October 21, 2022

People often ask me “What does your church believe about. . . “. You fill in the blank. It might be a topic in the news such as a woman’s right to choose or it might be a spiritual question like heaven/hell. These are hard questions to answer. First of all, we don’t all agree in our congregation. And even if we did, the other churches in our denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), might hold the opposite belief. But even more challenging is that each of us might change our minds on what we believe based on our experiences in the world or simply because we learned something new. The question of belief dodges the really important topic of how we live. What if someone asked us “How do the people in your church live their lives in light of what God has done in Jesus Christ”. 

I like what James K. A. Smith writes in his latest book, How to Inhabit Time:

“Being a Christian, then, is not so much a matter of believing something about God as much as living in light of this event’s cascading effects on history. Christian faith is ongoing participation in the Christ-event which continues to rumble through human history. Christianity is less a what and more a how, a question of how to live given what has happened in Christ.”

Last week my husband took our granddaughters to the school book fair. The youngest not only selected books for herself but also looked to find a book that her 7-year-old brother, who lives with autism, would really love. That is living in light of Christ’s love. A friend of mine has rearranged her life to care for a relative with dementia. That’s living in the light. Even sitting in a carpool line with a gaggle of bouncing 5th graders in the van can be an occasion for acting out the tender mercy of Christ.  

The reason we gather at church each Sunday is to participate in the “Christ-event which continues to rumble through human history.” We gather together in small groups and classes and service projects so that the energy of Christ’s presence will be awakened in us. Christianity is not a set of beliefs we can check off. Rather it is an invitation to have our lives molded and shaped by the ongoing movement of the living Christ in our universe.  

“In Christ we live and move and have our being” says Acts 17.  

Grace and peace,

Carla

Keep Scrolling! In Today's Newsletter:

• Church Happenings - Guest Gathering, Oct. 30.
• Adult Enrichment - Monday night classes continue
• Mission & Outreach - Tutoring at Hartman Elementary is back!
• Children & Youth - Club Kids Gamer Night
• Save these Dates - Come-N-Take Day
• The Week Ahead - Next Week's Calendar

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.

Sun., Oct. 23, 2022

Sermon Series: Turning Points

Part 7 - What Do You See? Based on Acts 9:1-19

This week we conclude the Turning Points sermon series with a look at the most formative moment in the life of the Apostle Paul. The story in Acts 9 is sometimes referred to as his conversion, but it’s really more of a transformation of his worldview, learning who all is welcome in God’s family. 

CHURCH HAPPENINGS

NEEDED! Trunk and Games/Activities Hosts

Now signing up Trunk Hosts! If Halloween is your holiday, here is a chance to show off your decor and creativity and have some fun! Feel like the zombies ate your brains and you can’t think of a trunk theme? We will have some games/activities available for hosting - all you have to do is show up! Trunk or Treat is Sun., Oct. 30, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.  

RSVP by emailing April

GUEST GATHERING

Sun., Oct. 30 at 10am. Library

New to Country Club Christian Church? Whether you’ve been attending for a while or are a new visitor, we invite you to learn more about us in a casual setting. A member of our staff will guide you through our values, traditions, and beliefs and you’ll discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, and members. We would love to become your church family.

RSVP HERE

DEDICATION OF THE TOWER BELL CHIMES

On Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 we dedicated the restoration of our Tower Bell Chimes after the 10am and 11am services. The new chimes are a special gift from Dale M. Schwader in memory of his wife Peggy Schwader. The Bell Chimes will play melodies at 12pm and 6pm Monday through Saturday. Click on video to listen!

GRACE AT WORK GROUP WINTERIZES GARDENS

A team of over 25 gathered at Grace United Community Ministries in NE KC last Sunday to clean-up and ready the gardens for winter. These community gardens offer fresh produce to the clients of Grace United and neighbors through the growing season. This large group made quick work of cleaning and refreshing the raised beds. The sweet potato harvesting was a favorite for the younger helpers. Jeff Algie, serves as the liaison with Grace United, which offers a food pantry, after-school tutoring, preschool programming and more. To get involved through CCCC, contact Jeff via email. To learn more about Grace United Ministries, click here

ADULT ENRICHMENT

PATHWAYS TO LEARNING

LGBTQ and the B-I-B-L-E

If you missed this discussion last Sunday, you can view it online!

CLICK HERE

Handout with Resources available HERE.

In a conversation led by Dr. Mike Graves, explore what the Bible does and does not say about human sexuality and sexual orientation as Country Club Christian Church seeks to welcome all to God's table and discern what that means.

EVERYDAY JUSTICE: COURAGEOUS DISCOMFORT - Conversations about Race and Racism

Thurs., Oct. 27 at 6:30pm at Unity Temple on the Plaza

American Public Square in partnership with Rainy Day Books will welcome authors Shanterra McBride and Rosalind Wiseman to discuss their new book Courageous Discomfort: How to Have Important, Brave, Life-changing Conversations about Race And Racism. This conversation will be moderated by APS staff member, Denesha Snell.  

This event is $25 and includes 2 tickets and a hardcover copy of the book. Register HERE

Also, please RSVP to Catherine (in addition to registering) to receive your book ahead of the October 27 event. Everyday Justice will have a follow-up discussion on November 17 to reflect on the book and the conversation. Hosted by Hannah Fenley at her home near church. Details will be sent to registrants.  

GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Tues., Nov. 1 at 12pm 

Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road in Prairie Village

Join us for lunch and a special conversation about remembering and grieving our dear ones during the holidays. Rev. Dr. Jared Witt and Rev. Joe Walker will provide an introduction to the discussion. Following their presentation, you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, we appreciate free-will donations. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Our monthly Faith and Grief Lunches are sponsored by Country Club Christian Church and five other Kansas City area congregations. Register at www.faithandgrief.org

For information call 816-381-9249 or visit

Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC

MISSION AND OUTREACH

HARTMAN ELEMENTARY IN-PERSON TUTORING IS BACK!

Great News! After more than 2 years of hiatus due to Covid, our volunteer tutoring program will return to Hartman and continue the important work with students in need of extra help and support to become successful learners.

Now, more than ever, Hartman needs tutors. So many more students have fallen behind academically and are struggling because of Covid.

If you are interested and would like information on how to become a tutor, email Nancy Ralston or call (816) 590-1533.

Note: School safety protocol procedures are in place to assure that tutors and their students stay safe during the process of working together.

NOVEMBER GRACE AT WORK

Della Lamb's Operation Holidays

Sat., Nov. 5, 9 - 10am -or- 10:30am -12pm

Share your holiday spirit by joining with other church folks in helping to inventory and sort gifts for Della Lamb’s Operation Holidays. Over 500 families and in need benefit from this annual event. Our group will work in the large Della gym. Children are welcome to help when attending with an adult. Two shifts available. Make plans to help out with our Northeast Partner by signing up HERE

DONATE FLOWER VASES IN OCTOBER

Do you have a cabinet or shelf filled with empty vases that never get used? Here is your chance to free up that space and spread some joy and inspire kindness! Our Flower Ministry is partnering with Unexpected Blooms, an area non-profit, to repurpose flowers which would otherwise be tossed. Bring in your unwanted 5” - 7” vases, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or Sunday mornings through October.

No vases to donate - you can make a financial gift and learn more HERE

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders)

CLUB KIDS FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT

Sun., Nov. 6, 4 - 6pm

We will be heading to River of Refuge to assist with some projects onsite. 

RSVP to April

REMINDER! CLUB KIDS TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders!

Sign up HERE.

YOUTH GROUP (Middle & High Schoolers)

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.

October Youth Small Group Series

CURIOUS CHARACTERS continues

Sun., Oct. 23, 4:15 - 5:15pm

Middle and High Schoolers meeting off-site

Small group series wraps up this week! Learn about some of the curious characters in Christian Scripture and how their stories can help us tell sacred stories with our own lives.

More information will be sent out to RSVP'd high schoolers, including details about carpooling options from and to the church each week. Find out more information and RSVP HERE

YOUTH GAME NIGHT

Sun., Nov. 13, 4 - 5:30pm

Middle and high school youth are invited to a joint night of special games, snacks, and more!

More info and RSVP HERE

Consent & Release Form is required for any youth attending youth ministry events.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES - 10 - 10:45am

• Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
• Footstep in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
• Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade

SAVE THESE DATES

Fri., Oct. 28, 9am - 4pm | COME-N-TAKE DAY

Open to the public! Our purging may be your greatest find! Before items are taken for donation, you get first dibs...everything is FREE! You never know what treasure you may find.

Sun., Oct. 30, 4 - 5:30pm | TRUNK OR TREAT

Dress your little ghoul or goblin in their Halloween costume for a safe and fun alternative to trick or treating! Members host decorated trunks, games and activities that will make even the ghouliest, goblin giggle!

Also needing donated carnival prizes & Halloween themed snacks (fruit snacks, crackers, pretzels, etc.) for our trunk or treaters! Purchase on your own or or choose from our wish list.

Sun., Nov. 13 & 20, 11am | COMBINED SERVICE WITH SWOPE UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH

We are looking forward to joint-worship services on Sunday, November 13, and again on November 20. Rev. Rodney Williams will preach the first week and Rev. Carla Aday the following week. Come and enjoy a special message of unity with combined choirs and a reception in the parlor will take place following the Nov. 20 service.

Sat., Dec. 10, 2:30 - 4:30pm |  LIVE NATIVITY

Interested in helping with the festivities? Let April know!

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

IN MEMORY

Our prayers are with the families of Rev. Joseph Bryan, Phil Love and Mignon Clough as they grieve the death of their loved one. 

ELDERS and DEACONS

Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:

Tues., Nov 8, 6 - 7pm |  Elder/Deacon Meeting

Sat. AM, Date TBD |  Winter Retreat 

Tues., April 11, 6 - 7pm |  Elder/Deacon Meeting

All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.

For information on any of these events call 816-333-4917

SUNDAY, October 23

10am | Adult Sunday School Classes

10am | Sunday School for preschool - 5th graders on 2nd floor

10am | Youth Donuts and Discussion, Youth Center

4pm | Club Kids, Church

4pm | Youth Group. High school and Middle school meeting off-site. 

MONDAY, October 24

8:30am | Flower Ministry, Kitchen

9am | Green Team

10:30am | Yoga, virtual

5:30pm | Green Team

7pm | Monday Night Class "Imposing and Impossible Texts", Youth Center  

TUESDAY, October 25

7pm | A Life Worth Living with Rev. Mike Graves, Youth Center

WEDNESDAY, October 26

9am | Faithbook, Youth Center

10:30am | Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Youth Center or via Zoom

6pm | Bell Choir Rehearsal, Room 304

7pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal

THURSDAY, October 27

9:30am | Thursday Morning Book Club, Youth Center

9:30am | Sewing and Knitting Ministry, Sewing Room

FRIDAY, October 28

9am - 4pm | Come-N-Take Day, Church

10:30am | Yoga, virtual