This Week's News - December 16, 2022

December 16, 2022

“Do you get tired of Christmas?”my friend asked me. It was a fair question. When you work at a church, every day of December is focused on Christmas and the planning begins many months prior to December. Over the years I’ve reduced the personal traditions - baking, gift giving, decorating, and musical events - in order to focus on the church traditions. And I think lots of folks experience a moment in the season when we are just ready to skip over to January and stop all the fuss. But my first reaction to my friend's question was “No, I don’t get tired of Christmas. In fact, I don’t know how I would face the bleak midwinter without all the Christmas traditions. I love the smell of fresh greenery in the house, the lights outlining the roof lines on our block, the extra social gatherings with friends, and the smell of yeast and cloves wafting out of the kitchen.”

But a sense of weariness is understandable during the holidays. It began with worry and wondering, with pondering and questions. When Mary was expecting she visited Elizabeth who was also expecting. Mary was too young and unprepared. Elizabeth was too old and shocked that life could still come from her. Both families wondered “how could this be?” The scripture says that when Elizabeth saw Mary, the child inside of her leaped for joy. A quickening. A flutter of hope. I love this about Christmas. Regardless of the burdens, we each carry, Christmas brings a flutter of hope. Here is how Brennan Manning describes it in his book “Reflections for Ragamuffins”.

“The Christmas contemplative knows that hope is a gift, an undeserved gift of peace, but that it is also a call to decision — the decision to trust . . . . Hope thrives on the difficult and challenges the conclusion that our only contribution to the world will be, in the words of T. S Eliot, “an asphalt driveway in front of our home and a thousand lost golf balls.” Hope convinces us that in clinging to a miserable sense of security and status quo the possibility of growth and greatness is utterly defeated. . . . . Because the question no longer is: Can I do it? Am I able? Can I overcome my moodiness, my laziness, my sensuality, my grudges and resentments? The only question is: Is Jesus Christ able? Can my Savior, the Lord of my life, revive my drooping spirit and transform me at Christmas as he transformed the world through his birth in Bethlehem?"

What about you? Do you get tired of Christmas? Or is something quickening in you?

Grace and Peace,

Carla

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, Dec. 18, 2022

Windows to Christ’s Birth, Part 4: Overcoming Fear

Rev. Carla Aday

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:26-38

The Bible repeats the phrase “Be Not Afraid” dozens of times and for good reason because we have a lot to be afraid of. This week we look at the fear and worry that perplexed Mary the mother of Jesus as well as others in Luke’s story of Jesus’ birth. What moved them from fear to faith, from perplexity to receptivity to God’s movement in their lives?

In Today's Newsletter, Keep Scrolling to see...

Church Happenings - Next 100 Update
Adult Enrichment - Holy Land Pilgrimage
Mission & Outreach - 225 Warmth Packs Assembled
Children & Youth - Babies and Breakfast in Jan.
Young Adults - ROOTS Christmas Party
Save these Dates - Christmas Eve Services
Life of the Church - Elder/Deacon Winter Retreat

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

STOCKING STUFFER SALE AT THE WELL

This Sunday all Christmas food items will be 50% OFF! Pick up boxes of chocolate covered pretzels, sugar cookies, lumps of coal (chocolate) and chocolate covered sunflower seeds - perfect stocking stuffers and last minute hostess gifts! And the best part about shopping at THE WELL...proceeds benefit Week of Compassion and there is no sales tax! Stop by this Sunday!

NEXT 100 UPDATE

Construction to Begin in March 2023

The church has signed a construction contract with A.L. Huber to begin the Next 100 building renovations and groundbreaking is anticipated in March of 2023. Over 60% of the renovations are infrastructure upgrades that will make our campus energy-efficient, cost-effective, safe and secure for children, youth, adults and seniors. Looking toward future ministry needs, we are also creating a new welcoming east entry, renovating our communal gathering spaces (parlor and social hall), expanding the preschool and improving the audio in the sanctuary.

The congregation has generously pledged $11.9 million of which $5.1 million has been received. More updates on the financial aspects will be presented in the new year. The church is grateful to the 263 households who have already invested in the goals of our Centennial:

To welcome the next generation into the life-changing love of God
To provide a spiritual home where lives intersect and grace is present
Empower all to become God’s good news.

Special thanks also to the Centennial Steering Committee and its Honorary Chairs Kay Barnes and Tom Van Dyke and the members of the Building Committee who have worked with vision and tenacity over the last several years: Dave Forsee, Amy Guthrey, Lesley Holt, Dan Jensen, and Mary McClure.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT WE HEAR?

If tuning in to 99.7 The Point on your car radio in the next week, you may hear a familiar voice coming through your speakers! Rev. Carla Aday recorded a Christmas Eve radio spot last week inviting all to receive God's holy light of hope on Christmas Eve at CCCC!

We encourage you to do the same! You never know which neighbor or coworker or child's friend's parents need that personal invitation to attend one of the three very special services happening on Dec. 24. If you feel that nudge to ask...then ask!

Oh! And we'd love to know if you hear the ad, drop a note HERE!

HUMAN RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE

Oct. 23-26, 2023

Join us on an educational and relational journey to better understand racism in our country and to consider ways to work toward dismantling it. Led by Rev. Carla Aday and Dr. Claudia Highbaugh. This pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, includes visits to the National Peace and Justice Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders Museum. Estimated cost is $1250 per person, double occupancy, or $1,600 single occupancy. Scholarships available. More information at cccckc.org/human-rights-pilgrimage/. CLICK HERE for more information, brochure and registration.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Sept. 5 - 14, 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.

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!

MISSION AND OUTREACH

Thanks to the generosity of donations, 225 warmth packs were created for Micah Ministries at Independence Boulevard Christian Church. Each pack contains a new hooded sweatshirt, warm socks, and weatherproof winter gloves. These will be shared with individuals who do not have adequate shelter. Thanks to the volunteers that helped assemble the packs on Saturday, December 10. They were delivered this week, just in time for next week's forecasted cold weather. A special thanks to Shelly and Mike O'Neill, David and Marie Hunter and Carol and Ed Pasley, for all their support of this project.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

This year, we lift up three local agencies that seek to bring safe and supportive shelter to families. On Sunday, we will hear from Sheffield Place. Unique among homeless serving organizations, they serve families with multiple barriers to success (mental health, addiction, and domestic violence backgrounds, low educational attainment, and felony convictions among others). The agency embraces Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and trauma recovery as the first step in healing and provides intensive mental health and addiction recovery services delivered by licensed, master’s level therapists and experienced case managers. Once families stabilize in the residential program and transition to housing in the community, they receive ongoing case management, therapy, and other supportive services for as long as needed and at no cost through the aftercare/outpatient program. This year’s Christmas offering will also benefit Jerusalem Farm and Amethyst Place. Your generosity is appreciated as these agencies seek to transform lives in our community. You can give by:

Clicking HERE to donate online
Putting cash gifts in a “Christmas Offering” envelope available in pews and place in offering plate.
Placing checks in offering plate, notate “Christmas Offering” on memo line
Texting the word ‘Christmas’ to 816-484-3399

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BABIES AND BREAKFAST

Saturday, January 14, 9:30-10:30

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)

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

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.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Sun., Dec. 18, 12:30pm and 3:30pm

Join us for one of two youth Christmas parties! Includes ice skating at Park Place in Leawood, a meal, and a Christmas gift exchange. Middle school will meet 12:30-2:30 p.m. and high school from 3:30-5:30 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/ccccyouthxmas22

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES | 10 - 10:45am

Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
Footsteps in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade

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

ROOTS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sun., Dec. 18, 6pm

Join us for dinner and a gift card exchange then ice skating at Park Place in Leawood. We will meet for dinner first at a restaurant walkable to the Ice Rink (11565 Ash St.) before skating at 7:00pm. RSVP at bit.ly/rootsxmas2022 to stay tuned with more information!

Get all the details for upcoming events at linktr.ee/cccckcroots or by following us on Instagram at @cccckcroots.

SAVE THESE DATES

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Saturday, Dec. 24

5:30pm | Children and families service. Children will be invited to dress as angels or shepherds and will join the Holy family during the service.

Music will be joyfully led by a vocal trio and accompanied by an instrumental trio (piano, sax, and bass). Prelude to the service will feature gospel arrangements composed by our bassist Sam Copeland and saxophone solos played by Zak Pischnotte along with dancing by our guest dancer. O Holy Night sung by Alex Goering, tenor.

This service will also be live-streamed at cccckc.org.

8pm and 11pm | The magic of Christmas comes alive in candlelight and song during these traditional services featuring the Kansas City Brass with choir and organ.

In traditional fashion, music will be provided by the KC Brass Quintet, organists Dr. Peiyao Yu and Sharee Thompson, and pianist Dr. Yi Zhang. The traditional David Willcocks, O Come, All Ye Faithful with Fanfare will be used and the choir will present two anthems one of which will be accompanied by brass, 4-hand piano, and organ. O Holy Night sung by Alex Goering, tenor and Variations sur un Noël, Op.20 by Marcel Dupré played by Dr. Yu for Postlude.

The 8pm service will be live-streamed and rebroadcast at 11pm at cccckc.org

CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday, Dec. 25

Country Club Christian Church - Streamed only. Worship online at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. for Christmas reflections from all five clergy and special music.
Swope Parkway United Christian Church Service - 10am. All are invited to worship in person with Swope Parkway United Christian Church in the chapel.

AFTER CHRISTMAS

Monday, December 26. The church will be closed.

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 | One Service at 10:30am. Rev. Joe Walker will be preaching. Childcare will not be available during the service. The service will also be available streaming at cccckc.org.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Our prayers are with the family and friends of Elaine Stevenson as they grieve the death of their loved one.

Elaine was one of our dedicated Sunday childcare staff members.

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

ELDER / DEACONS WINTER RETREAT

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. 8:30 - 11:30am

Featuring guest speaker, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada.

Tues., April 11, 2023. 6 - 7pm | Elder/Deacon Meeting

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