October 28, 2022

Dana, Paula, Stephanie, Randall, Chandler, Dan along with their families sat on rows six and seven last Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. As I stepped into the pulpit of the church that gave me spiritual birth I looked out at the faces of those who had been in the youth group with me decades ago at University Chrisitan Church. Afterwards, we went to lunch and over tacos recalled the crazy stories and heartwarming memories that had shaped us forever.  I had not seen some of these friends since high school but we picked up in exactly the same place, and laughter and joy unfolded. Who would any of us have become without the cradle of that church? The core values, character traits, resilience, the social capital that has sustained us came from that dedicated congregation. We knew that we were loved beyond our biological families. Call that God or whatever you want, but I could see in retrospect that the church shapes human lives in profound and meaningful ways that may not be evident at the moment.  

In her book, The Awakened Brain, medical research scientist Lisa Miller shares the discoveries of a major study that connected spirituality with positive mental health. She didn’t set out to study spirituality but in her research on human resilience, people kept telling her stories about spiritual experiences that helped them heal. So a study was conducted on depression. The researchers were stunned by the results. MRI’s revealed that folks with low levels of spiritual engagement actually had different neural images than those who reported high levels of spiritual engagement. Our brains actually look different and are healthier when we prioritize our faith. She calls the spiritual brain the “awakened brain.” Dr. Miller writes: 

“The awakened brain includes a set of innate perceptual capacities that exist in every person through which we experience love and connection, unity, and a sense of guidance from and dialogue with life. And when we engage these perceptual capacities—when we make full use of how we’re built—our brains become structurally healthier and better connected, and we access unsurpassed psychological benefits: less depression, anxiety, and substance abuse; and more positive psychological traits such as grit, resilience, optimism, tenacity, and creativity.”

This past week our church staff toured the newly created children’s wing where our kids gather for Sunday School each week. It’s NOTHING like what you and I grew up with. So incredibly creative and engaging and the kids love it. It makes my heart soar knowing that we are shaping lives, awakening brains, and empowering our children with spiritual resilience that will sustain them for a lifetime.  

Grace and Peace,

Carla

In Today's Newsletter (Keep Scrolling or click on links for snapshot view of each area):

• Church Happenings
• Adult Enrichment
• Mission & Outreach 
• Children & Youth
• Save these Dates
• Life of the Church

WORSHIP WITH US

Worship with us in person at 9:01am (sanctuary), 10am (chapel) or 11am (sanctuary)

• Click HERE to view our live stream.
• Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.

Sun., Oct. 30, 2022

Sermon Series: Faith and Politics 

Part 1: Faith and Politics Don't Mix

Scripture Focus: Galatians 1:1-3 and 5:18-23a

The political rancor seems to intensify as we approach mid-term elections and then a few weeks later we sit down at Thanksgiving tables with relatives and friends who voted differently from us. How does the Christian faith guide us during politically turbulent times? This week we will examine how the norms of American politics often clash with the spiritual pathways of those who claim Christ. And next week we will examine the reverse phenomenon. Our faith compels us to care about the community, which leads us to engage in politics.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

THIS SUNDAY! TRUNK OR TREAT

Sun., Oct. 30, 4 - 5:30pm

Dress your little ghoul or goblin in their Halloween costume for a safe and fun alternative to trick or treating! Members host decorated trunks, games and activities that will make even the ghouliest, goblin giggle!

TODAY! Friday, Oct. 28, 9am - 4pm | COME-N-TAKE DAY

Open to the public! Our purging may be your greatest find! Before items are taken for donation, you get first dibs...everything is FREE! You never know what treasure you may find.

THIS SUNDAY! GUEST GATHERING

Sun., Oct. 30 at 10am. Library

New to Country Club Christian Church? Whether you’ve been attending for a while or are a new visitor, we invite you to learn more about us in a casual setting. A member of our staff will guide you through our values, traditions, and beliefs and you’ll discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, and members. We would love to become your church family.

RSVP HERE

ENJOY "HERE I AM, LORD"

Special guest vocalist, Emily Dix, joined us during the 9:01 and 10am services on Oct. 23. She, along with Dr. Matthew Thompson on piano; Zak Pischnotte on saxophone, and Greg Clinkingbeard on bass, shared a jazz rendition of "Here I am Lord". The arrangement was created by Dr. Thompson. Emily is the niece of member Barbara George.

Click the arrow for your listening pleasure.

Sun., Nov. 13 & 20, 11am | COMBINED SERVICE WITH SWOPE UNITED

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

We are looking forward to joint-worship services on Sunday, November 13, and again on November 20. Rev. Rodney Williams will preach the first week and Rev. Carla Aday the following week. Come and enjoy a special message of unity with combined choirs and a reception in the parlor will take place following the Nov. 20 service.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Tues., Nov. 1 at 12pm 

Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road in Prairie Village

Join us for lunch and a special conversation about remembering and grieving our dear ones during the holidays. Rev. Dr. Jared Witt and Rev. Joe Walker will provide an introduction to the discussion. Following their presentation, you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by Country Club Christian Church and five other Kansas City area congregations. Register at www.faithandgrief.org

For information call 816-381-9249 or visit

Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC

MISSION AND OUTREACH

PUMPKIN PIES FOR MICAH MINISTRY

Metro Mission will be collecting monetary donations for pumpkin pies for Micah Ministry's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Pies will be purchased and packaged to be distributed as part of a full, to-go meal the week of Thanksgiving. Micah Ministry is planning to serve over 600 Thanksgiving meals this year. To give online, click HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Pies in the memo line. 

HARTMAN ELEMENTARY IN-PERSON TUTORING IS BACK!

Great News! After more than 2 years of hiatus due to Covid, our volunteer tutoring program will return to Hartman and continue the important work with students in need of extra help and support to become successful learners.

Now, more than ever, Hartman needs tutors. So many more students have fallen behind academically and are struggling because of Covid.

If you are interested and would like information on how to become a tutor, email Nancy Ralston or call (816) 590-1533.

Note: School safety protocol procedures are in place to assure that tutors and their students stay safe during the process of working together.

CROSS-LINES COMMUNITY KITCHEN CELEBRATES KITCHEN MANAGER'S YEARS OF SERVICE

On Monday, Oct. 24, a large group of volunteers and Cross-Lines staff gathered to say thank you to Carmelina Cabrera who made the kitchen run smoothly for years. CCCC provides a monthly meal for Cross-Lines and the faithful volunteers gathered to wish her well. All will tell you that Carmelina's gentle spirit and consistent leadership in the kitchen is what made community outreach a successful and caring program. She will be deeply missed by all! Learn more about CrossLines Community Kitchen in Kansas City, KS HERE.

NOVEMBER GRACE AT WORK

Della Lamb's Operation Holidays

Sat., Nov. 5, 9 - 10am -or- 10:30am -12pm

Share your holiday spirit by joining with other church folks in helping to inventory and sort gifts for Della Lamb’s Operation Holidays. Over 500 families in need benefit from this annual event. Our group will work in the large Della gym. Children are welcome to help when attending with an adult. Two shifts available. Make plans to help out with our Northeast Partner by signing up HERE

reStart FAMILY NIGHTS

reStart, works with people experiencing homelessness including a residential component for families. On a recent Tuesday evening, the Bell and Stork families visite reStart with games, activities and snacks and provided some fun for families in residence. Having the opportunity to gather for a little family fun was a welcome break from the ongoing stress and trauma in their day-to-day lives. CCCC hopes to host a family fun night once a month, if interested in helping, email Catherine 

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

CLUB KIDS FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT

Sun., Nov. 6, 4 - 6pm

We will be heading to River of Refuge to assist with some projects onsite. 

RSVP to April

REMINDER! CLUB KIDS TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders!

Sign up HERE.

YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)

YOUTH DONUTS & DISCUSSION, Sundays at 10am,Youth Center.

Youth are invited to a weekly Sunday morning gathering including donuts (or other sweet treats) and good conversation. Youth will split up into middle school and high school groups for activities & discussion.

YOUTH GAME NIGHT

Sun., Nov. 13, 4 - 5:30pm

Middle and high school youth are invited to a joint night of special games, snacks, and more!

More info and RSVP HERE

YOUTH THANKSGIVING DINNER

Sun., Nov. 13, 4 - 5:30pm

One of our favorite traditions as a youth ministry is PIZZA for THANKSGIVING!!?! Join us this year as we continue this epic night! We will be heading to Waldo Pizza to share our blessings together over some hot pizza pies! Middle and high schoolers are invited! Bring $5/youth.

RSVP and more info HERE!

Consent & Release Form is required for any youth attending youth ministry events.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES - 10 - 10:45am

• Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
• Footsteps in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
• Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade

SAVE THESE DATES

Sun., Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m | ADVENT IN ADVANCE

Children and their families are invited to gather in the Social Hall to a make-n-take session that will prepare your family and home for the Advent season. Includes a pizza lunch. 

Sat., Dec. 10, 2:30 - 4:30pm |  LIVE NATIVITY

Join us as we kick off the season with all things Christmas! Family photos by the tree made into an ornament to take home, kids crafts, coffee and hot cocoa bar, special music and more. AND enjoy a living nativity with all the animals

Interested in helping with the festivities? Let April know!

Sept. 5 - 14, 2023 | Holy Land Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been called “the fifth Gospel,” and for many people, it’s the trip of a lifetime. This trip starts in Galilee, coming down the Jordan valley, and culminates with some of the most cherished sites in and around Jerusalem. This Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is being led by Dr. Mike Graves and Dr. David May. If interested email Dr. Graves.

The cost is $4,800 per person, double occupancy. It includes round-trip airfare from Kansas City, ground transportation, 4-star hotels, and two meals per day, as well as entrance into all the sites and gratuities. A $300 deposit is due in May of 2023. Space is limited, so signing up ASAP is encouraged. 

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

Tues., Nov 8, 6 - 7pm |  Elder/Deacon Meeting

Sat. AM, Date TBD |  Winter Retreat 

Tues., April 11, 6 - 7pm |  Elder/Deacon Meeting

All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.

For information on any of these events call 816-333-4917

SUNDAY, October 30

10am | Guest Gathering, Library

10am | Adult Sunday School Classes

10am | Sunday School for preschool - 5th graders on 2nd floor

10am | Youth Donuts and Discussion, Youth Center

4pm | Trunk or Treat

MONDAY, October 31

8:30am | Flower Ministry, Kitchen

9am | Green Team

10:30am | Yoga, virtual

5:30pm | Green Team

7pm | Monday Night Class "Imposing and Impossible Texts", Youth Center  

TUESDAY, November 1

7pm | A Life Worth Living with Rev. Mike Graves, Youth Center

WEDNESDAY, November 2

9am | Faithbook, Youth Center

10:30am | Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Youth Center or via Zoom

6pm | Bell Choir Rehearsal, Room 304

7pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAY, November 3

9:30am | Sewing and Knitting Ministry, Sewing Room

10am | Prayer Ministry Meeting, Room 303

FRIDAY, November 4

10:30am | Yoga, virtual