Bowling Green John Cephas 1930 - 2009 July 2020

“Bowling Green” John Cephas was a pre-eminent blues guitarist and singer. He

played a unique form of blues called the “Piedmont Blues”. He got his moniker

“Bowling Green” because he lived in Bowling Green, Virginia. John became a friend

of mine years ago through the D.C. National Guard. He was the Head Carpenter in

the Armory and occupied a small office adjacent to the Shop Room down in the

basement of the Armory. I had heard about John’s unbelievable guitar skills and

often dropped into his shop to say hello, chat and trade stories. The Chapel was on

the same level down in the basement so it was just down the hall and around the

corner from where I spent a lot of time. John was an amazing man and one day he

taught me a lesson about focusing on the moment and giving priority to what is most important to you in the

moment. He never knew it; none the less I’ve never forgotten the encounter.

I had gone into his shop one morning while I was in the Armory to do a Tuesday morning Worship Service and

attend the General’s Staff Meeting. After speaking for a minute he saw I had brought my guitar with me that

morning and asked what kind of music I played. I told him I was a Bluegrass guy but my skills weren’t worthy

of opening the guitar case in his presence. “Nonsense”, he quickly replied, and invited me to go get my guitar

and play a song or two of my kind of music. I did; he was kind and said, “I like your music, Chaplain”. Would

you like to play a song or two with me? I was humbled and said “Sure, but I was way below his skill level”.

He grinned, got his guitar and began playing in his famous Piedmont Blues style. I was in awe. Here I was,

sitting playing a lick or two with one of, if not the most famous, Piedmont Blues pickers in the world. John had

traveled all over the world playing his music.

After a few minutes someone from the General’s Office walked into the shop and started speaking, “The

General wants…” John waved him off and kept playing. After he was done his song, he looked up and firmly

but kindly said “Don’t ever interrupt me when I’m playing my music”. I gasped. No one would stop a message

from the General. I admired John for knowing the priority of the moment, for focusing on the moment and not

letting any interruption come between him and his music. I learned an important lesson in focusing on the

moment and what giving something priority meant. Our session was over; I never got the opportunity to play

with John again, but I did go a couple of times to local venues in D.C. and see him play. He always welcomed

me, honored me by saying “Hello, Chaplain” during breaks in his performances and I remembered the great

moment for what it was…a lesson in what focus means.

What do you focus on in your life? What are your top priorities in life? Do you give priority to what you claim

is most important to you and how would that show up in your life? As people of faith, certainly the Lord is the

top priority in our lives, along with the church, our families and after that the rest is up to you.

Thank you, John, for a lesson I’ll never forget.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

4 Julie Courtney

9 Bob Flaherty

13 David Jordan

Zach Burch

Gaylene Cottone

14 Nell Rys

17 Jesse Young

22 Robert Force

Jason Leonard

26 Mary Sigel

Angela Hayes

30 Paul Leiberton

~Prayers and Condolences~ to the Families of:

~Marguerite Wise~

who passed away on June 3rd Carolyn Farmerie

~Rich MacDowell ~

who passed away on June 5th Barbara MacDowell

NEWS AMONG OUR CHURCH FAMILY

PRAYER LIST

Please let us know if you know of someone who is sick or is a shut-in. Thank you.

Becky Brooks

Michael Lastre

June Jordan

Pat Kruhm

Marge Skucas

Dolores Wachtman

Nell Rys

Wauneta Wine

…

Highlights from the May Board Meeting…

The Board met via Zoom on June 10.

Dr. Chance shared some prime examples of people and organizations resisting, even condemning, changes that

they dismissed as ridiculous with no future but were later shown to be world changes. The Director of the

Patent Office of the United States said in 1899, “Everything that can be invented has been invented”.

After receiving Reports and Updates from Dr. Chance and each of the Ministry Chairs, Officers and Chairs of

the Elders and Deacons, the Board discussed and took action in the following areas.

Update on Plan for Re-Opening Approved on May 13. / Approval re-affirmed with noted changes since last

month.

AA Request to meet on parking lot or perhaps picnic area was Approved with final decision up to Dr. Chance,

Decisions on Funerals / Visitation at Church was affirmed.

• Support will be provided with whatever Dr. Chance feels is appropriate with each situation. County/State

Regulations in existence at the time of each funeral will be observed.

The Financial Secretary reported that income has been very good. It is a beautiful testament to our members

and a reflection of how much the church means to us all.

The Treasurer’s Report indicated that expenses well under control. Year to date total budget is $700 above

budget but we are good shape expense-wise.

Dr. Chance shared the large number of pastoral situations and needs of members and friends as well as his

personal grief over the loss of good friends and members.

He also asked for prayers for himself as the stress, the expectations of him, the huge technological challenges

and effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic have increased his workload with no additional help or resources

(other than his Administrative Assistant, Jesse). He is worn out with it all. He has reached a limit.

There have been 4 deaths, 3 funerals and countless pastoral needs since all of this began. Dr. Chance invited

creative thinking for what can we do in the way of ministry during these challenging times.

NEWS FROM OUR MINISTRIES

FELLOWSHIP…Amy Buckingham/Mary Chance While we are all still practicing caution regarding in-person fellowship, continue to reach out to one another by phone and email to stay in touch, and keep praying for one another. We can also enjoy knowing that while separate, we can all continue to worship in unison Sunday mornings through the online worship in the safety and comfort of our own homes. We are monitoring the ever-changing state of things and we look forward to

being together in person as soon as it is safe to do so.

PROPERTY…Jeff Price Greetings from the Property Ministry, I hope all are safe during these uncertain times. All quiet on Church property issues. We are currently evaluating and performing cleaning functions that will keep the Church a safe place when we reopen. Stay safe and stay tuned for our reopening plans.

OUTREACH…Connie Spoon

Our food pantry is stocked with plenty of non-perishable items and we have been able to bless multiple families with food. If you are in need of assistance or would like to donate to the food pantry, please contact the church office and we’ll do everything we can to coordinate with you. Our Backpack Drive has officially begun. Please refer to the list of suggested school supplies on the following page. Let’s continue to keep everyone in our church and community in our prayers!

WORSHIP…Carol Knott

We may be seeing changes in the way we have been worshipping in the near future. We are very thankful to be able to go online for our Sunday services. We are very appreciative that we have the ability to air these services. I hope you have been “attending” church each Sunday. Dr. Chance, Jon and Jesse have been doing a wonderful job to make the services enjoyable and keeping us inspired. Don’t forget to say thank you as you “leave” church each week.

STEWARDSHIP…John Small As people start to move about more with many localities opening up, it is important to remember if you are out of the area for a period of time do not forget your church. Also, as our church finalizes plans to open for Sunday services, our costs for supplies needed to open will increase. I ask each of you to take a moment to pause and reflect on the love and support Aspen Hill Christian Church provides to us as members and friends and to the community we live in. During these summer months, please remember that everything our church does is made possible through the financial commitments from us. So just quick reminder – if you are going to be away for a while please try to remain faithful with your giving.

2020 Backpack Collection Starting:

August 2, 9, 16, 23

Will be delivered the week of August 23rd to

Georgian Forest Elementary School

*Please shop for an inexpensive but decent Backpack for a needy child

about to go back to school.

Suggested Backpack Supply List:

o Black Composition book

o Box of Colored Pencils

o Box of Crayons

o Wide Rule Loose Leaf Paper & Binder

o Zippered Pencil Case

o Scissors

o Glue sticks

o Pocket Folders

o Pencil Sharpener

o Pencils

o Optionally a Bottle of Hand Sanitizer to clip on Backpack

o Most of all “lots of love and hope”

Place Backpack and supplies in box at AHCC and say a prayer for the child who will receive it

St. Paul’s Devotional by Pam Canova Force

“Just Like Jesus”

I remember an evening during our grief group,

“Good Grief”, held at Aspen Hill Christian Church that

was very special to me.Dr. Chance was substituting for his

friend Barbara, who was our regular leader.

He told us about a time he assisted a young boy to calm down, and finally, after he sat

down Tucker (Dr. Chance’s dog) went over and put his head on the boy’s legs. Immediately,

the boy began to calm down.

It was obvious to me that Dr. Chance still had difficulty telling this story as his eyes were

filled with tears and his voice, although strong, was thick with emotions. I began to think about

the cost of giving one’s life to help others bear their burdens. I know that Dr. Chance also

helped the survivors of the Pentagon bombing after 9/11, and I know that he still pays a price

each time he recalls this difficult time. Also, he occasionally relates to us how many funerals he

has performed. He shared that each one takes a lot out of him.

I began thinking about our Lord and how he was willing to sacrifice his life for our

betterment, and I could not help noting the similarity between Him and the good, good man

who is our pastor.

Thank you for being you Dr. Chance. I salute Christ in you.

Dear AHCC family,

Thank you so much for all your prayers, phone

calls and cards upon the passing of our mom and

Aunt Margie. Thank you to all those who

contributed to the memorial funds in their honor.

A special thank you to Dr. Chance who despite the

difficult circumstances did beautiful services for

both of them to celebrate their lives. Thank you to

Jesse for her help also.

Your thoughtfulness and kindness were very much appreciated during this very sad and

difficult time for our family losing both of them within a month of each other.

God’s Blessings to you all,

Debbie and Steve

Join your voice or instrument to the Virtual Regional Congregational Choir!

Christian Church Capitol Alliance is launching a virtual Regional Congregational Choir Project

to be released on October 2nd - October 3rd this year at Regional Assembly. The

word Congregational is an important word here:

As long as you are part of every Sunday’s congregational singing before the shutdown -

whether as a worshipper or as a choir/praise team member - you are who they need! In brief,

they are seeking to create the regional congregational singing experience, not just praise

team, not just choir, but Congregation!

For everyone of you who participates, $3 will be donated to Week of Compassion - a joint effort by Rev. Allen Harris, Rev. Nathan Hill, and

Sharon How. As the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Week of Compassion

works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world. You may check out their ministry at www.weekofcompassion.org

We are looking for participation from Disciples of Christ congregations across the Christian Church Capital Area for this project, singing/playing one of

the most well-known hymns — Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Important: The project will only launch if we are able to get at least 100 participating members. Please RSVP with Sharon How by * June 28th *

Email: sharon_star92@hotmail.com Phone: (301) 454 9455

For questions about the Regional Congregational Virtual Choir Project, you may reach Jesse at the church office.

FAITHFUL IS AS FAITHFUL DOES…

Because so many of our members and

friends have sent their offerings and gifts

in through the mail, through the mail slot

beside the front door of the church and

with our new “online” giving option we

have been able to continue our ministry and mission as faithfully as ever. We are so grateful for you,

near and far, members and friends for continuing to love and support your church through these

trying times.

Please continue to give, don’t let us drop off and may we continue to be as faithful as we have you

have been.

• Send your checks in (weekly or monthly) to…AHCC 13501 Georgia Avenue, Aspen Hill,

MD 20906

• Placing them in the mail slot in the wall to the right of the front door of the building.

• Taking advantage of our new online options for giving. Go to:

www.aspenhillcc.org, click on the “Give Now” link and make your gift…easier than ever

and plenty safe!

Worship is now

online…

www.aspenhillcc.org, then click on the green

“Videos” Tab.

Be sure to click the thumbs-up icon and make any nice comments you want to. Comments help drive our visibility to others up.

Bethany Beach

Retreat

***September 18-20***

Adults: (14 & Older) $160.00 pp Children: (6-14) $80.00 pp

Pre-school (ages 5 & under) no charge

Includes lodging Friday and Saturday nights, 3 meals Saturday, 2 meals Sunday.

~Deposit of $50.00 per person due at sign-up~

Lots of fun, fellowship & spiritual growth! Please join us!

*****************Application attached on next Page******************

Application for Bethany Beach Retreat

Aspen Hill Christian Church

September 18-19-20

All payments are due by the middle of August unless approved by the office for end of August.

Family Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Family Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Family Phone Number (Cell) ________________________ (Home)__________________________

Family Address:_____________________________________________________________________

Street City Zip

Family Members Names (We need person Registered please).

Last Name First Name Age

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Cost: Adults $160.00 / Children (6-15) $80.00 / 5 & Under Free

Deposit of $50.00 (non-refundable) is due at application. Final balance due by August 16.

Registrations after August 16 require full payment at time of Application submission.

*No refunds after August 16*

Room assignments are determined by the church office or Registrar depending on what space the region makes

available to us and the final numbers of participants as well as other considerations. Additional details such as

directions and packing lists will be provided by the church office two weeks prior to the event.

Fill in this Registration Form and place it, along with a check for your deposit into the Offering Plate or

Office Mailbox. In order to confirm your place in the Retreat please let the church office know you have

registered as well.