FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: To Rest and Play |
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What is the right balance between work and leisure? That was the topic in week four of the “Life Worth Living” class that Dr. Graves leads. I was a little self conscious about the topic as my scale often tips too far into the work. How could play be fun when there are more things to check off on the to-do list? While another woman in my group shared that she approached the topic reluctantly since she doesn’t have a job outside the home. She feared she didn’t have much to say about real work, especially the kind that earns money. When do we play and when do we work and does God care? Is one more valuable than the other?
For me leisure has often been utilitarian. I take time to rest so that I can return to my work refreshed and renewed and ready to be productive again. I walk with a friend to get exercise and build friendship. But is leisure of any value in and of itself? Recently I cleaned out my bird feeder and set out new seeds. But is it a waste of time to sit and watch the birds?
The scriptures invite us to “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin.” (Matthew 6:28) I always thought that was a verse to remind us not to worry. But I wonder if it is also a way of reminding us that God created us not only to toil but just to be. To be idle. To spend time hanging out with God. To rest and reflect and savor being alive. During our Lenten journey we have been writing down one thing a week that makes life worth living and how we plan to practice that during the week and then placing it in a cup. Last week I wrote down “Play” When I told my husband that was my word for the week, he laughed out loud. I guess I haven’t done that well in the practicing.
Sometimes, even in the spiritual life, we strive and labor, as if somehow it is up to us to reach God. Writer Mark Slouka points out that our forebears, the Puritans, thought “the individual could earn his all-expenses paid trip to the pearly gates through the labor of his hands rather than solely through the grace of God. Think of it as a kind of frequent-flier plan for the soul.” But the truth is that we cannot ever reach gold or platinum status in the holy realm. There is nothing we can do to make God love us more than God already does at this very moment. God comes to us as pure grace. God rested on the seventh day of creation. I wonder how God spent the leisurely day?
Grace and peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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What makes for a life worth living and how do we glimpse this more clearly as we focus on the journey of Jesus to the cross and empty tomb? Someone has written that the purpose of Lent is to wake us up to our need for Lent. It is a season to pause and reflect on who we are and who God calls us to become. By focusing on the short but powerful life of Jesus, we remember what our own lives are meant to be. Why did he live? Why did he die? Join us on Ash Wednesday, and Sundays during Lent as we journey together toward Easter Sunday.
Click HERE to wor ship with us. In worship this Sunday: Carla Aday preaching "Life: A Lent Worth Living, Part 4 - Come to the Light," based on John 3:14-21.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
Do you ever have trouble accessing our live stream? Click HERE for some helpful hints. |
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LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS UNDERWAY
The nominating process to fill elected positions for the 2021-2022 church year is underway.
Your participation is invaluable in identifying a diverse representation of leaders from our congregation. The Nominating Committee would like to ask you to take a second to think about the people in your church community that you would like working for you. The work of the church is more important than ever in these unusual times, here’s a simple way to be a part of it!
Nominations are being accepted for
- Elders and Deacons
- Personnel Committee Members
- Endowment Fund Trustees
- Congregational Board Members
- Treasurer
You can nominate yourself if you are interested in a specific role! Deadline is March 31, 5:00 p.m.
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ROOTS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Bobbing into Spring Social • 3:00-4:30 p.m., Sat., Mar. 13
Young adults are invited to join us for a special Roots Happy Hour. “Bobbing into Spring” invites you to get together with friends old and new for a chance to get together either in the church backyard or over Zoom (depending on weather) for special happy hour in which we’ll each paint our own rendition of a Bob Ross painting, following along with an episode of “The Joy of Painting.” Supplies will be provided; cost TBD. RSVP HERE.
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GUEST GATHERING
Thurs., March 18 – 7:00-8:00 via ZOOM
Coming together as a strong community of faith begins with learning more about one another. Whether you live in the Kansas City area or join us in worship from other parts of the country, we invite you to join us for our Spring Guest Gathering.
Rev. Carla Aday will address our history as a congregation along with exciting plans for the future beginning with our Centennial Celebration and our upcoming church restoration. We’ll identify pathways to meet others and become engaged in the life of the church through service and study. We look forward to getting to know you and to answering your questions.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES - CELEBRATING OUR CENTENNIAL
March 29, April 5, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
March 29 – “The Disciples of Christ in One Sentence” Dr. Newell Williams, Professor of Church History and President of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, will present an overview of the historic beginnings and current status of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
April 5 – “Country Club Christian Church in One Century” Dr. Linna Place, a member of Country Club Christian Church and retired Professor of American Social and Cultural History at UMKC, will highlight the first 100 years of our church’s story.
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A LIFE WORTH LIVING COURSE
SPRING SESSION
April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 7:00 p.m.
Register for the spring session of the Life Worth Living Course is now open. Click HERE for more information on the class and to register. |
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MAX DEWEESE 100TH BIRTHDAY RECEPTION
Fri., Mar. 19, 5:00-7:30 p.m., American Legion Post 370, 7500 W. 75th St., Overland Park, KS
Longtime member Max Deweese will celebrate his 100th birthday with a reception on Fri., Mar. 19. He invites all church members to stop by to help him celebrate this milestone year.
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EASTER OFFERING
This year’s Easter offering focuses on agencies offering true resurrection for their clients, moving them from support programs into fully independent living and working situations. Clients in these programs focus on recovery, education, and quality employment. Through these programs, our congregation can provide financial support and advocacy to neighbors in need in our city. Lasting change starts where justice and charity meet.
Amethyst Place works to help families overcome the interconnected cycles of poverty, trauma, and substance use with on-site programs, where families receive safe housing, basic needs, educational/vocational support, recovery and fitness coaching, as well as therapy, case management and after care.
The Grooming Project trains formerly incarcerated individuals in the skills of dog grooming, a well-paid and growing vocation that leads 80% of its clients into self-sufficiency.
True Light Family Resource Center provides a day shelter for women who are otherwise forced to live on the streets when overnight shelters are closed, offering community and support, and opportunities for change.
More information about the Easter Offering and these agencies HERE. Click HERE to give to the Easter Offering.
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MARCH COLLECTION CONNECTION
In March we are gathering donations of candy to help fill the Easter eggs for the church’s Spring Fling and also to share with our outreach partners serving residential families for their spring activities. You can donate in two ways:
- Individually wrapped candy can be placed in the teal box at east entrance
- Pick-up a bag (or more) of 24 eggs to fill with individually wrapped candy, or stickers and then return when filled to the teal box.
Questions? Contact April.
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GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY: MICAH MINISTRY
Mon., Mar. 29, Noon - 4:00 pm
The Metro Mission team invites all to a service opportunity with one of our NE mission partners, Micah Ministry at Independence Blvd Christian Church, to help in the clothing closets. We will be sorting, organizing and helping process the many donations they have received during the pandemic. Safe practices of social distancing and mask wearing will be practiced. Two shifts of up to 15 people are available. Please sign up HERE.
If you are unable to help on Mar. 29, Micah Ministry utilizes volunteers each Monday. Sign up at HERE.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Club Kids for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! Community-building games and activities are the focus of these fun gatherings.
March 14, 4:00 p.m.
Join April on ZOOM for some fun games!
Meeting ID: 915 5007 5517
Passcode: Kids
Save the Date for Spring Fling
Sun., Mar. 21, Noon-2:00 p.m.
Children and families are invited to Spring Fling, a modified version of our annual Easter Egg Hunt designed with safe distancing measures in place. Children will enjoy an egg picking garden, crafts, games and more!
Easter Eggs and Volunteers Needed -- Pick up a pack of plastic eggs to fill with individually wrapped treats for the egg picking garden. Eggs available on Sun., Feb 28 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the east entrance. Or donate individually wrapped pieces of candy to fill eggs. Drop off candy or filled eggs at the east entrance at any time. If you'd like to volunteer to help on the day of Spring Fling, contact April.
More information on Children's Ministry HERE. |
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YOUTH
March Social— Yaya’s Alpaca Farm in Harrisonville, MO, on Sun., Mar. 14, 3:00 p.m.
April Social — Youth are invited to a scavenger hunt social on Sunday, April 11th! Middle Schoolers will meet at the plaza from 2:30-4:00pm for a scavenger hunt, and high schoolers will meet in the Crossroads neighborhood for a scavenger hunt and outdoor dinner from 5:00 to 6:30pm. More details TBA
More information on Youth Ministry HERE.
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NATIVE PLANT SALE
Spring is here and we could all use some outside time so take a look at the native plants available for pre-order! These will arrive in time for spring planting! Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By creating a native plant garden, each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for birds and other animals. And native plants are easier to take care of in your garden.
Pre-orders only, due by April 9.
Click HERE for more information and order form. |
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