FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: God's Love Is Stronger |
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“The surprise is not that, unexpectedly, things turn out better than expected. No, the real surprise is that God’s light is more real than all the darkness, that God’s truth is more powerful than all human lies, that God’s love is stronger than death.”
Henri Nouwen
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we realize that 2021 was not all that we hoped it would be. There have been disappointments that we would rather not have dealt with but we had no choice. The pandemic did not vanish in a flash. The global pain and local challenges persisted. And yet we still find ourselves coming towards the Thanksgiving Day holiday brimming with gratitude. I find it helpful to become specific about what we are thankful for. Not just family, friends and health but what specifically has been the way in which we each glimpsed that God’s love is stronger than death, God’s light more real than all the darkness?
A few weeks ago one of our elders, Dr. Milburn Hobson brought me an album. Yes, an old fashioned record. A precursor even to “vinyls” that some of us played as teenagers. This was a recording of his mother preaching the first sermon ever preached by a woman at our church, in 1955. Our Director of Production, Dan Warneke, had it converted to a digital file so that we could listen to it. It’s a good sermon. But what I am most grateful for is that I am part of a church that recognized the voice of women to speak the good news of God long before such moves were in vogue.
I'm also thankful for the look on Jacob’s face. He is our grandson who adores trains and has autism. A large noisy room of children and grown ups is the last thing that would appeal to him so celebrating his birthday can be a challenge. And when he turned 7 recently, his parents organized a real train ride for him. He climbed aboard a 100 year old coach in Belton, MO, and rode a few miles out and back. The beam on his face spoke volumes and I was grateful for the volunteers who ran the train and for Jacob’s parents who made it happen and for Jacob’s experience of pure joy and delight.
Each Sunday, someone comes through the door who is back at church for the first time since covid halted our in person weekly gatherings. And each Sunday someone seeking a church home visits our church for the first time ever. And each Sunday I delight as I say thank you for the particular people who gather in our stunning house of worship. Your stories, your resilience, your deep devotion to God continue to surprise me with the reality that God’s love is stronger than death.
With abundant gratitude to you and to God,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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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.
SERMON SERIES: UNITY IN A POLARIZED WORLD
The first Christians came from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Conflicts, even hostile conflicts, often arose. Sound familiar? In this two-part series we'll take a look at those ancient conflicts and the way they mirror our modern culture, and listen for how God suggests a way forward in love and unity, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Nov. 21 - Part 2, Love in the Ruins, based on John 13:1-17; 31b-35. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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ADVENT SERMON SERIES
MAKING ROOM FOR THE HOLY
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 18
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.
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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.
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CENTENNIAL CONCERT
This Love Between Us + Bach Magnificat
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
This concert is currently sold out. If you reserved tickets and now cannot attend, please cancel your reservation so we can release your tickets to others. If you need assistance canceling your tickets please call the church at 816-333-4917.
If you are attending this concert, please remember that all attendees must:
- wear a mask while inside the building
- show proof of Covid-19 vaccination (vaccination card or photo of card) or a negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours prior to entry - home tests not accepted)
- show photo id (driver's license, school id)
- show ticket
LIVE STREAM
You can also watch this event via live stream at cccckc.org for a small donation to cover production costs. To access the live stream, visit cccckc.org starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 20, and click the banner at the top of the home page. You'll be directed to the donation page, and then redirected to the live stream view page.
PANEL DISCUSSION RECORDING
If you missed the discussion on Nov. 11, with composer composer Reena Esmail and panelists representing different religious traditions, you can view a recording of it at the link.
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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.
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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
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PUMPKIN PIES FOR MICAH MINISTRY
Metro Mission will be collecting monetary donations for pumpkin pies for Micah Ministry's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Pies will be purchased and packaged to be distributed as part of a full to-go meal the week of Thanksgiving. To give online, click HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Pies in the memo line.
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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.
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GRACE AT WORK TEAMS SERVE AT DELLA LAMB
Many various groups of Country Club Christian Church volunteers have helped prepare for Operation Holidays at Della Lamb Community Services including a Grace at Work Partnership Day on Sat., Nov. 13. A big thanks to the two shifts of members who helped prepare the gift bags to be shared with families and seniors through this annual holiday celebration. Metro Mission is grateful for the ways our congregation seeks to serve and care for others.
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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.
ADVENT IN ADVANCE, our annual make-and-take workshop with crafts and activities to help your family prepare for the Advent season, is back! To accommodate as many families as safely as possible, we are offering several shifts. There are a few slots left on these days:
- Nov. 20 - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Nov. 21 - 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
If you are unable to attend in person and would like a packet of the activities, please email April. Sign up for a time slot HERE.
More Children and Families news HERE.
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YOUTH GROUP
Sun., Nov. 21, 5:00 p.m.
Join us for one of our favorite traditions: Waldo Pizza for Thanksgiving Dinner! All youth (grades 6-12) and any parents interested in joining are invited to eat with us to celebrate the holiday. RSVP now to Tyler.
Dec. 3, 4:30-6:00 p.m.: Middle School Christmas Party, 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!
Dec. 10 (Friday), 6:00-8:00 p.m.: High School Christmas Party: 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.
More Youth Ministry news HERE.
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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.
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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.
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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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