SOCIALLY DISTANCED, SOCIALLY CONNECTED |
|
Dr. Mike Graves shares this week's reflection while Carla is away from the office.
Most every week when the staff meets, we read an article or excerpt from a book for us to ponder and discuss. Some are heavy, others not so much. Some focus directly on ministry, others on a variety of topics with us having to make our own connections. But there’s always food for thought. Recently Joe Walker selected a piece on how educators can increase engagement when teaching students online. In his email introduction to the piece he invited us to find connections with doing ministry online. How does a church whose worship service is now online find a way to engage the people, keep them involved?
This got me to thinking about a slightly different question, which I’ll get to shortly. Here’s the background to my inquiry. If you think about it, church happens on two planes, the vertical and horizontal. In the former category, think personal devotions with God or Sunday worship. When gathered, people sing songs to God, offer up prayers. “Up” is the key word in the vertical plane. We used to do that in-person on Sunday mornings. Remember? We still practice the vertical, but now it happens online, each of us in our homes or on our patios. That’s the vertical dimension.
The horizontal plane is also important in the life of a congregation. This takes place in worship as well, when people greet each other. It could happen spontaneously when you see someone who is celebrating the birth of a first grandchild, and you offer congratulations. Or maybe more formally when “passing the peace,” and you offer a stranger a warm greeting. There are other forms of horizontal happenings in the life of a church, things like small groups or feeding the poor. Those are all horizontal moments.
So, here’s my question. If during the pandemic and a time of social distancing, we are still worshiping, which is mostly vertical when done virtually, what more can we do to connect with each other, to engage the horizontal? As many of you know, some small groups continue to meet, some virtually, others gathered on a driveway, and still others in the tent behind the church. And donning masks, many of the outreach ministries of our church continue in one way or another. But we are also somewhat isolated from each other these days.
I’m delighted to note that two of our social gatherings for men and women will also continue this fall, Faithpub and Faithbistro. For those who have never been, these groups typically meet in a local restaurant for some food and drink but also to connect and listen to a guest speaker. This fall, these groups will meet in the church’s tent on a couple of Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm. Bring your own favorite beverage and a snack if you want. Bring a friend if you like. The schedule and speakers are listed below.
Please be assured, we will wear masks and practice social distancing, but the point will be to practice social connection.
See below for details on upcoming FaithBistro and FaithPub gatherings.
|
|
Listening for God, Part 5, Of Boats and Bread" based on Matthew 14:22-33. Dr. Mike Graves preaching.
As we continue the series “Listening for God,” this week’s passage is about Jesus (and Peter) walking on water. In Sunday's sermon, we'll consider what “walking on water” might mean for us today. What does an ancient story like that say to us in our time?
Watch last Sunday's worship service HERE.
|
|
|
UPROOTING RACISM: AN ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOP Join us for one of three 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.
Two workshops 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.
- Mon., Aug. 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (in person, limit 25)
- 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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
PARENTING COLLEGE STUDENTS
Thursday, August 13, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The college and young adult years are always filled with transitions that families have to negotiate, but this year we have the added stress of a pandemic and economic depression. Parents of college students are invited to a conversation to share joys, concerns, observations, and questions in a confidential setting. More info HERE. Pre-registration required by emailing Lisa Tang or 816-333-4917.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
STAFF UPDATE
The continuing pandemic has resulted in significant changes in the way the church operates including reduced use of the building itself. This has led to the decision to eliminate the Director of Operations position held by Jason Ashley, effective Fri., July 31. While the church remains financially healthy, evolving conditions necessitate evaluating resources and redistributing to meet changed demand, such as investing more money in updated technology. If you would like to wish Jason well, we invite you to send a card addressed to him at the church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113, and we will pass them on.
|
|
|
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 back 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.
- 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!
|
|
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.
|
|
MISSION PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTED
Khadra Aden, her work at Della Lamb Community Services and its partnership with Country Club Christian Church were recently highlighted by Disciples Home Missions' Refugees and Immigration Ministries. The feature is part of the organization's “40 for 40” program, sharing 40 stories related to refugees, celebrating the 40th anniversary of some landmark refugee legislation and looking forward to an upcoming decision in congress related to refugees in the USA. More details HERE.
|
|
MORE UPDATES... Metro Mission Ministry Team members recently delivered partner candles (like the ones delivered to the congregation earlier this summer) to Sheffield Place, as well as a bag of kids activities, and a van full of meals went to Della Lamb and Cross-Lines Community Outreach -- 12 boxes with 33 meals each. Youth members of the church packaged these meals during the recent Service Learning week. Organized by Something to Eat, the meals are nonperishable with a long shelf life so can be used as needed.
SAVE PRESCRIPTION BOTTLES/LIDS for Micah Ministry who repurposes them after sterilizing for distribution of body soap, shampoo and other hygiene needs. Watch for more information about when to bring to church.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
IN SYMPATHY Our prayers and condolences are with the families and friends of:
Rowena Atzenweiler
MEMORIAL GIFTS honoring loved ones are placed into the Church’s Endowment Funds, which are used to support the church now and into the future. The Endowment Trustees disperse the funds according to the Declaration of Trust approved by the official Congregational Board. Gifts have recently been given in memory of:
Ruth Rader
by Areta Garden
by Linda Kekina
by Martha and Thomas Lieser
by Jill Reynolds, Backsnack Program
by Gay Woosley
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
