At first glance, two books could not seem more different. Who Counts? is a numbers book for children ages 3-8 based on scripture stories. I pretty much “get” that one. The other is Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Everything I know about astrophysics I learned from “The Jetsons.”
As someone new to the staff, I’m still learning lots of vocabulary particular to our congregation. Terms like Pathways (when a lot of Sunday school classes come together for a special education offering at the 10:00 a.m. hour), Faithbook (a Bible study Carla leads, playing off the well-known social media site), and now the Gathering (an occasional get-together in the library on Sunday mornings for anyone interested in knowing more about joining).
My family recently returned from our first trip to Christian Community Camp in Estes Park, CO. We didn’t know what to expect, but it proved to be a fantastic experience for my whole family, even my hard-to-please teenage son!
Most experienced musicians know the difference between participating in a worship service and performing on the concert stage. We learn the difference through experience and practice. In fact, even in the concert hall, the most dramatic response to a performance is one of sustained silence following the rendition.
By Lara Schopp, Director of Communications Andrew Forsthoefel had just graduated from college when he decided to walk across the country. He had no goal – he wasn’t raising money or awareness. He was walking to listen. He literally carried a sign that read “Walking to Listen,” and along his journey Read More...
Ask most church-going folks what they love best about Sundays and they will likely point to two things, worship services and a day of rest (even if the latter is more idealized thinking than reality). Skimming the newspaper, listening to National Public radio, enjoying some waffles, and, oh yes, sliding into a pew for some hymns, prayers, and a sermon; what a lovely Lord’s day morning.
By Rachel Clement, Director of Finance I love the stewardship theme for the year! When I first heard it my reaction was “Of course!” Of course the stewardship committee would chose a theme that fits this church so well. You couldn’t be more welcoming. To me this theme is more than welcoming Read More...
Just a few short months ago, I wrote a column for this very newsletter about Christian Community Camp. I wrote about taking my daughter and the way I initially pictured camp—being on vacation with 100 of your closest co-workers; about seeing people eating breakfast in their pajamas who you typically only see on Sunday mornings
At an oval conference table, my clergy colleagues pulled up a chair and glanced at the agenda. Hmm. Stewardship season again? At the head of the conference room table, a tall white haired elder with broad shoulders and a booming voice took his seat.
By Rev. Chuck Pickrel, Director of Student Ministries Every summer, hundreds of (Disciples of Christ) children, youth, and adults make their way to a magical place not far from the heart of Kansas City. They will play, eat, listen, and worship together. New friends will be met, old friends will be hugged, Read More...
By Dr. Mike Graves, Guest Preacher When back in 1999 I felt led to have my ordination recognized by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I never could have imagined the role our church would play. The Committee on Ordination and Standing that I met with was incredibly supportive, comprised of several Read More...
By Barbara George, Director of Membership Development “Welcome to our Church Family.” This is what I say to individuals as they make their commitment to membership at Country Club Christian Church. We certainly are a family; like-minded people of faith, in fellowship together, a community who expresses caring and concern for one Read More...
A former colleague of mine had a saying taped to his door at the seminary, “A drop of ink may cause a million to think.” There’s no doubt in my mind, the written word can touch people. In this case, I have no illusions that this article will reach a million people, but a modest number counts all the same. Besides, the topic itself is rather small, about 20 pounds in this case.
This past month we held a family celebration at Tall Oaks Conference Center, our region’s camp in Linwood, Kansas. The eldest of our four generations had been volunteers at Tall Oaks long years ago and they love to return to its familiar beauty and relive the memory of friendships that the camp evokes.
Lao Tzu, the eastern philosopher proclaimed hundreds of years ago: “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
