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As the days drag on, the earth bursts forth in beauty. I find my heart ricocheting between savoring the now and worrying about the future. So I thought today we could sit back and notice the signs of hope around us and within us.
  1. Volunteerism is up. Applications to volunteer in New York City rose from 2,400 applications last March to 6,500 this March, a 288 percent increase.
     
  2. A creative resilience has arisen among us. During this "shut down" God's work has "ramped up" and our church's mission and ministry has thrived.
     
  3. More people are worshipping. At our church and at many other churches, attendance has doubled. We seek the divine who is always seeking us.
     
  4. Depth. Psalm 42 says "deep calls to deep." We are asking deeper questions about life, faith, the world, seeking life's deeper meaning rather than racing through our days on a surface level.
     
  5. Inside ourselves we are discovering strength we didn't know we had. I have discovered how to run! Others have discovered how to teach home school, cook, or make it through the day without going to a bar.
     
  6. Community. As we shelter in place we have realized the critical nature of communing with others in person and we long for dinner parties, church on the front lawn, or singing in the choir, but meanwhile we stand in the driveway and talk with our neighbors and zoom around the country to connect our souls with others.
     
  7. Less polarization and more partnership. News sources tell us that most Americans agree on big policy decisions such as the stimulus money and social distancing. We are more united for the first time in a long time.
     
  8. Less reliance on stuff. With the stores closed many are realizing we have enough and we don't need more stuff to make us happy.
     
  9. Imagination. Many are dreaming not of going "back" to our old life but creating a new world for all God's children to live in that is even better than the one we knew before.
     
  10. Intimacy. When you talk to the same small handful of folks every day, you move past the surface chatter to share the longings of the heart and to reveal the beauty and fragility of the human soul.
Not for one nanosecond do I believe that God would send a pandemic upon the earth but I wholeheartedly believe that even in this brokenness, signs of Christs living hope abound!

Grace and Peace,

Carla
This Week's News:

Children and Family updates - Our Children's Ministry folks have been busy preparing meals for the hungry, gardening on our church campus, and Catherine and April have been doing We Miss You visits.  Check in with Children and Families news here.

Children's Ministry We Miss You!
Children's Ministry We Miss You!




In Worship this Week - Mike Graves preaching "The Ends of the Earth" based on Acts 1:1-11. Streaming at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.


Youth Ministry Updates - Click here for all the latest news from Youth Ministries, including reimagined service learning trips, a reflection from Tyler, this week's Senior Spotlight, and all the info you need about upcoming Youth Ministries connections. 


Clergy Recommendations - In case you missed it: During this time of sheltering in place, people are hungry not just for things to do but ways to grow spiritually when most every aspect of life has been upended. The clergy put our heads together and compiled a list of resources for just such a moment as this, including books, TED Talks, blogs and more. Click here to see selections.


Communion at Home: Activity and Class - Dr. Mike Graves offers the next in his Monday Night Class series, Communion at Home, on May 11 and 18. Because the earliest followers of Jesus ate bread and drank wine in their homes like we are these days, this class will take a closer look at the earliest Communion practices within Christianity. But this class is part study as well as part group activity, because we will also be sharing recipes for people to try at home and asking you to share your recipes too. The class will be streamed on the church's website on Mondays, May 11 and 18, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and available via archive. 

Supporting our Partners: Sheffield Place - This week the church sent a virtual hug of appreciation and support to one of our mission partners, Sheffield Place , by sponsoring a meal for 44 residents and staff. Read more... Plans are also underway to provide a meal for Critical Care Services staff at Truman Medical Center. 


Heart and Mind Podcast - Catch up on the Heart and Mind podcast at its new link on  Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Heart and Mind features Dr. Mike Graves and guest scholars, based on the church's Monday Evening Classes. If you previously listened to Heart and Mind via the church's Apple Podcast link to weekly sermons, subscribe separately to link directly.

Thank you  - We are grateful for your 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  this link , or text the word General to 816-484-3399 to give quickly and easily.
 
COVID-19 Financial Assistance - Country Club Christian Church has established the COVID-19 Financial Assistance program to provide temporary relief to congregation members and friends in need during this difficult time. Click  here for more information.