Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
I’m sending my e-note out a little earlier this week in order to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and to tell you (while we’re on the subject of gratitude) how grateful I am to be a part of such a generous, compassionate and Christ-filled community! Every Sunday we have folks coming through our doors hurting, scared and anxious. They come and find a safe place where people will love them as Christ loves them. And hopefully, they leave a little stronger, with a little more hope and understanding of how their lives fit into God’s grand plan. It is a true blessing to witness this and to serve alongside you.
This past Sunday we received the first of our commitment cards for 2018. We’re off to a great start with our campus leading the way in the percentage of cards turned in. We still have a ways to go yet to meet our budget needs. If you’re a member or call Resurrection Blue Springs your church home and have yet to make your commitment, would you be willing to do this today, online? Or you can bring your card to worship this weekend. You should have received your last giving statement on October 27. It will show you what your current commitment is. I’d like to ask you to help us finish 2017 strong and to consider, if you’re able, raising your giving a step toward a tithe (10% of your income) for 2018. This will allow us to continue sharing God’s amazing love through mission and ministry.
This Sunday we’ll conclude our sermon series, With Grateful Hearts. Now that we know the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of expressing gratitude, we’ll consider the ways we can turn gratitude into part of the daily rhythm of our lives. This Sunday is a Family worship Sunday so our children will be joining us in worship. Nursery will still be available for those 4 years and younger. I look forward to offering this message and continuing this journey with you.
See you on Sunday!
Pastor Penny
Upcoming Events & Activities
Hanging of the Greens
Following the 10:45 worship service on Sunday, Nov. 26, we will gather to get the church ready for the Advent and Christmas seasons! There are trees to put together and branches to be floofed. Lunch will be provided. Come join the festive fun!
Christmas Eve Children’s Skit
Children ages 4-12 will perform a skit at the 10:45 am Christmas Eve worship service! If your child is interested in participating contact Diane Enlow. Please plan for your child(ren) to attend rehearsals on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, starting Dec. 5.
JOY in Serving Collection Opportunity
Please save your empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls and bring them to the church starting November 19th. We’ll let you know once we’ve collected enough. We are using them for a craft at the Joy Party we are hosting at Wendell Phillips Elementary, our partner school in the inner city.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:30-11 am. Bring the whole family for an Advent celebration with Santa and Buddy the Elf. We’ll have pancakes “elf” style. Our children’s choir will be leading Christmas carols since we know that “singing loud for all to hear is the best way to spread Christmas cheer!” We’ll have fun activities for the whole family as well as a chance to get your yearly photo with Santa. All your family and friends are welcome to come along too. Volunteers are needed for the morning. Sign up to help at the KiDSCOR desk or Guest Services.
Youth Confirmation Class Forming Now
Starting January 2018 – Open to any student 7th-12th grade ready to grow in faith and who hasn’t already been through confirmation. Sign up at Guest Services or email Caleb.Longest@cor.org.
JOY in Serving
Brighten someone’s holiday this year by Joyfully Offering Yourself in Serving.
• JOY Boxes – Donate items to be used as Christmas gifts for students at Wendell Phillips Elementary. We will be collecting these until Dec. 10. Pick up a box to fill at the JOY table or in KiDSCOR.
• JOY Bags – Provide Items to be used as incentives at Tiger Store at Wendell Phillips Elementary. We will be collecting these until Dec. 17. Pick up a bag to fill at the JOY table or in KiDSCOR.
• Christmas Lunch for Lazarus Table – Saturday, Dec. 16 at 31st & Olive St. in Kansas City, MO. We’ll prepare the lunch to serve to families in need, and provide some items of Joy for Santa to hand out. Carpool from the church at 9:30 am and return around 2:30 pm. (15 people) click here to register.
• Provide food for Lazarus Table - Choose from hash brown casserole, green bean casserole or pie! Register here to provide food.
• Joy Box Wrapping Party at Wendell Phillips Elementary – Saturday, Dec. 16. We are providing a Joy Box this Christmas for each of the 330 students at Wendell Phillips Elementary, and will gather at the school to wrap the gifts. Carpool from the church at 8:45 am, and return around 11:30 am. (20 volunteers, school age and older) click here to register.
• Class Christmas Party at Wendell Phillips Elementary – Thursday, Dec. 21. Help us create Christmas joy as we assist with cookie decorating, gift giving, craft making and snack time. Carpool from the church at 1:45 pm, and return around 4:15. (25 or more volunteers, school age and older) click here to register.
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
For after-hours pastoral care, please call (913) 338-9477.
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment