September 30, 2022

In 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. famously quipped, “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o’clock on Sunday morning.” According to religion scholars, more than sixty years later, the assertion remains true. Some evidence even suggests that where congregations have attempted to create more racially diversity, attendance has actually dropped. If all this is true, what a sad state of affairs.

One of the most common themes in the Gospels as well as the letters of Paul is God’s desire for there to be unity in the midst of diversity. In his epistle to the churches in Galatia, the apostle said the dividing wall has come down, referring to the divide between Jews and Gentiles back then. 

For the past few years, our congregation has engaged in various conversations and partnerships with the Swope Parkway United Christian Church, a congregation with significant minority representation. And what a treat it has to been for both groups to get to know each other. As many of you know, their members are currently worshiping in our chapel on Sundays at 11:30 since their building is under repairs. Again, this has been a wonderful treat, especially on September 18, when we hosted a Block Party with people from both churches.

This is why we’re so excited to announce two joint-worship services on Sunday, November 13, and again on November 20. Rev. Carla Aday and Rev. Rodney Williams will take turns preaching at the 11:00 a.m. service in our sanctuary, as well as combined choirs singing each week. Associate Pastor Mary Lou Kegler offers us these words: We are pleased and excited to worship with Country Club Christian Church in November. You have shown us brotherly/sisterly love by welcoming us with open arms, and for this we are truly grateful. May God Bless and keep both congregations in God's care.

Seems like an “amen” is in order! Hope to see all of you there. 

Keep Scrolling! In Today's Newsletter:

• Adult Enrichment - Monday Night Classes Continue
• Mission & Outreach - Grace @ Work
• Children & Youth - Club Kids, Youth Activities
• Life of the Church
• The Week Ahead - Next Week's Calendar

WORSHIP WITH US

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.

Sermon Series: Turning Points

Part 4 - Living with Saudade: This week we continue our sermon series.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

CENTER FOR FAITH AND CULTURE CLASSES

Bridge Building Toward a Flourishing Life for All: The Quest for Social and Racial Justice

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 11, 7:00 p.m., Youth Center

Led by Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard

Offered In partnership with the William Jewell College Center for Faith and Culture. Click HERE to register for this class and see dates and descriptions of all classes being offered. Classes are free for our church members with the code: CountryClub

MISSION AND OUTREACH

DONATE FLOWER VASES IN OCTOBER

Do you have a cabinet or shelf filled with empty vases that never get used? Here is your chance to free up that space and spread some joy and inspire kindness! Our Flower Ministry is partnering with Unexpected Blooms, an area non-profit, to repurpose flowers which would otherwise be tossed. Bring in your unwanted 5” - 7” vases, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or Sunday mornings through October.

Unexpected Blooms’ volunteers pick up florals from generous wedding parties, events and memorial services. The flowers are rearranged into beautiful bouquets and delivered to seniors in health care facilities and hospice locations. This organization is being kind to the environment while spreading joy! By repurposing flowers which otherwise get tossed into trash bins and reusing vases and composting any unusable flowers. 

No vases to donate - you can make a financial gift and learn more HERE

CLUB KIDS & YOUTH GROUP ICE CREAM SOCIAL

October 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Youth (middle school and high school!) are joining with Club Kids for a special ice cream social. We’ll meet at the church before walking through the church’s neighborhood to Foo’s Frozen Custard and some playground time at Border Star Elementary. We're asking $5/youth to help cover costs. We’ll pick-up at that playground at the southwest corner of 63rd and Brookside. Find more information and please RSVP HERE

REMINDER! CLUB KIDS TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders! Sign up HERE. 

A Consent & Release Form is required for any youth attending youth ministry events.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES - 10:00-10:45 a.m.

• Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
• Footstep in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
• Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 8th grade

SAVE THESE DATES

October 30, 4:00-5:30 p.m. - TRUNK OR TREAT

Now signing up Trunk Hosts! If Halloween is your holiday, here is a chance to show off your decor and creativity and have some fun! RSVP by emailing April!

Also needing donated carnival prizes & Halloween themed snacks (fruit snacks, crackers, pretzels, etc.) for our trunk or treaters! Purchase on your own or or choose from our wish list.

November 20, 11:00-1:00 - Advent in Advance

December 10, 2:30-4:30 - Live Nativity- interested in being the Holy Family? Let April know!

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

IN MEMORY

Our prayers are with the families of Cindy Stehl, Dottie Lambert, Martha Hoffman, and John Trewolla as they grieve the death of their loved one. 

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

Tuesday, Nov 8 - 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting

Winter Retreat - Saturday morning Date TBD

Tuesday, April 11 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting

All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.

For information on any of these events call 816-333-4917

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

10:00 a.m – Adult Sunday School Classes

10:00 a.m – Sunday School for preschool - 5th graders on 2nd floor

10:00 a.m. – Youth Donuts and Discussion, Youth Center

4:00 p.m. – Club Kids and Youth Ice Cream Social 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

9:00 a.m. – Green Team gardening

10:30 a.m. – Yoga, virtual

5:30 p.m. – Green Team gardening

7:00 p.m. – Monday Night Classes, Youth Center

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

12:00 p.m. – Faith and Grief Lunch, Village Presbyterian Church

7:00 p.m. – Personal Flourishing Class: Building Toward a Flourishing Life for All, Social Hall

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

9:00 a.m. – Faithbook, Youth Center

10:30 a.m. – Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Youth Center or via Zoom

6:00 p.m. – Bell Choir Rehearsal, Room 304

7:00 p.m. – Chancel Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

9:30 a.m. – Sewing and Knitting Ministry, Sewing Room

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

10:30 a.m. – Yoga, virtual

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

9:30 a.m. – Babies and Breakfast, Social Hall