April, 15 2022
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday turns our attention to the holy mystery of a crucified God. We ponder why God would send love to earth in human form only to let him die as a common criminal. The big theological questions loom on Good Friday as we remember the passion of Jesus and the pain of the cross. My attention shifted in recent months as I read a fictional account of what those last hours of Jesus’ life might have felt like from Jesus’ perspective. Amelie Nothomb wrote THIRST which focuses more on the human side of Jesus. It's a first-person reflection completely imagined. Crucifixion is more than an intellectual challenge but also an emotionally engaging story. 

In the book’s opening scene Jesus looks out and sees those who were at his first miracle when he turned water into wine, along with all those he miraculously healed. It made me wonder, where were all those people Jesus had literally saved when it came time for him to be condemned? One of the most moving scenes is when Jesus is forced to carry his own cross. He staggers under the “monstrous weight” of it and isn’t sure he can take one more step dragging it. He even thinks that feeling the nails go through his hands will not be as painful as hauling this up the hill. But then, out of the blue, comes Simon to help him carry the cross. Jesus is stunned and elated, “It suddenly feels as if the cross doesn’t weigh a thing.” Jesus sees Simon as a friend who miraculously takes away the most inhuman part of his burden. 

The book reminded me that Jesus was fully human. He knew the range of emotions you and I know -- from unimaginable joy to excruciating pain. He knew the fullness of love among friends and the despair of betrayal by a loved one. He knew anger and laughter. And like us, he needed a friend or a stranger to reach out and show compassion, to help carry the cross. 

People in Ukraine are sleeping in the underground subway and burying comrades in unmarked graves. People in Kansas City are sleeping on the streets and living in their cars. People in our own families are bearing the burden of depression and anxiety. God does not call us to sacrifice our lives on a cross. But God could use a friend to help carry the cross. 

Grace and Peace,

Carla 

To send Carla an email click HERE.
WORSHIP WITH US
GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER

Good Friday – Today is Good Friday, the darkest day on the Christian calendar. Worship with us at noon in the Sanctuary.

Easter Sunday – April 17. Special Service Times – 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Rev. Carla Aday preaching Empty, and Then..." based on John 20:1-18.

8:00 a.m. service in the Combs Chapel featuring instrumentalists and soloist Alex Goering.
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services in the Sanctuary featuring the Kansas City Brass, Chancel Choir, and soloist Alex Goering.

Child care available for all services. Sunday School classes will not meet. Coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls and donut holes will be served in the parlor and chapel between services.
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.

Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
EASTER OFFERING
This year’s Easter offering focuses on agencies seeking to address the many facets of homelessness.  The real face of homelessness is often hidden from us. Persons and families that find themselves homeless don’t want to broadcast their homelessness. They may try to live in their car or find a cheap motel, and get a post office box. We don’t see them and yet the number of homeless individuals and families is escalating in our area. Our annual Easter offering will go to support three local organizations working to help address the growing need in KC. 
 
ReStart has comprehensive services to help the homeless and welcome All people seeking help. From emergency shelters to case management reStart aims to move people into housing and to connect them with available resources Learn more here restartinc.org.

River of Refuge is in Raytown and serves families throughout the metropolitan area. This agency has case management staff and the individuals and families that graduate from their structured, mandatory program to permanent housing seldom return to homelessness. Learn more here   riverofrefuge.com.

Community Assistance Council The Council is in Grandview and helps provide rent and utility assistance to keep families from becoming homeless. Learn more here cackc.org.
REMAKING THE WORLD
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. The title of her presentation is Remaking the World.

This event is FREE • No tickets required.
Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn, Minister to Children and Families, talks about the On Being podcast episode featuring scientist, author, and climate activist Katharine Kayhoe, HERE.

Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence and Minister of Spiritual Development, talks about the On Being podcast episode featuring Serene Jones, president of the New York Union Theological Seminar, HERE.

Dr. Matthew Thompson, Director of Music and Media, speaks about Krista Tippett's On Being episode featuring acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, HERE.

Rev. Carla Aday talks about the On Being episode featuring lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson HERE.

Rev. Tyler Heston speaks about the On Being episode on novelist and poet Ocean Vuong, click HERE.
THE NEXT 5: SEEKING YOUR INPUT

As we launch the next 100 years of ministry, Country Club Christian Church is starting with The Next 5: a five year strategic plan, and we are seeking your input.

Over the next few months we will be gathering feedback and ideas in the development of five strategic priorities that will shape our vision and empower us to build the church we want to see moving into the future, for the next five years and beyond.

You can help shape these priorities by sharing your insights. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable as we work together to develop plans for the next five years of ministry and mission. Click HERE for more information and to share your feedback and ideas.
MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Lost in Translation: Making Meaning of the Bible

April 25, May 2 and 9. Led by Dr. Mike Graves, Scholar in Residence
Preachers are always noting how different verses in the Bible are not a good translation of the original language. This spring a new translation is being released, the work of renowned biblical scholars. Together, we’ll look at several translations and paraphrases, as well as some Hebrew and Greek words every Christian should know. 
7:00 p.m. in person or via Zoom. Recorded and posted at youtube.com/cccckc. Info at cccckc.org/mondaynightclasses
HUMAN RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Oct. 24-27

This pilgrimage to Birmingham and Montgomery Alabama will include visits to the National Peace and Justice Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders Museum. Cost is approximately $1200 per person (double occupancy) which includes, air, museums, hotel, ground transportation and three meals. Single person rate is approximately $1550. Please watch this newsletter for final pricing and additional details on how to sign up in the coming weeks.
CROSS NECKLACES IN THE WELL

Beautiful cross necklaces, replicas of our Sanctuary cross, are available for purchase in The Well for $125. These silver cross pendants are a meaningful gift for a loved one or as a gift for yourself. A selection of silver chains also available in The Well. 
PATHWAYS TO LEARNING: Caring for Creation

Pathways to Learning is a series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology. 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. in the Social Hall.

April 24 – What Is KC Doing to Care for Creation?
Overland Park City Council Member Logan Heley and Kansas City Council Member Andrea Bough will share Climate Action KC’s goals, progress and plans for addressing climate change that impacts our region.
 
May 1 – What YOU Can Do to Care for Creation
Several local resources will share a range of actions we can all take in our day to day lives. Come and hear from Heartland Tree Alliance, CJI Design Group – Sustainable Living and Compost Collective KC.  
LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS

The nominating process to fill elected positions for the 2022-2023 church year is underway. Your participation is invaluable in identifying a diverse representation of leaders from our congregation. The Nominating Committee would like to ask you to take a second to think about the people in your church community that you would like working for you. The work of the church is more important than ever in these unusual times, here’s a simple way to be a part of it! Nominations are being accepted for:
  • Elders and Deacons
  • Personnel Committee Members
  • Endowment Fund Trustees
  • Congregational Board Members
  • Treasurer

Click HERE for more information or to nominate someone.
METRO MISSION
APRIL COLLECTION CONNECTION: Monetary Donations to Virginia Reed Food Drive

The congregation supports numerous local agencies that address food insecurity in our community. From allocating funds for food purchases to stock four area food pantries to providing a monthly meal for CrossLines and Micah Ministry, the Metro Mission Team and volunteers seek to care for our struggling neighbors. With the increased cost of food the need is escalating and the cost of providing the monthly meals and stocking the food pantry is exceeding the budgeted funds. Please give as you are able to the Virginia Reed Food Drive so that we can continue to care for our hungry neighbors. Click HERE and choose Food Drive to give electronically.
FURNITURE DONATIONS - FLOURISH FURNISHINGS

Many local agencies support people getting settled in homes and needing furnishings, but few have the ability to store donations. Flourish Furnishings is a furniture bank in south Kansas City that partners with local agencies to help furnish homes. Numerous Country Club Christian Church partner agencies, including Della Lamb Community Services, use this organization. If you have home furnishings to donate check out Flourish Furnishings.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
CLUB KIDS, for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! We have events AND opportunities to connect (almost) every Sunday nights during the school year.

April 24 - 4:30- 6:00 at church.

Sign up for Club Kids texts here. Class code @clubkidskc or email April to be added.

MOPS SAVE THE DATE, Wed., May 4, 7:00 p.m.

YOUTH

HIGH SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT
Youth grades 9-12 are invited to a scavenger hunt social on Sun., Apr. 24, from noon-2:00 p.m. RSVP now to Tyler.

SUMMER SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS
Join us to serve, learn and grow together as a youth group. More information about both trips and registration packet HERE.

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.
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.
IN SYMPATHY

Our prayers are with the families of Dean Dyer and Orris "Vic" Crum who passed away recently.

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