By Rev. Carla Aday, Senior Minister
“You are drinking chocolate milk even though you gave up sweets for Lent. You are just forming another bad habit,” my 9 year old granddaughter accused her 11 year old sister. It was clearly a taunt. Isn’t it funny how kids can bicker, even over spiritual practices? I tried to intervene and asked the 9 year old what she gave up for Lent.
“Nothing!” she said with a wee bit of sass.
“But I took something on. It’s ok to add stuff for Lent. I am saying a special prayer every day…” Then she turned pensive, “But I keep forgetting. But that’s ok because most everyone does.”
Suddenly the two girls and I, along with my husband, cracked up laughing. We are all guilty of being human. We all miss the mark of what we imagine as our best selves. Lent is a time to reflect on our brokenness.
Watching the war in Ukraine move into month two is a bitter reminder that humanity is still tragically flawed. After wars and peace accords, after walls built and walls crumbled, after nuclear arms races and nuclear disarmament, after fossil fuel dependence and the rise of renewable energy sources, we still are a human race that goes to war, destroying cities, destroying families, depleting the earth. Lent is a time to reflect on humanity’s failure to live out the peace and love born of God. As a human race, we are broken.
The cross that hangs in our sanctuary is a constant reminder that when God poured divine love into a person named Jesus to show us how to live, that the human community crucified him. So Lent is a time to pause and reflect on our own human shortcomings, or do I say the real word, sin. Lent is a time to confess that we do not always pray, or keep the peace, or remain disciplined, or love our enemies, or care for creation. Lent is a time to say that we need God. We need saving.
I love that scene in the Bible where Peter and the disciples are out on a boat and a storm comes up. Jesus appears to them, walking on water and they cry out in fear. Then Peter begins walking on the water but becomes frightened in the strong wind so as he begins to sink he cries out “Lord, save me!” Even Peter, who becomes the rock upon whom the church is built, needed saving.
Blessings on your journey through these 40 days.
Carla
To send Carla an email click HERE.
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REMAKING THE WORLD
WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
Wed., Apr. 20, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, National Humanities Medalist, New York Times bestselling author, founder and CEO of the On Being Project; and host of the On Being podcast will speak at Country Club Christian Church. The title of her presentation is Remaking the World.
This event is FREE • No tickets required.
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Above right, Dr. Matthew Thompson, Director of Music and Media, speaks about Krista Tippett's On Being episode featuring acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton.
Rev. Carla Aday talks about the On Being episode featuring lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson HERE.
Rev. Tyler Heston speaks about the On Being episode on novelist and poet Ocean Vuong, click HERE.
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On Being Podcast Discussion Groups
If you’re a regular listener to the On Being podcast, or even if you’ve never heard of it, you’re invited to join a small discussion group before Krista’s appearance on Apr. 20.
Choose the group you’d like to join and listen to the podcast noted for each group before you attend. RSVP to Lisa Tang, or by calling 816-333-4917.
Sun., Apr. 3, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn in person at an off-site location. Open to all. Limit 20.
Wed., Apr. 13, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Tyler Heston in the Youth Center or via Zoom.
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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.
LENTEN SERMON SERIES: THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS
This year as we journey toward the resurrection at Easter, we'll shine a spotlight one of the age-old themes of Lent: confession and forgiveness. God calls on us to admit we have failed, and God promises as always to forgive us. But there is also the opportunity to consider the ways we sin against each other. Forgiveness is a gift that seems too good to be true, and yet it is at the heart of the gospel. Come and join us on the journey.
Sun., Apr. 3 - The Gift of Forgiveness, Part 5: Will God Forgive Putin?, Matthew 18:21-35. Dr. Mike Graves preaching. Because the covid positivity rate in Jackson County has dropped below five percent, masks are optional at all worship services.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday Worship – April 10. Children’s Palm Parade at the 11:00 a.m. service, and we will celebrate the baptisms of our Pastors’ Class participants.
Maundy Thursday – April 14, 7:00 p.m. In remembrance of Jesus’ last supper, we gather to sing hymns, read scripture and celebrate communion. Rev. Brian Ellison will be the guest preacher.
Good Friday – April 15, Noon. Experience the darkest day on the Christian calendar. Featuring traditional liturgy with no sermon.
Easter Sunday – April 17. Special Service Times – 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. service in the Combs Chapel featuring instrumentalists and soloist Alex Goering.
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services in the Sanctuary featuring the Kansas City Brass, Chancel Choir, and soloist Alex Goering.
Child care available for all services. Sunday School classes will not meet. Coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls and donut holes will be served in the parlor and chapel between services.
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PROJECT UPDATE
Our community has committed $11.5 million towards our $12 million dollar goal and our Building Committee wisely budgeted generous contingencies to allow us to adjust to fluctuating market conditions. However, due to inflation, our final construction bid significantly exceeds the recent estimates by our contractor. Supply chain issues have skyrocketed costs in a variety of areas in a range of 15-45 percent. Therefore we have asked the architect and contractor to revise the building renovation scope and re-bid the project. This will cause a few months of delay before we are able to break ground.
We believe that this decision is both fiscally responsible and wise stewardship and we remain committed to the original campaign goals:
- to provide a spiritual home where lives intersect and grace is present,
- to welcome the next generation into the life changing love of God, and
- to empower all to become the good news.
Thank you for your faithful generosity in empowering Country Club Christian Church. Our church began in 1918 on the heels of a global pandemic and world war and here we are again, living through the same realities that require resilience, faith, vision and love. With God’s grace and strength we remain confident about the future.
If you have questions, we would be happy to visit with you.
Building Committee:
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This year’s Easter offering focuses on agencies seeking to address the many facets of homelessness. The real face of homelessness is often hidden from us. Persons and families that find themselves homeless don’t want to broadcast their homelessness. They may try to live in their car or find a cheap motel, and get a post office box. We don’t see them and yet the number of homeless individuals and families is escalating in our area. Our annual Easter offering will go to support three local organizations working to help address the growing need in KC.
ReStart has comprehensive services to help the homeless and welcome All people seeking help. From emergency shelters to case management reStart aims to move people into housing and to connect them with available resources Learn more here restartinc.org.
River of Refuge is in Raytown and serves families throughout the metropolitan area. This agency has case management staff and the individuals and families that graduate from their structured, mandatory program to permanent housing seldom return to homelessness. Learn more here riverofrefuge.com.
Community Assistance Council The Council is in Grandview and helps provide rent and utility assistance to keep families from becoming homeless. Learn more here cackc.org.
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THE NEXT 5: SEEKING YOUR INPUT
As we launch the next 100 years of ministry, Country Club Christian Church is starting with The Next 5: a five year strategic plan, and we are seeking your input.
Over the next few months we will be gathering feedback and ideas in the development of five strategic priorities that will shape our vision and empower us to build the church we want to see moving into the future, for the next five years and beyond.
You can help shape these priorities by sharing your insights. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable as we work together to develop plans for the next five years of ministry and mission. Click HERE for more information and to share your feedback and ideas. |
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Creation, Chaos, and Creating Again
Apr. 4 • Led by Dr. Brendon Benz, Associate Professor of Religion, William Jewell College
The opening chapters of Genesis tell the stories of creation and the flood when we fail to live according to God’s intentions for us. But what if we have misread these formative stories? And what if we are being invited to partner with God in recreating the world? Together, we will look at the stories in Genesis as well as the Gospel of John, thinking together about what a life worth living looks like. Click HERE for Zoom link.
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AMERICAN PUBLIC SQUARE: PROTECT AND SERVE KANSAS CITY
Apr. 6, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Local needs, local interests, local issues—state control. This has long been the framework for the Kansas City Police Department. Yet heightened civil unrest, escalating crime rates and the national police reform movement has generated increased interest in returning control of the police department to the Kansas City community, allowing local leaders to govern police policies, procedures, and budgets.
Country Club Christian Church and American Public Square present this special “KC at the Square”
event as we discuss the merits of state versus local control, examine perspectives from different areas
of our community, and make sense of the recent tensions over Kansas City’s police budget.
More details about this event HERE.
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CELEBRATION DINNER AND AUCTION
Fri., April 29, 6:30 p.m., 2016 Main Event Space
After two years of waiting and rescheduling, the Celebration Dinner and Auction, originally planned for March 2020, is happening on Fri., Apr. 29. This event will be a time to come together as a church in a casual, fun setting. If you were a benefactor or ticket holder for the 2020 event, watch your mail for ticket and RSVP information. If you're interested in attending, but didn't have tickets in 2020, ticket sales will open April 3.
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CROSS NECKLACES IN THE WELL
Beautiful cross necklaces, replicas of our Sanctuary cross, are available for purchase in The Well for $125. These silver cross pendants are a meaningful gift for a loved one or as a gift for yourself. A selection of silver chains also available in The Well.
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DEADLINE FOR MEMORIAL EASTER LILIES
This Sunday is the deadline to order an Easter lily to be displayed in the Sanctuary or Chapel in remembrance of a loved one. Your $25 donation may be made by check or via our website, choose Memorial and enter “Lily” and the name in the note field. You may take a lily after the 11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday service.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH: For the Love of a Son
Tues., Apr. 5, noon
Guest speaker Marilyn Downs shares conversations with her son, Jason, prior to his death by suicide. Following the presentation you may share your experiences in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donations appreciated. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road. For information 816-381-9249. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/
For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249.
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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 10. Plant pick-up will be at church on April 24. Click HERE for information on how to order.
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PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Caring for Creation
Pathways to Learning is a series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology. 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. in the Social Hall.
April 24 – What Is KC Doing to Care for Creation?
Overland Park City Council Member Logan Heely and Kansas City Council Member Andrea Bough will share Climate Action KC’s goals, progress and plans for addressing climate change that impacts our region.
May 1 – What YOU Can Do to Care for Creation
Several local resources will share a range of actions we can all take in our day to day lives. Come and hear from Heartland Tree Alliance, CJI Design Group – Sustainable Living and Compost Collective KC.
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LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS
The nominating process to fill elected positions for the 2022-2023 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
Click HERE for more information or to nominate someone. |
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APRIL COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is collecting rolls of paper towels to support our partner agencies. Offering these donations to several of our local organizations help stretch their funding for equally urgent expenses. Please bring donations to the church Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday mornings through March.
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SPRING FLING, Sun., Apr. 3, noon
Join us for our annual egg hunt. We will have a snack lunch, craft, games and egg hunting. Interested in hosting a game? Please email April.
MOPS. All moms are welcome to join us on Wed., Apr. 6 when the Sunflower House will be presenting on child abuse prevention. If you wish to be added to the MOPS emails and group me, let April know. If you have a mom friend that you think might enjoy connecting with other moms, please invite her to join us
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YOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL CHICKEN-N-PICKLE SOCIAL Youth grades 9-12 are invited to h dinner and pickleball, Sat., Mar. 26, at the Chicken-n-Pickle. RSVP HERE for details.
SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
Join us to serve, learn and grow together as a youth group. More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Sun. June 26-Wed., June 29.
HIGH SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 9-12 will travel to Chicago Sun., July 10-Sat. July 16, 2022.
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 2022
Only a few rooms remain open for this year's Christian Community Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, CO. If you've been considering going, now is the time to sign up! Questions about camp? Here's what you need to know:
Q: Does this camp involve tents?
A: No! The folks who go to Community Camp stay in a modern lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoy home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church.
Q: I don't know anyone else who is going to Community Camp. Will I feel out of place?
A: No! Each year first-time Community Campers are enthusiastically welcomed and many establish lifelong friendships from the experience.
Q: I'm not an experienced hiker. Is there anything else to do there?
A: Activities abound, from horseback riding, fishing and crafting, to shopping, antiquing or mini golf in Estes Park, to simply relaxing on the deck of the lodge with a good book. And yes, hiking too, with many options for hikers of all levels of experience.
Christian Community Camp is truly a magical experience for all ages. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending. |
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IN SYMPATHY
Our prayers are with the families of Harold Goss and Bonnie Wheatcraft who passed away recently.
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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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