June 4, 2021
Dreams of Ever-Flowing Righteousness
By Rev. Tyler Heston

A year ago today, I was polishing plans for our first in-person youth group gathering after weeks of staying-at-home. Since the shutdown in March, we had arranged a couple of service projects but had otherwise only met on Zoom for youth group check-ins and online games. Finally, for the first time, a group of us were planning to get together in-person for a unique opportunity.

In the couple weeks prior to the event, a sort of switch had flipped in the world. Across the USA, the first wave of stay-at-home orders ended, leaving us a bit unsure about what was safe and wise. As questions fluttered about how we should navigate the pandemic, our collective attention became concentrated on the story of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This was very much not the first time our country reeled in the wake of police brutality, but this moment, caught on camera in a season in which everyone was stuck to their screens, seized the world’s attention and sparked a movement responding to both police brutality and widespread, unjust treatment of Black and Brown people. After weeks of not gathering in-person, people took to the streets, many masked and doing their best to stick to six feet distance, to embody the deep feelings of rage and pain and to demand for change. 

Last June 5, our youth group was gathering not at our church building but a couple miles north to join in on one of these demonstrations at Mill Creek Park by the Plaza. A couple of clergy colleagues passed along word to me of this demonstration, planned by local organizations that have a long history of working for racial justice in the Kansas City area. I then invited anyone in our youth ministry who was interested in joining. Fifteen of us gathered together, seeing each other for the first time with masks, waving in place of a hug or high five, and after a few minutes of checking in with each other and going over expectations, we walked from our meeting spot over to Mill Creek Park. 

The demonstration began with a march through the Plaza led by another local pastor, after which we spent an hour or so at the park listening to speeches, poems, and songs shared in an open-mic format by Black Kansas Citians. We heard stories of pain, rage, loss, and heartache; we heard convicting calls to make change. By joining in solidarity with others in our community who craved for transformation, we heard the voice of God rise up through the expressions of desire for a new way of doing things. Already, 2020 had thrown so much change into our lives, and amidst the chaos we caught a glimpse of what the world might be on the other side. Perhaps we could pay attention to the pain so many felt even before the pandemic to rebuild our lives and shared systems in a way that is attentive to the needs of those who suffer the most from the way things were. 

This Sunday, we will hear a Scripture from a Hebrew prophet, in which the prophet speaks on behalf of God and says, “I hate, I despise your festivals… and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies… Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”  It seems like such an exaggeration: God hates our solemn assemblies? But Amos’ point is not that God is flippant in their anger but that the things we do—no matter how grand, solemn, and good they may seem—are empty if they do not accomplish justice and ever-flowing righteousness. God does not want us to maintain the world as it is in its fractures and fragments; the desire of the divine is that we may go about life in ways that make things right and build wholeness and harmony that rolls down like a river.

It’s been a year now since those weekends of intense protesting, but the ancient words of God speak to us afresh: how much of what we glimpsed and hoped for last spring and summer will evaporate as we wake up in the post-pandemic world before us? As we return to Sunday morning worship and in-office meetings, as we celebrate graduations and meet for happy hours and dinner parties and travel for our much-needed summer vacations, what will we rebuild? God gives us dreams of a world in which justice and wholeness flow and in which all flourish, and there have been many moments in the world we are leaving behind that have shown us more clearly where these things do not yet flow. Our streets may not be filled with the shouts and sounds of protest, but God still speaks to us an invitation and promise of transformation and whole-making, and before us is an opportunity to say “yes” and re-build a new way of doing things together.

To send a message to Tyler, click HERE.
IN WORSHIP THIS WEEK
NEW SERMON SERIES - GOD'S HOPE

On Sunday we begin a new sermon series on the prophets called “God’s Hope.” What might these prophets of old have to say to us in a world slowly emerging from a global pandemic? What might need to change when instead of returning to normal, we move into a new future?

Part 1: After the News Comes the Weather. Based on Amos 5:21-24. Dr. Mike Graves 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.
SUMMER WORSHIP

  • For the rest of the summer, the 9:01 service will take place rain or shine. If the weather allows, the service will be on the front lawn as planned. However, in case of inclement weather, we will move this service into the Sanctuary.

  • Indoors or outdoors, masks will be voluntary. We encourage you to follow the CDC guidelines and wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

  • Congregational singing will be part of the service.

  • You may bring your own communion or it will be provided for you.

  • No reservations are necessary and there will not be a limit on the number of people allowed.

  • Child care will be available. Children over 3 will wear masks if child care is indoors.

  • Streaming services via cccckc.org at 9:01, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. each will continue each Sunday.

Moving forward, we plan to follow this model throughout the summer, returning to three in-person worship services on Sun., Aug. 15.

Continuing to offer a quality streaming worship experience for those who are unable to join us in person is important to us, and to do that, we are in the process of reconfiguring our video equipment, as it does not currently allow us to stream a live service as we did pre-pandemic.

We will continue to assess and periodic updates may be provided with more information. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
BACKYARD BASH STARTS JUNE 9

All are invited to eight fun-filled Wednesday evenings in the backyard of the church with dinner and activities and an adult class offering. 

Details for week one, June 9, below.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Food Truck: Tacos La Mano Cost is $10 per person or $35 for a family to eat.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
For Children and Families – Backyard games for all ages.

Mission Component – Each Wednesday one of our mission partners or organizations our congregation has funded will be featured. Staff from the focus organization will attend, share information and meet church members. There will also be the opportunity to bring donations in support of the agency. On June 9 we'll welcome Grace United Community Ministry and collect food pantry donations of mac-n-cheese and jars of peanut butter.

Spiritual Formation for Adults (inside the building in the Youth Center) – 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.
COMMITMENT CARDS

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.

Ways to submit your commitments:
  1. Click the Online Commitment Form button below to submit your commitments electronically.
  2. Mail your cards to church 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113
  3. Bring your cards to church, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Blank cards are available at the east entrance if you need copies.
  4. Return your cards during the offering time at the 9:01 on the Lawn service on Sundays.
  5. Contact Rachel in the finance office at rachelc@cccckc.org or 816-381-9256.
If you have not yet returned your cards, 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.  
CONGREGATIONAL VOTE FOR LAY LEADERSHIP

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.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
ROOTS BIBLE & BRUNCH
June 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to Roots Bible & Brunch!  Meet in the backyard (or on Zoom if the weather necessitates) to spend an hour or so in conversation about wisdom throughout ancient Scripture and how it connects to our day-to-day lives today. Our June focus is Pentecost. RSVP HERE.
FAITH AND GRIEF
Country Club Christian Church member Sara Christensen will share her experience of shock and sorrow upon the death of her friend and colleague as the featured speaker at the Faith and Grief Virtual Support Group on Tues., June 8 at noon. In January, Assistant Prosecutor JoEllen Engelbart died from complications of COVID-19 at just 32 years old. She left a husband and newborn son. Following Sara’s brief reflection you may share your experiences, if comfortable doing so, in a facilitated on-line small group. Everyone is welcome; no charge. Register at www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/ or https://conta.cc/3hs0Gxp. For more information Facebook.com/FaithandGriefKC or 816-381-9249.
SAVE THE DATES - CELEBRATING OUR CENTENNIAL
SANCTUARY AND CHAPEL WORSHIP RESUME,
PARTY ON THE LAWN
Aug. 15

Join us for a day of celebration! Worship in the Sanctuary resumes at 9:01 and 11:00 a.m., and in the Chapel at 10:00 a.m., followed by a fun morning of celebrating our Centennial with our neighbors on the church lawn. Food, music and fun activities for all!
MAX DEWEESE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Fri., Aug. 27 • Noon
St. Andrews Golf Course

Proceeds support Friends in Service of Heroes and
Veterans Community Project. Sign-up individually ($150 per person) or form a team. You can also sponsor a hole for $750. Sign-up and pay online at www.cccckc.org/golf. All are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Mike Graves at mikeg@cccckc.org. Click HERE to register.
METRO MISSION
June Collection Connection for Micah Ministry
The Metro Mission Team is asking for donations of NEW men's and women's underwear to be distributed to clients coming to Micah Ministry on Monday evenings. Sizes small, medium and large are urgently needed. Men's boxer brief style is preferred. Please bring donations to the church Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or to the 9:01 service on Sunday mornings. Donations can be left in the lidded box at the east entrance at any time.  
Metro Mission Team Supports Hartman Elementary School 
This unusual school year meant the church's support for Hartman Elementary looked different. This year, Books to Go were provided for Kindergarten through 2nd graders. All the students in the early grades received a tote bag with books to be taken home to build at-home libraries. The 3rd-6th classrooms received books to be used in the class setting. In addition to the books, uniforms were purchased for the school staff to distribute as needed. We are grateful for the partnership with Hartman and for Principal Kirksey's help and guidance with determining the best way our congregation could support the students in this pandemic year. 
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Club Kids for 3rd-5th graders, is an opportunity for fellowship and fun! Community-building games and activities are the focus of these fun gatherings.

  • Service Learning Camp – After receiving feedback and speaking with our partner agencies we will be offering service projects throughout the summer instead of hosting a week long camp.
  • TEXTING UPDATES. Stay tuned with all of our Club Kids activities via text reminders! Sign up here.

More about Children and Family Ministries HERE.

Infant Dedication
Isabel Ione Meier was dedicated in worship on Sun., May 23. Her parents are Tom and Nikki Meier.
YOUTH

Middle School Social - SkyZone
Middle schoolers are invited to a social on Tue., June 8, for a night at SkyZone in Shawnee (6495 Quivira Rd) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cost is $25 and includes dinner. RSVP to Tyler.

High School Social: Nelson Atkins Art Course Mini-Golf 
High schoolers are invited to join us for a social on Thurs., June 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m, as we go to the Nelson-Atkins to do their mini-golf course before sharing dinner together. Cost is $20 and includes dinner; RSVP to Tyler.

Summer Service Learning Trips - Registration is officially open for both the Middle School and High School Summer Service-Learning Weeks. Both weeks will invite youth to local service-learning projects throughout the week along with an overnight excursion. Below is more information for both! Click HERE for more information.

Find out more about our events HERE.