FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Jesus Loves Me |
|
Our congregation hosted the annual senior minister’s conference last week. About 45 Disciples of Christ clergy from across the US met at the Hotel Intercontinental and in our building for three days of presentations by guest speakers and dialogues among the clergy, all of them interesting and inspiring. On the last day of the conference there is typically a wrap up session that becomes tense. I’m not sure why but several of us have come to dread that closing session where grievances are sometimes aired in ways that ruffle feathers. But this year, something unique unfolded.
After the final lecture, but before that dreaded closing session, a young pastor from Indianapolis arose from her seat in the rooftop ballroom of the hotel and began to sing a cappella, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...“ Everyone in the room joined in and it sounded like 200, not 45. Clergy like to sing and they sang with gusto. The chorus of pastors uplifted me in a way I didn’t know a simple child’s song could. Mostly because they sang it like it was true. Even pastors need to be reminded of the basics.
And as we sang the room softened. And I wondered how many times Jesus Loves Me had been sung, if ever, in the rooftop ballroom. In between the verses of the song, she spoke verbal prayers on behalf of the clergy and the churches we serve. And we sang verses of Jesus Loves Me that I didn’t know. And when the song was over, a hush settled over the room, and the leader of the conference said, “There is nothing left to say, meeting adjourned.” We didn’t really need that tense business session anyway, I guess.
There is a story about a famous German/Swiss theologian who was speaking at University of Chicago in 1962. His name was Karl Barth and he wrote many volumes of theology. One of the students during the Q and A asked him if he could summarize this theology in a single sentence. And he said, “ In the words of a song I learned at my mother’s knee, Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”
Whatever tense moments are yours this week, whatever challenges, doubts, or worries you are facing, perhaps there is no better reminder that you are God’s beloved. Even if you don’t want to sing. Just hum it…
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
|
|
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.
IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a “Happy New Year” is familiar enough, but what exactly does that look like? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a vision for what a happy life might look like if we followed his lead, a series of “Blessed are…” statements known as the Beatitudes. As we begin a new year, we do so by considering “Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year.”
Sun., Jan 30 - Part 6: One Thing, based on Matthew 4:23-5:8. Dr. Mike Graves preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
UPDATE: Classes and groups may resume gathering in person at the church if they choose. Please continue to wear a mask in the church at all times and practice social distancing when possible.
|
|
ROOTS YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY
BIBLE AND BEER
Thurs., Feb. 10
Join us for our Winter Bible and Beer for a chance to get together and share good drinks and good conversation. Stay tuned for more information!
|
|
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
The Rules of the Game: An Introduction to Worship
Feb. 21 and 28, 7:00 p.m. • Led by Dr. Mike Graves
There’s an adage, that people would understand various sports better if they knew the rules of the game, cricket, for example. A similar principle applies to worship. How are Scriptures chosen, hymns selected? Why do clergy sometimes wear green stoles around their neck, other times purple? Together, we’ll explore these topics and more, even working together to help plan an upcoming service of worship.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
AN EVENING 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. Free event, watch for more information.
|
|
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
Sun., Feb. 13
The annual Souper Bowl of Caring will benefit the Virginia Reed Food Drive. There are three ways to give:
- Bring jars of peanut butter, jelly or whole grain crackers to the parlor or to our drive through event on Sun., Feb. 13 from noon-1:30 p.m. in the south lot. Please be sure to check expiration dates on any nonperishables you wish to donate.
-
Click HERE and choose Food Drive from the drop down menu.
- Leave your gift, marked “food drive” in the offering plate during worship.
|
|
GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB
Sat., Feb. 26, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a morning of service with partner agency Della Lamb Community Services. There are two opportunities to serve.
- Volunteers needed to sort, organize and move supplies at Della’s facility, 500 Woodland in Kansas City, MO.
- Help facilitate activities for Afghan families who have recently arrived to the United States, such as art projects and games for children.
Safety protocols will be observed including wearing masks. More information and sign up HERE.
|
|
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Are you and/or your child(ren) interested in lighting the candles or reading scripture at the 9:01? Contact April or Catherine with specific dates that work for you!
MOPS GATHERINGS
Join us on Wed., Mar. 9, we have a guest presenter coming, more details coming next week. 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!
CLUB KIDS SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING
There are two service learning weeks this summer for 3rd-5th graders: May 31- June 3 and Aug. 1-5. We’ll work with local partner agencies in the morning and do an activity in the afternoon. Cost is around $75 if you stay for lunch and afternoon activity. Is your child interested? Let April know.
|
|
YOUTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOT CHOCOLATE AND HIDE AND SEEK
This Sunday, middle schoolers are invited to hot chocolate and hide-and-seek at Meadowbrook Park at 9101 Nall in Prairie Village at 2:00 p.m. We’ll hang out for an hour, staying warm with the warm beverages and running around. RSVP to Tyler.
SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
We're excited to announce that we’re traveling out of town for our summer service-learning trips to serve with local nonprofits, learn about the related issues and how our faith fits in, and to grow together as a youth group.
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.
More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
|
|
|
BIBLE AND ART TOUR OF ITALY
May 30-June 9, 2022
A few spaces remain on this tour which was originally scheduled pre-pandemic. This unforgettable tour of world-class museums, cathedrals, Renaissance architecture, and the Tuscan countryside is led by Donna Houtteman, a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Rev. Carla Aday and Dr. Mike Graves. In addition to guided tours, there will be free days for leisure and day trips. For more information contact Dr. Mike Graves, mikeg@cccckc.org.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our prayers are with the families of Nicholas Cox and Carma Freeman who passed away recently.
|
|
Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
