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April 28th Special Congregational Meeting

April 28th Special Congregational Meeting

Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye!

Notice of a Special Congregational Meeting

Of

Christ Congregational Church, UCC

9525 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901

On request from the Senior Minister, the Clerk calls for a special congregational meeting of Christ Congregational Church on Sunday, April 28th at 12 PM.

The congregation will vote on a proposed offer to buy Christ Congregational Church’s building and property.

Where: BOTH in the Sanctuary at the church building (see address above) AND on Zoom (same link as the Sunday Worship link).

Food and childcare will be provided.

Spring Women’s Retreat 2024

Spring Women’s Retreat 2024

UPDATE: The overnight accommodations for the Women’s Retreat are almost at capacity and may be full by this time. Please join us for the day on Saturday! Unlimited number of women are welcome to attend for just the day. Use the registration link below to sign up. If you would strongly prefer staying overnight, email Claire (cisbarry@gmail.com) to see if there is space left, and/or possibly to join a waitlist. The deadline for registering is April 7, 2024.

Spring Women’s Retreat 2024

Date & Location: Friday evening, April 12, 2024 – Sunday morning, April 14, 2024 at the CCC Retreat Center in West Virginia.

Theme: The Art of Change

Sessions with Susan Pearcy

Susan Pearcy was an active member of CCC from 1980-1995 until they moved to the country and joined UCC Seneca Valley. The Retreat House was an important part of her faith journey while at CCC. She is a professional artist and is in numerous private and public collections nationally and internationally. More info on her website:
 

Time: The retreat will begin at 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. You may arrive as early as 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, however if you do plan to arrive in the afternoon, please bring your own evening meal.

For those arriving on Saturday, the first morning session will begin at 10 a.m.

The retreat ends at approximately noon on Sunday.

Who Can Attend: The retreat is open to all CCC women. We are inclusive community of spiritual seekers where we honor and celebrate women of all races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Come for the entire weekend, one night, or just for the day on Saturday.

Accomodations: Overnight space is limited to 23 people on a first-come-first-served basis, in three heated cabins with bunk beds and full bath in each cabin. One cabin is equipped with a ramp and accessible bathroom. There is no limit to those who wish to come for the day on Saturday.

Meals: We do our own cooking in the renovated, fully equipped kitchen.

There will be four meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

When you register, you will be asked which meal you would like to help prepare. Meals are an opportunity for creativity and simplicity. Your team is free to choose its own menu.

Costs: The cost for the weekend is $65 for the entire retreat, $40 for one night, or $20 for the day on Saturday only. Scholarships and sliding scale fee available. 

Mail your checks, made out to CCC, to the church with Women’s Retreat on the memo line.

Christ Congregational Church
9525 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20901

**In addition, bring cash ($25 in small bills) to cover meal costs shared among all the participants. If bringing food, please bring your receipts labeled with your name. The receipts are totaled and divided by the number of participants to determine the fair share for each. Some may need to be reimbursed for paying more than their share, some may need to add to what they have already spent for purchases. For those who are not supplying food, come prepared to help reimburse those who are.

What Should I Bring: Besides your bedding (sleeping bag or sheets/blanket), pillow, bath towel and personal belongings, please bring:

  • A reusable water bottle to use throughout the weekend
  • A cloth napkin for meals
  • One roll of paper towels
  • One septic system friendly roll of toilet paper
  • Cloth hand towel for bathroom
  • Snacks to share
  • Food for meals
  • $25 cash in small bills
  • Indoor shoes/slippers if desired (would like to keep outdoor shoes and associated dirt out of the house)
  • Walking shoes if desired

COVID Restrictions?: Testing within 24 hours of arriving is encouraged.

How Do I Get There?: Carpooling is strongly encouraged! If it is your first time attending, we recommend traveling with others. A carpool list will be created to help coordinate. Directions to the Retreat Center will be sent out the week of the retreat. GPS is not always reliable with the final turns so please refer to directions.

How Do I Sign Up and Register?: The link to sign up is posted in our weekly Thursday e-news. There will also be a registration table at church on Sundays leading up to the retreat where you can sign up in person.

What is the Deadline to Register?: The deadline for registering is April 7, 2024.

Questions?: Please contact Claire Barry at cisbarry@gmail.com or 410-350-4905.

Easter Celebration This Sunday March 31 – 10:30AM – Worship Materials

Easter Celebration This Sunday March 31 – 10:30AM – Worship Materials

Join Pastor Matt Braddock and Pastor Aubra Love this Sunday at 10:30am as we joyfully celebrate Easter Sunday together. Arrive on time as the CCC Chancel Choir and Colin Carmody, organist, will open the service with a sacred overture: “Alleluia! Christ is Risen!” by William Mathias. They will then perform “Now, O Death, Where is Thy Sting?” by Russell Nagy; and later, “Crown Him with Many Crowns” by George J. Elvey. Our Lay Reader, Leslie Weyn, will read selections from Isaiah 55 and Psalm 150. Pastor Matt Braddock will offer a sermon entitled “The Rush to Completion” after a scripture reading from Mark. The Chancel Choir, Colin Carmody, organist, and CCC’s Orchestra will perform “Sanctus” from St. Cecilia Mass by Charles Gounod, and then finally a postlude, “Hallelujah Chorus”, from The Messiah by G. F. Handel.

After the service, please join us for our Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

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

Easter Egg Hunt – This Sunday March 31st – 11:30AM

Easter Egg Hunt – This Sunday March 31st – 11:30AM

After this Sunday’s Easter Celebration Service, please join us for our Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt outside in front of the church right after worship! Activities and light refreshments will also be available. Children under 8 years old are invited to participate in a special egg hunt in the playground (courtyard) area on the lower level. The egg hunts will begin around 11:30am, just after the conclusion of the worship service.

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service of Shadows Thursday 3/28 @7:30pm

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service of Shadows Thursday 3/28 @7:30pm

Join us in-person and online tonight, March 28th, at 7:30PM! Tonight’s service led by Pastor Matt is an adaptation of a service from the fourth century. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning “mandate” and refers to Christ’s new commandment, “that you love one another,” found in John 13:34.

The Chancel Choir and Cindy Michel, soloist, will perform “Lead Me to Calvary” by William J. Kirkpatrick. And the Chancel Choir with Colin Carmody, organist, will perform “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Gilbert M. Martin. The Chancel Choir then performs “Crucifixus” by Antonio Lotti, and “Were You There?” a Spiritual, with Karen O’Steen, soloist and Colin Carmody, organist. Lay Readers for this service are: Tony Ingram, Maureen Ingram, Matt Dinkel, Ann Keeler, and Renee Demars-Johnson.
 

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 39

Letter from Building Sales Task Force

Letter from Building Sales Task Force

Dear Potential Buyers,

Christ Congregational Church is currently inviting proposals, in the form of a letter of intent, for the purchase of its property titled to Christ Congregational Church, situated on the plots associated with 9525 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Church, through its duly appointed Building Sales Task Force, will diligently review all submitted letters, with a strong preference for those received by noon on February 2, 2024. 

Interested parties, including individuals, organizations, or companies, are cordially invited to submit their proposals for consideration. All letters should clearly outline the terms and conditions, including the proposed purchase price, timeline, the timeframe for and terms for any potential leaseback (or a statement that a leaseback will not be provided). Ensure that your submission contains information pertaining to partnerships involved, intended use of space, and the desired closing date. Additionally, indicate whether you intend to finance the purchase or pay in cash.  Please detail any additional information not listed here that supports your proposal.

The property includes a two-story building with a third finished lower level, with classrooms currently on each of the three floors, and two parking lots. It includes a playground, sanctuary, social hall with a stage and a kitchen in the basement, a conference room, office spaces, a music room and much more. It is conveniently located near I-495.

Submission Details:

Please send all letters to the following email address for consideration:

buildingtaskforce@cccsilverspring.org

Thank you for expressing interest in the sale of Christ Congregational Church property. The Building Sales Task Force looks forward to reviewing all proposals and determining the best course of action for the church community.

Sincerely,

Karen Lee

Building Sales Task Force Chairperson

Although all information is furnished regarding for sale, rental or financing is from sources we deem reliable, such information has not been verified. No express representation is made nor is any to be implied as to the accuracy thereof, and it is submitted subject to potential errors, omissions, changes of price, rental or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing, or withdrawal without notice. All sizes are approximate and subject to survey.

Annual Mitten Tree & Coat Collection!

Annual Mitten Tree & Coat Collection!

CCC’s Annual Mitten Tree & Coat Collection
Ongoing Until December 17th!

The Community School Liaison at JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres just a few miles from CCC is already looking forward to the end of November when she can pick up the gently used and new coats we’ve collected under our Mitten Tree. This MCPS school needs coats for Boys and Girls sizes Small to Extra Large. It’s time to clean out your closets for gently used children’s winter wear or do a little shopping. Mittens, hats, gloves and boots are also greatly appreciated. Any questions, contact Kristen Brown: brown.jk@verizon.net. Children’s winter outerwear collection begins Sunday November 26 and ends Sunday December 17th.

Drop off your donation during Church Office Hours, Monday-Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm, or between 10am and 12:30pm on Sunday 12/17. (Church is closed on 12/10 as we are worshipping offsite.)

Note: Our full 2023 Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Events schedule is here!

Special Christmas Offering 2023

Special Christmas Offering 2023

Throughout the Advent season, CCC will accept gifts to the special Christmas offering. This year the money collected will be divided between Mid-County United Ministries, Community CHEER and the UCC Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross. 

Mid-County United Ministries (MUM) provides emergency food and assistance to people in crisis in portions of Silver Spring, Kensington, Wheaton, Rockville, and Aspen Hill. MUM’s programs include eviction prevention, utility cut-off prevention and restoration, prescription drug assistance, food assistance and emergency help referrals to other agencies. 

Community CHEER is located in the Long Branch neighborhood. CHEER’s (Community Health and Empowerment through Education and Research) mission is to provide people with the knowledge and ability to create healthy, thriving communities. CHEER is a community-driven process for identifying community visions and goals, and for gathering the information and resources needed to measure and fulfill them.

The UCC Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross supports retired ministers and lay employees of the United Church of Christ with health care premiums, housing and emergency grants. For over 100 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross has been a way to ensure the light of love and hope for the faithful servants of our wider church who may find themselves facing financial needs.  

There are several ways to give to the special Christmas offering this year. For your gift to be shared by MUM, Community Cheer and the UCC Christmas Fund, please either donate by 1) check (made payable to Christ Congregational Church with Christmas Offering in the memo line) and placed in the purple pew envelope in the offering plate, or mailed to the church office at 9525 Colesville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20901, 2) click on the “donate” button at cccsilverspring.org to give through Vanco, or 3) give through Breeze at https://cccsilverspring.breezechms.com/give/online.

You may also donate online to each individual organization at christmasfund.org, MUMhelp.org and communitycheer.org. Thank you for your generosity.

Note: Our full 2023 Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Events schedule is here!

Reverse Advent Calendar: December 1 – 24

Reverse Advent Calendar: December 1 – 24

Reverse Advent Calendar 
December 1 – December 24

Typically, advent calendars are filled with candy and you open one each day starting December 1 and ending on Christmas Day.  Reverse advent calendars allow you to donate or give something each day – thus, giving instead of getting.  

This year, we are donating all items to Mid-County United Ministries (MUM).  Plan to bring your completed box to church at any service on Sunday, December 24th (10:30am, 5pm, or 9pm).  The last day to bring completed boxes to church will be Sunday, December 31st.

Each day, add the following items to your box.  No glass jars – only plastic, please!

December 1:  Box of cereal

December 2:  Jar of peanut butter

December 3:  Bag of lentils

December 4:  Box of potatoes

December 5:  Macaroni and cheese

December 6:  Canned fruit

December 7:  Diapers or wipes

December 8:  Canned corn

December 9:  Pancake mix

December 10:  Jar of applesauce

December 11:  Canned vegetables

December 12:  Feminine hygiene products

December 13:  Canned beans

December 14:  Box of crackers

December 15:  Bag of rice – brown or white

December 16:  Package of oatmeal

December 17:  Package of pasta

December 18:  Spaghetti sauce

December 19:  Canned soup

December 20:  Bag of flour or maseca

December 21:  Cooking oil

December 22:  Canned tuna or chicken

December 23: Toothpaste and toothbrush

December 24: Canned tomatoes

If anyone is available to help transport boxes to MUM after January 1, 2024, please contact the church office.

Note: Our full 2023 Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Events schedule is here!

Pancakes with Santa & Making Chrismons

Pancakes with Santa & Making Chrismons

Pancakes with Santa Returns!

Chrismon Making will be a part of Pancakes with Santa this year!

On Sunday, December 3rd, following the worship service, join us in the Social Hall for games, activities, Chrismon making, pancakes, and more!

Come top your pancakes as you wish – fruit, chocolate chips, or butter and syrup.  Enjoy one of Cupid’s Crossaints or Dasher’s Danishes as well.  

Make a Chrismon or two to bring home! Chrismons are Christmas decorations that symbolize Christ and remind us that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Glenda Neal and others brought Chrismons to CCC in 1973. We have lots of volunteers to help you make a Chrismon for your home in memory of Glenda. Chrismon making is for all ages!

Please sign up here to help make this another wonderful event.

SSL hours available, too!