By Rev. Carla Aday, Senior Minister
How do you mold and shape a human life? Parents of toddlers know that totally helpless feeling when the 4-year-old screams for an hour and will not calm himself. Coaches of high school soccer know the challenge of motivating players to reach their personal best. It's a confusing and challenging task.
When I was a child there was a man at my church who knew how to play the comb. He loved to spontaneously gather the kids around him at coffee fellowship and play us a song on this comb. And sometimes, he slipped us each a dollar. As a teenager, I met adult Sunday school teachers and youth sponsors who seemed so much cooler than my parents. They loaded us into the brown van and took us white water rafting, to Six Flags over Texas, and Christmas caroling to the shut-ins. They let us paint a room in the church and call it our own space. I suppose that is why I get so emotional when Spring rolls around at Country Club Christian. Suddenly these rites of passage seem to unfold rapid fire in the lives of our children and youth.
Last Sunday 250 folks gathered on the front lawn for the annual Spring Fling and I saw some kids for the first time in more than two years and wow, they seemed to have grown two feet! It was a joy to see them hunting easter eggs, petting the sheep, making crafts, playing games and laughing with delight. This Sunday we will formally welcome 22 youth into the church as they are baptized and confirmed, having completed the Pastors’ Class for the last eight weeks. And on May 1 we will recognize our graduating high school seniors in worship and with a special brunch for them and their families and mentors. As I congratulate them, I will still be able to recall the day we first dedicated them as infants. I hope they will know deep in their bones, all the way to the core of souls, that here at the church they are loved beyond measure, welcomed no matter what and embraced by people who care about them just because they are alive.
If you read Linna Place’s history book of our church, A City Church, you will see that the spiritual formation of young people has been key to our mission for over 100 years. Increasingly I am impressed by the ways you adults give selflessly of your precious time, talent and treasure to make sure our church is a place that shapes young lives. This Sunday Rev. Tyler Heston will wade into the baptistry and lower the kids into the water and raise them up dripping wet to walk in new ways. But you have already immersed them in God’s unconditional love and will do so again and again.
Thank you,
Carla
To send Carla an email click HERE.
|
|
REMAKING THE WORLD
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. The title of her presentation is Remaking the World.
This event is FREE • No tickets required.
|
|
|
Above right, Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence and Minister of Spiritual Development, talks about the On Being podcast episode featuring Serene Jones, president of the New York Union Theological Seminar
Dr. Matthew Thompson, Director of Music and Media, speaks about Krista Tippett's On Being episode featuring acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, HERE.
Rev. Carla Aday talks about the On Being episode featuring lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson HERE.
Rev. Tyler Heston speaks about the On Being episode on novelist and poet Ocean Vuong, click HERE.
|
|
On Being Podcast Discussion Groups
There is one final small discussion group before Krista’s appearance on Apr. 20. RSVP to Lisa Tang if you'd like to join this group.
Wed., Apr. 13, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Tyler Heston via Zoom. (No in person gathering.)
|
|
|
|
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.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
|
|
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday Worship – April 10. Children’s Palm Parade at the 11:00 a.m. service, and we will celebrate the baptisms of our Pastors’ Class participants. Rev. Carla Aday preaching: The Gift of Forgiveness, Part 6: God's Wardrobe. Based on Colossians 3:12-17.
Maundy Thursday – April 14, 7:00 p.m. In remembrance of Jesus’ last supper, we gather to sing hymns, read scripture and celebrate communion. Rev. Brian Ellison will be the guest preacher.
Good Friday – April 15, Noon. Experience the darkest day on the Christian calendar. Featuring traditional liturgy with no sermon.
Easter Sunday – April 17. Special Service Times – 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. service in the Combs Chapel featuring instrumentalists and soloist Alex Goering.
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services in the Sanctuary featuring the Kansas City Brass, Chancel Choir, and soloist Alex Goering.
Child care available for all services. Sunday School classes will not meet. Coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls and donut holes will be served in the parlor and chapel between services.
|
|
This year’s Easter offering focuses on agencies seeking to address the many facets of homelessness. The real face of homelessness is often hidden from us. Persons and families that find themselves homeless don’t want to broadcast their homelessness. They may try to live in their car or find a cheap motel, and get a post office box. We don’t see them and yet the number of homeless individuals and families is escalating in our area. Our annual Easter offering will go to support three local organizations working to help address the growing need in KC.
ReStart has comprehensive services to help the homeless and welcome All people seeking help. From emergency shelters to case management reStart aims to move people into housing and to connect them with available resources Learn more here restartinc.org.
River of Refuge is in Raytown and serves families throughout the metropolitan area. This agency has case management staff and the individuals and families that graduate from their structured, mandatory program to permanent housing seldom return to homelessness. Learn more here riverofrefuge.com.
Community Assistance Council The Council is in Grandview and helps provide rent and utility assistance to keep families from becoming homeless. Learn more here cackc.org.
|
|
THE NEXT 5: SEEKING YOUR INPUT
As we launch the next 100 years of ministry, Country Club Christian Church is starting with The Next 5: a five year strategic plan, and we are seeking your input.
Over the next few months we will be gathering feedback and ideas in the development of five strategic priorities that will shape our vision and empower us to build the church we want to see moving into the future, for the next five years and beyond.
You can help shape these priorities by sharing your insights. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable as we work together to develop plans for the next five years of ministry and mission. Click HERE for more information and to share your feedback and ideas. |
|
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Lost in Translation: Making Meaning of the Bible
April 25, May 2 and 9. Led by Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence
Preachers are always noting how different verses in the Bible are not a good translation of the original language. This spring a new translation is being released, the work of renowned biblical scholars. Together, we’ll look at several translations and paraphrases, as well as some Hebrew and Greek words every Christian should know.
7:00 p.m. in person or via Zoom. Recorded and posted at youtube.com/cccckc. Info at cccckc.org/mondaynightclasses
|
|
AMERICAN PUBLIC SQUARE: PROTECT AND SERVE KANSAS CITY |
|
On Wed., Apr. 6, American Public Square hosted “KC at the Square” in our Sanctuary, an event that addressed the merits of state versus local control of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, examining perspectives from different areas
of our community, and trying to make sense of the recent tensions over Kansas City’s police budget. Panelists included Gwen Grant, Urban League of Greater Kansas City; Dave Helling, Kansas City Star; Brad Lemon, Fraternal Order of Police; Kansas City Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas and Karl Zobrist, former police board member.
Country Club Christian Church was honored to host American Public Square's presentation of this event. The work this organization does in our community, and the complexity around the issue of local control, are critically important to the well being of our city, our faith, our social fabric.
KMBC Channel 9 coverage of this event HERE. |
|
|
CELEBRATION DINNER AND AUCTION
Fri., April 29, 6:30 p.m., 2016 Main Event Space
After two years of waiting and rescheduling, the Celebration Dinner and Auction, originally planned for March 2020, is happening on Fri., Apr. 29. This event will be a time to come together as a church in a casual, fun setting.
If you were a ticket holder or benefactor for the 2020 Dinner and Auction, you do not need to buy tickets this year, but if you have not RSVPed, please do so HERE. If you're not sure, email Lara.
If you'd like to purchase individual tickets for this year, click HERE. |
|
HUMAN RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Oct. 24-27
This pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery Alabama will include visits to the National Peace and Justice Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders Museum. Cost is approximately $1200 per person (double occupancy) which includes, air, museums, hotel, ground transportation and three meals. Single person rate is approximately $1550. Please watch this newsletter for final pricing and additional details on how to sign up in the coming weeks.
|
|
CROSS NECKLACES IN THE WELL
Beautiful cross necklaces, replicas of our Sanctuary cross, are available for purchase in The Well for $125. These silver cross pendants are a meaningful gift for a loved one or as a gift for yourself. A selection of silver chains also available in The Well.
|
|
NATIVE PLANT SALE
Spring is here and we could all use some outside time so take a look at the native plants available for pre-order! These will arrive in time for spring planting! Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By creating a native plant garden, each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for birds and other animals. And native plants are easier to take care of in your garden.
Pre-orders only, due by April 10. Plant pick-up will be at church on April 24. Click HERE for information on how to order.
|
|
PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Caring for Creation
Pathways to Learning is a series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology. 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. in the Social Hall.
April 24 – What Is KC Doing to Care for Creation?
Overland Park City Council Member Logan Heely and Kansas City Council Member Andrea Bough will share Climate Action KC’s goals, progress and plans for addressing climate change that impacts our region.
May 1 – What YOU Can Do to Care for Creation
Several local resources will share a range of actions we can all take in our day to day lives. Come and hear from Heartland Tree Alliance, CJI Design Group – Sustainable Living and Compost Collective KC.
|
|
LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS
The nominating process to fill elected positions for the 2022-2023 church year is underway. Your participation is invaluable in identifying a diverse representation of leaders from our congregation. The Nominating Committee would like to ask you to take a second to think about the people in your church community that you would like working for you. The work of the church is more important than ever in these unusual times, here’s a simple way to be a part of it! Nominations are being accepted for:
- Elders and Deacons
- Personnel Committee Members
- Endowment Fund Trustees
- Congregational Board Members
- Treasurer
Click HERE for more information or to nominate someone. |
|
APRIL COLLECTION CONNECTION: Monetary Donations to Virginia Reed Food Drive
The congregation supports numerous local agencies that address food insecurity in our community. From allocating funds for food purchases to stock four area food pantries to providing a monthly meal for CrossLines and Micah Ministry, the Metro Mission Team and volunteers seek to care for our struggling neighbors. With the increased cost of food the need is escalating and the cost of providing the monthly meals and stocking the food pantry is exceeding the budgeted funds. Please give as you are able to the Virginia Reed Food Drive so that we can continue to care for our hungry neighbors. Click HERE and choose Food Drive to give electronically. |
|
PASTORS CLASS SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT FOR RESTART
Youth gathered on Wednesday evenings to prepare for baptisms as part of Pastors' Class and on one evening spent time learning and serving. The group learned about reStart (one of the recipients of this year's Easter Offering) and the many services and support this agency provides to address the unhoused. The youth made activity packs for children living with their families at reStart while they seek permanent housing. Thanks to the group for providing a little fun for the kids at reStart!
|
|
FURNITURE DONATIONS - FLOURISH FURNISHINGS
Many local agencies support people getting settled in homes and needing furnishings, but few have the ability to store donations. Flourish Furnishings is a furniture bank in south Kansas City that partners with local agencies to help furnish homes. Numerous Country Club Christian Church partner agencies, including Della Lamb Community Services, use this organization. If you have home furnishings to donate check out Flourish Furnishings.
|
|
We had so much fun at Spring Fling last Sunday! Thank you to everyone who helped fill eggs with candy, who volunteered at one of the activity stations, and who came out to enjoy a beautiful day on the front lawn! |
|
YOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT
Youth grades 9-12 are invited to a scavenger hunt social on Sun., Apr. 24, from noon-2:00 p.m. RSVP now to Tyler.
SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
Join us to serve, learn and grow together as a youth group. More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
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.
|
|
|
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. |
|
IN SYMPATHY
Our prayers are with the families of Dean Dyer and Orris "Vic" Crum who passed away recently.
|
|
Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
