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We began waiting for his arrival on Sunday. Our son had been in Japan for a month and was flying home for Thanksgiving. “He’s in the air now” we said to each other as we knew Tokyo's time zone was a day ahead of us. Then the flight was late and he missed his connection. We stared at our phones, waiting for the news of his new arrival time. As we waited, we could both smell him! Our longing and anticipation for those we love is palpable.
Advent means arrival. Little children get it. They count down the days to Christmas. Waiting is hard. “When can we open the gifts?” “How many more days until we see our cousins?” Elves and advent calendars all help us count down the days. But Advent is more than child’s play. We adults also have our longings. Here in the darkest season of the year, when the sun sets too soon and sleeps too late, we can grow weary.
Advent reminds us that we wait for some good news to still be born among us. What is it that you wish would arrive in your life right now? How might you be weary of waiting for God to show up? Advent announces that long ago love arrived in human flesh, still arrives in the mess of our own world, and will one day arrive more fully. But when the plans seem delayed, how will each of us artfully wait for God to come?
Perhaps this Poem by Dom Helder Camara says it better.
The Spirit Is Breathing
The spirit is breathing
All those with eyes to see,
women and men with ears for hearing
detect a coming dawn;
a reason to go on.
They seem small, these signs of dawn,
perhaps ridiculous.
All those with eyes to see,
women and men with ears for hearing
uncover in the night
a certain gleam of light;
they see the reason to go on.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
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WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01am (sanctuary), 10am (chapel) or 11am (sanctuary)
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Click HERE to view our live stream.
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Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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Sun., Nov. 27 2022
"Deja Lu" Rev. Dr. Mike Graves
Scripture Focus: Revelation 12:1-6
This Sunday we begin a new sermon series for Advent, “Windows to Christ’s Birth.” On this first week, we’ll look at a very different version of the nativity story, one from the book of Revelation, about a great red dragon. While the last book of the Bible can be intimidating, its message is also very familiar.
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In Today's Newsletter, Keep Scrolling or Click on the links below!
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Oct. 23-26, 2023 | Human Rights Pilgrimage
Join us on an educational and relational journey to better understand racism in our country and to consider ways to work toward dismantling it. Led by Rev. Carla Aday and Dr. Claudia Highbaugh. This pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, includes visits to the National Peace and Justice Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders Museum. Estimated cost is $1250 per person, double occupancy, or $1,600 single occupancy. Scholarships available. More information at cccckc.org/human-rights-pilgrimage/. CLICK HERE for more information, brochure and registration.
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Sept. 5 - 14, 2023 | Holy Land Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been called “the fifth Gospel,” and for many people, it’s the trip of a lifetime. This trip starts in Galilee, coming down the Jordan valley, and culminates with some of the most cherished sites in and around Jerusalem. This Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is being led by Dr. Mike Graves and Dr. David May. To see a detailed itinerary and more information, click HERE.
The cost is $4,800 per person, double occupancy. It includes round-trip airfare from Kansas City, ground transportation, 4-star hotels, and two meals per day, as well as entrance into all the sites and gratuities. A $300 deposit is due in May of 2023. Space is limited, so signing up ASAP is encouraged. If interested in participating, email Dr. Graves.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL "MEET AND GREET" THIS SUNDAY, NOV. 27
All adults are invited to an informal "Meet and Greet" during the 10:00 am Sunday School hour this Sunday, Nov. 27. Stop by the Youth Center (2nd floor) for a cup of coffee and get introduced to people from other worship times and classes. Hosted by three generations of our congregation: the Anniversary, Koinonia, and Connections classes.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH
Tues., Dec. 6, Noon, Village Presbyterian Church.
Guest speaker, Ginny Miller shares life lessons on, death and grief from a chaotic week of joy and heartbreak over 40 years ago. Following the presentation, you may share your experiences in a facilitated small group. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. For information 816-381-9249. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings.
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MISS A MONDAY NIGHT CLASS? These classes will be recorded and posted the following Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. on our YouTube channel. Click HERE to catch the new classes when they are published.
Click the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified when new content is posted!
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GREEN WORKS KC OFFERS A HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALTERNATIVE
Heading into the season of giving can bring the opportunity to explore different and meaningful ways to support local agencies. This holiday season you can support Green Works (and meet some future leaders) by shopping for sustainable products at their Midtown retail store, The Perennial Bee (605 East 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64109) The store is currently open on Thursdays 3 - 6 pm, and Saturday, December 10 from 11am - 4pm. If stopping by is not an option, you can order online!
Country Club Christian Church has supported Green Works with grants, volunteers, and hosted informational tours with small groups.
For 15 years, Green Works KC has been inspiring urban youth and young adults to be the next generation of nature lovers and environmental leaders through outdoor experiences, project-based learning, STEM career exploration, and real-world work opportunities in sustainable business. Visit greenworkskc.org to learn more, purchase products online, or make a year-end, tax-deductible contribution.
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YOUR OLD WOOL SWEATERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Do you have old wool sweaters that have shrunk, have holes or have just gone out of style? We want them! They will be made into mittens to be given to the homeless to help during this winter season. The sweaters do need to be wool. You may drop them off at The WELL on Sunday mornings!
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CAN YOU HELP DELIVER JOY?
Our flower ministry is looking for volunteers to make 2-3 deliveries at your convenience on Mondays or Tuesdays. Arrangements created from our Sunday memorial flowers are available about 10am on Monday. We always have 2-3 deliveries to our sick or homebound that could be made anytime after that. For information call or email 816-381-9249 or Email Joe
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MICAH MINISTRIES WARMTH PACKS
FOR DECEMBER
Each Monday evening volunteers offer hundreds of meals through the Micah Ministries at Independence Boulevard Christian Church. Many of those being served may be without adequate shelter or homes which becomes even more challenging in winter. Metro Missions Team will be collecting items and monetary donations for warmth packs to be shared for Christmas. Donations of water-proof winter gloves in sizes L or XL are needed and can be brought to church M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday mornings. Or make a contribution on-line HERE and choose Micah Ministries or mail a check to the church with Micah Warmth Pack in the Memo.
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DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A COOKIE MINISTRY?
Every Sunday we want to welcome people with freshly baked goodies to be enjoyed between services in the parlor. Alas, the Keebler Elves take the weekend off so we are needing some volunteers who have a cookie calling! Are you able to help provide some of the 12 dozen cookies needed each week? One Sunday a month maybe? If so please contact Barbara at 913.269.3878 or email her HERE to get more details!
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CLUB KIDS (3rd - 5th graders) | |
REVERSE CAROLING
Reverse carol with Catherine and April. They come to you, then you sing a carol or two and they'll provide the hot chocolate. After sign-ups are full, the route for each day will be planned and they will let you know approximately when to expect them. Sign up for a timeslot HERE.
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REMINDER! CLUB KIDS TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our activities via text reminders!
Sign up HERE.
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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.
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CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Sun., Dec. 18, 12:30pm and 3:30pm
Join us for one of two youth Christmas parties! Includes ice skating at Park Place in Leawood, a meal, and a Christmas gift exchange. Middle school will meet 12:30-2:30 p.m. and high school from 3:30-5:30 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/ccccyouthxmas22
| Consent & Release Form is required for any youth attending youth ministry events. | |
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES - 10 - 10:45am
- Worship & Wonder: Pre-school - 1st grade
- Footsteps in Faith: 2nd - 5th grade
- Donuts & Discussion: 6th - 12th grade
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YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 20's to 30's) | |
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ROOTS NOVEMBER DINNER AND DISCUSSION
Tues., Nov. 29 at 6:30pm
Join us for a potluck dinner and advent-themed activity. We'll meet off-site at church member Hannah Fenley's home (just a few blocks away from the church) for dinner and our activity. RSVP at bit.ly/rootsnovdinner and stay tuned for details for the evening!
Roots Christmas Party
Sun., Dec. 18, 6pm
Join us for dinner and a gift card exchange then ice skating at Park Place in Leawood. We will meet for dinner first at a restaurant walkable to the Ice Rink (11565 Ash St.) before skating at 7:00pm. RSVP at bit.ly/rootsxmas2022 to stay tuned with more information!
Stay tuned with each month’s location and more at linktr.ee/cccckcroots or by following us on Instagram at @cccckcroots.
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Sat., Dec. 10, 2:30 - 4:30pm | CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AND LIVE NATIVITY
Bring your friends and family and follow the star of Bethlehem to our live nativity scene complete with the Holy family, shepherds and animals.
Then come inside for these activities...
• Live jazz in the sanctuary
• Holiday craft projects for kids
• Keepsake photo ornament of your family in front of the sanctuary Christmas tree
• Assembly of warmth packs for Micah Ministries
• Hot Cocoa and Coffee Bar
Interested in helping with the festivities? Let April know!
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ELDERS and DEACONS
Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
Sat., Feb. 2, 2023 | Winter Retreat
Tues., April 11, 2023. 6 - 7pm | Elder/Deacon Meeting
All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.
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For information on any of these events call 816-333-4917
SUNDAY, November 27
10am | Adult Sunday School Classes, Combined "Meet and Greet", Youth Center
10am | Sunday School for preschool - 5th graders on 2nd floor
10am | Youth Donuts and Discussion, Youth Center
MONDAY, November 28
10:30am | Yoga, virtual
TUESDAY, November 29
6:30pm | Roots Dinner and Discussion
WEDNESDAY November 30
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, December 1
9:30am | Sewing and Knitting Ministry, Sewing Room
10am | Prayer Ministry Meeting
FRIDAY, December 2
10:30am | Yoga, virtual
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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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