Today at 11:32 a.m., precisely 48 hours after an 18-year old high school graduate murdered children and teachers in their 4th grade classroom, I gathered with area clergy to lament the violence and fear, to share our grief and to seek change. Rev. Adam Hamilton, Rev. Tom Are, Rev. Shanna Steitz, Rev. Emmanual Cleaver III all spoke, citing scriptures that call us to do better. We gathered in a park, because that is where children play and thrive and run freely and children should be able to learn their times tables and long division without fear. Usually clergy chat a lot. We are talkers. But the air felt heavy and the mood of despair was almost overwhelming. We were quiet. Solemn.
Rev. Hamilton reports that many of us agree – regardless of our politics – on some positive next steps, but our elected officials do not act. For example he shared that his church conducted a study in which 5,200 folks responded. In the study, 85 percent of those who own guns and 96 percent of those who do not own guns agree that someone should have to pass a gun safety course before receiving a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Yet Kansas and Missouri do not have this requirement. Many states require an online safety course to operate a personal watercraft, to get a drivers license, but no safety courses for those who would buy lethal weapons.
Rev Stietz cited Jesus’ call for us to be “peacemakers” in the Sermon on the Mount. So what will each of us do to make peace in a nation where guns are the leading cause of death among the young? And Rev. Are said, “No nation of honor sacrifices its children like this.” Rev. Cleaver called upon us to come together and work together both by advocating for better legislation and creating the conditions in our society for improved access to mental health.
Later in the day I was the “chaplain” at city hall and offered the invocation for the Kansas City Council meeting. I prayed:
Sweet Spirit of Life, you water the earth and you nourish our souls. You weep with us when children breathe their last in a 4th grade classroom in Uvalde, Texas. You rage with us over the senseless violence. How do you get up every morning oh God, how do you keep hoping? How do you keep trusting that humanity will get it right?…Rise up in us, fill us with the love and light that cannot be extinguished. Grant us courage to build a better world.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send Carla an email 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. Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
Sun., May 29 - Rev. Carla Aday preaching "Neighbor?" based on Luke 10:25-37.
On this Memorial Day weekend, we pause to name those who have died and hold their families and friends in prayer.
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REMAKING THE WORLD TOGETHER |
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ANNUAL GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN
Our annual generosity campaign, Remaking the World, continues. Estimate of Giving cards have begun to come in and of those received, nearly 50 percent have increased their planned giving for the coming year. It's not too late for you to share you giving estimate for the 2022-2023 year. You may:
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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9:01 ON THE LAWN STARTS MAY 29
Our popular 9:01 service moves to the front lawn starting Sun., May 29. Join us in this beautiful worship space as we welcome guest musicians, share in communion, and hear a message of hope and grace. Come as you are – ride your bike, bring your dog or walk to worship. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles will be out for children to enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to live stream the outdoor service, so if you usually tune in at 9:01 to watch online, you will see a replay of the previous week's 11:00 a.m. service.
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CONGREGATIONAL VOTE FOR LAY LEADERSHIP
The annual Congregational meeting will called to order at the beginning of each worship service on Sun., June 5 to vote on the leadership slate for the 2022-2023 church year. Ballots will be emailed to all members on June 5 and ballots will be mailed to those without email. All voting must be complete by June 11. Voting will also be available by phone by calling 816-381-9254. View the slate.
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ATTENTION ELDERS AND DEACONS
We are in need of elders and deacons to sign up to serve and pray at the table in the coming weeks and summer months at all three services. If it’s been a while since you served, please use the Sign-Up Genius to tell us when you can serve and/or pray at the table.
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STAFF TRANSITIONS/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Two members of the church staff are transitioning in coming months, creating two employment opportunities at the church.
Dr. Mike Graves will continue to teach classes and will preach regularly, but will transition to a half-time Scholar in Residence position in early 2023.. As a result, the Personnel Committee has announced a reorganization of clergy responsibilities and a search for a new Senior Associate Minister, who will oversee Engagement, Small groups, Adult Enrichment and Operations.
Lara Schopp, who has served as Director of Communications since 2007, will leave this position at the end of July. A search committee is currently seeking applicants for the Director of Communications position.
If you know individuals who are qualified for either of these positions, please feel free to share the job descriptions.
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UNDUMPSTER DAY
Sat., June 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
South-Broadland Presbyterian Church
Clean out your closets, garage, basement and office and bring your still-good stuff to this one-stop drop for donations. Please note: This event is designed to collect still-good items you would feel proud to give to a friend or family member. If you have broken or otherwise unusable items, please upcycle or recycle them if possible or schedule a bulky item pickup. Charity partners reserve the right to refuse inappropriate donations. For full information including acceptable items HERE.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH
Sideswiped by Sudden Loss
Tues., June 7, noon, Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road
Join us for lunch as guest speaker Steve Moore shares how, as a young teacher, he was forced to confront the grief and heartbreaking loss of a close friend and mentor during a stressful season of life. Following the presentation you may share your experiences in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donations appreciated. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. For information 816-381-9249. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/.
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JUNE BOOK GROUP EXPLORES DR. HAYHOE'S WORK
Join our book discussion of Saving Us, written by winsome climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, who equips readers to cultivate hopeful and enlightening conversations with others about our common climate future – without invoking fear and shame. An accessible book for non-scientists, Hayhoe does tackle complex issues but demystifies the material to increase readers’ confidence in talking with others.
Sessions will be held Sundays at 10:00 a.m., June 5, 12, 19, and 26. The first session will be in Room 206. Sessions that follow may be held outside, weather permitting. A special outing for the final session will be held in July. RSVP to Lisa Tang.
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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.
The trip is designed as a partnership between members of Swope Parkway United Christian Church and Country Club Christian Church. All participants will be strongly encouraged to build relationships with members of the partner church by participating in a small group prior to the trip. The trip is led by Rev Carla Aday and Dr. Claudia Highbaugh, Retired Chaplain and Disciples of Christ pastor, Connecticut
Cost is $1250 per person, double occupancy, or $1,600 single occupancy. Scholarships are available. Includes hotel; airfare, transportation from Atlanta to Alabama and all sights by motor coach; museum fees, three breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners, tips. Does not include: two dinners, two lunches, travel insurance, transport to Kansas City airport. (Without airfare, $875 double; $1225 single.)
An informational meeting will be held via Zoom on June 14 at 6:00 p.m. More details HERE.
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MICAH MINISTRY VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION
On Sun., May 22, volunteers who serve with the Micah Ministry at Independence Boulevard Christian Church gathered for a celebration and thank you. Over 125 people who have served throughout the 20 year ministry shared a meal, laughter and took time to thank Darrell and Rev. Sharon Cantrell for their decades of service in leadership. Our congregation participated in the celebration with Kevin Briggs reading a proclamation from Councilperson Andrea Bough and the City of Kansas City, and Shelly Trewolla wrote and led volunteers in performing a song for the attendees. The Cantrells retired from leadership at the end of 2021 after years of leading the Micah Ministry which offers a Monday night meal, a clothing closet, hygiene supplies and many social supports to help people in the northeast area of Kansas City. We are grateful for the dedicated and compassionate leadership of the Cantrells and all the volunteers who serve in this outreach.
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MAY COLLECTION CONNECTION: Paper towels and toilet paper
The Metro Mission Team is collecting paper towels and toilet paper for our partner agencies in the month of May. The cost of everyday items has grown and food/household items continue to stress people monthly budgets. Providing these household essential can help families and individuals focus on putting food on the table. You can drop off toilet paper and paper towels at church Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the east entrance, or bring to church on Sunday mornings.
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GET TO KNOW OUR PARTNER AGENCIES
The Metro Mission Team invites you to attend information/open houses sponsored by several of the agencies we support with grants and volunteers. These sessions are open to the public, so bring a friend and introduce others to some local agencies doing life transforming work.
Amethyst Place - Tunes on Troost
2732 Troost
First Fridays in the summer (6/3; 7/1 and 8/5) 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Food trucks, music, kids activities, campus tours and more! No RSVP needed.
reStart Campus Tours
918 E. 9th Street
Thursdays 6/9 or 7/14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Join reStart CEO, Stephanie Boyer and tour their facility and learn more about the work they do addressing the many facets of homelessness throughout the metro. RSVP HERE.
Sheffield Place
6600 East 12th Street, KCMO
Tues., July 12, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. or Wed., July 13 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Learn about the mission of Sheffield Place, tour the facility, hear from a client, and learn how you can become involved in making a difference! Breakfast or lunch provided. For questions or to RSVP, please email David Hanzlick.
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SUMMER WORSHIP
We invite children who have finished 3rd grade and above to worship with their families during the 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 services. Childcare will be provided for Preschool -2nd grade in the backyard during 9:01, 10:00 a.m., and on the second floor during 11:00 a.m. Infants and toddler childcare continues to be available on the ground floor during all three services. Sunday School will resume this fall.
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YOUTH
No Donuts & Discussion this summer; stay tuned for intergenerational opportunities to connect on Sunday mornings starting in June!
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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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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