The OPCC Scene · 1

Volume 12, Issue 11 December 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

2 · The OPCC Scene

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 a.m. and/or 10:30 a.m. worship services in Advent? 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 to journey with us on our way to Bethlehem, while joining us for our Advent studies on Wednesdays at 6pm.

Using the book The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton, Bo and Laura will facilitate 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 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! We still have extra books available if you would like to join us!

Lines from Laura

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.

End and Beginning of the Year Worship

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.

On Christmas morning, join us for worship service 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!

We will also join together on New Year’s day for ONE service, at 10:30 a.m. Again, come as you are, casual and comfortable, but ready to celebrate a New Year together!

Christmas Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24

4:00–6:00 pm Come & Go Communion 7:00–8:00 pm Candlelight Communion for the Entire Family

Sundays, December 25 and January 1

10:30 am Worship Gathering (No 8:30 a.m. Worship and no Christian Education Classes on these days.)

Office Closings in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays The church offices will be closed on the following days:

Monday, December 26; Tuesday, December 27; Wednesday, December 28; Monday, January 2; and Tuesday, January 3.

The OPCC Scene · 3

Jr. Youth & Youth Christmas Parties

December 21, 2016 Jr. Youth from 6 to 7 p.m. Youth from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Please bring: A snack and a white elephant gift

(Youth will also be making our monthly sack lunches for Crosslines.)

Youth

January 2, 2017, 8pm to

January 3, 2017, 8am

Bring some snacks to share, a willingness to do something different,

and a cheerful attitude.

Ever dreamed of being a part of an international mission trip? Have you wanted to visit Central America? Do you enjoy learning about new cultures and making new friends? We need YOU on our summer 2017 Costa Rica Mission Team. We are looking at dates in mid to late July.

Trip costs will be approximately $1500-$1600.

If you have any interest in joining our Costa Rica Mission Trip Team, please contact either Lisa Setty or Laura Phillips by December 31.

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.

Music Notes

The Chancel Choir, Reverberations Bell Choir, and other musical guests will present extended musical offerings on Christmas Eve. Please invite your family and friends for a great night of scripture readings, poetry and choral and instrumental music.

Upcoming Worship Notes: Sunday, December 11: Special music by

Calvin McBride, guitar, & Reverberations Wednesday, December 21: Longest Night

worship @ 6:45 pm Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve

Worship @ 7:00 pm Sunday, December 25: One service only

@ 10:30 am. Special music duet by Chris Crowe & Pat Warner.

Sunday, January 1: One service only @ 10:30 am.

Upcoming Community Events: Heartland Men's Chorus presents Kansas

City Christmas: Classy, Brassy, Sassy. Saturday, December 10, 8:00 pm @ JCCC Carlsen Center – Yardley Hall.

KC Symphony & Chorus: Christmas Festival. December 15-18 & 20 @ Helzberg Hall at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCMO.

William Baker Festival Singers presents Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral. Friday, December 16, 8:00 pm @ Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, KCMO.

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

4 · The OPCC Scene

Christian Women’s Fellowship

CWF evening circle will not meet in December. Our next meeting will be Monday, January 9,

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. We are currently studying the book

“Embracing Your Strengths”.

Girlfriends will meet through December 14, then take a break until January 11. No meetings

on December 21, 28, or January 4.

For more information, 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 are open to all those who are caring or who have

cared for a loved one. 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.

Christian Caregivers will meet on Mondays December 5, 12, & 19. We will break for Christmas and New Year’s (December 26

and January 2), resuming on January 9, 2017. On meeting days when the weather is

inclement, you may call the church office to see if the class has been cancelled.

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

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 coffee, study, and fellowship. The current study is “Love Does” by Bob Goff.

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.

You should have recently received in the mail a letter and information about the items that are needed for our Syrian refugee friends. If you did not receive this mailing and want to know what it is all about, or if you just want to know more about how you can help, contact Peggy or Wayne Moore at wpmoore@wildblue.net.

Jo. Co. Interfaith Hospitality Network

Our next IHN host week at OPCC is December 25-31. Contact Barb Collins at

barbcollins919@gmail.com to volunteer.

The OPCC Scene · 5

Stewardship Green Moment

by Jody Cash

Going Green for Christmas

1. To cut back on gifts, have the adults in your extended family draw a name out of a hat and only buy a gift for the person whose name you drew. This can be done when the family is together—such as Thanksgiving. For those not present, have Grandma or another designated person draw names for the “absentee”. Also, set a spending limit on the gifts. This well help you to not overspend and cut down on the number of gifts you need to buy.

2. Batteries are hazardous when in landfills. Try not to buy gifts that require batteries. 3. Support businesses that have products made of recycled materials. 4. Do not buy toys or video games that promote violence. Buy educational games or games that are

fun and use a child’s creativity and imagination. 5. Buy products made in America and, when possible, buy locally. Go to craft fairs and local artisan

shops. This will cut down greatly on pollution caused by transporting products from around the world. 6. Re-gifting is considered tacky, but it is getter to re-gift an item rather than to throw it away. Re-gift

with care so as not to offend the person who gave you the gift in the first place. 7. Have the children in your family pick 3 toys that they don’t play with much or do no longer play with

and give those toys to a homeless shelter. This teaches children about giving to others, it helps those in need, and it is better than throwing the toys away.

8. Decorate the outside of your home with “ornaments” that have birdseed, suet, or other food that will feed the birds and will be festive, too! You can use pinecones with peanut butter or them, or other seeds that will attract birds.

9. Use a living tree for your Christmas tree. Artificial trees last for years, but they eventually end up in a landfill. Once in the landfill, it takes them many, many years to disintegrate. This is because they have plastic in them and plastic contains petroleum. Thus, between the chemical used to manufacture these trees and the fact that they clutter up landfills, it is better to use a live tree.

10. Outdoor lighting should be kept to a minimum. Use LED lights or mini-lights for outdoor decorating—this will help keep the electric bill down and will not use so much electricity.

11. Send homemade Christmas cards. You can make them yourself or use your children’s artwork to make them. You can send cards over the internet as opposed to mailing them.

12. Recycle your live Christmas tree. Virtually all of the cities in Johnson County have ways to recycle the trees. Most of the cities have curbside pickup for Christmas trees.

13. Make gift bags out of scraps of material or use comic strips or children’s artwork to wrap gifts in this year. The waste from giftwrap and gift bags is 4 million tons a year! Thus, it is better to recycle wrapping paper and use cloth gift bags as much as possible. Do NOT use metallic gift paper to wrap gifts—these contain metal and do not biodegrade like most paper does.

14. Make homemade gifts. People will appreciated your gift and you will have helped the environment by not buying a manufactured gift.

Have a very happy and green Christmas!

Scrip Program at OPCC

We all know gift cards make the perfect Christmas gift for many folks. If you will be

giving gift cards, buy them though OPCC’s scrip program! You pay the face value of the card,

and a percentage of it is given back to us by the

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

or order 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, it will be available by the following Sunday.

Hat and Mitten Collection

Help us keep others warm this winter by bringing hats, mittens, and gloves. Donations will go to

Micah Ministries, a ministry supported by Independence Blvd Christian Church in KCMO.

Donations can be clipped to the rope line hanging near the front entrance of the church. Collections will continue through December 18. Thank you for keeping Kansas City residents warm this winter!

Sponsored by CWF

6 · The OPCC Scene

Living into Our Future Story

It has often been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If this is true, and I believe it is, it is also true that this first step is both the most difficult and the most important step of all those that follow. This significant step determines the goal of our journey, the direction we will set out, stops along the way to assess our progress, and the pace we will take; a pace that will move us forward without exhausting us.

For several years we at OPCC have been preparing for this first important step toward a renewed ministry in a radically changing world. Four years ago we discussed a book among our board, our staff, and the church at large – I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church – to help us understand that we are not alone in the need to revitalize. In fact, this is the principal need for most churches in our day, and in so doing summon the courage to begin the process. Next, we brought in Hope Partnership to help us envision what our revitalized ministry will look like; that is to say, the spiritual values that will provide the foundation of every ministry we offer. Do you remember these values?

Valuing and accepting everyone; living in hopeful expectation; focusing only on what unites us; embracing spiritual and cultural diversity; and serving with heart.

In a very real sense, these values will determine the ministries we want to share with the world as we move into God’s future.

We are now approaching the final stage of our preparation for that first step. That is to say, discerning prayerfully the new ways of being church OPCC must embrace to insure successful ministry in our community for generations to come. The rightsizing project that is now underway and gaining momentum as we speak expresses our desire to work more closely with the community by leasing space to service oriented not-for-profits; providing a home base for their good works, and the potential to join with them in new and exciting ministries. This project will be completed within the next year; and as it progresses, we will begin to lease space to interested not-for-profits that have begun to express interest. When completed, this project will provide some ninety thousand dollars to our ministry income, thus helping to provide the financial base we need to insure the vitality of our ministry.

Make no mistake, there are many models of being church that are different from the traditional model with which we are familiar and in which we are comfortable. Importantly, however, these models have proven successful in attracting people to spiritual practice and outreach service in new cultural contexts. We must soon discern which model will work for us; that is to say, will fit the trajectory our ministry has taken to this point, and will position us to continue providing these ministries into God’s future.

Now you may see how important this first step toward the future is, and the courage it will take to embrace new forms of being church. Lest we forget, the most important part of our preparation to live into our future story is prayer; listening to and striving to follow the Spirit’s whisperings. Should we be faithful in prayer and discernment, we will have nothing to fear as we live into our future story. Please look soon for ways you may be involved in this discernment.

Christmas: Traditions and New Life

Christmas is an interesting time of year when many of us juggle both traditions, and new practices; a time when we hold the old, the new, and the not-yet in careful tension. Perhaps this is also why we turn to the church so much during Christmas time? Of course, I know many who grew up in the church, return around Christmas because parents or grandparents want everyone to worship together, or because, “you’re just supposed to go to church on Christmas Eve.” But I would argue it’s more than that.

Christmas is the time that we can see the value in the old, the time-honored and traditional. Christmas is the time in which we cradle in our arms the worn-out stocking that is painfully out of style, while at the same time we adorn our mantle with the newest and most modern décor. Christmas is the time when we tell old stories, either of our immediate families, or of our family of faith, while also creating new stories that look to the future.

As we approach a new church year, with new challenges and new possibilities, I invite you to do so in all the hope and vision that Christmas inspires. Let us come together as a family of faith, knitting together the faithful stories of old, with the future stories that may look different, but that are hold tight our faith of the old, the new, and the not-yet.

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) Ruth Farmer (Jan Sprinkle’s sister) Jeanne Gilbert (Chuck Warner’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) Laura & Paul Martin 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) Earl Sheldon 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 Phyllis Cooke Jan Eilert Corwin Elliott Pat Gilling Marlene & Gordon Harkness Carole Ingram 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

Condolences to the family of Bob Jenkins on his death on

November 8 to Bo Crowe and family on the death of Bo’s

to Roy & Judy Nickum and family on the death

of their daughter Alicia’s father-in-law, Bryan Byrd, on December 6

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.

Thank You

This is to thank each of you at OPCC who sent cards and prayers during our times of need. Please know that we appreciate them and feel so blest to be remembered. Thank you! Virgil & Frances Bruning My family wishes to thank everyone who prayed for my grandson, Sean Downes. He had back surgery recently and is doing so much better. He returned to work in November. Thanks to the church and the ministry group for prayers that made a difference in our family. Sean said it was great to know that people cared and that there were people who had his back. I want to thank you for all of your prayers for me, too. God bless all of you. Edie Helleson I would like to say thank you for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls during my recent medical condition. Also a special thank you to Jo Ann Altschul who got me to the ER and took care of my dogs during my hospital stay. It was most appreciated. Betty King Dear OPCC Friends, Thank you all for your prayers, phone calls, visits, cards, and words of encouragement during Alan's recovery from knee replacement surgery. You have kept us going through a longer than expected recuperation. We thank God for this community of love and faith. Alan & Lois Wimpey I want to thank all of you who sent me birthday cards. It meant so much to me. I appreciate all the visits from so many of you. Thank you again for making me feel so special. Maxine Davis

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 January 5 for January 9 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