FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Advent |
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I spent last Christmas Eve with 11 folks crammed in my basement watching our candlelight service via live stream. There was a certain charm to it. But this year I eagerly anticipate three in person services with all of you. Advent means waiting and the kind of waiting where we lean forward with a sense of hope that life can get better if God breaks in among us. And yet we all know that our anticipation is marred by a haunting sense that so much is still not right among us. Rancor in government, racial tensions simmering with each high profile trial, and news of variants with new names keep us from hoping that peace on earth is just around the corner.
I recently read about the difference between optimism and hope. London pastor Sam Wells tells the story of James Stockdale, a US Navy pilot in the Vietnam War. Stockdale was held in a POW camp for seven years. He described how some of his fellow POWs were optimists. They said, “We’ll be out by Christmas.” And when they were not, they said, “We will be out by Easter.” And some of them died of a broken heart. But Stockdale was not so optimistic. Though he never doubted that he would one day be released and that this horrific and terrible event would define him and make him into someone new. Genuine hope is different from optimism. It is not about putting a positive spin on a terrible series of events. Rather, says Wells, “ Advent hope recognizes how bad things really are but knows God is always bigger.”
This Sunday’s scripture says:
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)
Advent does not invite us to deny the darkness. Rather we are free to name our worst fears. Because it is in the midst of the pain of real life that God breaks into the world. Advent means that Christ comes among us.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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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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ADVENT SERMON SERIES
MAKING ROOM FOR THE HOLY
Dec. 5, 12, 19
The story seems as old as time, Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary finding no room in the inn. Turns out, the story isn’t just old but timeless. What does it mean for us today to be making room for the holy in our lives? Are we open to God breaking in with a new message? Join us for this holy season of Advent leading up to Christmas.
Dec. 5 - Part 2, Serving, based on Luke 1:67-79. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
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MASK UPDATE
Although the city of Kansas City, Missouri's indoor mask mandate has expired, we are asking anyone entering our buildings to continue wearing a mask on Sundays and during weekdays while the Preschool and Parents' Day Out programs are in session. We are keeping this policy in place for now because children under the age of 5 are not eligible for vaccinations, and because full vaccine immunity for children ages 5-12 takes up to five weeks from the date of the first shot. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep the most vulnerable among our church community safe.
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LIVE NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
December 11, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The miracle of Christmas comes to life via a drive- or walk-by live nativity scene on the front lawn of the church. See the holy family, shepherds and animals, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
The afternoon also includes:
- Holiday craft project for kids
- Keepsake photo ornament of your family in front of the sanctuary Christmas tree
- Collection of hygiene items (deodorant; bars of soap and shampoo) for Metro Mission
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ROOTS, for adults in their 20s and 30
Bible and Brunch, Dec. 5, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Connect as community, learn and grow spiritually over Bibles and brunch. Brunch is catered with a $10 suggested donation— your first time is free!
Christmas Party, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. We’ll go out to dinner before ice skating at Crown Center. More information & RSVP at http://bit.ly/rootsxmas21.
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GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Tues., Dec. 7, Noon
Join us for lunch and a conversation about remembering and grieving our dear ones during the holidays. Melissa Potts-Bowers and Rev. Joe Walker will provide an introduction to the discussion. Following the presentation you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Masks are required except when eating. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. These monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road. For information 816-381-9249. https://bit.ly/Kansas
CityGriefLunch.
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NATIVITIES OF THE WORLD TOUR THIS SUNDAY
Dec. 5, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m., Independence Boulevard Christian Church, 606 Gladstone Blvd.
We are invited to come and see 135 ways that different cultures and artists have imagined what it means for the Christ to enter into each of our lives. Free to all. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served outside. Masks are required inside the building.
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SPIRE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE'S MESSIAH CONCERT
As a thank you to Country Club Christian Church for the recent Centennial Concert collaboration, the Spire Chamber Ensemble is offering a 30 percent discount on tickets to its upcoming Messiah concert, Mon., Dec. 20 at 7:00 p.m. Spire performs this masterpiece with period instruments in Helzberg Hall.Tickets HERE. USE PROMO CODE: HANDEL2.
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In Case You Missed It...
$125,000 FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KANSAS CITY
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Country Club Christian Church recently issued $125,000 in grants in support of affordable housing programs in the historic Northeast area of Kansas City. These grants, made possible through the 2011-2016 capital campaign, were made to Sheffield Place and KC Tenants. This completes the commitment from that campaign of $300,000 to alleviate root causes of injustice within the Northeast Kansas City area.
Sheffield Place works to empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient. The range of wrap-around services offered to the mothers and children in residence sets a foundation for success. As the need continues to grow, Sheffield Place has embarked on expansion plans to create more space for additional families. Our grant of $110,000 will help launch these efforts. The church’s long partnership with Sheffield Place has previously included small grants, volunteer support and various activities.
KC Tenants works to ensure that everyone in Kansas City has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. Our grant of $15,000 will aid in their work to empower tenants to advocate for affordable housing and healthy living conditions.
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"What a privilege it was to deliver the checks to these organizations doing outstanding work in the Kansas City community addressing a range of issues related to affordable, stable housing for people."
Tom Thornton, Outreach and Mission Coordinating Team Chair
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MICAH MINISTRIES WARMTH PACKS FOR DECEMBER
Each Monday evening volunteers offer meals through the Micah Ministries at Independence Boulevard Christian Church. Many of those being served may be without adequate shelter or homes which becomes even more challenging in winter. Metro Missions Team will be collecting items and monetary donations for warmth packs to be shared for Christmas. Donations of water-proof winter gloves in sizes L or XL are needed and can be brought to church M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or Sunday mornings. Or make a contribution on-line using this link and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Warmth Pack in the line. Please alert Leann Ritter, ritterlk@aol.com to gloves you drop off at church.
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CLUB KIDS for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! We have events and opportunities to connect (almost) every Sunday nights during the school year from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
December 5 - 4:30-6:00 p.m. Join us at the church on Sunday for some fun and silly holiday activities.
December 12 - 4:00-6:00 p.m. kid movie night. Please RSVP to April.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Holiday Store Collection for Sheffield Place
The holidays are upon us and we are seeking donations from families for our northeast partner Sheffield Place for their holiday store. The mission of this agency is to empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become
self-sufficient. Donations of NEW items will be used to create a holiday store where mothers can 'shop' for children and the children can select gifts to give their moms. Please alert Catherine to your donation and bring it, UNWRAPPED, to church by Dec. 13.
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YOUTH GROUP
Middle School Christmas Party - Dec. 3, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Join us for a night at the church celebrating Christmas together! We’ll have some special Christmas-themed games and a gift exchange. Bring a $5-10 wrapped gift and RSVP now!
High School Christmas Party - Fri., Dec. 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a night celebrating Christmas with dinner, ice skating, and a present exchange at Crown Center! Bring a $5-10 wrapped gift and stay tuned for more information!
PASTORS' CLASS
Pastors’ Class 2022 will be open to current sixth and seventh graders, or any other youth who is interested in being baptized. Pastors’ Class will meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 23 leading up to baptisms on Palm Sunday, Apr. 10. Families interested in this year’s Pastors’ Class can find out more information and register at an information session on Sun., Dec. 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Center.
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BIBLE AND ART TOUR OF ITALY
May 30-June 9, 2022
A few spaces remain on this tour which was originally scheduled pre-pandemic. As a result, prices have increased slightly to $3,200 per person/double occupancy, which includes wine and cheese reception upon arrival, lodging in four-star hotels, all breakfasts, guided tours of museums and other sites, ground transportation, and a farewell dinner. (Airfare not included since some may prefer to use miles or book their own flights, although a group flight option is available.) 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.
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Dreaming of Summer?
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 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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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our prayers are with the family and friends of Virginia Thornell, Bill McCollum and Betty Wilkerson, who passed away recently.
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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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