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

May 11 Worship Materials

May 11 Worship Materials

Worship With Us This Sunday May 11th!  |  10:30am
 

Mothers’ Day
Intergenerational Orchestra Performs
Coffee / Social Hour After the Service


Pastor Matt Braddock, Pastor Aubra Love, and Music Director Sam Wack will lead us in worship this Mothers’ Day Sunday, and we will enjoy hearing the Intergenerational Orchestra perform. The Intergenerational Orchestra (IO) represents musicians of all ages and experience, and gives everyone in the congregation an opportunity to participate together. This tradition has been going on for decades at CCC. This coming Sunday May 11th, the Intergenerational Orchestra will be performing repertoire from the baroque and classical periods during the worship service. Selections include: “Theme from Choral Fantasia” by Ludwig van Beethoven, and “Country Round” by Joseph Haydn. 

We will honor the mothers and caregivers in our lives, in all forms, backgrounds and situations — with an inclusive and broad definition of mothering and motherhood. Pastor Matt will offer a sermon, “Singing a New Song”, based on Psalm 96:1-3.


Here is the bulletin for this Sunday.


Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592

April 20 Easter Worship

April 20 Easter Worship

Rising: An Easter Celebration
April 20, 2025, 10:30am

Side entrance on Ballard Street
8900 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Please join us in person or via Zoom for our Easter celebration! Our Easter theme this year is “Rising” — We are rising with Jesus, and Jesus is always rising in us, through us, and ahead of us. This will be a service that is rooted, fresh, and full of energy. This is Easter that rises with us. 

The Chancel Choir, with Lynne Joseloff, keyboard, will perform the Sacred Overture, “Lord God Be Praised” by Giovanni Gabrieli;  “God is Gone Up with a Shout” by David Angerman and Joseph M. Martin; “Alleluia” by Randall Thompson; and, with Orchestra, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from The Messiah by G. F. Handel.

Pastor Matt will offer a sermon, “The Courage to Rise”, which invites us into the ongoing call to rise, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Here is bulletin for this Sunday. And here is the insert for this Sunday, which features all of our wonderful Easter Lily and Azalea dedications.


For those attending in person: There WILL be Church School and Little Lambs class this Sunday – including an Easter egg hunt during our class time!

For those joining us remotely, please join using our usual Zoom worship link, which is this one:

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

April 6 Worship Materials

April 6 Worship Materials

Please join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM for a meaningful time of worship, reflection, and community at Christ Congregational Church. Pastors Matt Braddock and Aubra Love will lead us through a service filled with music, scripture, prayer, and communion. Be inspired by the words of Jonah and John, as we reflect on themes of love poured out with abandon and the beauty of extravagant generosity.

This week, we’ll celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion—an open table where all are welcome. Whether you come with hope, grief, or longing, bring your whole self to this sacred space. Together, we will breathe deeply, sing joyfully, and embrace the fullness of God’s love.

Come as you are. There is room for you here.

For online giving, visit: https://cccsilverspring.breezechms.com/give/online.

Download the Bulletin

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Worship Materials for March 30

Worship Materials for March 30

Join us for a special time of worship and reflection, where we come together to celebrate love, hope, and community. Pastor Matt Braddock, Pastor Aubra Love, and Music Director Sam Wack will guide us through a service that honors the sacredness of all lives, including a tribute to Trans Day of Visibility. As we continue building our “nest” of safety, love, and support, we are reminded that our nests are not only for rest but also for sending, empowering us to share God’s love and grace. We invite you to be part of this journey, whether you’re seeking a place of refuge or ready to take flight into the world with renewed strength. All are welcome to experience God’s presence and the joy of worship with us.

Download the Bulletin

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

,

March 23 Worship Materials

March 23 Worship Materials

Join Us for a Special Sunday Worship!

This Sunday at 10:30 a.m., we will gather for our first service in our new worship space at 8900 Georgia Ave.  Pastor Matt, Pastor Aubra, Sam Wack, and our diligent volunteers have lovingly prepared this new worship space and are excited to welcome you. Their hard work and care reflect the spirit of hospitality and love that defines our community.

Highlights of the service include:

  • Musical Offerings from the Chancel Choir, including “Draw the Circle Wide” and “Ride the Chariot” 
  • A sermon by Pastor Matt Braddock,  “A Place to Nest”
  • Blessing our new worship space with prayers for accessibility, inclusion, and shared grace 
  • A special community-building activity: creating a symbolic nest together  

Join us in person or online as we celebrate this new chapter in our shared spiritual journey. Let’s build a “nest” of kindness, courage, and love together!  

We will be worshipping from now on every Sunday at 10:30am in our new location: the social hall (side entrance on Ballard Street) at 8900 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Join us! Our new worship space is fully wheelchair accessible and open, affirming and welcoming to all. Parking for CCC is available across Ballard Street in the Department of Health and Human Services parking lot.

And no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.  

Download the Bulletin

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399

We are Concluding our Calendar of CCC Post-Worship Conversations this Sunday for Women’s History Month!

This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” This
theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who
have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.
Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all
generations — both past and present. CCC Men are warmly encouraged to participate.

 

This Sunday March 23rd
Fourth Week of Women’s History Month

Exploring Social Justice History: in our own Beloved Community

In a post-worship opening talk by CCC’s Donna Whittlesey Miller, a native of  Silver Spring, Maryland, we
will reflect upon the Social Justice History of Montgomery County in
stories that involve CCC and other Silver Spring churches.

You are invited to gather after morning worship in our new worship space, downstairs in the Social Hall, to
chat and chew with our CCC folks on this fourth Sunday of Women’s
History Month. We will have a conversation and brief Q&A following
Donna’s presentation facilitated by Pastor Aubra Love. CCC Men are warmly encouraged to participate.

March 9 Worship

March 9 Worship

Join Us This Sunday March 9 at 10 AM DST* 
combined worship service with SSUMC

*Be sure to take Daylight Savings Time into account this weekend!
 
The pastors of CCC and SSUMC will lead a combined worship service this First Sunday in Lent, March 9th, in the main sanctuary at SSUMC at 10 AM. CCC’s Chancel Choir and SSUMC’s Choir will sing together during the worship service this Sunday. SSUMC is located at 8900 Georgia Avenue.
 
Like last Sunday, Child Care for children 5 and under will be available in the sanctuary “Pray Ground” area. Sunday School for age 4 through 1st grade, and Children’s Chapel for 2nd grade through 5th, is also available. (If you have any questions about childcare or church school, you can reach out to Kristen at brown.jk@verizon.net, or Lindsay at lindsayv@cccsilverspring.org.)
 
The service will be live-streamed via the SSUMC website, Facebook, and YouTube pages. Please note, we will NOT use our CCC Zoom link this week.
 
Here is the bulletin for this Sunday

Join us after worship in the Chapel for a “Family Gathering” for CCC and our Women’s History Month Author Event & Post-Worship Conversation.

In a post-worship sharing, Pastor Aubra Love will offer an author event by reading from her recent work. Her book, Our Lactating God: The Embodied Amen is currently in pre-release and available for pre-order from Pilgrim Press and all other book outlets. The book reading will be followed by a conversation facilitated by Pastor Matt Braddock. We will gather after morning worship in the SSUMC Chapel to chat and chew with a gathering of our CCC folks on this second Women’s History Sunday. CCC Men are warmly encouraged to participate.

February 23 Worship Materials

February 23 Worship Materials

 



THIS Sunday, Feb 23 | 10 AM worship with SSUMC
 
The pastors of CCC and SSUMC will lead a combined worship service this
Sunday, February 23rd, in the main sanctuary at SSUMC at 10 AM. CCC’s
Chancel Choir and SSUMC’s Choir will also sing together this Sunday.
 
SSUMC is located at 8900 Georgia Avenue. While there, come check out how our new office spaces are coming along!
 
As a heads up, Governor Moore is planning on attending worship with us
that day. Please be prepared for the presence of police and security
that day. While planning to offer a welcome during worship, this is not a
campaign event for the Governor.
 
Our friends from Journey Films, the documentarians present at our final
service at 9525, will also be in attendance, capturing this “full
circle” moment for our congregations.
 
Child Care for children 5 and under will be provided by Dwelley Gardner
and Kristen Brown with familiar toys in the sanctuary “Pray Ground”
area. Sunday School for age 4 through 1st grade, and Children’s Chapel
for 2nd grade through 5th, is also available. (If
you have any questions about childcare or church school, you can reach
out to Kristen at brown.jk@verizon.net, or Lindsay
at lindsayv@cccsilverspring.org.)
 
Our service will be live-streamed via the SSUMC website, Facebook, and YouTube pages. Please note, we will NOT use our CCC Zoom link this week.
 
Here is the bulletin for this Sunday, which has been prepared by SSUMC.
 
After the service, you are invited to attend a Black History Month Lecture with Guest George Derek Musgrove, Ph.D., this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the SSUMC sanctuary.

February 9 Worship Materials

February 9 Worship Materials

Celebrate online Sunday worship
 
Join us this Sunday February 9th at 10:30am Via Zoom
for the Second Sunday of Black History Month!

Holy One,

In a world that moves too fast,

where news cycles spin and hearts race,

where the weight of injustice and grief can leave us breathless,

we come to You. 

We are delighted to invite you to worship with us. Christ Congregational Church is an inclusive community of spiritual seekers where we honor and celebrate people of all races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Worship will be via Zoom only this Sunday. Pastor Aubra and Pastor Matt will lead us in worship — and Carlean Ponder, Justice and Witness Engagement Area Coordinator and our Lay Reader this Sunday, will lead us in prayer and will read selections from the Psalms on the theme of breath and breathing. 

Every breath is an opportunity for praise, a reminder of God’s presence in our lives.


Pastor Matt will share a sermon entitled Sermon, “Breathe, Just Breathe”, based on John 20:21-22. Music Director Sam Wack will lead our musical worship experience, including “Steal Away,” a traditional Spiritual. Come as you are and find connection, hope, peace, and grace in our welcoming spiritual community.

Here is the bulletin for this Sunday (Zoom only)

Join Zoom Worship

https://zoom.us/j/119508399

Meeting ID: 119 508 399

Dial In via Phone

1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 119 508 399