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It has been a heavy week. After spending 13 weeks worried about a pandemic, we added a worry about the fabric of our community. Would the fibers hold or fray? It would be easy to give in to despair. Perhaps like you, I began to relive moments of my own narrative where racism reared its ugly head. I remembered Yolanda, my friend in the 5th grade. I was new in the school because we had moved and she was new because it was the first year of "busing" and we clicked. But when I mentioned to my mom that I would like to invite Yolanda over to play I heard a hesitation in Mom's voice that was new an unfamiliar to me. And Yolanda did not come over to play. And I remembered my grandfather, who was a small-town sheriff, discussing folks of different skin tones with unacceptable slang. The seeds of the current moment have been sewn for a long time. And so many people: religious, civic, governmental, community, have labored to heal our divisions and bring us together as one human family. But division and pain lingers. And we know that what is currently happening is not what God desires. Keep reading...
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A global pandemic sweeps the world, and nearly 400,000 are dead. Protests of police violence erupt, and our cities look like war zones. At such a time as this, the ancient Scriptures become surprisingly modern and relevant. God got Moses' attention with a burning bush and empowered him to risk freedom. A valley of dry bones is knit together by God's redemptive spirit. And songs of lament from the Psalms strike a chord. We conclude with the hope of a new heaven and a new earth in the final book of the Bible. Join us for a four-part series as we discern God's direction for our time.
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Thank you to all who have mailed or returned your giving estimate. As of yesterday we had received 175 giving estimates, totaling $826,788.80, and representing 87 increases and nine new pledges.
If you have not had a chance to return your giving estimate, you may still do so.
Return your card by mail, or skip the stamp and use the links below
or calling
Rachel Clement, Director of Finance
(816-381-
9256).
You are making a difference in the lives of people served through the ministry of our church and your generosity is deeply appreciated.
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Board Approves Electronic Vote for Lay Leadership - The church bylaws require that lay leaders chosen to serve on the Congregational Board be recognized and ratified annually by at least 150 members of the congregation before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Since an in-person gathering is not possible at this time, the Board has approved an alternative method of ratifying the slate of officers and new deacons for the 2020-21 fiscal year. For more information click
here
.
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Backyard Bash - This summer's Backyard Bash offerings look a little different, but as we have done the last two summers, we are excited to offer online class offerings and activities for children and families. Our goals of community, spiritual development and fun are still present this year. There are two ways to participate on Wed., June 10. Click here for details.
- For Children and Families -- Backyard Bingo. RSVP required.
- Spiritual Formation for Adults -- Justice and Charity, a Zoom class led by Rev. Corey Meyer. Join class with this link or use the link above for more information.
Tent Coming to Back Yard
A large tent is coming to the back yard at church for small group gatherings with social distancing measures. If your group would like to gather under the tent, call 816-333-4917 to make a reservation for day and time.
Text Talk - For women in their 30s and 40s. Carla's Zoom class Text Talk, continues on Mon., June 15 from 7:00-7:45 p.m. Click here for more information about how to join the class on Zoom.
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Children and Families
For updates from Children and Families Ministries, including a reflection from Catherine and April, information about Service Learning Summer Camp, and more click
here.
The Bell and DeMarco family helped pack lunches for our
mission partners at Cross-Lines.
Youth
Check out the latest news from Youth Ministries, including info on back yard Youth Group gatherings in June, resources for your family during this contentious time in our world, and more.
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In case you missed it, or if you want to see it again, check out Matt and Sharee Thompson's piano/organ duet from last Sunday.
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We are grateful for your continued financial support, which is allowing the church to continue to serve in ministry with you through these uncertain times. If you would like to share your weekly offering electronically,
please do so at
this link, or text the word General to 816-484-3399 to give quickly and easily.
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In Worship This Week
June Sermon Series:
Part 1: "I lit a bush on fire. What else do you need?"
Rev. Carla Aday
preaching.
Miss last Sunday's service? You can watch it here.
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