FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: In the Spirit of the Beatitudes
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When I woke up to the news of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine I saw on the map the spots where the initial bombs struck and Odessa was one of the places. My husband's family moved to the United States in the early 1900s from Odessa. They were German but had migrated to Odessa for a generation before fleeing for a better life in North Dakota. Suddenly Ukraine did not seem like a far away place but rather a part of our own story.
The fear of war, the largest since WWII, reminds us of our interconnectedness around the globe. We wonder how this will negatively impact inflation at the grocery store and the gas pump. We see the geopolitical ripples around and fear further damage on other fronts. And we ache for the civilians and soldiers, the innocent families and children simply trying to go to school or do their jobs now thrown into a desperate survival situation.
What is our response as Christians to this horrific situation? It is difficult to know what any one of us can do in the face of evil. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and want to ignore the reality of the world’s pain. After all, what can one person do? But the claim of Christ does not allow us to turn away from our brothers and sisters. In the spirit of the Beatitudes we can do something.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake…” We can support national and political leaders who have integrity, military personnel who make personal sacrifices for the common good, and we can stay informed about the complexities of our world so that we can advocate for justice for all of God’s people.
“Blessed are the persecuted, Blessed are those who mourn…” We can pray for the people of Ukraine, the protestors in Russia, the victims of senseless violence.
“Blessed are the merciful, the poor in spirit, the meek…” We can enter into solidarity with those who suffer, remembering that we are one global family. We can pray that our lives might reveal the tender mercy of God.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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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.
IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Feasting in Famine Times, based on Exodus 16:2-15 Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
Please continue to wear a mask in the church at all times and practice social distancing when possible.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, Rev. Tyler Heston Preaching
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.
The service features a traditional imposition of ashes to symbolize the fragile nature of our lives, along with time for confession and prayer. We invite you to join us.
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THE NEXT 100 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
We are excited to share this update with you about The Next 100 Centennial Gifts Campaign. Watch for more updates coming soon.
- To date, the campaign has raised $10 million.
- Cost estimates received in December are close to $11 million benchmark.
- Final construction drawings will be completed in the next month to submit for final bids/permits and moving forward on the $11 million benchmark goal.
- Collaboration with feedback teams on sustainability, kitchen design and landscaping continues.
- Construction will start this spring.
Did You Know? There are currently 60 children on the waitlist for our Parents' Day Out program next year, and about six more families are added each week. The updates to the east wing for the Early Childhood Programs will allow us to serve many more families.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
The Rules of the Game: An Introduction to Worship
Feb. 28, 7:00 p.m., in person in the Youth Center or via Zoom
Led by Dr. Mike Graves
There’s an adage, that people would understand various sports better if they knew the rules of the game, cricket, for example. A similar principle applies to worship. How are Scriptures chosen, hymns selected? Why do clergy sometimes wear green stoles around their neck, other times purple? Together, we’ll explore these topics and more, even working together to help plan an upcoming service of worship.
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NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
Are you interested in becoming a member, or do you know someone who is? We will welcome new members on Sun., Mar. 6. If you are interested in joining one of those days, contact Rachel Wymore.
GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Mar. 13, 10:00 a.m. in the 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 join us to learn more about us in a casual setting. A member of our clergy will guide you through our values, traditions, and beliefs and you’ll discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, and of course, our members. We would love to become your church family.
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FAITH AND GRIEF ONLINE: MY FRIEND, MICHELE
Tues., Mar. 1, Noon
At the next Faith and Grief gathering, guest speaker Marcia Tammeus shares her unexpected experience of accompanying her friend, Michele, from debilitating diagnosis to death.
Faith and Grief meets the first Tuesday of the month. Sometimes in-person and some months via Zoom. Guest speaker, followed by facilitated small group conversation providing a safe place for us to remember, listen, and pray together. You may share - or not - as you are comfortable. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge. Click HERE to register on-line to receive a meeting invitation. For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249. These monthly gatherings are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations.
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EVERYDAY JUSTICE GATHERING FOR LEARNING AND CONNECTING
Sunday, March 6, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Youth Center
Civil Rights Pilgrimage Presentation
You are invited to join Hannah Fenley and Mike Matteuzzi as they revisit their March 2021 Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta. Through slides from sites visited and the sharing of things learned and things felt, you will have the opportunity to experience the hope and the horror of the struggle to achieve liberty and justice for all. No boarding pass required! Appropriate for middle school ages and up. Invite friends to join you for this experience. Please RSVP to Lisa.
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SAVE THE DATE
AN EVENING WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
Wed., Apr. 20, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, National Humanities Medalist, New York Times bestselling author, founder and CEO of the On Being Project; and host of the On Being podcast will speak at Country Club Christian Church. Free event, watch for more information.
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SAVE THE DATE
CELEBRATION DINNER AND AUCTION
Fri., April 29, 6:30 p.m., 2016 Main Event Space
After two years of waiting, the Celebration Dinner and Auction returns on Fri., Apr. 29. This event will be a time to come together as a church in a casual, fun setting. Mark your calendar now and watch for additional details coming soon!
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COLLECTION CONNECTION: THE CARING CONTINUES
We are extending the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, benefitting the Virginia Reed Food Drive, through February. Here’s how you can give:
- You may leave your gift, marked “food drive” in the offering plate.
- Leave your donations of peanut butter, jelly or whole grain crackers. in the parlor. (Please check expiration date.)
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To give electronically, click HERE and choose Food Drive.
Photo: Children and Youth collected donations at our drive through Souper Bowl of Caring event last Sunday.
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GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB
Sat., Feb. 26, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a morning of service with partner agency Della Lamb Community Services. There are two opportunities to serve.
- Volunteers needed to sort, organize and move supplies at Della’s facility, 500 Woodland in Kansas City, MO.
- Help facilitate activities for Afghan families who have recently arrived to the United States, such as art projects and games for children.
Safety protocols will be observed including wearing masks. More information and sign up HERE.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
CLUB KIDS
3rd-5th graders are invited to join us this Sun., Feb. 27 from 4:30 - 6:00 at the church for a time of fellowship and fun. Dress to be outdoors for at least part of the time.
MOPS GATHERINGS
Wed., Mar. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
All moms are welcome to join us as Jennifer Austenfeld, church member and clinical psychologist, presents on Parenting with Joy and Wisdom, looking at resources for parents and all who care about and mentor children. If you wish to be added to the MOPS emails and group me, let April know.
If you have a mom friend that you think might enjoy connecting with other moms, please invite her to join us!
CLUB KIDS SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING
There are two service learning weeks this summer for 3rd-5th graders: May 31- June 3 and Aug. 1-5. We’ll work with local partner agencies in the morning and do an activity in the afternoon. Cost is around $75 if you stay for lunch and afternoon activity. The August week is open for registration; the May/June week currently has a wait list.
Is your child interested? Let April know.
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YOUTH
SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
We're excited to announce that we’re traveling out of town for our summer service-learning trips to serve with local nonprofits, learn about the related issues and how our faith fits in, and to grow together as a youth group.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Sun. June 26-Wed., June 29.
HIGH SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 9-12 will travel to Chicago Sun., July 10-Sat. July 16, 2022.
More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
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BIBLE AND ART TOUR OF ITALY
May 30-June 9, 2022
A few spaces remain on this tour which was originally scheduled pre-pandemic. 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.
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 2022
Only a few rooms remain open for this year's Christian Community Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, CO. If you've been considering going, now is the time to sign up! Questions about camp? Here's what you need to know:
Q: Does this camp involve tents?
A: No! The folks who go to Community Camp stay in a modern lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoy home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church.
Q: I don't know anyone else who is going to Community Camp. Will I feel out of place?
A: No! Each year first-time Community Campers are enthusiastically welcomed and many establish lifelong friendships from the experience.
Q: I'm not an experienced hiker. Is there anything else to do there?
A: Activities abound, from horseback riding, fishing and crafting, to shopping, antiquing or mini golf in Estes Park, to simply relaxing on the deck of the lodge with a good book. And yes, hiking too, with many options for hikers of all levels of experience.
Christian Community Camp is truly a magical experience for all ages. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending.
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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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