FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Mind and Body |
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Most of us were taught from Kindergarten onward to take good care of our bodies: eat healthily, exercise, sleep eight hours. And we were encouraged to cultivate the mind: read books, study hard, explore nature and the arts. But these two wise paths did not necessarily intersect.
Keeping mind and body separate was likely reinforced by the church. Faith was thought of as an intellectual exercise. Learn about Jesus, accept that truth and practice those moral teachings. The earliest Christian theologians adopted the Greek notions of science and philosophy which presumed that the body was separate from the mind.
But science has advanced over the centuries. The discoveries of quantum physics ended the separation of mind and matter. In her book Making All Things New the theologian and scientist Ilia Delio applies the latest scientific research to our faith in God. She advances a view of Christianity that is based on integrating our mind/body instead of picturing them as separate. She looks at brain science, evolution and the Big Bang to help us see a coherent wholeness to all of life. She suggests that our minds and bodies are in an ongoing dialogue with each other, the natural world and the spiritual realm are not separate silos.
“Relationship is the basis of all that is. Our world comes about through a mutually creative dialogue between mind and body, between the individual and the individual’s personal and material context, and between human culture and the natural world.”
Delio’s thoughts prompt me to wonder about how we might better practice this wholeness. Why do we have a tendency to take care of our physical health but neglect our emotional health? We would never consider not going to a doctor to heal a broken arm but we often stubbornly resist tending to our broken hearts by refusing to reach out to a counselor for the tools to heal the soul. Similarly, we sometimes focus on our exercise regime: body mass index, running times, LDL and HDL levels, but we neglect our spiritual disciplines of community service, corporate worship and meditation.
The psalmist sang in the Bible, “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” It seems to me that science can open us up to see the world and the creative energy of God in our midst with new eyes and deepen our engagement with the world in all its fullness and splendor.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01 (sanctuary), 10:00 (chapel) or 11:00 (sanctuary) a.m. Or, click HERE to worship online with us.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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SERMON SERIES CONTINUES:
CHRISTIANITY 101
Many of us don’t believe we know much about the Bible or theology and the version of Christianity we see in the news doesn’t always ring true to our own core beliefs. In a multi- religious and increasingly secular culture we may feel adrift spiritually. This 4-part series will explore basic themes of our faith and invite us to reclaim the essence of the journey with God as revealed in the living Christ.
This Sunday: Part 4: Risen, based on Romans 6:1-11.Dr. Mike Graces preaching.
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MASK REMINDER
In compliance with the Kansas City, Mo., indoor mask mandate, we are asking everyone to wear a mask at all times when inside the church, regardless of vaccination status.
Please bring a mask with you when you come to worship. We have a limited number of disposable masks available, however supplies of masks are becoming limited once again due to the surge in infection rates.
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CELEBRATING OUR CENTENNIAL
EVENTS COMING THIS FALL
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September 12 - Guest Preacher
Dr. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), preaching.
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September 19 - Baptisms, Baby Dedications
and Books
Dr. Linna Place will lead a Pathways to Learning presentation on her book, The First 100 Years: A History of Our Church. Copies will be available to purchase. 10:00 a.m., Social Hall. Children’s book author Hayley Nicholas will present to the children during the Sunday School hour.
We will also celebrate baptisms and infant dedications in worship.
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October 3 - Centennial Celebration Sunday. One service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception.
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October 9 - 100 Trees for 100 Years
In partnership with Bridging the Gap and Heartland Tree Alliance, the church will plant 100 trees in Northeast Kansas City to promote the benefits of green spaces for health and wellness. From park spaces to city streets to neighbors yards, 100 trees will be planted and maintained in celebration of our centennial. Planting is from 9:00 a.m.-noon beginning at Concourse Park. The 100th tree will be planted on Sun., Oct. 10 on our church campus.
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STATE OF THE CHURCH
Tues., Sept. 14 • 6:00 p.m. • Under the tent in the backyard
Rev. Carla Aday will give a vision update and present the 2020-2021 annual report.
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FALL PROGRAMMING
There are many ways to get connected this fall through through worship, study, fellowship or service. Click HERE to view our Fall Programming Guide.
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FAITH AND GRIEF WILL BILL TAMMEUS
Tues., Sept. 7, noon, Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road
Bill Tammeus draws from material in his new book focusing on the grief experienced by his extended family when his nephew was murdered in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Following Bill’s reflection you may share your experiences in a facilitated small group. Masks are required except when eating. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donations appreciated. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by Country Club Christian Church and five neighboring congregations. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Begins Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m., Room 206
With Rev. Dr. George Gordon. A Fresh Look at Some of Our Most Notable Passages in Both Testaments. We will begin with the two Creation Stories in Genesis.
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ROOTS BIBLE AND BEER
For adults in their 20s and 30s. Thurs., Sept 9, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Under the tent in the backyard. RSVP and more info at bit.ly/septbiblebeer
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FAITHPUB ON SEPTEMBER 16
6:30 p.m. under the tent in the backyard
Hosted by Dr. Mike Graves, this popular men’s group meets for conversation on a host of spiritual topics, with a guest speaker each session. Guest speaker is Lynn Horak, retired CEO of Wells Fargo, and Mike Graves’s golf buddy
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 29
Classes meet Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall
Living a Spiritual Life in a Disenchanted World - Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4. Led by Dr. Mike Graves. Our world is often described as “technological” or “secular,” terms that are loaded and often tossed about carelessly. Scholars prefer the term “disenchanted,” that we are living in a time when it’s easier not to believe in God and mystery. In these sessions, we’ll think about how best to describe our world, as well as what it means to live a spiritual life these days.
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MISSION PARTNER PREPARES TO WELOME AFGHAN REFUGEES
Country Club Christian Church has partnered with Della Lamb Community Services since 2014 offering both financial support and providing volunteers in a range of roles. Della Lamb is one of several local organizations that receives refugees and helps them settle in the metro area with housing, employment search support and healthcare. Church volunteers have helped prepare living situations, mainly apartments, for newly arriving families. Since 2014 our church has helped ready over 100 apartments.
During the pandemic the arrival of refugees slowed significantly, with a slight increase over the summer months. The arrival of numerous Afghan refugees is anticipated to begin in October to the metro area and Della Lamb is preparing in many ways to be ready.
At this moment providing financial support is one of the quickest ways to support the work of welcoming refugees to KC. Donations can be made on the church’s website by clicking HERE and choosing Metro Mission Gifts, or by mailing a check to the church adding refugee resettlement in the memo line. We will continue to update the congregation as volunteer opportunities and other needs are shared with us by our Della Lamb partners.
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SEPTEMBER COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is seeking donations of large pieces of fleece to be used by the sewing group to create lap blankets for Della Lambs Operation Holiday in the late fall. Fleece donations need to be a minimum of 1 yard and bright cheerful patterns are desired. Donations can be brought to the church weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday mornings.
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MISSION TRIP TO ECUADOR February 12-20, 2022
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The Mission Trip team invites you to join us for our a mission trip to Ecuador for a week of service and learning with our mission partner FEDICE, a non-profit organization that works to build sustainable livelihoods, encourage self-sufficiency, and significantly enhance quality of life for indigenous and marginalized rural communities in Ecuador. The trip is open to adults aged 18 and up and requires a $250 deposit and registration by Oct. 17. Find out more information and register HERE or by contacting Rev. Tyler Heston.
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SERVE IN THE WELL BOOK STORE
Individuals are needed to help staff The Well gift and book shop on Sunday mornings.
There are two shifts each Sunday, 8:30 -10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Training on the iPad based Square point of sale system will be provided; some computer experience helpful. Contact Anne Haraughty for more information.
All proceeds from the Well Book Store benefit Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and developmental mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to alleviate suffering throughout the world.
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OUTDOOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Beginning Sun., Sept. 12 we will host Children's Sunday School in the backyard at 10:00 a.m.. Children will hear Bible stories that have room for wondering and allow for imaginations of children to connect the faith stories with their own life experiences.
CONSENT AND RELEASE FORMS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
We will need updated Consent and Release Forms from EVERYONE. Find it here.
More Children's Ministry news HERE.
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DONUTS AND DISCUSSION 🍩
Join us every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.Our Sunday School opportunity invites youth to connect every Sunday morning over conversation about our weeks and about a topic related to both our faith and lives. Youth will split into small groups each week based on age.
TEXTING UPDATES
Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders! Sign up HERE.
More Youth Ministry news HERE. |
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CLUB KIDS/YOUTH GROUP FAMILY PICNIC
September 12, NOON
Club Kids Children, Youth and their Families will gather in the backyard for a family picnic. We are looking for grillers - let April know if you are interested. You will make it home in time for the Chiefs opener! RSVP to April so we can prepare.
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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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