FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Life - A Lent Worth Living |
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When we decided to host the webinar on “A Life worth Living” with Volf and Brooks we hoped we would get more than 100 folks to participate, maybe even up to 500. But in the end, well over 1100 households tuned in, some as far away as India!. (If you missed it you can still find it HERE.) So we are staying with this theme for the season of Lent. 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?
Last year, our congregation could gather on Ash Wed for in person worship and we were partway through Lent before the fear of covid sent us online for streaming. It's mind boggling to realize that we are still physically separated from each other as we sit down to worship each Sunday. So this year our clergy wanted to find a way that we could take this sacred journey through Lent together. You will see each week on the communion table, 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.
Here is what we invite you to do, to connect from your home. 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. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 and the first Sunday of Lent is Feb. 21. We will interview some of you to find out what makes life worth living for you.
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?
Frederick Buechner wrote, “One life on this earth is all that we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be that at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can.”
Grace and Peace,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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STORIES IN GLASS SERMON SERIES |
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Stories in Glass
Part II of this series continues our detailed look at Country Club Christian Church's stained glass windows. In this series we are looking at the large windows on the southern wall of our sanctuary. The stained glass windows shape the beauty of our sacred space but more than that, they tell us the key stories of our faith and inspire us to live in the light of God’s beautiful love and grace. Do you know who is in each window? We will remember our founding members who built these windows and reflect on their meaning. As we are bathed in the holy light of these colorful images, we are called to live as those shaped by these biblical stories.
Sun., Feb. 14 - Saint Mark's Window, based on Mark 8:22-26. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Click HERE to worship with us.
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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ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 17
Service streamed at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Tyler Heston Preaching
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday. The 40 days of Lent are a time of pondering our mortality and of remembering our reliance upon God. In many ways, the season corresponds to Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, both a journey of sorts. The first service of Lent invites us into this journey.
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
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February is Black history month, a time to learn about and celebrate the rich legacy and history of Black individuals and communities. By celebrating Black history month, we have a chance to take a fresh look at our collective history and lift up stories that have often been suppressed and to ponder how our future might be more just for all people, especially Black people who have suffered undue injustice and unequal treatment since the beginning of our nation. Click HERE for more information and ways you might learn more about Black history and get involved with justice work in our city and nation.
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SATURDAY PRAYER LINE. Dr. George Gordon is sharing stories of our Black church and staff members down through the years as a special Black History Month feature on Saturdays our Daily Prayer Line (816-333-4920). This coming Saturday, Dr. Gordon will remember our beloved choir member, Joan Newby.
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METRO MISSION
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING RECEIVES SUPER SUPPORT
On one of the coldest days of the year, our children youth brought their warm hearts and smiles, and church and community members braved the roads to drive through and drop off food and financial contributions for the Souper Bowl of Caring on Feb. 7. Loads of food were shared with our ministry partners to support their food pantries. Monetary donations topped $3,000 for the Virginia Reed Food Drive. Metro Mission provides monthly financial assistance to support food pantries with our mission partners. These dollars will help the agencies reach more people in this critical time. Many thanks to all who participated; in case you missed it, you can still donate HERE.
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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.
SUPPORT FOR AGENCIES KEEPING PEOPLE WARM
ReStart Inc, one of the church's endowment grant recipients, is on the front line of serving those experiencing homelessness and hunger during this dangerous cold weather. The shelter is in need of new or used blankets, towels and sheets. Donations can also be made through their website, or on their Amazon wishlist. ReStart also has virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities.
Bartle Hall is serving as a central site for individuals to find warmth, food and shelter. There is a need for volunteers, who can sign up for a block of time online. The shelter is also in need of physical donations, including single serving snacks and beverages, gloves, including rubber gloves and winter gloves, hand warmers, hand sanitizer and masks. Donated items can be dropped off any day between 6:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. at the center. Financial donations to help supply bedding can be made through GoFundMe. More information HERE.
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UPROOTING RACISM: THE HOUSING CRISIS
Thur., Feb. 25 • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Among the many issues the pandemic has spotlighted, affordable housing and growing evictions have risen to the forefront. The housing crisis nationwide is multifaceted. Join us to learn more about critical housing issues in Kansas City and ways we might assist and protect tenants during these times, with panelists from the United Way, Legal Aid of Western Missouri and the City of Kansas City.
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ROOTS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Bible & Brunch, Feb. 14, 12:15 p.m.
On the first or second Sunday of each month (until we’re worshipping in person on Sunday mornings again), we will host Bible & Brunch from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. While the weather is cold, we’ll meet on Zoom, share a meal together, and spend an hour or so in conversation about wisdom throughout ancient Scripture and how it connects to our day-to-day lives today.
Our February theme will be “Who will separate?” and we will look at Romans 8 together. Bring a favorite brunch food (mimosas are welcome) and join us for creative conversation and community.
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ELDER/DEACON RETREAT
Sat., Feb. 20, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Elders and deacons will gather virtually for their annual retreat on Sat., Feb. 20. Guest speaker Dr. Anna Carter Florence's program, “Jonah: Minor Prophet, Major Lessons,” unpacks the Jonah story in order to draw out things for the church of the 21st century to consider.Watch for more information, and RSVP to Carla Rauth.
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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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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Lent Take and Make Event
Sun., Feb. 21, noon - 2:00 pm
Join us in the parking lot or drive through if it's cold. We will have activities ready for your family to take home to learn about and celebrate the Lent season together.
More information on Children's Ministry HERE. |
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YOUTH
February Bowling Social— Sun., Feb. 14, 4:00 p.m. Social distancing and masks will keep us safe during an hour of bowling together. $7/youth, cash or card in-person or online at cccckc.org/youth. RSVP now to Tyler.
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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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP ROOMS AVAILABLE
We are hopeful that the 2021 Christian Community Camp in Estes Park, CO, scheduled for July 17-24, will happen as planned this year, and assuming it does, there are a couple of rooms still available! Join other families and individuals from our congregation for a week of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, crafting, relaxing and fun at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. The group of 60-90 folks from all generations stays in a lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoys the home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church.
Click HERE for more information, or contact April with questions.
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