FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: This Love Between Us
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“This love between us was born from the first human;
It cannot be eradicated
As the river finds its way into the ocean
What is inside me flows into you.
(Isa Upanishad v. 6-7)
Is there a love between humans that cannot be eradicated? The above text from Hindu poetry easily evokes images of the Garden of Eden. In the Bible we read about the love of the first human family. And this image of undying love mirrors the flow of unity and love that Jesus prayed to God seeking, “I in them and you in me, that they may be completely one.” (John 17) But you and I wake up every day to news of increasing political, religious, and social polarization. Elections were held this week and the pundits paint a picture of division and discord. In a few weeks families will gather for Thanksgiving but many will tip toe around certain topics so as to avoid anger and hurt.
Reena Esmail composed This Love Between us: Prayers for Unity juxtaposing religious texts from seven world religions on the themes of unity, harmony and love. I am eager to learn more of her story in our panel discussion this week in advance of the Centennial Concert. She grew up in California as the daughter of first generation immigrant parents from India, a place I also love. When I researched her story I discovered a photo of a choir practicing this new composition and I recognized the room. It was the chapel at Yale Divinity School where I spent three years. Then I learned that Reena was commissioned to write this piece by the Institute of Sacred Music at the Divinity School.
Ben Spalding, the Conductor of Spire Chamber Ensemble, first brought to us the idea of this concert and we immediately saw it as a fit with our Centennial. Ben writes “I believe music at its core is a part of the healing profession and will aid in creating emotional and spiritual healing and unity as the pandemic starts to recede and society also grapples with the issues of systemic racism, inequality, etc.” His energy for bringing people together across the lines that often divide us reminded me of the history of our church. I pictured George Hamilton Combs, seeking a new wholeness for humanity after the horrors he saw as a Chaplain in WW1. I saw Lawrence Bash building bridges between religious leaders both locally and internationally. I pictured Gene Brice building a partnership with historically black congregations. It is in our DNA to reach out and let the love flow “as the river finds its way into the ocean.”
When I reached out to a local Imam I had never met in Kansas City and invited him to serve on a panel to discuss the concerts themes he wrote back immediately “Dear Respected Reverend...“ and he wrote of his eagerness to participate in this project focused on “love, respect, unity and civilized peaceful coexistence.” I was deeply moved by his reply and re-read it many times. It stood in stark contrast to what we hear in the news. Airports bombed. Protests turned violent. Children drowning between borders. People too busy to care. The pain and destruction threatens life for millions of people. Is it true that the love born at the dawn of humanity still flows?
Reena Esmail wrote this musical piece “during some of the darkest days of our country” and she repeated many times to herself a line from Rumi which is the final line of the piece: “Concentrate on the Essence, Concentrate on the Light.”
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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Worship with us in person at 9:01 (sanctuary), 10:00 (chapel) or 11:00 (sanctuary) a.m. Click HERE to view our live stream.
In worship this week: Dr. Anna Carter Florence, the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, will preach at all three worship services.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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CENTENNIAL CONCERT AND PANEL DISCUSSION WITH COMPOSER |
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CENTENNIAL CONCERT, November 20 – This Love Between Us + Bach Magnificat, 7:30 p.m.
Spire Chamber Ensemble, a professional choral group of superb local, regional, and national artists, presents this Centennial concert featuring work by composer Reena Esmail, juxtaposing words from seven major religious traditions of India (Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam) to explore how they each approach the topics of unity, harmony, and kindness. This work aims to open a dialogue regarding the love all humanity shares. Now more than ever we need music to create sincere dialogue between disparate groups. By telling stories we transcend human barriers and break down systems that divide. The famous Bach Magnificat will also be performed at this concert. It influenced Ms. Esmail who wrote her work to be paired with it. This event is free but will require a ticket. Get your tickets HERE.
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Check out this article about the concert featured in KC Studio Magazine. |
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Panel Discussion with Composer
November 11, 2021 • 7:00 p.m.
At this pre-concert event composer Reena Esmail will discuss her work This Love Between Us. Panelists representing different religious traditions will then discuss the work with the composer and their reflections on its core themes of love, unity and harmony. Join this event at this Zoom webinar link on Nov. 11.
Panelists include:
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The First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri
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Islamic Center of Johnson County
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William Jewel College Monte Harmon Professor of Biology; Associate Professor of Biology; Oxbridge Molecular Biology
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CENTENNIAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
Books celebrating the Centennial are now available for purchase in The Well Bookstore.
A City Church: The First Century of Service, written by historian Linna Place about the church's first 100 years, is available for purchase for $24 or on Amazon Kindle for $9.99. To purchase online click HERE.
Here is the Church, a children's board book written by Hayley Nicholas, is available one per family with children under 10, or for purchase for $10.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Classes meet Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Live in the Youth Center OR via Zoom.
Christianity 101:The Conversation Continues
November 8, 15
Led by Dr. Mike Graves
When elders and deacons in our church were asked to name ideas for sermon series, the basics of the Christian faith were near the top of the list. But limiting the faith to four sermons is a daunting task, and there are many competing views for what Christianity looks like. That’s why in this three-part course we’ll explore the question further, reflecting together on the essence of our faith tradition and our own congregation’s expression of Christianity.
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GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m., Library. If you are a guest at Country Club Christian Church, we are happy to welcome you! Whether you’re a new visitor, or you’ve been attending for a while, we invite you to get to know us in a casual setting as a member of our clergy guides you through our values, traditions, and beliefs. Discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, RSVP to Rachel Wymore at rachelw@cccckc.org.
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PARENTING THE COLLEGE AGE AND EARLY TWENTIES
Sun., Nov. 14, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The college and young adult years are always filled with transitions, challenges and new experiences -- for all. Parents of college students are invited to a conversation to share the joys, struggles, observations and questions in a confidential setting. Dr. Jennifer Austenfeld will be presenting material from The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now, by Meg Jay, Ph.D. and leading our discussion. Make time to come and connect. RSVP to Lisa Tang.
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GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB COMMUNITY SERVICES
Saturday, Nov 13 • 9:00 - 10:30 or 10:30 - Noon
Share your holiday spirit by joining with other church folks in helping to inventory and sort gifts for Della Lamb’s Operation Holidays. Over 500 refugee and other families in need benefit from this annual event. Our group will work in the large Della gym, masked and with safety protocols. Children are welcome to help when attending with an adult. Two shifts available. Make plans to help out with our Northeast Partner by signing up at this LINK.
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PUMPKIN PIES FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Metro Mission will be collecting monetary donations for pumpkin pies for Micah Ministry's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Pies will be purchased and packaged to be distributed as part of a full to-go meal the week of Thanksgiving. To give online, click HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Pies in the memo line.
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CLUB KIDS for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! We have events and opportunities to connect (almost) every Sunday nights during the school year from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
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Nov. 7 - Club Kids at Church, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
ADVENT IN ADVANCE, our annual make-and-take workshop with crafts and activities to help your family prepare for the Advent season, is back! To accommodate as many families as safely as possible, we are offering several shifts over the week of Nov. 17-21. Sign up for a 30 minute time slot. Times are:
- Nov. 17, 18, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Nov. 20 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Nov. 21 - 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
If you are unable to attend in person and would like a packet of the activities, please email April. Sign up for a time slot HERE.
More Children and Families news HERE.
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YOUTH GROUP
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Nov. 7 - 4:30-6:00 p.m. Instrumentalists that will be performing at the upcoming Centennial Concert will demonstrate and share about their unique instruments including sitar, tabla and Baroque timpani.
PASTORS' CLASS
Pastors’ Class 2022 will be open to current sixth and seventh graders, or any other youth who is interested in being baptized. Pastors’ Class will meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 23 leading up to baptisms on Palm Sunday, Apr. 10. Families interested in this year’s Pastors’ Class can find out more information and register at an information session on Sun., Dec. 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Center.
More Youth Ministry news HERE.
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP 2022
Join families and individuals from our congregation for a week of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, crafting, relaxing and fun at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. The group of 60-90 folks from all generations stays in a lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoys the home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church. If you don’t like to camp but you love the mountains, this is the place for you. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending.
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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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