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To recognize God’s grace in the provision of a heart of flesh is key. Much as I prefer the self-protection offered by cynicism, caution, and carbohydrates, finding my way back to my own belovedness has required receiving a new spirit, one of tenderness and one of vulnerability.
Rachel Held Evans, Wholehearted Faith
Is it possible to find “my way back to my own belovedness”? Might you be able to receive a new spirit? During the month of August, I spent a week in the mountains on what I call “study leave.” This involves devouring books and plotting out the next six months of sermons. But, more than that, it involves sitting still and staring out the window. I put on the brakes, immerse myself in the kind of solitude that allows me to listen to the noise inside my own soul, and practice the Sabbath rest that one Rabbi calls “a palace in time.” I have to admit that, many days, carbohydrates, cynicism, and caution seem more appealing to me than prayer.
But, oftentimes God comes to us when we drop the self-protection and pause to meditate, journal, worship, read, sing, walk, or just sit and stare out the window. I know in my mind that God loves me. But how do we experience that reality in the flesh? The Psalmist invites us to “Be still and know that I am God.” And one of the 10 commandments invites us to rest, to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. The summons is not to rigidity but to freedom. The goal is to recognize God’s grace lavished upon us. We are already enough.
I know that we live in a hurry-up world. Young parents especially know the constant demand to be productive. The phone buzzes with breaking news, the emails pile up, the mac and cheese must be cooked, and the boss wants that proposal by 7:00 a.m. Sometimes relaxation seems like an antique. Sometimes, carbohydrates and cynicism seem the best antidote to stress. But when we turn to our faith, however flimsy and fragile it may feel, we might find our way back to our own belovedness and receive a new spirit.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
Keep Scrolling! In Today's Newsletter:
- Worship With Us - Pathways on Sunday Morning, Sept 11
- Block Party - Sept. 18
- Fall Programming Guide; Share Your Gifts
- Adult Enrichment - Monday Night Classes
- Children & Youth - Youth Activities Start Sept. 11
- Grace @ Work
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Life of the Church - Elder, Deacon, and All Congregation Meeting, Sept 13 - scroll to find and bookmark Zoom link
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WORSHIP WITH US
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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PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: SOLARIZE KC
Sun., Sept. 11, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about Solarize KC, a solar crowdsourcing, metro-wide initiative. If you have ever wanted to explore solar panels, a power wall or battery system, this is your chance. Our northeast partner, Jerusalem Farms, is involved in their regional effort to bring clean energy to homeowners, nonprofits and businesses at crowdsourced prices. Members of Jerusalem Farm will be sharing with us. To learn more about this project, visit SolarizeKansasCity.com
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"BUY" YOUR FRIENDS LUNCH!
Sun., Sept. 18, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of fun at the Block Party on the front lawn. This event is open to the public and we are excited to welcome our friends from the neighborhood!
Lunch available for $10/person $30/family. Invite a friend and they can eat free!
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SHARE YOUR GIFTS
We invite you to share your gifts and talents with the ministries of our congregation. Please fill out the form and indicate your interest in the simple but important tasks listed. CLICK TO SHARE YOUR TALENTS
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Fall Programming Guide
The fall programming and activity guide is packed with opportunities to worship, to learn, and to find fellowship. Print copies are available throughout the church building. View or Download Here
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
What’s So Good about the Good News?
Monday, September 19 and 26 at 7:00 p.m., Youth Center
Led by Dr. Mike Graves.
The word “gospel” is used in the New Testament to translate a Greek word meaning “good news.” But what’s so good about it, and is it good for everyone? We’ll look together at various perspectives on the gospel, especially the so-called social gospel that addresses injustices in our world. Lectures will be recorded for on-demand viewing.
Click HERE for a list of all the Monday Night Classes coming this fall.
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CENTER FOR FAITH AND CULTURE CLASSES
Bridge Building Toward a Flourishing Life for All: The Quest for Social and Racial Justice
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 7:00 p.m., Youth Center
Led by Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard
Offered In partnership with the William Jewell College Center for Faith and Culture. Click HERE to register for this class and see dates and descriptions of all classes being offered. Classes are free for Country Club Christian Church members with the code: CountryClub
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
Sunday, September 11, Noon
Young adults in their twenties & thirties are invited to join Roots the second Sunday of every month for brunch after church! Our September Sunday brunch will be on the 11th at Red Door Grill in Brookside. RSVP & find out more information at bit.ly/rootsseptemberbrunch
SEPTEMBER DINNER & DISCUSSION
September 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a potluck dinner and discussion about accessible, tangible spiritual practices. What does it mean to pray? What’s the potential in meditation? What does it look like to connect more deeply to God? Find out more info and RSVP at bit.ly/rootsseptemberdinner.
Roots meets the second Sunday of the month for brunch after church and every few weeks for potluck dinner and discussion. Find ongoing information at linktr.ee/cccckcroots or by following us on Instagram at @cccckcroots
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GRACE@WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY
Saturday, September 24
Various shifts between 9 am - 2 pm
All are invited to help our mission partner Micah Ministry as they host the NE Community Park Party at Concourse Park. Volunteers are needed to help set-up, support the cooking team, greet and mingle, and more. This is a great way to connect with our NE partners and the community. This will be at the same location where we anchored the centennial tree planting so come see how they are growing! Children are welcome to help with a parent or adult.
Check out the time slots and duties here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E49A9A922ABFA7-gracework5
Not able to attend and help? Donate supplies for the party by contacting Dana - dk.flora19@gmail.com
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SEPTEMBER COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is inviting donations of cereal to be shared with our partner agencies that offer food resources to various communities. Please bring your donations to church M - F between 9 - 5 and on Sunday mornings.
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FALL YOUTH KICKOFF!
Middle and High School Youth activities will kickoff on
Sunday Sept 11!
Donuts & Discussion
Sundays, 10:00 a.m., Youth Center
Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) and high schoolers (grades 9-12) will connect over conversation on a topic related to our faith and lives, then split into small groups based on age.
Sunday Night Youth Group
Sept. 11, 18, 25, from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
We’ll begin with a three-week session of activities for both middle schoolers and high schoolers. This will include snacks, games and an exploration of spiritual practices for teens.
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ELDER, DEACON, AND ALL CONGREGATION MEETING
Tues., Sept 13 - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
The congregation is invited to join all Elders and Deacons to an evening of enrichment that showcases the previous year and looks forward to the Next 5. View full agenda HERE
Click the ZOOM LINK to participate online. Password = cccckc (if prompted)
ELDERS and DEACONS
As we launch a new church year, please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
Tues., Sept 13 - 6:30-8:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon/Congregational Meeting and Annual Report
Tues., Nov 8 - 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting
Winter Retreat - Saturday morning Date TBD
Tues., April 11 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting
All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY RESUMES SEPT. 7
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Youth Center or via Zoom
Study the Gospel According to John with Dr. George Gordon. Call 816-333-4917 to register. Questions? Email Dr. Gordon at geogordon3@gmail.com.
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KNITTERS/SEWERS RESUME
After a monthlong break, knitters/sewers will meet Thursday, September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sewing Room
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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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