FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Sabbath
“Monkey in the Middle” pierced the subtle rhythm of the ocean lapping at the shore. Squeals and dives and splashes erupted as my young adult son taught his nieces and nephews his favorite childhood game. I smiled as I looked up from my umbrella covered beach chair. I reminisced about the countless hours my son and I played that game while he was growing up. We played it in a glacier lake in Maine and in the in the swimming pool in Oklahoma. We played it with aunts and uncles and older siblings and friends. Within minutes I had joined the simple game of keep away, laughing hysterically and reveling in the fun. It was hard to tell who was having a better time: the little kids or the mature adults.

It reminded me of what Dr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist said about play being “outside of time.” There are moments that are so pleasurable that you simply don’t know or care about time because you are immersed completely in the joy of being in one another’s company and engaging in the game. Dr. Brown discovered that such times of play are essential to healthy brain development and that even we adults need regular times of play.

I was driving down the street the other day but had accidentally left my phone at home and the screen in my car said “no device connected” And I thought: That’s what we all need. Times when no device is connected: no TV, phone, computer, iPad. We just need moments “outside of time” to connect our souls to the creativity of our creator, the joy of human connection, the pleasure of play. The ancient word for this in the Bible is Sabbath, or as one Jewish scholar described, the practice of resting every seven days, “a palace in time.” God’s people found it so essential to rest and play with regularity that they made it one of the ten commandments: “Keep the Sabbath.”

My prayer for you in these final weeks of summer is that you will seek and find some time to play, and experience those sacred moments “outside of time.”

Grace and Peace,
Carla
SUMMER SERMON SERIES

Listening for God, Part 6, In Relationships, based on Genesis 45:1-15. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.

Streaming at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Watch last Sunday's worship service HERE. 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
UPROOTING RACISM: AN ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP There are still spots available for the two remaining anti-racism workshops led by members of The Open Table’s Anti-Racism Training Cohort. These interactive sessions will establish a common working definition of racism so that we can understand how to work together against racism in all forms. Trainers will offer history and theory along with opportunities to converse and imagine how we can be actively anti-racist in our church and in our lives. 

One workshop will be held in-person at the church (practicing social distance and wearing masks) and one will be held online via Zoom. Space is limited; please register by emailing Lisa Tang. If you need to cancel, please notify Lisa so that someone on the wait-list may take your spot.

  • Sun. Aug. 30, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (online, limit 50)
  • Sat., Sept. 19, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (in person, limit 25)

More information about The Open Table and their anti-racism workshops can be found HERE
STATE OF THE CHURCH Rev. Carla Aday will give a vision update and present the annual report for the last fiscal year on Tues., Sept. 15 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Save the date and watch for Zoom link in future newsletters.

FAITHPUB AND FAITH BISTRO RETURN
Gatherings will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. under the tent in the back yard.

FaithBistro for women of all ages, with guest speakers on spirituality and real-life issues.
Sept. 17 - guest speaker Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn
Oct. 15 - guest speaker Donna Houtteman

FaithPub, hosted by Dr. Mike Graves, this men’s group meets for conversation on a host of spiritual topics.
Sept. 24 - guest speaker Max Deweese
Oct. 22 - guest speaker Doug Hundley
ROOTS SERVICE PROJECT
Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to a morning serving with the Urban Farming Guys, a nonprofit that does holistic community development and urban gardening in Northeast Kansas City. Sat., Aug. 29, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Contact Tyler for more information. In photo: 18 folks enjoyed the Roots fall kick off last Sunday.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
3RD ANNUAL MAX DEWEESE TOURNAMENT
Fri., Sept. 25 • Noon • St. Andrews Golf Course
Proceeds support ministries to help veterans.
Sign-up ($150 per person), form a team, and sponsor a hole ($750). All are welcome. Not a golfer? You can make a donation to the tournament in any amount. Sign up HERE or for more information, contact Dr. Mike Graves.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING AND 3RD GRADE BIBLES Join us on Sun., Aug. 23 beginning at 5:45 p.m. for our Back to School blessing and the presentation of a Bible to all our third graders at 6:00 p.m., followed by Kona Ice treats at 6:15 p.m. These annual traditions will take place in the front yard with families spaced at safe distances. More information on what's happening with Children and Families Ministries HERE.
YOUTH

SAVE THE DATES
  • Middle School Pizza Party​ -- ​Sun., Aug. 16, 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Tyler.
  • Youth and Family Connection Session -- Sun., Aug. 23 • 6:15-7:00 p.m. Find out what’s planned for youth ministry this fall. 
  • High School BBQ Party,​ ​Sun., Aug. 30 • 6:00 p.m.

Lots more information about Youth Ministries happenings HERE. Or Sign up for email and/or texting updates at the link below to stay up to date! ​

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METRO MISSION UPDATES
COLLECTION CONNECTION - UNIFORMS FOR HARTMAN ELEMENTARY
We continue to collect school supplies and new and gently used school uniforms for the children at Hartman Elementary: white or navy polo shirts, navy or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, and jumpers.

You may participate by ordering online and having items delivered to church, making a monetary donation by clicking HERE and choosing Collection Connection, or by dropping items by the church Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the plastic container by the east entrance.  
TREATS FOR DELLA LAMB
Members Ed and Kathy Buckley of the Metro Mission team delivered homemade treats and snacks to the Della Lamb Early Education Program staff. This dedicated group of teachers and staff provide a nurturing learning environment for infant through preschool in the Northeast area of KC. Many thanks to the families who created tasty treats to share as an appreciation for the service of the Della staff.  

SAVE PRESCRIPTION BOTTLES/LIDS for Micah Ministry who repurposes them after sterilizing for distribution of body soap, shampoo and other hygiene needs. You may leave bottles in the collection bin at the east entrance to the church Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
If you have not already turned in your giving estimate card, it is not too late to do so. You may make your make your pledge securely online using the buttons below or email your pledge to Rachel Clement, Director of Finance (816-381- 9256). Thank you.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

IN SYMPATHY Our prayers and condolences are with the families and friends of:

Paul Niewald
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
We are grateful for your continued financial support, which is allowing the church to continue to serve in ministry with you through these uncertain times. If you would like to share your weekly offering electronically,  please do so at  HERE, or text the word General to 816-484-3399 to give quickly and easily.