The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, United States Grow. Pray. Study. Guide "The Gospel and Suicide – 'Like a Broken Vessel'” from Sunday, 9 July 2017 through Saturday, 15 July 2017
Sunday, July 9, 2017
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Sunday, 9 July 2017
Prayer Tip: Like a Broken Vessel: The Gospel and Suicide
Daily Scripture:
Psalm 31:9 (8) You did not hand me over to the enemy;
Psalm 31:9 (8) You did not hand me over to the enemy;
you set my feet where I can move freely.
10 (9) Show me favor, Adonai, for I am in trouble.
My eyes grow dim with anger,
my soul and body as well.
11 (10) For my life is worn out with sorrow
and my years with sighing;
my strength gives out under my guilt,
and my bones are wasting away.
12 (11) I am scorned by all my adversaries,
and even more by my neighbors;
even to acquaintances
I am an object of fear —
when they see me in the street,
they turn away from me.
13 (12) Like a dead man, I have passed from their minds;
I have become like a broken pot.
14 (13) All I hear is whispering,
terror is all around me;
they plot together against me,
scheming to take my life.
15 (14) But I, I trust in you, Adonai;
I say, “You are my God.”
16 (15) My times are in your hand;
rescue me from my enemies’ power,
from those who persecute me.
17 (16) Make your face shine on your servant;
in your grace, save me.
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Angela LaVallie Tinsley
Angela serves as the Funeral and Prayer Program Director, overseeing on-site funerals and assisting with prayer classes, vigils, walk, retreats, and other events. She began working at Resurrection in April 2007 and in that time has worked with the Singles, Seniors, Young Adults, and Guest Connections ministries.
Angela LaVallie TinsleyAngela serves as the Funeral and Prayer Program Director, overseeing on-site funerals and assisting with prayer classes, vigils, walk, retreats, and other events. She began working at Resurrection in April 2007 and in that time has worked with the Singles, Seniors, Young Adults, and Guest Connections ministries.
Prayer Tip:
Holy, Loving God,
Holy, Loving God,
This week as we look at suicide, its causes, and its consequences, we ask that you help us to hear from you and that you would give us a sense of your presence, your love, and your grace.
We lift up to you those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Grief is a part of death, but when people take their own lives, the grief experienced by those left behind is different. Surround these families with your peace, comfort, and love. Help them to know that they are not at fault for their loved one’s actions, and give them reassurance and hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
O God,For those who are in a dark place right now and feel like their only option might be to end things, show them a way through and beyond their current circumstances. Grant them the courage and the strength they need to reach out for help. Give them a hope and a joy that surpasses the despondency in front of them.
Guide the rest of us to be supportive to both those who are grieving a loved one lost to suicide and those who are contemplating suicide. Give us your compassion and love so that we might, in turn, provide hope and encouragement.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen. [Angela LaVallie Tinsley, Prayer and Funeral Ministries]
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"The Gospel and Suicide – 'Like a Broken Vessel'”
Scripture:
Psalm 31:9 (8) You did not hand me over to the enemy;you set my feet where I can move freely.
10 (9) Show me favor, Adonai, for I am in trouble.
My eyes grow dim with anger,
my soul and body as well.
11 (10) For my life is worn out with sorrow
and my years with sighing;
my strength gives out under my guilt,
and my bones are wasting away.
12 (11) I am scorned by all my adversaries,
and even more by my neighbors;
even to acquaintances
I am an object of fear —
when they see me in the street,
they turn away from me.
13 (12) Like a dead man, I have passed from their minds;
I have become like a broken pot.
14 (13) All I hear is whispering,
terror is all around me;
they plot together against me,
scheming to take my life.
15 (14) But I, I trust in you, Adonai;
I say, “You are my God.”
16 (15) My times are in your hand;
rescue me from my enemies’ power,
from those who persecute me.
17 (16) Make your face shine on your servant;
in your grace, save me.
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"God’s tender care for the brokenhearted"
Monday, 10 July 2017
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is upon me,
because Adonai has anointed me
to announce good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted;
to proclaim freedom to the captives,
to let out into light those bound in the dark;
2 to proclaim the year of the favor of Adonai
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
3 yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn,
giving them garlands instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit,
so that they will be called oaks of righteousness
planted by Adonai, in which he takes pride., Psalm 147:1 Halleluyah!
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
How sweet, how fitting to praise him!
2 Adonai is rebuilding Yerushalayim,
gathering the dispersed of Isra’el.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines how many stars there are
and calls them all by name.
5 Our Lord is great, his power is vast,
his wisdom beyond all telling.
because Adonai has anointed me
to announce good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted;
to proclaim freedom to the captives,
to let out into light those bound in the dark;
2 to proclaim the year of the favor of Adonai
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
3 yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn,
giving them garlands instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit,
so that they will be called oaks of righteousness
planted by Adonai, in which he takes pride., Psalm 147:1 Halleluyah!
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
How sweet, how fitting to praise him!
2 Adonai is rebuilding Yerushalayim,
gathering the dispersed of Isra’el.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines how many stars there are
and calls them all by name.
5 Our Lord is great, his power is vast,
his wisdom beyond all telling.
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People who end their own lives often do so because they’re in a mental state convinced that there
is no healing their broken hearts. And every suicide leaves behind others with broken hearts, also
wondering if the wound will ever heal. The prophet Isaiah wrote of a Messiah whose mission was
to bring good news, including “to bind up the brokenhearted.” Jesus said Isaiah 61 defined his
mission (cf. Luke 4:16-21). Psalm 147 knew God doesn’t tell us to ignore our pain. It is real—but
God does promise to heal the brokenhearted.
• Psalm 147:3 offered a word picture of God as a caring healer, maybe even a devoted parent,
tenderly bandaging the wounds life inflicts on all of us. When have you experienced healing
from God, either directly or through one or more of God’s faithful human servants? Just as a
bandaged physical wound sometimes leaves a scar after it heals, how has God enabled you to
go on with life despite the scars your spirit bears?
• Jesus, in Luke 4, said Isaiah 61 defined his mission—and, by extension, his followers’ mission.
Isaiah 61:3 promised that God would give those who have been broken-hearted, poor, or
captives “a crown in place of ashes, oil of joy in place of mourning, a mantle of praise in place
of discouragement.” That was beautifully poetic—but the world’s all-too-real tragedies are not
If you ever start questioning if “ending it” is the only answer, it’s not! Get help from the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline—800-273-8255, the Crisis Text Line (text to 741-741) or The Church of
the Resurrection Congregational Care—913-544-0238, 913-338-9477 after 5 pm or weekends. Beautiful. In what ways will you accept Jesus' “job offer” and actively join in bringing beauty
where tragedy has left ashes?
(Learn more about how to join in God’s work of offering healing and hope by attending the Suicide
Prevention Panel Presentation Thursday, July 13. Visit cor.org/events for more information.)
[If you ever start questioning if “ending it” is the only answer, it’s not! Get help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—(800) 273-8255, or the Crisis Text Line (text to 741-741). More resources are available on our website.]
Prayer: Healing God, when my heart breaks, you extend comfort and healing. As I meet others whose
hearts are breaking, give me the courage and caring to offer them your healing. Amen.
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Roberta Lyle
Roberta Lyle has been on the Resurrection staff since 2006. She serves as the Program Director for Local Impact Ministries, concentrating on Education, Life Skills and Youth Focused Ministries.
As we go through life we are going to face times of struggle and sadness. Much as we would prefer to avoid them and no matter how perfect others' lives may appear from social media postings, everyone experiences loss and times of distress in their lives. When I look back on my life and think about those really tough times when my future didn't look very positive I think the things that got me through were my religious upbringing and knowing that as a child of God I had innate value, no matter what my situation was. And every day I would try to take joy in some little thing. Today I keep a gratitude journal and start the day by listing a simple pleasure from the day before such as a beautiful sunset, taking a long walk with my husband or a sweet card from a friend, all things that remind me of God's majesty or the way he's designed us to be connected to others.
My bouts of sadness were due to life circumstances. I don't mean to minimize the feelings of those who suffer from clinical depression. I do know the guilt and pain that goes with suicide, having lost a grandmother many years ago and a friend and colleague more recently to suicide. My grandmother killed herself several years before I was born but my mother never revealed this to my sisters or me until I was 20, and then only because I was pressing her on family history. Even after all those years my mom was filled with shame and guilt.
From what my mother told me I suspect my grandma had suffered from depression for many years, but unfortunately back in those days there was a stigma attached to mental illness and most people didn't seek treatment. I'd like to think that, had she received the treatment she needed she would not have made the choice to end her life that devastated my mom and her sister and impacted them for the rest of their days.
I am so glad the church is raising awareness around this important issue, helping all of us to become better informed and sensitive to ways we can express concern and love to those who are suffering.
Roberta LyleRoberta Lyle has been on the Resurrection staff since 2006. She serves as the Program Director for Local Impact Ministries, concentrating on Education, Life Skills and Youth Focused Ministries.
As we go through life we are going to face times of struggle and sadness. Much as we would prefer to avoid them and no matter how perfect others' lives may appear from social media postings, everyone experiences loss and times of distress in their lives. When I look back on my life and think about those really tough times when my future didn't look very positive I think the things that got me through were my religious upbringing and knowing that as a child of God I had innate value, no matter what my situation was. And every day I would try to take joy in some little thing. Today I keep a gratitude journal and start the day by listing a simple pleasure from the day before such as a beautiful sunset, taking a long walk with my husband or a sweet card from a friend, all things that remind me of God's majesty or the way he's designed us to be connected to others.
My bouts of sadness were due to life circumstances. I don't mean to minimize the feelings of those who suffer from clinical depression. I do know the guilt and pain that goes with suicide, having lost a grandmother many years ago and a friend and colleague more recently to suicide. My grandmother killed herself several years before I was born but my mother never revealed this to my sisters or me until I was 20, and then only because I was pressing her on family history. Even after all those years my mom was filled with shame and guilt.
From what my mother told me I suspect my grandma had suffered from depression for many years, but unfortunately back in those days there was a stigma attached to mental illness and most people didn't seek treatment. I'd like to think that, had she received the treatment she needed she would not have made the choice to end her life that devastated my mom and her sister and impacted them for the rest of their days.
I am so glad the church is raising awareness around this important issue, helping all of us to become better informed and sensitive to ways we can express concern and love to those who are suffering.
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"Morning light even amid awful destruction"
Tuesday, 11 July 2017
Lamentations 3:16 He has broken my teeth with gravel
and pressed me down into ashes.
17 I have been so deprived of peace,
I have so forgotten what happiness is,
18 that I think, “My strength is gone,
and so is my hope in Adonai.”
19 Remember my utter misery,
the wormwood and the gall.
20 They are always on my mind;
this is why I am so depressed.
21 But in my mind I keep returning to something,
something that gives me hope —
22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,
that his compassion has not ended.
23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!
How great your faithfulness!
24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;
“therefore I will put my hope in him.
25 Adonai is good to those waiting for him,
to those who are seeking him out.
26 It is good to wait patiently
for the saving help of Adonai., 31 For rejection by Adonai
does not last forever.
32 He may cause grief, but he will take pity,
in keeping with the greatness of his grace.
33 For he does not arbitrarily torment
or punish human beings.
and pressed me down into ashes.
17 I have been so deprived of peace,
I have so forgotten what happiness is,
18 that I think, “My strength is gone,
and so is my hope in Adonai.”
19 Remember my utter misery,
the wormwood and the gall.
20 They are always on my mind;
this is why I am so depressed.
21 But in my mind I keep returning to something,
something that gives me hope —
22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,
that his compassion has not ended.
23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!
How great your faithfulness!
24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;
“therefore I will put my hope in him.
25 Adonai is good to those waiting for him,
to those who are seeking him out.
26 It is good to wait patiently
for the saving help of Adonai., 31 For rejection by Adonai
does not last forever.
32 He may cause grief, but he will take pity,
in keeping with the greatness of his grace.
33 For he does not arbitrarily torment
or punish human beings.
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In 586 B.C., Babylon’s army destroyed Jerusalem and exiled many leading citizens. (You can read
about Jerusalem’s fall in 2 Kings 25:1-21). Lamentations recorded the anguish of an Israelite
(maybe the prophet Jeremiah) left behind in Judah. The writer of Lamentations couldn’t see any
human hope for the future (verse 18) and had to deal with “suffering and homelessness” (verse 19)
in the present.
• The Hebrew word hesed in verse 22, one of the great words of the Old Testament, is translated
as “the faithful love of the Lord.” Other English translations use expressions like “steadfast love”
or “unfailing love.” The writer somehow kept believing in God’s unending love even in the
rubble of a burned, ruined city, no doubt with unburied bodies still in the streets. How have you
been able to hold to God’s steadfast, unfailing love even in your worst times?
• Commentator H. L. Ellison wrote, “The ‘hope’ that the writer expresses here does not spring
from denying or minimizing suffering and misery. Rather, these are transformed when the mind
is turned to God…. The very fact of awakening to a new day is a renewal of God’s mercy.
Humans have passed safely through the night, a foreshadowing of death.” * How do you start
your day as you come awake? Make a morning habit of expressing gratitude to God for waking
to a new day, even when it's a hard day.
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for the gift of this new day. Whatever trials or hardships I may face
today, let the morning light remind me that your mercies are ever-present with me. Amen.
* H. L. Ellison, article on “Lamentations” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Abridged: Old Testament.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994, p. 1268.
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Denise Mersmann
Denise serves as the Early Childhood Coordinating Assistant at Church of the Resurrection.
I am a big fan of Google. There is no end to the things I have researched, learned, confirmed, or been dumbfounded by when using my go-to know-it-all web-friend. But one thing I have discovered is that for those really tough moments, when I am floundering and don’t know what to do, my Google buddy just can’t provide the answers that I need.
Our daughter, Caroline, died when she was just four months old. We had been told she was in “perfect health” less than a week before. But believing my “mom’s intuition” we had taken our little girl to the doctor on this cold October morning because something just didn’t seem right. As we sat in our doctor’s waiting room, Caroline stopped breathing in my arms.
We were totally unprepared and had no idea how this could happen to us. We were desperately in need of answers. What caused her death? How could doctors have missed it? How were we going to tell her big sister and how could we possibly make her understand what we couldn’t? How could God let this happen to us?
With all these questions, like so many others in life, Google just couldn’t give us the answers we needed. There was no online option for learning how to move on when our world had collapsed around us. Online searches didn’t provide answers for how to force ourselves to get out of bed in the morning or how to answer questions like, “how many kids do you have”? And there was no website to tell us “You were the best parents she could have possibly had. This isn’t your fault.”
But somewhere in those days following Caroline’s death, as we went through the motions of sleeping, eating, making funeral arrangements, and wondering if the searing pain in our hearts would ever lessen, the answer came to us. It wasn’t something we read or something that was said. In the middle of the chaos we felt it--the peace that only comes from Jesus surrounded us. In so many tiny ways He made His presence known. It wasn’t through Google or books or any class that we could have taken, but as we wandered lost in our own desert of grief, God showed us that we are never alone. At the moments when the darkness seems to go on forever, He is there and He will provide a light of hope.
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Denise MersmannDenise serves as the Early Childhood Coordinating Assistant at Church of the Resurrection.
I am a big fan of Google. There is no end to the things I have researched, learned, confirmed, or been dumbfounded by when using my go-to know-it-all web-friend. But one thing I have discovered is that for those really tough moments, when I am floundering and don’t know what to do, my Google buddy just can’t provide the answers that I need.
Our daughter, Caroline, died when she was just four months old. We had been told she was in “perfect health” less than a week before. But believing my “mom’s intuition” we had taken our little girl to the doctor on this cold October morning because something just didn’t seem right. As we sat in our doctor’s waiting room, Caroline stopped breathing in my arms.
We were totally unprepared and had no idea how this could happen to us. We were desperately in need of answers. What caused her death? How could doctors have missed it? How were we going to tell her big sister and how could we possibly make her understand what we couldn’t? How could God let this happen to us?
With all these questions, like so many others in life, Google just couldn’t give us the answers we needed. There was no online option for learning how to move on when our world had collapsed around us. Online searches didn’t provide answers for how to force ourselves to get out of bed in the morning or how to answer questions like, “how many kids do you have”? And there was no website to tell us “You were the best parents she could have possibly had. This isn’t your fault.”
But somewhere in those days following Caroline’s death, as we went through the motions of sleeping, eating, making funeral arrangements, and wondering if the searing pain in our hearts would ever lessen, the answer came to us. It wasn’t something we read or something that was said. In the middle of the chaos we felt it--the peace that only comes from Jesus surrounded us. In so many tiny ways He made His presence known. It wasn’t through Google or books or any class that we could have taken, but as we wandered lost in our own desert of grief, God showed us that we are never alone. At the moments when the darkness seems to go on forever, He is there and He will provide a light of hope.
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"Depression, sadness, suffering, panic—but 'wait for the Lord'”
Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Psalm 31:9 (8) You did not hand me over to the enemy;
you set my feet where I can move freely.
10 (9) Show me favor, Adonai, for I am in trouble.
My eyes grow dim with anger,
my soul and body as well.
11 (10) For my life is worn out with sorrow
and my years with sighing;
my strength gives out under my guilt,
and my bones are wasting away.
12 (11) I am scorned by all my adversaries,
and even more by my neighbors;
even to acquaintances
I am an object of fear —
when they see me in the street,
they turn away from me.
13 (12) Like a dead man, I have passed from their minds;
I have become like a broken pot.
14 (13) All I hear is whispering,
terror is all around me;
they plot together against me,
scheming to take my life.
15 (14) But I, I trust in you, Adonai;
I say, “You are my God.”
16 (15) My times are in your hand;
rescue me from my enemies’ power,
from those who persecute me.
17 (16) Make your face shine on your servant;
in your grace, save me.
18 (17) Adonai, don’t let me be put to shame,
for I have called on you;
let the wicked be put to shame,
let them be silenced in Sh’ol.
19 (18) May lying lips be struck dumb,
that speak insolently against the righteous
with such pride and contempt.
20 (19) But oh, how great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you do for those who take refuge in you,
before people’s very eyes!
21 (20) In the shelter of your presence
you hide them from human plots,
you conceal them in your shelter,
safe from contentious tongues.
22 (21) Blessed be Adonai!
For he has shown me his amazing grace
when I was in a city under siege.
23 (22) As for me, in my alarm I said,
“I have been cut off from your sight!”
Nevertheless, you heard my pleas
when I cried out to you.
24 (23) Love Adonai, you faithful of his.
Adonai preserves the loyal,
but the proud he repays in full.
you set my feet where I can move freely.
10 (9) Show me favor, Adonai, for I am in trouble.
My eyes grow dim with anger,
my soul and body as well.
11 (10) For my life is worn out with sorrow
and my years with sighing;
my strength gives out under my guilt,
and my bones are wasting away.
12 (11) I am scorned by all my adversaries,
and even more by my neighbors;
even to acquaintances
I am an object of fear —
when they see me in the street,
they turn away from me.
13 (12) Like a dead man, I have passed from their minds;
I have become like a broken pot.
14 (13) All I hear is whispering,
terror is all around me;
they plot together against me,
scheming to take my life.
15 (14) But I, I trust in you, Adonai;
I say, “You are my God.”
16 (15) My times are in your hand;
rescue me from my enemies’ power,
from those who persecute me.
17 (16) Make your face shine on your servant;
in your grace, save me.
18 (17) Adonai, don’t let me be put to shame,
for I have called on you;
let the wicked be put to shame,
let them be silenced in Sh’ol.
19 (18) May lying lips be struck dumb,
that speak insolently against the righteous
with such pride and contempt.
20 (19) But oh, how great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you do for those who take refuge in you,
before people’s very eyes!
21 (20) In the shelter of your presence
you hide them from human plots,
you conceal them in your shelter,
safe from contentious tongues.
22 (21) Blessed be Adonai!
For he has shown me his amazing grace
when I was in a city under siege.
23 (22) As for me, in my alarm I said,
“I have been cut off from your sight!”
Nevertheless, you heard my pleas
when I cried out to you.
24 (23) Love Adonai, you faithful of his.
Adonai preserves the loyal,
but the proud he repays in full.
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More than a third of the psalms (over 50) were “laments” like this one—Hebrew poems that expressed
sadness, depression, or fear. This psalm described depression, limited vision, humiliation, anger at
foes and panic. Those emotions are part of being human, not a reason to give up on life. (For a deeper
study, see Christian counselor Dwight Carlson’s book Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded?
Another good resource is www.makeitok.org.) The psalmist chose to handle his awful feelings by
staunchly trusting in a God bigger than he was. (If you can, take the time to read Psalm 107, noting the
repeated refrain “God saved them from their desperate circumstances.”)
• In verse 15, the psalmist wrote, “My future is in your hands.” Numbers 11:11-17 said Moses
asked God to end his life when Israel’s constant complaining felt like too much for him to bear.
But God didn’t grant his wish—God could see much for Moses to do in the future. What spiritual
choices can you make that will make it easier for you to trust God with your future when things
seem to be spinning out of your control?
• In verse 17, the psalmist also prayed, “Lord, don’t let me be put to shame.” What internal
messages, perhaps under the pressure of external events, trigger feelings of shame in you? How
can you build an identity as God’s beloved child that can limit the destructive effects of shame on
your life? (This is hard work, and may require help from a wise counselor or spiritual director.)
Prayer: Lord God, like the psalmist, I want to “be strong and let my heart take courage.” Teach me
your kind of honest strength. Guide me in building my trust in you as I respond to your calling. Amen.
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Dr. Amy Oden is Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality at Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU. Teaching is her calling, and she looks forward to every day with students. For 25 years, Amy has taught theology and history, pursuing scholarship in service of the church.
Glen Shoup
Glen Shoup is the Executive Pastor of Worship.
Summer schedules kept Dr. Oden from writing today. Here's a reflection on Psalm 31 that Pastor Glen Shoup first wrote in 2010:
I’m glad God decided that Psalms like Psalm 31 had to be in the Bible. There are other Psalms raw in their expression of both anger and pleading with God, but this Psalm—especially if you read it all—pretty clearly communicates the desperation and brokenness life sometimes delivers. I can imagine somebody like Job—bankrupt and having just stood at the grave of his children—praying this Psalm. I can imagine David—on the run from King Saul who was trying to kill him—praying this Psalm.
This Psalm certainly is not a one-size-fits-all reading, but when you’re hurting deeply enough, when you’re minted with the pain life sometimes stamps out—when hope seems gone and God seems far—then a Psalm like this one naturally resonates from the deepest level of the soul. And what I appreciate about David (or whomever the author might have been) is that this cry for God’s attention is one-on-one. This is not collectively spoken from the third person on behalf of a group of people. No, this is a Psalm of individual lament—this is first-person authenticity: God, I’m seeking a refuge in You and need you to show up! I especially love the first part of verse 2: “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily”…translation: PAY ATTENTION TO ME AND DO IT NOW!
Have you ever been in a verse 2 kind of place? Have you lived long enough, have you hurt deeply enough, to know what it feels like to demand God to pay attention and—by all means—do it now! Maybe you’re in that kind of place today. Maybe your heart gravitates towards the raw emotion that only honesty can capture. Maybe you know the pain of a childless Job, or the injustice of a fleeing David—maybe you’ve wondered why (and what) anybody could honestly pray when they’re hurting that badly. Today’s Psalm was placed in the heart of the Bible for you and all those like you—including Jesus himself.
You see, Jesus had his own verse 2 kind of place where—with raw honesty—He cried out before God to PAY ATTENTION, AND DO IT NOW (both in the garden and on the cross). Jesus, too, knows what it is to feel abandoned and ignored by God (see Matthew 27:46) and during that time in Jesus’ life, we find out from the Son of God what it looks like to pray authentically. In those most barren of moments—when Jesus was hanging on a Roman cross suspended between heaven and earth—Jesus prayed from the very Psalm that we are thinking about today. "Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Psalm 31:5 & Luke 23:46) is what Christ prayed in the most broken and painful place imaginable.
I suspect God might have put this Psalm right smack in the middle of the Bible so that when we walk similar roads, we’ll have a guide for something we can honestly pray as well. This Psalm isn’t for everybody all the time, but when it’s for you at the place on the journey when all seems lost and God seems absent, remember that the very God who seems gone from you has been where you are. He made sure this Psalm was right smack in the middle of your Bible so that you would have a prayer that you could honestly pray…just like Jesus.
Dr. Amy Oden is Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality at Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU. Teaching is her calling, and she looks forward to every day with students. For 25 years, Amy has taught theology and history, pursuing scholarship in service of the church.
Glen ShoupGlen Shoup is the Executive Pastor of Worship.
Summer schedules kept Dr. Oden from writing today. Here's a reflection on Psalm 31 that Pastor Glen Shoup first wrote in 2010:
I’m glad God decided that Psalms like Psalm 31 had to be in the Bible. There are other Psalms raw in their expression of both anger and pleading with God, but this Psalm—especially if you read it all—pretty clearly communicates the desperation and brokenness life sometimes delivers. I can imagine somebody like Job—bankrupt and having just stood at the grave of his children—praying this Psalm. I can imagine David—on the run from King Saul who was trying to kill him—praying this Psalm.
This Psalm certainly is not a one-size-fits-all reading, but when you’re hurting deeply enough, when you’re minted with the pain life sometimes stamps out—when hope seems gone and God seems far—then a Psalm like this one naturally resonates from the deepest level of the soul. And what I appreciate about David (or whomever the author might have been) is that this cry for God’s attention is one-on-one. This is not collectively spoken from the third person on behalf of a group of people. No, this is a Psalm of individual lament—this is first-person authenticity: God, I’m seeking a refuge in You and need you to show up! I especially love the first part of verse 2: “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily”…translation: PAY ATTENTION TO ME AND DO IT NOW!
Have you ever been in a verse 2 kind of place? Have you lived long enough, have you hurt deeply enough, to know what it feels like to demand God to pay attention and—by all means—do it now! Maybe you’re in that kind of place today. Maybe your heart gravitates towards the raw emotion that only honesty can capture. Maybe you know the pain of a childless Job, or the injustice of a fleeing David—maybe you’ve wondered why (and what) anybody could honestly pray when they’re hurting that badly. Today’s Psalm was placed in the heart of the Bible for you and all those like you—including Jesus himself.
You see, Jesus had his own verse 2 kind of place where—with raw honesty—He cried out before God to PAY ATTENTION, AND DO IT NOW (both in the garden and on the cross). Jesus, too, knows what it is to feel abandoned and ignored by God (see Matthew 27:46) and during that time in Jesus’ life, we find out from the Son of God what it looks like to pray authentically. In those most barren of moments—when Jesus was hanging on a Roman cross suspended between heaven and earth—Jesus prayed from the very Psalm that we are thinking about today. "Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Psalm 31:5 & Luke 23:46) is what Christ prayed in the most broken and painful place imaginable.
I suspect God might have put this Psalm right smack in the middle of the Bible so that when we walk similar roads, we’ll have a guide for something we can honestly pray as well. This Psalm isn’t for everybody all the time, but when it’s for you at the place on the journey when all seems lost and God seems absent, remember that the very God who seems gone from you has been where you are. He made sure this Psalm was right smack in the middle of your Bible so that you would have a prayer that you could honestly pray…just like Jesus.
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"Focusing on unseen, but enduring, realities"
Thursday, 13 July 2017
2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made his light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. 8 We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; 9 persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed., 16 This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily. 17 For our light and transient troubles are achieving for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description. 18 We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal.
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. 8 We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; 9 persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed., 16 This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily. 17 For our light and transient troubles are achieving for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description. 18 We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal.
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Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to a group of Christians many of whose members had turned against him
(in a church he himself had started!). It was a painful disappointment, on top of years of other
struggles as he traveled and shared Jesus in the Roman world (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Yet he
trusted that, if he kept his inner spiritual focus on God’s eternal world, nothing in this world could
crush or destroy him.
• Paul’s description of himself as a “clay pot” (verse 7) did not show a lack of self-worth. It merely
recognized the abiding truth, with which all of us must wrestle with at times, that God is God
and we are not. How can learning to see yourself as a “clay pot” help to put you in a better
position to avoid human blows to your ego that can feel so crushing?
• In today’s text, Paul spoke of focusing on things unseen and eternal rather than visible things
that don’t last. In Colossians 3:2-3, he wrote, “Think about the things above and not things on
earth. You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” That wasn’t abstract theology—he
saw his life as eternal, held safely in God’s hands, safely out of reach of any earthly failures.
How much do you focus only on the “here and now”? What helps you grow toward seeing that
your true life is eternally safe, hidden with Christ in God?
Prayer: Lord God, some days all I can see are my failures, my setbacks, and my pain. On those days
especially, I really need your grace to show me life as you see it, to show me your reality. Amen.
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Janelle Gregory
Janelle Gregory serves on the Resurrection staff as a Human Resources Specialist. Janelle finds that her heart is constantly wrestling with the truth that she needs a Savior, and the times when she's at her very best are when she's just too tired to put up a fight.
Life can be hard, right? I mean really, really hard. Certainly there are good and joyous times, and there are times when life is a little boring, when you’re floating along in the contentment of the mundane.
But then out of nowhere comes some event that shakes you to the core – a job loss, a diagnosis, a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, a bad choice catching up with you. You’re suddenly thrown into a dark hole, struggling to take the next step and dreaming of that boring, mundane life. Let’s face it. There are times when life can only be described as a word that I wouldn’t normally use in my vernacular, and that I most definitely would not use on a church website. Perhaps we shall say that one might describe times like these as wading through manure.
That’s what you feel like. When you’re at your lowest – when you’re scared, hurt, lost, or lonely. It is what it is. You can try to deny it or attempt to convince yourself that it isn’t as bad as it really is, though I would imagine that sugar-coating manure doesn’t make it any more appealing. Life is awful sometimes. It just is.
It’s interesting, when I look back on my faith journey, to reflect on the growing times, the times when I’ve felt the presence of God the most. It’s not the “mountain top” experience that first comes to mind. It’s not a great sermon, a catchy worship song, or a top-selling Christian book. These are all great. But the times that I’ve grown the most are when my life was at its lowest, when I’ve been hurt, lost, or scared. It’s the times when I’ve been on my knees, crying out to God through the tears, “God, I can’t do it on my own! I need you right now!”
Without fail, God has always shown up. He’s led me through, he’s helped me, and he’s held me gently in his mercy.
I believe that God aches with us and understands our pain. He doesn’t deny the manure. But the difference between our perspective and his is that he knows that manure makes good fertilizer. God doesn’t bring about suffering, but he recognizes that times of agony are often when our hearts are most open to cultivation. He can see the beauty from the growth to come, knowing that there is a splendor of grace that can only be experienced from the need to lean deeply into your Savior. An aching heart is fertile soil.
There are times when we will be tossed into the pangs of life, thrown right into manure. There is no escaping it. The only thing we can do is recognize the fertility of our souls, taking advantage of the manure we find ourselves in. When we hurt, we hold tight to our Redeemer. We cry out in our struggles and grasp firmly to our faith. While pain is not enjoyable, it is also never the end. God will redeem our suffering. We will eventually experience the beauty he brings, seeing new life spring up out of the darkness.
Janelle GregoryJanelle Gregory serves on the Resurrection staff as a Human Resources Specialist. Janelle finds that her heart is constantly wrestling with the truth that she needs a Savior, and the times when she's at her very best are when she's just too tired to put up a fight.
Life can be hard, right? I mean really, really hard. Certainly there are good and joyous times, and there are times when life is a little boring, when you’re floating along in the contentment of the mundane.
But then out of nowhere comes some event that shakes you to the core – a job loss, a diagnosis, a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, a bad choice catching up with you. You’re suddenly thrown into a dark hole, struggling to take the next step and dreaming of that boring, mundane life. Let’s face it. There are times when life can only be described as a word that I wouldn’t normally use in my vernacular, and that I most definitely would not use on a church website. Perhaps we shall say that one might describe times like these as wading through manure.
That’s what you feel like. When you’re at your lowest – when you’re scared, hurt, lost, or lonely. It is what it is. You can try to deny it or attempt to convince yourself that it isn’t as bad as it really is, though I would imagine that sugar-coating manure doesn’t make it any more appealing. Life is awful sometimes. It just is.
It’s interesting, when I look back on my faith journey, to reflect on the growing times, the times when I’ve felt the presence of God the most. It’s not the “mountain top” experience that first comes to mind. It’s not a great sermon, a catchy worship song, or a top-selling Christian book. These are all great. But the times that I’ve grown the most are when my life was at its lowest, when I’ve been hurt, lost, or scared. It’s the times when I’ve been on my knees, crying out to God through the tears, “God, I can’t do it on my own! I need you right now!”
Without fail, God has always shown up. He’s led me through, he’s helped me, and he’s held me gently in his mercy.
I believe that God aches with us and understands our pain. He doesn’t deny the manure. But the difference between our perspective and his is that he knows that manure makes good fertilizer. God doesn’t bring about suffering, but he recognizes that times of agony are often when our hearts are most open to cultivation. He can see the beauty from the growth to come, knowing that there is a splendor of grace that can only be experienced from the need to lean deeply into your Savior. An aching heart is fertile soil.
There are times when we will be tossed into the pangs of life, thrown right into manure. There is no escaping it. The only thing we can do is recognize the fertility of our souls, taking advantage of the manure we find ourselves in. When we hurt, we hold tight to our Redeemer. We cry out in our struggles and grasp firmly to our faith. While pain is not enjoyable, it is also never the end. God will redeem our suffering. We will eventually experience the beauty he brings, seeing new life spring up out of the darkness.
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"A God who never ignores us"
Friday, 14 July 2017
Isaiah 40:26 Turn your eyes to the heavens!
See who created these?
He brings out the army of them in sequence,
summoning each by name.
Through his great might and his massive strength,
not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Ya‘akov;
why do you say, Isra’el,
“My way is hidden from Adonai,
my rights are ignored by my God”?
28 Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard
that the everlasting God, Adonai,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not grow tired or weary?
His understanding cannot be fathomed.
29 He invigorates the exhausted,
he gives strength to the powerless.
30 Young men may grow tired and weary,
even the fittest may stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in Adonai will renew their strength,
they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings;
when they are running they won’t grow weary,
when they are walking they won’t get tired.
See who created these?
He brings out the army of them in sequence,
summoning each by name.
Through his great might and his massive strength,
not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you complain, Ya‘akov;
why do you say, Isra’el,
“My way is hidden from Adonai,
my rights are ignored by my God”?
28 Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard
that the everlasting God, Adonai,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not grow tired or weary?
His understanding cannot be fathomed.
29 He invigorates the exhausted,
he gives strength to the powerless.
30 Young men may grow tired and weary,
even the fittest may stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in Adonai will renew their strength,
they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings;
when they are running they won’t grow weary,
when they are walking they won’t get tired.
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After weary years of exile, Israelites now faced a long, hard trip on foot from Babylon to Israel. It
was tempting for them to think God didn’t see their hardships. The prophet pointed his readers to
their God, who created everything, and whose understanding is beyond human reach. He invited
them (and us) to trust when we don’t understand. Trust allows us to “hope in the Lord” for renewed
strength, and through faith to “fly up on wings like eagles,” to “walk and not be weary.”
• Can you recall times when you have felt like the Israelites in Isaiah 40:27: “My way is hidden
from the Lord; my God ignores my predicament”? Are there areas of your life that feel that way
to you right now? In what ways can you reconnect with the Creator who “doesn’t grow tired or
weary” of caring for you?
• Isaiah wrote, “His understanding is beyond human reach” (verse 28). Our effort to control
everything can keep us stuck in the very problems we seek to escape. God calls us to “let go”
and trust him because “his understanding is beyond human reach.” How can trusting, really
trusting, in a God who’s vastly wiser than you renew your strength by setting you free from the
exhausting need to know all the answers?
Prayer: Lord God, when I feel you are absent from my life, that you don’t care, help me trust you –
and wait. When I can’t seem to love myself in a healthy way, help me to find a course correction
from the trust that you love and value me. Amen.
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Darren Lippe
Darren Lippe helps facilitate Journey 101 “Loving God” classes, guides a 7th-grade Sunday school class, is a member of a small group and a men’s group, and serves on the curriculum team.
After serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster for our Boy Scout Troop, I’m shifting roles to be the Spiritual Advisor to the Troop. Boy Scouts, in conjunction with every major religious entity/denomination, has set up religious awards for the young men to pursue. For those young men already devout in their faith, hopefully they can see how their faith intertwines with Scouting. For those who might be nominally religious, perhaps the appeal of Scouting can help nudge them on their own spiritual journey.
Baden-Powell’s description of Reverent has 3 components:
I can imagine my own trial in 2025. The gallery in the courtroom is packed. “Mr. Lippe prefers Pepsi over Coke.” The crowd frantically begins to fan itself. “Mr. Lippe also thinks Progressive Insurance advertises way too much.” 3 women clutch their pearls & faint dead away. The Prosecutor continues, “and for all the drones listening & with all glory & honor to our hallowed leader & President, Mr. Zuckerberg (Founder of Facebook), Mr. Lippe also stated on several occasions, & I quote, “I don’t use Facebook.” The courtroom erupts into pandemonium. (Fortunately, my defense is in good hands as my sons will immediately launch a vigorous argument questioning my mental competence to stand trial.)
Perhaps we’d be better served if, instead of seeking endorsements/encouragement from our grade card, paycheck, or social media “likes,” we sought our self-worth from God. Maybe, ala Baden-Powell, we could go outside & marvel at God’s creation & remind ourselves that not only are we part of God’s Kingdom, but we are made in His very image. Then we could seek ways to be a blessing to others who might be feeling weaker/smaller on that particular day. And finally, during those times when we feel temporarily lost from God, we could be mindful that God is a stubborn God - He constantly seeks the lost & will never, ever give up.
Darren LippeDarren Lippe helps facilitate Journey 101 “Loving God” classes, guides a 7th-grade Sunday school class, is a member of a small group and a men’s group, and serves on the curriculum team.
After serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster for our Boy Scout Troop, I’m shifting roles to be the Spiritual Advisor to the Troop. Boy Scouts, in conjunction with every major religious entity/denomination, has set up religious awards for the young men to pursue. For those young men already devout in their faith, hopefully they can see how their faith intertwines with Scouting. For those who might be nominally religious, perhaps the appeal of Scouting can help nudge them on their own spiritual journey.
- With knowledge comes responsibility, so I’ll pass along some Scout Latrine Wisdom: What is the only thing worse than sitting on a cold commode in the middle of the night? Sitting on a warm one.
Baden-Powell’s description of Reverent has 3 components:
- Reverent to God. It is awfully hard to be in the midst of nature and not be in awe of Creation & be amazed by the Creator’s sheer genius.
- Reverent to Others. Whether it is inviting a homesick-ish Scout to join your group as you head to the pool or assisting a friend as he rushes to put up his tent before the storm, we should always strive to help the younger & weaker.
- Reverent to Oneself. Applicable to today’s passage (Hallelujah! - Editor).
- Scout Latrine Wisdom: In case of nuclear attack, hide on the toilet – it has yet to be hit.
I can imagine my own trial in 2025. The gallery in the courtroom is packed. “Mr. Lippe prefers Pepsi over Coke.” The crowd frantically begins to fan itself. “Mr. Lippe also thinks Progressive Insurance advertises way too much.” 3 women clutch their pearls & faint dead away. The Prosecutor continues, “and for all the drones listening & with all glory & honor to our hallowed leader & President, Mr. Zuckerberg (Founder of Facebook), Mr. Lippe also stated on several occasions, & I quote, “I don’t use Facebook.” The courtroom erupts into pandemonium. (Fortunately, my defense is in good hands as my sons will immediately launch a vigorous argument questioning my mental competence to stand trial.)
Perhaps we’d be better served if, instead of seeking endorsements/encouragement from our grade card, paycheck, or social media “likes,” we sought our self-worth from God. Maybe, ala Baden-Powell, we could go outside & marvel at God’s creation & remind ourselves that not only are we part of God’s Kingdom, but we are made in His very image. Then we could seek ways to be a blessing to others who might be feeling weaker/smaller on that particular day. And finally, during those times when we feel temporarily lost from God, we could be mindful that God is a stubborn God - He constantly seeks the lost & will never, ever give up.
- Scout Latrine Wisdom: We thank you for remaining seated for the entire performance.
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"When the world falls apart"
Saturday, 15 July 2017
Psalm 46:1 (0) For the leader. By the descendants of Korach. On ‘alamot [high-pitched musical instruments?]. A song:
2 (1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 (2) Therefore we are unafraid,
even if the earth gives way,
even if the mountains tumble
into the depths of the sea,
4 (3) even if its waters rage and foam,
and mountains shake at its turbulence. (Selah)
5 (4) There is a river whose streams
gladden the city of God,
the holy habitation of ‘Elyon —
6 (5) God is in the city.
It will not be moved —
when daybreak comes, God will help it.
7 (6) Nations were in turmoil,
kingdoms were moved;
his voice thundered forth,
and the earth melted away
2 (1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
3 (2) Therefore we are unafraid,
even if the earth gives way,
even if the mountains tumble
into the depths of the sea,
4 (3) even if its waters rage and foam,
and mountains shake at its turbulence. (Selah)
5 (4) There is a river whose streams
gladden the city of God,
the holy habitation of ‘Elyon —
6 (5) God is in the city.
It will not be moved —
when daybreak comes, God will help it.
7 (6) Nations were in turmoil,
kingdoms were moved;
his voice thundered forth,
and the earth melted away
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Earthquakes and tsunamis, hurricanes and tornados make us painfully aware that what we call
“solid ground” can, in fact, fall apart. But most of us feel a much greater daily impact from health
problems, broken relationships, financial crises, and tragic deaths. Individual and family “worlds”
fall apart regularly. How do we “hold things together” when our world is falling apart? By ourselves,
we don’t. That’s why, again and again, even lament psalms turned to this assurance: “God is our
refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.”
• Verse 4 might sound like a travel guide until we realize that no river flows through the earthly
city of Jerusalem. “God’s city” isn’t one limited earthly location—it’s an image of God’s caring
for all of God’s people. The river points us back to creation (Genesis 2:10) and forward to God’s
ultimate victory (Revelation 22:1-3), as it does in the stained glass window in Resurrection’s
Leawood sanctuary. What have you found that helps you let the river of God’s steadfast love
pour energy, comfort and power into your life? How can you ground your spiritual life firmly in
the world of this psalm, where “God is in that city. It will never crumble” and “God will help…
when morning dawns”?
Prayer: Lord God, when my heart fills with joy, please, receive my praise (Psalm 100). When I’m in
the darkest valley and my heart breaks, please, be ever near me (Psalm 23). When I’m anxious
and afraid, please, protect and cover me with your wings (Psalm 91:1-6). When I stumble, please,
forgive and restore (Psalm 51). When I’m angry at your perceived neglect, please, remind me to
trust your steadfast love (Psalm 13). Amen.
Family Activity: Pastor Hamilton often says, “The worst thing is never the last thing.” He can say
this (and so can we) because of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As a family, create a collage of
hope. Gather magazines, markers, glue, scissors and a piece of poster board. In the magazines,
find and cut out pictures that bring hope to your family. Use the markers or crayons to draw
pictures and write words that communicate hope. Also, talk about what brings hope to the whole
world. Include images and words that represent those. Place your collage of hope in your home
where everyone can see it, or give the collage to someone who needs hope. Pray and thank God
for your family, and for hope.
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Jeff Kirby
Jeff Kirby serves as the Minister of Discipleship and Men's Ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.Our world is in a mess. Do you remember a time when there were so many wars and rumors of wars? Trouble spots flare up seemingly overnight. Is our greatest threat this week the Middle East or Syria, or is it North Korea or the South China Sea? Is Russia a friend or a foe?
Psalm 46 calls me to place my ultimate trust in God and in God alone:
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Does this kind of faith really mean my children and grandchildren will always be safe and protected from assault, terror or natural disaster? Am I naïve or overly simplistic when I try to calm my anxiety and fears for my loved ones' well being?
“Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.”
I would like to show off and declare that I am a man strong in faith and courage. But the reality is that I really don’t see any good alternatives. Like the disciples when Jesus asked them if they too were going to split and give up as many others were doing at the time. They confessed, “To whom shall we go?” I choose to make a vow of trust in God. I do so because I believe God will remain faithful, even in these dark and threatening times. (And also, I confess, because I don’t see any other good options.)
Jeff KirbyJeff Kirby serves as the Minister of Discipleship and Men's Ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.Our world is in a mess. Do you remember a time when there were so many wars and rumors of wars? Trouble spots flare up seemingly overnight. Is our greatest threat this week the Middle East or Syria, or is it North Korea or the South China Sea? Is Russia a friend or a foe?
Psalm 46 calls me to place my ultimate trust in God and in God alone:
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Does this kind of faith really mean my children and grandchildren will always be safe and protected from assault, terror or natural disaster? Am I naïve or overly simplistic when I try to calm my anxiety and fears for my loved ones' well being?
“Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.”
I would like to show off and declare that I am a man strong in faith and courage. But the reality is that I really don’t see any good alternatives. Like the disciples when Jesus asked them if they too were going to split and give up as many others were doing at the time. They confessed, “To whom shall we go?” I choose to make a vow of trust in God. I do so because I believe God will remain faithful, even in these dark and threatening times. (And also, I confess, because I don’t see any other good options.)
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer
Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• Amy Morbeck and family on the death of her grandmother Betty Seigneur, 7/2
• Theresa Booth and family on the death of her mother Theresa Jackson, 6/22
• Janie Rothrock and family on the death of her father Eugene V. Brown, 6/9
• Gary Rothrock and family on the death of his father Nate P. Rothrock, 3/13
©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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