FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Self Creation |
|
The last few weeks have been more chaotic than typical. We moved out of our house to have some small rehab projects done. And though we were lavishly and lovingly cared for by local relatives who took us in and fed us and didn’t complain when the stay extended an extra week, still, life felt chaotic and unsettling. And I didn’t feel quite myself, or at least the best version of myself.
In the middle of this chaos, I listened to an interview that Ezra Klein did with award-winning novelist George Saunders. They discussed the similarities of meditation and writing. Both require quieting the monkey mind. The mind jumps around from thing to thing. Saunders said, “The mind is busy all the time. And what it's really doing is it’s basically creating yourself, it's creating you, this illusory thing called you. And when your thoughts die down, then that self creation gets a little less energetic. And in my experience, something else happens or something else rises up in that space that you have created.” He goes on to describe how he edits his writing over many days and at the end of editing, he realizes he likes the person who wrote the last draft better than the person who wrote the first draft. The later drafts are more vivid, more true, less deceptive, smarter, funnier, kinder.
I thought this process was a beautiful description of why we gather in faith communities as well. We come to church to become a better version of ourselves. To let something else rise up in that space that is more vivid, true, kind, less deceptive. That happened for me last night when I moderated the panel that included a local Imam, a Sikh neuroscientist, a Baptist pastor originally from Haiti, and a composer from California whose parents are Catholic and Muslim and whose husband is Hindu. I left that conversation a better version of myself. More open. More available to the peace that is possible on this planet and more committed to trying to understand my brothers and sisters who have walked a unique and often painful journey.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
|
|
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.
SERMON SERIES: UNITY IN A POLARIZED WORLD
The first Christians came from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Conflicts, even hostile conflicts, often arose. Sound familiar? In this two-part series we'll take a look at those ancient conflicts and the way they mirror our modern culture, and listen for how God suggests a way forward in love and unity, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Nov. 14 - Part 1, Hope for Fragmented Humanity, based on Ephesians 2: 11-22. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Nov. 21 - Part 2, Love in the Ruins, based on John 13:1-17; 31b-35. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
CENTENNIAL CONCERT AND PANEL DISCUSSION WITH COMPOSER |
|
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 of India (Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam) to explore how they each approach the topics of unity, harmony, and kindness. This work aims to open a dialogue regarding the love all humanity shares. Now more than ever we need music to create sincere dialogue between disparate groups. By telling stories we transcend human barriers and break down systems that divide. The famous Bach Magnificat will also be performed at this concert. It influenced Ms. Esmail who wrote her work to be paired with it. This event is free but will require a ticket. Get your tickets HERE.
|
|
Check out this article about the concert featured in KC Studio Magazine. |
|
|
|
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Classes meet Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Live in the Youth Center OR via Zoom.
Christianity 101:The Conversation Continues
November 15
Led by Dr. Mike Graves
When elders and deacons in our church were asked to name ideas for sermon series, the basics of the Christian faith were near the top of the list. But limiting the faith to four sermons is a daunting task, and there are many competing views for what Christianity looks like. That’s why in this three-part course we’ll explore the question further, reflecting together on the essence of our faith tradition and our own congregation’s expression of Christianity.
|
|
|
GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m., Library. If you are a guest at Country Club Christian Church, we are happy to welcome you! Whether you’re a new visitor, or you’ve been attending for a while, we invite you to get to know us in a casual setting as a member of our clergy guides you through our values, traditions, and beliefs. Discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, RSVP to Rachel Wymore at rachelw@cccckc.org.
|
|
PARENTING THE COLLEGE AGE AND EARLY TWENTIES
Sun., Nov. 14, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The college and young adult years are always filled with transitions, challenges and new experiences -- for all. Parents of college students are invited to a conversation to share the joys, struggles, observations and questions in a confidential setting. Dr. Jennifer Austenfeld will be presenting material from The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now, by Meg Jay, Ph.D. and leading our discussion. Make time to come and connect. RSVP to Lisa Tang.
|
|
JOIN THE ORFFESTRA FOR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
The Orffestra will play an anthem during the 9:01 and 11:00 a.m. services on Sun., Dec. 5, and is seeking performers of all levels of experience. Never played before? No problem, give it a try! Ages 6th grade and up are welcome to join us. (If you have a younger musician in your family, they may come with an adult that commits to guiding and playing with them.)
There are only three rehearsals: Sundays, Nov. 21 and 28 at 10:00 a.m., and Wed., Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in playing, please RSVP to Tepring Crocker by Nov. 18.
|
|
|
|
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. To give online, click HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Pies in the memo line.
|
|
DELLA LAMB OPERATION HOLIDAYS COUNTDOWN BEGINS |
|
Volunteers from Country Club Christian Church gathered to begin the work of organizing and prepping supplies for the Operation Holidays event for our Northeast Partner Della Lamb Community Services. Hundreds of families and senior adults will be provided with food for a full holiday meal and gifts for the season. Throughout the fall volunteers from our congregation have been working to prepare for this unique opportunity. Distribution of the food and gift packs will begin next week. We are grateful for the many members who are helping to make this outreach a success. |
|
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.
ADVENT IN ADVANCE, our annual make-and-take workshop with crafts and activities to help your family prepare for the Advent season, is back! To accommodate as many families as safely as possible, we are offering several shifts over the week of Nov. 17-21. Sign up for a 30 minute time slot. Times are:
- Nov. 17, 18, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Nov. 20 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Nov. 21 - 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
If you are unable to attend in person and would like a packet of the activities, please email April. Sign up for a time slot HERE.
More Children and Families news HERE.
|
|
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.
More Youth Ministry news HERE.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our prayers are with the family and friends of Phil Lile who passed away this week.
|
|
Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
