Friday, September 8, 2017
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
This week we have been bombarded with stories of crisis, trauma and tragedy. The natural disasters alone have been overwhelming with Irma following on the heels of Hurricane Harvey and now this morning the news of the earthquake in Mexico. Our hearts hurt deeply for those impacted and we feel sorrow and grief for the people caught in the midst of these natural disasters.
Many of us struggle with the question of how to respond when the needs are great and the number of people effected is growing. With the sheer number of tragedies bombarding us, the danger becomes indifference. We don’t know what to do and feel powerless to help, so we do nothing. Let me remind you we are not powerless to help and even our seemingly small efforts make a difference.
The frontline responders cannot do what they do without the help of those behind the scenes. We can support the local and national organizations equipped to provide rapid response to immediate needs from feeding and shelter to emotional and spiritual care. Even small financial contributions make a big difference. Your offerings of this last week purchased a skid steer to be used in the Rio Texas conference.
We shouldn’t underestimate the power of prayer either. This is one of Christians most powerful gifts. Be intentional about praying for those who have experienced trauma and disaster. Pray for material needs as well as emotional and spiritual needs of those effected. Prayer simply requires our time and heartfelt compassion for others. We’re all capable of this action.
If you’re feeling called to more concrete action, We have asked our congregation to prepare Cleaning Buckets and bring them to the Church this Sunday so that we can get them to the Conference office in Topeka by Sept 13. The information for the Cleaning Buckets is on our website, click HERE.
Our Early Response Team volunteer leaders are connecting with Disaster Response Teams in the areas effected to learn when they will be ready to receive our teams from Resurrection. They are currently still assessing the situation in Texas.
If you’re feeling called to respond with personal service, don’t self deploy or go alone. Crisis work is challenging emotionally, spiritually and physically. You need the protection of a reputable organization with qualified leadership. You can prepare by getting the training needed to join one of the teams we will send in the near future or join in the work we are planning here to support and minister to those hurting. As the body of Christ, let us not become overwhelmed and lose our compassion for human suffering. To learn more about Resurrection’s disaster response efforts and the training being offered go to our website here.
This Sunday in worship we continue exploring the faithful but flawed disciple, Simon Peter, as we look at how God's grace comes to us even when we mess up. Invite someone to worship with us this Sunday by sharing this page and video.
Speaking of worship, I want to close by giving you a heads up that you don’t want to miss worship on September 17th as Pastor Adam will be joining us live for both of our worship services.
In the meantime, be sure to check out the other upcoming opportunities to serve, grow and connect with our community below. . . .
Upcoming Events & Activities
Socks & Underwear Drive for The ClosetFrom Sept. 10th–24th we are collecting new socks and underwear (toddler – adult sizes) for The Closet in the Blue Springs School District. The Closet provides clothing items for families in the district who could use a little extra support. Donations can be placed in the collection barrel in the west entry.
Home Small Groups
Gather every other Wednesday in the home of the Pellegrinos, Sept. 13 – Nov. 15, 7-8:30 pm for a study of the gospel of Luke using “The Lucado Life Lessons” series from renowned Bible teacher and pastor Max Lucado. Register at Guest Services or click here to join this in-home small group study. Contact Mike.Ash@cor.org to inquire about how to get involved in this or another small group.
3rd Grade Bible Presentation
Each year we continue the Methodist tradition of giving Bibles to our 3rd grade students. As their faith family we are excited to provide an age-appropriate Bible to help them go deeper in their relationship with God. Register for the presentation ceremony during the worship service of your choice on Sunday, Oct. 1 by emailing Diane.Enlow@cor.org.
Support our Praise Team at Fall Fun Fest!
Come out to meet our community and support our Praise team on Saturday, September 16 at this year's Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest. Members of our praise team will be taking the Community Stage at 7 pm for a 45 minute set. Wear your Rez Blue Springs t-shirts and join us to greet our neighbors and enjoy the music.
Being Christian and Transgender
Are you curious what all this transgender stuff is about, and how it relates to the Bible? Do you know someone who is transgender, and want to understand them better? Are you transgender, and struggling with family and your relationship with God? Come to Leawood's Care Night on Thursday, September 21st from 6:30 -8:30 pm to hear another viewpoint, and ask your questions.
Sign Up for Sacred Steps 5K
Don't miss the food, the Kids' Fun Run or the chance to help clean water initiatives in Malawi, Africa on Saturday, September 23rd at 8 am on our Resurrection Leawood campus. To learn more and sign up, click here.
Men’s Social Gathering
Join us for a morning of fellowship and fun, Saturday, Sept. 23, 9:30-11:30 am at Top Golf in Overland Park. No golf experience or equipment needed. Top Golf is set up like a driving range with three floors to hit at large targets. Each bay holds six players who choose from pre-programed games to play. All you have to do is pick a club and swing—Top Golf does the rest! This is a great opportunity to invite a buddy. Cost will be based on the number of signups (est. $25-40). Sign up by Sept. 10. Learn more, register at Guest Services on Sunday or click here to reserve your spot.
FaithWork Saturday
On Sept. 23 from 9-11 am, we'll put our hands to work at Drumm Farm Center for Children to assist with the fall clean-up of the farm's tomato patch. This is a great family serving opportunity. Anyone school age to adult is welcome to assist. We will plan to meet at 8:50 am in the lower parking lot at Drumm Farm (3210 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence, MO). Learn more, register at Guest Services or click here.
Waypoint Men’s Group
We invite all men to strengthen faith, commitment and community with a 6-week study of John Ortberg’s book and videos, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. The 1-hour sessions will include a 20-minute video and 40 minutes of discussion. Join us online at zoom.us/j/856186504 on Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30, from Sept. 27 – Nov. 8
. Register at Guest Services or click here.
Live and Let Think
If you question faith, wonder about God or carry lots of lingering doubts and concern, join us Wednesdays, October 4 – November 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm as we discuss tough issues of faith, ask questions and discover what others think about God. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a short talk and discussion in a small group setting. This class is comprised of Short talks. Big questions. Doubts welcome. Cost for materials is $10 + meal donation. Learn more or click here to register.
Wiser Together Women's Study
Exploring the book of Proverbs this study, based on Bill Hybel’s book, Wiser Together, directs us in how to experience community and to grow in wisdom from both those who are like us as well as those who are different from us. It is learning the wisdom of unity and community. Morning or Evening sessions are being offered on Thursday's 10/5 – 11/9, at 10 – 11:30 am or 6:30 – 8 pm. Come join a group to affirm that no matter our age, stage or wage, we are all inseparably linked as sisters with one Holy Father! To register, click here.
* For a complete list of upcoming activities, visit cor.org/bluesprings/events.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Penny
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs Staff
Rev. Penny Ellwood, Resurrection Blue Springs Pastor
Mike Ash, Worship Leader & Director of Community
Caleb Longest, Director of Student Ministries
Diane Enlow, Director of Children's Ministries
Riley Ledford, Technical Producer
Heather Sooley, Operations Coordinating Assistant
Stephanie Weigel, Guest Connections Coordinating Assistant
Caitlin Willis, Nursery Coordinator
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs
Blue Springs Missouri 64014, United States
For after-hours pastoral care, please call (913) 338-9477.
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