The early morning walk along the Mediterranean Sea and the mosaics in the floor of the 5th century synagogue were stunning. But the image that stands out in my mind after our first full day in Israel is the “tel.” Tel means mound and we visited Tel Megiddo where 25 different cities Read More...
This year our Easter Offering raised over $18,000! Thank you to everyone for your generous gifts and commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible practices for our environment. It is our dream that with our donations Bridging the Gap here in Kansas City can continue to its mission to connect environment, economy, and Read More...
I always get to write a newsletter article during the time you are responding to the stewardship campaign. Coincidence? I don’t think so. It is so I get to tell you each year how you amaze me. This church can’t make the difference it makes without you! The gifts that you provide Read More...
When I arrived at Divinity School I met the Dean of Students, Joan Forsberg. She was kind of the campus miracle worker. She could figure out a registration knot or repair a financial aid glitch or help you solve a vocational crises. Both students and faculty relied on her to keep us Read More...
I heard once that children are born with faith. But as they mature into teens and adults, we rob them of it. We teach them the “right” answers rather than letting them revel in the holy mystery. Oftentimes parents worry about how to teach a child to navigate the death of a Read More...
By Lindsay Howes, Director of Children's Ministry It has been a joy and honor to serve these last five years as the Director of Children’s Ministries. Getting to know more families and children in our church community has been a blessing. Working with individuals from our church for Vacation Bible School, Sunday Read More...
By Dr. Mike Graves When I was only part-time at Country Club Christian Church, and still serving part-time on the faculty at Saint Paul School of Theology, I actually had three offices, including the one at home. That meant I had three sets of bookshelves for all those volumes. When I retired Read More...
It felt unusual. Peaceful but unusual. When we stepped of the plane in Nashville to visit our son, we were not there for Parents Weekend or setting up a new apartment or graduation. We have outlived our usefulness as parents. And so it was time to enter a new season. We would Read More...
Now that Ward Parkway has been repaved, we can drive at full speed. Winter slowed us down. Between the icy sidewalks, the sub-zero temps and the potholes, we were forced to pause. Spring brings a new urgency.
By Lara Schopp, Director of Communications Here’s my idea,” I say. I yammer on for about 10 minutes trying to explain what I’m thinking. My colleague Leslie Tenjack tilts her head to the side and makes ‘that’ face…the one I know means she has no idea what I’m talking about. I’m a Read More...
By Rev. Joe Walker, Minister of Congregational Care Summer is all about doing things a little differently, isn’t it? Get out of your comfort zone, leave your Zip Code in the rearview mirror. Explore exotic locales, eat food you can’t identify, get bit by different kinds of mosquitos, sleep in a tent or Read More...
Jesus had modeled for them a way of peace. Welcoming the stranger, dining with sinners, turning the other cheek, healing the outcasts, empowering the poor, reconciling families.
Rev. Corey Meyer, Director of Mission Partnerships It has been tough to answer the question, “How was Puerto Rico?!” without immediately thinking of the warm 80-degree weather every day and stunning view of mountains for miles all around us. I was amazed at the beauty of the island from the moment that Read More...
I try to write this column about one theme. But today I cannot decide. Part of me wants to describe the overwhelming joy unfolding. I could recount the electric energy of 300 folks at the Spring Fling last Sunday, the beaming smiles of toddlers hunting Easter eggs and petting the animals and Read More...
My grandson Lincoln has never seen a superhero costume that he didn't want to instantly wear. He likes trying out those powers that he doesn't possess: flying, leaping, zapping. I thought of Lincoln as I toured a superhero art exhibit at Crystal Bridges called "Men of Steel, Women of Wonder." As our Read More...
