FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Building Bridges |
|
Suddenly all the cars behind me were honking. Some folks were shouting obscenities in the direction of my orange hatchback. A uniformed official was waving at me and walking towards me. How was I supposed to know that exact change didn’t mean paper bills and coins equaling $3.50 but rather coins totaling $3.50? It was my first year driving from Texas to Connecticut for grad school and here I was stuck at a toll gate in New York City at the huge Tri-borough Bridge. Would I ever get to cross the bridge? Or would I perish right here?
Perhaps you have crossed a bridge in your lifetime that also seemed frightening or exhilarating or unlikely. Many years later I hiked across the Brooklyn Bridge, just for fun, but perhaps it was a psychological win to cross the bridge without incident. And I have walked across the 2.7 mile Ravenel Bridge in Charleston. The Golden Gate is still on my bucket list.
At the church we are crossing bridges too. How shall we bridge the two thirds of our faith community still worshiping via live stream with the one third of our folks worshipping in person? What is the connecting point between the dozens of young families, young singles, and new residents who are currently visiting on Sunday with those in our church who share a similar life journey but for health reasons are still worshipping from home? Is there a way to bridge our shut-in and out-of-town worshippers with those active in groups and classes in person? How do we honor our traditional past with a modern future? At times when I ponder these questions, I feel exactly as I did while stuck at the toll booth in New York many years ago.
So I found comfort and hope in a recent phrase used by church leaders Sarai Rice and Susan Beaumont. They talk about how we are now in a liminal space, with one foot planted in the old reality and one in the new. It feels fuzzy. We are building the bridge while we walk upon it. In whatever ways you too are building a bridge while you walk upon it, perhaps you too feel the panic of someone honking and yelling!
The Bible is filled with liminal moments. One of those happens in the early church when a preacher named Philip is told by an angel to reach out to a newcomer from out of town. Philip approaches the man in his chariot and finds that he is reading the scripture. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Phillip inquires. The man replies, “How can I unless someone guides me?” And he invites Philip to get in and sit beside him. (Acts 8)
What future does God lead us to understand as we sit beside one another?
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
|
|
WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01 (sanctuary), 10:00 (chapel) or 11:00 (sanctuary) a.m. Click HERE to view our live stream
In worship this week: Short Stories by Jesus, Part 3: The Least, based on Matthew 25:31-46. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
|
|
DR. ANNA CARTER FLORENCE PREACHING November 7 - Dr. Anna Carter Florence, the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, will preach at all three worship services on Nov. 7, followed by a preaching workshop on Nov. 8 for area clergy.For information contact Dr. Mike Graves. |
|
CENTENNIAL CONCERT AND PANEL DISCUSSION WITH COMPOSER |
|
CENTENNIAL CONCERT, November 20 – This Love Between Us + Bach Magnificat, 7:30 p.m. Spire Chamber Ensemble, a professional choral group of superb local, regional, and national artists, presents this Centennial concert featuring work by composer Reena Esmail, juxtaposing words from seven major religious traditions and exploring how they each approach unity, harmony, and kindness. This event is free but will require a ticket. Get your tickets HERE. |
|
Panel Discussion with Composer
November 11, 2021 • 7:00 p.m.
At this pre-concert event composer Reena Esmail will discuss her work This Love Between Us. Panelists representing different religious traditions will then discuss the work with the composer and their reflections on its core themes of love, unity and harmony. Join this event at this Zoom webinar link on Nov. 11.
|
|
 |
CENTENNIAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
Books celebrating the Centennial are now available for purchase in The Well Bookstore.
A City Church: The First Century of Service, written by historian Linna Place about the church's first 100 years, is available for purchase for $24. To purchase online click HERE. Complimentary copies of this book will be available at the October 3 reception, one per household.
Here is the Church, a children's board book written by Hayley Nicholas, is available one per family with children under 10, or for purchase for $10.
|
|
|
|
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Classes meet Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Live in the Social Hall OR via Zoom.
Pick and Trowel: Archaeology and the
Biblical World
Oct. 18, 25
Led by Dr. David May
We are separated from the biblical world by time–and also mounds of dirt. Through excavations into the soil of the ancient world, archaeologists attempt to reconstruct the everyday material world of our ancestors in faith. We will consider how archaeologists go about their tasks of excavating, as well as the dark side of looting cultural antiquities. Join in as “armchair” archaeologists in these sessions.
Christianity 101:The Conversation Continues
November 1, 8, 15
Led by Dr. Mike Graves
When elders and deacons in our church were asked to name ideas for sermon series, the basics of the Christian faith were near the top of the list. But limiting the faith to four sermons is a daunting task, and there are many competing views for what Christianity looks like. That’s why in this three-part course we’ll explore the question further, reflecting together on the essence of our faith tradition and our own congregation’s expression of Christianity.
|
|
|
ROOTS SOCIAL
Thurs., Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Night out at Ben and Whitney's house! We'll do a bonfire, some pumpkin-carving, and enjoy a fall evening outside at their property. RSVP now and find more info at bit.ly/rootsoctobersocial.
|
|
FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH: BETWEEN GOD AND GARY
Join us for lunch on Tues., Nov. 2, at noon as guest speaker, Kellie Wentz shares a reflection from the perspective of a grieving sibling. Following Kellie’s reflection you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Masks are required except when eating. Complimentary box lunch; free-will donations appreciated . Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by our church and five other area congregations. Lunches are hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. Register at https://bit.ly/faithandgriefnovember. For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249.
|
|
GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m., Library. If you are a guest at Country Club Christian Church, we are happy to welcome you! Whether you’re a new visitor, or you’ve been attending for a while, we invite you to get to know us in a casual setting as a member of our clergy guides you through our values, traditions, and beliefs. Discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, RSVP to Rachel Wymore at rachelw@cccckc.org.
|
|
OCTOBER COLLECTION CONNECTION
The Metro Mission Team is collecting diapers for infants and toddlers to be shared with our partner agencies. The church supports several organizations caring for families and diapers are always needed. Please bring your donations to church M - F 9 - 5 or on Sunday mornings.
|
|
GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB COMMUNITY SERVICES
Saturday, Nov 13 9:00 - 10:30 or 10:30 - Noon
The Metro Mission Team is seeking volunteers to help with Della Lamb's Operation Holidays. Volunteers will be inventorying and sorting items and donations. We will be working inside the large gym with masking and safety protocols. Two shifts are available. Children are welcome to help when attending with an adult. Make plans to help out with our Northeast Partner by signing up at this LINK.
|
|
SEWING GROUP MAKES LAP BLANKETS
Thursday mornings have been busy in the sewing room as the sewing ministry team created lap blankets. These colorful fleece blankets will be used as part of Della Lamb Community Services Operation Holidays. Older adults will receive these along with holiday meal supplies, gifts and winter clothing. A big thanks for all the work the sewers did to complete over 160 lap blankets.
|
|
MISSION TRIP TO ECUADOR February 12-20, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
The Mission Trip team invites you to join us for our a mission trip to Ecuador for a week of service and learning with our mission partner FEDICE, a non-profit organization that works to build sustainable livelihoods, encourage self-sufficiency, and significantly enhance quality of life for indigenous and marginalized rural communities in Ecuador. The trip is open to adults aged 18 and up and requires a $250 deposit and registration by Oct. 17. Find out more information and register HERE or by contacting Rev. Tyler Heston.
|
|
|
TRUNK OR TREAT
Sun., Oct. 24, 4:00- 6:00 p.m.
Bring your super heroes, princesses, ghosts and ninjas for fall fun.
Interested in hosting a trunk or a game? Let April know. Don't want to come up with your own trunk or game? We will have some available for you -- all you have to do is show up! We are also taking candy and toy donations for the event. Hope to see you there! Email April if you plan to host a trunk!
More Children's Ministry news HERE.
|
|
YOUTH GROUP AT TRUNK OR TREAT
We’re hosting a Chiefs-themed youth trunk this year! Youth are invited to join and help out and wear either their favorite Chiefs gear or another Halloween Costume! Parents, if you’d like to help out, let us know at tylerh@cccckc.org.
More Youth Ministry news HERE. |
|
|
|
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICE LEARNING EVENING WITH DELLA LAMB
Cori Wallace, Engagement Director, came to share information about Della Lamb Community Services work with resettling refugees. Our group learned about the challenging process people navigate to get to the United States when they can no longer stay in their home country. Following the sharing from Cori, the groups created welcome posters to be used as refugees arrive and appreciation bags for the Della Lamb Early Childhood Programs staff.
|
|
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP 2022
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. The group of 60-90 folks from all generations stays in a lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoys the 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. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending.
|
|
Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
