Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs in Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 29 July 2016

Friday, July 29, 2016Pastor Penny Ellwood's eNote from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Blue Springs in Blue Springs, Missouri, United States for Friday, 29 July 2016
Greetings Resurrection Blue Springs,
It's been an exciting and noisy place around the church this week! As you can see from the picture, there has been some demolition going on. In the east entrance, the office wall and closet have come out and on the KidSCOR side the new plumbing for the single restroom has been cut in. When I came back from meetings in Leawood today, I found there were studs up for the new wall in the sanctuary too. It is very exciting to see all the changes happening. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the sacrificial gifts that are making this vision come to life. We're going to have a beautiful expanded space to welcome our neighbors and engage in fellowship and learning throughout the week. 

Speaking of neighbors, how have you done this week on your neighbor charts? Have you had an opportunity for a conversation or taken steps to connect with one of your eight closest neighbors? I received a picture of a yummy pan of brownies that was headed across the street to a new neighbor’s home from one of you this week. I’d love to hear more about how your attempts to connect are going.
This Sunday in worship we’ll continue exploring the art of neighboring and taking Jesus’ great commandment to love our neighbors seriously. This week we’re going to take a step back and look at some of the barriers to neighboring well and then consider how we might take steps to remove them.
One last thing, there were over a dozen singles who met after worship last week to have a conversation about starting a singles ministry at Resurrection Blue Springs. There was a desire to find a connection with other singles and have opportunities to grow in faith together. The group made a decision to get started right away with a Game Night and Potluck dinner this Sunday at 5 pm at the church. They also felt that Alpha would be a great place to start a journey of discipleship together so they will be joining the fall Alpha session and we will have a discussion group just for the singles who sign up. We’re also going to build a list of singles to communicate upcoming plans so if you’d like to be on it let us know in the office or sign up at Guest Services on Sunday.
In the meantime, take a look at some of the opportunities we have coming up to learn, grow and connect with others:

• Singles Potluck and Game Night, Sunday, July 31st at 5 pm – We’re looking at expanding the opportunities at Rez Blue Springs for the growing number of singles in our congregation. Join us in Fellowship Hall Sunday evening at 5 pm for our first gathering. We'll share a meal and have some fun getting to know one another. Bring a dish to share and a board game. Let’s be happy AND single... all together! 
• Get ready for the Back to School Supply Drive, July 24 - August 7. The start of the school year can be expensive and purchasing school supplies may not fit into a family’s budget when they are struggling to provide for basic needs. Resurrection Blue Springs has a long-term commitment to Wendell Phillips (now Wendell Phillips @ Attucks Elementary School) and we are joining our Downtown campus in providing these school supplies. Pick up a bag at Guest Services on Sunday to fill with purchased school supplies. Don’t have time to shop? Simply donate money towards the purchase of items in bulk – $35 is all it takes to get everything a student will need for the year.
• Resurrection Blue Springs 5th Saturday Men’s Breakfast - Note Location Change! –Saturday, July 30, at 8 am at the Big Biscuit, 530 NW Hiway 7. Since we're under construction here, we decided to gather at the Big Biscuit restaurant for breakfast, devotion and fellowship. All men are invited to join us. 
• RezMoms is going to kick off their first “official” get together this Tuesday, August 2, at6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. We will be making teacher gifts for back to school. Light refreshments will be served. Childcare is available upon request. EmailCaitlin.Willis@cor.org with your request. Join RezMoms Blue Springs on facebook,cor.org/bluesprings/rezmoms or contact Diane.Enlow@cor.org to get more details.
• Celebrate with Us at the All-Church Picnic! Join our Resurrection Blue Springs community on Sunday, August 7, at the Lake Tapawingo Clubhouse. Activities begin at 4 pm, with food served at 5. We’ll have games, great food and fellowship. Bring a side dish or dessert to share, and we’ll provide the main dish! You’ll be able to eat inside or outside, so don’t let the weather keep you from this fun event! Sign up at Guest Services to help with the picnic.
• Attending the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit? Join Pastor Penny and our Rez Blue Springs staff for lunch and conversation Friday, Aug. 12, in Fellowship Hall. Cost for the box lunch is $10 and includes sandwich, chips, cookie, pickle spear and water; please pre-purchase with cash or check Thursday morning, Aug. 11, at check-in. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch and come share in the discussion. Take advantage of this great opportunity to develop as a leader. You can still register for the Summit at cor.org/willow and enter the Priority Code: PREMIER16. The host site rate is now $119. Check out this year’s faculty at willowcreek.com/summit. 
• Sign Up for Fall Classes: 

1. Disciple 1 – Wednesdays at 6:30 pm starting September 7. This class provides a foundational overview of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, Disciple gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. Group members will read approximately 80% of the Bible in this 24-week study. Disciple Bible Study is enriching, informational, transformational, faith deepening and offers time to develop deep, lasting friendships as you study, reflect and pray together with your group. Disciple draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid a deeper understanding of the Bible. Disciple 1 Study Manual is $35 and will be available soon at Guest Services. Childcare available on request. Register at cor.org/bluesprings/disciple.

1. Explore Life’s Big Questions in Alpha! Alpha is open to anyone who has questions and wants to explore the Christian faith. Sessions include a meal, a short talk and discussion. Bring your questions and curiosity. Class offered Wednesday,6:30-8:15 pm, starting September 7. Cost is $10 for material. One of our discussion groups will be devoted just to singles at these sessions. 

-------
I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Abundant Blessings,
Penny
For our United Methodist Church of the 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
Mark Maschger, Ministry Associate mark.maschger@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
---------------------