The Seed Newsletter
September 11, 2022
THIS SUNDAY AT CHRISTIAN TEMPLE
This Sunday we will be worshiping outside on the worship patio in the back of the church at 11am. We'll be doing that for two reasons.
First, it will give our Church Band an opportunity to provide music in Mark’s absence. We've enjoyed the band's accompanying worship through the years and it will be good to hear them one more time. The service will be oriented around how so much of our faithful expression comes in the form of music.
Second, worshiping outdoors will offer an opportunity for Jayna and me to say so long to those who still aren’t comfortable coming indoors to worship. So, 11 am on Sunday, September 11th will be an outdoor service out on the patio at the back of the building.
By the way, we want to be inclusive for this service, especially for those with mobility issues. So, anyone who would be willing to provide a valet service to shuttle those who have some mobility challenges from the parking lot to the back of the building, please let me know, or call the office.
And, if you are one who is worried about being able to walk around to the back, please call the office and we will be sure to have a chariot awaiting your arrival at church to take you around to the back.
Still no Nine O'Clock Forum this Sunday, but we will be meeting on Sunday, September 18th on Zoom at nine.
OPERATION WARM!
Millions of kids are now back to school - but with inflation reaching its highest rate in 40 years, many families will be forced to cut down on clothing expenses and focus on necessities (food, rent, health, etc.). Together, you and I can help alleviate part of this financial burden 
for 100 children at Ducketts Lane Elementary School. This particular school has asked if we could try to provide another round of 100 coats.
Each winter coat costs $22.00 and up to 5 coats costing $110.00. If you want to help, please mail your check to:
Operation Warm Inc.
C/O Christian Temple Fund
P.O. Box 822431
Philadelphia, PA 191182-2431
When kids have the proper appropriate attire, they can feel confident and be successful academically. More important, they can enjoy being kids.
Thank you very much for helping ~ Doug Brice (410-730-8727)
WOMEN'S GROUP
The last Women's Group that Jayna Powell will be leading is on Monday, September 12th (7:30 PM) via Zoom. Please mark your calendar! It will be a great time to enjoy the company of Jayna and all your friends. Hope you can join in on the fun!
NASIR NEEDS A CAR!
We are so proud of our Afghanistan families! And much of their success is due to YOUR generosity and hospitality! Nasir just started a full time job at John’s Hopkins University! It’s incredible. So what we need now for him is a car! Originally we wanted one to fit all 6 of them, but for now, any reliable car would be so so helpful! Please keep your eye out or let Doug Kruse know if you have one to sell!
MORE PHOTOS FROM JAYNA'S PARTY!
SAVE THE DATES!
Come help us celebrate Rick Powell's retirement as pastor of Christian Temple for 27 years, as well as Jayna's remarkable contributions to the congregation and community, at one or all of these special events!
Sunday September 11, we will worship outdoors on the patio at 11 am. It’s a chance to hear The Church Band one last time, and to allow those who aren't yet comfortable worshiping indoors an opportunity to say goodbye to the Powells.
Sunday September 25 will be the Powells' last Sunday at Christian Temple. Rick will be presiding and preaching at the 11 am service, and a luncheon/reception will follow the worship service.
Anyone who is unable to attend is encouraged to send a note to the Powells through Lisa Nichols at lisanichols3@verizon.net or through USPS to Lisa Nichols, 6308 Silvery Star Path, Columbia, MD 21044.
MY TWO CENTS
Did your parents ever have “the talk” with you? Did you ever have “the talk” with your kids? You know, “the talk”.
I guess the content of “the talk” can vary. When I think of “the talk” the first thing that comes to mind is the talk about the birds and the bees. I can’t remember having that talk with my folks which could mean that they had it with me before I was old enough to recall just to get it out of the way. Or it could mean that I was so mortified by the subject matter that I have successfully blocked it from my mind. And, while I THINK Jayna and I put together some variation of “the talk” with our kids, my memory goes more easily back to worrying about having “the talk”, than the talk itself.
I guess the bottom line is that the content of “the talk” can vary. For families of color, “the talk” might mean parents talking to their kids about how to behave if they get stopped by the police. “This is what you will and won’t do.” For families with aging parents “the talk” might have something to do with downsizing or maybe the wisdom of continuing to drive. “The talk” could be about it being time for a grown child to move out of the house. “The talk” can also be about whether to keep trying to make the marriage work.
Talking about difficult but important things is a part of life- for couples, for families and for congregations.
One subject that is “talk-worthy” and that is now upon us, is the subject of how important it is for ministers who are leaving their congregations to disappear for a while. Our denomination doesn’t have a lot of hard and fast rules, but on this subject, it is about as clear as it can be- not unlike a parent announcing to the child, “this is how it’s going to be”>
Here is what I am required to say on September 25th in the “Covenant of Closure”, which is part of the document “Closing A Ministry” published by the Office of Search and Call, Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):
Minister: I will separate myself from participation in the life of the congregation from which I am retiring for at least one year after the arrival of the new pastor(s).
That’s it. Petty straight forward, isn’t it? And so very important. The best way for new clergy to form deep and abiding relationships with their congregations is to do so in the absence of the ones who are leaving. Period. And, because we’ve been such a social group, that absence also applies to events beyond those that are officially sponsored by the church.
Of course, we all hope, and maybe even intend, for there to be a time beyond that first year or so when we can once again be together. But that will be determined by the new clergy, the congregation, and by lots of things beyond our ability to anticipate.
So, now that we’ve had “the talk”, we can go about the important, joyful, sometimes difficult business of saying our goodbyes during the month to come. That these days will be bittersweet is to be celebrated. We wouldn’t want it any other way. And, by me playing by the rules laid out in “the talk”, we greatly increase the likelihood that a similarly difficult time of goodbyes will be in store many years down the road for the clergy soon to be in your midst.
Shalom,
Rick
WANT SOME MORE TIME AT THE BEACH? SIGN UP FOR THE ADULT RETREAT!
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY
In-person and Virtual Regional Assembly October 14 & 15, 2022
Location: The William F. Bolger Center, 9600 Newbridge Dr, Potomac, MD 20854
The theme for the 2022 Regional Assembly is "Justice, Mercy, Humility: What Is Required of Disciples Today?” based upon the scripture passage Micah 6:8
To Register and to make room reservations at the Bolger Center, please check out our registration page https://www.cccadisciples.org/registration
NAMI Family Support Groups: Meeting 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 7-8:30 PM!
Are you the loved one of someone living with a mental health condition, or whose mental health you are concerned about? We're here for you! NAMI Family Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults 18+ who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. By joining one of our groups, you'll be able to get connected to people who see the value of speaking up about mental health and will gain insight from sharing your experiences and hearing the challenges and successes of others!
Attend a Support Group Starting in September, we will be offering our NAMI Family Support Group in-person on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Register on this Eventbrite to receive location details!
***IMPORTANT*** We will follow all safety protocols set in place by both the Baltimore City and County Health Departments and our partners to ensure safety of participants. Space is limited and NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Staff will confirm registration closer to the attendance date. We will do our best to communicate any cancellations in advance, but please check our website at namibaltimore.org to stay up to date on our latest updates.
Please contact the NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Help-Line at 410-435-2600 or email info@namibaltimore.org for more information.
NEWS FROM NAMI: 988 IS NOW AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE!
When you call or text 988, you will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network, made up of around 200 crisis call centers and national backup centers. That means anyone, anywhere in the country can contact 988 during a mental health crisis and be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can listen, provide support, deescalate the situation and connect you to additional resources that might help.
The Lifeline can respond to any type of mental health crisis or emotional distress. It is free, confidential and open to a person in crisis or someone calling on behalf of another.
Right now, we need your help spreading the word about 988 in our community. A recent NAMI Survey revealed that 80% of U.S. citizens were unaware of what 988 is. In order to divert mental health calls away from law enforcement and towards mental health care, we must make sure that our Baltimore community knows that this valuable resource is available to them, and we would deeply appreciate your help spreading the word!
TAKING A SUMMER BREAK
Note from Kecia Johnson...
Sunday, June 26th was the last Sunday that we invited the kids to join us in the Library during Worship Service, until this Fall. I will be taking the next few months to get recharged and plan for the upcoming season. During summer, there will be a basket filled with kids' activities for use during service. (You will find this at the welcome table, right outside the sanctuary.)
For families with precious little ones: We will not have a Nursery Room Attendant available during the summer months, but you are still welcome to use that space during Worship if needed.
Over the next few months, there will be a few family and kid activities planned. (More details on those soon!) Until then, hoping each of you have a safe, blessed, and happy summer!
CAW & TRANSORMERS FAMILY- INFORMATION REQUESTED
A Note from Kecia Johnson...
Please help to update our records! I am asking ALL Christian Temple families with kids aged Birth to 8th Grade to complete and submit this Form ---> https://forms.gle/h2bDFT7d7LkBHfE39
PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS POLICY UPDATED
At its most recent meeting the Official Board updated Christian Temple's Pandemic Preparedness Policy to more accurately reflect the current realities of the pandemic. Anyone who would like to see the policy as it now is written may CLICK HERE.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO ISN'T RECEIVING THE SEED?
Our email distribution lists are almost up-to-date, but we are concerned that we may have missed a friend or two during this process. If you know of anyone who isn't receiving the J&C and/or The Seed, please ask them to let the office know. Contact Robin at 410-747-2041 or at office@christiantemple.org. Thank you!
ZOOM LINKS!
Nine O'Clock Forum, Sundays (9 AM), Zoom Sessions Only
The Nine O'Clock Forum will not be meeting this Sunday, September 11th.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/602793616
Children's Choir, Sundays (10:30- 10:55 AM)
The Children's Choir will meet this Sunday, September 11th.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87001372088
