When summer rolls around my happy place is the screened-in porch. Surrounded by the lush green magnolia tree, orange zinnias, white hydrangeas I find solace. Reading or praying at dawn or unwinding at sunset I feel the warmth of the summer rising the whisper of rain. Watching the yellow and red finches dart in and perch on the feeder and nibble on the seeds seems endlessly fascinating though I’m not quite sure why. I feel protective of the tiny birds when a brazen squirrel seeks to outwit the the system I’ve rigged for the birds to dine uninhibited by this furry intruder.
Screened in porch time is not just relaxing to the body but also calming for the soul; it's more than peaceful but a sense of being embraced; it's more than feeling at home but also connected to the larger natural order; and it's more than wonder but also a holy awe and reverence. I hope that summer has invited you into a fresh engagement with creation. Whether it's a hike with the kids in Colorado, sitting on the dock at Lake of the Ozarks, an evening stroll through the Loose Park rose garden we find ourselves enlivened by the splendor of creation and we notice something shifting within us. If you have been to a happy place in God’s created beauty this summer, send me a photo or a word to describe it.
How do we respond to this bounty? Not just consciously but subconsciously? How does this immersion into summer’s fullness awaken something within us? Dr. Mike Graves and I will explore this topic over the next two weeks in a sermon series called “Creation Cares.” Creation cares for us. And we care for creation. I like how Wendell Berry describes this relationship we share, a kinship that was born of the Divine and waits for our reply..
Since, despite the stern demands
Of scientist and realist, we will always
be supposing, let us suppose
that Nature gave the world flowers
and birdsong as a language by which
it might speak to discerning humans.
And what must we say back? Not
just thanks or praise, but acts
of kindness bespeaking kinship
with the creatures and with Nature, acts
faithful as the woods that dwells in place
time out of mind, self-denying
as the parenthood of the birds, and like
the flowers humble and beautiful.
Wendell Berry
This Day
VIII
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send Carla an email click HERE.
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CREATION CARES SERMON SERIES
God's creation delights us with beauty and challenges us with responsibility. We often hear about environmental concerns from scientists but what does our faith and theology say? The Bible begins with this very topic of creation. In this two-week series, we will explore what creation is saying to us humans and what we in turn might say to God’s good creation. Inspired by the book The Great Conversation, Nature and the Care of the Soul by Belden Lane.
Sun., July 31 - Part 1, Ex Amore" based on Genesis 2:4-17 (selected verses). Dr. Mike Graves preaching.
Worship with us in person at 9:01 (front lawn), 10:00 (chapel) or 11:00 (sanctuary) a.m. Click HERE to view our live stream. Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR BACKPACK BLESSING
All school-age children are invited to bring their backpacks to worship on Sun., Aug. 14 as we offer a prayer for the new school year.
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RECEPTION FOR LARA SCHOPP ON SUN., JULY 31
After 15 years of service as the Director of Communications, Lara Schopp is leaving the church staff to pursue a new professional and personal path. Lara’s vision, dedication, resilient leadership and hard work have enabled the church to reach out more effectively to our members, friends and community. In celebration of her service, the Personnel Committee will host a reception after each worship service on Sun., July 31. Though Lara’s role on staff is coming to an end, she will remain a member of our congregation. A love gift fund has been established and approved by the Congregational Board. If you wish to contribute, please place your check marked “Lara Schopp Love Gift” in the offering tray on Sunday. You may also give online at THIS link.
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DR. PAUL TUCKER RETIRING
It is with great sadness and deep gratitude for his service that we announce the retirement of Dr. Paul Tucker as Co-Director of Music. Paul has been an inspiration and blessing to all of us. During his seven years of service, he directed Chancel Choir, Country Club Singers, Celebration Singers, Jubilee Ringers, and developed and led the music for the new 9:01 service. Each Sunday he gifted us with creative and spirit-filled piano renditions and accompaniments and demonstrated excellence in his conducting of ensembles.
Paul's gifts and talents have improved the quality of musicianship amongst those he directed, and he introduced the congregation to a variety of worship music styles. His improvisatory genius at the keyboard, his deep knowledge, and passion for choral arts, his impressive all-by-memory repertoire, his expertise in articulation and style, and his relentless efforts to elevate musicians of all levels beyond what they previously thought possible are attributes which have been a blessing all those attending worship or participating in one of his ensembles.
We thank you for your heartfelt service over these many years. A celebration of Paul's service to the church will be held on Sun., Aug. 28.
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ECUADOR MISSION TRIP
A team will travel to Ecuador from Oct. 29 - Nov. 6, 2022, for a week of service and learning with mission partner FEDICE, a non-profit organization that works to build sustainable livelihoods, encourage self-sufficiency, and significantly enhance quality of life for indigenous and marginalized rural communities in Ecuador. More information HERE. If you’re interested in this trip, contact Tyler Heston.
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ADULT EDUCATION THIS FALL |
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
This fall, our our Monday Night Class series returns with What’s So Good about the Good News? September 19 and 26 at 7:00 p.m., in person but recorded. Led by Dr. Mike Graves. Click HERE for a list of all the Monday Night Classes coming this fall.
CENTER FOR FAITH AND CULTURE CLASSES
Also this fall, in a partnership with the William Jewell College Center for Faith and Culture, members of Country Club Christian Church will also be able to attend a series of classes hosted in our church and at other partner congregations across the city. These classes are free for Country Club Christian Church members, but do require registration. Click HERE for more information.
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DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY
Disciple Bible Study is a 34-week study that will guide you through the Bible highlighting stories from Genesis to Revelation. This class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m., starting after Labor Day and finishing mid-May. (The schedule includes time off at Christmas.) Details about the class:
- Led by veteran DBS teacher Lesley Holt at her home
- Following one of the oldest traditions in the Bible, students will enjoy bread and wine or another beverage while having our theological and spiritual discussions.
- Easy to follow format with one lesson per week.
- Each lesson has six readings in the Bible, about 20 minutes each reading.
- Includes workbook pages and weekly video
Don't let the time commitment keep you from considering this life-changing class.Readings and videos can be done on your own schedule and at your own pace.
Interested? Contact Lisa for details or to sign up. |
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"Not only is DBS a way to get a good understanding of the entire Bible, but it also facilitates strong relationships with others in the class."
- Former partipant
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COOKIES NEEDED FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Metro Mission is in need of cookies/brownies for the monthly meal the Micah team serves. Please package homemade cookies or brownies as individual servings - two medium cookies or one large brownie per bag. You can prepare them anytime during the month and bring them to church on weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or on Sunday morning. Over 400 meals are served each Monday evening through Micah Ministry at Independence Blvd Christian Church. If you are interested in volunteering on a Monday evening, you can sign up here.
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JULY COLLECTION CONNECTION
School's out for summer and for some families that means less access to breakfast and lunch, as many free and reduced meal programs do not function in full during the summer months. The Metro Mission team is accepting donations of cereals, macaroni and cheese, and 16 oz jars of peanut butter for our partner agencies. Donations can be brought to church weekdays between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or on Sunday mornings.
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GROUP TOURS RIVER OF REFUGE
A group of ten took a learning tour of the facilities at River of Refuge. This transitional housing program supports families with life skills, parenting training, case management and more as they make progress towards self-sufficiency. Currently serving 10 families, 8 more units are moving closer to completion. River of Refuge was one of the 2022 Easter offering recipients and planning for volunteer opportunities is underway.
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AMETHYST PLACE: TUNES ON TROOST
Support mission partner Amethyst Place at the August First Friday Tunes on Troost event, 2732 Troost on Fri., Aug. 5 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Food trucks, music, kids activities, campus tours and more! No RSVP needed. Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn will be at the event, hope to see you there!
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SCRAPS KC BY THE NUMBERS
A huge thank you to all who helped with the recent Scraps KC partnership to house, clean, sort, organize and prepare school supplies for area teachers. This summer's work included:
- 18 days of volunteer sessions
- 500 volunteers cleaning, sorting and organizing
- 380 teachers who came to shop
- 17,000 pounds of supplies donated
- 15,800 pounds of supplies taken by teachers for use this school year
- 1200 pounds of supplies sent to community agencies or returned to Scraps
All of this resulted in supplies being repurposed instead of landing in a landfill, and teachers who desperately need classroom supplies having access, for free, to what they need. A huge win-win for all!
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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES
Mark your calendar and join us in worship on Sun., Aug. 21 as the 9:01 service moves back into the Sanctuary, children’s Sunday School resumes, and we will present 3rd graders with Bibles.
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ROOTS SUMMER FUN!
Roots provides opportunities for adults in their 20s and 30s to connect as community, to learn and grow spiritually, and to make a change in our city through service-learning projects. Join us as we connect and grow together.
ROOTS BOOK CLUB
Tues., Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. • Location TBD
Join us for potluck dinner and a conversation about Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Even if you haven’t read, you’re welcome to join— the book sparks a lot of conversation, and I’ll structure discussion to be interesting regardless of how much you’ve read. RSVP for location and reading info and more to tylerh@cccckc.org.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
If have not submitted a commitment card with your estimate of giving for the 2022-2023 year, it is not too late to do so. You may:
Making and fulfilling a financial commitment to the church ensures that our ministries remain robust, and that we can end the year in good standing. Thank you again for your past support and ongoing faithfulness. We are grateful for you and that you are a part of our church family.
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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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