Happy Thursday Dear Church!

I Wonder as I Wander

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,

How Jesus the Savior did come for to die,

For poor on'ry people like you and like I;

I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,

With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all;

But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall,

And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,

A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,

Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing,

He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King

This beautiful carol is absolutely one of my favorites, especially as we approach Christmas Eve. It was written by John Jacob Niles in 1933. He heard it sung by Annie Morgan, in Murphy, North Carolina. He had Annie sing it over and over until he, himself, had it memorized. It is not known who wrote the original lyrics, but in today’s version, it is assumed that Niles added to what he had learned, to create this Christmas classic. I think the reason I am drawn to this masterpiece lies in it the idea of wonder. So many times, we think we need to have everything figured out, when the journey of a Jesus follower is all about being constantly conscious of our own questions and wonder. To live in the wonder of Christmas and the mystery of Jesus’ birth.

I want to encourage you for the next week to live in the wonder and embrace the mystery of this season. Read Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, every day and journal each day about what made you wonder. You will be amazed at the questions that might enter your brain. This simple exercise is the basis of studying the Bible.

I also want to encourage you to be in worship this last Sunday in Advent. Assistant Pastor Debbie will be bring her final message before her retirement. It is the Advent Sunday of LOVE. Please be with us to support Debbie and to renew your commitment to the source of all LOVE.

Until Sunday, start reading and let your mind wander. As you wander … wonder … let the questions of this amazing birth drive you to a greater understanding of what this baby King means to you. I love being your pastor.

Holding you close and lifting you high!

Pastor Greg

Artist Spotlight

I have been listening to quite a bit of music from an artist Tommee Profitt lately. He does a great version of the song Even So Come (Come Lord Jesus) we have been doing each week during advent. You can listen to that version here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuTb0LsRRTQ

I also just saw that he did a Christmas concert with numerous famous guest singers based on his 2020 Christmas album just a few weeks ago and its available on YouTube. Our family watched it together last week and had a great time. It has numerous great versions of some classic Christmas songs. Maybe you’ll enjoy it as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmooOy_78c

Nations at War, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine

Alf Clementson, recovering from surgery.

Sharon, mother of Ryan

Mae Simone-please let me know if you can provide rides to church.

Linda Hansen, sister of Colleen Clementson

David, friend of Rosemary

Freddie, recovering from surgery.

Oscar, brother in law of Butch Young

Larell, friend of Rosemary

Ivana, daughter of Anne Wallace

Dianne Florio

Joanne Jonas

Nina Melad

Our Church Leadership

A LITTLE HEADS UP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE 2023

Well, the calendar is doing it to us again. This year, Christmas Eve happens on a Sunday. Christmas Eve morning, we will offer a very “unplugged,” intimate, worship time with Communion. This morning gathering will last only about 30 minutes.

Then, at 6:00 p.m. we will gather in the sanctuary for a Christmas Eve Worship Celebration. Christmas Eve and Easter are two days when we put many of our eggs in one beautiful basket. We always have visitors who want to worship in a church on Christmas Eve, as well as your extended families. Make plans now to be here, family in tow, and invite someone you know who needs what we have in this beloved community. So … go right now to your paper calendars and iphones and log this information. It is going to be a wonderful holiday season

New Prayer Ministry

With Pastor Debbie’s retirement just around the corner, Pastor Greg is looking for several individuals who would be open to leading our church in the “Prayers of the People/the Lord’s Prayer” weekly. In the new year, PG will work with those who are interested in serving this way. There is no experience necessary. Pastor Greg will work with you, so that you feel comfortable and prepared to lead out in this special way. Let Pastor Greg or Worship chair, Vicki Holland know, if this is something you would like to put into motion in your life.

pastorgregccppucc@gmail.com

mvholland@sbcglobal.net

Seeking dedicated individuals to contribute to the Communion setup and cleanup on six Sundays next year. Your assistance is vital, and the commitment is manageable – just six Sundays annually.

If you're interested in being part of this meaningful role, please reach out to Colleen at powclem@yahoo.com or call 858-663-6584.

Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

When we see little Jesus in a manger instead of a bed, we may be reminded of babies today who are also in a state of need. We can help them by giving a gift more practical than frankincense or myrrh: diapers! In the narthex, we are collecting Gifts to the Manger through January 7th - any baby items are welcome, but diapers are especially appreciated. These will go to Escondido Interfaith to help families feel loved this holiday season. Thank you for your generous gifts.

Greetings from the Outreach Ministry

Hello friends,

Just a friendly reminder from the outreach ministry.

We wanted to remind you that if you happened to take a red, white or blue star ornament from the military Christmas Wish display, those gifts are due back this Sunday the 10th.

All other gifts and different ornament shapes can be returned on Sunday the 17th.

Thank you again for helping bring joy to so many this Christmas season.

Gods blessings,

Many Blessings from the Outreach Ministry

The JOY of FOOD!

Each week there will be a “Recipe of the Week” for the Buzz!

There will be a red basket in the Narthex where you can drop off your favorite recipes or please email them to julie@ccpucc.org. It can be any recipe from family favorites to ones recently discovered! We will be encouraging you to share your thoughts after you made the dish too. 

This weeks recipe is an Easy Vegetable Bake recipe.

Sent in by Candi L. Thank you Candi for sharing this big hit recipe from Sunday!

Click Here for an Easy Vegetable Bake Recipe!

Adult Scripture Review:

Sunday’s following worship in the fireside room!

Email Susan Gurriell

at sgurriell@gmail.com

Books & More

On Dec. 5 Books & More will begin our discussion of The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood. She built the Brooklyn Bridge, so why don't you know her name? Emily Roebling built a monument for all time. Then she was lost in its shadow. Discover the fascinating woman who helped design and construct the Brooklyn Bridge.

Please note that we will not meet on December 26 or January 2.

Books & More meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the Fireside Room.

All are welcome to join us.  

Centering Prayer:

Tuesdays at 6:30pm

Contact Colleen Clementson at powclem@yahoo.com or on

her cell at 858-663-6584, for the ZOOM invite

Thank you for checking out our BUZZ! Here is what you were waiting for! If you have a favorite joke or any tips to make the BUZZ even better, please send emails to julie@ccpucc.org :)

This weeks joke is sent in by John and Mina F. Thank you, John and Mina!

Joke of the Week:

What do you call Santa Claus when he's out of money?

A Saint Nickel-less…

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