Our Life Together

Our life together in community draws its vitality from our life together in Sunday worship where we are SHAPED BY GOD’S WORD AND GRACED AT CHRIST’S TABLE.

The Divine has designs on us; to “shape” and “grace” us toward Christ-like wholeness and fullness of life. The same Spirit which was active in Christ Jesus desires to be at work in us; that we might become, “full of love…that the universe, all in heaven and all on earth might be brought into a unity…” (Ephesians 1)

So here are some of the ways in which the Spirit is at work in us and with us. Opportunities to participate and serve at NOCC and beyond are plentiful!

Community Outreach

COMMUNITY OUTREACH MINISTRY – Several ways of helping neighbors in the Northland form our Community Outreach Ministry. Each week from September through May, we deliver backpacks full of nutritious food for the entire family to Bell Prairie Elementary School children whose families are “food insecure” on weekends. We also provide emergency packs of food for families in crisis at Gateway 6th Grade Center.

FULLER CENTER FOR HOUSING–We are active participants in this ministry which builds/rehabs homes for low income families. Fuller Center was founded by Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING–Whenever disaster strikes people in any part of the world, our natural inclination is to ask, “How can I help?” We feel good about making gifts to our church-wide disaster relief effort called “Week of Compassion.” This global ministry works cooperatively with the most effective relief agencies in the world to bring immediate and long term comfort to victims of earthquakes, hurricanes, and political upheavals.

CHERITH BROOK MINISTRY WITH THE HOMELESS-in Northeast Kansas City receives support from our congregation in the form of donated goods, volunteer efforts, and funding. Also, please see UPDATES FROM CHERITH BROOK, their monthly newsletter, for suggestions on how you might help.

Faith Formation/Spiritual Growth

SUNDAY MORNING GROUPS (suspended)-We offer two groups for adults. The “Sojourners” group and the “Kitchen” group enjoy exploring topics related to living a life of faith in the everyday world using a variety of study materials. Both groups welcome younger/middle and senior adults. Please don’t worry if you feel like you may not “know enough” to participate in these groups. An ancient sage once said, “We are all beginners” in the spiritual life.

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUPS—These groups meet on weekdays to read and discuss Scripture. Don’t worry if you feel limited in your knowledge of the Bible. Our discussions are accessible to everyone.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS (suspended)–Every Wednesday evening during Lent (A season of 40 days preceding Easter) we gather for a simple meal of soup and bread while sharing in table conversations designed to deepen our faith.

ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVANCE WITH HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC PARISH–This has been an annual tradition shared by our two congregations during over 30 years of friendship, expressing our hope for the future healing of divisions among Christians.

ANNUAL RETREAT (suspended)-usually in the Spring, we offer a weekend spiritual life retreat for adults at a nearby retreat center. It’s a chance to take some extended time with others for prayer, relaxation, and discussion led by a retreat leader.

HEALING—A very simple quarterly Service of Prayer for Healing and Wholeness offers us the opportunity to light candles and pray for the world, for loved ones, for ourselves.

Life in Community

MUSIC MINISTRY–There are ample opportunities for the musically minded to sing in our choir, play bells or any instrument of your choice on Sunday mornings and on other special occasions.

MEN’S BREAKFASTS AND A WOMEN’S BUNCO GROUP (suspended)—These groups meet monthly, offering fun and relaxation with old and new friends.

MOVIES AND MUNCHIES (suspended)–We gather in homes to enjoy snacks and discuss a recent film with spiritual/theological themes. Don’t worry: you don’t have to be a “highbrow” movie critic to enjoy this group … just someone who enjoys movies!

DINNER WITH FRIENDS (suspended)–These regular potluck gatherings in homes offer opportunities to build friendships.

SUNDAY SEEKERS (suspended)-Meets once a month on Sunday evenings for food/book discussion/and good company. Child care provided.

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER GROUP AND BOOK DISCUSSION (suspended)-meets monthly

SUNDAY MORNING SERVANTS (suspended)-Are needed each week to make coffee, provide hospitality and assist in worship.

FACILITY HOSPITALITY/WORKDAYS–We expanded and renovated our facility in 2007 to offer the grace of hospitality to our neighbors. During the school year our building is in use 40 hours a week by community based ministries/programs including North Oak Preschool (734-9149), Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and music lessons. Care and enhancement of our facility and grounds offer ongoing opportunities to serve with others.

Children and Youth

SUNDAY MORNING “WORSHIP AND WONDER” (suspended)

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY (suspended)—Meets Sunday evenings at 5PM to build community and explore the vastness of God’s love.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (suspended)–A summertime tradition at North Oak. Youth and adults will spend three evenings sharing a meal together followed by Bible-Themed music/crafts/games etc.

TALL OAKS CONFERENCE CENTER–Owned collectively by Disciples congregations in Kansas City, Tall Oaks welcomes volunteers to staff summer camps for children and youth ranging from 1 day to 6 day events. Or you may want to volunteer to help with the annual Tall Oaks Gala held at Arrowhead Stadium each October.

A growing and active Christian Community welcomes you!

Disciples of Christ

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