FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Surprises |
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The Spirit will surprise you. It will rattle your world and then show you something that is possible beyond your wildest imagination. We are two Sunday’s shy of a full year of worshipping 100% via live stream. I could never have fathomed that we could endure this let alone thrive and grow through it. But the Spirit knows us better than we know ourselves. As I ponder what has enabled me to stay sane through these 52 weeks, I am humbled to give thanks for three groups of people without whom I would have thrown in the towel.
One. Our staff. For all of my 33 years at our church I have been surrounded by amazing colleagues but never have I been part of a team more stellar than the one we have today. Over this past year they have gone completely above and beyond. They have worked hours well beyond that for which they were compensated. They have exhibited professional resilience and spiritual devotion and tenacious creativity. They have pulled together as a team, crying and laughing together as the situation warranted. They have given me hope and allowed us to not just stay the course but deepen our faith in the living Christ and bear witness to a love that never ends.
Two. Our board. In the first few weeks last Spring our board met frequently, sometimes weekly, to sort out our options and make wise choices for us all. And in the subsequent months they have steadied us and looked beyond the horizon to ask what God is calling us to do next. While juggling their own family and professional demands, they have devoted themselves to setting a challenging vision for our faith community.. Always ready to take my calls, our board chairs Jeff Zimmerman and Tepring Crocker were my anchors. Our Elder Chairs, Anne Hoffman and Jayson Parker mobilized the elders and deacons to reach out to the congregation with candles, ornaments, prayers and phone calls, knitting us together when covid threatened to pull us apart. Our Personnel Chair, Mary McClure, is an absolute genius and she not only nurtured me and our whole staff but she helped us shape the staff for our future.
Third. My family. My children and grandchildren have been my delight and joy during these days of social isolation. And my husband has been my constant companion in figuring out how best to pastor and love a church that I cannot see and touch every single Sunday. Like me he has a deep love for God’s church. He is the world’s best listener. And my very best cheerleader. He challenges me to dig deep into my own soul to listen for God and share the truth of the gospel. I couldn’t have made it these 50plus weeks without his abiding love and grace.
Where has the Spirit surprised you in the past 52 weeks?
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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What makes for a life worth living and how do we glimpse this more clearly as we focus on the journey of Jesus to the cross and empty tomb? Someone has written that the purpose of Lent is to wake us up to our need for Lent. It is a season to pause and reflect on who we are and who God calls us to become. By focusing on the short but powerful life of Jesus, we remember what our own lives are meant to be. Why did he live? Why did he die? Join us on Ash Wednesday, and Sundays during Lent as we journey together toward Easter Sunday.
Connect from Home During Lent
Join us as we walk the sacred journey through Lent together. Each week during worship, on the communion table you will see not just one chalice but many chalices. It’s a way of remembering that we share one cup of life but we are spread out across the city and nation. We invite you to find a “chalice” of sorts in your own home — be it a crystal stemmed glass or a pottery mug. Place it somewhere you will see each day. Every Sunday, ask yourself: What makes life worth living? How can I practice that during Lent? Write down whatever comes to mind, and place it in the cup.
Click HERE to worship with us. In worship this Sunday: Mike Graves preaching "Life: A Lent Worth Living, Part 2 - The Midterm Exam," based on Mark 8:27-38
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
Do you ever have trouble accessing our live stream? Click HERE for some helpful hints. |
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THE NEXT 100 CENTENNIAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN
With 100 years of love and grace to guide us, we are prepared to enter our next century with a vision for sharing God’s hospitality and grace with the next generation. We are excited to announce plans to relaunch the Next 100 Gifts Campaign. Watch the video for more information and watch for details on this campaign in coming weeks.
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UPROOTING RACISM: THE HOUSING CRISIS
Among the many issues the pandemic has spotlighted, affordable housing and growing evictions have risen to the forefront. The housing crisis nationwide is multifaceted. Last night, we had the opportunity to learn more about critical housing issues in Kansas City and ways we might assist and protect tenants during these times.
If you missed our Uprooting Racism: The Housing Crisis panel, you can watch the full recording later today HERE. Thanks to the panelists: Jim MacDonald, Chief Community Investment Officer, United Way of Greater KC, Rachel North, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid of Western Missouri; John Wood, Assistant City Manager/Director of Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department, City of Kansas City, who shared their knowledge of the situation and what we might do to help. Stay tuned for more opportunities to both learn more and make a difference in our city and world.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES - CELEBRATING OUR CENTENNIAL
March 29, April 5, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
March 29 – “The Disciples of Christ in One Sentence” Dr. Newell Williams, Professor of Church History and President of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, will present an overview of the historic beginnings and current status of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
April 5 – “Country Club Christian Church in One Century” Dr. Linna Place, a member of Country Club Christian Church and retired Professor of American Social and Cultural History at UMKC, will highlight the first 100 years of our church’s story.
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A LIFE WORTH LIVING COURSE
SPRING SESSION
April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 7:00 p.m.
Register for the spring session of the Life Worth Living Course is now open. Click HERE for more information on the class and to register. |
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FAITH AND GRIEF VIRTUAL SUPPORT GATHERING
Tues., Mar. 2, Noon-1:00 p.m.
For anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, this gathering features prayer and sharing with a guest reflection, “From Numbness to the Numinous” by Rev. Rob Carr. Join us to hear Rob share his experience of finally being able to grieve his sister, ten years after her death by suicide. You may also share your own experiences, if you are comfortable doing so, in our on-line conversation. Hosted by Kansas City area congregations. Everyone welcome, no charge. Register at www.faithandgrief.org or https://conta.cc/2Ncw8Do. Info 816-381-9249.
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FEBRUARY COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is collecting products to support several of our ministry partners in February. Donations of toilet paper, paper towels and sanitizing wipes (for surface or hands) can be brought to church Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 3:00 p.m. at the east entrance.
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Club Kids, for 3rd-5th graders.
February 28, 5:00 p.m.
Join us at the east entrance at 5:00, we will distribute eggs for spring fling and take part in other activities. Dress warm!
Save the Date for Spring Fling
Sun., Mar. 21, Noon-2:00 p.m.
Children and families are invited to Spring Fling, a modified version of our annual Easter Egg Hunt designed with safe distancing measures in place. Children will enjoy an egg picking garden, crafts, games and more!
Easter Eggs and Volunteers Needed -- Pick up a pack of plastic eggs to fill with individually wrapped treats for the egg picking garden. Eggs available on Sun., Feb 28 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the east entrance. Or donate individually wrapped pieces of candy to fill eggs. Drop off candy or filled eggs at the east entrance at any time. If you'd like to volunteer to help on the day of Spring Fling, contact April.
More information on Children's Ministry HERE. |
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YOUTH
Backyard Youth Group
This Sunday youth are invited to join us for backyard youth group! Middle schoolers will meet from 5-6pm and high schoolers from 6-7pm each for an hour of games, catching up, and a service-learning opportunity.
March Social— Yaya’s Alpaca Farm in Harrisonville, MO, on Sun., Mar. 14, 3:00 p.m.
More information on Youth Ministry HERE.
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