On June 2, 1968 the congregations of St. John’s United Church of Christ and Cherokee Heights Presbyterian Church merged to form one congregation known as Cherokee Park United Church. The congregation celebrated this golden anniversary on Sunday, June 3.

Today members of Cherokee Park United Church are considered members of both the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).Cherokee Park United Church worships in the former Cherokee Heights Presbyterian building. The congregation continues the long-standing commitment of both predecessor churches in service to the West Side community and to the wider world. Cherokee Park United also has a history of sharing its space with other congregations as well as community groups.

The congregation’s celebration included worship and a delicious dinner provided by the Property Management Ministry Team. Two members received their 25 year membership pins. Cherokee Park United is grateful for the many blessings it has experienced the last 50 years. It has been the spiritual home of many and the site of countless community connections. The church looks forward to more years of sharing God’s love in our neighborhood and beyond.

Cherokee Park United marched in a very colorful Cinco de Mayo parade on Saturday,
May 5. It was easy to spot us with our welcome-themed float, new tie-dyed T-shirts, and friendly puppets. It was a beautiful day to celebrate community and the beauty of God’s creation.

Our weather-shortened community blood drive on April 14 registered 14 donors and collected 11 pints of blood.  We also registered 5 first time donors.
Thank you for your gifts of time and support on a wintry Saturday morning. We truly appreciate your generosity. The patients who have benefited from the blood collected at Cherokee Park United Church are beyond grateful.

Easter Greetings!
We proclaim and celebrate this Easter season because it links Jesus with all life, with transformation, and with possibility of life beyond our imagining.  Easter offers meaning and hope to all people.

In this, the 21st century, there is a movement among progressive Christians that focuses more on who Jesus was and why he had such an impact on the world rather than his death I have studied the historical Jesus in depth and found him to be someone who had a powerful impact on the world because of his radical perception:

He modeled for us how to live in the Truth and stand up for justice.
He conveyed to us the importance of love and compassion.
He had the extraordinary capacity to recognize the Divinity in all human beings.
So, in the same way, we, of Cherokee Park United Church, honor the divinity in all people. Especially today, we say ‘Namaste’ which means ‘We honor the Divinity Within You.’

Just as Jesus empowered the people he encountered to believe in themselves, we want you to walk away with an awareness – not of how ordinary you are… not of how unworthy you are — but an awareness of your greatness and lovability.
We are invite you to join us Easter Sunday. Typically, a nursery for first graders and younger is provided but today we encourage all ages to join the Easter Celebration!

Easter Sunday April 1st Easter Memorial Garden: At Easter we invite families to bring flowers to help create a ‘memorial garden” in our sanctuary for Easter Sunday. They may be brought to the church on Saturday, March 31, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Please leave a note or card with your name and the name(s) of the person(s) you would like remembered on the insert that will be included in the Sunday bulletin. Some simply say ‘In Memory of Loved Ones.’ Others identify specific people. You are free to bring whatever type of plant or flowers you wish, and you may take them with you after the close of the service.”

On Easter Sunday, a brunch will be held from 8:30-9:15 a.m. Easter services begin at 10:15 a.m. as usual.
The brunch is a potluck so you are invited to bring an egg bake, fruit, or breads. But know that there is always enough, so come with or without a dish to share.

Sunday, April 8th, CPUC will recognize and rejoice in International Transgender Day of Visibility.  March 31st is the official date to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination worldwide. Our congregation have a special worship service and delicious fellowship hour. Make plans to join us the Sunday after Easter.

 

Please join us for Ash Wednesday worship, February 14 at 6:30 pm.   The service will be simple – a brief message, candles, and distribution of ashes. You are invited.  Let us gather to begin the journey of Lent together.