“What is essential? And what is non-essential?” Krista Tippett raised these two questions in her talk on “Remaking the World” last week. It reminded me of the things I let go of during the pandemic: frenetic activity, relationships that were not life giving, eating out, meetings that could have been emails, shopping, owning two cars. And then there were the discoveries of what really mattered: conversations with neighbors, uninterrupted evenings with my husband, simple dinners cooked at home, long walks in the neighborhood while talking with a friend, empowering those in the service industry with generous tips and acts of kindness, supporting the economically disadvantaged with financial support, biking with the grandkids, weekly worship on a screen shared with my family. Now that we are emerging from the severity of the pandemic, it seems to me that how we answer these two questions is how we will “remake the world.”
We have adopted the theme “remaking the world” for our annual generosity campaign where each of us decides on our estimate of giving for the coming church year. I want to thank you for the ways that you showed that the church was essential to you during the pandemic. While I initially feared that church giving would decrease due to the economic uncertainty, I was completely wrong. You generously gave even more than what you had previously given. Oh sure, some had to pause their giving due to job loss. But overall we stepped up and gave even more to support our congregation and the missions locally and globally that we care about. With your giving you expressed that in times that are uncertain, we know more clearly than ever that our church is essential.
Looking back over my life I think of those moments when I knew that life was beautiful and sacred. When Catherine Stark-Corn prayed with my husband and me before he went into surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. When Steve Bough mentored our son in 6th grade pastors’ class but then stayed with him and sent him encouraging notes all the way through high school. When Cindy Thornton slipped me a “courage” bracelet on a Sunday morning because she knew I was going through radiation for breast cancer. When our daughter walked down the aisle to get married. When Carty Johansson and Lance Jessee built a home for a family in Nicaragua and taught me how to twist rebar by hand. And when the choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus just two weeks ago.
Sometimes at worship, we sing, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” and I am grateful that I have you, a faith community, who is always there to help me sort out what it means as a follower of Jesus to discern, “what is essential and what is non essential.”
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send Carla an email click HERE.
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NEW SERMON SERIES BEGINS MAY 1
Remaking the world seems audacious. And yet the holy scriptures are full of stories about how God partnered with humanity to remake the world. In the Old Testament God writes a new law on the hearts of the community. And in the New Testament God dreams of a new heaven and a new earth. In this sermon series, beginning next week, we will look at our own role in this process of holy transformation. We will seek inspiration to become more generous, more wise, more loving. Because remaking the world involves remaking our church and our lives as well.
This Sunday: Part 1 - With God, based on Revelation 21: 1-5. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
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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.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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REMAKING THE WORLD ANNUAL GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN
The Remaking the World sermon series and our annual generosity campaign in support of the church go hand in hand. We are grateful to so many of you for your generous financial gifts to the church. Because of your dedication and faithfulness, our church is empowered to partner with God in the sacred and holy task of “remaking the world.”
Here are a few examples of how your annual gifts have been transformed into innovative expressions of God’s good news:
- Over 1,400 folks celebrated Easter with meaningful and spiritually moving worship.
- Our congregation planted 100 trees in Northeast Kansas City.
- Our centennial concert,“This Love Between Us,” reached members of our community from dozens of different faith traditions in interfaith dialogue.
- Hundreds of children and youth received spiritual guidance through Pastors’ class, youth groups, Sunday School, and hands on service.
- Adults in crises found solace, guidance and hope through pastoral visits, counseling, AA, support groups, prayer.
As we launch the 101st year of our beloved church, we invite you to offer your commitment to “remaking the world.” God of heaven needs us to be the church on earth. With inflation on the rise, it will be a challenge for us to continue the ministry that is so vital to the community and to our own lives.
You will receive more information about this campaign in the coming days, including an Estimate of Giving card. There are many ways for your to participate in this campaign:
- Please fill out and bring your card on to church on Sunday, May 15 so that we may dedicate them in worship at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
- Return your card to church by mail using the enclosed envelope
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Contact Rachel Clement, Director of Finance, at 816-381-9256 or rachelc@cccckc.org.
- Fill out your Giving Estimate online
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Thank you again for your past support and ongoing faithfulness. We are grateful for you and that you are a part of our church family. |
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REMAKING THE WORLD
WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
If you missed the conversation with 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, you can watch it here. It is only available for a limited time, so check it out today!
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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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PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Caring for Creation
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.
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.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH: Life is Still Good
Join us for lunch on Tues., May 3, at noon, as guest speaker Lisa Mann shares her faith and grief story following the sudden death of her son, Jordan, from an undetected heart condition. “I miss Jordan everyday,” Lisa says, “but I know he is smiling down on us and reminding us to live life with passion because that is what he always did.”
Following the presentation you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Lunches are hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. For information 816-381-9249.
Register HERE. More information HERE or 816-381-9249.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Lost in Translation: Making Meaning of the Bible
May 2 and 9. Led by Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence
Preachers are always noting how different verses in the Bible are not a good translation of the original language. This spring a new translation is being released, the work of renowned biblical scholars. Together, we’ll look at several translations and paraphrases, as well as some Hebrew and Greek words every Christian should know.
7:00 p.m. in person or via Zoom. Recorded and posted at youtube.com/cccckc. Info at cccckc.org/mondaynightclasses
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HUMAN RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Oct. 24-27
This pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery Alabama will include visits to the National Peace and Justice Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders Museum. Cost is approximately $1200 per person (double occupancy) which includes, air, museums, hotel, ground transportation and three meals. Single person rate is approximately $1550. Please watch this newsletter for final pricing and additional details on how to sign up in the coming weeks.
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COLLECTION CONNECTION: Monetary Donations to Virginia Reed Food Drive
The congregation supports numerous local agencies that address food insecurity in our community. From allocating funds for food purchases to stock four area food pantries to providing a monthly meal for CrossLines and Micah Ministry, the Metro Mission Team and volunteers seek to care for our struggling neighbors. With the increased cost of food the need is escalating and the cost of providing the monthly meals and stocking the food pantry is exceeding the budgeted funds. Please give as you are able to the Virginia Reed Food Drive so that we can continue to care for our hungry neighbors. Click HERE and choose Food Drive to give electronically. |
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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.
Sign up for Club Kids texts here. Class code @clubkidskc or email April to be added.
MOPS SAVE THE DATE, Wed., May 4, 7:00 p.m.
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YOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT
Youth grades 9-12 are invited to a scavenger hunt social on Sun., Apr. 24, from noon-2:00 p.m. RSVP now to Tyler.
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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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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