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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 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

Celebrate Christmas 2023 With Us!

Celebrate Christmas 2023 With Us!

Christ Congregational Church (CCC) is warmly inviting members of the community to join them for their special Christmas services this year:

Sunday, December 17 at 10:30am – Christmas Music Sunday Service featuring the Chancel Choir, Advanced Orchestra and Brass Ensemble. They will be performing Daquin’s Noel We Sing, See Amid the Winter’s Snow; We Shall Light a Thousand Candles, Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, and Born a Mighty King, plus several carols and selections from the Brass Ensemble. A festive Christmas Cookie Sale to benefit CCC’s youth group will follow the service.

Sunday, December 24 at 10:30am – Fourth Sunday of Advent – Waiting on Peace – Worship Service, “Saying YES to God”. Special Christmas church school session for children ages 3 and older. Childcare available in our Nursery for ages 3 and younger.

Sunday, December 24 at 5:00pm – Christmas Eve Family Worship Service featuring the Intergenerational Orchestra, as well as a participatory re-enactment of the Nativity story. All babies and children are welcome to attend! No rehearsal needed. Children of all ages, visiting children, neighbors are welcome to borrow nativity costumes. Costumes for animals, shepherds, angels, magi will be ready to pick up prior to the service. Come choose from the collection or the children may wear what they have at home and be a part of the Christmas story!

Sunday, December 24 at 9:00pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service featuring the Chancel Choir and Advanced Orchestra, featuring Gabriel’s Message arranged by Tony Alonso, Let the Stable Still Astonish, Stopford’s Lully, Lulla, Lullay, Love Came Down at Christmas, and Todd’s My Lord Has Come.  There will be a reception following the service, and all are welcome to attend!

Please come and join us for our special Christmas services this year. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to bring family and friends!

We are located at 9525 Colesville Road in Silver Spring. Parking is free. All of the above services are blended (in-person and on Zoom), except the 5pm service on 12/24, which is in person only. Visit our website homepage to find the zoom link if you wish to join us online.

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.

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

Read about our Annual Mitten Tree and Coat Collection here, and our Reverse Advent Calendar collection here. Read more about our Special Christmas Offering here.

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

November 26 Worship Materials

November 26 Worship Materials

November 16 | 10:30 AM

🌟 Join us for a worship service filled with gratitude and unity! 🌈 Enjoy musical performances by the acoustic Band Players, thoughtful reflections, and a call to share moments of overwhelming gratitude. Let’s connect, give thanks, and uplift each other in a spirit of togetherness. 🙏🎶

We will take time to dive deeply into a special moment during our Embrace service! Come prepared to share a transformative experience of gratitude as we create a space of understanding and empathy. Share briefly—up to 1 minute—speaking from your heart. Let’s build connections through the power of shared stories and expressions of goodness. 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

November 19 Worship Materials

November 19 Worship Materials

This Sunday’s Worship Service:
Thanksgiving Sunday
November 19th
 

Join us Sunday at 9:00 AM in the social hall for a special potluck gratitude breakfast! Then join us at 10:30 AM for our Thanksgiving Sunday Worship Service, which is co-officiated by Pastor Matt and Pastor Aubra — who is offering a sermon entitled “When Purpose Trumps Pride”. The Sanctuary Guild prepares a special Thanksgiving Altar, and we bless the food that has been donated by our congregation to Shepherd’s Table and Food Justice DMV. 

Also this Sunday, we baptize Ruby Love Bell, born on June 24, 2023 to Elizabeth & Daniel Bell, into our community of faith. Karen J. Hawk is our Lay Reader this Sunday, and Holly Stephens is leading A First Nations Version of The Lord’s Prayer in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The Children’s Choir is singing a Children’s Anthem, “For Thy Bounteous Blessings” (Traditional, words by Lester Bucher), before going to Church School. The Chancel Choir is singing “Thanks be to Thee, O Lord!” from Cantata con stromenti by George Frideric Händel, arr. Louis Victor Saar, with Spencer Clark, soloist; followed by “Arise, O God, and Shine” by John Darwell, William Hurn, & Charles Wesley, arr. Mack Wilberg, and as “O Be Joyful in the Lord” by John Rutter, both featuring Colin Carmody on the organ. 

This Sunday promises to be a day of connection, music, and inspiration that you won’t want to miss. So, invite your friends and family, and join us at CCC as we come together in worship and fellowship.

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

The Beauty of Diversity: Trans Awareness Week

The Beauty of Diversity: Trans Awareness Week

Transgender Awareness Week, observed November 13-19, is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), which memorializes victims of transphobic violence. TDoR occurs annually on November 20, when transgender advocates raise awareness of the transgender community through education and advocacy activities.

CCC will celebrate Transgender Awareness Week on Sunday, November 12th During Worship.

Our special worship service this Sunday will include:

-Honoring and remembering the transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary youth and adults in our faith community and beyond who face challenges and adversity.

-Lighting candles as a symbol of our solidarity.

-Recognizing and celebrating the inner beauty that resides within the heart of all God’s beloved people. 

-A moment of silence to remember and honor each experience and expression of gender identity, and to affirm our collective commitment to creating a space of love, support, and understanding for all.