(we are grateful to Joyce Beales who is now in her 5th year of writing ministry recaps!)

February

I’m told Phil, weather prognosticator extraordinaire, did see his shadow on Ground Hog Day, but you would hardly believe that now! February has been a mild month as winters go—75F just a few days ago!  That’s my idea of “winter.”  Besides giving Phil an opportunity to use his illusive and somewhat dubious weather forecasting skills, February is Black History month and the shortest month—28/29 days!  Did you know that February is the only month that can pass without a full moon at all during the month!  No kidding, the last time that happened was 1999, and we won’t see it again until 2037—roughly fourteen years down the road!  I’ll only be 89 years old. . .

It’s been quite a busy month here in CBC-land.  The Sanctuary Renovation Project is heading down the home stretch toward the finish line!  Drywall is nearly finished, and we are scheduled to paint the Fellowship Hall the first week of March.  If you can help or know someone who can, feel free to contact Pastor Dan, and he’ll get you started.  BYO paint brushes and/or rollers; we’ll supply the paint.  Later next month Southern Air will deliver the air conditioning unit, and we will inch our way on toward the ‘finish line.’

Before we hardly knew it, our First Sunday Fellowship rolled around along with the Lord’s Supper celebration—on the same Sunday!  As well, Pastor Dan began a new sermon series called, Formed by Jesus.  The following Saturday, some of the men gathered for breakfast together in the Courtyard Commons. I understand it was quite a spread!

A few days later, we welcomed Allen Jessee and his team, from Highland’s Fellowship. They spent that evening and part of the next morning with us encouraging our team and thinking with us about how we can partner with each other during the coming months on mission together at home and abroad.

Lots of great things are happening in the music department, as well.  The whole team—musicians, sound, audio/video—works hard to see that it all runs smoothly on Sunday morning.  Kudos to one and all!  Thank YOU so much!  As Easter approaches, the Choir is rehearsing; so if you would like to be part of this great team—just show up!  They will warmly welcome you.

Earlier in the month some of our hardy church folk served nourishing hot soup to passersby at our West Street parking lot!  Yummmm!  Additionally, on Sunday afternoon mid-month, we hosted a Moms2Moms event.  This group assists families in Central VA find resources and provides diapers, wipes, formula and hygiene items.  Plus, Hans’ Homebound Brigade delivered numerous boxes of food staples to homebound seniors in an around Culpeper.

Small groups are blossoming all around CBC.  Dinner groups are up and running again, giving our church family an opportunity to gather and get to know each other on a more intimate level.  George’s Connection, a small group for young adults with unique abilities, gathered on February 24 for good food, games and fun.  Children and their parents celebrated a Family Fun Night with a snack dinner and had lots of fun playing games together.  At the end of the month, the youth spent the afternoon snow tubing at Brice Resort near the foot of the Allegheny Mountains on the edge of Shenandoah Valley.  A newly formed group, 50-60 Somethings has also come together.  This group may be a good fit for you if you are still in the work force.  As well, a group of our “seasoned” retirees gathered to pass along some of the things they’ve learned to people who have recently retired or are considering retirement soon.

Generations Central’s family support group got together  again this month and several individuals commented about how much they appreciated CBC hosting this group and how supportive the group is to them in just a few short months! In addition, Sara assists in the facilitation of a 6-week educational program to help caregivers cope with all of their responsibilities as they care for a friend or relative.  At this writing we have 3 instructors and 8 folks in the class. By completion, these individuals will have many tools to help them with their caring responsibilities. These are just a few highlights of the many activities that occur during the month at CBC.  Until next month, be well and be a blessing.

January

Well, that was quick! January is now in the rear view mirror, and we are heading into February with great excitement about all that is happening here at CBC.  Some big news—Christina Johnson is settling in as our worship and building/event coordinator.  If you see her when you’re in our building, introduce yourself and chat a moment or two.

The renovation project is progressing, and we are back in the sanctuary for two services each Sunday.  Some minor details still need attention, but we are closing in on those.  The Fellowship Hall is starting to take shape -we hope to be back in that space by March.  Check out the update on the website for more information.

Acoustic Café celebrated five, yes—5!—years of providing great music and good fellowship to our church family and community at large.  AND get this!  Over 100 folks came to help us celebrate!! We have one of the best venues for live music in the whole of Culpeper.  Thank you Geary!

Things are bubbling right along with children.  Meghan DeJarnette is leading the charge with a children’s choir; so if you know of little people who love to sing, give her a call. In addition, if you love working with children, teens or young adults, Jeanine and Jim can always use a helping hand.

Jake Ramirez is leading Choir practice in preparation for Easter services.  Come check it out and add your voice to the rest of the group.   What a treat to have the choir back for our Christmas celebration a few weeks ago!  Thanks to our entire music crew for all the great work they are doing each Sunday.

Our 250th Anniversary Celebration Team is getting back to work in February.  We are making progress on their plans for a year-long celebration next year!  If you have addresses of alumni from years gone by, feel free to contact Dan or one of the committee members with this information.  It will be invaluable information as we plan.

Hans and his crew are back to delivering the USDA food boxes around our community.  A big thank you goes out to our faithful volunteers who make this monthly trek to deliver nourishing food to seniors in and around Culpeper.  Our senior adults also met near the end of the month to share their wisdom about transitioning well to retirement.  Some of our younger seniors are just beginning to think about retirement and wanted to tap into the wisdom of folks who have already been there/done that.  We had a great group with some having retired 20+ years ago!  Hopefully these sages will help others to avoid some pitfalls along the way.

I understand that plans are in the works for the senior adults to take a spring trip to Lancaster, PA with a brief stop in Hershey.  We may even schedule a tour of the world-famous chocolate factory.   One of my fantasies is to fall into a big box of chocolates and nibble my way out!

The teens and young adults had fun during the month, too.  Converge small groups met in different places for dinner with one enjoying a charcuterie dinner, one at State Climb and others scattered around nearby.  The young adults enjoyed Monday Night Live with lots of music and laughs while some helped serve dinner at the local heat shelter!  Way to go!

Our Church Ministries Team is bringing back the dinner groups again this year and over 80 people have signed up!  They will begin in February.  Last but certainly not least, our women’s group is planning a conference in March.  So many great things are happening at CBC!  You can help by praying for each event that comes up.  Until next month, be well.