The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West of Olathe, Kansas, United States for Friday, December 4, 2015 - Weekly eNote from Pastor Jason Gant

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West of Olathe, Kansas, United States for Friday, December 4, 2015 - Weekly eNote from Pastor Jason Gant

Resurrection West,
It's been a week of inflection, pause, and anger as I've struggled with the news of more mass shooting tragedies. We celebrated Christmas in our staff parties this week, however in the midst of our celebration, I was heart-broken to think of those walking through terrible loss and pain. Two of our partner churches are located in San Bernardino and we have been praying for them since the tragedy. They are St. Paul's UMC and Highland First UMC. May God strengthen these congregations and the entire community as we seek to be light amidst this great darkness. This is a time for peace to overcome violence, for good to overcome evil, and for love to overcome hate. This Sunday in worship Pastor Adam continues the promises of Christmas focusing on the love that comes down at Christmas. May we stand together declaring the love of Christ in worship this Sunday.

• Over 350 households pledged for 2016 so far!
• Honor a loved one this Christmas
• Faith work serve day - Dec. 12th
• Jingle Jam - Dec. 12th
• Sign-up to serve at Candlelight Christmas Eve services
• Groundbreaking - Dec. 13th
• Register now for Alpha beginning in January!

If you call Resurrection West your church home and have not yet completed your commitment card for 2016, would you consider completing it right now online? Cards will also be available at the usher stands and reception desk on Sunday. You can make your pledge right now at cor.org/2016giving. Be sure to mark Resuurection West as your home campus. Remember that we plan out our budgeting for the coming year entirely based upon your pledged giving. That includes everything from missions and ministry, staff salaries and benefits, utilities, etc. for 2016. Thank you again to those who have returned their pledge!
Christmas Poinsettias - Honor a loved one this holiday season with a poinsettia in our sanctuary. Plants will be available to take after the 11 pm Christmas Eve worship service. Green donation envelopes are available at the front desk and at all usher stands.
FaithWork – Join us Saturday, Dec. 12, as we go to Ridgeview Elementary to wrap gifts and prepare for the student Christmas Store! Meet at 9 am at Ridgeview Elementary (1201 E Elm, Olathe). All ages welcome. Activities will be complete by 11:30 am.
KiDS COR Presents Jingle Jan: Re-Wrapped!This family experience will have us all singing and laughing as we are encouraged to keep our eyes open to the needs of others—and to do something about it! God showed us this incredible compassion when he saw our need and sent his very own Son, Jesus. JingleJam is on Saturday, Dec. 12. All children from early childhood – 5th grade are invited to be a part of the celebration. Register your child and choose between the 3 pm and 5 pm production times. Musical and non-musical parts are available. We need youth and adult volunteers, too! Visit cor.org/west/jinglejam to register.
Serve at the Candlelight Christmas Eve services Dec. 23rd and 24th! Candlelight Christmas Eve worship is a time when many people find their way back to church or come for the very first time. We have an opportunity to welcome and encourage them along the jounrey of knowing, loving, and serving God. Please consider serving at one service and then worshiping at another. We especially need KiDS COR children's ministry volunteers. Go to cor.org/west/christmas to find out more and to sign up to serve!
Groundbreaking for phase II on December 13th! We are almost 6 months in on our 3-year giving campaign to the phase II building project. You've now given just over 3.6 million toward this project and we are so grateful. We will break ground at the close of each worship service on Dec. 13th. This will be a great day in the history of Ressurection West as we dream for our future. Children (with each one receiving a KiDS COR hard hat) will be invited to join with their families as we close each worship service out on the ground. We will give praise in song, pray for the future, and leave our mark for the foundation for what is to come! The building is on schedule to be completed to move into in October of next year.
Registration is now open for The Alpha Course, held in the Resurrection West Sanctuary on Sunday afternoons beginning January 10. We will meet at 12:30 pm (following 10:45am worship service) for a catered meal, a live talk and great table discussion. Alpha is for anyone seeking to grow in faith no matter what age and stage in life. There is no homework—just a great first-step beyond worship. Learn more and register atcor.org/west/alpha.
Finally, last night it was my honor to serve alongside some of our members as we served a Christmas meal, made ornaments, sang carols, and played Santa (I was actually the elf supporting Santa) to the children and teens at Kids TLC in Olathe. This is always a time where God moves in beautiful and joy-filled ways. We watched children's faces fill with joy and warmth as we offered love, care, fun, and merriemnt with them. I found my heart full as I remembered the gift of the Christ child, who himself came in the midst of darkness to offer hope, light, and love. May His victory over death give us strength and faith to push back this great darkness with His light!
Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday,
Pastor Jason
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Resurrection West Campus
24000 West Valley Parkway

Olathe, Kansas 66061, United States
913-538-7800
For an after hours urgent pastoral care need call 913-314-6058

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection West
24000 West Valley Parkway

Olathe, Kansas 66061, United States
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