It's the week in between Christmas and New Years. That sort of no-man's land when some people are home, some are at work, others are still visiting relatives, all the kids are off from school, and no one really knows what to do with themselves. We are cleaning up and eating left-overs as well as playing with the new gadgets we received from Santa.
It's quiet here at church as we all work hard on planning 2012. We are looking ahead to what God will do with our ministry in the year ahead. It is an exciting time. A time to be thankful for the quiet pace of the week so we can spend time in prayer and preparation for all that lies ahead.
The 4 worship services that encompassed Christmas Eve and Christmas morning brought over 1200 people through our doors. WHAT A BLESSING!
The voices of children in song, the sound of laughter as old friends greeted one another, the familiar carols, the young faces in worship, multiple generations of church famillies gathered together, the candles lit in glory to the celebration of Jesus - the true light of the world!
It is our prayer at Central Presbyterian Church that 2012 may bring you and your loved ones many blessings, including the knowledge of how God is at work in the world through you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
It may be 51 degrees and foggy but no worries Christmas is really coming!
Church is filled with poinsettas, wreaths, choir rehearsals, cookies, and lots of people in Christmas sweaters!
We are preparing for the miracle of Christ's birth, God's in-breaking into our world as the Emmanuel, God with us!
Please join us at 4 pm on Saturday, Dec. 24th for the Family Christmas Eve service featuring the youth vocal choir, the youth bell choir, and 4 different famillies reading from the birth narrative of Jesus, plus we will sing some of you favorite Christmas carols!
For those of you who are night owls, you are welcome at our 8 pm or 11 pm service which begin with pre-service music at 7:30 and 10:30 pm and include candles.
Sunday morning, after you sneak some candy from your stocking, please join us for Christmas Day worship at 10 am. All are welcome, even if you are still in your pjs.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
~Pastor Cynthia
We are preparing for the miracle of Christ's birth, God's in-breaking into our world as the Emmanuel, God with us!
Please join us at 4 pm on Saturday, Dec. 24th for the Family Christmas Eve service featuring the youth vocal choir, the youth bell choir, and 4 different famillies reading from the birth narrative of Jesus, plus we will sing some of you favorite Christmas carols!
For those of you who are night owls, you are welcome at our 8 pm or 11 pm service which begin with pre-service music at 7:30 and 10:30 pm and include candles.
Sunday morning, after you sneak some candy from your stocking, please join us for Christmas Day worship at 10 am. All are welcome, even if you are still in your pjs.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
LIVE ANIMALS
The Outdoor Nativity was a HUGE SUCCESS!!
45 youth and adult CPC actors, 5 goats, 5 ponies, 2 donkeys, 1 llama, and 1 alpaca, plus 15 behind-the scenes volunteers, and over 300 people in attendance!!!!
This event was filled with joy, familiar faces, new friends, crafts, cocoa, cookies, carols, and most importantly reminders of the true meaning of Christmas!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the planning and attended this past Sunday evening.
We hope to see you in worship on Dec. 18th for BELL SUNDAY!
~Pastor Cynthia
45 youth and adult CPC actors, 5 goats, 5 ponies, 2 donkeys, 1 llama, and 1 alpaca, plus 15 behind-the scenes volunteers, and over 300 people in attendance!!!!
This event was filled with joy, familiar faces, new friends, crafts, cocoa, cookies, carols, and most importantly reminders of the true meaning of Christmas!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the planning and attended this past Sunday evening.
We hope to see you in worship on Dec. 18th for BELL SUNDAY!
~Pastor Cynthia
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!
Youth Fellowship on Sunday, Nov. 27th
4:30 to 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Left-Overs party!
· Bring your favorite thanksgiving food (either made especially for us or a left-over from the big meals of this long weekend)
· We will gobble gobble together and relax
6:30 to 8 pm
· “Joan of Arcadia
Hope to see you there!
~Cynthia
Friday, November 18, 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
I could not believe it when I turned the radio on in my car last night and heard Christmas carols! It is not even Thanksgiving yet!
It is unfortunate when commercials, stores, radio stations, etc. start the holiday season so early. I feel it loses its impact. By Dec. 25th we will all be bored and even irritated by the music and decorations. What a shame!
This week we approach Thanksgiving. A chance for us to gather with friends and family as well as give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.
Here at Central Presbyterian Church we will be giving thanks in many ways:
I would ask that you truly immerse yourself in the joy of giving thanks, put jingle bells and rudolph on hold until December.
It is unfortunate when commercials, stores, radio stations, etc. start the holiday season so early. I feel it loses its impact. By Dec. 25th we will all be bored and even irritated by the music and decorations. What a shame!
This week we approach Thanksgiving. A chance for us to gather with friends and family as well as give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.
Here at Central Presbyterian Church we will be giving thanks in many ways:
- During worship Nov. 20th we will have several prayers of thanks which will invite our congregation to voice their own thanksgivings aloud.
- At Faith Adventure we will be making thanksgiving themed placemats for SHIP
- Sunday evening the Summit Inter-Faith Council is hosting a Thanksgiving Service for the whole commuity at Fountain Baptist Church
- Next weekend, on Nov. 27th youth fellowship will be sharing a Thanksgiving meal together in the evening.
I would ask that you truly immerse yourself in the joy of giving thanks, put jingle bells and rudolph on hold until December.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
SNOWPOCOLYPSE 2011
The power of God's Creation is truly overwhelming!
No school in Summit this entire week as we all attempt to clean up from the storm, many of us still have no power!
In late August we had the Hurriquake and now this snowstorm in October!
When we read the Biblical account of fire raining down from the sky, plagues of frogs and bugs, seas parting in half, we can be somewhat thankful all we are dealing with is downed tree limbs and lack of heat.
I am looking forward, as I am sure all of you are, to getting back to 'normal'.
Please come out and join us this Sunday.
~Pastor Cynthia
No school in Summit this entire week as we all attempt to clean up from the storm, many of us still have no power!
In late August we had the Hurriquake and now this snowstorm in October!
When we read the Biblical account of fire raining down from the sky, plagues of frogs and bugs, seas parting in half, we can be somewhat thankful all we are dealing with is downed tree limbs and lack of heat.
I am looking forward, as I am sure all of you are, to getting back to 'normal'.
Please come out and join us this Sunday.
- We will warm up together and have breakfast at Fatih Adventure at 9 am where we will play Bible Trivia. THERE WILL BE PRIZES!
- We will worship at 10 am and have Sunday School at 10:15 am.
- Youth Fellowship will meet from 4:30 to 8 pm in the Youth Center and we will have PIZZA and watch the 4th episode of 'Joan of Arcadia'!
~Pastor Cynthia
Friday, October 21, 2011
we survived painting!
The Youth Center has been painted. It took 2 Sunday evenings to paint and a week to clean up but the room is now bright and clean!!!
This Sunday evening we will be baking harvest goodies so bring your cooking skills and appetite!
~Pastor Cynthia
This Sunday evening we will be baking harvest goodies so bring your cooking skills and appetite!
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Youth Fellowship was AWESOME!!!!
We had our first Youth Fellowship of the school year this past Sunday evening.
It was a blast!!! 20 people painting (and making a mess!) in the youth center, then we had pizza, and watched the first episode of "Joan of Arcadia".
We discussed what it wold be like if God was walking among us today and talking with us just like a friend.
I am looking forward to the conversations we will have in the coming months as we continue to view this program and explore what its like to have a real face-to-face conversation with God.
If you missed out this time, no worries we are in the Youth Center from 4:30 to 8 pm every Sunday!
~Pastor Cynthia
It was a blast!!! 20 people painting (and making a mess!) in the youth center, then we had pizza, and watched the first episode of "Joan of Arcadia".
We discussed what it wold be like if God was walking among us today and talking with us just like a friend.
I am looking forward to the conversations we will have in the coming months as we continue to view this program and explore what its like to have a real face-to-face conversation with God.
If you missed out this time, no worries we are in the Youth Center from 4:30 to 8 pm every Sunday!
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
fantastic support!
I am so excited about Faith Adventure and Youth Fellowship both kicking off this Sunday!
First off, we had 5 famillies participate in the 3rd Grade Communion Prepardeness Class with a Passover Seder dinner this past Sunday. It was a great tine for learning and fellowship. (I think the parents learned stuff too!)
I have at least 12 committed adult volunteers to support our middle school and senir high fellowship program!!! They are super excited and supportive and signed up eagerly for Sunday evenings to be here for fellowship and the "Joan of Arcadia" curriculum we are using.
This Sunday afternoon we are painting the Youth Center!
Faith Adventure kicks off this Sunday morning at 9 am!! I am super excited to explore the Bible Lessons from Spark Sunday School in a more casual and inter-generational setting!
Please join us for eveyhting you can! This will be an awesome Fall at CPC!
~Pastor Cynthia
First off, we had 5 famillies participate in the 3rd Grade Communion Prepardeness Class with a Passover Seder dinner this past Sunday. It was a great tine for learning and fellowship. (I think the parents learned stuff too!)
I have at least 12 committed adult volunteers to support our middle school and senir high fellowship program!!! They are super excited and supportive and signed up eagerly for Sunday evenings to be here for fellowship and the "Joan of Arcadia" curriculum we are using.
This Sunday afternoon we are painting the Youth Center!
Faith Adventure kicks off this Sunday morning at 9 am!! I am super excited to explore the Bible Lessons from Spark Sunday School in a more casual and inter-generational setting!
Please join us for eveyhting you can! This will be an awesome Fall at CPC!
~Pastor Cynthia
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
i make all things new
The message this past Sunday in worship was God's promise to make all things new.
What an amazing promise!
God is very much alive and at work at CPC and although many things may feel like the same old routine there is a refeshing new life being brought to our programs in addition to the reality of the many compeletly new activities.
Our church is intentionally beiopening ourselves up to where the Holy Spirit is moving us and that is exciting!
Although it may look like our church calendar is filling up with busy programs, the intended result is not just to be busy but instead through participation and purposeful decisions as to where to committ our time and talents the result we seek is the fruitful development of all aspects of the church. This includes the development of the faith of our members as a whole as well as on an individaul basis.
Just as the dryer sheets bringsa freshness to our favorite gym shorts, just as we all know that 'new car smell' is from the tree hanging on the rear view mirror but the car is still the same old car, and as we all return to the school routine that is so familiar yet so new, let us embrace the newness and the familiarities about life at CPC and be open to what God will do here to truly make this a fruitful congergation.
~Pastor Cynthia
What an amazing promise!
God is very much alive and at work at CPC and although many things may feel like the same old routine there is a refeshing new life being brought to our programs in addition to the reality of the many compeletly new activities.
Our church is intentionally beiopening ourselves up to where the Holy Spirit is moving us and that is exciting!
Although it may look like our church calendar is filling up with busy programs, the intended result is not just to be busy but instead through participation and purposeful decisions as to where to committ our time and talents the result we seek is the fruitful development of all aspects of the church. This includes the development of the faith of our members as a whole as well as on an individaul basis.
Just as the dryer sheets bringsa freshness to our favorite gym shorts, just as we all know that 'new car smell' is from the tree hanging on the rear view mirror but the car is still the same old car, and as we all return to the school routine that is so familiar yet so new, let us embrace the newness and the familiarities about life at CPC and be open to what God will do here to truly make this a fruitful congergation.
~Pastor Cynthia
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
first day of school
Well students in Summit headed back to school today.
It is my hope that today was a blessing in the lives of many children and families as well as teachers (although the reality is today probably had some chaotic and anxious moments).
As we watched Warwick Road next to Franklin School fill up with cars, parents, students, and the occasional dog, as classes started bright and early today it conjured up memories of my childhood.
I can remember back to my first day of school each year. My mom would make my brother and I stand on the back porch and have our photo taken to remember what we looked like on the first day. She chronicled how tall we had gotten as well as the fashion trends of that Fall season.
Now I get to look forward to my own daughter starting school in 2 years.
It is amazing how school creates routines in our lives, influences when we wake up, where we go, who we meet. We each create our identity through our experiences in our lives, much of which comes from our school encounters.
Part of my role here at Central Pres is to oversee the Christian Education of our Families, Youth, & Children. I hope that Sunday School is seen as a welcomed part of the lives of the members and visitors of our church. Sunday School should not be boring, it should not be dreaded, and it should not feel like a chore. Instead, learning about God, exploring our faith, and being nurtured by fellow Christians should bring us great joy.
If this is not how you have experienced Sunday School please let me know. Share with me how you would like to ge to know yourself and God better. Nothing should cause you to turn away from exploring your faith. So please let me know how you, your peers, your family, and the community at large can feel included, find joy, and gain knowledge here at CPC and I will do everyhting in my power to transform the experience of Christian Education here into what people need in order to genuinely spiritually fed.
~Pastor Cynthia
It is my hope that today was a blessing in the lives of many children and families as well as teachers (although the reality is today probably had some chaotic and anxious moments).
As we watched Warwick Road next to Franklin School fill up with cars, parents, students, and the occasional dog, as classes started bright and early today it conjured up memories of my childhood.
I can remember back to my first day of school each year. My mom would make my brother and I stand on the back porch and have our photo taken to remember what we looked like on the first day. She chronicled how tall we had gotten as well as the fashion trends of that Fall season.
Now I get to look forward to my own daughter starting school in 2 years.
It is amazing how school creates routines in our lives, influences when we wake up, where we go, who we meet. We each create our identity through our experiences in our lives, much of which comes from our school encounters.
Part of my role here at Central Pres is to oversee the Christian Education of our Families, Youth, & Children. I hope that Sunday School is seen as a welcomed part of the lives of the members and visitors of our church. Sunday School should not be boring, it should not be dreaded, and it should not feel like a chore. Instead, learning about God, exploring our faith, and being nurtured by fellow Christians should bring us great joy.
If this is not how you have experienced Sunday School please let me know. Share with me how you would like to ge to know yourself and God better. Nothing should cause you to turn away from exploring your faith. So please let me know how you, your peers, your family, and the community at large can feel included, find joy, and gain knowledge here at CPC and I will do everyhting in my power to transform the experience of Christian Education here into what people need in order to genuinely spiritually fed.
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
storm
In the Old Testament book of 1st Kings the following appears in chapter 19,
11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
In the aftermath of a earthquake and a hurricane on the eastern coast of the US we are left wondering where God is in all of this. God is not in the earthquake, nor is God in the wind, but God is here. God is in the helping hands rescuing neighbors, God is in the family members housing those whose basements are flooded, God is in the emergency personnel aiding those for whom these events were tragedies, and God is still here and will be here no matter what comes around the bend.
When tragedy strikes we can lean on the reality of a God who loves us and wants what is best for us, a God we have come to know through the gentle whispers found in times of calmness and safety.
~Pastor Cynthia
11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
In the aftermath of a earthquake and a hurricane on the eastern coast of the US we are left wondering where God is in all of this. God is not in the earthquake, nor is God in the wind, but God is here. God is in the helping hands rescuing neighbors, God is in the family members housing those whose basements are flooded, God is in the emergency personnel aiding those for whom these events were tragedies, and God is still here and will be here no matter what comes around the bend.
When tragedy strikes we can lean on the reality of a God who loves us and wants what is best for us, a God we have come to know through the gentle whispers found in times of calmness and safety.
~Pastor Cynthia
Friday, August 26, 2011
check out this camp j'burg video!
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This is the camp we will be taking a few retreats to in the coming months :)
This is the camp we will be taking a few retreats to in the coming months :)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Summertime
Pastor John this morning preached about how Summertime can be a great season to let go of those things that bog us down and move forward focused on fresh and energizing qualities in our lives.
I hope as this summer comes to a close and school starts in less than 3 weeks, that you have had a chance this summer to let go.
Letting go means being yourself, being carefree, being in tune with what your body needs rather than a to-do list, letting go of broken friendships, letting go of report cards, letting go of anxiety and fear, even letting go of the things we enjoy like sports or clubs so we can spend a summer relaxing and exploring new things.
I spent all of my summers from age 8 to age 22 at Camp Johnsonburg, a Presbyterin Camp in northern NJhttp://www.campjburg.org/. It was at camp that I learned to let go, to be myself, to giggle, to run for the sake of feeling the wind on my face, to trust, to cry, to be a true friend, and to know who I was in relationship to God and others.
If you have yet to take the opportunity, use the next 2 weeks to let go. Just be yourself, do something each day that is just for you, spend time with your thoughts, write in a journal, say a prayer, lay in the grass and watch the clouds float by, call an old friend, make a meal, watch a your favorite movie, and just let go...because before you know it life will be back to its old routine and you will be thankful you let go and enjoyed the summer.
As we enter the school year feel free to come and let go with us at Central Pres. Each Sunday night we will have time to let go from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the Youth Center. We will relax, eat, play, and do whatever it takes to embrace 'letting go' in the midst of the busy school year ahead. I hope you will seriously consider finding time in your life for an hour or two in the Youth Center on Sunday evenings so you can let go.
~Pastor Cynthia
I hope as this summer comes to a close and school starts in less than 3 weeks, that you have had a chance this summer to let go.
Letting go means being yourself, being carefree, being in tune with what your body needs rather than a to-do list, letting go of broken friendships, letting go of report cards, letting go of anxiety and fear, even letting go of the things we enjoy like sports or clubs so we can spend a summer relaxing and exploring new things.
I spent all of my summers from age 8 to age 22 at Camp Johnsonburg, a Presbyterin Camp in northern NJhttp://www.campjburg.org/. It was at camp that I learned to let go, to be myself, to giggle, to run for the sake of feeling the wind on my face, to trust, to cry, to be a true friend, and to know who I was in relationship to God and others.
If you have yet to take the opportunity, use the next 2 weeks to let go. Just be yourself, do something each day that is just for you, spend time with your thoughts, write in a journal, say a prayer, lay in the grass and watch the clouds float by, call an old friend, make a meal, watch a your favorite movie, and just let go...because before you know it life will be back to its old routine and you will be thankful you let go and enjoyed the summer.
As we enter the school year feel free to come and let go with us at Central Pres. Each Sunday night we will have time to let go from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the Youth Center. We will relax, eat, play, and do whatever it takes to embrace 'letting go' in the midst of the busy school year ahead. I hope you will seriously consider finding time in your life for an hour or two in the Youth Center on Sunday evenings so you can let go.
~Pastor Cynthia
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
welcome to the new central presbyterian church youth blog
Summer is coming to an end so that means its time to return to our old routines...Don't worry! How about instead of only the old routines you add something new...like coming to Central Presbyterian Church!
Highlights for what lies ahead!
I look forward to seeing you soon!
~Pastor Cynthia
Highlights for what lies ahead!
- Come and meet me! I joined the pastoral staff of Central Pres on August 1st as the Interim Associate Pastor for Family, Youth, & Children.
- Come to worship at 8:30 am or 9:45 am on Sunday, August 28th to hear me preach!
- Join us in worship at 10 am on Sunday, Sept. 18th for Rally Day! We will be recognizing all of our Sunday School and Youth Ministry Team volunteers during worship and best of all you can stay after worship to eat, jump in the bounce house, play games, and hang out!
- On Sunday, Sept. 25th the confirmation students (9th graders) will be receiving bibles during the 10 am worship service.
- On Oct. 2nd we really get things started with 'Faith Adventure' from 9 am to 10 am for Sunday School students and then from 4:30 to 8 pm all middle school and senior high students are invited to the Youth Center for fellowship.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
~Pastor Cynthia
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