By Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence and Minister of Spiritual Formation
On August 15, we are returning to in-person worship at our three normal times: 9:01, 10:00, and 11:00. You probably already knew that since we’ve been announcing it over and over. But what you may not know is that another “return” is in the works starting that same day, a return to the basics of the Christian faith. We’re calling the sermon series “Christianity 101.” Several of our elders and deacons named it as a topic of interest, something we should address from the pulpit.
It’s a four-part series, with Carla preaching the first three weeks and me the last one. And there’s the problem: How does one decide on just four aspects to name the basics of the Christian faith? The moment you settle on a list, other items beg to be added. If you say “love” should be included, what about “faith”? Sure, love is the greatest, as the Apostle Paul put it, but “faith” and “hope” were on his list as well.
Before I even started my list to compare with Carla’s, I recalled just how Jewish this thing we call Christianity really is. Jesus was a Jew, and the two great commandments to love God and neighbor are from the first testament in the Bible. Still, we’re calling the series Christianity 101, not Judaism 101. But other questions arise, like should the list name that which is distinct among Christians as opposed to other world religions? If there is such a thing as 101, doesn’t that imply a 201 level of thinking is also needed? (That’s why I’m going to offer a three-part Monday night class on the topic, to keep pursuing the question and to engage in dialogue with those gathered.) In the meanwhile, we have this sermon series.
Earlier last week, I had an idea. What do you and others who attend our church think is the essence of the Christian faith? What would you say? One of the images Carla and I played with is the so-called elevator speech. I’ve never had this happen, but it’s a fun image nonetheless. With a few floors to go, someone on the elevator with you asks about the basics of Christianity. Before you hear the ding and the doors slide open, what do you say? We would love to hear your list.
Mike
To send a message to Mike, click HERE.
|
|
WORSHIP WITH US
In-person worship at 9:01 a.m. only. Online worship at 9:01, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. or on demand any time. All three in-person worship services resume on Aug. 15.
This Sunday: Dr. Mike Graves preaching, "Remember What?" based on John 21:1-17.
Click HERE to worship online with us.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
|
|
MASK UPDATE FOR SUNDAYS
To keep everyone safe during the current surge in Covid-19 cases due to the Delta variant, starting immediately, we are asking everyone to wear a mask at all times when inside the church, regardless of vaccination status.
To protect our children who are not old enough to be vaccinated, the North entrance is restricted to families dropping off children for childcare and Sunday School. Portions of the Ground, First, and Second floors are also restricted to children and parents. Masks are mandatory in these areas of the building at all times for everyone over 2 years of age. These guidelines are based on the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Please bring a mask with you when you come to worship. We have a limited number of disposable masks available, however supplies of masks are becoming limited once again due to the surge in infection rates.
If the weather allows us to worship outdoors, masks are optional. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we do our best to keep everyone, especially our younger members, healthy and safe.
|
|
|
|
PARKING ON WARD PARKWAY ENDS AT 11:00 A.M.
Until we resume three in-person worship services on August 15, our parking staff's hours have changed. For those attending the 9:01 outdoor worship service, please move your vehicles from Ward Parkway by 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to park in the Chapel parking lot.
|
|
BACKYARD BASH
RESCHEDULED!
August 4, 5:30 p.m.
Our last June Backyard Bash was rained out so we've rescheduled!
Dinner is build-your-own-bowl (rice, pork, chicken and/or veggies with toppings). $10/person or $35/family,
The Kansas City Disc Dogs will be here! Come see these dogs performing and playing in our yard.
Meet representatives from The Grooming Project. This organization is devoted to helping impoverished families become self-reliant through job training in the high-demand, high-pay trade of pet grooming. The Grooming Project’s education-based approach not only financially empowers single parents in poverty through equipping them with credentials in a competitive market, but it also ensures that they focus on improving their family’s future as a whole through parenting and budgeting classes, mental health support, life skills courses, and other needed medical services coordinated with many local organizations.
No adult class.
|
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE - AUGUST 15
IN-PERSON WORSHIP RESUMES & CENTENNIAL BLOCK PARTY
On Sun., Aug. 15, we resume all three in-person worship services, at 9:01 (sanctuary), 10:00 (chapel) and 11:00 a.m. (sanctuary). Sunday School classes will resume for all ages, at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday.
|
|
CENTENNIAL BLOCK PARTY ON THE LAWN
Join us for a day of fun! On the same day we resume in-person worship at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., we will begin several months of celebrating our Centennial with a Block Party on the front lawn. Complimentary food, music and fun for all ages! This event is open to the public. Invite friends and family to join us for this special day.
- Picnic lunch – hamburgers, hot dogs and sides
- Ice cream truck
- Live music on the front lawn
- Bounce house, balloon animals, yard games
- In-person worship resumes at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
OTHER CENTENNIAL EVENTS COMING THIS FALL - SAVE THE DATES
September 12 - Guest Preacher
Dr. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), preaching.
September 19 - Baptisms, Baby Dedications and Books
Historian and church member Dr. Linna Place’s book on the church’s history, and a companion book for children, will be available for purchase, and we will celebrate baptisms and infant dedications in worship.
|
|
|
|
BARBARA GEORGE RETIRING
Barbara George has announced her retirement as Director of Membership Development. Barbara has been on the church staff since July 2016 and is a longtime member of the church. In her time on staff, Barbara has shared a devotion to the church and a commitment to connecting visitors and new members with all areas of ministry. Barbara's deep love for this faith community has been evident in all that she has done both on the staff and as a member. It is with deep gratitude that we wish her the best.
|
|
|
|
THE NEXT 100 CAMPAIGN UPDATE
On Sunday the church announced that as of July 25, 232 families and individuals have committed $9,547,000 to The Next 100 Centennial Gifts Campaign. In addition, the First Fruit Offering, a total of the first gifts toward this amount, is over $2,400,000, more than 24 percent of the total amount committed.
These results signify the depth of your passion and belief in the future of Country Club Christian Church. Thank you for your generous support of this campaign.
|
|
|
|
ROOTS BIBLE AND BRUNCH
Sun., Aug. 1 at 12:15 p.m.
Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to Bible and Brunch in the church backyard for our monthly Bible & Brunch! RSVP & more info.
|
|
|
|
BEAUTY TRANSCENDING DEATH
Tues., Aug. 3, Noon
Guest speaker Marian McCaa Thomas tells us about her son, Steven, with whom she shared “all things musical.” “Thus," she explains, "I feel his absence keenly. My acceptance of his death and perspective on his Spirit's continuing to draw forth creativity and beauty in people now and into the future is based on my faith in the Divine Power I name God." Following Marian’s brief reflection you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated on-line small group. Everyone is welcome; no charge. Faith and Grief Virtual Support Gatherings are hosted by Kansas City area congregations. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/ For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249.
|
|
|
|
REGISTER NOW
MAX DEWEESE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Fri., Aug. 27 • Noon
St. Andrews Golf Course
Max turned 100 earlier this year and we are celebrating the church's 100th anniversary, so this event honors both milestones! You don't have to be a pro to enjoy this fun day of golf. Sign up today!
Proceeds support Friends in Service of Heroes and Veterans Community Project. Sign-up individually ($150 per person) or form a team. You can also sponsor a hole for $750. Sign-up and pay online at www.cccckc.org/golf. All are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Mike Graves at mikeg@cccckc.org. Click HERE to register.
|
|
|
|
STATE OF THE CHURCH
Tues., Sept. 14 • 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Carla Aday will give a vision update and present the 2020-2021 annual report.
|
|
|
|
TALL OAKS GALA
Fri., Sept. 17 • 5:00 p.m.
The annual gala supporting Tall Oaks Conference Center is Fri., Sept. 17. For information about event tickets or donating auction items, click HERE.
Tall Oaks is an outreach ministry the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Greater Kansas City region. For over 50 years Tall Oaks has provided camps and served as a conference venue for children, youth and adults in the metropolitan area.
|
|
|
|
COLLECTION CONNECTION for July and August:
School Supplies and School Uniforms
The Metro Mission Team is collecting school supplies for elementary aged children to benefit our partner organizations. Markers, scissors, glue sticks, #2 pencils, spiral notebooks, backpacks, etc. New or gently used school uniforms (dark blue, light blue or white polos, khaki or dark blue bottoms) in children's sizes. School supplies and uniforms can be brought to church Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the east entrance or dropped off after hours in the collection bin at the east entrance, or on Sunday mornings.
|
|
Grant Application Available
The Grants and Special Offerings Program of Country Club Christian Church provides financial support to non-profit organizations and are partners in mission to empower children to learn, eliminate hunger, and assist in moving people from poverty to self- sufficiency. Local non-profits are invited to apply for funding to support programs addressing the stated criteria using this LINK.
|
|
Volunteers Needed at reStart
The local agency supported by CCCC, reStart is experiencing a shortage in kitchen staff and needs some assistance serving over the next few weeks. If anyone is available and interested, see the shift sign up LINK.
|
|
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
rse bubbles!
THIRD GRADE BIBLES - SAVE THE DATE
August 15 - Bibles will be presented to 3rd graders during the 11:00 a.m.. worship service. If your child is entering 3rd grade and you did not receive and email from April - please reach out.
INFANT DEDICATIONS ON SEPT.19
On Sun., Sept. 19, we will celebrate Books, Babies and Baptisms, with infant dedications, pastors' class baptisms and Centennial children's books available. If you'd like your child dedicated that Sunday, please contact April. Or, if your family is not able to make it to worship on this Sunday we are happy to dedicate your child on a Sunday that works for your family.
More Children's Ministry news HERE.
|
|
YOUTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL PIZZA TOUR
Aug. 22, 12:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Join us for the annual Middle School Pizza Tour! We will carpool from the church to three local pizzerias. RSVP to tylerh@cccckc.org; $8/person (scholarships available).
HIGH SCHOOL BBQ TOUR
Aug. 29, 12:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Join us for the annual High School BBQ Tour! We will carpool from the church to three3 local BBQ favorites. RSVP to Tyler; $15/person (scholarships available).
More Youth Ministry news HERE.
|
|
Below: High schoolers spent the week serving and learning with local mission partners this week. |
|
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
IN SYMPATHY
Our prayers are with Randy Blundell and his family on the loss of his mother, Laura Blundell, on July 24.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
