Volume 39, Issue 10 January 2011

WHAT’S INSIDE… Justice Sunday (p 6); Corliss Jackson, Your Federal Job Search (p 7); Chevy Chase Concerts (p 2)

About a month ago it snowed so much in Min-

nesota that the Metrodome collapsed. From the

photographs, one can see a giant tear in the Teflon

roof. There is snow on the field below and the re-

flection of the sun on the torn fabric is blinding

white. It is as if heaven ripped through to the earth

below and spilled all over the ground.

When Jesus was born he ripped through the fabric

that holds up heaven. There is a hole in

the sky. Jesus must have pulled a

thread in the seam of heaven‘s fabric

and torn it apart, because heaven shines

down upon us. We first see it when Je-

sus is still a child. The tear looks like a

great star moving through the sky. It

stops over Jesus‘ house because, of

course, Jesus is there and that‘s where

the rip ends. Astronomers, who look for

such things, know that something of cos-

mic significance has happened. They

travel to see the bit of heaven that has

fallen to earth. And they bring gifts to

honor the Christ child.

And just a week later, in church time, it happens

again. The rip in the fabric that separates heaven

and earth splits open. Jesus is a grown man now

and as he steps into the water of the Jordan River

to be baptized, heaven gushes through the hole in

the sky and pours down on earth. People who saw

it said it was like a dove coming down from heaven

onto Jesus. Jesus must have held onto the thread

of the firmament so that when he went down into

the water, the seam pulled open.

Jesus never did let go of that thread, except on

Good Friday when he couldn‘t hold on to it any-

more. Then Jesus died and our creeds tell us he

descended into hell. God had never fixed the

hole in heaven so now heaven spilled right into

hell and swallowed up death. Then on the waves

of heaven Jesus burst forth from the tomb to flood

the earth.

God still hasn‘t fixed that tear in the fabric

between heaven and earth. Heaven regu-

larly pours down upon us. Jesus walks

around handing out threads that connect

each of us to heaven and God and the Ho-

ly Spirit. If we all pulled at once with all our

might with our prayers and kindness and

justice how much heaven could we spill

upon the earth?

I hope that you will celebrate Epiphany with

us on January 2nd when the star stops over

Jesus‘ house and the Wise men bring him

gifts. Then on January 9th come for the

Baptism of the Lord as we hear the story of

how Jesus began his ministry. Later in the

month, on January 30th the Rev. J. Herbert Nel-

son II of the PC (USA) Washington Office will tell

us about the church‘s efforts to spill some heaven

out upon our city and our nation.

God is with us. Heaven and earth are one.

Let‘s celebrate together.

God‘s Blessings, Pastor Molly

Children’s Music Notes:

Thanks to all singers, parents, helpers and instrumentalists who made the Christmas Pageant a meaningful and enjoy-able occasion. Starting January 9

th, the Children‘s Choirs will resume a

regular practice schedule. Carol Choir (K-2nd

grade) will meet from 8:45 a.m.-9:25 a.m. Sunday School Music will be held from 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and Jr. Choir (Grades 3-8) will meet from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. All rehearsals are held in Rm. 308. Regular attendance is highly encour-aged. New singers are certainly welcome. Please contact Joann Moorer, Assistant Director of Music with any ques-tions, joann@chevychasepc.org. Children‘s Music will not meet January 2

nd. The Carol

Choir and Jr. Choir are scheduled to sing Sunday, Janu-ary 30 at the 9:30am service.

Chevy Chase Concerts Presents: Pianist Frederick Moyer

January 23, 2011 at 4:00 pm Moyer has performed in forty-three countries worldwide in almost thirty years as a concert pianist. He has made nu-merous recordings and is a pioneer in using technology to enhance musical experiences. He has had a strong connec-tion to a music school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for more than twenty-five years. All concerts are free and open to the pub-lic. On January 30, 2011 at 4:00 P.M Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter presents Julie Vidrick Evans, organist, on a beautiful tracker-action instrument built by Karl Wilhelm.

3319 Alabama Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. Admission free.

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Next Inquirers’ Seminar Scheduled for February 13, 2011

The next Inquirers‘ Seminar of the year will be offered on Sunday, February 13, 2011 from 12:15 to 4:00 p.m. in Room 250 (Geneva Hall) at CCPC. This session is open to those who have decided to become members, and also to those exploring their call to Christian discipleship as members of the congregation. The agenda for the afternoon, following lunch, includes a brief overview of the basic history, beliefs, and traditions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as an outline of specif ic opportunities for using one‘s gifts with others in ministry at CCPC. Those choosing to join will do so on February 27. For more information, or if you or someone you know are interested in participating in the seminar on February 13, please contact As-sociate Pastor Lynn Jostes at (202) 363-2202 or lynn@chevychasepc.org. Come join the disciples of The Chevy Chase Pres-byterian Church as we discover our gifts, answer our calling, and together serve our Lord.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHURCH?

January 2 Epiphany—ONE Service at 10 AM Rev. Lynn Jostes is preaching Sacrament of Communion served Arabic Language Service at 1:30 PM January 9 Baptism of the Lord—Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching Church School resumes January 16 2nd Sunday After Epiphany—Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching January 23 3rd Sunday after Epiphany—Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert preaching January 30 Justice Sunday—Services at 9:30 AM and 11 AM (See article on page 4)

Adult Education and Nurture at CCPC Sunday Mornings and Beyond

Continuing in January 2011

The Bible in Context Class (9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Room 350-B, third floor, Education Building)

Early Christian Letters. Please join in this year-long course, led by Peter combs, as we examine some of the let-ters outside of the canon which circulated in the first century church. For more information, see ―A Secret Gospel‖ below, or look for a complete syllabus at http://ccpc.petercombes.com.

Faith Trek (9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Library, first floor, center building, alley side)

Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who are curious about their faith and the world and who want to ex-plore in the company of a circle of friends. The circle expands easily, and we would be delighted to have you join us. The class is reading Hans Kung‘s new book, What I Believe. If you have any questions or if you would like to secure a book, contact Margaret Chan (301) 656-5034. Please feel free to drop by any Sunday.

Open Forum (9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Geneva Hall, second floor, Education Building, street side)

The Open Forum offers a forum for the discussion of a variety of topics on the intersection of faith and life. Join us in January for a discussion of these topics:

January 9 – Classes resume at 9:45 with "A Middle East Update" led by the Rev. Robert C. An-gus. Join us for this four-week series as we review the "Middle East Study Committee Report" and rec-ommendations approved this past summer by our General Assembly; discuss the Direct Talks between Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Abbas and the reasons for their failure; and consider the future of an Israeli/Palestinian two state solution and ways we can contribute to peace in the region.

Wednesday Evenings (Monthly)

The Young Women’s Bible Study invites all young women of the congregation to join in study and fellowship! Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in Room 350-B (third floor, Education Building, street side.) Bring your Bibles and join us and teacher, Lynn Jostes, for some great discussion of the Gospel of John!

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Interested in Bible Study in the New Year? The Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group will complete its study of the Revelation to John on Wednesday, January 26 and will begin a new study on February 9. The group enjoys invigorating discussion and invites you to join them! They usually meet on the second and fourth Wednesday morning of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Geneva Hall. For more information or to sign up, contact Grace Hyslop (202) 966-2997, Dale Kasab (301) 229-4868, or teacher Lynn Jostes. Come join us!

A Secret Gospel? In the Monastery of Mar Saba, Professor Morton Smith found a long-lost letter from Clement of Alexandria, which contained references to – and even a quotation from – a ―Secret Gospel of Mark‖. Morton Smith made several startling deductions from the letter, and these became the subject of very active scholarly de-bate (including accusations of forgery), which is still unresolved. Read the letter for yourself and make up your own mind at a special session of "Bible in Context" on Sunday, January 9

th,

2011. No special preparation is needed, and all are welcome.

Room 350-B 9:30 a.m.

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Frank & Margy Abbott Carl Alexander Chuck & Susan Alston Jon Anderson & Nancy Walczak Joe Anderson & Carolyn Johnson Jane & Bob Angus Meg & Tom Artley Fred & Gail Atwood Margaret Bacon Theda & Zoltan Bagdy Jean Bedenbaugh Allen & Carter Blakey Garry Blunt Stephen Bocanegra & Meredith Rathbone Dottie & Michael Boerner Dick Boggs Trish Boggs Frank & Betty Bond Margaret Bond Jack & Pat Bozarth Lib Brannon & Ed Duplinsky Robert Brewer Arnie & Susan Brooks Phil & Bobbi Brown John & Barbara Buchman George & Mary Clare Cahlink Bruce & Christel Carlson Wes & Carol Carson Roy & Marjorie Cashion Barb Chauncey Ed & Jenny Chesky Larry & Janice Clark Betsy Clemmer Bill Clotworthy Jean & Gary Cohen Ginny Coombs John & Sally Cox Betty Jane Crago Carol Crawford & Emily White George Curlin Chris Curtis & Susan Nash Howard Davis Bob & Diana Day Susan & Gene De La Torre

Bill & Carol Deck Dorothy Downing Hugh & Jeanne Eagleton Steve Eichenauer & Susan Schieffer Ken Emigholz Roderick Engert Carl & Astrid Erickson Linda Erickson Chris & Linda Ertz Julie & Rees Evans Nancy Everett Harry & Julia Fegley Mark & Lauren Fernandez Natalie Fernandez Vic Fernandez & Deanna Troust John & Linda Ferren Mary & John Finch Julia Freeman Ed & Mimi Gehres Bill & Linda Glew Campbell & Joy Graeub Joanne Guth Elizabeth Gwinn Nancy Gwinn & John Y Cole Bill & Rita Hadden Tracy Hadden-Loh & Josh Loh Julia & John Haifley Jim & Gail Hamill Peggy Hawkins Derek & Polly Hawver Betty Hemby Elizabeth Hendon Chris & Kim Hersman Mary Hoff Bill & Marie Hoffman Nancy Horan Barbara Howell Matthew Huerta Priscilla Huff John & Grace Hyslop Melissa & Tom Jordan Lynn Jostes Susan Juarez Jim & Dale Kasab

*With grateful appreciation, the Stewardship Committee thanks the following for their pledge of financial support for God’s ministries at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in 2011:

*List of donors as of Dec. 20, 2010

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Ruth Kean Sam & Lucy Keker Ernie & Sally Kelly Jim & Naomi Kettler Elizabeth King Tom & Mary Kirby Clyde & Diane Kirtley Randell Kremer & Karen Gray Walt & Susie Laessig Jenna Lally Mary & Marshall Lasky Kathy Latterner Julius & Jean Lauderdale Bill & Chris Laehy Marie Leffingwell Dennis & Susan Leister Luna Lambert & Dan Levinson Rich & Noni Lindahl Caroline Lippold David Lippold & Catherine McMullen Park Lippold Ken Lowenberg Tamera Luzzatto & David Leiter Mary Lee Maples Betty Marvin Carole & Robert Maudlin Lynda & John Maudlin-Jeronimo Larry & Rebecca Maxwell Sigrid Melus Florence & Pete Mills Carole Minor William Minor & Christine Enemark Maggie Mitchell-Salem Jim Moorhead Tom Morgan & Rosemary Killen Mimi & Robert Morse Andy & Gail Mott Beth Mullin & Jim Sandman Frans & Janet Nauta Dave & Marcia Notley Beth & Paul Nyhus Roland & Mattie Olson John Parisi & Anne Broker David & Mary-Margaret Patterson Art Pine Helen Pratt

Carolynn Race Len & Annemarie Ralston Priscilla & Dustin Rawlins Dylan Rawlins Britt Reynolds & Cathy Creech Connie Rhind Robey Ian & Ruthanne Richardson Dick & Barbara Riegel Steve Robertson & Susan Peacock Ted Rockwell Nancy Rosan Roger Ruckman & Sally Hall Fred Schafrick & Sharon Halpin Christy Schmidt Steve & Sally Seawright Bill & Rebecca Senhauser Brad Shingleton & Sherburne Laughlin Priscilla Skillman & Lewis Smith Lorna Sniegoski Sam & Melody Soopper Ann Sowder & Michael Huerta Janet St. Amand Norm Stant Betsy Sterman Paul Teichert & Molly Blythe Teichert Caroline Teichert Emma Teichert Rita Teresa Sara Todd Carol Tucker-Foreman & Jay Foreman Caroline & Chris Vance Joel & Bethany Velasco Marilyn Voigt Dinny Walle Cindy Walsh John & Alice Weicher Louise & Ed White Ron & Jessica Wick Martha Williams Bob & Cheryl Wood Jayne & Dennis Wood Margie Wood In addition, we received 124 anonymous pledg-es.*

If you would like your name added to this list make a confidential pledge by placing a pew card in the offering plate, sending one by mail, or email-ing ian@chevychasepc.org. Please indicate your permission to allow your name to be added to this list of givers. An updated list will be available at the end of December.

* Anonymity was determined by those who did not indicate their permission (by checking a box on the pledge card) to allow their names to be includ-ed in the list of givers. If you have made a pledge and would like your name listed, email ian@chevychasepc.org.

Justice Sunday January 30, 2011 The Church as a Advocate for Change The theme for this year‘s Justice Sunday worship services at 9:30 and 11:00 AM on Sunday, January 30

th is The Church as an Advocate for Change. Our preach-

er will be the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, serving since 2010 as the Director of Public Witness for the Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church, (USA). Dr. Nelson II is a third-generation Presbyterian pastor, with 25 years of experience in congregational ministry. He has worked in a new church development at Libera-tion Community Presbyterian Church, a ministry with the urban poor of Memphis, Tenn. Nelson also preaches and serves as a keynote leader at Presbyterian youth and adult conferences. The Presbyterian Washington Office is the public policy information and advocacy office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The office ad-vocates, and helps the church at large to live out the social witness perspectives and policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The church has a long history of applying these biblically and theologically-based insights to issues that affect the public - maintaining a public policy ministry in the nation‘s capital since 1946.

Dr. Nelson recognizes that many Presbyterians, do not make the connection with the Presbyterian Church and its historic role in shaping public policy. His hope is to help individuals, networks and congregations work together as they seek to bear witness to Christ‘s love and justice in ways that transform the world. As a congregation, CCPC has a history of being an advocate for change in fields of public policy. We have worked to secure free non-driver‘s IDs for ex-offenders in DC to action working on larger national and international issues. There are currently people representing this congregation who are working with Bread for the World, ex-offender re-entry concerns, and through the Washington Interfaith Network, on jobs and energy efficiency. We will learn more about these advocacy connections on January 30

th as well.

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Balaam’s Ass Or

The Heavens Are Declaring…But Are We Listening

Are you interested in learning more about how Science, Ethics and Religion interface? Do you wonder what the story of Balaam‘s Ass (read Numbers 22:1-35) has to do with faith and ministry? Come find out!! On Saturday, January 29, 2011, CCPC is hosting a workshop to reflect on the cultural and natural context in which congregations are called to ministry in the 21

st century. The presentations and discussion will be guided by the

Rev. Dr. Jim Miller, the General Missioner for the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith (PASTCF). PASTCF is ―a membership organization of Presbyterians seeking to understand and ex-plore the relationship of a Reformed Christian faith and life to contemporary knowledge of creation and the technological powers such knowledge makes possible.‖ The workshop will be held in Geneva Hall from 9:00 – 4:30 and is open to every-one who wants to discuss ―How We Got Here From There,‖ ―What We Know About the Universe God is Creating,‖ and ―Living the Faith in a Participatory, Evolving Creation.‖ The registration fee for the day is $30 (includes lunch, snacks, and one-year PASTCF membership) and $15 for students (make checks to CCPC marked ―PASTCF.‖) For more information or to register, contact David Notley at da-vid_marcia.notley@verizon.net) and look for registration forms in the narthex.

Your Federal Job Search A New Year – A New Way

Corliss Jackson, MPA Monday, January 3

rd

3:00 to 4:30 PM in Geneva Hall at the Church A special presentation by the Job Transitions Group

The Federal Government has announced a simplified hiring process with changes to KSAs and other improvements. But have things really gotten easier? Ms. Jackson will bring us up-to-date on what has changed, what has stayed the same, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting a federal government job. Corliss Jackson, MPA is an expert on the Federal Government's hiring process. As a

former GS-15 Human Resources Manager, she has over 10 years of hands-on work experience at the Office of Personnel Management and the US Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health. She continues to provide consulting services to various Federal Government agencies. Ms. Jackson's experience working with the Federal Govern-ment and now as a Consultant with Federal Job Results (www.federaljobresults.com) provides her with a unique "insider's view" of the Federal hiring process. The Job Transitions Group is open to anyone in the community. There is no cost to participants. For more information, contact Steve Robertson at (202) 363-2202 or steve@chevychasepc.org.

JOB TRANSITIONS GROUP The Job Transitions Group at CCPC offers encouragement, support, skill development, and fellowship to those currently out of work, exploring career options, or actively seeking a new job. The group has been meeting since spring of 2009, and will continue as long as there is need for it. The group meets at the church every other Monday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, in the Firesides Room. The dates for winter and spring are: January 3, 10, 24, February 7, 28, March 14, 28, April 4, 18, May 2, 16, 23. Participants are wel-come to attend each session or whenever they are able. The group is open to anyone and there is no cost to participants. The group is led by CCPC members Bob Minor, a Career Management Consultant and Coach; Derek Hawver, a psychiatrist in private practice; and Associate Pastor Steve Robertson. For information, contact Steve, steve@chevychasepc.org, or (202) 363-2202.

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On January 23, 2011 interested 9th grade youth (and older) and their parents are invited to attend an orientation pot luck

supper from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Geneva Hall to hear plans and expectations for this year‘s Confirmation Class . Confirmation is more that just ―joining the church‖; it is about exploring a life of faith and discipleship in Christ. Participants will learn about what we believe and how we live faithfully as members of the church. Letters of invitation have been sent to these youth and their families. If you have not received a letter, and are interested in participating or need more information, please contact Lynn Jostes (202) 363-2202. We ask for your prayers as our young people begin this significant part of their faith journey. We look forward to celebrating with them as they make their public profession of faith on Pentecost Sunday, June 12, 2011.

THE CONFIRMATION JOURNEY BEGINS

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One Chevy Chase Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church “Where Faith and Life Intersect”

Church School Classes for Everyone! We’ve Saved a Place for You!!

Church School classes for all ages resume in January and will continue through May each Sunday. January‘s schedule is a little different; on January 2, second graders and up will worship and celebrate communion with our church family at 10:00 a.m. Church School classes will be held for 1

st graders and younger on that day.

Church school classes for all ages resume when we return to two services. Church school is held from 9:45 – 10:45. Children and youth are encouraged to attend worship with their family or with friends and then go to their classes (usually after the ‗Time with Children‘ each week). If you have not already done so, we ask that parents please complete a registration form for their children for the rest of this year‘s session. Forms are available from the teachers or in the church office. Check out the Adult Education classes outlined on page three of this Gate-way and plan to join one in the New Year. We‘ll be looking for you!!

Make Sure you Continue to Receive Church Emails.

From now on, church emails (the weekly News and Notes, the monthly Gateway, and other notices) will come from enews@chevychasepc.org. Please make sure your spam filter or PC security settings include this email address as a ―safe sender‖ so you will continue to receive these important emails in your inbox.

Hearthstones and Firesides Youth Groups The Hearthstones (middle school) and Firesides (senior high) youth groups will be meeting for fellow-ship and activities on: Sunday, January 9 - 6-8 PM Sunday, January 23 - 6-8 PM Sunday, January 30 - 6-8 PM There will be no youth group gatherings on Sundays, January 2 and 16. Watch for more information about planned activities and events. For more information, contact Lynn Jostes at lynn@chevychasepc.org