February 17, 2023

In Today's Newsletter...

• Church Happenings - Town Hall Meetings this Sunday
• Mission & Outreach - Save the Date for International Women's Day Event
• Adult Enrichment - Lenten Small Group Classes forming
• ROOTS Young Adults - Lenten Small Group starting March 1
• Children & Youth - Club Kids Gamer Night Feb. 29
• Life of the Church - Church Center is coming!

In our rearview mirror sits Christmas, New Year's, the Super Bowl and Valentines. And now the calendar turns to the season of Lent. Next week, on Ash Wednesday we kneel to receive ashes on our foreheads. Sometimes I dread Lent. It can feel like a smudge of gray paint muddying an already bleak winter. But this year, I am actually looking forward to it. 

In the gospel of Luke, we read about the birth, life and teachings of Jesus. Then a third of the way through the good news, Luke writes about Jesus “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51) The rest of the story unfolds with Jesus headed towards the pain of the cross and what we now know is the empty tomb. There is a heaviness about the rest of the story and yet somehow the story seems genuine and resonates. 

Perhaps what draws me to Lent is that it calls us to examine our lives. Christmas is all about joy but Lent gives us the occasion to reflect on what is broken and painful in our world and in our own lives. Lent refuses to sugarcoat. Lent acknowledges the despair we feel about senseless gun violence, protracted family fractures, the horrific tragedy in Turkey and Syria, the fear of global unrest in Ukraine and the angst of a loved one undergoing chemotherapy. Lent reminds us that the God who came to earth entered into the reality of our human suffering and imagined a way for us to change.

Jesus’ journey - as he sets his face to go to Jerusalem where he would be crucified - is an invitation for us to go on a journey too. I love how the late Frederick Buechner describes this journey and the invitation set before us all:

“The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.



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. 19, 2023

"Characters in Search of a Plot" with Dr. Rev. Mike Graves

Scripture Focus: John 3:1-10

SPECIAL GUEST VIOLINIST THIS SUNDAY AT ALL SERVICES!

Luis Alvarado-Guzman is a 2022 graduate of the Harmony Project (HP), a music and mentoring program providing free after-school orchestral music education for children in the Historic NE District of KCMO. Luis joined HP in the summer '15 and is now an Alumni Member of HPKC Honors Strings Quartet. He continues to train with HP as he prepares for a conservatory audition. HP is supported by our congregation with annual grants, volunteer opportunities and community connections. Visit www.necc-kc.org for more information.

TOWN HALL MEETING THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, Feb. 19 | 10am or 12pm, your choice.

Meet In the Social Hall and receive a full update on the building design plans and funding momentum.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE, FEB. 22

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6pm in the Sanctuary.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday. The 40 days of Lent are a time of pondering our mortality and of remembering our reliance upon God. In many ways, the season corresponds to Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, both a journey of sorts. The first service of Lent invites us into this journey. Features a traditional imposition of ashes to symbolize the fragile nature of our lives, along with time for confession and prayer. Rev. Tyler Heston will be preaching.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

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.

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.

NEW MEMBER SUNDAY IS FEB. 26 and MARCH 5

Are you a regular or new visitor ready to connect with our church on a deeper level? Becoming a member leads to being paired with a New Member Host, who will help you get connected, serve, and participate at a level that works for you. Allow the support of our dynamic congregation to deepen and enrich your spiritual journey. Email Barbara George or Rachel Wymore for more details!

OPENINGS LEFT FOR COMMUNITY CAMP!

Christian Community Camp is July 29-Aug. 5, 2023 and we have two private rooms with all bunk spaces available! 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. All generations will stay in a lodge with an amazing mountain view and enjoy 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. Get more details HERE or email April.

BASS CONCERT FEATURING OUR OWN 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!

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE | Sept. 5 - 14, 2023 | Deposit due May 2023

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. To see a detailed itinerary and more information, click HERE.

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. If interested in participating, email Dr. Graves.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

A SUPER TIME OF SERVICE FOR SOUPER BOWL OF CARING 2023!

On Saturday, February 11, a group of members from Country Club Christian Church and Swope Parkway United Christian Church, worked together at Harvesters in the Souper Bowl Of Caring in honor of the Super Bowl. A range of youth and adults repackaged ice cream cartons to be distributed to local food pantries throughout the community. The hard working crew bundled over 5000 pounds of ice cream!  Thanks to all who were able to represent the two congregations in this service session!  

Continue to celebrate the BIG WIN by providing assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. Donations will benefit the Virginia Reed Food Drive. Donate at button below and choose "Food Drive" from the dropdown.

SAVE THE DATE!

EMBRACING EQUITY: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GATHERING

Sunday, March 5, 4 - 5:30pm at Country Club Christian Church 

Women of ALL ages, from ALL over the metro area are invited to gather at Country Club Christian Church for a time of connecting, sharing and learning to #EmbraceEquity. This event is in celebration of International Women's Day (March 8) which is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The gathering is in support of Della Lamb Community Services. Please RSVP to Lisa.

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!

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

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.

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!

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

SAVE THE DATES!

ROOTS Lenten Small Group Series starts Wednesday, March 1 at 6:15pm.

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

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

Sunday, Feb. 19: NO CLUB KIDS THIS WEEK

Sunday, Feb. 26, 4 - 5:30pm: Gamer Night with Crockers

SAVE THE DATES! Registration Coming Soon!

Service Learning Camps (Two times to choose from - same activities)

• Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2
• Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11

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 HERE.

• 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

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 - Kindergarten
• Footsteps in Faith: 1st - 5th grade
• Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Our prayers are with the family and friends of Jim Fitzpatrick as they grieve the death of their loved one.

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!