FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Unforgettable |
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Last Sunday was the culmination of six years of planning. I cannot begin to adequately thank the Centennial Steering Committee under the leadership of Peter and Lesley Holt, and Honorary Chairs Tom Van Dyke and Kay Barnes. And the entire clergy and staff team worked so hard for so long on the Centennial that we all began to feel like it was the 200th! And Greg and Nancy Lear planned and replanned the reception at least a half dozen times.
But when more than 450 folks gathered to belt out the hymns and join our voices to pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison, every ounce of planning was entirely worth it. As beautiful as our Sanctuary is, it only comes to life when all of you gather, bringing heart and soul to worship the living God. It is a day I will never forget. Every note from our talented musicians resounded with hope and joy.
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Now we boldly launch the next 100. Not because we know what is next. But because God calls us. This Sunday we will dedicate six infants and baptize 10 teenagers. The future belongs to them! Whether you were there last Sunday or not, please know that your presence, your participation, your prayers and most importantly, your love, are what propel us forward as God’s faithful and life-giving community. And as much as at any moment in our first 100 years, the world needs us now. The world needs God’s justice and compassion, God’s forgiveness and community to rise up.
Please take time to watch the less than three minute video recapping our Centennial!
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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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
In worship this week: New sermon series begins this Sunday: Short Stories by Jesus. Mike Graves preaching Part 1: Just How Big Is God's Garden? Based on Matthew 13:1-9. We will celebrate the baptisms of Pastors' Class youth both during the 11:00 a.m. service and immediately following the service on the front lawn, along with infant dedications, and Max Deweese, who turned 100 years old earlier this year, will plant the 100th tree in our 100 Trees for 100 Years event. Please join us for these celebrations.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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MASK REMINDER
In compliance with the Kansas City, Mo., indoor mask mandate, we are asking everyone to wear a mask at all times when inside the church, regardless of vaccination status.
Please bring a mask with you when you come to worship.
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THE NEXT 100 CENTENNIAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN
The Next 100 Centennial Gifts Campaign has raised $9.9 million towards our $11 million dollar goal and $3,187,921 has already been received. Because of the generosity of our members and friends, we will begin construction in the Spring of 2022 on the projects: welcoming east entry; Sanctuary enhancements; improvements to the Parlor and Social Hall; expansion and upgrades in the Children’s Wing; and a mission partnership to build affordable housing in Northeast Kansas City. All building projects will upgrade the energy efficiency of the building making us better stewards of the earth’s resources and reducing ongoing costs of maintenance of our 100 year old building.
If you did not see the news coverage of our Centennial on Channel 5 last week, please click HERE for the story.
For more information on making a commitment to the three-year campaign or a one-time gift please contact David Forsee, Campaign Co-chair at or 816-916-4822 or Rachel Clement at 816-333-4917 or click HERE.
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CENTENNIAL EVENTS CONTINUE |
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100 TREES FOR 100 YEARS, October 9 - 100 Trees for 100 Years. In partnership with Bridging the Gap and Heartland Tree Alliance, the church will plant 100 trees in Northeast Kansas City to promote the benefits of green spaces for health and wellness. From park spaces to city streets to neighbors yards, 100 trees will be planted and maintained in celebration of our centennial. Planting is from 9:00 a.m.-noon beginning at Concourse Park. The 100th tree will be planted on Sun., Oct. 10 on our church campus. It's not too late to register! More info and sign up link HERE.
DR. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE, November 7 and 8 - Dr. Anna Carter Florence, the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, will preach at all three worship services on Nov. 7, followed by a preaching workshop on Nov. 8 for area clergy.For information contact Dr. Mike Graves.
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CENTENNIAL CONCERT, November 20 – This Love Between Us + Bach Magnificat, 7:30 p.m. Spire Chamber Ensemble, a professional choral group of superb local, regional, and national artists, presents this Centennial concert featuring work by composer Reena Esmail, juxtaposing words from seven major religious traditions and exploring how they each approach unity, harmony, and kindness. This event is free but will require a ticket. Ticket information will be available soon at cccckc.org/centennialconcert. |
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CENTENNIAL BOOKS AVAILABLE |
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Books celebrating the Centennial are now available for purchase in The Well Bookstore.
A City Church: The First Century of Service, written by historian Linna Place about the church's first 100 years, is available for purchase for $24. To purchase online click HERE. Complimentary copies of this book will be available at the October 3 reception, one per household.
Here is the Church, a children's board book written by Hayley Nicholas, is available one per family with children under 10, or for purchase for $10.
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Hayley Nicholas reads to the children on Sept. 19. |
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Classes meet Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Live in the Social Hall OR via Zoom (link available in next week's newsletter).
Pick and Trowel: Archaeology and the Biblical World
Oct. 18, 25
Led by Dr. David May
We are separated from the biblical world by time–and also mounds of dirt. Through excavations into the soil of the ancient world, archaeologists attempt to reconstruct the everyday material world of our ancestors in faith. We will consider how archaeologists go about their tasks of excavating, as well as the dark side of looting cultural antiquities. Join in as “armchair” archaeologists in these sessions.
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UPCOMING ROOTS EVENTS
Bible and Brunch on Sun., Oct. 10, at 12:15 p.m.
Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited for a catered brunch ($10 suggested donation; your first time is free). Some go to the Bible for answers; at this Bible and Brunch, we’re going to look at how it teaches us to question, even and especially when those questions don’t have easy answers, if any answer at all. RSVP and find out more information at bit.ly/octbiblebrunch.
Roots Social on Thurs., Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Night out at Ben and Whitney's house! We'll do a bonfire, some pumpkin-carving, and enjoy a fall evening outside at their property. RSVP now and find more info at bit.ly/rootsoctobersocial.
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FAITHPUB
Hosted by Dr. Mike Graves, this popular men’s group meets for conversation on a host of spiritual topics, with a guest speaker each session. Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. under the tent in the backyard – speaker is Dr. Mike Graves.
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OCTOBER COLLECTION CONNECTION
The Metro Mission Team is collecting diapers for infants and toddlers to be shared with our partner agencies. The church supports several organizations caring for families and diapers are always needed. Please bring your donations to church M - F 9 - 5 or on Sunday mornings.
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TRUNK OR TREAT
Sun., Oct. 24, 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat/Harvest Festival
Children, youth and families will be hosting Trunk or Treat/Harvest Festival Sunday. Agency partners that support families will be invited to participate.
Donations of individually wrapped candy are needed for Trunk or Treat. Candy donations can be brought to the church Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or Sunday mornings by October 22.
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MISSION TRIP TO ECUADOR February 12-20, 2022
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The Mission Trip team invites you to join us for our a mission trip to Ecuador for a week of service and learning with our mission partner FEDICE, a non-profit organization that works to build sustainable livelihoods, encourage self-sufficiency, and significantly enhance quality of life for indigenous and marginalized rural communities in Ecuador. The trip is open to adults aged 18 and up and requires a $250 deposit and registration by Oct. 17. Find out more information and register HERE or by contacting Rev. Tyler Heston.
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FAMILY NIGHT
Club Kids (Grades 3-5) and Youth Group (grades 6-12) Oct. 10, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Join us for a special night of fun and games for the whole family. Youth, children, and parents are invited for snacks and activities. Parents will have a chance to connect while youth do a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood.
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POPSICLES IN THE PARK Sun., Oct. 17. Families with younger children are invited to meet Catherine and April at Franklin Park (Roe Ave. and Somerset Dr.) from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
TRUNK OR TREAT
Sun., Oct. 24, 4:00- 6:00 p.m.
Bring your super heroes, princesses, ghosts and ninjas for fall fun.
Interested in hosting a trunk or a game? Let April know. Don't want to come up with your own trunk or game? We will have some available for you -- all you have to do is show up! We are also taking candy and toy donations for the event. Hope to see you there! Email April if you plan to host a trunk!
More Children's Ministry news HERE.
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YOUTH GROUP SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT Sun., Sept. 17, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Youth are invited to join us for a special service-learning night to learn about Della Lamb Community Services and put together some welcome signs for refugee families Della Lamb will help relocate to Kansas City.
DONUTS AND DISCUSSION🍩
Join us every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. for Donuts and Discussion!
HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY DINNER
Oct. 6, 6:30-8:00pm at Panera Bread in Prairie Village (8300 Mission Rd.)
High schoolers are invited to join us at a monthly dinner to catch up & connect with each other on the first Wednesday night of each month from
More Youth Ministry news HERE. |
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP 2022
Join families and individuals from our congregation for a week of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, crafting, relaxing and fun at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. The group of 60-90 folks from all generations stays in a lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoys the home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church. If you don’t like to camp but you love the mountains, this is the place for you. 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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