COMING UP...

• Time to Sign-Up for Story Slam - share your story at the July 29 Summer Pop-Up!
• Summer Pop-Up, July 22: Painting in the Park and Grilled Cheese Bar. 7pm Class with Rev. Linda Walling will lead a discussion about faith and politics.
• New Adult Sunday School Series: "Doing the Work: Learning to Challenge White Supremacy and Become a Good Ancestor." Remaining two parts of class at 10am on July 26, and Aug. 9 (Solarium).

A couple of summers ago, Carol and I, along with our kids and grandkids, spent a lovely week in the mountains of Colorado thanks to some dear friends who offered the use of their place. We carpooled naturally, the two of us riding with one of our daughters, our son-in-law, and their two young kids. It’s a long drive for adults, but especially for kids, which is why we stopped at several rest areas along the way to let them run around. At the second such rest area, Colin, who was five at the time, blurted out, “We’re back here again?” To him, it looked just like the one before. But he saved his best line for when we got to Denver, asking, “What language do they speak here?” In his mind, we must have driven to another part of the world.

Only it’s a good question because there’s a sizable Hispanic population in Colorado, in addition to the majority of English-speaking folks. I have always thought of travel, whether in the US or abroad, as a possible cure for xenophobia, fear of those who are different. A bunch of us at the church are traveling to Greece and Turkey this September, where we will be the minority, another possible cure for fearing those who are different.

When my wife and I climbed into the back of several Uber rides last fall in Pittsburgh, I was yet again amazed at the racial diversity of their drivers. Not a one of them was from Pennsylvania. And while some people might be uncomfortable in such a situation, I find it a great opportunity to learn about their home country, the foods they miss, the political struggles, their hopes for their loved ones back home.

The Bible speaks a lot about xenophobia, whether in Genesis when a group wants to build a city with only one language or in the Gospels when Jesus ventures into Gentile territory over the objections of some of his Jewish followers. One of his most beloved parables, the Good Samaritan, is also about our propensity to despise those who are different. Jesus calls them neighbor.

When I think of travel and xenophobia, I hope you noted how I described venturing to new places as a “possible” cure for fearing those who are different. Some people travel and never really appreciate the different cultures, different languages. For that matter, I’ve known people who refuse to travel at all. When I started teaching at the seminary, we had gone back home to Houston to be with family. I had to cut the vacation short because of a conference at which I was lecturing in Green Lake, Wisconsin. One of my in-law’s friends simply could not fathom even going to Wisconsin. For him, Texas had more than enough to offer.

Wherever your travels take you this summer, I hope—no, I pray—that you will cherish not just time away but the diversity of God’s world and the peoples who live there. As they say in Spanish, “Vaya con Dios.”

Mike
 

To send a message to Mike, click HERE.

WORSHIP WITH US
Worship with us in person at 9:01 on the Lawn; 10am in the Chapel; 11am in the Sanctuary
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Sermon: Art and Faith: A Painting: "Christ on the Sea Galilee"
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:35-41
Preaching: Rev. Dr. Mike Graves

For Further Reflection
Here are some selections you might explore in relation to this Sunday’s text and sermon:

• View and learn more about the painting on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s website
• Brian Eno, Bette A., What Art Does. Faber and Faber, 2025.
• Christian Smith, Why Religion Went Obsolete. Oxford, 2025.       

Click HERE to view our live stream*. 

* During the outdoor worship season, the 9:01 stream will air a replay of the previous week’s 11am service. Livestream of the current week will still be available at 11am.

Miss last Sunday's worship? Watch it HERE.

“Art and Faith” Sermon Series, starting July 12
“Beauty has no obvious use; nor is there any clear cultural necessity for it. Sigmund Freud said, “Yet civilization could not do without it.” This five-part sermon series will explore themes of faith as expressed in artistic expression. To enhance each sermon, we invite you to discover (or rediscover) each piece before each service.

Click on the links below to read or listen to the poem; view the painting online; listen to or read the lyrics of the song; read the short story; and watch the movie.

Sunday, July 12 | Rev. Ashley Cheung
A poem, “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

• Listen to the poem read by Mary Oliver
• Read the poem

Sunday, July 19  |  Rev. Dr. Mike Graves
A painting, “Christ on the Sea of Galilee” by Eugène Delacroix.

• View and learn more about the painting on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s website

Sunday, July 26  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A song, “Blackbird” by the Beatles

• Watch and listen to Paul McCartney perform the song
• View the lyrics to the song

Sunday, Aug. 2  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A short story, “A Small Good Thing” by Raymond Carver

• Read the short story

Sunday, Aug. 9  |  Rev. Carla Aday
A movie, “Hamnet”

• This movie is currently available to rent or buy digitally on Prime Video
• It is officially scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 6, 2026
• You can stream it with a subscription on Peacock. 

COLUMBARIUM EXPANSION: RESERVE YOUR NICHE 
The Columbarium Committee is expanding the Columbarium, adding 50 new niches for cremated remains (ashes). The Columbarium, located on the west side of the George Hamilton Combs Chapel, offers a lasting memorial that honors departed loved ones and comforts the grieving.

Niches can be reserved for $1,500 per space through December 31, 2026, increasing to $2,000 in 2027. To learn more or reserve a niche, contact Rev. Ashley Cheung at 816.381.9249 or [email protected].

NEW! A THREE-PART CLASS, 10AM ON SUNDAYS, JULY 12, 26 AND AUG. 9 - Doing the Work: Learning to Challenge White Supremacy and Become a Good Ancestor

This three-part class continues at 10am on July 26, and Aug. 9 (Solarium). We will study Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad. After the first introductory class, we’ll work through the book together and discuss our process in the following two classes. Books are available at the church for purchase. We hope you will join us on this important learning journey!

SAVE THE DATE FOR A SPECIAL FAREWELL FOR ROBERT "BOBBY" STUBBS
Sunday, July 26 following the 11am Worship Service
Sunday, August 9, will be Bobby's last Sunday blessing Country Club Christian Church's members and guests as our Associate Organist. Bobby graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Master of Music degree in choral conducting on May 16. He has since accepted the Choir Teacher position at Church Farm School in Exton, PA. Church Farm School is an Episcopal boarding school near Philadelphia for boys in the ninth through twelfth grades. In addition to teaching choir, he will play the organ for chapel services and work in residential life as a dorm parent. Please take a moment to thank Bobby for the joyful sounds and friendships he as created while here and wish him well on his next, exciting chapter!

UPCOMING POP-UPS - CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE FULL SERIES!
THIS SUNDAY! SPECIAL POP-UP in the Social Hall!
World Cup Final Watch Party & Service Project | Sunday, July 19 | 2pm
Gather with us for an afternoon of connection, generosity, and fun for all ages as we watch the FIFA World Cup Final on the big screen in the social hall! We will combine community and service with a little friendly cheering.

• Bring a snack to share!
• Bring your old tennis shoes to donate to Micah Ministry!

All-Church Picnic | Wednesday, August 5 | Centennial Park | 5:30–7pm
We’ll wrap up the summer with a classic all-church picnic—fun for all ages! Enjoy a cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers, connect with friends old and new, and get a glimpse of what’s ahead this fall, including opportunities to get involved.

SUMMER POP-UP SNAPSHOTS from "Bingo and Burrito Bowls" this Wednesday!

Tanzania Service Learning Trip Planned for Summer 2027
Have you dreamed about heading to a faraway place and making a big difference in people's lives while there? Make it happen in 2027! Country Club Christian Church is planning a Service Learning Trip to Tanzania and you are invited. To learn more, plan to attend an Informational Meeting on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 12pm in the Parlor.

JULY COLLECTION CONNECTION "Pasta Pantry."
Our partner agencies are collecting donations of dry pasta and pasta sauce. You may leave donations in The Well or donate toward the Collection Connection HERE.

FAMILY, YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

SAVE THE DATE! Backpack Blessing Sunday is set for August 16! Children, youth, teacher's and other school staff are invited to bring their school backpack and bags for a special blessing to start the new school year.

CCCC FAMILY POOL PARTY at Merriam Community Center | Sunday, Aug. 2, 6:15-8:15pm.  We've rented out Merriam Community Center for Families with Children and Youth.

WORLDS OF FUN for rising 6th-12th graders | Monday, Aug. 10.

"Compassion Camp" VBS is July 27-31, 2026
Registration Open NOW for Campers, Youth & Adult Volunteers
- 4 year olds - 4th graders (Campers)
- 5th - 12th graders (Leaders)

Compassion Camp is a daily vbs-style camp located right here at CCCC. Our youth serve as day camp leaders for our campers. Kids experience yoga, storytelling, songs and dance, arts and crafts, snack shack, and games and recreation.

Camper Cost: $50 (9am-12pm), $150 (9am-4pm)

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