May 2016 - Overland Park Christian Church

Volume 12, Issue 5
The OPCC Scene
May 2016
(Disciples of Christ)
7600 West 75th Street
Overland Park, KS 66204 • 913.677.4646
www.opccdoc.org • @opccdoc (Twitter) • www.facebook.com/opccdoc
Sunday Services
Worship — 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Adults Christian Education — 9:00 a.m.
Children’s Christian Education — 9:30 a.m.
Nursery care available between 8:20 a.m. and noon
That’s Why We’re Here
As I drove through Memphis, TN last week on the way to my sister-in-law’s funeral, the classic song
by The Band – The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down – came up on my play list. I was struck by the
appropriateness of the song as I drove deep into the heart of Dixie, and decided to tweet it as
follows, “Drove through Memphis listening to “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down.” I would say
s'all good if I were not driving south for a funeral.”
Obviously, all wasn’t good, and I felt it deeply as I drove toward my brother Ralph, who was
struggling to overcome grief for his wife of fifty-five years, and plan a memorial service for her. I
struggled as well (certainly nothing like my brother), having been asked to co-officiate the service
with their pastor. How could I find the strength to stand in the chancel and offer a eulogy for a
wonderful woman I had known since I was seven years old?
In the end I stood tall in the chancel and celebrated Martha’s life and loves, seeking to comfort my
brother and all those gathered in that place, and to commend her into the loving embrace of God.
But let’s be clear about one thing; it was not my strength that bolstered me that morning, but rather
the strength of God in whom I have entrusted all things, and the support of my faith community
(a.k.a. Overland Park Christian Church). Even as I drove, I received many text and email messages
assuring me that prayers had been and would continue to be offered for my family. So it never
crossed my mind that I might be traveling alone, without love and support.
And that day was no exception. Our faith community has a unique gift of caring for individuals and
families as they traverse the shadowed valleys in life – illness, surgery, devastating diagnoses, grief,
loneliness, estrangement, fear, to name but a few – and the faith, strength, and love shown by our
faith community provides much needed comfort, healing, and hope.
I celebrate that gift, and thank God daily for a community characterized by such love. In offering
such caring support, our community – from members in the pews, the Congregational Care Team,
the Care and Share Group, and others – our faith community offers a ministry that could not be
achieved by one alone; a ministry without which we could not call ourselves a faith community. In
offering such caring support, we clearly recognize that “That’s why we’re here.”
I thank each and every person that participates in our Congregational Care ministry, and I invite you
to do the same. There are spiritual giants in our midst, and we should thank God for them, and
express our gratitude more often.
In faith, hope, and love,
The OPCC Scene · 1
Wonderful Things Blooming in May
It's hard to believe that we are already in the midst of May, and that we have so much on the horizon.
We hope you will continue to be a part of the beautiful things blooming and growing at OPCC
— where will you find new life with this community of faith?
In the middle of May, we will conclude our worship series on The Lords Prayer: A Prayer for the Church,
and continue focusing on the foundations of the church as we celebrate Pentecost on May 15 th.
Don't forget to write your prayer for the church on the square, white, papers at church.
We will be utilizing these prayers in an artistic way for our celebration of Pentecost! We will also
have prayer stations available for Pentecost focus, both in the Prayer Chapel and the Overflow Room.
We hope you will utilize these and find them helpful in your spiritual journey.
Also on the 15th we will honor our own Lisa Setty who will be graduating with her Master of
Divinity degree that weekend. We invite you to help us “shower” Lisa with cards on May 15th as we
celebrate this accomplishment. We also look forward to her ordination celebration later this fall,
but are excited to honor her graduation accomplishment now.
On Sunday, May 29th, the 5th Sunday of May, we will continue our practice of Crazy-Activity Sunday
on those rare 5th Sundays! This Sunday we will celebrate in worship with a Bluegrass Gospel Style!
Following worship we will continue to celebrate our family of faith by joining in a picnic in our courtyard.
(Speaking of which, be sure to visit our beautiful gardens this summer, too!)
Watch for more information soon!
is May 15
Join us in worship on this special Sunday
as we celebrate the birthday of the church!
Traveling Church
for the Summer
Will you use this summer to travel or spend
time with friends and family? Will your summer
plans keep you away from church for a time?
We sure hope you don't stay away long, but
we know summers often do find our church
members spread out and more sporadic.
Can we come with you on your travels?
Knowing that many of our members and friends
are out and about, we are making it easier to
stay connected this summer! Before you leave for
your summer trips, be sure to take a “traveling kit”
with you that will help you stay connected to
OPCC! Help us stay connected to one another,
to this family of faith, and to the wider
Body of Christ, no matter where you are!
For more information, contact Rev. Laura.
2 · The OPCC Scene
Christian Women’s Fellowship
Mary Martha Circle will meet on Thursday,
May 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.
After devotions, Bible study, and a short
business meeting, we will have lunch at
Pegah’s, 87th & Quivira. All are welcome!
Circle 2 will meet at church in the Fireside
Room on Monday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m.
For our end-of-year meeting and Ice Cream Social.
All women are invited to join us. Please contact
Nancy Corbin if you have any questions.
Solo Sidekicks Potluck
Come join the singles for a potluck dinner on
Friday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
If you have questions or need more
information, contact Nancy Corbin.
The Care and Share Grief Support Group
will go to lunch at Margarita's, 7890 Quivira in
Shawnee, on Wednesday, June 15. Meet at OPCC
at 11:00 to carpool. Please make your
reservation with Peggy Moore by June 12.
Girlfriends Unlimited
Women of OPCC join us for study, fellowship and
fun! Girlfriends Unlimited is a mid-week offering for
women who are looking for ways to deepen their
relationship with God by practicing their faith in
everyday life. Please join us on Wednesday
evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
Questions? Contact Peggy Moore at
913-856-3833 or [email protected].
God in Nature Hiking Group
May 14, Saturday 10 AM
- West Flanders Park in Shawnee. Larry
Stouse will provide a short guided walk
highlighting the many different trees in the
park. Paved sidewalks. Easy walk for
those who don’t want to walk far.
 June 11, Saturday 10 AM
- Shawnee Mission Park – Orange Trail –
2.75 miles – dirt trail and we will be sharing
with mountain bikes.
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If you have any questions, please contact
Kathy Kinder 913-908-2554 or
[email protected]
Empty Nesters
Join the Empty Nesters for a picnic at
Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road in Merriam,
on Friday evening, June 10th, at 6:30 p.m.
We will gather at shelter #3 which is on the
north entrance toward the back of the park
and close to the administration building.
Bring a side dish or a dessert to go with either
hot dogs or sandwiches. The Rose Garden
close to the entrance should be in full bloom.
This organization offers several programs that
support people with mental illnesses and their
loved ones. All programs are free to the
participants, but there are costs involved in
Christian Caregivers
Support Group
NAMI pays, and that is why I am participating
the NAMI Kansas Walk that will be in Topeka,
Kansas on May, 14, 2015. The money we raise
will help people in Kansas. Besides being a
fundraiser, it helps raise awareness of mental
illness and shares hope, too!
Please help me raise money for the Walk by
writing a check in ANY amount-no amount is
too little-to NAMI Kansas and send it to me
Men’s Fellowship Group
If you have any questions about this
organization, you may call me or go online to
www.nami.org. Checks should be made out to
NAMI Kansas and sent to my home.
Thank you and God bless you,
Doris Hamilton
8348 England
Overland Park, KS 66212
The Christian Caregiver Support Ministry Group
will meet on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in
the Fireside Room between now and May 23.
We will break from May 30 through September 6,
resuming on September 12 and
go through December 19.
Questions? Call Peggy Moore at 913-856-3833.
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 new 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.
The OPCC Scene · 3
Johnson County Interfaith
Hospitality Network
In observance
of the
Memorial Day
holiday, the
OPCC offices
will be closed on
Monday, May 30.
5th Sunday Celebration
on May 29
We will have a Bluegrass Worship service at
10:30 a.m. followed by a picnic lunch in the
courtyard. Box lunches will be available to order
for a suggested $5 donation, or feel free to bring
your own picnic. Bring lawn chairs for after the
service and enjoy the beautiful weather and
bluegrass music in the courtyard. Pick up your
order form at church. See anyone on the Worship
and Arts Commission for more information.
If you are excited about a graduate in
your family and would like them recognized in
worship or in this newsletter, please contact
Michelle Reiter with the following information:
their name, from what school they are graduating,
and their future plans. We look forward to
honoring all of our graduates!
Empowering Homeless Families
by Engaging People of Faith
Our next IHN HOST WEEK at OPCC
is May 15-21
Sign up sheets have been discontinued.
For volunteer opportunity information, contact
Barb Collins at [email protected]
Following this rotation, our host week is
scheduled for July 17-23. Please mark your
calendar to plan time to help out!
Volunteer Training Sessions are held
odd numbered months, usually Saturday
mornings from 9:30 - 11:30, at an IHN Church.
RSVP's are not necessary. All are welcome
and encouraged to attend! Please note that we
have condensed the training to 2 hours so folks
need to be on time. Anyone arriving more than
20 minutes late, or leaving 20 minutes early
will not be considered a trained IHN volunteer.
Our next training will be Saturday, May 14,
9:30-11:30 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist,
5400 West 75th (at Nall), in Prairie Village.
SAVE THE DATE!
If you are looking for a fun evening
and help out IHN at the same time,
the auction is just around the corner.
Cruising For A Cause
IHN's 5th Annual
Fundraising Dinner & Auction
Help empower homeless families
in Johnson County
Sign up now for VBS!
June 19-23
6:30-8:30 pm
Children 4 years through
entering 5th graders are
invited to be part of our
fun and exciting Surf Shack
Vacation Bible School!
At Surf Shack VBS, children will learn powerful
stories connecting the Old Testament and the
New Testament to their lives today.
By combining Biblical teachings and life
application, they will discover that following
Christ involves helping others through service.
Registration is open now for children and
volunteers at http://2016.cokesburyvbs.com/opcc.
Support IHN's Fundraising Auction in 3 Ways!
1) Enjoy a meal, a good time, and bid on items
2) You Could Be a Sponsor, too
3) Donate an Item to the Auction
If you have any questions, contact Lisa Setty at
913-677-4646 or [email protected].
Questions?
Call the IHN Auction Hotline (913) 353-6266
or email: [email protected]
4 · The OPCC Scene
Thursday, June 23, 2016
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Blvd, OPKS
Courtyard Level Entrance on 110th St.
Featuring:
Joe Lauria, FOX4 Meteorologist
as Master of Ceremonies
The award-winning Nigro Brothers, one of
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OPCC Food Pantry
BackSnacks Update
We have things to celebrate!
Every week volunteers from OPCC deliver
bags of kid-friendly food to Tomahawk
Elementary and East Antioch Elementary
schools. These are for children from low
income families. They receive free or reduced
lunches at school. So what happens on the
weekend? No school = no meals. No. Through
this great program developed by Harvesters
Community Food Network, we may serve our
neighbors by receiving boxes of food,
re-packing the food, and delivering the food
to the schools, thanks to our volunteers.
We have the best and most loyal volunteers
of all!! Thank you to every one of you!
We continue to serve our neighbors, and
always have enough food – amazing!
We are blessed to have developed
relationships with many of our guests.
We passed our annual site inspection with
flying colors! Just confirming what we
already knew, we have a GREAT space.
We will begin to have monthly deliveries
starting in July. This is a personal blessing to
our truck driver – Lee Sprinkle.
We were evaluated by Harvesters
Community Network and given a B grade
(A, B or C grades). For a pantry our size,
that is a miracle.
○ The grading criteria are:
 The building: clean, good storage,
working refrigerators and freezers,
handicap accessible, bug free.
 Hours open: we are open Saturday
mornings and Tuesday evenings so it
is available people who work.
 Pantry is governed by a board (Global
Outreach), has a strategy, has set
financial guidelines for guests.
 Good record keeping and we pay our
bills.
 We offer information to apply for
additional resources such as SNAP,
utility assistance, property tax
refunds, rent assistance, and financial
education.
 We serve the most underserved
counties in Kansas. Our Wyandotte
County neighbors are welcome to visit
our pantry.
 For the average number of households served per month and number
of hours open, we didn’t score so
well. We probably won’t change the
hours open any time soon because
we are limited by the availability of our
volunteers. BUT with a little effort on
our part, we could easily get our
monthly average of households up
over 100 and earn that A!
So if you are interested in gettin’ that A, grab
some flyers and distribute them anywhere you
think people may need a little extra help.
Facts: Harvesters has distributed 630,000
bags to 20,100 students this school year.
OPCC has distributed 7,872 pounds of those.
(Ask Jean Sink, Betty King, JoAnn Altschul,
Heather Turner, Sally & Jim Withers, Steve
Glasscock, Jan & Lee Sprinkle, Earl Sheldon,
Gordon Harkness, and Jeff Harkness about
lifting, packaging, moving all of those snacks!)
Please take a moment to extend your
appreciation to the people listed above
for their ministry.
Woodhaven, in Columbia, MO, was founded
by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on
the belief that individuals with developmental
disabilities have much to contribute as
members of our community. Thank you so
much for supporting that mission by saving
UPC barcodes from Campbell’s Labels for
Education and Best Choice products labels.
Through your support they are able to
purchase educational tools and Smart Boards,
which greatly enhance the ways in which they
are able to teach and train staff members the
skills they need to more effectively support the
adults with developmental disabilities served.
There is a “What to Save” information sheet
posted on the CWF bulletin board, and
collection boxes for the UPC labels on the
shelf in the top of the coat rack by the Fireside
Room. Thank you for helping to support
Woodhaven with your donations.
See www.woodhaventeam.org for more
information about this ministry, its history,
and other ways you can help!
The OPCC Scene · 5
We NEED Your Information
We are updating our church computer database to a brand new system!
Though it has and will take some work getting used to it, we are thrilled because it will allow us to
do ministry more effectively. As technology changes, so, too, is the church called to embrace some
new operations, not JUST because they are new, but because they allow us to minister to one another,
and to care for one another in new and more thoughtful and compassionate ways.
To that end, we need your updated information. Whether you have been a member for 55 years,
or 55 seconds; if you are a long-time visitor that has not sought official membership, but you like to be
“in-the-know”, or you have been a member since birth, we need your information. Our database has
“I know, I know, I’ve heard it all before, I’ve filled out so many information forms!” THIS time will help us
You will find this information sheet on the Library counter at the church. You may also
have it emailed to you from the church office ([email protected]) if you would prefer.
However it is easiest, we thank you so much for helping us to be up to date!
Building Right-Sizing?
By now you have heard some of the conversation about moving our ministries around and leasing
rooms in our church. And, I’ll bet you are curious. The OPCC Board of Directors will host Information
Gatherings to propose the plans, answer questions, and give you some time to get up close and
personal with the building map. We will even have building tours!
Remember, none of this will happen without the congregation’s approval. That meeting has not yet
been determined, so you haven’t missed anything yet! Watch the church publications for news
about the Information Gathering times when those meeting dates are set.
Stewardship Green Moment
by Jody Cash
I will give a few more DIY (Do It Yourself) cleaning products this month.
I hope you find these helpful. They not only save the environment, but also save you money!
All Purpose Cleaning Spray:
This recipe calls for 1 TBSP borax, 1 TBSP washing soda (similar to baking soda), 1 tsp dishwashing
soap, 1 c. vinegar, 4 cups hot water, and if desired, 25-30 drops of essential oil. Whisk all ingredients
together in a large bowl and then pour into a spray bottle. Spray on and wipe surface clean with a damp
cloth. This can be used to clean and disinfect almost any surface.
Stainless Steel Cleaner:
Mix 2 TBSP baking soda, 1/2 c. white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. The mixture
will foam up. When the mixture stops bubbling, put cap on the spray bottle and spray the stainless steel
surface, wipe the surface clean and dry with a lint-free rag.
Dishwasher Detergent:
Mix 1 c. baking soda, 1 c. borax, and 1/2 c. salt together and store in an airtight container. To use, add 1
TBSP to each of the 2 compartments in your dishwasher, and then add 2 TBSP vinegar in the rinse
compartment.
Floor Cleaner:
You need 1 c. vinegar, 1/2 c. baking soda, 8-10 cups hot water, 1 TBSP borax, 1 TBSP washing soda,
and, if desired, 30 drops of essential oil. Mix the baking soda and vinegar together in a bucket, add hot
water, borax, washing soda, and essential oil. Mix until all powder is dissolved. Use mop or sponge to
wipe down the floor and then use a clean dry towel to wipe the floor dry.
6 · The OPCC Scene
Prayer List
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Prayers of Concern
Raelene Berry
Marian Bilyea & Rick Everist
Virgil & Frances Bruning
Lylia Bryant
Darla Campain (Jane Fletcher’s cousin)
Charles Campbell (Maurica Campbell’s brother)
Larry Coffman
Phyllis Cooke
Scott Denbow (JoAnn Altschul’s friend)
Emmett Ditzler (friend of Bruce McNaghten)
June Faltermeier (Nancy Coffman’s sister)
Mary Alice Geise
Pat Gray
Nathan Greene (Celia Greene's (CWS) son)
Marlene & Gordon Harkness
Edie Helleson
Myra Hettic
Don Horine (friend of Laura Phillips’ family)
Kathryn Hume (Tracie Glasscock's sister)
Dorothy Jimerson
Mark Landwehr (friend of Laura Phillips’ family)
Allison McVicker (Cassy & Bob Evans’ daughter)
Cole Merrill (Myron Merrill’s son)
Max Norton (Marge White’s son-in-law)
Wayne & Fern Palmer (Kim Glover’s parents)
Shari Prince (Bonnie & Bob Prince’s daughter)
Steve Rouff (JoAnn Altschul’s friend)
Nadine Sheldon
Jacob Sprinkle (Lee & Jan Sprinkle’s grandson)
Jane Vogt (Marjory McNaghten’s sister)
Joe & Jean Zacher
Continued Prayers
Carl Brockman
Bryan Byrd (friend of Roy & Judy Nickum)
Diana Carlburg
Corwin Elliott
Pat Gilling
Carole Ingram
Bob Jenkins
Dan Jenkins
Mary Johnson
Barbara Killion
Marie Lear
Diana Leonard
Ralph Lyles
Everett & Ina Fern McBride
Shirley McGee
Jack McLain
Marjory McNaghten
Florene & Tony Miele
Belva Snell
Taylor & Gerry Spillers
Sandy Teeple
Josh Townsend (Wilma Townsend’s grandson)
Wilma Townsend
Duane & Wanda Whitney
Condolences
 to Dorothy Jimerson and family on the death of
her mother, Eleanor Williams, on April 18
 to Bo & Chris Crowe and family on the death of
Bo’s sister-in-law, Martha Lyles, on April 26
 Graveside services for Marilyn Sherman, who
died on January 29, 2016, will be May 27th at
2:00 p.m. in Joplin, MO, at the Jackson
Cemetery. For those wanting to attend, there is
a map with directions to the service on the
bulletin board near the Sanctuary. Marjory &
Bruce McNaghten will be attending.
Thank You
Dear Friends in Christ,
How the hospitality of the Overland Park
Christian Church shone during the recent Regional
Assembly! Laura and Lee went above and beyond
what was promised to assure that dozens of
arrangements were in place to accommodate
the 220+ participants. OPCC members were
everywhere — offering direction and speaking
words of welcome. Amy, Chris, and the worship
music crew took our prayers and praises to new
heights. Thank you! God bless you!
Your Regional Staff
Dear OP Christian Church Volunteers,
Thank you so much for your Garden Terrace
Ministry! It means the world to my mom (Karen
Rowe) and me that we can continue to worship
together each week!
Blessings,
Liz Rowe
My mother is a resident at Garden Terrace at
Overland Park. My husband and I have attended
several of your worship services at the nursing
home. We wanted to contribute to the wonderful
ministry that you perform every Sunday! We truly
appreciated your efforts!
Thank you so much!
Diana & Denny Brown
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
 SSG Edward Pinkelman, Jr. (son of Ed & Kathy
Pinkelman), US Army, stationed at Camp
Buehring in Kuwait
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To add persons to this list, please
forward information to Michelle Reiter at
[email protected] or 913-677-4646, x223.
The OPCC Scene · 7
Congregational Meeting
Notice — a meeting of the Congregation of Overland Park Christian Church will be held on
Sunday, May 22, for the purpose of voting on the confirmation of church leadership positions.
Below are the Board-approved nominees, the term years for which they are being confirmed,
and whether it is their 1st or 2nd term. Deacon positions do not have a term limit.
Board of Directors
Bob Shankel
2016-2018
1st term
Peter Lee
2016-2018
1st term
Kathy Lewis
2016-2018
1st term
Leadership Development/Nominations
Carol Cochran
2016-2018
1st term
Terri Bookless
Theresa Krebs
Nancy Phipps
Pastoral Relations
2016-2018
2016-2017
2016-2018
2nd term
2nd term
1st term
JoAnn Altschul
Barbara Sheldon
Teresa Phillips
Personnel
2016-2018
2016-2017
2016-2018
2nd term
2nd term
1st term
Larry Kinder
Bruce McNaghten
Trustees
2016-2018
2016-2018
2nd term
1st term
Meghan Helser
Graham Lee
Ian Lee
Christy Reiter
Jake Reiter
Deacons
Your OPCC Staff
913-677-4646
[email protected] (general church e-mail address)
Your 2015-16 OPCC Board of Directors
Jane Fletcher ...................................... Chair
Larry Kinder .................................Vice Chair
Senior Pastor .............................. Bo Crowe
[email protected]
ext. 225
Sharon McBride ............................Treasurer
Associate Pastor ......................... Laura Phillips
[email protected]
ext. 222
Roy Nickum .... Leader Development Liaison
Congregational Care ................... Peggy Moore
[email protected]
ext. 224
Children & Youth Pastor.............. Lisa Setty
[email protected]
ext. 228
Communications Coordinator/
Bookkeeper ................................. Michelle Reiter
[email protected]
ext. 223
Receptionist ................................ Eileen McIntyre
[email protected]
ext. 221
Music Director ............................. Amy Luckenbill
[email protected]
Assistant Music Director.............. Chris Elliott
[email protected]
Dan Horton ................................... Secretary
Sue Elliott..................... Commission Liaison
The OPCC Scene is generally published the
first Thursday of each month except July.
Copy deadline for next issue is
June 7 for June 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
[email protected]