|
In Today's Newsletter...
-
Church Happenings - Save the Date! Spring Fling and The Next 100 Groundbreaking
-
Mission & Outreach - International Women's Day Gathering THIS SUNDAY
-
Adult Enrichment - Faith and Grief Luncheon
-
ROOTS Young Adults - Lenten Small Group happening now
-
Children & Youth - Babies and Breakfast THIS SATURDAY!
| |
|
I’ve been thinking a lot about breaking the ground open. The gardening calendar says that I can soon till the dirt and plant some arugula and lettuce seeds that will produce a salad by Mother’s Day! And on Sunday, March 26, children and grandparents will don hard hats to shovel out some earth at 61st and Ward Parkway to begin building a welcoming and hospitable reception lobby. Groundbreaking leads to life.
But groundbreaking is messy - it means puncturing the soil, stirring up dust, getting dirt in your fingernails and mud on your feet. If we do not dig down to bury the seed in the darkness of the earth, the germination will not happen so that the sprout breaks out of the shell. Without digging up a mess, we cannot pour a foundation for the new east entry. Without jackhammers and disruption, we cannot improve our building making it safer and more energy efficient.
And the same seems to happen in our lives. The apostle Paul writes to the early Christians in Corinth.
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
This is why we sometimes remember the difficult chapters of our lives as holy times when something new was born. After a bankrupt business came a new chapter of career success; after a breakup with a love interest came clarity and resilience; after passing out in the biology lab came a transfer to law school; after a crisis of faith came a new chapter of spiritual growth, after the bombs and marches of the 1960’s came civil rights legislation.
During Lent, we remember that even Jesus faced persecution, failure, rejection, despair and feelings of God’s absence. We journey through this life with the love of a savior who knows our pain and sits there in it with us. We long for the brokenness to become the new life of Easter hope. We long for God’s redeeming love to get the last word in our world and in our lives.
As the late singer Leonard Cohen put it
“There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
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 5, 2023
Sermon Series "Questions Christians Ask: How can we have hope for our broken creation?" with Rev. Carla Aday
Scripture Focus: Revelation 21:1-7
During this Lenten Sermon Series "Questions Christians Ask", there are opportunities to take part in small groups for further discussion of the questions. A new video will be presented weekly by a clergy member to facilitate small group discussions. Listed below are upcoming topics, small groups that you can attend anytime you are able, and the videos presented to date.
Upcoming Lenten Sermon Series questions:
- Where do we find hope in this broken world?
- Why did Jesus die?
- What happens when we die?
- Does God answer prayer?
- Am I really Christian?
- Is the Resurrection real?
Lenten Small Group Opportunities through April 2 - join anytime!
- Virtual Ventures | Mondays, 7pm (Online)
- Faithbook (Women's Group) | Tuesdays, 7pm (Online)
- Roots (Adults ages 20's and 30's) | Wednesdays, 6:15pm
-
Wednesdays, 6:30pm (In-person at CCCC)
- Faithbook (Women's Group) | Wednesdays, 9am (In-person and Online)
- Lunch Bunch (Sack Lunch) | Thursdays, 11:30am (In-person at CCCC)
For more information for locations email Bryce!
Lenten Small Group Discussion Videos (click to view)
| |
|
NEW MEMBERS!
We welcomed the following new members to the congregation on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Be sure to extend a greeting when you see them on Sundays!
| |
SAVE THE DATE! 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 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.
| |
|
COMING SOON! NATIVE PLANT SALE
The annual native plant sale gives members the opportunity to order native plants for spring planting. Selecting plants that thrive in our climate are important and a great addition to any garden.
The order form is available HERE and will be available at church. Forms will be available in the coming week with a deadline of April 7 for submitting orders. Plant order pick- up will be Sunday, April 16.
WHY choose native plants?
- Sustain the hundreds of species of pollinators of the lower Midwest
- Manage stormwater & protect streams
- Feed monarch butterflies and help ensure that their awe-inspiring migration
- Build healthy soil
| |
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! 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.
| |
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.
| |
|
THIS SUNDAY! 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.
| |
|
PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH JERUSALEM FARMS
Saturday, March 25, 9:30am - 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
| |
AMAZING GRACE@WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY AT CROSS-LINES | |
|
Over 50 children, youth and adults gathered on Saturday 2/25 to give their time and talents serving at Cross-Lines. Working in the Community Market the volunteers priced and placed items; created birthday bags; repackaged supplies; and restocked the many food and household items. Another crew worked to assemble food boxes that are distributed to seniors in the Wyandotte County community. Helping our partner Cross-Lines was a meaningful experience for all. To learn more about the Community Market check them out HERE.
Our church provides ongoing support to this agency through the planning, preparing and serving of a monthly meal in the Cross-Lines Community Kitchen, annual grants and bi-monthly financial support to the Community Market.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES: JESUS' VISION FOR A FLOURISHING LIFE
Mondays, now through March 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.
| |
|
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
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) | |
|
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.
| |
|
BABIES AND BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 4, 9:30-10:30am, YOUTH CENTER
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.
| |
|
SUNDAY SCHOOL | 10 - 10:45am
- Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - Kindergarten
- Footsteps in Faith: 1st - 5th grade
- Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade
| |
|
CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)
Sunday, March 5, 4 - 5:30pm | Projects with Jeff Algie
Sunday, March 12 and 19 | No Club Kids - Spring Break
| |
SERVICE LEARNING CAMPS, REGISTRATION GOING ON NOW!
Two times to choose from - same activities at both.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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. | |
|
Celebration of Life for Steve Shaw will be Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. A reception will follow in the Social Hall.
Celebration of Life for Jim Fitzpatrick will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 4pm in the Sanctuary.
| |
Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
| | | | |
