FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Vine and Fig Tree
When you “envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree,” what images spring into your consciousness? I was startled to hear Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet at a presidential inauguration, refer to this Biblical phrase. Perhaps she was picturing a scene post covid, where we gather in a city park and bask in the lush landscape while savoring a feast with friends. Or maybe she was thinking of George Washington, who sometimes referred to Mt Vernon as his own vine and fig tree. There he found a place to retreat from the rigors and demands of life. This would echo the image of tranquility found in I Kings 4:25. 

Or maybe she was thinking of the Old Testament prophet Zechariah’s use of this image. (Zechariah 3:10) He sees a day coming when we will “invite each other to sit under the vine and fig tree.” This conjures up a day when political polarization melts away and friends and family reunite in forgiveness. It's a heavenly vision that can take place on earth, when hurt gives way to healing and strangers become united in mutual love. My fig tree is your fig tree! 

Scholars tell us that President Washington referred to this scriptural image “vine and fig tree” some 50 times in his writings. Both Washington and Gorman include the line about safety: “sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid.” (Micah 4:4) What if we no longer feared violence from terrorists - domestic or foreign? What if we no longer worried about gun violence or racism or misuse of power? What if neighbors knew each other’s names and reached out in times of need? What if nations welcomed refugees fleeing persecution and no child went to bed hungry? In 1790, George Washington wrote a letter to the synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, saying that in America, “everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree.” 

I found it delightful to hear a young poet refer to the sacred text. And I find it challenging to imagine ways that we can create a world where all of us sit under the vine and fig tree in peace. As Gorman said, when we “merge mercy with might” we just might get there. 

Grace and Peace,

Carla 

To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
STORIES IN GLASS SERMON SERIES
Stories in Glass, Part II

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., Jan. 31 - John, based on John 14:1-14. 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.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
A LIFE WORTH LIVING COURSE

As a follow up to the January 28 conversation with David Brooks and Miroslav Volf, Country Club Christian Church is offering a companion course, led by Dr. Mike Graves. If you missed the event, you can view it HERE.

February 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15 • 7:00 p.m. via Zoom • Registration is required for this course.

The phrase “the good life” has become cliché in our culture, usually indicated by prosperity. What does the good life actually look like? How do people decide for themselves? In this exciting launch of a new course, we will explore different approaches to these questions, focusing on three areas: self and others; pain and pleasure; and work and rest. This would be a great opportunity to invite people from outside of our congregation, even from outside of a Christian context.

This class is free and open to anyone, but registration is required. Deadline to register is Feb. 8.
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES • Re-membering Mary Magdalene

Feb 1, 7:00 p.m.via Zoom • Led by Rev. Tyler Heston 

Throughout Christian history, the character of Mary Magdalene has been largely misunderstood, even confused with the story of a repentant prostitute in the Gospel of Luke. This misreading is especially ironic given she’s the first disciple to proclaim Christ’s resurrection and a key figure in the birth of the Jesus movement. Largely inspired by feminist readings, this two-week study will help us to re-member who Mary Magdalene might have been and to consider the implications for our faith today. 
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.
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. This year's speaker is Dr. Anna Carter Florence. Watch for more information, and RSVP to Carla Rauth.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Club Kids, for 3rd-5th Graders
Jan. 31, 5;00 p.m. - Join us for games on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting HERE
Meeting ID: 915 5007 5517
Passcode: Kids

Club Kids Visit the Zoo
Feb. 14, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
3rd - 5th graders are invited to meet Catherine and April at the zoo at 1:00. Bring $18, your walking shoes and a water bottle. RSVP to April.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
MOPS meets Feb. 10, 8:00-9:30 p.m via Zoom. Contact April for details.

More information on Children's Ministry HERE.
YOUTH

Youth Group
Middle and high schoolers are invited to join in for a game hour on Zoom, Sundays at 5:00 p.m. Zoom link HERE.

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.

Find out more about our events this semester with the Spring Calendar!

More information on Youth Ministry HERE.
Cookies for Micah Ministry - Youth Ministry vs. Children's Ministry
On the second Monday of each month, our church provides the Monday evening Micah Ministry meal. We need homemade cookies or brownies packaged as individual servings of two medium cookies or one large brownie per zip lock bag. You can prepare them at any convenient time during the month. Bring them to the church weekdays between 8:00AM and 3:30PM. Please email April to let her know you are helping. Call Shelly Trewolla or text at 913-406-5740 with questions. Children's Ministry has challenged the youth to see who can make the most cookies/brownies!
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

Drive Through Donations
Sun., Feb. 7 • noon - 2:00 pm in the south lot

Children and Youth Ministries invite you to participate in this year's Drive Through Souper Bowl of Caring by bringing monetary donations and/or soups, mac-n-cheese or jars of peanut butter to church on Sun., Feb. 7.

These donations will be shared with ministry partners with feeding programs and food pantries.
Monetary donations can be made at any time by clicking HERE and choosing Virginia Reed Food Drive.
FAITH AND GRIEF VIRTUAL GATHERING

Faith & Grief Virtual Support Gathering for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Tues., Feb. 2, 2021, noon-1:00 p.m. (CT). Prayer and sharing with a guest reflection, “Listening: know that losing a loved one hurts a lot” by Ann Parr. Join us to hear Ann share her experiences of realizing that “almost nothing will be the same”. 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/39PzJ1w. Info 816-381-9249.
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.
METRO MISSION

The Metro Mission Team is asking for donations for the church's sewing and knitting groups. Donations can be dropped off at the church on weekdays or left in the Collection Connection bin at the east entrance. 
  • White all purpose sewing thread
  • 4 ply yarn