Christ Congregational Church

February 4 Worship Materials

February 4 Worship Materials

Embark on a dynamic and inviting worship experience led by Pastors Matt Braddock and Aubra Love. From soul-stirring preludes to uplifting hymns, this service is an open invitation to embrace the divine with tender hearts. Don Bruns, the Lay Reader, sets the tone for a warm and welcoming assembly, urging the community to intertwine in shared grace. Engaging scripture readings unfold like a sacred narrative, connecting the congregation to the rich tapestry of the Christian story. Pastor Matt Braddock’s meditation entitled “Benedictions” adds depth, emphasizing the power of strength in our lives. The Sacrament of Communion, celebrated with radical hospitality, becomes a moment of shared grace and connection. Please join us for a dynamic encounter with the divine, an open invitation to all seeking spiritual connection and community.

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

January 28 Worship Materials

January 28 Worship Materials

Step into the sacred space of our worship service this Sunday, where we seek the light of the Spirit to shine in us and through us, making us beacons of truth and compassion. The scripture readings, including Psalm 11 and Mark 1:21-28, resonate with the themes of gratitude, the awe of God, and the power of Jesus. Pastor Aubra Love delivers a thought-provoking sermon, “A Stranger in the City,” exploring the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings. Our service, woven with moments of silence, time with children, and an offertory of “Shepherd Me, O God,” promises to be a sanctuary for reflection and spiritual nourishment. Join us as we journey together in faith and community

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

January 21 Worship Materials

January 21 Worship Materials

Join us in a transformative worship service this Sunday, a sanctuary for reflection, unity, and grace. Pastor Aubra Love opens with a call from Amanda Gorman’s “New Day’s Lyric,” setting the tone for a day of coming together, mending, weathering, tending, and bettering. We’ll be lifted by the melodious strains of “It is Good to Give Thanks” by Jane Marshall, performed by the Chancel Choir. Pastor Matt Braddock delivers a sermon on “Unity’s Mosaic: Kaleidoscope of Grace,” drawing from Romans 14, reminding us to live lives of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The service weaves in moments of silence, time with children, and a prayerful benediction. Join us in creating a mosaic of unity and grace as we move forward together.

 

Souper Sunday Visioning Workshop
THIS SUNDAY January 21st
After Worship in the Social Hall

Please join us for a potluck luncheon that promises to nourish both body and soul. Our special guest, consultant Marc Kolp, will guide us in a visioning session, where we’ll explore the path towards a brighter and more unified future for our community. It’s a chance to come together, share a delicious meal, and conjure dreams for our shared journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, inspire, and let the flavors of compassion and unity flourish. Let us collectively shape the future where your presence contributes a distinctive voice to our congregation’s journey. ChildCare/KidCare will be provided. 

Please click here to learn more about the intent and intended outcomes of this Souper Sunday visioning session, as preparation for attending.

The Coffee Committee will provide beverages and cookies. We will need soup and bread or other sides. If you are able to plan ahead, please use this Signup Genius link. Note there are slots for cleanup volunteers as well.

Sorry, there will be no Zoom option for this event. Because of the nature of the table conversations and creative expressions, it will be in-person only. The Core Team will provide a full briefing to the congregation for those who cannot attend in person.

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

January 15 Worship Materials

January 15 Worship Materials

A Healthy Community is a Free Community

Pastor Matt and Pastor Aubra invite you to us for a transformative worship experience this Sunday as we commemorate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our special service, titled “A Healthy Community is a Free Community,” is a powerful exploration of the intersection of faith, health equity, and justice.

🎶 The Chancel Choir will open the service with a moving rendition of “Lord, for Thy Tender Mercies’ Sake” by Richard Farrant, setting the tone for a worship filled with spiritual resonance.

🙏 Call to Worship: Pastor Aubra Love will lead us in a reflection, reminding us of the interconnectedness of compassion, justice, and community. Drawing inspiration from Dr. King’s words, we’ll explore the profound mutuality that binds us together in our shared destiny.

🎵 Worship in Song: Lift your spirits with the hymn “What a Covenant,” echoing the joy of leaning on the everlasting arms, finding peace and blessedness in our faith.

🙌 Prayer of Invocation: Kerri Hufford from the Health and Wellness Ministry will guide us in seeking divine guidance for our reflections on health as a source of agency and self-determination. Join us in a prayer for the dismantling of barriers contributing to health disparities.

🗣️ Guest Speaker: Dia S. Hodnett, MPH, a distinguished public health strategist, will share insights on the theme “A Healthy Community is a Free Community.” Join us as we explore the powerful role of health in fostering a just and liberated society.

📖 Scripture Readings: Kerri Hufford will read Isaiah 58:6-8, urging us to reflect on the true essence of fasting and the call to break chains of oppression. Rev. Patricia White will bring Psalm 139:13-18, emphasizing our fearfully and wonderfully made nature.

👫 Time with Children: Pastor Matt Braddock will engage our younger members in an enriching session before they are dismissed for Church School.

🔊 Sermon: Rev. Jason Carson Wilson, an esteemed minister and advocate, will deliver the MLK Sunday Sermon, exploring the profound implications of Psalm 139:13-18 in the context of our collective journey toward justice and health.

🙏 Joys and Concerns | Pastoral Prayer: Pastor Matt Braddock will lead us in a moment of reflection, giving us the opportunity to share our joys and concerns and offering them up in prayer.

🌐 Call to Offering: Pastor Aubra Love invites us to contribute to the collective well-being and mission of the church. Your continued support ensures we can actively contribute to health, justice, and liberation.

🎼 Offertory: The Chancel Choir, with soloist Spencer Clark, will present “MLK” by U2, arranged by Bob Chilcott, offering a poignant musical tribute to the legacy of Dr. King.

🌈 Benediction: Concluding the service, Pastors Matt Braddock and Aubra Love will extend blessings, sending you forth with the spirit of compassion, justice, and community.

 

Join us for this enriching and empowering worship experience. Let’s come together to celebrate, reflect, and commit to fostering a healthy, just, and liberated community in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy. See you there!

 

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 January 7

Worship Materials for January 7

Embrace Liturgy: Rivers of Love and Communion Celebration | 10:30 AM

Please join us this Sunday for a special Embrace Liturgy as we delve into the transformative power of love and celebrate the sacrament of communion. Pastor Matt Braddock will guide us through a reflection on Romans 13:8-14, emphasizing the urgency of embracing one another with love as salvation draws near. The meditation, “Citizens of Love’s Republic,” will set the tone for a meaningful exploration of love’s radiant presence in our lives.

During our Embrace session, themed “Rivers of Love,” Pastor Matt and Pastor Aubra invite you to share your stories and experiences related to love. We invite you to speak about one of these suggested prompts, as you feel led by the Spirit:

* Reflect on a time when you extended love to someone, and it created a ripple effect, influencing others in positive ways.

* Recall a time when you encountered love in an unexpected place or from an unexpected source. How did this surprise expression of love reshape your perceptions and beliefs about the boundless nature of love?

* Share a story or experience when you witnessed or participated in an act of communal love within our church community. How did it impact you, and what does it reveal about the power of love in our shared journey?

The Table Celebration that follows invites us to partake in the sacred act of communion, recognizing the beauty of God’s signature in all aspects of life.

As we gather in unity and love, may this Embrace Liturgy be a source of inspiration and connection for us all. We look forward to sharing in this transformative experience with you.

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 Dec 31

Worship Materials for Dec 31

Pastors Matt Braddock and Aubra Love invite you to uor New Year’s Eve service will highlight themes of light, epiphany and return. Carlean Ponder, from our Justice and Witness Engagement area, is lay reader, and Colin Carmody will play organ. We will also enjoy a lovely arrangement of “Panus Angelicus,” sung by Karen O’Steen and Jessica Bland.

Download the Sunday 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

December 24 Worship Materials

December 24 Worship Materials

10:30 AM | 4th Sunday of Advent

Our morning service feature music of the season, the lighting of the fourth Advent Candle, and a meditation by Pastor Matt entitled. “Saying Yes to God.” The service will be available live on Zoom.

Costumes for the 5 PM service will be available during this morning service.

Download the 10:30 AM Bulletin

Christmas Eve | 5:00 PM

Our 5 PM service features a special “come-as-you-are” pageant. Children are invited to come as animals, shepherds, angels, or wise ones to help us celebrate this special night. Music by the inter-generational orchestra. This service is offered in-person only. No Zoom link.

Christmas Eve | 9:00 PM

We welcome Christmas with this solemn and soulful service of readings, carols, and music by the choir and advanced orchestra. A reception follows the service, hosted by the Chancel Choir. Join us in person or live on Zoom.

Download the 9 PM 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

December 17 Worship Materials

December 17 Worship Materials

Join Us for a Heartwarming Advent Celebration!

🌟 Christ Congregational Church, 10:30 AM, Third Sunday of Advent, Music Sunday

Experience the joy of the season with us as we gather in unity and celebration. Our service will feature inspiring music from our choir and orchestra directed by Sam Wack, thoughtful reflections, and moments of shared worship.

🌈 Inclusive Community, Inclusive Worship

Christ Congregational Church is a diverse and inclusive community of spiritual seekers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a cherished returnee, you are welcomed and embraced in our community.

📖 Featuring Special Musical Offerings and Reflections

From traditional carols to heartwarming hymns, our service will be filled with the spirit of the season. Let the music and readings inspire hope, joy, and reflection.

🌟 Special Christmas Offering

This Advent, we extend generosity to support Mid-County United Ministries (MUM), Community CHEER, through the UCC Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross. Your contributions make a meaningful difference.

❤️ You’re Invited!

Whether in the sanctuary or on Zoom, your presence enriches our celebration. Join us as we embrace the spirit of Advent, standing as one in the glow of hope and love.

Blessings and Joy to All!

Rev. Dr. Matthew Braddock and Rev. Aubra Love
Christ Congregational Church

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

12/10 Worship at SSUMC

12/10 Worship at SSUMC

This Sunday’s 12/10 Worship Service:

Worship is at Silver Spring UMC!
8900 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

NOTE: Worship Begins at 10:00! 

On December 10th, the CCC Chancel Choir will join with the Chancel Choir at Silver Spring United Methodist Church (SSUMC), under the direction of Leona Fitzhugh, to sing Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata. We will be joined by the Monumental Brass Quintet. The Cantata will be sung during our combined 10:00am worship service.
 

Why are we worshipping at SSUMC?
This collaboration continues a long tradition of joint performances for our two choirs. SSUMC’s address is 8900 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. Please join us there at 10 AM.

Who is participating?
Along with our Choir and Music Director Sam Wack, Pastor Matt will help lead worship along with Pastor Will Green. Pastor Aubra is away this Sunday.

Is there parking?
YES, SSUMC has plenty of free parking on site!

Will there be anything going on at CCC?
There will be no in-person worship or other activities at CCC on Dec. 10. Cristian, our weekend custodian, will be onsite to help direct people to SSUMC.

Will there be an offering?
Yes. We expect there will be a chance to contribute to CCC during the service at SSUMC.

Are we merging with SSUMC?
No, simply sharing worship. Please join us for an ecumenical celebration of the holiday with another Open & Affirming church and ministry partner in Silver Spring.

 

Watch the livestream or watch the recording here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yewJfx1W7x8

 

 

Worship Materials for December 3

Worship Materials for December 3

Pastor Matt and Pastor Aubra invite you to experience the enchantment of Advent at Christ Congregational Church with a worship service filled with music, prayers, and reflections. The Flute Ensemble sets the tone with “In dulci jubilo,” and the lighting of Advent candles by the DaSilva family symbolizes the journey from darkness to light. Scriptures from 1 Corinthians and Mark remind us of God’s gifts and the anticipation of Christ’s arrival. The service includes a celebration of the sacrament communion with an invitation to extend the table for justice.  Embrace this transformative Advent journey where hope,  comes alive for all.

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