FROM THE SENIOR MINISTER: Blessed Are the...
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Mike was right. I lobbied for a four-week series on the Beatitudes but Dr. Mike Graves thought eight would be better since there are eight beatitudes. I thought you might get bored. Or I would! But now that we are approaching week eight, I realize that there is so much left to learn about these few verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5:1-12)
“Blessed are the…for they will…“ is the formula. I was shocked when I realized this didn’t originate with Jesus. I was touring the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit with a Bible study group at our church when I saw under glass the manuscripts that were more than 2000 years old. They were called The Beatitudes but they were not the ones in our Bible. This astounded me. Jesus used a formula from ancient literature known to his audience. He inserted his radical, challenging and countercultural notions into the cadence that felt familiar to teach them about God’s ways for a whole life. Would they risk following his vision?
On our trip to the Holy Land we visit the Church of the Beatitudes. No one can say for sure where Jesus first offered the famous sermon. Even the gospel writers do not agree if it was a mountain or a plain. But the site we visited was a hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee. And Dr. Graves pointed out that here you can see how the slope of the earth forms a natural amphitheater where it would have been possible for large crowds to hear Jesus speaking. It gave me goosebumps and the Beatitudes became for me not poems but words of hope declared aloud on a grassy hillside to hundreds of women, men and children eager for wholeness and hope in a brutal world. Many of them dared follow him.
Professor Tom Long says that the Sermon on the Mount is like the Constitution of the U.S. It is a pivotal founding document that is key to our identity as Christians. And the Beatitudes are like the preamble. “We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility…” The Beatitudes are foundational to who we are. “Blessed are the meek, blessed are the peacemakers…“ Just as the Constitution turned the world upside down, so the Beatitudes radically altered how folks came to see the core values of life in the kingdom of heaven. They deserve more than eight weeks, they deserve a lifetime of devotion to pattern our lives in the ways of the living Christ.
See you Sunday,
Carla
To send a message to Carla, click HERE.
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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., Feb. 13 - Part 8: Mischief Makers, based on Matthew 4:23-5:12. Rev. Carla Aday preaching.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
UPDATE: Classes and groups may resume gathering in person at the church if they choose. Please continue to wear a mask in the church at all times and practice social distancing when possible.
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CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME
Chancel Choir rehearsals have resumed on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
- New and returning members welcome.
- We will be preparing music for spring and Easter Sunday.
- Rehearsals will be one hour long from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary - please be on time!
- Masks are required.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
The Rules of the Game: An Introduction to Worship
Feb. 21 and 28, 7:00 p.m., in person in the Youth Center or via Zoom
Led by Dr. Mike Graves
There’s an adage, that people would understand various sports better if they knew the rules of the game, cricket, for example. A similar principle applies to worship. How are Scriptures chosen, hymns selected? Why do clergy sometimes wear green stoles around their neck, other times purple? Together, we’ll explore these topics and more, even working together to help plan an upcoming service of worship.
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NEW MEMBER SUNDAYS
Are you interested in becoming a member, or do you know someone who is? We will welcome new members on Sundays, Feb, 27 and Mar. 6. If you are interested in joining one of those days, contact Rachel Wymore.
GUEST GATHERING
Sun., Mar. 13, 10:00 a.m. in the Library
If you are a guest at Country Club Christian Church, we are happy to welcome you! Whether you’re a new visitor, or you’ve been attending for a while, we invite you to join us to learn more about us in a casual setting. A member of our clergy will guide you through our values, traditions, and beliefs and you’ll discover ways to connect with our service opportunities, classes, small groups, and of course, our members. We would love to become your church family.
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FAITH AND GRIEF ONLINE: MY FRIEND, MICHELE
Tues., Mar. 1, Noon
At the next Faith and Grief gathering, guest speaker Marcia Tammeus shares her unexpected experience of accompanying her friend, Michele, from debilitating diagnosis to death.
Faith and Grief meets the first Tuesday of the month. Sometimes in-person and some months via Zoom. Guest speaker, followed by facilitated small group conversation providing a safe place for us to remember, listen, and pray together. You may share - or not - as you are comfortable. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge. Click HERE to register on-line to receive a meeting invitation. For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249. These monthly gatherings are sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations.
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EVERYDAY JUSTICE GATHERING FOR LEARNING AND CONNECTING
Sunday, March 6, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Youth Center
Civil Rights Pilgrimage Presentation
You are invited to join Hannah Fenley and Mike Matteuzzi as they revisit their March 2021 Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta. Through slides from sites visited and the sharing of things learned and things felt, you will have the opportunity to experience the hope and the horror of the struggle to achieve liberty and justice for all. No boarding pass required! Appropriate for middle school ages and up. Invite friends to join you for this experience. Please RSVP to Lisa.
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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.
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SAVE THE DATE
CELEBRATION DINNER AND AUCTION
Fri., April 29, 6:30 p.m., 2016 Main Event Space
After two years of waiting, the Celebration Dinner and Auction returns on Fri., Apr. 29. This event will be a time to come together as a church in a casual, fun setting. Mark your calendar now and watch for additional details coming soon!
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COLLECTION CONNECTION: THE CARING CONTINUES
We are extending the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, benefitting the Virginia Reed Food Drive, through February. Here’s how you can give:
- You may leave your gift, marked “food drive” in the offering plate.
- Leave your donations of peanut butter, jelly or whole grain crackers. in the parlor. (Please check expiration date.)
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To give electronically, click HERE and choose Food Drive.
Photo: Children and Youth collected donations at our drive through Souper Bowl of Caring event last Sunday.
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GRACE AT WORK PARTNERSHIP DAY WITH DELLA LAMB
Sat., Feb. 26, 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a morning of service with partner agency Della Lamb Community Services. There are two opportunities to serve.
- Volunteers needed to sort, organize and move supplies at Della’s facility, 500 Woodland in Kansas City, MO.
- Help facilitate activities for Afghan families who have recently arrived to the United States, such as art projects and games for children.
Safety protocols will be observed including wearing masks. More information and sign up HERE.
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FAMILY NIGHTS AT RESTART
Winter Days was the theme of the family activity night we hosted at reStart Tuesday evening. Gathering the families in residence at reStart for bingo, a snowglobe craft, winter walk game and other activities led by two church member families provided for fun and great interactions. The evening ended with making donut snowmen treats. These monthly volunteer opportunities are helping us build connections with the reStart families and learn more about the critical work reStart is doing in our community!
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CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
PARENT PLAY DATE
Mon., Feb. 21, 4:00
Babies bring your mom(s) to play. We will gather on the playground in the backyard for a time of socializing and catching up. Hope to see you there!
MOPS GATHERINGS
Wed., Mar. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
All moms are welcome to join us as Jennifer Austenfeld, church member and clinical psychologist, presents on Parenting with Joy and Wisdom, looking at resources for parents and all who care about and mentor children. If you wish to be added to the MOPS emails and group me, let April know.
If you have a mom friend that you think might enjoy connecting with other moms, please invite her to join us!
CLUB KIDS SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING
There are two service learning weeks this summer for 3rd-5th graders: May 31- June 3 and Aug. 1-5. We’ll work with local partner agencies in the morning and do an activity in the afternoon. Cost is around $75 if you stay for lunch and afternoon activity. The August week is open for registration; the May/June week currently has a wait list.
Is your child interested? Let April know.
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YOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL
Fri., Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
High schoolers (grades 9-12) are invited to a Friday night social. For more info and to RSVP now contact Tyler!
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.
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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.
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAMP, July 23-30, 2022
Only a few rooms remain open for this year's Christian Community Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, CO. If you've been considering going, now is the time to sign up! Questions about camp? Here's what you need to know:
Q: Does this camp involve tents?
A: No! The folks who go to Community Camp stay in a modern lodge with lovely mountain views and enjoy home cooked meals provided by volunteer chefs from our church.
Q: I don't know anyone else who is going to Community Camp. Will I feel out of place?
A: No! Each year first-time Community Campers are enthusiastically welcomed and many establish lifelong friendships from the experience.
Q: I'm not an experienced hiker. Is there anything else to do there?
A: Activities abound, from horseback riding, fishing and crafting, to shopping, antiquing or mini golf in Estes Park, to simply relaxing on the deck of the lodge with a good book. And yes, hiking too, with many options for hikers of all levels of experience.
Christian Community Camp is truly a magical experience for all ages. Click HERE for more information. Please let April know if you are interested in attending.
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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our prayers are with the family of Peter Cortelyou who passed away recently.
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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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