FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Celebrating Your Service

I thought she had fallen. I couldn’t see her torso or her face. She had lurched over the side of the electric cart/scooter. But as I got closer I realized her eyes were open and her hands were moving. She was bending over and pulling weeds. This elderly nun on the grounds of the monastery was driving her electric scooter around to pull up the weeds in the cracks of the sidewalk. Then I chuckled to myself. She didn’t need my rescue. Instead she was my messenger. She was reminding me that deep within each human person is the longing to give of ourselves, to contribute to the beauty of the world, to share our spirit with the Spirit of God in healing creation. This week is the annual “Celebration of Service” at the church. In worship we will honor those of you who have shared your gifts in countless ways during the last year. We will recall the infinite gift offered by a third grade Sunday school teacher, the compassion of a deacon serving bread and wine to a 95 year old at the nursing home, the hundreds of hours of weeding and planting by our Green Team, the hundreds of masks stitched by our sewers, and the musicians who awaken our souls to God. We will thank our Board Chair, Jeff Zimmerman, and Elder Chair, Anne Hoffman, who have done what no one in this church has ever done before, faithfully and creatively lead us through a pandemic. But though we will say “Thank you,” and mean it, we are doing more than that. We are celebrating that we are all like that elderly nun on the scooter. We never outlive the need to give. And part of what makes being human and Christian a joy is that we get to participate in the movement of God in this world. We get to share a love that is holy simply by digging in the dirt or cooking taco salad for the homeless. We celebrate that God has called us into this holy endeavor and that in one another’s faces, we have glimpsed the power of God’s love. I love what Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God In early June, we attempted to deliver candles to every household. (If you didn’t receive yours, please let us know.) I love thinking of you lighting your candle every Sunday as we gather for online worship But even more than that, I love knowing that all of you are Christ’s light in the world – doing acts of service for your friends, family, neighbors, strangers every day. It’s something to celebrate! Grace and peace, Carla

SUMMER SERMON SERIES

Listening for Go d , Part 4, In the Dirt, based on  Genesis 32:22-31, Rev. Carla Aday preaching. Sometimes we encounter God in the midst of a crowd or with another human person. But sometimes God appears to us in the midst of solitude when we feel utterly alone. In Genesis 32:22-31, Jacob seeks out solitude and there he wrestles with God. The phrase “to wrestle” in Hebrew can be translated “make God dirty.” How is it then that God comes into the messes of our own lives and becomes intertwined in our own struggles? When the dawn comes after a long night of wrestling with God, Jacob is a new man with a new name. This Sunday we are also CELEBRATING all who have served over the last year. Thank you! Streaming  at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. If you missed last Sunday's powerful Dialogue Sermon between Carla and Rev. Mary Lou Kegler, you can watch it HERE.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

UPROOTING RACISM: AN ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP Join us for one of three anti-racism workshops led by members of The Open Table’s Anti-Racism Training Cohort. These interactive sessions will establish a common working definition of racism so that we can understand how to work together against racism in all forms. Trainers will offer history and theory along with opportunities to converse and imagine how we can be actively anti-racist in our church and in our lives.  Two workshops will be held in-person at the church (practicing social distance and wearing masks) and one will be held online via Zoom. Space is limited; please register by emailing Lisa Tang . If you need to cancel, please notify Lisa so that someone on the wait-list may take your spot. Mon., Aug. 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (in person, limit 25) Sun. Aug. 30, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (online, limit 50) Sat., Sept. 19, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (in person, limit 25) More information about The Open Table and their anti-racism workshops can be found HERE .  PARENTING COLLEGE STUDENTS Thursday, August 13, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The college and young adult years are always filled with transitions that families have to negotiate, but this year we have the added stress of a pandemic and economic depression. Parents of college students are invited to a conversation to share joys, concerns, observations, and questions in a confidential setting. Facilitated by Jennifer Austenfeld, Ph.D., church member and clinical psychologist. She worked with college students during her psychology internship and postdoctoral training at the KU counseling center. In-person with masks and social distancing under our backyard tent. Hosted by Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn and Rev. Tyler Heston and co-sponsored by Congregation Care. Pre-registration required by emailing  Lisa Tang  or 816-333-4917.

ROOTS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Roots provides opportunities for adults in their 20s and 30s to connect, learn, grow spiritually, and make a change in our city through service-learning projects. Join us Sun., Aug. 9 for a cook out in the church backyard from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for our fall 2020 kickoff event. We’ll grill out and spend some time together (while practicing social distance) in the church backyard. Please bring a lawn chair. Questions? Email Tyler Heston. FAITHPUB AND FAITH BISTRO RETURN Gatherings will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. under the tent in the back yard. FaithBistro for women of all ages, with guest speakers on spirituality and real-life issues. Sept. 17 - guest speaker Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn Oct. 15 - guest speaker Donna Houtteman FaithPub , hosted by Dr. Mike Graves, this men’s group meets for conversation on a host of spiritual topics. Sept. 24 - guest speaker Max Deweese Oct. 22 - guest speaker Doug Hundley

CONGREGATIONAL CARE  FAITH AND GRIEF SUPPORT For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, join a virtual support gathering on Tues., Aug. 4, Noon-1:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Hosted by Country Club Christian Church and neighboring congregations. Prayer and sharing with a guest reflection by Dan Devine, “I Took No Refuge In Bitterness.” Register HERE . For information: 816-381-9249. COVID-19 RELIEF FUND Country Club Christian Church's COVID-19 Financial Assistance program can provide temporary relief to congregation members, and individuals recommended by a member, who may be facing economic hardship and instability due to COVID-19. More information about this assistance is available at  this link.  GOLF TOURNAMENT 3RD ANNUAL MAX DEWEESE TOURNAMENT Fri., Sept. 25 • Noon • St. Andrews Golf Course Proceeds support ministries to help veterans. Sign-up ($150 per person), form a team, and sponsor a hole ($750). All are welcome. Not a golfer? You can make a donation to the tournament in any amount. Sign up HERE or for more information, contact  Dr. Mike Graves .

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING AND 3RD GRADE BIBLES Join us on Sun., Aug. 23 beginning at 5:45 p.m. for our Back to School blessing and the presentation of a Bible to all our third graders at 6:00 p.m., followed by Kona Ice treats at 6:15 p.m. These annual traditions will take place in the back yard with families spaced at safe distances. More information on what's happening with Children and Families Ministries HERE.

YOUTH SAVE THE DATES Middle School Pizza Party​ ​Sun., Aug. 16, 6:00 p.m. and High School BBQ Party,​ ​Sun., Aug. 30 • 6:00 p.m. Lots more information about Youth Ministries happenings HERE. Or Sign up for email and/or texting updates at the link below to stay up to date! ​ Follow us on Instagram!

COLLECTION CONNECTION

UNIFORMS FOR HARTMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL We are currently collecting school supplies and new and gently used school uniforms for the children at Hartman Elementary. We need white or navy polo shirts, navy or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, and jumpers. You may participate by ordering online and having items delivered to church, making a monetary donation by clicking HERE and choosing Collection Connection, or by dropping items by the church Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the plastic container by the east entrance.

WEEKDAY PROGRAMS SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

Each weekday morning this summer, the north side of the church buzzed with activity as young ones arrived at the summer Parents’ Day Out program. This year did not look like a normal summer program, as the pandemic required new protocols. From drop-off and pick-up outside, to masked teachers, to timed cleanings of the playgrounds, restrooms and more, Director Lisa McCleish and her staff created a safe place to welcome children. Following procedures and regulations is not new for our licensed care program but doing so this summer had many layers. As she approaches everything, Lisa gathered as much information as she could on recommendations for cleaning, sanitizing and working with children in this new environment. Through Zoom calls with the health department, working through ever-changing information from the Centers for Disease Control, and conference calls with other early childhood programs, Lisa gathered a range of resources and created a thorough and comprehensive regiment. Word circulated about our summer program's successes and Lisa began receiving inquiries from around the city. Lisa was also interviewed by the national organization Child Care Aware regarding her strategies.  The program concluded for summer last week. We are grateful for Lisa's skilled leadership her administrative staff and teachers for their dedication.

GIVING UPDATE - As of last week the church has received 249 giving estimates for the 2020-2021 church year, including 20 new estimates and 115 increases over last year's estimate. THANK YOU to all who have participated! If you have not already turned in your giving estimate card, it is not too late to do so. You may make your make your pledge securely online using the buttons below or email your pledge to  Rachel Clement, Director of Finance (816-381- 9256). Thank you. SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY EMAIL GIVING ESTIMATE

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

I N SYMPATHY  Our prayers and condolences are with the families and friends of: Bob King

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

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   HERE , or text the word General to 816-484-3399 to give quickly and easily.

https://www.cccckc.org

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