February 3, 2023

In Today's Newsletter...

• Church Happenings - Elder / Deacon Winter Retreat
• Mission & Outreach - Souper Bowl of Caring Weekend
• Adult Enrichment - Lenten Small Group Classes forming
• ROOTS Young Adults - Lenten Small Group starting in Feb.
• Children & Youth - Upcoming Club Kids Dates
• Life of the Church - Church Center is coming!

I sometimes struggle when I write this column because I want it to be inspiring but I’m tempted to make it informational. I don’t want to bog us down in the weeds of church business and yet the church is the body of Christ and though it belongs to God it is up to the congregation to conduct its affairs. So…here are some things you ought to know.

I want you to know that Rev. Mike Graves is not “gone” but simply on a 6-week sabbatical, writing a book that he will begin sharing with us this Spring. When Mike returns to us Feb. 16, he will be half-time instead of full-time. You may not notice as he will still teach and preach but will not oversee committees (he isn’t sad about that!). 

And I want you to get to know Bryce Bowers, our newest clergy person, who began Jan. 15 as Executive Minister. In many ways, his job is like the position I held when Glen Miles was senior minister. Bryce will oversee the operational life of the church: finance, building, technology, and administration. Bryce will also lead the spiritual growth of adults through small groups, membership development, young adults, and a myriad of special events. Three of our 5-year strategic goals are directly tied to Bryce’s ministry area.

And then I remember that when the first pages of the Christian Bible were penned, they often included mundane facts about the church, as in “thank you for the offering; soon my assistant apostle will visit your church again; stop quarreling about worship practices”. Paul writes many letters to the early churches (Corinthians, Philippians, Romans, and more) and as he teaches them about what it means to follow Christ, he intersperses church business. Someone has to update the database and varnish the front door and plant the tulip bulbs and change the batteries in the smoke detectors. The truth is that God’s miracles are mixed up with the mundane.

In your own life, it is true as well. God’s joyful presence may be felt at the family dinner table, but someone had to buy the groceries and chop the carrots. We pray “thank you God” when a sister’s cancer goes into remission, but the doctors and nurses administered the chemo. We feel God’s holy mystery at the depth of our souls while standing on a mountain in Colorado but someone preserved the forest and dug the trail so we could hike up to this vista.

The miracles of God’s love and grace unfold through our most mundane and ordinary actions.

Grace and Peace,

Carla

To send a message to Carla, click HERE.

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.

Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

A Model for Our Movement, Dr. Teresa Hord Owens

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11:1-9

Dr. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination will preach at all three worship services on Feb. 5. At 11am we will combine services with Swope Parkway United Christian Church. 

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

ELDER / DEACON WINTER RETREAT

Saturday, Feb 4, 2023 | 8:30 - 11:30am in the Social Hall

Part of the agenda will include hearing from Reverend Terri Hord Owens. She will be sharing “Staying at the Table” which will focus on what it means for us as a church to be diverse and sometimes divergent as we seek to live into the covenant that Jesus has called us to, and which is represented at the Lord’s Table.

THIS SUNDAY IS SCOUT SUNDAY, 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST!

On February 23, 1923, Boy Scout Troop 84 was chartered by the Boy Scouts at Country Club Christian Church. Troop 1084 and Pack 4084 will celebrate this 100th anniversary during the 11am service to express their gratitude for the long-time support and encouragement of the congregation. After the service, they welcome the congregation and guests to a pancake brunch fundraiser in the Social Hall. Chris Cakes will cater and the Scouts will serve. Donations (cash or checks c/o Troop 1084 BSA) will be accepted at the door. Any donation over $6 per person (the cost of the brunch) will help our Troop and Pack to rebuild after the pandemic caused some membership losses.

HELP NEEDED FOR COMMUNION PREPARATION

Our shared ritual of communion is at the heartbeat of our faith and weekly worship, and we are thankful for the dedicated team who works each week to prepare the communion elements for hundreds of people each week to experience these signs of sacred presence. Are you interested in helping prepare communion? Each week, people spend an hour or two cutting bread and preparing the elements. If you would like more information on how to help out, reach out to Rev. Tyler Heston.

Bass Concert featuring Sam Copeland

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, 1pm in the Sanctuary

Sam Copeland, our very own, regionally sought-after bassist, will perform two of the classical bass world’s most cherished pieces: Bottesini’s Bass Concerto no. 2 and Fryba’s Suite in the Olden Style, accompanied by Dr. Matthew Thompson. This 45-minute concert will also feature jazz duets with other KC area musicians. If you like jazz, classical, or music in general, do not miss this event!

MISSION AND OUTREACH

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING WEEKEND

SERVE at Harvesters on Saturday

Feb 11 10:30am - 12:30pm

Anyone 8 and older are invited to help in the Harvesters warehouse as we sort, pack, and assemble donations to help the community on this super bowl weekend. This annual service day connected to the sporting event is an opportunity to support the many food-insecure neighbors in our community. We will meet at Harvesters 3801 Topping, KCMO.  RSVP to April HERE

DONATE on Sunday, Feb. 12

Be an MVP for our annual “Souper Bowl of Caring” benefiting the Virginia Reed Food Drive. There are several ways to make a touchdown! In recognition of the CHIEFS being in Super Bowl LVII...consider donating $57 -or- the amount you usually spend on snacks for the big game!

• Youth will be at the doors to collect monetary donations as you exit or leave your gift, marked “food drive” in the offering plate during worship.
• Bring cans of hearty soups to the Parlor M-F, 9am - 5pm or Sunday mornings. Be sure to check expiration dates.
• CLICK HERE to donate and choose "Food Drive" from the dropdown.

GRACE @WORK AT CROSS-LINES COMMUNITY MARKET

Saturday, February 25, 10am - 12pm

Join others to serve at Cross-Lines Community Market (736 Shawnee Ave, KCKS), a CCCC outreach partner. Volunteers will sort, organize, price and stock the market. Tasks are appropriate for most ages, younger volunteers will need a parent or adult to guide them in the work. SIGN UP HERE!

WEEK OF COMPASSION

From flooding in California to tornadoes in Alabama to continued recovery from hurricanes our denomination is responding to natural domestic natural disasters and other crises throughout the world. In working together with partners, Week of Compassion represents the Disciples of Christ commitment to unity, making our resources reach farther and growing our impact on a global scale. Your gift to our denomination's relief, refugee, and development mission fund goes to alleviate suffering throughout the world. Make a donation HERE (select Week of Compassion from dropdown).

Remember, you also offer support by shopping in The Well, as proceeds from sales go to Week of Compassion.  

FEBRUARY COLLECTION CONNECTION

Did you know struggling families receiving government support cannot use those funds for household products and paper goods? This is why our Metro Mission Team regularly asks for donations of essentials like toilet paper and paper towels. They are shared with agency partners like Della Lamb Community Services, Sheffield Place and others. Donations can be brought on Sunday mornings or weekdays from 9am - 5pm.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

LENTEN SMALL GROUP SERIES: QUESTIONS CHRISTIANS ASK

During Lent, Feb. 26 - April 2. we will have an opportunity for the church to take part in small groups that are going over the series “Questions Christians Ask.” These questions are some of the most difficult questions we ask of life and of our faith. Each week, a video will be presented by a clergy member to facilitate small group discussions. You can see the questions covered down below.

There are multiple opportunities for multiple demographics both online and in-person throughout the week. See the current class options and get signed up at the button below. If you have any questions or want more info, contact Rev. Bryce Bowers.

PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Brown v. Board, Then & Now

February 26, 10am in the Social Hall

Join us for a conversation with Lucinda Noches Talbert, whose grandmother Lucinda Todd was one of the original plaintiffs on the Brown v. Board of Education landmark case. Facilitated by Nicole Jacobs Silvey from Connection Coach KC, this all ages opportunity will invite us to think about the history we’ve inherited and how God continues to call us to make the world more whole.

FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCHEON

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 12pm at Village Presbyterian Church

Guest speaker, Nicole Staab, who provides education, and guidance for folks from terminal diagnosis through bereavement shares her experiences. Discussion follows a presentation. Lunch provided, donations appreciated. REGISTER HERE.

MISS A MONDAY NIGHT CLASS? These classes will be recorded and posted the following Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. on our YouTube channel. Click HERE to catch the new classes when they are published.

Here is Week 3 from Wielding a Double-Edged Sword: Queer Biblical Interpretation: https://youtu.be/RvsdM6-p0Tc

Click the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified when new content is posted!

YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 20's to 30's)

SAVE THE DATES! DETAILS TO COME!

• ROOTS Lenten Small Group Series starting the week of February 27, watch for details!

If you are in your 20s and 30s, take part in a variety of socials, service projects, and opportunities to study the Bible and our faith. Details at linktr.ee/cccckcroots, or @cccckcroots on Instagram.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BABIES AND BREAKFAST

Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30-10:30

Children 3 and under, bring your family for breakfast! We will be serving pancakes and have toys available. Come meet parents with children of similar age. This is a free event.

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

• Sunday, Feb. 5, 4 - 5:30pm: Craft night in our Creator's Place
• Sunday, Feb. 12: Souper Bowl of Caring during worship services
• Sunday, Feb. 19, 4 - 5:30pm: Gamer Night with the Crockers

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

Sign up HERE.

TALL OAKS CAMPS 2023

Each year, the Greater Kansas City Region of the Disciples of Christ hosts a variety of opportunities for youth to spend a week out at our regional church camp, Tall Oaks in Linwood, KS. These opportunities invite youth to connect with other Disciples youth from across the metroplex for fun, fellowship, and more. The dates for the 2023 camps are below; find out more and register at https://www.kcdisciplescamps.org/registration.

• Chi Rho Camp (6th & 7th graders): July 16-20
• 8ers Camp (8th graders): July 7-13 (this transformative camp offers a faith-based sexual education opportunity that 8th graders do not want to miss!)
• CYF (9th - 12th graders): June 20-25

PASTOR'S CLASS KICK-OFF FOR 6TH GRADERS

Sunday, Feb. 5, 12:15 - 1:30pm

Sixth graders (or older youth who haven’t been in Pastors’ Class) are invited to learn about the fundamentals of Christian faith while forming a sense of community with their church before choosing to be baptized or confirmed. Following kick-off, we’ll meet most Wednesdays Feb. 15 - March 29, 6:30-8:30pm. Get more info HERE.

YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)

SUNDAY NIGHTS (Almost Every) | 4 - 5:30pm

Contact Tyler for more info!

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.

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

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Church Center is coming!!! This new program will allow you to more fully engage with our church in the digital space and meet our Next 5 strategic goals. Keep an eye out for more information to come!

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

ELDER / DEACON WINTER RETREAT

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. 8:30 - 11:30am

Watch for more details in your email!

ELDER / DEACON MEETING

Tues., April 11, 2023. 6 - 7pm

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