Friday, February 5, 2016

Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue of Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 5 February 2016

Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue of Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 5 February 2016

Friday, February 5, 2016
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
I have had a busy week preparing for our Vision Casting meeting this coming Monday on February 8th. This meeting is the first opportunity for me to share with you some of the exciting ideas we have been imagining for the near future at our campus. These dreams have been percolating over the last few years as our leaders have worked to prepare for a growing congregation. The plans we will share include some creative ideas for altering our current building space in order to provide the radical hospitality we hold as a high value at Resurrection Blue Springs. I'll introduce the proposed plans and the rationale behind them as well as gather your input and feedback. You'll be hearing more about these plans in the upcoming sermons too. I hope you'll commit the time to come Monday night at 7 pm in the sanctuary! Childcare is available by reservation online or at Guest Services on Sunday.
This Sunday will be our final weekend in our sermon series on Facing the Issues that Divide. We’ll be looking at finding a middle way on gun control! As we officially enter an election year, this is an issue that tends to divide us and civility can quickly get lost in the rhetoric. Can we disagree and still find common ground? I think so. Come to worship as we seek to understand what Jesus calls us to do and how we can stand united.
Finally, we begin Lent next week with an Ash Wednesday worship service on Feb. 10th at 7pm. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent leading up to Holy Week and Easter Weekend when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On AshWednesday we reflect on our mortality and need for redemption. It’s exactly 40 days before Easter (excluding Sundays) when we take time to fast, reflect, and remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. Mark Maschger, one of our members who is pursuing a call to ministry, will be preaching on the subject of repentance (turning away from sin) and we will share in prayer, song, the imposition of the ashes, and the burning of our confessions as we leave. This is always a meaningful worship experience to begin this Lenten journey. I am also hoping you will join our entire church in studying the gospel of John together through Lent.
Below you'll find information about the Lenten Study of John classes and several other ways to connect to the life of this community!
  • Help “sack hunger” in KC! Thank you for supporting the Souper Bowl food drive! Please remember to return your bag filled with non-perishible food items to the missions area in the KiDSCOR entrance this Sunday. The food and funds provided by this food drive are the major source of donations for the ministry for the entire year. Learn more about what we’re doing for food insecurity in Kansas City at cor.org/hunger.
  • Need some Mom time? If you’re interested in connecting with other moms in the congregation for play dates and some kid-free mom time, please contact Diane Enlow
  • Special Vision Casting Meeting – February 8, 7 pm Join Pastor Penny for an important meeting to discuss a future project for our campus. You will have the opportunity to see the plans we’ve been dreaming about to maximize the usage of our current space and improve the reach of our hospitality. There will be an opportunity for you to offer your input and feedback too. The meeting will be held Monday, February 8, at 7 pm in the sanctuary. Childcare is available by reservation online or at Guest Services. 
  • Wednesday, Feb. 10, is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent, a time when we prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of our risen Savior on Easter. Please join us for an Ash Wednesday service at 7 pm. We'll have music, prayers, an inspiring message and the opportunity for personal reflection and confession. AshWednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality — both triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus! Nursery care will be provided.
  • Over 50 Game Night Adults age 50+ are invited to bring cards and board games and a snack to share, and join us Friday, February 12, at 6:30 pm for some fun and fellowship. For more information, contact Betty Witt
  • Lenten Study of John – Join our congregation for a study of John’s gospel during Lent. We have two opportunities both beginning February 14: Sunday evenings at 6 pm with Mike Ash (5 wks), or Sunday mornings at 9 am with Chris Condra (10 wks). Pastor Adam Hamilton’s book, John, the Gospel of Light and Life, will be used for the studies. Books are available at Guest Services for $11. Register at Guest Services on Sunday or online here
  • Hillcrest Thrift Store FaithWork – Feb 20th We have an opportunity to serve for two short hours at the Hillcrest Thrift Store in Lee’s Summit on Feb 20th. We need people to help sort, fold, clean, stack, stock, organize and price donations to the store. It will be from 10am to 1pm. Register here or sign up at Guest Services. This is a great way to assist with the ministry of Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Eastern Jackson County. For more information about Hillcrest, go to http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/about
  • Holy Land Tour - November 14-23, 2016. Join Pastor Penny on the Church of the Resurrection's Holy Land Tour. We hope every member of our church will one day experience where Jesus has walked. This is an opportunity to grow in faith and experience the scripture coming to life like never before. Information is available at the Guest Services desk. Contact heather.sooley@cor.org with questions. 
I'm looking forward to seeing you this weekend in worship as we continue to face the issues that divide!
Abundant Blessings,
Penny
For our Resurrection Blue Springs Campus Calendar: click here
Contact Our Staff
Church Office Phone: (816) 389-8900
Rev. Penny Ellwood, Campus Pastor penny.ellwood@cor.org
Mike Ash, Worship Leader/Director of Community mike.ash@cor.org
Diane Enlow, Director of Children's Ministry diane.enlow@cor.org
Riley Ledford, Technical Producer riley.ledford@cor.org
Heather Sooley, Operations Coordinating Assistant heather.sooley@cor.org
Stephanie Weigel, Guest Services Coordinating Assistant stephanie.weigel@cor.org
Caitlin Willis, Nursery Coordinator caitlin.willis@cor.org
Lori Wolverton, Nursery Staff lori.wolverton@cor.org

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs
601 NE Jefferson Street
Blue Springs, Missouri 64014, United States
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Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs of Blue Springs, Missouri, United States

Friday, January 29, 2016
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
It looks like we've got a beautiful sunny day ahead of us with 60 degrees forecast for this afternoon. I love these gifts in the middle of winter! I hope you can get outside and take advantage of it. This weather will be perfect for heading out to Leawood this evening for the All Church Gathering. This is always one of the best night's of the year to reflect over the past year in the life of our church and look forward to where God is leading us into the future. We'll begin with a chili dinner at 5:30, then enjoy music by the Aftica University choir visiting from Zimbabwe, followed by a brief report from Tuesday’s Church Conference Business Meeting and then highlights and strategic priorities will be shared from every campus of Resurrection.
I've been reminiscing about our last year this week in preparation for sharing and it's plain to see that God has been at work in Blue Springs! I'm excited to share a few of the highlights tonight with everyone. You are all welcome and invited to attend! The meeting will be taking place at our Leawood Campus, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS, with the Chili dinner starting at 5:30 followed by the meeting at 6:30. Register atcor.org/gathering if you're thinking about coming.
Make sure you don't miss worship this weekend as we're going to wrestle with another tough topic facing our nation. This Sunday in worship we'll be focusing on the issue of poverty and healthcare. I'll also be introducing our newest members from last Sunday's Pizza with the Pasor. We had 11 adults and 4 children join our Rez Blue Springs family! Be sure to welcome our new members when you see them this Sunday: Donna Abernathey, Stephen Coburn, Marilu Herrick, Caleb & Sarah Longest (Margeaux, Eisley), Randy & Natalie Miller, Samuel Slayton, Carla Morgan, Jennifer Osborne (Adelaide, Emily), and Bill Welden. I hope you'll invite friends and join us as we consider our faith and how it informs our approach to these two issues.
Below you'll find several ways to connect to the life of this community!
  • Help “sack hunger” in KC! If you haven't already, pick up a Sack Hunger bag in worship on Sunday, fill it with non-perishable food items and return it to the missions rack in the West entrance by Sunday, Feb. 7. Did you know the food and funds provided by the Souper Bowl drive are the major source of donations for the ministry for the entire year and much of what we collect goes into backpacks for our children right here in Blue Springs. Everyone can contribute.
  • • Donate funds to help us purchase food from a local supplier at a discount.
  • • Small donations pile up into big impact! Donate a box of cereal or a couple of cans of fruit or vegetables – these are pooled together to make a big impact on reducing hunger in our community.
  • Learn more about what we’re doing for food insecurity in Kansas City in Sunday's insert and at cor.org/hunger.
  • Church Leadership Events
  • “The Gathering” A Vision and Fellowship Night Friday, January 29, 5:30-8:15 pm, Leawood Campus Narthex and Sanctuary
  • Please register for dinner and/or childcare online. For questions, contact Randy Meyer.
  • Men’s Breakfast – Guys, join us for the first Men’s breakfast of 2016: Saturday, Jan. 30 at 8 am, Resurrection Blue Springs Fellowship Hall. Gather for breakfast, devotion and fellowship. Sign up at Guest Services on Sunday or online here
  • Inspired for Life Women’s Conference – Friday, February 5, 7-9 pm & Saturday, February 6, 9 am-1 pm in the Leawood Sanctuary Learn to cultivate gratitude and to begin each day with a deep, sustaining joy that comes from recognizing daily graces in our life. Get inspired with featured speakers Glennon Doyle Melton and Amena Brown at this year’s women’s conference, Friday, February 5, and Saturday, February 6. “Life is brutal. But it’s also beautiful. Brutiful, I call it,” says Glennon on her award-winning blog Momastery.com. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Carry On, Warrior, and writes about living well and hard and real. Amena delivers poignant and stirring prose as a spoken word poet. Her book, Breaking Old Rhythms, describes how we can better tune our ears and lives to the rhythm of God. Both will inspire us with messages about cultivating thankfulness and developing the habit of gratitude. All women near and far are invited to come experience a meaningful and memorable conference.See the lineup of speakers and activities and register at inspiredforlifeconference.org.
  • Need some Mom time? If you’re interested in connecting with other moms in the congregation for play dates and some kid-free mom time, please contact Diane Enlow
  • Special Vision Casting Meeting – February 8, 7 pm Join Pastor Penny for an important meeting to discuss a future project for our campus. You will have the opportunity to see the plans we’ve been dreaming about to maximize the usage of our current space and improve the reach of our hospitality. There will be an opportunity for you to offer your input and feedback too. The meeting will be held Monday, February 8, at 7 pm in the sanctuary. Childcare is available by reservation online or at Guest Services. 
  • Over 50 Game Night Adults age 50+ are invited to bring cards and board games and a snack to share, and join us Friday, February 12, at 6:30 pm for some fun and fellowship. For more information, contact Betty Witt
  • Lenten Study of John – Join our congregation for a study of John’s gospel during Lent. We have two opportunities both beginning February 14: Sunday evenings at 6 pm with Mike Ash (5 wks), or Sunday mornings at 9 am with Chris Condra (10 wks). Pastor Adam Hamilton’s book, John, the Gospel of Light and Life, will be used for the studies. Books are available at Guest Services for $11. Register at Guest Services on Sunday or online here
  • Hillcrest Thrift Store FaithWork – Feb 20th We have an opportunity to serve for two short hours at the Hillcrest Thrift Store in Lee’s Summit on Feb 20th. We need people to help sort, fold, clean, stack, stock, organize and price donations to the store. It will be from 10am to 1pm. Register here or sign up at Guest Services. This is a great way to assist with the ministry of Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Eastern Jackson County. For more information about Hillcrest, go to http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/about
  • Holy Land Tour - November 14-23, 2016. Join Pastor Penny on the Church of the Resurrection's Holy Land Tour. We hope every member of our church will one day experience where Jesus has walked. This is an opportunity to grow in faith and experience the scripture coming to life like never before. Information is available at the Guest Services desk. Contact heather.sooley@cor.org with questions. 
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in worship! Invite your friends to learn more about another important issue.
Abundant Blessings,
Penny
For our Resurrection Blue Springs Campus Calendar: click here
Contact Our Staff
Church Office Phone: (816) 389-8900
Rev. Penny Ellwood, Campus Pastor penny.ellwood@cor.org
Mike Ash, Worship Leader/Director of Community mike.ash@cor.org
Diane Enlow, Director of Children's Ministry diane.enlow@cor.org
Riley Ledford, Technical Producer riley.ledford@cor.org
Heather Sooley, Operations Coordinating Assistant heather.sooley@cor.org
Stephanie Weigel, Guest Services Coordinating Assistant stephanie.weigel@cor.org
Caitlin Willis, Nursery Coordinator caitlin.willis@cor.org
Lori Wolverton, Nursery Staff lori.wolverton@cor.org

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs
601 NE Jefferson Street
Blue Springs, Missouri 64014, United States-----------------------
Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs of Blue Springs, Missouri, United States

Friday, January 22, 2016
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
A special thank you to everyone who came out this past Monday to serve as we celebrated Dr. King's legacy. We had so many volunteers we finished the work at the Blue Springs Clothing Closet is quick order and I'm pleased to report we had several who learned the art of crocheting with the homeless mat making project work. If you didn't get a chance to help out with these projects, watch for the plans for our Serving from the Heart service day coming in February.
I want to make sure everyone knows about a couple of upcoming events. The first is the Pizza with the Pastor this Sunday at 12:30 pm. If you have been considering joining Resurrection, take the first step and attend Pizza with the Pastor where you will learn about the history of Resurrection Blue Springs, hear from Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton via video on the beliefs and traditions of the United Methodist Church, and get to know Resurrection Blue Springs pastor Penny and the staff. You will also connect with fellow Resurrection Blue Springs worshipers and hear about opportunities to serve, connect and grow! Childcare is available. Register here.
Then later next week our Annual Church Conference Business Meeting is Tuesday, January 26th at 6:30pm at Resurrection Downtown, 1522 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri. At this annual business meeting, church members will vote to approve the 2016 operating budget, review pastoral compensation, recommend pastoral candidates from the church and elect leaders for our church's governance committees. Everyone is welcome, however only members may vote. We are excited to hold this meeting at our Downtown Campus. No registration is required. Childcare is available.
You'll also want to join us at "The Gathering", a vision and fellowship night on Friday, January 29th from 5:30-8:30pm at Resurrection Leawood, 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, Kansas. This vision casting night will begin with a chili dinner in the Leawood campus narthex at 5:30, then at 6:30, we'll meet in the Sanctuary to hear acclaimed Africa University Choir visiting from Zimbabwe, followed by a brief report from Tuesday's Church Conference business meeting. Pastor Adam and each of our campus pastors will provide updates on building plans and share priorities for 2016. Everyone is invited to join us for chili and the meeting, or just the meeting if you're not able to come for dinner. Please register at cor.org/gathering for dinner and childcare.
This Sunday we continue with part three of our series, Building Bridges and Tearing Down Walls, Pastor Adam will explore our response as Christians to Islamic extremism. It you did not have a chance to see the forum held Tuesday evening in the Leawood sanctuary on Understanding the Rise of, and Response to, Islamic Extremism, you can watch this video from the event (edited for time).
Below you'll find several ways to connect to the life of this community!
  • Pizza with the Pastor – Sunday, Jan. 24, 12:30 pm in Fellowship Hall . Are you considering joining Resurrection? Attend Pizza with the Pastor to learn more about the church, get to know our pastor and review membership expectations. Childcare available. Register online. All are welcome!
  • Help “sack hunger” in KC! through our annual Souper Bowl Food Drive. Lists of needed food items will be available at Guest Services beginning Sunday, Jan. 24, and need to be returned by Sunday, Feb. 7. Visit cor.org/hunger.
  • Church Leadership Events
  • Annual Church Conference Business Meeting
  • • Tuesday, January 26, 6:30 pm, Resurrection Downtown, 1522 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri. For questions, contact Dan Entwistle
  • “The Gathering” A Vision and Fellowship Night
  • • Friday, January 29, 5:30-8:15 pm, Leawood Campus Narthex and Sanctuary
  • Please register for dinner and/or childcare online. For questions, contact Randy Meyer.
  • Men’s Breakfast – Guys, mark your calendars for the first Men’s breakfast of 2016: Saturday, Jan. 30 at 8 am, Resurrection Blue Springs Fellowship Hall. Gather for breakfast, devotion and fellowship. Sign up at Guest Services on Sunday or online here
  • Inspired for Life Women’s Conference – Friday, February 5, 7-9 pm & Saturday, February 6, 9 am-1 pm in the Leawood Sanctuary Learn to cultivate gratitude and to begin each day with a deep, sustaining joy that comes from recognizing daily graces in our life. The conference is designed as a complete package that includes both nationally-known guest speakers, live art experience, worship band, and many special elements. See the lineup of speakers and activities and register at inspiredforlifeconference.org.
  • Holy Land Tour - November 14-23, 2016. Join Pastor Penny on the Church of the Resurrection's Holy Land Tour. We hope every member of our church will one day experience where Jesus has walked. This is an opportunity to grow in faith and experience the scripture coming to life like never before. Information is available at the Guest Services desk. Contact heather.sooley@cor.org with questions. 
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in worship! Invite your friends to learn more about this important issue. 
Abundant Blessings,
Penny
For our Resurrection Blue Springs Campus Calendar: click here
Contact Our Staff
Church Office Phone: (816) 389-8900
Rev. Penny Ellwood, Campus Pastor penny.ellwood@cor.org
Mike Ash, Worship Leader/Director of Community mike.ash@cor.org
Diane Enlow, Director of Children's Ministry diane.enlow@cor.org
Riley Ledford, Technical Producer riley.ledford@cor.org
Heather Sooley, Operations Coordinating Assistant heather.sooley@cor.org
Stephanie Weigel, Guest Services Coordinating Assistant stephanie.weigel@cor.org
Caitlin Willis, Nursery Coordinator caitlin.willis@cor.org
Lori Wolverton, Nursery Staff lori.wolverton@cor.org

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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs
601 NE Jefferson Street
Blue Springs, Missouri 64014, United States
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