4601 Main StreetKansas City, MO 64112

(816) 561-6531 www. community-christian.org

Rev. Shanna SteitzSenior Minister

Rev. Suzanne MotterChildren’s Minister

Amy FisherYouth Director

Jennifer GilbertNursery Supervisor

Levon WeaverBusiness Administrator

Kae KellerExecutive Assistant

Kevin FreemanBuilding Supervisor

Will EvansMaintenance

Jonathon AntleOrganist

John StaffordChoir Director

Tim WhitmerPianist

MAY 7, 2017

Senior Sunday!Please join us at either of our services and at a brunch at

9:30 am as we recognize and congratulate our graduating seniors!

Addie Nerstheimer

Addie is graduating from Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, KS. During high school, Addie was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society and on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years. She was on the gymnastics team, lettered on the varsity dance team for three years, performed in a musical, and was a member of the Pep Exec Committee which entailed being in charge of all assemblies throughout the year. In the fall, she will be going to the University of Central Missouri where she will major in Elementary Education.

isobel shAffer

Isobel will be graduating from Middlesex School in Concord, MA. While in high school she was a member of the girls varsity rowing team for three years, a contributor to the school newspaper, editor of the the school’s literary and arts magazine, as well as a peer tutor and member of various school clubs including being a founding member and president of the Vegetarian Society and the Tree Appreciation Club. In the fall, Isobel will be attending Columbia University in New York City; she is interested in studying Urban Planning. This summer you will be able to find her scooping ice cream at the new Westport Ice Cream and Bakery shop with her sister.

KeNyoN stricKlANd

Kenyon is graduating from Center High School. Kenyon plays clarinet and is a four-year member of the Mighty Marching Yellowjackets Band, Players 58 (drama club), and Center High School’s award-winning Math Relay team. He is graduating in the top 10% of his class and has received scholarships from Rockhurst University, Avila University and Johnson County Community College. After high school, Kenyon will attend Johnson County Community College to pursue his Associate of Arts Degree. Afterwards, he will transfer to Rockhurst University to obtain a Bachelor’s degree with a minor in visual art.

Coming Up at CommunityEvery Sunday At Community8:30 am Worship Service in Bonfils Chapel 9:30 am Education Hour10:30 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary 11:30 am Coffee Fellowship

Sunday, May 7 - Senior Sunday9:30 am Senior Celebration Brunch11:30 am Blood Pressure Screenings in the Narthex11:45 am Worship Committee Meeting4:00 pm Sunday Meal in the Park

Tuesday, May 9 6:00 pm Practical Music Theory with Gary Tannen8:00 pm AA Meeting in Bonfils Chapel

Wednesday, May 107:00 pm Choir Practice

Thursday, May 1110:00 am Chair Yoga in the Narthex7:00 pm Alpha Group Yearly Dinner (see below)

Friday, May 12 7:00 pm AA Meeting in Bonfils Chapel6:00 pm Church Ladies at the Green Lady

Tuesday, May 16 6:00 pm Administrative Council Meeting

PrAyer coNcerNs

New This Week:Phillip Martin, brother of Jeanne Martin

Continued Prayers For: Hudson Smith, Maddie Jelmberg, Patty Schmitt,

Cheryl Neal, Robin Shattuck, Marie Whitmer, Equilla Ross,Bonnie Penegar, Beverly Shaeffer, Terry Jackson,

Freda Moberly, & Erv Brewster

AlPhA GrouP,Community’s Women’s Fellowship Group,

will meet at 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 11

at los cAbos restaraunt in iNdePeNdeNcefor their yearly dinner.

Please RSVP to the church office at (816) 561-6531

α

What I really want to say . . .

In last week’s newsbulletin you may have read that our leadership has begun the process of identifying and wrestling with the important questions of who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do in this time and this place.

It seems the church universal is struggling with this same issue, as are most all denominations of both conservative and progressive leanings. Ironic, perhaps, that this October will be the 500th anniversary of the “official” beginnings of the Protestant Reformation - when Martin Luther published his 95 “problems” with his Catholic Church. The religious landscape would be changed forever. Phyllis Tickle, who died in 2015, argued that “every 500 years, the church cleans out its attic and has a giant rummage sale.” If she is correct, we are living in such a time right now. And we are certainly seeing the signs.

Just this week, I’ve been reading so much in the news about this upheaval. Here are a few examples:

Our United Methodist brothers and sisters are struggling as their denominational judicatory makes decisions about how to interpret scripture, particularly around human sexuality and a lesbian bishop in Colorado. Some of my Methodist colleagues are concerned about potential schisms. http://ptstulsa.edu/methodistswansong

A prominent evangelical leader wrote in dismay and sadness an article that “white evangelical Christianity in America is a bubble — a very destructive one, and one that is about to burst.” (https://sojo.net/articles/white-american-evangelical-christianity-bubble-and-it-s-about-burst)

The Roman Catholics are at odds of whether Pope Francis is too “liberal” and about the ordination of a female priest in North Carolina. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/diocese-says-ordination-of-woman-as-catholic-priest-not-valid-64917/

And GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scouts for heaven’s sake! Right here in Kansas. GIRL SCOUTS. I can’t even.

It’s Thursday morning as I write. The Congress is fighting over whether healthcare should be provided for all humans or just healthy ones who can afford it. And there’s a suggestion that the President may sign a “religious liberty” order. Sigh….

And it’s all nearly paralyzing to me. It makes me so very sad and angry.

And into all that mess. We have been called. What are WE called to do and be? How are we called to enter into this mess? This 500 year rummage sale? Today…..quite honestly, I’m not sure. But, I’ve pulled out Sister Phyllis’s book, The Great Emergence and I’m going to re-read it. And on this national day of prayer, I’m going to ask you to join me in prayer. Serious prayer. About our place in it. For such a time as this.

— rev. shANNA

Did You Know?You can order CDs of any of

Rev. Shanna’s Sunday sermons in the office, or even listen to them on

Follow us on social media

church lAdies At the GreeN lAdy

Friday, May 12 — 6:00 pm

This event was scheduled after one of our Lenten Vespers when a small group of women were sharing dinner at

Cafe Trio. They wanted to keep the fellowship of those evenings on-going and set a date to have a

“Church Ladies Night out” to hear Tim Whitmer and friends at the Green Lady Lounge located at 18th and Grand in the Crossroads District.

Tim starts playing at 5:30pm so it’s early enough to enjoy dinner after and still get home for the early to bed crowd (ie. Rev. Shanna). An RSVP to Kae in the church office is

helpful but not required! Should be fun!

Doing JusticeAids WAlK Kc

Despite the damp surroundings, spirits at AIDS Walk 2017 “One Step Closer” burned bright in Theis Park on Saturday, April 29th. The walk itself was cancelled, but hundreds of participants still gathered in the tents to

celebrate and fellowship, where we took one symbolic step forward together while holding hands. My team was able to raise $1,725, and the walk raised over $402,000 total. Every dollar of the funds raised will stay in

Kansas City to help support friends, family, and neighbors living with HIV or HIV/AIDS. I am so proud of and grateful for my Community family’s overwhelming support! Donations can still be made until June 29th.

— JoNAthoN ANtle

NAtioNAl GuN violeNce AWAreNess dAyWeAr orANGe rAllyFriday, June 2 — 5pm

J.C. Nichols Fountain in Mill Creek ParkContact church member Ann Weaver

for more informationwearorange.org

more2 ANNuAl bANquetThursday, June 8 — 5:30 pm

Contact the church office if you are interested in attending.

Save the Date!

*Please Stand, If Able

Community of faith in Worship — 8:30ANNOUNCEMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. Rev. Shanna Steitz

Please fill out an attendance card, which can be found in the back of the pews, and place it in the offering basket.

PRELUDE — Improvisation .............................................................................................................................................Tim Whitmer

*CALL TO WORSHIPMinister: The world is full of voices. Shouting facts, shouting lies, shouting and shouting. Draw near in worship to hear the wisdom of God.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom.Minister: The world is full of voices. Voices we don’t even know - on television, in commercials, via Facebook and Twitter.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom.Minister: The world is full of voices. Whispers of success, failure, and what-ifs.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom. Minister: Draw near in worship, listening for the ever-speaking wisdom of God.

*OPENING HYMN No. 261 — “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit”

MOMENT FOR COMMUNITY

CELEBRATION OF OUR GRADUATING SENIORS

SCRIPTURE READING — Proverbs 2:1-15 ............................................................................................................... Mark DickersonReader: The Word of God for the people of God.Community: Thanks be to God.

*Scripture Response - Hymn No. 305:Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!

PASTORAL PRAYERMinister: Christ be with you.Community: And also with you.Minister: Let us pray.

The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.” AMEN

SHARING OUR OFFERING — Improvisation .............................................................................................................Tim Whitmer*The Doxology:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

MORNING MESSAGE

WELCOME TO THE TABLE — No. 354— “Seek Ye First”

THE PARTICIPATION IN HOLY COMMUNIONAll are welcome to receive the gifts of bread and cup. Partake of the elements as they are passed and then share them with your neighbor.

MUSIC FOR THE JOURNEY — “Step By Step”O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning, and I will learn to walk in your way;and step by step you’ll lead me,and I will follow you all of my days.

*THE BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE .................................................................................................................................................................................. Tim Whitmer

ANNOUNCEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................Rev. Shanna SteitzPlease fill out an attendance card, which can be found in the back of the pews, and place it in the offering basket.

PRELUDE — “Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof)” arr. Antle ..........................................................................Jonathon Antle

*CALL TO WORSHIPMinister: The world is full of voices. Shouting facts, shouting lies, shouting and shouting. Draw near in worship to hear the wisdom of God.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom.Minister: The world is full of voices. Voices we don’t even know - on television, in commercials, via Facebook and Twitter.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom.Minister: The world is full of voices. Whispers of success, failure, and what-ifs.Community: In our gathering, we choose to listen to God’s voice, seeking God’s wisdom. Minister: Draw near in worship, listening for the ever-speaking wisdom of God.

*OPENING HYMN No. 276 — “We Gather Together”

CHILDREN’S MOMENT .........................................................................................................................................Amy FisherFollowing the blessing, the children will remain in worship with their parents. Worship bags are available.

CELEBRATION OF OUR GRADUATING SENIORS

SCRIPTURE READING — Proverbs 2:1-15 .................................................................................................Maya NerstheimerReader: The Word of God for the people of God.Community: Thanks be to God.

*THE GLORIA PATRI — No. 35“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

PASTORAL PRAYERMinister: Christ be with you.Community: And also with you.Minister: Let us pray.

The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.” AMEN

SHARING OUR OFFERING — “Calling My Children Home” Jennings ...................................................The Chancel ChoirJohn Stafford, Choir Director

*The Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION ....................................................................................................................................Gayla Voss

MORNING MESSAGE

WELCOME TO THE TABLE — No. 354— “Seek Ye First”

WORDS OF INSTITUTION FOR THE BREAD & CUP

PRAYER FOR THE BREAD & CUP ............................................................................................................AnDray Strickland

THE PARTICIPATION IN HOLY COMMUNIONAll are welcome to receive the gifts of bread and cup. Partake of the elements as they are passed and then share them with your neighbor.

MUSIC FOR THE JOURNEY — “Step by Step”

*THE BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE — “‘Songs My Mother Taught Me” Dvořák ............................................................................................Jonathon Antle

All are invited to Coffee Fellowship Sponsored by Arthur Ridge

In the Gallery

*Please Stand, If Able

Community of faith in Worship — 10:30

Scripture for Sunday, May 7

Say: The scripture reading today is Proverbs 2:1-15

Listen for God to speak:

My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions. Keep in tune with wisdom and think what it means to have common sense. Beg as loud as you can for good common sense. Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to respect and to know the Lord God.

All wisdom comes from the Lord,and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys and protects all of those who live as they should. God sees that justice is done, and watches over everyone who is faithful. With wisdom you will learn what is right and honest and fair. Wisdom will control your mind, and you will be pleased with knowledge. Sound judgment and good sense will watch over you. Wisdom will protect you from evil schemes and from those liars who turned from doing good to live in the darkness. Most of all they enjoy being mean and deceitful. They are dishonest themselves, and all they do is crooked….Follow the example of good people and live an honest life.

Reader: The Word of God for the people of God.Community: Thanks be to God.

SERVER ASSIGNMENTS MONITOR:

BULLETINS:

1.2.3.4.5.6.

Offering:Communion:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES3 & 4. Bring offering down for blessingMONITORS: Count attendance; sort/secure offering with #2 positions; serve balcony; return communion trays to prep room post service.

ARRIVE AT 10:15 TO CONFIRM ALL SERVERS & PRAY WITH ELDERS.

X

Dais

6 5 4 3 2 1

2 14 36 5

Pam Holloway

Larry Evans

Orville EmanuelHelen EmanuelMollie Blackburn

DATE: 5/7/2017

Gayla VossAnDray Strickland