By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care
You might reasonably question what possible connection there could be between carpet sales and faith. But the Holy Spirit easily made that leap during a vocations panel discussion earlier this week.
I was delighted to be a guest on the panel for an elementary student program. The students were bright, engaged, and asked thoughtful questions. They are just one more reason to be hopeful for our future.
In my introductory remarks I reminded the students that the “job” of a minister was to equip, empower, and encourage everyone to be gracious and generous expressions of God’s own love in their daily life.
During the question and answer period one of the other panelists referenced a respected older gentleman that the students see regularly in their Sunday worship. I happen to be friends with that gentleman. I seized the opportunity to say that while they might only know him as this kindly grandfather figure who serves and prays at church, I have known him in other settings and he is a great example of just what I had spelled out in my earlier comments.
For almost 40 years, I have seen this gentleman as a loving husband, devoted father, dedicated church member, compassionate neighbor, and a carpet salesperson. In each of those roles he has lived out his faith in countless, often unremarkable, daily decisions – a kind word here, a simple gesture there. Even, I explained, perhaps especially, in his business setting, I have known this man to be just and fair with his customers, co-workers, and suppliers. He has lived a powerful witness to God’s love, “out in the world” as we sometimes say.
The students left having heard of vocations which may have more direct or “intense” opportunities to be caring – nurses, teachers, police officers, etc. – but I am very glad they also heard that whatever you do for your job, you can do it in such a way that it makes tangible God’s love in the world.
To send a message to Joe, 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.
IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a “Happy New Year” is familiar enough, but what exactly does that look like? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a vision for what a happy life might look like if we followed his lead, a series of “Blessed are…” statements known as the Beatitudes. As we begin a new year, we do so by considering “Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year.”
Sun., Feb. 13 - Part 8: Planting Peace, based on Matthew 4:23-5:9. Dr. Mike Graves preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
UPDATE: Classes and groups may resume gathering in person at the church if they choose. Please continue to wear a mask in the church at all times and practice social distancing when possible.
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SUNDAY IS SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
The annual Souper Bowl of Caring benefits the Virginia Reed Food Drive.
- Youth will be at the doors on Sunday to collect donations as you exit, or you may leave your gift, marked “food drive” in the offering plate.
- We are collecting jars of peanut butter, jelly or whole grain crackers. You may leave your donations in the parlor.
- We are also collecting monetary and food donations on Sunday at a drive through event from noon-1:30 p.m. in the south lot.
- Please check expiration dates on any nonperishable donations.
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Click HERE and choose Food Drive to give electronically.
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YOUR STORY: FUNERAL PLANNING BEYOND THE BASICS
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m.
Join us to explore how your memorial service can inspire and encourage younger generations in this confusing time. Both in-person and on-line. Everyone welcome. Free. Hosted by our Anniversary Sunday School Class in the Pine Room. For Zoom invitation email Joe
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CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME
Chancel Choir Rehearsals are beginning on Wed., Feb. 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
- New and returning members welcome.
- We will be preparing music for spring and Easter Sunday.
- Rehearsals will be one hour long from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary - please be on time!
- Masks are required.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
The Rules of the Game: An Introduction to Worship
Feb. 21 and 28, 7:00 p.m. • Led by Dr. Mike Graves
There’s an adage, that people would understand various sports better if they knew the rules of the game, cricket, for example. A similar principle applies to worship. How are Scriptures chosen, hymns selected? Why do clergy sometimes wear green stoles around their neck, other times purple? Together, we’ll explore these topics and more, even working together to help plan an upcoming service of worship.
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NEW MEMBER SUNDAYS
Are you interested in becoming a member, or do you know someone who is? We will welcome new members on Sundays, Feb, 27 and Mar. 6. If you are interested in joining one of those days, contact Rachel Wymore.
GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Mar. 13, 10:00 a.m. in the 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 join us to learn more about us in a casual setting. A member of our clergy will guide you through our values, traditions, and beliefs and you’ll discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, and of course, our members. We would love to become your church family.
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EVERYDAY JUSTICE GATHERING FOR LEARNING AND CONNECTING
Sunday, March 6, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Youth Center
Civil Rights Pilgrimage Presentation
You are invited to join Hannah Fenley and Mike Matteuzzi as they revisit their March 2021 Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta. Through slides from sites visited and the sharing of things learned and things felt, you will have the opportunity to experience the hope and the horror of the struggle to achieve liberty and justice for all. No boarding pass required! Appropriate for middle school ages and up. Invite friends to join you for this experience. Please RSVP to Lisa.
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SAVE THE DATE
AN EVENING WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
Wed., Apr. 20, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, National Humanities Medalist, New York Times bestselling author, founder and CEO of the On Being Project; and host of the On Being podcast will speak at Country Club Christian Church. Free event, watch for more information.
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GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB
Sat., Feb. 26, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a morning of service with partner agency Della Lamb Community Services. There are two opportunities to serve.
- Volunteers needed to sort, organize and move supplies at Della’s facility, 500 Woodland in Kansas City, MO.
- Help facilitate activities for Afghan families who have recently arrived to the United States, such as art projects and games for children.
Safety protocols will be observed including wearing masks. More information and sign up HERE.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING CHECK PRESENTED
Rev. Carla Aday presented Della Lamb Community Services with the congregation's Christmas offering in worship on Feb. 6. The annual offering focused on refugee resettlement with the funds raised supporting the vital and expansive work of Della Lamb. The agency is currently settling hundreds of Afghan refugees, individuals and families placed in the Kansas City area after being evacuated from Afghanistan this fall. Cori Wallace, Engagement Director for Della Lamb, joined us in worship to receive the check for over $33,000. In addition to these funds, the church's ongoing partnership with Della Lamb supports hands on service projects throughout the year. Watch for information on how you can get involved.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICE PROJECTS
Elementary aged Sunday School classes spent time learning about Micah Ministry and our church's partnership with Independence Boulevard Christian Church to serve meals each Monday evening. Using the biblical passage from Micah 6:8 -- to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God -- the children explored how we are called to care for our neighbors. First and second graders made winter hand packs using the donations from the January Collection Connection. And third-fifth graders made cookie packs to be used in a Monday evening meal. Metro Missions Team is grateful for all the many ways and the many ages working to support the outreach into the community.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Are you and/or your child(ren) interested in lighting the candles or reading scripture at the 9:01? Contact April or Catherine with specific dates that work for you!
MOPS GATHERINGS
Join us on Wed., Mar. 9, we have a guest presenter coming, more details coming next week. If you wish to be added to the MOPS emails and group me, let April know. If you have a mom friend that you think might enjoy connecting with other moms, please invite her to join us!
CLUB KIDS SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING
There are two service learning weeks this summer for 3rd-5th graders: May 31- June 3 and Aug. 1-5. We’ll work with local partner agencies in the morning and do an activity in the afternoon. Cost is around $75 if you stay for lunch and afternoon activity. The August week is open for registration; the May/June week currently has a wait list.
Is your child interested? Let April know.
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YOUTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOT CHOCOLATE AND HIDE AND SEEK
This Sunday, middle schoolers are invited to hot chocolate and hide-and-seek at Meadowbrook Park at 9101 Nall in Prairie Village at 2:00 p.m. We’ll hang out for an hour, staying warm with the warm beverages and running around. RSVP to Tyler.
SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
We're excited to announce that we’re traveling out of town for our summer service-learning trips to serve with local nonprofits, learn about the related issues and how our faith fits in, and to grow together as a youth group.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Sun. June 26-Wed., June 29.
HIGH SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 9-12 will travel to Chicago Sun., July 10-Sat. July 16, 2022.
More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
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SCOUT SUNDAY
Every February, Scout programs across the country recognize their relationship with faith communities who partner with and host them with Scout Sunday. Country Club Christian Church observes Scout Sunday with recognition in worship for Troop 1084, who celebrates afterwards with the Blue and Gold luncheon and promotion of several levels of scouting. This year, Troop 1084 celebrates its 99th year of scouting as it promotes four youth from Cub Scouts Pack 4094. We were glad to welcome friends and family of these scouts to worship with us this past Sunday, and we are excited for a hundredth year and more of partnering with Troop 1084!
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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. 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, July 23-30, 2022
Only a few rooms remain open for this year's Christian Community Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, CO. If you've been considering going, now is the time to sign up! Questions about camp? Here's what you need to know:
Q: Does this camp involve tents?
A: No! The folks who go to Community Camp stay in a modern lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoy home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church.
Q: I don't know anyone else who is going to Community Camp. Will I feel out of place?
A: No! Each year first-time Community Campers are enthusiastically welcomed and many establish lifelong friendships from the experience.
Q: I'm not an experienced hiker. Is there anything else to do there?
A: Activities abound, from horseback riding, fishing and crafting, to shopping, antiquing or mini golf in Estes Park, to simply relaxing on the deck of the lodge with a good book. And yes, hiking too, with many options for hikers of all levels of experience.
Christian Community Camp is truly a magical experience for all ages. 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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