August 26, 2022

Enriching Differences

By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care


When I was in elementary school, then as now, everyone was both excited and somewhat anxious as the new academic year got underway. For me, the beginning of school coincided with the onset of my fall seasonal allergies. Colloquially we called it hay fever but actually I was allergic to ragweed pollen. My nose would run constantly. My eyes watered. I sneezed, wheezed, coughed, and hacked. You can imagine I was delightful to have as a classmate. I had to sleep sitting up and my nights were restless. What about medicine, you ask? It just made me sleepier. All this was before schools were air conditioned and our farm house only had the one window unit. I was miserable and sleepy and started every school year lagging behind in my studies and having to catch up as the semester progressed.


I mention suffering with those childhood allergies because they made me feel really different from my classmates and teachers. Occasionally another student or two would be mildly sneezing or such but I was never around anyone whose allergies were as nightmarish as mine. If there is a bright side – a “gift” if you will – from those allergy-addled days, it was that the experiences contributed to developing an interest in those things that make us different and pondering the questions of how we can be different and still be in meaningful relationships. I have found those inquiries to be enriching pursuits.  


With that in mind, let me offer you a heads-up about two resources available as of this Sunday. The first is the Fall Programming Guide, a listing of classes, activities, and events to help us explore our own and other people’s beliefs, cultures, and situations. As just one of many fine examples, an evening on Rethinking Disability will be presented by my friend, Rev. Dr. Letiah Fraser, of The Open Table.


The other resource is a Share Your Gifts Form, a list of some ways to serve in the church and the community. These are simple but important tasks, requiring no special training, with short, episodic time commitments. One tried-and-true way to get acquainted with other folks is to bring your unique story and gifts and pitch in on the work of building community at whatever level you are able.


Keep Scrolling! In Today's Newsletter:


  • Worship With Us - 9:01 is Streaming Again!
  • Block Party
  • Adult Enrichment - Monday Night Classes and Pathways in September
  • Children & Youth - Sunday School Back in Swing; Youth Activities Start Sept. 11
  • Life of the Church - State of the Church Address; Dr. Paul Tucker Reception
  • and more! Scroll to the bottom for a special Thank You note to the congregation

WORSHIP WITH US

9:01 STREAMING IS BACK

Services have resumed indoors and 9:01 is back as its own livestream each Sunday morning. 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.

WALKING TOGETHER SERMON SERIES

How would you describe our church to a friend, or to a co-worker? Coming up with the best words is not always easy. You could say “We meet people where they are and walk alongside them on the spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.”


Over the next three weeks, Carla and Mike will guide us in developing a vocabulary for what is most sacred to us and discovering the courage to share it.


Sun., Aug. 21 - Part 3: Choose Life

Based on Deuteronomy 30:14-20. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.

Click to Watch a Special Video Introduction to the Sermon 

BLOCK PARTY!

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 neighbors from the neighborhood! 


Lunch available for $10/person $30/family. Invite a guest and they can eat free!

ADULT ENRICHMENT

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.

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

POTLUCK AND GAME NIGHT

Tues., August 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join us for a Roots potluck dinner and game night at Chelsie & Alex’s house in Lenexa. Bring a side, drink, or dessert. Board games welcome, too!


Roots meets the second Sunday of the month for brunch after church and every few weeks for potluck dinner and discussion. For more information and to RSVP, email tylerh@cccckc.org.

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 

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BACK TO (SUNDAY) SCHOOL!

9:55 - 10:45 a.m., 2nd floor Children's Wing

The upstairs halls were busy on Sunday as children re-joined each other in age-appropriate lessons and activities. Meets every week.


Preschool – First Grade: Worship & Wonder 

This Montessori style class presents simply told Bible stories that encourage wondering and allow for imaginations of children to connect the faith stories with their own life experiences. 


2nd – 5th Grades: Footsteps in Faith

Using experiential rooms, the children will explore Biblical stories and foundations that call for us to love God and love neighbor, to care for each other and our earth and to celebrate this diverse world! From our nature nook, to sacred space to a make-n-take style art room the children will have choice in the ways they connect with God.


To the right: 3rd Graders received bibles from the congregation in worship on August 21. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL PIZZA TOUR

Sun., Aug. 28 - 12:00-2:30 p.m. Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited for an afternoon at three local favorite pizzerias. Along with (hopefully) learning a new favorite KC slice of pizza, middle schoolers will get to know each other better and celebrate the beginning of the new school year as a youth group! $10/person. RSVP HERE

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.


INFANT DEDICATION


Madison Dunn was dedicated in the 11:00 worship service Sun., August 21. Her parents are Christa and Greg. Older brother Jackson celebrated with her.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

RECEPTION FOR DR. PAUL TUCKER, SUN., AUG. 28


A celebration of Dr. Paul Tucker's service to the church in honor of his retirement will be held on Sun., Aug. 28.


Receptions will be held after the 9:01 and 11:00 services in the Parlor where Paul will be presented with a Love Gift from the congregation. To contribute, please send your check marked “Paul Tucker Love Gift” to the church or give online at bit.ly/PaulLoveGift by August 28.

STATE OF THE CHURCH

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


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.

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.

KNITTERS/SEWERS RESUME

After a monthlong break, knitters/sewers will meet Thursday, September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sewing Room

Dear friends,


Working and serving with you for more than 15 years will be counted as one my life's greatest blessings. I am grateful to you all for your support and encouragement over the years, and for the love you have shown my family and me. Thank you for the lovely going away reception, your thoughtful notes, and your generous love gift. I have been blessed to know you all, and look forward to continuing to worship and serve with you as a member of our church family. With love,


Lara Schopp



Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning. 
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