Weekly e-mail

Episcopal Church

of the Resurrection

1433 NW R.D. Mize Road

Blue Springs, Missouri 64015

(816) 228-4220

Important Links December 8, 2016

Third Sunday in Advent

Server Schedule

Lectionary Page

Diocesan e-Spirit Newsletter

WEMO Youth Activities and News

Resurrection Website

Diocese of West Missouri

Prayer Request

GAUDETE SUNDAY IS THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Anthems and Carols highlight service

This coming Sunday is Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. The day takes its common name from the Latin word Gaudete which means "Rejoice". It's the time when the rose candle is lit. Anthems and carols highlight this service before we celebrate Holy Communion and t here is no sermon!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob."

Philippians 4:4-6; Psalm 85 (84):1

ADULT FORUM RETURNS THIS SUNDAY AND NEXT

With Dr. Bill Stancil beginning at 9:15 am

You are invited to participate in a special Adult Forum this month on Sunday, December 11 and again on December 18, led by Dr. Bill Stancil, Professor of Theology at Rockhurst University, beginning at 9:15 in the Undercroft, on "The Identity and Significance of Jesus Christ."

December 11 - Jesus Christ: True God, True Man

December 18 - Jesus Christ: Crucified, Buried, Resurrected, Ascended

The center of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ. Yet the question Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" continues to challenge us today. Who is Jesus Christ for us? What does the death of a 1st century Jew have to do with me, a 21st century person? Explore these questions and others during this interesting Adult Forum.

LADIES BRUNCH AND COOKIE EXCHANGE THIS SATURDAY

December 10 at 10:30 am

Attend the Ladies Brunch and Cookie Exchange this Saturday, December 10 beginning at 10:30 am.

Please bring 6 dozen cookies to exchange!

CHORAL EVENSONG A GREAT SUCCESS

Prof. Jay Carter and students very appreciative

Sincere thanks to all who came to the Choral Evensong last Sunday. This was a wonderful celebration of Evening Prayer set in the early Episcopal choral tradition. The choristers and musicians from William Jewell Schola Cantorum provided a beautiful setting to the canticles and prayers. Father David also enjoyed the opportunity to chant the service.

Special thanks to Vaughn Scarcliff for his hard work in planning this service and preparing the music with professor Jay Carter. We will do more offerings like these as our liturgical seasons change. Also many thanks to our Hospitality Team who provided a great reception.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Please return your CSL gift this Sunday

Remember to return your unwrapped gift for the Community Services League (CSL) to the Christmas tree in the Narthex and this Sunday, December 11. You can also still 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 this Sunday, 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.

Giving Tree for Community Service League: Now a "Mitten" Tree

Beginning this Sunday we are converting the Giving Tree in the narthex to a "mitten tree" to collect mittens-gloves and hats for the homeless. Simply hang your donation of mittens-gloves and hats on the branches.

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 Fourth 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.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Join us to celebrate the birth of Christ

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24

4:30 pm Family focused service with cookies and cider following in the Undercroft

10:00 pm Traditional worship beginning with Christmas hymns

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25

10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II (No Childrens Chapel)

Servers Needed for Christmas Eve and Day services

Please check the sign-up sheet on the church doors in the Narthex for serving roles for Christmas services. Thanks to all who serve in our beautiful worship.

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.