February 24, 2023

In Today's Newsletter...

• Church Happenings - Holy Land Pilgrimage set for Sept. 5, 2023
• Mission & Outreach - International Women's Day Gathering
• Adult Enrichment - Monday Night Classes starting Feb. 27
• ROOTS Young Adults - Lenten Small Group starts March 1
• Children & Youth - Club Kids Gamer Night this Sunday

My day begins with Wordle. If there is time, the crossword mini. Then a glance at three newspapers. And a peek at Instagram (mostly to spy on my son, but don’t tell him) where I sometimes get lost in the recipes and fashion advertisements. Then email and the day is off and running. My point is that we are immersed in information, bombarded with more of it all day long until we fall asleep and get up and begin again.

Lately, I’ve had this haunting feeling. Didn’t the war in Ukraine happen just about this time last year? (Yes, on Feb. 24). And wasn’t it about two years ago when the US capital was invaded (yes on Jan. 6). And wasn’t it about 3 years ago this time of year when we started hearing about something called “coronavirus” which quickly shut down the world in the way we had come to know it (yes, March 10). So how do we make room in our lives to process the emotional toll and reflect? Is it possible for us to recognize how our spiritual lives have been both rattled and renewed?

In a recent interview with Brene Brown, rock star Bono mused about how he finds himself more and more drawn into formal sacred spaces. He finds himself going into the back of cathedrals and discovering the power of metaphors and symbols. What if the purpose of our faith is less about indoctrinating us and more about creating a sacred space inside of us where we can reflect on the mystery of life? 

In the season of Lent, we remember that Jesus withdrew for 40 days to reflect. If Jesus needed to ponder and pray in order to let God’s love come to life in his flesh, then surely we do too. I don’t know what Lent looks like for you: giving up chocolate, adding a daily reading, gathering on Sunday to sing and say the Lord’s Prayer with fellow travelers on the journey, saying yes to service, or lighting a candle each morning to pray. The important part is not the discipline itself but rather making more room inside of us for the holy to dwell. 

Lent means to lengthen. Not just longer days of springtime but a springtime of the soul where there is an expansiveness to the human heart. Jesus suggested a way to get there that is counterintuitive ‘Whoever tries to save his life will lose it”. And Paul said that it isn’t about getting something more for me but rather “Do not look only to your own interests but to the needs of others”. 

Lent distills the Christian faith. Rather than taking in more, we are invited to release our grip and rest in God’s infinite love.

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, Feb. 26, 2023

Sermon Series "Questions Christians Ask: Why do people suffer?" with Rev. Carla Aday

Scripture Focus: Luke 13:1-5

PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Brown v. Board, Then & Now

THIS SUNDAY! Feb. 26, 10am in the Social Hall

Join us for a conversation with Lucinda Noches Talbert, whose grandmother Lucinda Todd was one of the original plaintiffs on the Brown v. Board of Education landmark case. Facilitated by Nicole Jacobs Silvey from Connection Coach KC, this all ages opportunity will invite us to think about the history we’ve inherited and how God continues to call us to make the world more whole.

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

BASS CONCERT FEATURING OUR OWN SAM COPELAND

THIS SATURDAY! Feb. 25, 2023, 1pm in the Sanctuary

Sam Copeland, our very own, regionally sought-after bassist, will perform two of the classical bass world’s most cherished pieces: Bottesini’s Bass Concerto no. 2 and Fryba’s Suite in the Olden Style, accompanied by Dr. Matthew Thompson. This 45-minute concert will also feature jazz duets with other KC area musicians. If you like jazz, classical, or music in general, do not miss this event!

OPENINGS LEFT FOR COMMUNITY CAMP!

Christian Community Camp is July 29-Aug. 5, 2023 and we have two private rooms with all bunk spaces available! Join families and individuals from our congregation for a week of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, crafting, relaxing and fun at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. All generations will stay in a lodge 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.

SAVE THE DATE! SPRING FLING AND GROUNDBREAKING

Sunday, Mar. 26 at 12pm. This year will include a special groundbreaking ceremony as we begin renovations for the Next 100 Years! Children will enjoy Easter-themed 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.

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

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.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

SAVE THE DATE!

EMBRACING EQUITY: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GATHERING

Sunday, March 5, 4 - 5:30pm at Country Club Christian Church 

Women of ALL ages, from ALL over the metro area are invited to gather at Country Club Christian Church for a time of connecting, sharing and learning to #EmbraceEquity. This event is in celebration of International Women's Day (March 8) which is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. ALL women are invited to connect, We will be collecting maxi pads for Della Lamb Community Services to distribute. Please RSVP to Lisa.

IN SEARCH OF SPRING FLING ASSISTANCE!

The annual Spring Fling is right around the corner, set for March 26! We are needing people to assist the day of the event with set-up, manning game and craft stations, serving a small lunch to children and clean-up. In addition, donations of individually wrapped candy, non-candy snack items and little carnival type prizes are needed. Please email April to get signed up or for more information.

PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS HARTMAN ELEMENTARY WITH LUNCH

Last week volunteers gathered to prepare and share lunch for the staff of Hartman Elementary on their parent-teacher conference day. Having a meal to sit down to on this long day for staff can be just the support and break needed. A big thanks to this dedicated team for their care and nurture of these talented teachers. Volunteers also serve as tutors for students at Hartman Elementary School. If you would be interested in exploring tutoring or helping in other ways with our partnership with Hartman, please contact Nancy Ralston.

FEBRUARY COLLECTION CONNECTION

Did you know struggling families receiving government support cannot use those funds for household products and paper goods? This is why our Metro Mission Team regularly asks for donations of essentials like toilet paper and paper towels. They are shared with agency partners like Della Lamb Community Services, Sheffield Place and others. Donations can be brought on Sunday mornings or weekdays from 9am - 5pm.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES: JESUS' VISION FOR A FLOURISHING LIFE

Mondays, Feb. 27, Mar. 6 and 13, 7 - 8pm in the Youth Center.

It’s common for churches during Lent to study the last seven words of Jesus on the cross. But what about the first seven words of his ministry, the essential stories and teachings of Jesus? Jesus didn’t just come to die, but to show us how to live. What does a life worth living look like according to the Gospels? Based on a new book by Dr. Graves, participants will look at the essentials of living like Jesus. Led by Rev. Dr. Mike Graves.

FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCHEON: EXPERIENCES WITH LIFE AND GRIEF

Tuesday, March 7, 12pm. Al Eidson shares about a minister who provided guidance in helping him make connections between life experiences and the loss of his first wife, Dianne, to cancer. Small group discussion follows presentation. Lunch provided, donations appreciated. Hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS. Pre-register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings.  

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!

Church Center is coming!!! This new program will allow you to more fully engage with our church in the digital space and meet our Next 5 strategic goals. Keep an eye out for more information to come!

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

SAVE THE DATES!

ROOTS Lenten Small Group Series starts Wednesday, March 1 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

BABIES AND BREAKFAST

Saturday, March 4, 9:30-10:30am, Social Hall

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.

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

THIS SUNDAY!

February 26, 4 - 5:30pm

Gamer Night with Crockers

SAVE THE DATES! Registration Coming Soon!

Service Learning Camps (Two times to choose from - same activities)

• 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.

TALL OAKS CAMPS 2023

Each year, the Greater Kansas City Region of the Disciples of Christ hosts a variety of opportunities for youth to spend a week out at our regional church camp, Tall Oaks in Linwood, KS. These opportunities invite youth to connect with other Disciples youth from across the metroplex for fun, fellowship, and more. The dates for the 2023 camps are below; find out more and register HERE.

• Chi Rho Camp (6th & 7th graders): July 16-20
• 8ers Camp (8th graders): July 7-13 (this transformative camp offers a faith-based sexual education opportunity that 8th graders do not want to miss!)
• CYF (9th - 12th graders): June 20-25

YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)

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

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.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES | 10 - 10:45am

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