January 6, 2023

In Today's Newsletter...

• Church Happenings - Learn more about Christian Community Camp this Sunday
• Adult Enrichment - FaithBook for women begins this Tuesday
• Mission & Outreach - Upcoming MLK Events and Activities
• Children & Youth - Club Kids and Youth Group kick-off Jan. 15 at Sky Zone
• Young Adults - ROOTS Brunch THIS SUNDAY!
• Save these Dates - Missouri Collegiate Choir Tour, Jan. 15
• Life of the Church - Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada will be at CCCC on Feb. 4

REPOSE

The pine needles have been swept up and the snow globe boxed up until next December. Now we return to some sort of routine and for many of us, fewer tugs on our time to make the holidays happen. In this first week of 2023 I’ve been sorting through what goals to adopt and what seems like too much to promise. Then out of the blue the podcast I was listening to ended and a new one started playing on the theme of holy rest, or “sabbath.” 

I have preached, written and taught about the Biblical notion of sabbath many times but honestly, it seems like an antiquated concept in our modern age. We live in a 24/7 cycle of news, shopping, social media, books on tape, movies on demand, streamed worship so that it seems like we are never “off” or purely at rest. So why was the Ezra Klein show interviewing the author of “The Sabbath World,” Judith Shulevitz? It seems that even in the secular world, folks have begun to seek or long for a deeper sense of “rest” from the constant demands that a spinning world makes upon us. 

The podcast reminded me that in the Bible the word for rest is “menuha” which is more than taking a day off but actually finding something like “tranquility, serenity, peace and repose.” In the Bible, we are taught to rest because God rested on the 7th day. And we are reminded of the freedom found in rest because we are no longer slaves as were our spiritual ancestors in Egypt. So rest is not a burden to keep but a gift to savor. 

But it is not a gift we easily open or practice. Author Judith Shulevitz says one reason we have trouble resting is because we need the support of a community that rests. We need to be part of a culture, a faith community, a family, a friend group, a neighborhood, a city that rests. It's easier if the atmosphere shapes us. About holy rest or true sabbath, the kind where we actually feel tranquility, peace, repose; she says “If it’s not happening collectively, it's not going to happen”. 

When our son Connor was young we tried to practice “sabbath” on Saturday since Sunday was a work day for me. We were semi successful for a few years though never 100%. One day after our son got a little older I said to him on a Saturday morning, “don’t you have any homework to do'' and he replied “Mom, it's the sabbath.” So I guess we do need each other. We need to lean on a faith community to call us to holy rest, to repose.

Grace and Peace,

Carla

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, Jan. 8, 2023

Spiritual Resolutions: Be Bold, Rev. Carla Aday

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1:3-14

As the calendar turns to January we often resolve to get more physically fit or adopt healthy life patterns for personal growth. We will look at the short letter of Phillipians to see what guidance it offers us for setting a spiritual path. Paul offers encouragement and advice such as: be bold, strive side by side, shine like the stars, and press on and find contentment. 

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

FIND OUT MORE THIS SUNDAY IN THE PARLOR!

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. 

ADULT ENRICHMENT

GREIF AND FAITH LUNCHEON: THEN AND NOW

Tues., Jan. 10, 12pm. Rev. Rita Kendagor shares about her husband’s medical crisis and death after only 8 years of marriage with a 6-year-old and baby on the way. Small group discussion following the presentation. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donation appreciated. Held at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Register HERE.

FAITHBOOK FOR WOMEN

Winter sessions begin Tues., Jan. 10, 7 - 8pm (online only) and Wed., Jan. 18, 9 - 10am (in-person/online).

For women who want to connect around faith and friendship weekly to reflect on the previous Sunday’s sermon or other topics related to our spirituality and our real lives. If you don’t have time for homework between family, work, etc, then this is the class for you. Email Rev. Tyler Heston for more info.

MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES

Wielding a Double-Edged Sword: Queer Biblical Interpretation

Jan. 16, 23, 30 at 7pm in the Youth Center

The author of Hebrews says that the “word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword.” Scriptures have been cited to condemn LGBTQ+ people, yet these folk have often found freeing ways to read scripture. What do we make of the “clobber passages” many use to condemn? What new and “queer” ways can these perspectives and experiences offer our sacred texts? Led by Rev. Tyler Heston. 

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.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, Jan. 15 at 10am, Room 301

We are excited to launch a new Sunday school class for the new year to serve folks in middle adulthood! Are you in your fifties or sixties and looking for a space to connect with others? Stop by Room 301 for a chance to connect with others, discuss potential topics and activities and enjoy some snacks. 

MISSION AND OUTREACH

JANUARY COLLECTION CONNECTION

The Metro Mission Team invites donations of supplies to help our weekly gathering of sewers and knitters as they work to complete projects to support numerous agencies throughout the metro. 

Supplies needed:

• White all purpose thread, preferably Coats & Clark
• Knitting yarn suitable for winter scarves and hats

Donations can be brought on Sunday mornings or weekdays from 9am - 5pm.

EVERYDAY JUSTICE

The Everyday Justice group invites all to attend 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Service Celebration to be held Sunday, January 8th, 3:30pm at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main Street in Kansas City.

Get all of the details HERE.

CROSS-LINES MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, 10am - 12pm

This is an opportunity for families to "Make it a day on and not a day off" through volunteerism and addressing our community's needs. Families will create 150 impact kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, 150 celebration kits for the Community Market, and reflect on how they are or can individually serve our community throughout the year. CrossLines is located at 736 Shawnee Ave  Kansas City, Kansas 66105

FIND EASY HOLIDAY RECYCLING NEAR YOU!

The holidays have ended, and if you haven’t done so already, the decorations will come down soon. It’s the perfect time to recycle holiday lights, trees, greenery, and even batteries and glass. These items are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. So to keep them out of the landfill, look for these easy recycling solutions near you HERE.

STILL ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR THE 2022 CHRISTMAS OFFERING

Your generosity is appreciated as Jerusalem Farm, Sheffield Place and Amethyst Place seek to transform lives in our community. Learn more about each agency HERE.

You can give by: 

• Clicking HERE to donate online, select "Christmas Offering" from "Fund" dropdpwn
• Texting the word ‘Christmas’ to 816-484-3399

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

SAVE THE DATES! DETAILS TO COME!

• ROOTS Brunch | THIS SUNDAY Sunday, Jan. 8, 12:15pm | Michael Forbes Bar & Grille
• ROOTS Dinner & Discussion | Tuesday, Jan. 17

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, January 14, 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)

JUMPING INTO JANUARY!

Club Kids at Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Sunday, Jan. 15

Meet us at Skyzone (6495 Quivira Rd, Shawnee KS) at 4pm and plan on jumping, spinning, flipping and having a blast til 5:30pm. Cost is $20 / jumper.

RSVP to April by Jan. 12 at 3pm | Payment for this event can be made HERE

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

Sign up HERE.

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)

KICK OFF THIS SEMESTER AT SKY ZONE!

Sunday, Jan. 15, 4 - 5:30pm

Meet us at Skyzone (6495 Quivira Rd, Shawnee KS) and plan on jumping, spinning, flipping and having a blast til 5:30pm. Cost is $20 / jumper.

RSVP to April by Jan. 12 at 3pm. | Payment for this event can be made HERE

YOUTH LOCK-IN!!!!

Saturday, Feb. 17, 6:30pm

Middle schoolers & high schoolers are invited to an overnight full of fun, games, and more. Lots of activities will be available and we will all worship together in the 9:01 the following morning. Dismissal at 10am.

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

SAVE THESE DATES

MISSOURI COLLEGIATE CHOIR TOUR TO PERFORM AT CCCC

Sunday, Jan. 15 at 4pm in the Sanctuary

A combined choral performance of University Singers from the University of Missouri and UMKC Conservatory Singers will be performing in our Sanctuary and the concert is free and open to the public.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

A memorial service for Marie Katherine Tompkins will be held in our Sanctuary on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11am. Reception to follow.

A memorial service for Esther Atha Giffin will be held in our Sanctuary on Saturday, January 28, 2023, visitation at 10am, service at 11am.

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

ELDER / DEACONS WINTER RETREAT

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

Featuring guest speaker, Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens who serves as the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the first person of color and second woman to lead the denomination. Since her election in 2017, Rev. Hord Owens’ ministry actively reflects the Disciples’ priority of being an anti-racist church, being a movement for wholeness, welcoming all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us. Her exhortation to the church is “Let’s be the church we say we are. It is in being who we say we are that we actively bear witness to God’s limitless love for all.”  

Tues., April 11, 2023. 6 - 7pm |  Elder/Deacon Meeting

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