FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: QUESTIONING TOGETHER
What to do?

Many of you have asked me in the last several weeks, “So what are we going to do?” What I hear in your question is that you feel moved by God to create a different kind of world, where all people, regardless of skin color, experience dignity, justice, freedom and the opportunity to thrive. I wish I had all the answers and I don’t. But just knowing that we are asking the question together gives me hope. This is where I pledge to begin and I invite you to join me in these three actions:

  1. Learn to See –  In dozens of stories throughout the gospels, Jesus challenges us to see what we do not yet see. He heals the blind. He realizes that his followers, even his closest Disciples, do not “get” what he is saying to them. Faith is a way of seeing. And it is a life-long journey. We never arrive at the destination in this life. Some options the church is making available for us to learn to see better: We have published a reading list. We offered a class and we have book groups. You can view the class and learn about the groups at this link.  Almost a year ago we began talking about sponsoring a workshop called “The Open Table’s Anti-Racism Training” for our church board, staff and other lay leaders. It had been planned for this summer but we had to postpone due to COVID. Now we are rescheduling and because of the expressed interest, it will be open to all members and friends. 
  2. Honest Conversation – Last summer I formed a dialogue group with four white women and four black women. Our dinner conversations have stretched my mind and heart. On July 26, I will offer a dialogue sermon with the co-founder of that group, Mary Lou Kegler, who is a black pastor from our sister congregation, Swope Parkway United Christian Church. In addition, the two of us have committed to leading a Human Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama as soon as travel is advisable and members of both churches will be invited to participate. But prior to that, we can begin to be intentionally in dialogue with our friends and family members about issues of race and justice that we each hold dear. We grow by honestly listening to each other. 
  3. Prayerful Reflection – As I have suggested in sermons, we will not do this alone. This is a God-sized project. And it will take a God-sized dream. So it is time for us to pray and listen for the Spirit’s powerful voice. In partnership with a friend who has been Chaplain at both Yale and Harvard, I am assembling a list of films on matters of race that we can watch individually and together. And then we can reflect on the emotions, thoughts, feelings and ask what God would have us do. And as soon as it is safe for us to resume in person worship, I plan to worship one Sunday with our fellow Disciples at Swope Parkway and I invite you to join me. Prayer is the action that can lead us all to do what God would have us do.

Grateful to share the journey with you,

Carla 
 
Book Groups:
  • Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America. Click here for more information.
  • How to be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi, facilitated by Catherine Stark-Corn and Teresa Williams. Email Catherine if interested.  
IN WORSHIP
Ancient Wisdom for a Time Like This , Part 4: A Tale of Three Cities, based on Revelation 21, 22 (selected verses). Dr. Mike Graves preaching.

Streaming  at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Miss last Sunday's service? You can watch it  HERE.  
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED ON JUNE 21
Linda Lieurance
Paige Moriarity and Zoe Brink
James, Bridget, Vivian, Reid and Sean Battmer
ELECTRONIC VOTE UPDATE
The congregational vote to ratify the slate of Officers, Elders and Deacons that were recommended by the Nominating Committee and the Congregational Board to lead the church for the next fiscal year is complete, with 286 affirmative votes. The new fiscal year begins on July 1. Thank you for making your voices heard. In the coming weeks, watch for an article introducing you to the new board chair, Tepring Crocker, and the new elder chair, Jayson Parker, in more detail. 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
BACKYARD BASH takes a break next week for the July 4 holiday and returns on Wed., July 8. Watch for more information on the children and families activity, and the spiritual formation class experience, next week.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - QUEER CHRISTIANITY CLASS. If you missed Rev. Tyler Heston class about LGBTQ+ individuals and Christianity, you can watch it here . He offers important definitions for this conversation and thoughts about the history and future of LGBTQ+ people and the Christian faith. 
READING FOR ANTI-RACISM. In case you missed Catherine Stark-Corn and Tyler Heston's recent class on  Reading for Anti-Racism, you can watch it  HERE . 

SPIRITUAL FORMATION RESOURCE LIBRARY. Is your small group or class seeking resources for continued spiritual formation during these uncertain times? Our clergy have complied a list of  resources for reading, discussion and sharing . 

SOCIAL DISTANCING TENT. The High School Youth Group and the Anniversary Sunday School class have both met under the large tent in the back yard at church. This tent is for small group gatherings with social distancing measures. If your group would like to gather under the tent, email  Jason Ashley  to make a reservation.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

SERVICE LEARNING SUMMER CAMPS. 3rd through 5th grades participated in Service Learning Camp this week, working on projects for Harvesters, Scraps-KC, The Urban Farming Guys, and Something to Eat.

BACKYARD BASH. Children and Families enjoyed Art in the Yard at Backyard Bash on Wed., June 24.

For more information on Children and Families Ministries, click here .

Popsicles are a treat at Backyard Bash!
Art in the Yard
Service Learning at Something to Eat
YOUTH

PASTORS' CLASS CLOSING CEREMONY. Sixth graders participating in this year's Pastors' Class gathered on Wed., June 24 for a closing ceremony to celebrate the culmination of the class. The participants will be recognized in worship on June 28, and will be baptized when we return to in-person worship.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING WEEK. Youth will have an in-town service-learning week from July 19 to 24. This week will offer us a chance to serve with our mission partners like Micah Ministry and Cross-Lines and to learn about their work. Stay tuned for more information about the framework, details, and how to register.

For more information on Youth Ministries, click here .
Pastors' Class Closing Ceremony
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Thank you to all who have mailed or returned your giving estimate. 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. Follow up calls are underway.
COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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.
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.