Weekly e-mail

Episcopal Church

of the Resurrection

1433 NW R.D. Mize Road

Blue Springs, Missouri 64015

(816) 228-4220

Important Links December 3, 2016

Second Sunday in Advent

Server Schedule

Lectionary Page

Diocesan e-Spirit Newsletter

WEMO Youth Activities and News

Resurrection Website

Diocese of West Missouri

Prayer Request

CHORAL EVENSONG TOMORROW

FEATURING THE WILLIAM JEWELL SCHOLS CANTORUM

5:00 pm in the Sanctuary; Reception Following

Enrich your Advent experience! Join us at 5 pm tomorrow, Sunday, December 4 for a beautiful Evensong service featuring the William Jewell Schols Cantorum, led by Professor Jay Carter, Artist in Residence. Evensong is a wonderful celebration of sung Evening Prayer.

Our guest singers are well known for their beautiful music and are a premiere ensemble around the country. There is no cost to attend and there will be a reception following the service in the undercroft. Please invite your friends and family to attend.

FIRST SUNDAY BREAKFAST AND FAMILY SERVICE TOMORROW

Between services beginning at 9:15 am

It's already the first Sunday in December and the Second Sunday of Advent! Join us between services tomorrow for our monthly breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. We will also recognize December birthdays and anniversaries. See you in church!

ST. NICHOLAS TO VISIT RESURRECTION THIS SUNDAY

Between services during breakfast

Not to be missed, especially by our youngsters, St. Nicholas will visit Resurrection during our celebration of breakfast between the services .

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara . At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships

LADIES BRUNCH AND COOKIE EXCHANGE

Saturday, December 10 at 10:30 am

Sign-up in the Narthex to attend the Ladies Brunch and Cookie Exchange on Saturday, December 10 beginning at 10:30 am.

Please bring 6 dozen cookies to exchange!

FINDING FAITH THROUGH FICTION BOOK CLUB MEETS MONDAY

December 5 at 7 pm

The Finding Faith Through Fiction Book Club will meet next Monday, December 5 at 7 pm in the undercroft to discuss the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller the Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, Victoria Jones is unable to get close to anybody and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES: HELP SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

There are many ways you can help

* Fill Blessing bags in the Undercroft between services this Sunday, December 4.
* Take a gift tag from the Community Services League (CSL) Christmas tree in the Narthex and return your unwrapped gift by Sunday, December 11.
* Volunteer to work at the CSL Christmas store on December 15. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex.

We are also collecting monetary gifts for a family we have chosen to support this holiday season that is known to a Resurrection member. Donations will be accepted through December 11. Your contributions will be used to purchase a Wal-Mart gift card to help the family care for their children. Writing a check with a note of "special family" in the memo line will help us identify your gift.

Sincere thanks to all of us who are helping in these ministries. As God has so richly blessed us in our lives this is our chance to bless others and especially this family.

SERVICE OF HEALING AND EUCHARIST DECEMBER 18

Both Sunday services

The IV Sunday of Advent will be a celebration of healing and Eucharist. This will be a time to remember those who are struggling during this holy season, as well as to lift up prayer needs for ourselves and all that may be having difficulty with anxiety, illness and life's changes.

The laying on of hands will be part of this service and all are invited to participate. Jesus said: "Come unto me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest". By the power of the Holy Spirit we all have access to Christ's healing love and strength

ADULT FORUM WITH DR. BILL STANCIL RETURNS IN DECEMBER

Sundays, December 11 and 18 at 9:15 am

We are pleased to welcome back Dr. Bill Stancil for two sessions of our Adult Forum on December 11 and 18 beginning at 9:15 am in the undercroft. Dr. Stancil will lead us in discussing "Incarnation."

DINNER-GO-ROUND SIGN UP

Both couples and singles welcome

Dinner-Go-Round, a favorite winter tradition at Resurrection, returns in 2017. It's a n opportunity to meet and greet old and new friends while enjoying a meal together! Both singles and couples can participate.

Sign-up on the bulletin board in the Narthex to be placed in a group of six to dine together once a month beginning in January or February. Choose either dining in your home or at a restaurant. Each couple/single will host only once.

Prayers for our friends and family this Holiday Season

For some during these holiday seasons, that center so much on family activities and friendships, people struggle with feelings of loss and depression. Let us be mindful of these times and take the time to reach out to those we know who may need our prayers. For anyone struggling with depression and feelings of sorrow and separation, please know your pastor and parish family are here for comfort and prayer. Please make use of the prayer cards in the pews or contact me directly if we can provide a visit. This is not a time to be alone. God blesses all of us with fellowship. Please reach out and please feel free to contact someone who can always listen.

Most sincerely, Fr. David