The OPCC Scene · 1

Volume 12, Issue 10 November 2016

The OPCC Scene

(Disciples of Christ)

7600 West 75th Street Overland Park, KS 66204

913.677.4646

Sunday Services Worship — 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Adult Christian Education — 9:00 a.m. Children’s Christian Education — 9:30 a.m.

Nursery care available between 8:20 a.m. and noon

For more about the current events and opportunities at OPCC, please see our online calendar at www.calendarwiz.com/opcccalendar or visit these social media avenues:

www.opccdoc.org • @opccdoc (Twitter) • www.facebook.com/opccdoc

Ferguson & Faith: Overcoming Racist Attitudes

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has committed itself to be a Pro-Reconciliation/ Anti-Racism church. For years, many Disciples congregations have relegated this commitment to a back burner, because it seemed passé; outdated; so very 60’s; a thing of the past. Events of the past few years, however, have painfully forced on us the realization that racism is not a thing of the past; rather, it is alive and thriving in our society. The spate of shootings of unarmed black people in the recent past has driven home this reality, whether we like it or not.

One such shooting took place close to home, in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014. We all remember the name of the victim – Michael Brown – an 18-year-old unarmed black man who was confronted and ultimately killed after robbing cigarillos from a convenience store and assaulting the cashier. We will probably never know all the details of this encounter, but it sparked a national debate on the use of deadly force against African-Americans by law enforcement; a debate that continues unabated in our society.

There are countless perspectives on this issue, perspectives that raise many questions. One question in particular should engage Christians, “What should be the response of faith to the presence of racism in our day?” Guided by a recent book by Leah Gunning Francis – Ferguson & Faith. Sparking Leadership & Awakening Community – we will examine the issues of racism, and seek an adequate response of faith to them. On Wednesday evenings in November at 6:00 PM, we will gather to discuss, pray, and seek to discern God’s will for our approach to such issues. We hope you will join our pastors for this significant and timely book study.

2 · The OPCC Scene

Consecration Sunday

Last month I mentioned Friendship Bread. Simply explained, this dough starts out as a small ball, but continually grows, so one has to separate it multiple times and pass it on to others. When the dough is ready, it is baked into delicious bread. From one small lump of dough, numerous loaves of bread are baked and many are fed.

The ingredients for OPCC’s Friendship Bread dough are our financial resources, creativity, and energy. The resulting loaves of bread are our multitude of ministries including feeding the hungry, housing the needy, visiting the elderly, serving at the table, and care for the church. We literally “feed” hundreds of people, if not thousands, in any given year.

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, at both 8:30am and 10:30am worship services, we will celebrate our ministries, and the ways we are dedicating our lives to God. We invite you to join us and indicate how you and your family will help steward all that we do as Overland Park Christian. There are ministry opportunities, and pledge cards for adults, youth, and children.

Thank you for your stewardship of our congregation and those for whom we are saving a place at our table.

Election Eve Communion

As this election season draws to a close, it seems like our airwaves and Facebook pages are full of negative and hurtful articles and campaign ads. You may have been on edge, and avoiding loved ones who disagree with you politically. This election eve, take a welcome break from all the campaign talk and join us here at Overland Park Christian Church for a time of fellow-ship and worship as we come together around the Lord’s table, remembering that we are made one in the body of Christ Jesus. Together we will sing, pray, read scripture, and remember the unity of the body of Christ at the communion table.

Join us on Monday, November 7th at 6pm

in the sanctuary. ALL ARE WELCOME at Overland Park Christian - we welcome you as God has offered the invitation!

Our Advent Journey

We again are approaching a new year in the church calendar. A beginning that is an ending, and an ending that is a beginning that we called Advent.

This year, as with most years, we are all on our way to Bethlehem. We are all on our way to Bethlehem where we anticipate the birth of the Christ child, but who will show us the way to Bethlehem? This year, the prophets, the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the star of the Magi will show us the way as we journey to Bethlehem. These four groups will show us the way on each Sunday of Advent in worship. Won’t you join us for 8:30 am and/or 10:30 am worship services in Advent, beginning on November 27? The journey won’t be the same without you!

Advent Journey Study

So often, right after Thanksgiving, we want to jump right into Christmas, just showing up to Bethlehem ready to celebrate! But, we often forget about Advent! This Advent we invite you journey with us on our way to Bethlehem,

Using the book The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton, Bo and Laura will facil- itate a study as we meet others who are on their way to Bethlehem. Together we will meditate on scripture, learn more, and discuss how this journey prepare us for the birth of Christ into our lives.

Join us on Wednesdays November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21 in the Fireside Room at 6:00pm for an extra time of devotion, worship, discussion, and fellowship as we await the coming of Christ!

Longest Night Worship

For many, the Christmas season is a bittersweet time of year. Everywhere we go, the constant refrain and messages of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the feelings of being outcast, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, or the grief of a lost loved one – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of celebrations. This worship service will offer the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know we are not alone, and that light can still shine even in intense darkness.

This year our “Longest Night Service” will be on Wednesday, December 21, at 6:45pm. Join with us to hear scripture, offer prayers for healing and wholeness, and sing music that acknowledges God’s presence is for those who mourn, those who grieve, and those who struggle. God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. ALL are welcome.

Lines from Laura

The OPCC Scene · 3

Music Notes

The wonderful volunteer musicians at OPCC are hard at work preparing special music for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Advent/Christmas seasons! The Chancel Choir, Reverberations Bell Choir and other guests will present an extended musical offering on Christmas Eve. More details to come soon!

A special thanks for our friend Emily Boedeker for providing music for our 5

th Sunday celebration on

October 30. We hope to have her back soon!

Upcoming Worship Notes: November 6 is All Saints Sunday. November 27 is Hanging of the Greens.

Upcoming Community Events: William Baker Festival Singers: 19

th Season

Opening Concert. November 4, 7:30 pm @ Faith Lutheran Church, Prairie Village.

KC Symphony: A Vivid Autumn—Beethoven and Brahms. November 18-20 @ Helzberg Hall at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Westport Center for the Arts Brown Bag Concert Series: Organist Jan Kraybill presents "Bach As Inspiration". November 18, 12:10 pm @ Westport Presbyterian Church.

Would you be interested in joining Chancel Choir, Reverberations Bell Choir, singing a solo or playing an instrument? Do you have feedback or suggestions for our music programming? Please leave a message with the church office or send email to chris@opccdoc.org. Soli Deo Gloria, Christopher Elliott Director of Music

Order Your Poinsettias Remember a loved one or honor a special friend at Christmas by purchasing a live

poinsettia to help decorate the church for the Christmas season. Cost is $12.00.

Your name(s)

I/we would like to purchase _____ poinsettias, in memory of:

I/we would like to purchase _____ poinsettias, in honor of:

Please make checks payable to OPCC and return with this form to Michelle Reiter in the church office, or put in the offering plate on Sunday morning.

Funeral Fair: Rescheduled

Originally scheduled for THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, the OPCC Funeral Fair has been rescheduled. We did not receive a large enough response of vendors who were able to participate on this day, though we did receive much interest. “Stay tuned” to worship announcements, the newsletter, and our website for more information on the rescheduled date. We are looking at a date in February; we will keep you posted.

With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, it does make for an interesting church schedule! Please join us as we complete our journey to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve services will feature our well-loved “Come and Go Communion” from 4-6 pm in the sanctuary, and our Candlelight Worship at 7:00pm. We will sing carols and hear the Christmas story anew, closing with candles held high as we welcome the Christ Child.

On Christmas morning, join us for worship at ONE service, at 10:30 a.m. Come as you are, casual and comfortable, but ready to celebrate the birth of Christ with our church family!

Sunday, November 27

9:30 am - All-Church decorating for Hanging of the Greens

(coffee, juice, and homemade cinnamon rolls available in Fellowship Hall)

Christmas

4 · The OPCC Scene

What’s going on?

Have you seen the young people in the halls and the sanctuary on Sunday mornings? Their toothy grins, deep questions, goofy giggles, and bright eyes have been very busy digging deeper into their faith over the past few weeks. Keep reading to find what they have been up to!

In Sunday School and Children Worship & Wonder, the children have been learning about the same stories from the Narrative Lectionary that have been our focus in worship. In the Sunday School hour, we use art, drama, science, and other creative teaching tools to draw us into the Biblical story and discover how these ancient stories still hold value for us today. In Children Worship & Wonder, we use the art of storytelling to immerse ourselves into these stories and allow our minds to wonder about all of the aspects related to the story.

On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings our Junior Youth Group (4th through 6th grades) gathers in the Youth Room (basement) where we get to delve deep into tween issues and discover how the Biblical text might be relevant to these issues they face on a daily basis. We spent the past couple of months learning the story of Samson. This is a story I would not typically take up with children as it has many difficult aspects, but they were mesmerized by the story and learned a great deal about our ability to use our gifts for both good and bad.

Later, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings, our Youth Group meets up to study topics that are important to them. This is a time they can be themselves, ask some pretty deep and crazy questions, and come to new understandings of how the Biblical text might still be relevant to their own lives. Once a month part of our time is spent preparing 50 sack lunches for Crosslines Community kitchen. They enjoy preparing these lunches and knowing they are going to people who need the sustenance they provide to those we call neighbors. We pray over these sack lunches when we finish to add a blessing to the lives of those who will enjoy them. We always leave some time after Youth Group meetings to just hang out and play pool, ping pong, and air hockey as fellowship time is a critical part of creating unity.

If you would like to be a part of any of these ministries, or just want to find out more, please contact Lisa Setty at 913-677-4646, ext. 228 or lisa@opccdoc.org. We are currently seeking Junior Youth and Youth sponsors to help out occasionally, as well as individuals to teach and help in Children Worship & Wonder on Sunday mornings. Thank you for always being supportive of our youngest members!

Thank You Thank you, Overland Park Christian Church, for making my Ordination day special. Your care during this journey through seminary and your support and encouragement as I learned new ways to practice ministry to those around me has sustained me through some very busy years. You have always had my back and created an atmosphere of acceptance and love through this time. Thank you for the many prayers, cards, and gifts for this special occasion. And thank you to all who donated to Week of Compassion. I am honored and blessed to serve alongside you.

Thank you to the OPCC Board of Directors as they have continually encouraged me through this process. You have taught me about leadership in ways that seminary cannot. I am in awe of your continued commitment to this congregation.

A huge thank you to those who served on my Ordination Committee. Barb Collins, Judy Nickum, Jennifer Lee, Kellie Bivens, and Christopher Elliott had no idea what they were getting themselves into when I originally asked them to walk with me through the ordination process. They were always there to encourage and strengthen me. I seriously cannot thank you enough for all you did to make the October 8 amazing!

And last, but not least, thank you to the OPCC children and youth who served at the reception following the service. You all hold a special place in my heart and to see you there serving others means so much more than you will ever know. God has such wonderful plans for you all and I am blessed to walk with you through your childhood.

Lisa Setty, Children & Youth Pastor

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Christian Women’s Fellowship

CWF evening circle will meet on Monday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m.

in the Fireside Room. All women are welcome!

Girlfriends Unlimited

Girlfriends Unlimited invites women to join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room for Bible study, fellowship,

and fun. Our new study “Embracing Your Strengths” starts on November 9. If you are

interested, call or email Peggy Moore at 913-856-3833 or wpmoore@wildblue.net.

Christian Caregivers Support Group

The Christian Caregiver Support Ministry is a safe place to receive helpful guidance and

accept your calling to be a caregiver. We invite you to join us in the Fireside Room on Monday

afternoons, from 1:00–2:30 as we seek to support one another in our sometimes

challenging and difficult tasks.

For more information, contact Peggy Moore at wpmoore@wildblue.net or 913-856-3833.

Our next Care and Share Group outing will be Wednesday, December 7, to Paulo and Bill,

16501 Midland Drive in Shawnee. Meet at the church at 11:00 a.m. if you want to carpool. Please call or email Peggy Moore

with your reservation before December 4. 913 856-3833 or wpmoore@wildblue.net.

Men’s Fellowship Group

The Men’s Fellowship Group meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9–11 am in the

Fireside Room for breakfast, study, and fellowship. The book for study is “Be Mature: Growing Up In Christ” by Warren Wiersbe.

All men are invited to join us.

For more information, contact Wayne Moore, 913-856-3833 or Emerson Hartzler, 913-422-1378.

Come celebrate!

Come help us celebrate

Calvin McBride’s 80th birthday on Saturday December 10th

2:00-4:00 pm in the Fireside Room.

No presents please, just your PRESENCE to wish Calvin a happy birthday.

It’s Time to Think About

Christmas Dinner!

One of the joys serving at our Food Pantry is to watch the faces of people as they receive a turkey or ham for their family’s holiday meal. If you would like to donate $10 (of course we

will take any amount) to purchase a bird or ham, please designate your gift by mentioning

“Holiday Turkeys or Hams” when submitting it to the church office. For more information about OPCC’s Food Pantry, contact Jane Fletcher.

KC for Refugees

Join in the Syrian Refugee Support effort right here at OPCC.

Our Disciples of Christ Regional Office has notified us that we have the opportunity to share in the assistance of our new Syrian Refugee neighbors recently located here in our Kansas City area. We have the opportunity to share in the meeting of our new neighbors, connecting with them through local events, supporting them through local agencies by donating time, funds, and household items. Our primary mission will be to make friendships and get to know them person to person. Watch for coming OPCC publications in ways you can help and support our new neighbors. You are also welcome to join our Syrian Refugee Support Team who are currently developing an initiative to support these missions. Our current Syrian Refugee Support Team is comprised of: Judy & Roy Nickum, Kris Owens, Larry & Kathy Kinder, Vicky & Roger Claar, Vicki Moyer, Sally & Jim Withers, Jean Sink, Arlene Wiler, and Wayne & Peggy Moore. If you want to be added to this team to help get an organized effort going, please call or email Peggy and Wayne Moore at wpmoore@wildblue.net. Otherwise, watch for coming information about how else to help in this option to help our neighbors in need.

6 · The OPCC Scene

Stewardship Green Moment

by Jody Cash

Green Moment for November

Here are some eco-friendly tips for you to use in the fall and winter. They will help you save money and protect the environment.

1. Use reflective window film. These thin plastic sheets should be placed directly on the inside of window panes and glass doors. The film reflects inside heat back into your home, thus reducing the amount of heat that is conducted outside through your windows and glass doors. You can buy the film for about $10 per window and it is easy to install because it adheres directly to the window, or with help from water from a spray bottle.

2. Cover your window air-conditioner. Cover it both inside and out in order to keep cold air from entering your home and it protects the air-conditioning unit. If possible, remove the window unit when you are through using it for the warm seasons.

3. Caulk small spaces and gaps around windows, pipes, and wires entering the home. This will prevent drafts and save on heating bills. Most caulking products cost under $10.

4. Block drafts by installing foam plates that fit behind light switches and electrical outlets to reduce drafts that enter through these spaces. A packet of 20 foam plates is about $3 and can be easily installed using only a screwdriver.

5. Install heat reflectors. If you have radiators, install these thin sheets that fit behind radiators and reflect the heat away from the wall and into the room. By doing this, you maximize the radiator’s efficiency.

6. Upgrade your thermostat. A programmable thermostat can be programmed for weekdays and weekends. It allows you to control the temperature of your home even when you are not home. You can keep the temperature much lower when you are not home and higher when you are home in the winter. Some can be programmed according to the season also. The thermostats range from $90-$175, but will save you about 12% or more on your energy bill and will pay for itself within 3 years.

7. Storm window kits can help. Storm windows can be expensive, but the storm window kit consists of plastic film or sheets to cover the window. You can attach the plastic with tape or tacks. The cost is about $3-$10 per window.

8. Weather-stripping can help by creating a tight seal around your windows so that heated and cooled air cannot escape to the outside. Weather-strips can be rubber, foam, felt, or plastic strips that fit around window and door frames with a self-adhesive backing. The average cost is about $5 per window or door.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving by going green!

Scrip Program at OPCC

The Scrip program is an opportunity to help financially support OPCC while you purchase gift cards for gift-giving or your everyday use. You pay the face value of the card, and a percentage of it is given back to us by the retailer.

There are 2 ways to order Scrip (gift) cards — fill out a form and place it along with your check made out to

OPCC in an envelope provided in the box on the wall outside the receptionist desk; or order cards yourself

online at www.shopwithscrip.com Click on “Register” at the top of the page, then on “Join a Scrip Program”.

OPCC’s registration number is ABF325891724L.

For both options, if your order is placed by Monday morning, your card will be available by the next Sunday.

The OPCC Scene · 7

Prayer List

Prayers of Concern Nita Anderson Raelene Berry Cassie Brockman (Carl Brockman’s granddaughter) Virgil & Frances Bruning Lylia Bryant Darla Campain (Jane Fletcher’s cousin) Charles Campbell (Maurica Campbell’s brother) Maxine Davis Emmett Ditzler (Bruce McNaghten’s friend) Gary Eilert (Jan & Ed Eilert’s son) June Faltermeier (Nancy Coffman’s sister) Pat Gray Nathan Greene (Celia Greene's (CWS) son) Edie Helleson Myra Hettic Don Horine (friend of Laura Phillips’ family) Donna & Marshall Howard Kathryn Hume (Tracie Glasscock's sister) Mark Landwehr (friend of Laura Phillips’ family) Roger Lear (Marie Lear’s son) Nola McKee (Sharon McBride’s friend) Allison McVicker (Cassy & Bob Evans’ daughter) Cole Merrill (Myron Merrill’s son) Max Norton (Marge White’s son-in-law) Duane Peter (John Peter’s father) Shari Prince (Bonnie & Bob Prince’s daughter) Steve Rouff (JoAnn Altschul’s friend) Karen Rowe (Sharon McBride’s friend) Nadine Sheldon Jacob Sprinkle (Lee & Jan Sprinkle’s grandson) Jane Vogt (Marjory McNaghten’s sister) Joe & Jean Zacher

Continued Prayers Marian Bilyea & Rick Everist Carl Brockman Bryan Byrd (friend of Roy & Judy Nickum) Phyllis Cooke Corwin Elliott Pat Gilling Marlene & Gordon Harkness Carole Ingram Bob Jenkins Dan Jenkins Dorothy Jimerson Mary Johnson Barbara Killion Marie Lear Diana Leonard Ina Fern McBride Shirley McGee Jack McLain Marjory McNaghten Florene & Tony Miele Fern Palmer (Kim Glover’s mother) Bonnie Prince Belva Snell Taylor & Gerry Spillers Sandy Teeple Josh Townsend (Wilma Townsend’s grandson) Wilma Townsend Duane & Wanda Whitney Alan Wimpey

Military Prayer List

Stephan Aelmore (grandson of Mary Aelmore), US Navy, Pearl Harbor, HI

Dustin Doree (grandson of Betty Craney), US Army, Special Forces Training

Patrick Kauer (grandson of Terry and Meyra Redmon), US Army stationed at Ft. Polk, LA

Cameron McDonough (son of Cathy Wilson), US Navy, stationed on the USS Battleship Gonzalez

SSG Edward Pinkelman, Jr. (son of Ed & Kathy Pinkelman), US Army, stationed at Camp Buehring in Kuwait

To add persons to this list, please forward information to Michelle Reiter at

michelle@opccdoc.org or 913-677-4646, x223.

October Gifts

The following have given gifts in memory of Diana Carlburg:

Jody Cash NOW Group Joe & Jean Zacker Margo Brown

A gift has been received from Jody Cash in honor of the October 14 birthdays of Terri Bookless and Taylor Spillers.

Thank You

Our thanks to everyone who prays for us and send cards. JoAnn Cash especially.

May the Lord bless our Pastors and Congregation and enable their work to grow the Congregation. Sincerely, Tony and Florene Miele

Congregational Care

One of the strongest ministries we have going at Overland Park Christian Church, is our

Congregational Care ministry. We are blessed with many dedicated volunteers who make sure

that any of our care and/or grief needs are addressed, reminding us that we are all a

community! Let this serve as a reminder that if you are going through something difficult,

perhaps in the hospital, or at home and needing care, please don’t hesitate to contact our Congregational Care team. Between the

Congregational Care team and our pastors, we hope you know how loved and important you are! You can contact the Congregational Care team by calling the church office (913) 677-4646, and dialing ext. 224. The team will receive an email of your message and get in touch with you as

soon as possible. You can also call any one of our pastors. Many thanks for all the ways that

each of you care for one another!

Overland Park Christian Church 7600 West 75th Street Overland Park, KS 66204-2894

The OPCC Scene is generally published the first Thursday of each month except July.

Copy deadline for next issue is December 6 for December 8 mailing.

Help us reduce paper and postage costs! If you would like to be removed from

this mailing list or to receive this publication by e-mail, please contact Michelle Reiter

at 913-677-4646, ext. 223, or michelle@opccdoc.org

Your OPCC Staff

913-677-4646

info@opccdoc.org (general church e-mail address)

Senior Pastor .............................. Bo Crowe bo@opccdoc.org ext. 225

Associate Pastor ......................... Laura Phillips laura@opccdoc.org ext. 222

Congregational Care ................... Peggy Moore wpmoore@wildblue.net ext. 224

Children & Youth Pastor .............. Lisa Setty lisa@opccdoc.org ext. 228

Communications Coordinator/ Bookkeeper ................................. Michelle Reiter michelle@opccdoc.org ext. 223

Receptionist ................................ Eileen McIntyre office@opccdoc.org ext. 221

Music Director ............................. Christopher Elliott chris@opccdoc.org

Your 2016-17 OPCC Board of Directors

Jane Fletcher ...................................... Chair

Bob Shankel ................................ Vice Chair

Sue Elliott ..................................... Secretary

Kathy Lewis .................................. Treasurer

Peter Lee ....... Leader Development Liaison

Roy Nickum .................. Commission Liaison