FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: The Spirit of Christmas
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I didn’t know what to expect. Without the typical hubbub of activities: parties, concerts, shopping, I didn’t know if it would feel much like Christmas. Just after Thanksgiving I went to the Dollar Tree to pick up some special order supplies for the church Christmas decorations. Although I had an email confirmation that the shipment had arrived, the exhausted clerk shook her head at me and explained, “It’s not yet off the truck so you will need to come back tomorrow.” When I returned the next night, they asked me to stand in a long line to pay even though the order was prepaid. As I waited in a line of masked shoppers, I silently fumed, wondering if I should have just paid the $200 delivery fee instead of spending so much time trying to retrieve this order. But eventually they showed me a pallet of boxes that was mine to load. Forty-two boxes piled 7 feet high on a wobbly narrow cart with rusty wheels.
A 12- year-old boy in line next to me said “Ma’am, may I help you with that?”
“No” I insisted, “I got this”
But when the cart stuck on the door jamb I peered at him over my mask and he leapt in to hold the door and helped me get safely to the parking lot with my fragile goodies. Then I began to unload, wondering if it would all fit in the car or I would make yet a third run to Dollar Tree to launch December. Out of nowhere appeared an older lady who started lifting boxes and stacking them in my mini-SUV. A car load of kids in a van rolled down the window and said “Do you need help?” and before I could refuse the offer my anonymous helper shouted, “She sure does.”
The children worked quickly in the cold and marveled about what one person could possibly need with so much stuff. The children’s eyes lit up when I explained these were to decorate the church. They seemed to work as if they had purpose and conviction. When we finished the loading every inch of the cargo bay, the back seat and the passenger’s front seat they bustled off to Mom in the waiting van and I waved a hearty “Thanks so much” to the Mother and her delightful children.
As I drove away I realized my heart was already full of the spirit of Christmas. My surliness was pierced by the kindness of strangers. I decided that December might work out after all. We just need to open our eyes to the ways that God can rise up and surprise us with love in human form. And seek ways we can be that loving kindness to others.
Grace and Peace,
Carla Aday
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After the magi visit the newborn Christ they are warned to go home by another way. And many of the characters in the story of Jesus’ birth find home in a way they had not imagined. They are on the move. Mary and Joseph are unexpectedly expecting. When the census disrupts their lives they are far from home and then a baby arrives. We too have found life unsettling and disrupted over the past nine months. Some folks are “stuck at home” unable to go to church or parties and others are longing for home but unable to travel. The season of Advent invites us to reimagine what life means as God comes to make a home with us. As we awaken to God’s birth, we too can deepen our spiritual journeys and go home by another way.
THIS SUNDAY, PART 4 - "What Christmas Pageants Are For" based on Luke 1:26-38. Dr. Mike Graves preaching. Alex Goering will conclude Advent by singing Bach’s famous “Sleepers, Awake” from Cantata 140 accompanied by Kansas City Baroque Consortium.
ADVENT DEVOTIONS - If you missed any of the advent devotions, you can find them HERE.
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LIVE NATIVITY - Sat., Dec. 19, 2:30-5:00 p.m. The miracle of Christmas comes to life via a drive- or walk-by live nativity scene on the front lawn of the church. See the holy family, shepherds and animals, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and pick up Christmas Eve candles for you and your family to use as you worship at home. |
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CHRISTMAS EVE - In a year like no other and in an effort to keep everyone safe, this year’s unique Christmas Eve services will stream at 5:30, 8:00 and 11:00 p.m.
The 5:30 p.m. service is designed for children and families, followed by traditional services at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m.
The beauty and wonder of the familiar carols, sacred scriptures and flickering candlelight will welcome the Christ child into our homes and lives, bringing a message of joy, peace, and hope for all the earth.
WORSHIP WITH US
Click HERE to worship with us Sundays at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m., or on demand anytime.
Do you ever have trouble accessing our live stream? Click HERE for some helpful hints.
Miss last Sunday's service? Watch it HERE.
NOTE: The church will be closed December 25, 28 and January 1 in observance of the holidays. If you need immediate assistance regarding pastoral care during one of these days, please dial 816.381.9249.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOCUS: CROSS-LINES COMMUNITY OUTREACH
This year's Christmas Offering will go to three local partner agencies who are supporting our neighbors who are experiencing hunger and homelessness: Micah Ministries, Cross-Lines Community Outreach, and The Urban Farming Guys. Today Kelly Carpenter, Director of Marketing and Development at Cross-Lines, shares about the work this agency does, including a story about a recent client, Julia.
Cross-Lines Community Outreach has been on the front lines of providing critical hunger relief, housing stabilization and basic needs services in the Kansas City area for more than 50 years.
The organization was established in 1963 as “a place of hope” for those struggling with the hardships of poverty. We are a trusted safety net for the community in Wyandotte County. Our staff of 16 and more than 1,800 volunteers a year provide direct assistance to at-risk families, the elderly and single individuals struggling to make ends meet. Cross-Lines’ mission provides people in the Kansas City area affected by poverty with services and opportunities that encourage self-confidence, meet the needs of today, and provide tools for future self-sufficiency.
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COMMEMORATIVE CENTENNIAL ORNAMENTS
If you would like to purchase additional ornaments as gifts for family members, they are available for $9.00 each. Ornaments may be purchased during the Live Nativity this Saturday, 2:30-5:00 pm. Drive through only, south door canopy. Masks and exact cash amount or check required. Mail orders, add $4.00 postage. Every member household received one complimentary ornament delivered on the doorstep. If you did not receive yours, please call the office 816-333-4917 and we will make sure you receive yours.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE AT 5:30 P.M.
The 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service is designed with children and families in mind, so please join us as we welcome Baby Jesus with many of the familiar traditions you're used to from our in-person service, as well as some very special treats. If you submitted a photo of your child dressed as an angel or shepherd, or they had their photos taken at Advent in Advance, be sure to watch for them in the service, as well as other folks you might know.
This is also a great opportunity to share worship virtually with family or friends who live across town or out of town. Simply pass on the link to our stream and invite them to worship at the same time with you.
More updated from Children and Families Ministry HERE. |
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YOUTH
SPRING CALENDAR
We’re planning to host activities each Sunday night as possible next semester, with youth group at the church on the first and third Sundays, special socials every second Sunday, and service projects the last Sunday of every month. Download our Spring Calendar now for more information!
Lots more information about Youth Ministries happenings HERE. Sign up for email and/or texting updates.
ROOTS
Roots, our ministry for for adults in their 20s and 30s, gathered on Sun., Dec. 13 for an evening of ice skating and connecting to celebrate Christmas. If you'd like to get involved with Roots in 2021, contact Tyler.
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WARMTH PACKS FOR MICAH MINISTRY |
We met and exceeded our goal of 300 warmth packs, thanks to the generosity of Sunday School classes, children and youth families and the congregation! A few volunteers are assembling the final sets as we prepare to deliver and distribute on Monday evening.
The Metro Mission team is grateful for the support of the congregation as we seek to provide a little warm comfort as we head into winter.
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IN SYMPATHY
Prayers are encouraged for the family of Dick Tanksley. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rose, and their family.
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CONSIDER A YEAR-END FINANCIAL GIFT |
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During this season of giving, we are grateful for your ongoing generosity and invite you to consider making a year-end financial gift to the church. You may mail your gift to the church, or email Finance Director Rachel Clement f or more information.
Did you see our year end video? Watch it below. You might see someone you know.
Thank you for all of the ways you support the ministries and mission of Country Club Christian Church.
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