January 14, 2022
FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: God Is Still Speaking
The new year has begun with a series of disappointments and delays. I had been looking forward to a special midwinter event in Texas for over a year and today it was converted to a “virtual.” As it sunk in that the relational aspect of the event had vanished, I felt hollow. Many families are again juggling work while dealing with quarantined kids. Courtrooms are delaying trials because someone on the jury is ill. And we continue to read the doomsday news about the fractured soul of our nation. It leaves us feeling raw. 

So many of our scriptures were written in the midst of times like these. For example, Psalm 34 says, “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” And Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” I find it helpful to read scripture sometimes not as a lesson but as poetry. Reading one Psalm every day can give words to the range of human emotions and capture our longing for God’s presence. Or reading one of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, just to hear again how Jesus stepped into the challenges of real life amongst the people. 

I also hear God speaking in the stories of people around me. Recently I read an article by Sarah Maslin Nir about how some people have exhibited amazing resilience during the pandemic. One story that inspired me was about a 35 year old man who was working at a brewery but got laid off during the initial shut down. It gave him time to reassess and he decided to go to college and study microbiology so he could help other people. He realized that when he told his grandkids how he survived the pandemic he didn’t want to tell him that he sat home alone getting drunk. 

It seems to me that in the middle of these chapters where we feel raw, both individually and collectively, that we become more aware of the immeasurable goodness and undeserved joy of life as well. And so even as we lament our worry and sorrow we also rise up with gratitude. Yesterday a friend called and over the phone we each recited for one another all that is so good in our lives: especially friends, family, church. Perhaps this is the reason we gather every seven days—on live stream or in person —because together we sense the God of all creation who promises that a new day is coming “where there will be no more crying or mourning or pain.” (Revelation 21) 

Grace and Peace,
Carla 

To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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.

IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a “Happy New Year” is familiar enough, but what exactly does that look like? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a vision for what a happy life might look like if we followed his lead, a series of “Blessed are…” statements known as the Beatitudes. As we begin a new year, we do so by considering “Jesus’ Vision for a Happy New Year.”

Sun., Jan 16 - Part 3: Blessed are those who Yield, based on Matthew 4:23-5:5. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.

Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.

REMINDER: Please continue to wear a mask when inside the church. For at least the next two weeks, there will be no in-person gatherings other than worship. Childcare will be available at all three worship services. 
THE NEXT 100 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
We are excited to share this update with you about The Next 100 Centennial Gifts Campaign. Watch for more updates coming soon.
  • To date, the campaign has raised $10 million

  • Cost estimates received in December are close to $11 million benchmark

  • Final construction drawings will be completed in the next month to submit for final bids/permits and moving forward on the $11 million benchmark goal

  • Collaboration with feedback teams on sustainability, kitchen design and landscaping continues

  • Construction will start this spring
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Beyond Belief: What Christianity Can Be
Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Led by Rev. Tyler Heston

Do you ever stammer if someone asks what you believe? What it means to be Christian is changing in our growing and globalized world, and you may feel there are more questions than answers. Adapted from the Pastors’ Class for youth, we will think about what it means to develop a more robust vocabulary for faith that goes beyond doctrinal points, inviting people of any age or stage of faith to look at what Christianity can be for you. Zoom link HERE.
EVERYDAY JUSTICE FIELD TRIP
Sat., Jan. 29, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Guided Tour of the Black Archives of Mid-America
1722 E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
 
The Everyday Justice cohort is sponsoring a field trip to explore the Black Archives. We will meet at the archives at 10:00 am (can enjoy conversation and purchase beverages or snacks from the coffee shop) with the tour beginning at 10:30 am. RSVP to Lisa.

Learn more about Everyday Justice HERE. Learn more about the Black Archives of Mid-America HERE.
SAVE THE DATE
AN EVENING WITH KRISTA TIPPETT
Wed., Apr. 20, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary

Krista Tippett, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, National Humanities Medalist, New York Times bestselling author, founder and CEO of the On Being Project; and host of the On Being podcast will speak at Country Club Christian Church. Free event, watch for more information. 
METRO MISSION
JANUARY COLLECTION CONNECTION
Winter Hand Packs

The Metro Mission Team is collecting items to include in winter hand packs that agencies hand out to clients. Many of our agencies work with people who find them outside for periods of time -- due to employment settings or lack of adequate housing. These hand packs can be a help to those spending time in the cold. Donations of tissue packs; small hand lotions; lip balm and hand warmers are being collected to assemble into these packs. Please bring your donations to the church weekdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday mornings.  
MICAH MINISTRY: Thanking Darrell Cantrell
 
Country Club Christian Church members and friends have been supported the meals and services provided by Micah Ministry at Independence Boulevard Christian Church for 20 years. From the early days, Darrell and Sharon Cantrell have helped organize and lead the Monday night meals and grow the services. Their vision of treating all with respect, dignity and as a beloved child of God anchors the mission of Micah. Darrell, who has served in the key role as Executive Chef since 2007, is hanging up his apron and retiring from weekly leadership. Not only did Darrell ensure meals were set for each Monday evening – often cooking them himself – he also gathered support in donations of meals, funding, in-kind contributions, and volunteers, always serving as a tireless advocate caring for others. A celebration of Darrell’s years of service with Micah Ministry will be planned for spring when more can gather to say a well-deserved thank you. (Darrell pictured at right in the turkey hat with volunteers delivering pumpkin pies for Micah's Thanksgiving dinner.)
 
What an amazing ministry of hospitality and critical care the Micah Ministry is, reaching hundreds of people each week. Our congregation underwrites a monthly meal with Micah and has several key volunteers engaged in making this happen. John and Shelly Trewolla lead the team that cooks and prepares the meal, with the help of Cindy Irey (leading the chicken cooking crew), Noah Klever, Mark Mendon and River Trewolla. If you would be interested in assisting with the once a month meal we provide please contact John
 
It takes volunteers every Monday evening to prep and serve the meal and on Thursdays to help in the clothes closet. All serving is done with safety precautions in place. Please consider sharing your time with this vital ministry. Sign up HERE.
 
Can’t GO to Micah? We need homemade cookies or brownies packaged as individual servings of two medium cookies or one large brownie per zip lock bag. Prepare them at any convenient time during the month. Bring them to the church weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Call Shelly Trewolla or text at 913-406-5740 with questions. 
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

MOPS GATHERINGS. Join us on Wed., Feb. 2 for our monthly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. Please RSVP, so we can make sure to have enough supplies on hand! If you have a mom friend that you think might enjoy connecting with other moms, please invite her to join us!

9:01 SCRIPTURE READING AND CANDLE LIGHTING. Are you and/or your child(ren) interested in lighting the candles or reading scripture at the 9:01.Contact April or Catherine 
with specific dates that work for you!

CLUB KIDS SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING. We are considering two Service Learning weeks this summer: May 3-June 3 and Aug. 1-5. Do you have a child interested in attending one or both of these weeks? Let April know so we can make final plans. We will work with our partner agencies and do other fun activities. Cost will be around $75 if you stay around for lunch and the afternoon activity.
YOUTH

SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
We're excited to announce that we’re traveling out of town for our summer service-learning trips to serve with local nonprofits, learn about the related issues and how our faith fits in, and to grow together as a youth group.

MIDDLE SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Sun. June 26-Wed., June 29.

HIGH SCHOOL - Youth who have completed grades 9-12 will travel to Chicago Sun., July 10-Sat. July 16, 2022.

More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.
BIBLE AND ART TOUR OF ITALY
May 30-June 9, 2022

A few spaces remain on this tour which was originally scheduled pre-pandemic. This unforgettable tour of world-class museums, cathedrals, Renaissance architecture, and the Tuscan countryside is led by Donna Houtteman, a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Rev. Carla Aday and Dr. Mike Graves. In addition to guided tours, there will be free days for leisure and day trips. For more information contact Dr. Mike Graves, mikeg@cccckc.org.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 2022

Join 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. If you don’t like to camp but you love the mountains, this is the place for you. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending.

Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning. 
www.cccckc.org