November 24, 2021
During this season of giving, we are grateful to you for your generosity to Country Club Christian Church. As you celebrate Thanksgiving, we invite you to use this prayer, written by Dr. Mike Graves, as your blessing.
A Thanksgiving Prayer
In this season, O Holy One, we give you thanks
for your many good gifts…
For crisp nights and bright autumn days,
for colored leaves blanketing the earth,
for dappled horizons calling us into your future.
For our friends and family near and far,
for those who came before us, never to be forgotten,
for those who will come after us, remembering our names.
For stained glass and timbers covered in stone on the parkway,
for the songs and prayers that echo in that place of worship,
for the people with whom we have worshiped and will again.
For the bread and wine that sustain us on Sundays,
for the horns of plenty on our tables in this season,
for the cornucopia of your grace, always abundant.
For reminding us that this bounty need not be hoarded,
for the day when all your children shall be fed,
for the time when all shall feast at your heavenly table.
For all these things and more,
We give you thanks, O Holy One.
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.

Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
ADVENT SERMON SERIES
MAKING ROOM FOR THE HOLY
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19

The story seems as old as time, Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary finding no room in the inn. Turns out, the story isn’t just old but timeless. What does it mean for us today to be making room for the holy in our lives? Are we open to God breaking in with a new message? Join us for this holy season of Advent leading up to Christmas.

Nov. 28 - Part 1, Expecting, based on Luke 1:8-15, 18-20, 26-35. Dr. Mike Graves preaching.
MASK UPDATE

Although the city of Kansas City, Missouri's indoor mask mandate has expired, we are asking anyone entering our buildings to continue wearing a mask on Sundays and during weekdays while the Preschool and Parents' Day Out programs are in session. We are keeping this policy in place for now because children under the age of 5 are not eligible for vaccinations, and because full vaccine immunity for children ages 5-12 takes up to five weeks from the date of the first shot. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep the most vulnerable among our church community safe.
LIVE NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 
December 11, 2:30-4:30 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. 
 
The afternoon also includes: 
  • Holiday craft project for kids
  • Keepsake photo ornament of your family in front of the sanctuary Christmas tree 
  • Collection of hygiene items (deodorant; bars of soap and shampoo) for Metro Mission
More than 450 were in the audience on Nov. 20 for the beautiful performance of This Love Between Us + Bach Magnificat by Spire Chamber Ensemble. Many thanks to the all who helped support and plan this event and to the hosts who provided hospitality for the out-of-town performers. Thank you to the Spire Chamber Ensemble and Baroque Orchestra and the guest musicians.
GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Tues., Dec. 7, Noon

Join us for lunch and a conversation about remembering and grieving our dear ones during the holidays. Melissa Potts-Bowers and Rev. Joe Walker will provide an introduction to the discussion. Following the presentation you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Masks are required except when eating. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. These monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road. For information 816-381-9249. https://bit.ly/Kansas
CityGriefLunch.
ROOTS, for adults in their 20s and 30

Bible and Brunch, Dec. 5, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Connect as community, learn and grow spiritually over Bibles and brunch. Brunch is catered with a $10 suggested donation— your first time is free!

Christmas Party, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. We’ll go out to dinner before ice skating at Crown Center. More information & RSVP at http://bit.ly/rootsxmas21.
METRO MISSION
SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KANSAS CITY

Country Club Christian Church recently issued $125,000 in grants in support of affordable housing programs in the historic Northeast area of Kansas City. These grants, made possible through the 2011-2016 capital campaign, were made to Sheffield Place and KC Tenants. This completes the commitment from that campaign of $300,000 to alleviate root causes of injustice within the Northeast Kansas City area.  

Sheffield Place works to empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient. The range of wrap-around services offered to the mothers and children in residence sets a foundation for success. As the need continues to grow, Sheffield Place has embarked on expansion plans to create more space for additional families. Our grant of $110,000 will help launch these efforts. The church’s long partnership with Sheffield Place has previously included small grants, volunteer support and various activities. 

KC Tenants works to ensure that everyone in Kansas City has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. Our grant of $15,000 will aid in their work to empower tenants to advocate for affordable housing and healthy living conditions.   

The Outreach and Mission Coordinating Team Chair, Tom Thornton (pictured) shared, "What a privilege it was to deliver the checks to these organizations doing outstanding work in the Kansas City community addressing a range of issues related to affordable, stable housing for people."  
MICAH MINISTRIES WARMTH PACKS FOR DECEMBER

Each Monday evening volunteers offer meals through the Micah Ministries at Independence Boulevard Christian Church. Many of those being served may be without adequate shelter or homes which becomes even more challenging in winter. Metro Missions Team will be collecting items and monetary donations for warmth packs to be shared for Christmas. Donations of water-proof winter gloves in sizes L or XL are needed and can be brought to church M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or Sunday mornings. Or make a contribution on-line using this link and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Warmth Pack in the line. Please alert Leann Ritter, ritterlk@aol.com to gloves you drop off at church.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
YOUTH
SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday in Children's Sunday School we will split into two rooms based on grade level as attendance has been growing each week. We hope to see you there! Since the weather has changed to fall temperatures we will move indoors, please bring your mask!

CLUB KIDS for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! We have events and opportunities to connect (almost) every Sunday nights during the school year from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
YOUTH GROUP
Middle School Christmas Party - Dec. 3, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Join us for a night at the church celebrating Christmas together! We’ll have some special Christmas-themed games and a gift exchange. Bring a $5-10 wrapped gift and RSVP now!

High School Christmas Party - Fri., Dec. 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a night celebrating Christmas with dinner, ice skating, and a present exchange at Crown Center! Bring a $5-10 wrapped gift and stay tuned for more information!

PASTORS' CLASS
Pastors’ Class 2022 will be open to current sixth and seventh graders, or any other youth who is interested in being baptized. Pastors’ Class will meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 23 leading up to baptisms on Palm Sunday, Apr. 10. Families interested in this year’s Pastors’ Class can find out more information and register at an information session on Sun., Dec. 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Center.





BIBLE AND ART TOUR OF ITALY
May 30-June 9, 2022

A few spaces remain on this tour which was originally scheduled pre-pandemic. As a result, prices have increased slightly to $3,200 per person/double occupancy, which includes wine and cheese reception upon arrival, lodging in four-star hotels, all breakfasts, guided tours of museums and other sites, ground transportation, and a farewell dinner. (Airfare not included since some may prefer to use miles or book their own flights, although a group flight option is available.) This unforgettable tour of world-class museums, cathedrals, Renaissance architecture, and the Tuscan countryside is led by Donna Houtteman, a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Rev. Carla Aday and Dr. Mike Graves. In addition to guided tours, there will be free days for leisure and day trips. For more information contact Dr. Mike Graves, mikeg@cccckc.org.
PLAN YOUR SUMMER VACATION NOW!
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 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. 
www.cccckc.org