Episcopal Church
of the Resurrection
1433 NW R.D. Mize Road
Blue Springs, Missouri  64015
 
(816) 228-4220

Important Links                                                             January 12, 2017

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

 

Server Schedule

Lectionary Page

Diocesan e-Spirit Newsletter

WEMO Youth Activities and News

Resurrection Website

Diocese of West Missouri

Prayer Request

 

Toothbrush
NECESSITY PANTRY IN-GATHERING THIS SUNDAY
Please help!
 
This Sunday is our monthly in-gathering for the Necessity Pantry, a joint outreach ministry of the Episcopal Churches in eastern Jackson County.

Requested donations include toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, canned and packaged soups, Depends (S/M and L), and feminine pads. Monetary gifts and other items are also graciously accepted.

The Pantry will be changing the hours they are open due to staffing.  It will now be open on Tuesdays only from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Contact Father David if you are interested in volunteering to help staff the Pantry.
Annual Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
One service only at 9:30 am

All members and friends of the parish are invited to attend our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 22.  There will be one worship service only beginning at 9:30 am.  The Annual Meeting will be held in the Nave immediately following the service.

The Hospitality Committee will host a potluck in the Undercroft following the meeting.  Meat, beverages and a special cake will be provided. Parishioners are asked to bring side dishes, salads, rolls and additional desserts to share.
First Communion
FIRST COMMUNION TEACHING
For Youngsters Ready to Receive Communion

Fr. David will hold a 30 minute class to prepare our youngsters to receive communion on Sunday, January 29. This will be held in the front of the church immediately following the first service at 9 am.  

Baptism is the entrance rite for Christians of ALL ages and communion is at the discretion of the parents, Children may receive when they have a good understanding of what communion truly means. Please contact Fr. David to let him know which day will work for your family. Fr. David is also available to meet with individual families at a different time if this date does not work with your schedule.
Freezin_ for a Reason
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL FREEZING FOR A REASON
This Friday through Sunday

The First Christian Church (FCC), across the street from Resurrection, will hold its annual Freezing for a Reason event this weekend.  Resurrection parishioners are familiar with seeing FCC members every year spend this entire weekend outside to create awareness for the homeless in Kansas City.

FCC will collect donations of new and gently used blankets, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, toiletries, socks, boots and shoes, and clothing for children and adults.
Dr. Martin Luther King_ Jr.
COMMUNITY M.L. KING SERVICE THIS SUNDAY AT 6:30 PM
Also at First Christian Church

Blue Springs will celebrate The Man, The Day, The Dream - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.- in a Community Service this Sunday, January 15th at 6:30 pm at the First Christian Church, located across the street from the Church of the Resurrection.  The theme of the service is "Community of Brotherhood" and will feature Frank White as Keynote Speaker.
The Whistling Season
FINDING FAITH THROUGH FICTION BOOK CLUB WILL MEET FEB. 6
At 7 pm in the Undercroft

The Finding Faith Through Fiction Book Club will meet next time on Monday, February 6 at 7 pm in the Undercroft to discuss the book The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.  

Novelist Ivan Doig revisits the American west in the early twentieth century, bringing to life the eccentric individuals and idiosyncratic institutions that made it thrive. 
From Fr. David
 
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
As I reflect on my first year with you at Church of the Resurrection I am reminded of the many blessings that our parish is to its parishioners and the greater community.  As program reports come in for the annual meeting, soon to take place on Sunday Jan. 22, it hits me squarely in my heart just how gracious and giving you are as Christians. 

Through the course of all the events, that you the people of our parish are involved in, it warms my spirit to know that caring for others is the common thread that draws us together and identifies us as a spiritual community. 

My personal letters to you following our stewardship campaign have not yet been mailed, so let me tell you just how proud I am of all who made commitments to give of their time, talents and yes even your money to fulfilling the missions of our parish.  Words are hardly enough to express the gratitude for committing a portion of your life to this church.  I know sacrifices are made daily to keep abreast of our personal and family needs.  I know families have to make decisions whether to attend church on Sunday or to make sure a youth family member can participate in the events that fall on Sunday.  I also know that because of the secular society's schedules that don't honor any sacred days that Sunday may be the only time to share as a family doing something together.  And I also know, that when you do make the decision to come to church that you have specific expectations for enjoying your fellowship with friends through the Eucharistic celebrations, Sunday school and after service fellowship.
 
The coming year will be poised to keep our ministries alive and to grow new ministries that can indeed impact our local and greater communities as we strive to serve those in need and provide programs to enrich our spiritual growth as members and friends of Resurrection.  I am anxious to help our parish grow, not so much in numbers of people, although that is always wonderful, but to grow in community with our neighborhood, and with our fellow churches in our local community, that we might raise the awareness that church is important in our lives and that the work of the church is making a difference in the lives of others, especially the underserved and needy people in our community.  We have many opportunities to make a difference in our own lives and especially in the lives of others.  It is my hope that we will find more ways to do that in this coming year. 

Well, short of being my annual report, this message is meant to help us all rejoice in who we are as a vibrant, alive and growing church.  I hope you will take the time to reflect on just how important this church is to the communities it serves, and to the members who help make it the loving and caring church family that it is.  Many, many blessings to all of you as we live into this new year....