My eyes were closed. I took a breath. A unison chorus of voices reverberated off of the walls and inside the caverns of my heart. “Our father…Our daily bread…Our debts.” The moment that startled me and gripped me was not the Hallelujah Chorus or the trumpet fanfare or the organ shaking the rafters, though all of that was amazing. The moment that God seemed alive among us was when you prayed together, 500 voices strong, repeating by heart the words Jesus gave us 2000 years ago. It was absolutely beautiful. Ordinary, simple and powerful. God’s people praying with one voice on Easter morning.
I guess before the pandemic I took that for granted. But this year, because it had been three years since we gathered in person to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, I was blown away by the energy that I felt as we prayed together. And for the first time, I noticed that the prayer is written “Our father” and not “my father,” “Our bread” not “my bread,” “Give us” not “give me,” and “Lead Us,” not “ Lead me.” At the heart of it, our faith is not individual but communal. Oh sure, we can each believe what we decide about certain doctrines but the faith is not a private matter. Rather God is a holy presence that we share. God is the God of “us.” We need to be together. We need to pray together, sing together, sit in solitude together, break bread together.
And this energy spilled into the parlor after services where we collectively enjoyed 20 dozen cinnamon rolls, 256 Easter egg donuts and 500 donut holes. I will not ask you how many you ate if you will not ask me how many I ate! I had never seen folks linger before and after services like we did this year. There was joy in the air.
In the days and weeks after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to many of his friends and followers, mostly to groups of folks — fishermen, dinner parties, homes, travelers on the road. Sometimes they recognized him immediately and sometimes they didn’t. But afterwards, one of them said, “Did our hearts not burn while he was among us.” (Luke 24:32). I am grateful that you and I can gather together with friends old and new for weekly worship. Every Sunday is a reminder of the Risen Christ alive among us. Every Sunday is a “mini Easter.” Long after this Easter’s lilies fade, I will still remember how my heart burned because the risen Christ was glimpsed as we said the Lord’s Prayer.
You inspired me by being “The church.” You rose up to “do church.” You revealed to me the risen Christ.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send Carla an email click HERE.
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In worship this week, Sunday, Apr. 24...Dr. Mike Graves preaching The Easter Sequel, based on Luke 24:28-48
NEW SERMON SERIES BEGINS MAY 1
Remaking the World seems audacious. And yet the holy scriptures are full of stories about how God partnered with humanity to remake the world. In the old testament God writes a new law on the hearts of the community. And in the New Testament God dreams of a new heaven and a new earth. In this sermon series, beginning next week, we will look at our own role in this process of holy transformation. We will seek inspiration to become more generous, more wise, more loving. Because remaking the world involves remaking our church and our lives as well.
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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.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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ITS NOT TO LATE TO GIVE TO THE EASTER OFFERING |
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If you haven't had a chance to give to this year's Easter Offering, it's not too late. This year’s 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.
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REMAKING THE WORLD
WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
If you missed Wednesday's evening with 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, you can watch it here.
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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. |
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 Heley 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.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH: Life is Still Good
Join us for lunch on Tues., May 3, at noon, as guest speaker Lisa Mann shares her faith and grief story following the sudden death of her son, Jordan, from an undetected heart condition. “I miss Jordan everyday,” Lisa says, “but I know he is smiling down on us and reminding us to live life with passion because that is what he always did.”
Following the presentation you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Lunches are hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. For information 816-381-9249.
Register HERE. More information HERE or 816-381-9249.
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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. |
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CLUB KIDS, for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! We have events AND opportunities to connect (almost) every Sunday nights during the school year.
April 24 - 4:30- 6:00 at church.
Sign up for Club Kids texts here. Class code @clubkidskc or email April to be added.
MOPS SAVE THE DATE, Wed., May 4, 7:00 p.m.
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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.
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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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