Country Club Christian Church, in Partnership with The Land Institute, Presents Renowned Author Wendell Berry

Renowned poet, farmer, novelist, and essayist Wendell Berry will appear at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, on Thursday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. to speak about his novel Andy Catlett:  Early Travels.

The author’s appearance culminates Country Club Christian Church’s Building Community Book by Book event, a congregation-wide opportunity to read and discuss the same book selection. Members of the church were invited to read Andy Catlett:  Early Travels, then join a one-time book discussion group preceding Berry’s appearance.

The church has partnered with The Land Institute, a non-profit research, education, and policy organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture, for this event.

Berry’s poetry, fiction and essays embrace the earth with reverence, ponder the values of the good life, and celebrate the miracle of ordinary relationships. The author of more than 30 books, Berry taught at New York University and the University of Kentucky.  He lives and farms in Kentucky.  His honors and awards include fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts.

The September 23 appearance, which will be held in the church’s sanctuary, is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow. Copies of Berry’s books will be available for purchase that evening, and are on sale in the church’s book and gift store for $12. (Call 816-333-4917 or visit www.cccckc.org for hours.) All proceeds from books purchased at the church directly benefit Week of Compassion, which provides emergency disaster relief around the world.

An exhibit entitled Art of the Prairie accompanies Berry’s appearance, featuring the works of six renowned regional artists. The exhibit will be in the church’s first floor gallery beginning Sept. 9. Featured artists include Louis Copt, Dan Coburn, Phil Epp, Allan Chow, James Borger and Arlie Regier. These artists are all noted for their works interpreting the region, especially the Flint Hills, and each is in prominent collections such as H&R Block, the Kauffman Foundation and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The exhibit is on loan courtesy of Leopold Gallery (324 W. 63rd St. in Brookside, www.leopoldgallery.com ).  Artists will be present when Berry speaks on Sept. 23.

Discussion groups will meet in homes unless otherwise noted. Some will include light meals. Contact the hosts for specifics or call 816-333-4917.

 Betsy Wilson, Aug. 26, 7:00 p.m. Wine and cheese.
 Carla Aday and Dave Ehman, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. Dinner.
 Patty and Phil Love, Sept. 1, 7:00 p.m.  Wine and cheese.
 Marie and David Hunter, Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.  Beer and wine, guests bring appetizer.
 Susie and David Diebold, Sept. 5, 6:00 p.m.  Light dinner.
 Cindy and Randy Irey, Sept. 7, 7:00 p.m. Coffee and dessert.
 Kathryn and Eric Holtze, Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m. Supper.
 Tepríng and Glenn Crocker, Sept. 12, 5:00 p.m. Light supper (Children over 3 welcome to come play).
 Nancy and Greg Lear, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. Wine and cheese.
 Cheryl Commerford, Sept. 14, 10:00 a.m. Brunch.
 Linda Nixon, Sept. 16, 2:00 p.m. High tea.
 Susan and Alan Garner, Sept. 16, 7:00 p.m. Wine and appetizers.
 Andrea Bough and Marcia Berry, Sept. 16, 7:00 p.m. Dessert and drinks.
 Shelley and John Trewolla, Sept. 19, 3:00 p.m. Light refreshments.
 Sandy and Bart Finney, Sept. 19,
5:00 p.m. Appetizers and drinks.
 Bonnie and Doug Dee, Sept. 19, 6:00 p.m. Light dinner.
 Lesley Holt, Sept. 21, 2:00 p.m.  Tea and cookies.