His faith failed him. Though he made bold promises, when the going got tough he followed at a distance. Peter denies even knowing Jesus, not once but three times. In the cover of darkness he betrays Jesus, saying to the maid, “Woman, I don’t know him.” And Peter is left weeping bitterly in the garden. The gospel of Luke (chapter 22) records how Peter’s faith seems to disintegrate when challenged. 

So it is quite a shock when the sequel is written, Peter plays a leading role. The book of Acts begins with these words “In the first book I wrote...“ We are meant to remember how Peter melted into tears and silent betrayal as Jesus went to the cross. But when the disciples reassemble to try to move forward, it is Peter who becomes a leader. He leads the charge to replace Judas among the twelve. And then, just five weeks later, when the church is born by the gift of God’s holy spirit it is Peter who musters the bold courage to rise and preach the first sermon. 

When we began streaming church 15 months ago, I was a bit like Peter, completely unsure if our faith community would survive during this challenging season of indeterminate length. But our congregation, led by a wise board and creative staff, and supported by members and friends of deep faith, has exhibited a resilience that has astounded me. 

This coming Sunday we observe Pentecost, which is traditionally thought of as the birth of the church 2000 years ago, when the Spirit came to the disciples and Peter rose to preach that sermon. And you and I are celebrating the 100th birthday of our congregation, which today has pivoted to serve the community and world in astounding ways. I shouldn’t have been surprised. I shouldn’t have doubted. I should have trusted that the Spirit of God would continue to blow through you. 

To send a message to Carla, click HERE.

May 16– Part 2, All Together, based on Acts 2:1-13. 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.

Week 1, June 9 - Food Truck: Tacos La Mano Cost is $10 per person or $35 for a family to eat. 

For Children and Families - Backyard games for all ages.

Spiritual Formation for adults - Music - Mind, Body, and Spirit. Dr. Matthew Thompson, Director of Music and Media, will discuss some of the recent neuropsychological research that explains how music has a powerful effect on the brain, body and soul. Music can be a catalyst for healing in the body, it can sharpen the mind, and it can bring us closer to one another and to God.

Have you turned in your commitment cards for The Next 100 Centennial Gifts Campaign and our Beginning Again Annual Campaign? If not, we encourage you do to so today. Your participation is important as we prepare for the future of ministry at 61st and Ward Parkway.

You can learn more at The Next 100 Campaign at the link above, or about the Annual Campaign HERE.

The easiest way to submit your commitments to these campaigns is by filling out the secure online commitment form located HERE. Or, you can mail your cards, bring them by the church office between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or return them during the offering time at the 9:01 on the Lawn service on Sundays. You may also contact Rachel in the finance office at rachelc@cccckc.org or 816-381-9256. If we have not heard from you by June 3, a member of our Response Team may contact you to answer questions, encourage your response, and ask how they may pray alongside you as you continue your journey of discernment.  

The church bylaws require that lay leaders chosen to serve on the Congregational Board be recognized and ratified annually by at least 150 members of the congregation before the new fiscal year begins on July 1. Generally this is done in an Annual Meeting of the congregation after each worship service on a Sunday morning, but since we are still not back a full in-person capacity, the Board has approved an alternative method of ratifying the slate of officers and new deacons for the 2021-2022. fiscal year. That vote will take place between June 13-20. View the slate for the vote HERE.

Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is responding to the Covid-19 crisis in India, as well as other disasters worldwide. Click HERE for more information.

The Metro Mission Team is asking for donations of toilet paper and paper towels for Della Lamb Community Services, one of our partner agencies in the northeast area of KC. Della serves the needs of more than 1,500 low income or vulnerable families through rent and utility assistance, food pantry and other emergency services. Please bring your donations to church Mon. - Fri. between 8:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m., or leave in the container at the east entrance. To learn more about Della Lamb click HERE.

The Church's Early Childhood Programs had a Fun Week this week with each day having a theme. On Wishful Wednesday the children dressed as someone or thing they would like to be. They also had a collection wishing everyone had enough food! Families brought in items to be donated to our ministry partners. Some of the students used the items to build sculptures. Metro Mission Team is grateful for all the ways our church community and friends help people. 

Our prayers are with the family and friends of John Collet who died May15. A family memorial service will be held in our Chapel on Friday, May 21.