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We always called him Penny. But we also revered him as Dr. Albert M. Pennybacker. He was tall, bald, and had a dimple in his chin. He was the minister of our church and my parents always thought his sermons were a bit too academic but when it came to funerals, they thought no one was any better at bringing comfort and hope. His prayers were works of art and profoundly moving.
I went to see him on a couple of occasions when my life was in a tangle and my stomach in knots. I knew he would have the answer. But he asked me “What do you think is the right thing to do?” Because he knew that I knew. What was lacking was not knowledge but courage. As I finished my studies at Yale, a school he insisted I go to, he came to Yale as a visiting professor of preaching.
When I was ordained to the Christian ministry he officiated and when I was looking for a job he kept tabs on me. When I told him Country Club interviewed me for two different positions he said “Tell them you will take them both.” Then a few years later I asked him to fly from his home in Kentucky to Telluride, Colorado to officiate at our wedding. That was no easy trek. And a blizzard diverted his flight and I wasn’t able to pick him up at the airport or get word to him about a plan B. When he finally arrived in the mountains he didn’t know any of the details about where to go - not the lodging or wedding or reception site. So he went to the chamber of commerce and asked!
When I was installed as your pastor in 2017, he flew to KC to help celebrate. He passed away last week of cancer and covid. He was 91 and I know that it was the natural course of life but I also feel diminished by his absence. However, I still sense the burden and challenge of his lofty example. He had incredible integrity, deep compassion and vision for what a world brimming with God’s fullness would reveal.
He once preached a sermon on “How a Christian should vote”, which is perhaps why I’m tackling “faith and politics” in the pulpit the Sunday before the midterm elections. And he was more forward thinking on black/white relationships in America than most. Which is maybe why we are deepening our ongoing relationship with our friends at Swope Parkway United Chrisitan Church. I’m grateful for this giant of a man who opened my eyes to God’s infinite wisdom and tenacious grace.
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In Today's Newsletter (Keep Scrolling or click on links for snapshot view of each area):
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WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01am (sanctuary), 10am (chapel) or 11am (sanctuary)
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Click HERE to view our live stream.
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Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
REMINDER TO FALL BACK!
Set your clocks 1 hour behind this Saturday night (officially 2am on Sunday, Nov. 6).
Sun., Nov. 6, 2022
Sermon Series: Faith and Politics
Part 2: Faith is Political
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 29:4-7
Last week we examined how the norms of American politics often clash with the spiritual pathways of those who claim Christ. This week we will examine the reverse phenomenon. Our faith compels us to care about the community, which leads us to engage in politics.
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Sun., Nov. 13 & 20, 11am | COMBINED SERVICE WITH SWOPE PARKWAY UNITED
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
We are looking forward to joint-worship services on Sunday, November 13, and again on November 20. Rev. Rodney Williams will preach the first week and Rev. Carla Aday the following week. Come and enjoy a special message of unity with combined choirs and a reception in the parlor will take place following the Nov. 20 service.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
The Future of Christianity and the Church
Nov. 7 and 14 at 7pm, Youth Center
Even before the pandemic, religion scholars were debating the future of declining faith communities in the U.S. In a post-COVID world, the question is even more pertinent. What will the faith look like? What will congregations look like in the years ahead? Together, we’ll explore these questions and more. Led by Dr. Mike Graves.
Click HERE for a list of all the Monday Night Classes this fall.
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MISS A MONDAY NIGHT CLASS? These classes will be recorded and posted the following Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. on our YouTube channel. Click HERE to catch the new classes when they are published.
Click the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified when new content is posted!
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Your Spiritual Legacy: Planning Your Celebration of Life
Tues., Nov. 15, 7 - 8pm. Hosted by the Stephen Ministry team at Knox Church, 9595 W 95th St, Overland Park. How will your memorial service convey the values and lessons of your life? Join us to learn how to prepare your spiritual legacy in scripture, song, and symbol. Presented by our own Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care. Everyone welcome. This is a free event.
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Rethinking Disability Workshop
Mon., Nov. 21, 7 - 8 pm. If the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word “disability” is the name of a condition or a sense of pity or charity, this workshop will invite you to rethink and reimagine disability as a culture that is spiritually formative for both those with and without disabilities. Rev. Dr. Letiah Fraser, is the Pastor of The Open Table; she identifies as a proud African American and becoming Christian woman who lives with a physical disability. Everyone welcome. This is a free event.
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VOLUNTEERS PREPARE AND SERVE LUNCH TO HARTMAN ELEMENTARY STAFF
On Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, a group of Hartman Tutors and volunteers helped make conference day a little bit easier for Hartman Elementary Staff. The group brought in a tasty meal and were able to sit down and share it with the staff. The food and conversation were a huge hit and being together in person was a great experience. A huge THANKS to the church members who celebrate and support the Hartman family!
Reminder, In-Person Tutoring is starting again! So many more students have fallen behind academically and are struggling because of Covid. If you are interested in tutoring, email Nancy here or call (816) 590-1533.
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PUMPKIN PIES FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Metro Mission will be collecting monetary donations for pumpkin pies for Micah Ministry's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Pies will be purchased and packaged to be distributed as part of a full, to-go meal the week of Thanksgiving. Micah Ministry is planning to serve over 600 Thanksgiving meals this year. To give online, click HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Pies in the memo line.
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NOVEMBER GRACE AT WORK
Della Lamb's Operation Holidays
Sat., Nov. 5, 9 - 10:30am -or- 10:30am -12pm
Share your holiday spirit by joining with other church folks in helping to inventory and sort gifts for Della Lamb’s Operation Holidays. Over 500 families in need benefit from this annual event. Our group will work in the large Della gym. Children are welcome to help when attending with an adult. Two shifts available. Make plans to help out with our Northeast Partner by signing up HERE
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BABIES AND BREAKFAST
Sat., Nov. 12, 9:30am
Children 3 and under, bring your family for breakfast! We will be serving pancakes and have toys available. Come meet parents with children of similar age. Held in the Social Hall.
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CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders) | |
CLUB KIDS FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT
Sun., Nov. 6, 4 - 6pm
We will be heading to River of Refuge to assist with some projects onsite.
RSVP to April
REMINDER! CLUB KIDS TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders!
Sign up HERE.
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YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)
YOUTH DONUTS & DISCUSSION, Sundays at 10am,Youth Center.
Youth are invited to a weekly Sunday morning gathering including donuts (or other sweet treats) and good conversation. Youth will split up into middle school and high school groups for activities & discussion.
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YOUTH GAME NIGHT
Sun., Nov. 13, 4 - 5:30pm
Middle and high school youth are invited to a joint night of special games, snacks, and more!
More info and RSVP HERE
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YOUTH THANKSGIVING DINNER
Sun., Nov. 20, 4 - 5:30pm
One of our favorite traditions as a youth ministry is PIZZA for THANKSGIVING!!?! Join us this year as we continue this epic night! We will be heading to Waldo Pizza to share our blessings together over some hot pizza pies! Middle and high schoolers are invited! Bring $5/youth.
RSVP and more info HERE!
| Consent & Release Form is required for any youth attending youth ministry events. | |
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES - 10 - 10:45am
- Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
- Footsteps in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
- Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade
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Sun., Nov. 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m | ADVENT IN ADVANCE
Children and their families are invited to gather in the Social Hall for a make-n-take session that will prepare your family and home for the Advent season. Includes a pizza lunch.
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Sat., Dec. 10, 2:30 - 4:30pm | LIVE NATIVITY
Join us as we kick off the season with all things Christmas! Family photos by the tree made into an ornament to take home, kids crafts, coffee and hot cocoa bar, special music and more. AND enjoy a living nativity with all the animals
Interested in helping with the festivities? Let April know!
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Sept. 5 - 14, 2023 | Holy Land Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been called “the fifth Gospel,” and for many people, it’s the trip of a lifetime. This trip starts in Galilee, coming down the Jordan valley, and culminates with some of the most cherished sites in and around Jerusalem. This Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is being led by Dr. Mike Graves and Dr. David May. To see a detailed itinerary and more information, click HERE.
The cost is $4,800 per person, double occupancy. It includes round-trip airfare from Kansas City, ground transportation, 4-star hotels, and two meals per day, as well as entrance into all the sites and gratuities. A $300 deposit is due in May of 2023. Space is limited, so signing up ASAP is encouraged. If interested in participating, email Dr. Graves.
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IN MEMORY
Our prayers are with the families of Mary Margaret House and Bette McDaniel as they grieve the death of their loved ones.
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ELDERS and DEACONS
Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
Tues., Nov 8, 6 - 7pm | Elder/Deacon Meeting
Sat. AM, Date TBD | Winter Retreat
Tues., April 11, 6 - 7pm | Elder/Deacon Meeting
All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.
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For information on any of these events call 816-333-4917
SUNDAY, November 6
10am | Adult Sunday School Classes
10am | Sunday School for preschool - 5th graders on 2nd floor
10am | Youth Donuts and Discussion, Youth Center
4pm | Club Kids, Youth Group
MONDAY, November 7
8:30am | Flower Ministry, Kitchen
9am | Green Team
10:30am | Yoga, virtual
5:30pm | Green Team
7pm | Monday Night Class "Imposing and Impossible Texts", Youth Center
TUESDAY, November 8
7pm | A Life Worth Living with Rev. Mike Graves, Youth Center
7pm | Congregational Board Meeting, Room 206
WEDNESDAY, November 9
9am | Faithbook, Youth Center
10:30am | Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Youth Center or via Zoom
6pm | Bell Choir Rehearsal, Room 304
7pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, November 10
9:30am | Thursday Morning Book Club, Youth Center
9:30am | Sewing and Knitting Ministry, Sewing Room
FRIDAY, November 11
10:30am | Yoga, virtual
SATURDAY, November 12
9:30am | Babies and Breakfast, Social Hall
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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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