FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Numbers
This week we have been bombarded with numbers. Numbers of absentee ballots, of electoral college votes, of new covid cases, percentage of positive test rates. We are swimming in a sea of numbers and statistics and trying to make meaning of it all. Sometimes the numbers are overwhelming and sometimes they are comforting and sometimes they simply make us numb.  

This past week the numbers become more personal at our house. Our middle child, Kyle, was diagnosed with covid and immediately went on lock down in his bedroom so as to not share the infection with his wife and three young children. He has had all the classic symptoms: fever, aches, chest pain, cough, loss of taste and smell and tiredness. Suddenly I didn’t really care how many new cases were in the news. I only worried about Kyle and how to cheer him, pray for him, take food to his family, who are also on quarantine. The only number that mattered now was this one. Until his 7-year old daughter also was diagnosed with covid. And we await results for the others in the household. I think of myself as a rational person but when it is one of your own, you begin to quiver with fear, weep with worry and feel totally helpless to make it better. (Fortunately, we had not been with them in person for more than two weeks). 

Political numbers can also become intensely personal. I had delivered our son’s absentee ballot to Union Station the day before the election and found hundreds of folks in line at 8:00 a.m. Then on Tuesday I walked over to the church where the line wrapped through the back driveway at 6:00 a.m. It is a reminder that when 160 million Americans vote, that each vote is a real human person making an effort to shape the common good. The votes that are counted are more than numbers. They are the hopes and dreams of the people for our shared future.  

The Bible is also filled with numbers and sometimes we wrestle with what meaning the numbers hold. Seven days of creation makes seven indicate completion, wholeness, perfection. Forty years of waiting in the wilderness makes 40 mean a very long time. And then there is that story that Jesus tells about the one lost sheep. He reminds us of the shepherd who leaves the flock of 99 in search of the one who is lost. “When he has found it he lays it on his shoulder and rejoices.” Then Jesus tells them that heaven rejoices when one of us turns around and finds the way back to God. For every single one of us is counted as God’s beloved.  

Grace and Peace,
Carla
STORIES IN GLASS: A SERIES ON OUR STAINED GLASS
The stained glass windows shape the beauty of our sacred space but more than that, they tell us the key stories of our faith and inspire us to live in the light of God’s beautiful love and grace. Do you know who is in each window? We will remember our founding members who built these windows and reflect on the meaning of the 10 largest windows, five this fall and five in the winter. As we are bathed in the holy light of these colorful images, we are called to live as those shaped by these Biblical stories.
This Sunday: Part 4, That They May All Be One, based on John 17: 20-26. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
WORSHIP WITH US
Click HERE to worship with us Sundays at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m., or on demand anytime.

Do you ever have trouble accessing our live stream? Click HERE for some helpful hints.

Miss last Sunday's service? Watch it HERE.
RELAUNCHING THE NEXT 100 CAMPAIGN
Prior to the pandemic the church had begun an $8 million capital campaign to celebrate our Centennial and launch our next 100. In case you missed it, last Sunday in worship, Rev. Carla Aday announced that the church has received pledges totaling $5,050,000 toward our goal and we are re-launching The Next 100 campaign. Stay tuned! You will hear more about the future plans and dreams involved in this Next 100 campaign in the coming months.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES: Saints for Our Time
7:00 p.m. Led by Dr. Mike Graves

Nov. 9 - Anne Lamott
Nov. 16 - Howard Thurman
The word “saint” conjures up all sorts of things for us moderns: golden halos painted around ancient heads, people like Francis of Assisi or Augustine, whom we usually refer to as Saint Francis and Saint Augustine. These interactive sessions will look at some more modern saints and what they have to teach us in our day.
ROOTS BIBLE AND BEER
Sun., Nov. 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited for a night of conversation and connection as we enjoy a drink or two together and talk about the Bible, its history, and meaning for us today through creative and engaging conversation. Location TBD; if weather is too cold or poor to meet in-person safely, we’ll meet via Zoom. Contact Tyler Heston for more info.
Who Are You In Relation To Your Stuff?
Wed., Nov. 18, 9:00-10:00 a.m. 

Join us for a virtual presentation by Kristen Christian. In this fun, interactive conversation Kristen will help us consider who we are in relation to our stuff and why we keep what we keep. Helpful for all stages of life, this will be especially useful if you are looking to downsize at some point. Kristen, Co-Founder of BEE Organized, creates simple, realistic, and sustainable solutions with compassion and always without judgment. Everyone welcome. Free. Pre-registration required: email or call Lisa at (816) 333-4917
Uprooting Racism: Investing in Justice and Equity
A Presentation by Alt Cap

Wed., Nov. 18
, 6:30-8:00 p.m. via Zoom


Recent incidents have amplified the conversation about systemic racism in our community and our country, and about the importance of long-term efforts to build a more just and equitable society.

AltCap is an Kansas City organization that is a part of the long-term effort to dismantle systemic racism and create a more whole society through its work of investing in capital- and resource-starved communities in the region through accessible and innovative financing projects and partnerships. Join us for a conversation with AltCap President Ruben Alonso III and other staff and clients as he shares the work being done throughout the Kansas City region. We will take time at the end to explore ways Country Club Christian Church can be involved in this critical work. To register and get Zoom link, RSVP to Lisa.
VIRTUAL CHOIR FOR CHRISTMAS

Music Ministry is organizing a virtual choir for Christmas, singing Hark! the Herald Angels Sing arranged by Dan Forrest. Any one interested in participating is encouraged to join. For information contact Matt Thompson.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

SAVE THE DATE FOR ADVENT IN ADVANCE. Sun., Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chapel parking lot

Our annual make-and-take event to help children and families prepare their homes for Christmas looks a little different this year — instead of making items at church to take home, we’re moving to a take and make format. Pick up craft packs to do as a family at home. Activities come with instructions and supplies.

We will also be taking photographs of children dressed as angels and/or shepherds for our Christmas Eve service. Come ready for this photo op; some props will be provided.

Click HERE for more information about Children and Family Ministries.
YOUTH

THIS SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP. Middle School 5:00 p.m. and High School 6:30 p.m. Bundle up and bring a mask for an hour of games & catching up with your friends!

SAVE THE DATES!

  • Sun., Nov. 8: Social at the Kansas City Zoo, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

  • Sun., Nov. 22: Girls’ Group — Girls in youth group are invited for a Christmas-themed craft. 4:00-5:00 p.m.

  • Sun. Nov. 22: Youth Group Service Project, 5:00-6:30pm; details TBA.


Lots more information about Youth Ministries happenings HERE. Sign up for email and/or texting updates. ​
METRO MISSION
COOKIES/BROWNIES FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Country Club Christian Church provides the food at least once a month for the Monday evening Micah Ministry meals and we are in need of homemade desserts; cookies or brownies. Please package in individual servings (two medium cookies or one large brownie per zip lock) and bring to church weekdays 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Email Shelly Trewolla when you deliver as she will plan to use them for the next meal. We accept them all through the month and freeze them until needed.
WARMTH PACKS FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Support Micah Ministry and its clients by donating items or dollars for Christmas warmth packs. In previous years we have assembled hygiene socks, but warmth packs more appropriately meet the needs of people seeking support from Micah today.
 
Each pack will contain:
  • Hoodie (pullover or zipper but must be a hoodie, men’s sizes XL or XXL, new or gently used)
  • Warm, thick socks (new)
  • Warm gloves (new or gently used)
  • Hand warmer packets 2-3 (new)
 
If you would like to create packs we ask you to email your commitment to Jackie Cunningham or call Lisa Tang in the church office at 816-333-4917 so we can monitor totals. Monetary donations can be made by clicking here and selecting Micah Ministries, or mailing a check to the church noting Micah Ministries.

NOVEMBER COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is gathering new or gently used blankets and tarps for sharing with our mission partners who serve the homeless in the metro area. Twin or full size blankets and tarps approximately 5 x 7' are most useful. Donations may be dropped off at church Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m- 3:30 p.m. at the East entrance.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

As we continue to offer high quality online worship, the church is seeking a Technical Production Director with extensive audio, video and lighting experience for ongoing operational support. This position will be pivotal in the further development of our digital ministry. Full job description HERE.
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.