March 17, 2023

In Today's Newsletter...

• Church Happenings - Now accepting Nominations for Leadership for 2023-2024; Time to Order Easter Lilies; Save the Date for Dinner and Auction; Learn more about Holy Land Trip on April 4.
• Mission & Outreach - Easter Offering Information; Partnership Day with Jerusalem Farms.
• Adult Enrichment - See premier of "Mission to Ecuador on March 26.
• ROOTS Young Adults - Lenten Small Group happening now.
• Children & Youth - Children's Pop-Up Choir; Middle School Service-Learning Trip.

They caressed her body and gently bathed her with water and lotion. It was one of the most intimate acts I had ever seen at the time of death. She was not yet 50 and had only been diagnosed with the brain tumor a few weeks prior. And now, she was lying in the bed at her home and we were waiting for the funeral home to come and pick up her body. I paced in the hall, unsure of what to do. Family members wept and some pounded on the table. One even broke his hand. But her friends, all nursing colleagues of hers, went into her room and lovingly and tenderly took care of her. It was hauntingly beautiful. And it was Holy Week. Decades later, I still remember it.

Life presents us with moments that are full of brokenness when we do not know what to do. Sometimes we don’t even know how to pray. During Lent we try to remember how to practice our faith. Prayer requires practice. It takes discipline. Maybe you have your own ritual where you light a candle and read a Psalm or spiritual book. Some folks pray best while quietly journaling and others pray with their bodies through yoga and running. But who among us ever feels like we have mastered the art of prayer? I suspect that you, like me, sometimes feel your prayer life is anemic. I sometimes wonder, “Am I really connected to the Spirit when I pray or is a part of me still walled off from God’s holy enlivening presence?”

When I am unsure what to pray or how, I remember what Paul wrote to the early Christians about prayer:

‘for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26) 

We practice the ritual of conversation with God so that when words fail us, we still find a raw and genuine connection with the Creator of all of life. Sometimes prayer is what we live out. And I think that is what I saw when my friend died and the nurses anointed her body. They were caring for her as God’s sacred gift. It was a prayer, a revelation of God’s unfolding presence as she transitioned into the eternal realm.

As we continue our journey through Lent, we remember the death of Jesus but also the life of God’s eternal love still unfolding here on earth.

Grace and Peace,

Carla 

To send a message to Carla, click HERE.

WORSHIP WITH US

Worship with us in person at 9:01am (sanctuary), 10am (chapel) or 11am (sanctuary)

• Click HERE to view our live stream.
• Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Sermon Series "Questions Christians Ask: What Happens When We Die?" with Rev. Dr. Mike Graves

Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

"QUESTIONS CHRISTIANS ASK" VIDEO SERIES

Our Lenten groups have been going over the video series "Questions Christians Ask." The videos provide thought-provoking insights into some of the most difficult questions of our faith. Click HERE to go to our Youtube playlist with all the videos. New videos are posted every Wednesday in Lent!

The nomination process to fill elected positions for the 2023-2024 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 think about the people in your church community that may be called to serve in a leadership role. 

Nominations are being accepted through April 4, 2023 for elders, deacons, congregational board, personnel committee, and endowment trustees. Submit nominations online below or request a printed nomination form via email HERE.

HOLY WEEK

• Palm Sunday | April 2 at 9:01, 10 and 11am

Children are invited to join the Palm Parade at 9:01 and 11am. Celebrate the baptisms of our Pastors’ Class participants at the 11am service.

• Maundy Thursday | April 6 at 7pm 

We gather together to sing hymns, read scripture and celebrate communion in remembrance of Jesus’ last supper.

• Good Friday | April 7 at 12pm

Experience the darkest day on the Christian calendar, featuring traditional liturgy with no sermon.

EASTER SERVICES (Please note the special service times)

Sunday, April 9 at 9am and 11am

Featuring the Kansas City Brass, Chancel Choir, and special vocalists. Enjoy pastries between services in the Parlor

EASTER LILY MEMORIALS

Remember or honor a loved one with a lily this Easter.

Your $30 donation may be made by check or online HERE.

Your lily will be available to take home after the 11am Easter Sunday service.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

Construction is finally starting at the church!

The East Entrance of the church will be closed starting on Monday, March 20. The main entrance will be the south doors by the Sanctuary. More information will be provided in next week's newsletter!

SPRING FLING AND THE NEXT 100 GROUNDBREAKING

Sunday, Mar. 26 at 12pm.

This year's annual Spring Fling will include a special groundbreaking as we begin renovations for the Next 100 Years! Children will enjoy games, crafts and a picnic lunch. Everyone will be invited to grab a hard hat and shovel and say cheese for a photo op! The event will be held on the front lawn, weather permitting.

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SPRING FLING!

The annual Spring Fling is right around the corner and we need donations of individually wrapped candy, carnival game prizes and spring-themed individually wrapped snacks like pretzels, goldfish, fruit snacks, etc. In addition, if you can assist the day of the event with set-up, manning game and craft stations, serving a small lunch to children and clean-up, please email April to get signed up or for more information.

NATIVE PLANT SALE

Order native plants for spring planting now! Did you know that planting native plants sustain the hundreds of species of pollinators of the lower Midwest, manage stormwater & protects streams, feeds monarch butterflies and helps ensure their awe-inspiring migration and builds healthy soil.

The order form is available HERE and will be available at church. We must receive your order by April 7. Plant order pick- up will be Sunday, April 16.

Generations Connect

Members of the Anniversary Sunday School Class welcomed a handful of 1st - 5th graders on Sunday for a time of sharing and connecting. The young guests were fascinated to learn members of the Anniversary class have been involved in the church from 20 years up to 70 years - this last span of time really amazed them! From talking with one another about their families, school, and hobbies the young members had a chance to share about themselves and learn about these adult members.  

OPENINGS LEFT FOR COMMUNITY CAMP!

Christian Community Camp is July 29-Aug. 5, 2023 and we have JUST ONE private room with all bunk spaces left! All generations will stay in a lodge at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO with an amazing mountain view and enjoy home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church. If you don’t like to camp but you love the mountains, this is the place for you. Get more details HERE or email April.

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE | Sept. 5 - 14, 2023 | Deposit due May 2023

This pilgrimage to the Holy Land starts in Galilee, goes down the Jordan valley, and culminates with some of the most cherished sites in and around Jerusalem. This trip is being led by Dr. Mike Graves and Dr. David May. Click HERE for a detailed itinerary and more information. A $300 deposit is due in May of 2023. Space is limited. 

ORIENTATION ABOUT HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE | TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 7 - 8:30pm

Those who are signed up already, as well as those considering it are invited to attend a Zoom Meeting in preparation for the September pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Dr. David May and Dr. Mike Graves will be talking about the trip and answering questions. If you have questions prior to the meeting, you may email Dr. Graves. If you have always wanted to see the Holy Land, join us and learn more about this amazing pilgrimage.

Here is the link for the Zoom Meeting: bit.ly/CCCC_Israel23

MISSION AND OUTREACH

EASTER OFFERING 2023 TO PROVIDE SUPPORT for the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Victims 

This year, the Grants and Special Offering Team invites you to remember the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria and take part in working towards restoration with our global neighbors. This unimaginable natural disaster has taken the lives of over 50,000 people and displaced over 1,500,000, many of whom were already refugees. 

Week of Compassion is our denomination’s relief, refugee, and development mission of the Disciples of Christ and works with partners around the world to create opportunities for churches to give to places where donations have the most impact. For relief work in Turkey and Syria, Week of Compassion guarantees that every dollar donated will go directly to the immediate needs of earthquake victims. 

Joining us on Sunday, March 26 will be Week of Compassion staff member Rev. Courtney Richards, who serves as Communications and Development Manager for the organization. She will share with us in worship and be available throughout the morning for connecting and educating us on the work of Week of Compassion.

PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH JERUSALEM FARM

Saturday, March 25, 9am - 12pm

Make plans to help out with our northeast area partner Jerusalem Farm as they prepare their gardens and do small home repairs in the neighborhood. 

We will be led by skilled Jerusalem Farm community members in our work. 

Please Sign up HERE!

COLLECTION CONNECTION FOR MARCH

The Metro Mission team is requesting donations of infant and toddler diapers of all sizes and breakfast cereal for the March Collection Connection. These family staples are very popular and food distribution sites have trouble keeping inventory of these items. Bring your donations to church on Sunday morning, or drop them off at church M- F from 9 - 5.  

ADULT ENRICHMENT

PATHWAYS TO LEARNING | "MISSION TO ECUADOR" DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE

Sunday, March 26 at 10am in the Youth Center

Check out the trailer for the documentary here!

Join us as we premier the documentary “Mission to Ecuador”. A beautiful story about our October 2022 service-learning trip to Ecuador to partner with a community development organization called FEDICE. Members from this mission trip team will share stories and highlights after the thirty-minute documentary so that you can learn more about our international service opportunities and how to register for a trip this October 2023.

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.

• Check out Week 1 from "Jesus' Vision for a Flourishing Life" HERE
• Watch Week 2 from "Jesus' Vision for a Flourishing Life" HERE
• Week 3 Video "Why did Jesus Die" HERE

Click the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified when new content is posted!

Church Center is coming April 2! This new program will allow you to more fully engage with our church in the digital space and meet our Next 5 strategic goals.

YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 20's to 30's)

ROOTS Lenten Small Group Series happening Wednesdays at 6:15pm.

If you are in your 20s and 30s, take part in a variety of socials, service projects, and opportunities to study the Bible and our faith. Details at linktr.ee/cccckcroots, or @cccckcroots on Instagram.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

SUNDAY SCHOOL | 10 - 10:45am

• Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - Kindergarten
• Footsteps in Faith: 1st - 5th grade
• Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade

CHILDREN'S POP-UP CHOIR

All children in grades K - 5 are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir for a special musical performance on Sunday, April 30 during the 11am service. Children do not need to be present at all rehearsals to participate. Rehearsals will be held during Sunday School on the following dates:

• March 26
• April 16 
• April 23
• April 30 - Rehearse then sing at the 11am service

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

Sunday, March 19 | No Club Kids - Spring Break

Sunday, March 26, 4 - 5:30pm: Pizza in the Park! (Stay tuned for location!)

SERVICE LEARNING CAMPS, REGISTRATION GOING ON NOW!

The service weeks are the same so choose one to attend.

• Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2 | REGISTER HERE
• Monday, August 7 - Friday, August 11 | REGISTER HERE

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

Sign up HERE.

YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)

SUNDAY NIGHTS (Almost Every) | 4 - 5:30pm

Sunday, March 19 | No Youth Group - Spring Break

Contact Tyler for more info!

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.

2023 MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE-LEARNING TRIP | DES MOINES, IA | MAY 26 - 29

Youth from 6th-8th grades are invited for a weekend of serving, learning, and exploring around the Des Moines area May 26 - 29. We'll volunteer at several nonprofits and learn about different ways organizations are partnering in the sacred task to make the world more whole. We'll have some fun excursions (including a day at the local theme park Adventureland). These trips are a meaningful opportunity for youth to connect with each other and with their faith while creating lifelong memories! Registration will be open through the end of April, but don't wait to put it on your calendars and sign up!

The registration packet is available HERE. Register online HERE. You can submit a registration form and deposit in person at the church or by emailing the form to April.

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

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Our prayers are with the family and friends of Don Robertson as they grieve the death of their loved one. His service is Thursday, March 23 at 2pm in the Chapel

Our prayers are also with the family and friends of Courtney Earnest who passed away this week.

Services will be in the Sanctuary on Friday, March 31, time to be determined.