[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 171 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTRY CLUB CHRISTIAN 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize 
the 100th anniversary of the Country Club Christian Church. Since 1921, 
this church has received everyone, regardless of background, with open 
arms into their religious community. This church has made a tradition 
of service since its very inception, serving as a center of support for 
those who call Kansas City home. It is a great pleasure to have this 
house of worship and pillar of faith in my Congressional District.
  Country Club Christian Church was founded in 1921 and it bears the 
name of its location, the Country Club District. While the church's 
name may bring to mind images of exclusivity, the church serves under 
the motto that ``all means all,'' and they have always been committed 
to providing for and including each and every one of their neighbors. 
The church has been led by both male and female pastors and ordained 
its first LGBTQ Minister in 2013. Through its inclusive and loving 
community, Country Club Christian Church has embodied the notion of 
loving thy neighbor, making it a central message and mission at this 
parish.
  Not only is Country Club Christian Church a center of worship but 
also a hub of service in its community. The church participates in 
community outreach and service, helping its marginalized members by 
partnering with Cross-Lines Community Outreach Food Kitchen every first 
Tuesday of the month to serve food to its members. Along with helping 
those neighbors within Kansas City, this church extends its arms to 
help newly arrived refugees and immigrants settle into their new homes 
in our community by providing them support through their transition 
into a new country.
  Around the world, this church has embarked upon missions in 
Nicaragua, Haiti, South Africa, and India as well as several locations 
in the United States to provide service, a place of worship, and 
support for others. While on these missions, Church members helped 
build water filtration systems for a community in Nicaragua, delivered 
clothing and gifts to children in Haiti, and provided health services 
while in India. Additionally, the church organizes a Christian 
Community Camp each year. Held in the Rocky Mountains, this expedition 
allows members of the church to build friendships with each other while 
also growing and expanding their faith.
  Country Club Christian Church has served for over a century, and that 
spirit of service holds true today. The assembly is a clearly devoted 
group which includes Federal District Judge Steve Bough and his wife, 
Kansas City Councilwoman Andrea Bough. Madam Speaker, because of the 
church's decades of service and commitment to communities at home and 
abroad, please join me in celebrating and honoring Reverend Carla Aday 
and the congregation of Country Club Christian Church for achieving 
this milestone. May the next 100 years be just as fruitful.

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