Leawood, Kansas, United States - Jeff Kirby for Church of the Resurrection Men's Ministry September 2014 Men's Ministry Newsletter

Leawood, Kansas, United States - Jeff Kirby for Church of the Resurrection Men's Ministry September 2014 Men's Ministry Newsletter

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection                                                                           September 2014   Greetings Men of the Church of the Resurrection, I trust you have enjoyed a great summer and face the demands of fall with excitement and passion. Who would have guessed by late summer we would enjoy green grass and a first place baseball team? Of all the many ministries I witness and get to enjoy, I find there is something very special about our prison ministries. One reason is the quality of dedication I experience in our many leaders. These men and women volunteer at great personal expense of time and resources to better the lives of others for no other reason than the love of God and people. I also love this ministry as I know of no other place that I teach where there is such a sincere love and hunger for Scripture.  A majority of the men I meet behind bars have a deepening knowledge of the Bible and a vociferous appetite for more. If you have not yet found your place of meaningful service in God’s Kingdom please explore the options listed on our website. There are opportunities for one-to-one mentoring, leading Alpha class small groups, or other life skill training. Meet Ron Smith in the interview below. Ron is a retired Kansas City police captain who has responded to God’s call to ministry behind bars. Ron is one of the most passionate, well-informed and loving men I know. His life and message will challenge and change how you view those in prison. In Christ, Jeff Interview with Ron Smith: How did you experience God’s call on your life for prison ministry? My experience with God began with what was filling my head. I had recently retired as a law enforcement commander and was feeling somewhat cynical and aimless. My thoughts were “haunted” with questions of self-reflection; uncertainty about God’s purpose for us; how one responds to a seemingly incomprehensibly complicated world; concerns about social justice; and what wisdom we’re expected to gain from personal tragedy and life in general. The central question I pondered was how could I change my life to be more purposeful and meaningful? As I sought to explore my faith for answers, changes in my worldview occurred over time with quiet and gentle, inaudible “whispers” from God. I prayed for answers and was guided by providential circumstances which led me to helping as a volunteer with the ALPHA Course in Prison at the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth and the Lansing Correctional Facility.  I met many dedicated Christians who encouraged me to stretch my understanding of the Bible and enhance my faith. Most importantly, I met Pastor Jeff Kirby, who has become one of my dearest friends and trusted spiritual advisor. I now know that these gradual prompting “whispers” were from the Holy Spirit. What’s been most amazing are the spiritual lessons and satisfying interactions I’ve experienced with hundreds of inmates over the years, it’s been nothing less than realizing that there’s a magnificently wonderful God working in our lives. I’ve been blessed to have been given the opportunity to help many people in prison re-examine their faith and salvage their life; just as my Christian friends continue to do for me. The experience has been life changing and, the answer to my prayers for more purpose and meaning.  I’ve been abundantly blessed. What do you see as the greatest misunderstanding people have regarding prisoners or prison ministry? Like many people, I initially saw prisoners as morally weak, dangerous, and in the way; and if they claimed to have “found God behind the walls” it was probably disingenuous. Admittedly, we need prisons for an ordered society but, the truth is, most inmates are merely misguided and neither violent nor dangerous.  The majority of people in prison, about 55%, are the result of a failed drug enforcement policy and a criminal justice system that falls disproportionately and harshly on the most disadvantaged in our country.  Ultimately, they too are loved by God and are very much in need and deserving of a chance to surrender to his forgiveness and redemption. What do you see as the greatest challenge inmate’s face when they are released from incarceration? Ninety-five percent of prisoners will return home someday. The barriers to successful reintegration back into the community and workforce are enormous. Often public policy, fearful perceptions and indifference remains an obstacle. Their most immediate need when released is gainful employment and permanent housing. However, for many, without adequate funding for interventions and community support one is not likely to overcome a lifetime of low education attainment, substance abuse and/or mental health disabilities. The faith community can and should do whatever is feasible to responsibly help without hurting or further exasperating the challenges of re-entry.   What can people do to assist or serve in Resurrection’s Prison Ministry? In the Wesleyan tradition anyone can lend the talents of their head, heart, and hands to help those in prison. The chances to voluntarily offer one’s help are numerous, including the following: helping with the Alpha Course in Prison; in-custody and post-release mentoring; tutoring; accessing basic living needs, job readiness and search counseling; creating training and employment opportunities; family reconciliation assistance, life skills coaching, addiction recovery; reentry policy advocacy and many others.  Most importantly don’t forget to pray, pray, pray for those in prison. Mission Opportunities       Upcoming Mission Trip Consider joining our team on January 24-31, 2015 as we travel to Honduras as part of a "Bless the School" and "Construction" trip. This team will work alongside our Honduran partners on the construction of the Methodist Mission Headquarters as well as see the amazing work going on in the school in Ciudad Espagne. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss! Click here for more information.   13720 Roe Avenue    Leawood, KS  66224      913.897.0120         www.cor.org What's happening in Men's Ministry?   TBS begins again on September 9th Upcoming Study: Recovering the Healing Ministry of the Church Click here for details  If you would like to receive email notifications of future TBS sessions, click here. The Fellowship reconvening Tuesday September 9 Tuesday Mornings 6:45—7:45am Room C144 Click here for details. No registration necessary    Help restore hope for those currently incarcerated and recently released offenders and their families through personal visits, Bible Study, mentoring relationships and acts of service. Click here for details or contact Ron Smith for more information.        Fall ALPHA 2014 Sept. 15—Nov. 24 Questions about Christianity? Bring them to Alpha! Alpha is open to anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith. Alpha meets once a week for 10 weeks. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a short talk and time to discuss what's been taught. During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute his or her own opinion, so bring your curiosity and most pressing questions! Monday Evenings Sept. 22—Nov. 24 6:30—8:30pm   Wednesday Mornings Sept. 17—Nov. 24 9:30—11:30am Click here for details Click here to register      First Tuesdays for Late Night Dads Tuesday, Sept. 2 8:30—10:00 pm Room C144   Join us on the first Tuesday of every month for a time of group discussion and fellowship with other Dads. Dads of all ages welcome! No registration necessary! Click here for more!  Contact Jon Edlin with any questions.   Sports & Recreation Men's Pick-Up Basketball Join us for adult men's pick-up basketball on Monday and Thursday nights. Contact Brooke Nienstedt or Brad Chalker for additional details.