After the magi visit the newborn Christ they are warned to go home by another way. And many of the characters in the story of Jesus’ birth find home in a way they had not imagined. They are on the move. Mary and Joseph are unexpectedly expecting. When the census disrupts their lives they are far from home and then a baby arrives. We too have found life unsettling and disrupted over the past nine months. Some folks are “stuck at home” unable to go to church or parties and others are longing for home but unable to travel. The season of Advent invites us to reimagine what life means as God comes to make a home with us. As we awaken to God’s birth, we too can deepen our spiritual journeys and go home by another way.
November 29 – Part 1, Not Conclusion. Based on Mark 13:24-37. Dr. Mike Graves preaching, and featuring the Piano Guys adaptation of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” for cello and piano performed by Liz Copeland and Matthew Thompson.
December 6 – Part 2. Based onMatthew 1:18-25. Rev. Carla Aday preaching. Clara Thompson will perform an English folk song setting of “Coming Home” orchestrated by Paul Tucker.
December 13 – Part 3. Based on Matthew 2:1-12. Rev. Carla Aday preaching. Sara and Alex Goering will favor us with “The Prayer,” made well-known by Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli.
December 20 – Part 4. Based onLuke 1:26-38. Dr. Mike Graves preaching. Alex Goering will conclude Advent by singing Bach’s famous “Sleepers, Awake” from Cantata 140 accompanied by Kansas City Baroque Consortium.
Sat., Dec. 19, 2:30-5:00 p.m. The miracle of Christmas comes to life via a drive- or walk-by live nativity scene on the front lawn of the church. See the holy family, shepherds and animals, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and pick up Christmas Eve candles for you and your family to use as you worship at home.
Christmas Eve
In a year like no other and in an effort to keep everyone safe, this year’s unique Christmas Eve services will stream at 5:30, 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. at this link. The 5:30 p.m. service is designed for children and families, followed by traditional services at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. The beauty and wonder of the familiar carols, sacred scriptures and flickering candlelight will welcome the Christ child into our homes and lives, bringing a message of joy, peace, and hope for all the earth.
Advent Devotions by Email
During the season of advent, Country Club Christian Church will share advent devotions each week, Monday through Thursday. These will appear on Facebook and at this link, but if you’d like to receive them directly in your email inbox, sign up here.
