Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs in Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 17 June 2016

Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs in Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 17 June 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
It's good to be back home after a great week in Colorado. Although, I wish I could have dragged back those cool mountains temperatures! After celebrating the wedding in Breckenridge, we spent the last three days completely disconnected. Bill and I spent time hiking and riding the old narrow gauge railway trails on ATV's with some long time friends in their mountain get-a-way. It was so beautiful. When we reconnected with technology it was a terrible shock to learn the news of the latest tragedy in Orlando.
It is heartbreaking to imagine the 50 funerals that are happening in and around Orlando and the hundreds of people who are grieving the senseless loss of friends, siblings, children, brothers and sisters. With you, I am moved by compassion toward those in deep pain. As we continue to listen to the rhetoric of politicians and pundits each trying to make the points for their side of the arguments and issues involved, I pray that in these days ahead, we would follow Jesus' example. We would enter into the pain and fear all around us as an agent of healing and wholeness in whatever way that is possible. That we will pledge not to allow this sin of violence to cause fear to rule in our hearts. We must unite against divisions created within our human family and oppose any barrier that allows one group to dehumanize those who are not like "us," whether it be through religion, nationality, political party or sexual identity. May we unite in prayer for those grieving and seek God's wisdom for the days ahead.
Turning to a happier topic, we have a great weekend with a number of ways we can stand together united in Christ as our hope and way for the future. Tonight is our Resurrection night at the Royals. There will be large crowd of Resurrection folks from our four campuses coming together to enjoy fellowship at the game. Then, we get a head start on our new summer series we’re calling "The Gospel According to Dogs: Spiritual Lessons from our Four-Legged Friends." This is going to be a light-hearted series with reflections on why we love dogs; how these traits mirror God’s desire for us and how we might want to be more like our dogs.
We'll start early by hosting Camp Bow Wow for our children from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. The kids will have a chance to learn about caring for our four legged friends and the importance of compassion. Everyone is invited to join at noon for hot dogs and to bring their pets (of any variety) for the pet blessings being offered. This event for kids ages 4 through 5th grade and the sermon series are great opportunities to invite your friends to, especially your dog-loving friends. We’ll also be recognizing Father’s and sharing your photo's of Dad during worship. So plan to bring your dad – your kids and grandkids!
Finally, if you've got some time this week, join us at Garfield Elementary as we work together to support our KC community by preparing this school for the students and staff this fall. We need hundreds of hands to accomplish all the work we have planned. It's a great way to connect across our campuses too.
You can see more details about Bless the School below, along with other upcoming events.
Time to Bless the School! June 17-24 Serve the Kansas City community as we prepare Garfield Elementary for the students and staff to return to an updated and freshly painted school—including a brand new playground! Garfield serves more than 500 students from a variety of cultures representing over 15 countries. Experienced painters with the ability to “cut in” are especially needed, but all skill levels are welcome. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to serve on morning, afternoon, evening and/orSaturday shifts. Many different jobs are available for volunteers age 12 and older. Learn more and register at cor.org/blesstheschool.
Camp Bow Wow Saturday, June 18, 9 am – 1 pm, ages 4-11. Whether you love doggies, or just want to play with some puppies, you don’t want to miss this day camp! Campers will learn how God’s everlasting love relates to dogs and about training dogs, play with puppies and make toys for local dog shelters. We will conclude with a family hot dog lunch and special pet blessing for your own pets! Register online now. No charge for this day camp.
Pet Blessing - All animal lovers and pet owners are invited to join us for the hot dog lunch and pet blessing at the end of our KiDSCOR Camp Bow Wow. Bring your favorite furry, feathered and scaly friends at noon. All animals must be on a lead or in a secure pen for the safety of other animals. If you bring an animal, please be aware that space is often needed between animals to provide a comfortable environment for all. If you are unable to transport your pet, you may bring a picture or a stuffed animal “proxy” for the blessing. If you have no pets but have a special place in your heart for animals, bring a picture of your favorite endangered species for a blessing.
Summer Volleyball What is there to do when Sunday evening rezlife is off for the summer? Sand volleyball! Starting Sunday June 5, we are going to play volleyball and poison ball at the sand courts at 6:00pm at Wilbur Young Park (Next to Blue Springs South High School). We are opening it up to the whole church, so yes, your parents are welcome to play too!
Band of Brothers study group Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. We’re starting a joint study on spiritual time management through the study of “The Sacrament of the Present Moment” by Jean-Pierre De Caussade, and “Sabbath as Resistance” by Walt Brueggemann. We meet for three weeks, break for July 4th week and continue until we complete the material. Sign up at Guest Services or online here.
Summer miniMusic Pop-up Play-date – Wednesday, June 22, 6:30-7:30 pm at Stephanie Myers’ house (742 SW Ginger Hill Dr, Grain Valley, MO 64029). Parents can bring musical instruments to demonstrate for the kids and Stephanie will have some for kids to try. Rain or Shine.
Half Truths Class – Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, June 22-July 20 Explore popular sayings that miss the point. They sound Christian-like something you might find in the Bible yet miss the point in important ways. Join us as we search for the whole truth through the wisdom found in scripture. Book $10 available at Guest Services. Register at Guest Services or online.
Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit – August 11-12. Take advantage of this great opportunity to develop as a leader. We will host this world class training event in our sanctuary. Register at cor.org/willow and enter the Priority Code: PREMIER16. The host site rate is $89 through July 12. Check out this year’s faculty at willowcreek.com/summit.
Registration is still open for the Holy Land Tour - November 14-23, 2016. Pastor Penny and Bill are excited to journey on the Church of the Resurrection's next Holy Land Tour with our campus. We hope every member of our church will one day experience where Jesus has walked. This is an opportunity to grow in faith and bring Scripture to life like never before. We will be joining with members of our West campus and Pastor Jason Gant as we journey together. There are already 36 registered for the trip. Information is available at the Guest Services desk or online here.
Connect with other Moms from Rez Blue Springs RezMoms is a group for moms who want to grow in their faith, make friends, be completely honest and – most of all – just have some well-deserved “Mom Time!” Moms of children of all ages welcome. Please invite your mom friends. Check us out on facebook here. For more information, contact Diane.Enlow@cor.org.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
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 North East Jefferson Street

Blue Springs, Missouri 64014, United States
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