Alive With Wonder
By Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn, Minister to Children and Families
One of my favorite stories from Anne Lamott is her explaining why she made her (now grown) son Sam go to church as a child. She gives humorous detail about trying to get him enthused — all to no end. She jokes that he goes because she is 75 pounds bigger and she can make him. But then she quickly goes on to say, “The main reason is that I want to give him what I found in the world, which is to say a path and a little light to see by. Most of the people I know who have what I want — purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy — are people with a deep sense of spirituality.”
This summer, it was with those words bubbling in my soul that the wrestling with how to revamp, reframe, reimagine the foundations for our ministry with children began. These past few years have revealed a truth to us all….life is fragile and there are things (sometimes lots of things) that are beyond our control. One of the best gifts we can give our children is the truth that this life is bigger than just us, there is a higher worth than the sum total of our day to day, and connection to a sacred presence brings a sense of meaning to the fullness of our lives.
In recent parent preview sessions, we shared Dr. Lisa Miller’s, The Spiritual Child, and her insights into the importance of nurturing a child’s spirituality. All humans are hardwired for spirituality – use it or lose it – a child’s (and adults) spiritual faculty flourishes with support and encouragement to grow strong. Miller’s research shows how a spiritual foundation can be a bedrock for thriving throughout life – ups, downs and sideways – a relationship with a higher power can support us in all times. Seeking to support families with children, as parents play a powerful role in every aspect of the child’s development, calls us to attend to their spirituality.
And yet it is not solely the parents who must nurture the young among us. All within the faith community play a role and benefit from connecting with young souls, as children summon us for a sacred journey. Children bring the wonder, awe and mystery of the world to us anew and invite us into conversation of the most ordinary of everyday trials and triumphs. What a glorious gift to be in a community with a range of ages and stages of life.
As we begin afresh to welcome children into Sunday School we are seeking to engage them in a way that allows for their agency in claiming and growing in relationship with God. Children from preschool through 5th grade will explore Biblical stories and foundations that call for us to love God and love neighbor, to care for each other and our earth and to celebrate this diverse world! The second floor will be alive with wondering, imagining and experiencing as we seek to walk with our youngest members as they find their path.
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WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01 (sanctuary), 10:00 (chapel) or 11:00 (sanctuary) a.m. Click HERE to view our live stream. Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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WALKING TOGETHER SERMON SERIES
How would you describe our church to a friend, or to a co-worker? Coming up with the best words is not always easy. You could say “We meet people where they are and walk alongside them on the spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.”
Over the next three weeks, Carla and Mike will guide us in developing a vocabulary for what is most sacred to us and discovering the courage to share it.
Sun., Aug. 21 - Part 2: Stay with Us
Based on Luke 24: 13-34. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
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SAVE THE DATE: BLOCK PARTY!
Sun., Sept. 18, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of fun at the Block Party on the front lawn. Food and fun for all ages! This event is open to the public.
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We hope to break around this fall for “The Next 100” building renovations. We celebrate that over $11.5 million has been committed and $4.9 million collected towards this exciting project. We currently are adjusting the plan to match commitments. The Building Committee will give an update at the September 13 State of the Church meeting and share final plans later this fall. | |
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ADULT EDUCATION THIS FALL | |
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
This fall, our our Monday Night Class series returns with What’s So Good about the Good News? September 19 and 26 at 7:00 p.m., in person but recorded. Led by Dr. Mike Graves. Click HERE for a list of all the Monday Night Classes coming this fall.
CENTER FOR FAITH AND CULTURE CLASSES
Also this fall, in a partnership with the William Jewell College Center for Faith and Culture, members of Country Club Christian Church be able to attend a series of classes hosted in our church and at other partner congregations across the city. Click HERE for dates and descriptions of all classes being offered. Classes require registration but are free for Country Club Christian Church members with the code: CountryClub
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POTLUCK AND GAME NIGHT
Join us for a Roots potluck dinner and game night at Chelsie & Alex’s house in Lenexa on Tues., August 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring a side, drink, or dessert. Board games welcome, too! For more information and to RSVP, email tylerh@cccckc.org.
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AUGUST COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Missions is collecting facial tissues and sanitizing wipes for partner agency, Hartman Elementary. Bring items to church weekdays between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or on Sunday mornings.
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PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: SOLARIZE KC
Sun., Sept. 11, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about Solarize KC, a solar crowdsourcing, metro-wide initiative. If you have ever wanted to explore solar panels, a power wall or battery system, this is your chance. Our northeast partner, Jerusalem Farms, is involved in their regional effort to bring clean energy to homeowners, nonprofits and businesses at crowdsourced prices. Members of Jerusalem Farm will be sharing with us. To learn more about this project, visit SolarizeKansasCity.com
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SEWERS, KNITTERS, AND VOLUNTEERS TOUR SCRAPS KC
A group of members were led on a tour by Executive Director Brenda Motts on Thursday. Scraps KC mission is to care for Kansas City's environment, education and homeless through creative reuse. The large warehouse style setting has many things for sale - office supplies, fabric and sewing items, arts & crafts and more that support their mission of reuse, repurpose and renew.
Open to the public, check them out at https://scrapskc.org/
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CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS THIS SUNDAY 8/21
9:55 - 10:45 a.m., 2nd floor Children's Wing
Preschool – First Grade: Worship & Wonder
This Montessori style class presents simply told Bible stories that encourage wondering and allow for imaginations of children to connect the faith stories with their own life experiences.
2nd – 5th Grades: Footsteps in Faith
Using experiential rooms, the children will explore Biblical stories and foundations that call for us to love God and love neighbor, to care for each other and our earth and to celebrate this diverse world! From our nature nook, to sacred space to a make-n-take style art room the children will have choice in the ways they connect with God.
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HIGH SCHOOL BBQ TOUR
Sun., Aug. 21 - 12:00-2:30 p.m. High schoolers (grades 9-12) are invited to an afternoon of eating way through Jack Stack and Q39 (followed up with ice cream from High Hopes). Reconnect after the summer and celebrate the beginning of the new school year together! $15/person, RSVP HERE
MIDDLE SCHOOL PIZZA TOUR
Sun., Aug. 28 - 12:00-2:30 p.m. Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are invited for an afternoon at three local favorite pizzerias. Along with (hopefully) learning a new favorite KC slice of pizza, middle schoolers will get to know each other better and celebrate the beginning of the new school year as a youth group! $10/person. RSVP HERE
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INFANT DEDICATION
Archie Peter Christensen was dedicated in the 9:01 worship service and baptized in a family ceremony in the Chapel on Sun., August 14.
His parents are Sara and Chris Christensen. Older brother Stanley celebrated with him.
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RECEPTION FOR DR. PAUL TUCKER, SUN., AUG. 28
A celebration of Dr. Paul Tucker's service to the church in honor of his retirement will be held on Sun., Aug. 28. Singers who would like to participate are invited to attend the Wed., Aug 24 7:00 choir rehearsal where we will prepare one of Paul's favorite anthems to sing at the 11:00 service.
Receptions will be held after the 9:01 and 11:00 services in the Parlor where Paul will be presented with a Love Gift from the congregation. To contribute, please send your check marked “Paul Tucker Love Gift” to the church or give online at bit.ly/PaulLoveGift by August 28.
To help the personnel committee set up and serve at the reception contact office@cccckc.org
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STATE OF THE CHURCH
Tues., Sept 13 - 6:30-8:00 p.m
The congregation is invited to join all Elders and Deacons to an evening of enrichment that showcases the previous year and looks forward to the Next 5. View full agenda HERE
ELDERS and DEACONS
As we launch a new church year, please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
Tues., Sept 13 - 6:30-8:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon/Congregational Meeting and Annual Report
Tues., Nov 8 - 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting
Winter Retreat - Saturday morning Date TBD
Tues., April 11 6:00-7:00 p.m. Elder/Deacon Meeting
All meetings will be in the Social Hall with a Zoom option.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY RESUMES SEPT. 7
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Youth Center or via Zoom
Study the Gospel According to John with Dr. George Gordon. Call 816-333-4917 to register. Questions? Email Dr. Gordon at geogordon3@gmail.com.
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KNITTERS/SEWERS RESUME
After a monthlong break, knitters/sewers will meet Thursday, September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sewing Room
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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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