By Rev. Carla Aday, Senior Minister
I don’t remember how I became acquainted with the work of Krista Tippet. For years I listened to her spiritually reflective interviews with various cutting edge thinkers in science, religion and literature. Her voice was a healing balm to me on long walks as I would plug in her podcast On Being. Then when our youngest child went to college he had to take a theology class and he began calling me and telling me how much he loved one of the class assignments. “What?” I asked? “This woman named Krista Tippet in her podcast On Being.” Suddenly I had a way to connect on a deeper level with my 19-year-old son. And I realized Krista’s spiritual reach stretched across various age, race, religious, social divides.
I feel a kinship with her. She’s from a small town in Oklahoma and I’m from a couple of hours due south in Texas. She first pursued a career in journalism and that is what I studied as an undergraduate. Unlike me though, she moved to Germany during the Cold War and covered events leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. She then became chief aide to the US Ambassador to West Germany. But then a spiritual shift compelled her to move back to the US and pursue a masters at Yale Divinity School. So we enjoyed many of the same professors who shaped the mind and chiseled the contours of the heart with academic rigor and faithful scholarship.
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So when we began dreaming three years ago about who might be a headline speaker for our Centennial Celebration, her name rose to the top. Because of the pandemic her in person appearance was postponed to 2022. I'm grateful to Dr. Mike Graves who worked with Krista’s agent to keep rescheduling her visit to Kansas City and to a family in the church who underwrote her honorarium and travel. I trust you will be there the Wednesday after Easter to hear her and please, do bring a friend. Maybe a friend from another church or one who has already given up on church. Maybe a young friend who doesn’t know about a church like ours that is open and and seeking ways to engage in real life from a spiritual perspective. The event is free and no ticket is needed.
Elsewhere you can read about podcast discussion groups we are hosting in the next couple of weeks to acquaint you with Krista. These are great ways to connect with folks you don’t yet know in our church. We have chosen a sampling of her show to introduce you to her work, linked below.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
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“Now is a powerful time in this country for young people and others to be asking the question, What are we for? Do we exist for some reason other than competing with China or finding the best possible technological advances?”
― Krista Tippett,
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living
“I believed—and still believe—that when all is said and done, none of us will be measured on how much we accomplish but on how well we love.”
― Krista Tippett,
Speaking of Faith
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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.
At right, Carla speaks about Krista Tippett's On Being episode featuring lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson.
To watch Rev. Tyler Heston speak about the On Being episode on novelist and poet Ocean Vuong, click HERE.
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On Being Podcast Discussion Groups
If you’re a regular listener to the On Being podcast, or even if you’ve never heard of it, you’re invited to join a small discussion group before Krista’s appearance on Apr. 20.
Choose the group you’d like to join and listen to the podcast noted for each group before you attend. RSVP to Lisa Tang, or by calling 816-333-4917.
Sat., Mar. 26, 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Sharman Wilson and Joe Walker, Room 205 and Zoom. Open to all. Limit 20.
Thurs., Mar. 31, 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Carla Aday in person at her home. Open to all. Limit of 20.
Sun., Apr. 3, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Catherine Stark-Corn in person at an off-site location. Open to all. Limit 20.
Mon., Apr. 11
Hosted by Dr. Mike Graves. This group is full.
Wed., Apr. 13, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Rev. Tyler Heston in the Youth Center or via Zoom.
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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.
LENTEN SERMON SERIES: THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS
This year as we journey toward the resurrection at Easter, we'll shine a spotlight one of the age-old themes of Lent: confession and forgiveness. God calls on us to admit we have failed, and God promises as always to forgive us. But there is also the opportunity to consider the ways we sin against each other. Forgiveness is a gift that seems too good to be true, and yet it is at the heart of the gospel. Come and join us on the journey.
Sun., Mar. 27 - The Gift of Forgiveness, Part 4: Breakfast with Jesus, based on John 21:9-14. Rev. Carla Aday preaching. Because the covid positivity rate in Jackson County has dropped below five percent, masks are optional at all worship services.
Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.
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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.
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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. |
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AMERICAN PUBLIC SQUARE: PROTECT AND SERVE KANSAS CITY
Apr. 6, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Local needs, local interests, local issues—state control. This has long been the framework for the Kansas City Police Department. Yet heightened civil unrest, escalating crime rates and the national police reform movement has generated increased interest in returning control of the police department to the Kansas City community, allowing local leaders to govern police policies, procedures, and budgets.
Country Club Christian Church and American Public Square present this special “KC at the Square”
event as we discuss the merits of state versus local control, examine perspectives from different areas
of our community, and make sense of the recent tensions over Kansas City’s police budget.
More details about this event HERE.
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MONDAY NIGHT CLASSES
Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Creation, Chaos, and Creating Again
Mar. 28, and Apr. 4 • Led by Dr. Brendon Benz, Associate Professor of Religion, William Jewell College
The opening chapters of Genesis tell the stories of creation and the flood when we fail to live according to God’s intentions for us. But what if we have misread these formative stories? And what if we are being invited to partner with God in recreating the world? Together, we will look at the stories in Genesis as well as the Gospel of John, thinking together about what a life worth living looks like. Click HERE for Zoom link.
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THE WELL SALE
Through Sun., Mar. 27, the following items are for sale in The Well Gift and Book Shop: Gift items, 50% off; Christmas items, 75% off; selected books discounted. Stop in today and browse.
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ROOTS SERVICE LEARNING NIGHT
Thurs., Mar. 31, 6:30 p.m.
Join us in learning how one of our partner agencies, The Grooming Project, does the work of creative transformation here in our city! We’ll meet for an hour of learning, followed by dinner together (location TBA). Contact Tyler for more information.
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CELEBRATION DINNER AND AUCTION
Fri., April 29, 6:30 p.m., 2016 Main Event Space
After two years of waiting and rescheduling, the Celebration Dinner and Auction, originally planned for March 2020, is happening on Fri., Apr. 29. This event will be a time to come together as a church in a casual, fun setting. If you were a benefactor or ticket holder for the 2020 event, watch your mail for ticket and RSVP information. If you're interested in attending, but didn't have tickets in 2020, ticket sales will open April 3.
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MEMORIAL EASTER LILIES
Remember a loved one with a beautiful lily in our Sanctuary or Chapel this Easter. Your $25 donation may be made by check or via our website, choose Memorial and enter “Lily” and the name in the note field. You may take a lily after the 11:00 a.m. Easter Sunday service.
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FAITH AND GRIEF LUNCH: For the Love of a Son
Tues., Apr. 5, noon
Guest speaker Marilyn Downs shares conversations with her son, Jason, prior to his death by suicide. Following the presentation you may share your experiences in a facilitated small group. Everyone is welcome. Complimentary box lunch, free-will donations appreciated. Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Sponsored by six Kansas City area congregations. Hosted at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road. For information 816-381-9249. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/
For information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249.
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NATIVE PLANT SALE
Spring is here and we could all use some outside time so take a look at the native plants available for pre-order! These will arrive in time for spring planting! Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By creating a native plant garden, each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for birds and other animals. And native plants are easier to take care of in your garden.
Pre-orders only, due by April 10. Plant pick-up will be at church on April 24. Click HERE for information on how to order.
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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. |
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MARCH COLLECTION CONNECTION
Metro Mission is collecting rolls of toilet paper to support our partner agencies. Offering these donations to several of our local organizations help stretch their funding for equally urgent expenses. Please bring donations to the church Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or on Sunday mornings through March.
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SPRING FLING, Sun., Apr. 3, noon
Join us for our annual egg hunt. We will have a snack lunch, craft, games and egg hunting. Interested in hosting a game? Please email April.
MOPS. All moms are welcome to join us on Wed., Apr. 6 when the Sunflower House will be presenting on child abuse prevention. 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
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YOUTH
HIGH SCHOOL CHICKEN-N-PICKLE SOCIAL Youth grades 9-12 are invited to h dinner and pickleball, Sat., Mar. 26, at the Chicken-n-Pickle. RSVP HERE for details.
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.
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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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Meeting you where you are and walking alongside you
on your spiritual journey to a life with greater meaning.
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