Greetings from First Congregational United Church of Christ!

In the year 2000, our church first encountered that wonderful organization, CEPAD in Nicaragua. It is an acronym which translates as Council of Churches in Denominational Alliance but everybody knows it simply as CEPAD. It is doing extraordinary work in Nicaragua.

It trains the rural poor in back yard agriculture and other skills. It organizes rural communities so they may help themselves. It works hard to counter the effects of ‘machismo’ and violence to women that have been so much a part of Nicaraguan life. It provides training to clergy. It coordinates partnerships between Nicaraguan and US groups. It acts as a council of churches to bring churches and clergy together. It works to safeguard the environment and to encourage involvement in the political process. I’ve seen it affecting people’s lives in Nicaragua in so many ways over the years. I am a huge supporter of CEPAD.

CEPAD is this month’s Mission of the Month. I’m going to make a substantial contribution and I invite you to do so as well.

This Sunday in Traditional worship, we will look at a God who is very much a part of your life and mine, whether we know it or not. New Creation will consider Jesus, the man of prayer. Once again, the Gospel writer Mark will be with us.

In Faith and Reason, Aaron Litke will present on his recent trip to Kenya. Members of the sponsoring church in Greenwood will also be present. All other opportunities will be offered as well during the Education hour.

Our youth will get ‘locked in” tomorrow night to prepare our Super Bowl snacks.

This Sunday will be Jan Bates last before she moves to Florida. Jan has been a faithful servant at this church and we will miss her.

Our brothers and sisters in CEPAD have responded to God’s call to minister in Christ’s name in meaningful ways. On Sunday, we will gather to empower ourselves to do the same.