'Tis the season! As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, we’ll have opportunities for individuals, families and small groups to Joyfully Offer Yourself through in-kind donations, service, and financial gifts. Starting in November, you can also visit the JOY in Serving table in the lobby to find out more.

Joyfully donate in-kind...

• Donate a holiday care package to veterans at reStart, Inc. (Nov 3-16) *
• Donate twin bedding to support Wendell Phillips students. (Nov. 3 - 24)
• Donate coats for toddlers in partnership with Crosslines Ministries. (Nov. 3-24)
• Provide a cooked turkey for the Healing House Thanksgiving Dinner. (Due by Nov. 28) *
•  Adopt a family for Christmas, providing meals and presents in partnership with Grace United Ministries. (Due Dec. 1) *
• Donate Diapers for Happy Bottoms (Due Dec 1)
• Winter care bags for teens in partnership with Avenue of Life (Due Dec. 8) *
• Fill a Christmas meal bag for Avenue of Life. (Due Dec. 8) *
• Support Wendell Phillips Elementary School
  • Donate Facial tissue and hand sanitizer (Due Dec 15)
  • Donate to the “Tiger” Incentive Store (anytime using this Amazon Wish List)
  • Fill a JOY Box for a Wendell Phillips student. (Due Dec. 15)
  • Volunteer to audit, wrap, and deliver JOY boxes (Dec 15-17)
• Provide Christmas gifts for kids at Healing House. (Pick an ornament off the Lobby Tree and Return by Dec. 15)
• Donate new or gently used Clothing items to Kiesha’s closet at Connections for Success in memory of our sister in Christ who passed in 2019. (Due Dec 22) *

Joyfully serve locally...

• Attend Serve Saturday Nov. 16 and Dec. 21. Sign up available online cor.org/downtown/servesaturday.
• Help deliver any of the above items by contacting Pastor Patrick.McLaughlin@cor.org.
• Help serve and enjoy a Community Potluck Thanksgiving meal at Healing House. Show up at 4505 St. John Ave between 11a-2p on Thanksgiving Day (No sign-up, bring a side dish or dessert if you can.)
• Prepare and/or deliver Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to homebound families with the United Prayer Movement. (Sign up here  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4ca4ad2da1f58-holiday2)
• Serve at the Metro Lutheran Ministries Christmas Store. Sign up HERE.
• Support The Reading Nook through tutoring or with meals throughout the school year. (More info at cor.org/downtown/serve.)

Joyfully serve globally...

• Sign up for an international serve trip to Honduras or Malawi at cor.org/downtown/globalimpact.
• Sponsor a local refugee student through Jewish Vocational Service, with opportunities for mentoring. *
• Sponsor a child at the Juan Wesley School in Honduras (more info at cor.org/downtown/globalimpact).

*Visit the JOY in Serving table in the lobby before or after worship for more details.

KC Public School partnerships

• Church of the Resurrection partners with six local elementary schools to help improve lifelong outcomes for students.  A full description of opportunities and steps to get involved are available at our Education and Life Skills page.
• RezDowntown partners specifically with two schools and our members are encouraged to participate here to build community along fellow RezDowntown participants.
• Information on our two schools
  • Wendell Phillips Elementary 
    • Located at 2400 Prospect Ave. KCMO (view website)
    • For more information on serving at Wendell Phillips, contact Sally Smith or click here!
    • Sign-up for opportunities, coming soon!
  • East High School
    • Located at 1924 Van Brunt Ave, KCMO (view website)
    • For more information on serving at East High School contact Amy Skjordal.

Looking to make a donation to the Wendell Phillips "Tiger Store" or find out what kind of items they need? Check out their Amazon wish list here...

Join us for a morning of service #withKC out in the community! Invite family and friends to this intro to missions with RezDowntown. Plug in with our partner school or another education ministry, our construction ministry, or with one of our other Serve partners around KC and internationally.

Come a little early for light refreshments and an opportunity to build community. Registration is not required, but if you sign up, it will be super helpful! Email Pastor Patrick.McLaughlin@cor.org with questions, or if you plan to bring a group.

Click here for a list of our Serve partners. Pastor Patrick would be happy to connect you with an organization directly if you're interested in volunteering with your family, small group, or on your own!

Curious how your company, team or family can give back in the KC community? Check out our new Serve #withKC program for resources, guidance and contact info. Ready to sign your team up? Click here. 

For questions, reach out to Pastor Patrick.McLaughlin@cor.org!

This Serve Trip is in partnership with DEMDACO.  We welcome the employees joining us on this disaster recovery trip!

In 2017-2019, Church of the Resurrection dispatched early response and disaster recovery teams to hurricane-ravaged parts of Texas.  We continue to send our prayers, resources, and serve teams to address the continued needs of our brothers and sisters in Texas.

 The only requirements are a desire to serve God while working side-by-side with community members, to be a team player, and to be flexible for whatever comes your way.  General construction skills are appreciated but not required.  Open to ages 14+ with a parent or guardian.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: December 31, 2019
• Payment in full must be received by January 7, 2020.
• Training Date TBD

Cost

• $350 (includes accommodations, food, & project costs)
• Participants may choose to fly or drive to the Corpus Christi or Rio Grande Valley area as one of these locations will be our work site.  Each person is responsible for their own travel expenses.  In a team meeting we will coordinate travel & lodging logistics.  Meals & lodging on travel days are not included in this trip cost.
• The team will be staying at the host site in bunk beds.  Team members will need to bring their own sheets and pillows or bring a sleeping bag.

Accommodations, Food and Transportation

• Lodging is provided by a partner church and is covered in the cost; team members will potentially need to provide their own sleeping bags and air mattresses.

• Participants should be prepared to pay for occasional meals during the trip, if necessary.

• Team members will be traveling to the site in their own cars or arranging their own flights, and are encouraged to carpool if possible. 

Additional Details

• Open to adults and children age 14 and older if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• For further information and answers to your questions, contact Douglas Viehland, dougviehland@gmail.com.

Learn more about Church of the Resurrection's Disaster Response Ministry

Join our remarkable usher team, volunteering with a smile at one of the various worship services. This important ministry involves directing congregants to their seats, passing the notebooks and offering plates during worship. Training is provided and opportunities to serve range from once a month to each Sunday.

Our Truck Ministry supports multiple local impact ministries. Without our team of dedicated drivers our ministries would not be able to operate at the level we do. Our drivers support hunger, clothing, computers, furnishings,  partner schools and much more.

BECOME A HOLY HAULER FOR FURNISHINGS MINISTRY

Holy Haulers are the team of guys and gals who pick up donations from individuals and corporations. Vehicles range from minivans to large box trucks. Drive at your own comfort level. Join a weekday, weeknight or Saturday morning team, serving weekly, bi-weekly or on a monthly rotation. Inquiries please contact Larry Tolin at tolindlt@gmail.com. 

BECOME A BACKPACK DRIVER FOR EDUCATION MINISTRY

• Pick-up Empty Tubs: Tuesdays 7 am - 1 pm from Elementary Schools. Requires moderate lifting and possibly driving the church's box truck. Contact Bruce Gaddis at deliveryteam@cor.org
• Deliver Food: Fridays 8 am - 12 pm to Elementary Schools. Requires lifting and possibly driving the church's box truck. Contact Bruce Gaddis at deliveryteam@cor.org

DELIVER TO FOOD PANTRIES FOR HUNGER MINISTRY

Our TRUCK drivers must comply with DOT regulations and the following requirements must be met:

• Successful completion of a background check (if you are Safe Gatherings certified, this will substitute for a background check): click here to download the form.
• Successful completion of the Motor Vehicle Record: click here to download the form
• Current automobile liability insurance and valid drivers license.
• Successful completion of medical certification if driving trucks: click here for more information about requirements.
• Must be able to move and lift heavy items.

If you are interested in becoming driver for one of our ministries please contact michelle.vanpelt@cor.org

Volunteering in KiDSCOR at Resurrection Downtown is FUN! Let us know you're interested in pouring into the hearts and lives of our infants, toddlers, preschool and elementary school-aged kids HERE! Reach out to Sarah.Elliott@cor.org with any questions.

Explore the many opportunities available for partnering with Hondurans to transform their communities.  Each trip has a purpose, some of which are listed below:

• Bless the School — Light construction and painting to keep the school in good condition.
• Bless the Youth —  Engage with youth in sports activities and develop meaningful friendships.
• Bless the Teachers — Be a part of equipping teachers with resources and lessons to teach English and the Word of God. Teaching English creates bonds between people of different cultures and is life-changing for both.
• Medical and Dental – Provide needed care for the community.
• Cultural immersion – In addition to engaging with teachers and students, each trip includes time to explore.

2020 Trips:

• Men's Trip: January 31 - February 7 - Rez West
• Bless the School: April 18-25
• Bless the Community: June 6-13 - Rez Downtown
• Bless the School: June 13-21
• Bless the School: July 18-25
• rezLife Serve Trip: July 26 - August 2

School Sponsorship

For just $37.50/month ($450/year) you can provide a child with a private faith-based school education at the Juan Wesley School in Ciudad España.This amount will provide tuition, books and materials and a school uniform for your sponsored child. Your child will be able to write to you each year to tell you about their progress, and they will be monitored to assure that they achieve the school's academic goals.

Child sponsors who join a short-term serve team to Honduras have opportunities to meet the child they sponsor, interact with other Juan Wesley students and support the school. Learn more or sponsor a child by downloading and filling out this form.

To learn about other ways Resurrection is partnering with Hondurans, visit our blog.

About Honduras

Honduras, located in Central America between Guatemala and Nicaragua, is a country of mountains, forests and farms. There are more than 7 million people living in this country, which is about the size of Louisiana. Most Hondurans speak Spanish, although the Amerindian/mestizo population may speak other Spanish dialects. English is widely spoken in the north. Resurrection teams usually fly into the capital city of Tegucigalpa, and some take a day to visit the Maya ruins at Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Honduras is one of the poorest regions in Central America; its economy is primarily agricultural and the annual per capital income is about $2,500 USD.

Resurrection partners with the Methodist Church in Honduras, working mostly with the Methodist Church in El Obraje and the Cristo Resucitado Methodist Church in Ciudad España.

Clothing and More Ministries support 22 local pantries and ministry partners in the Kansas City area! Want to be a part of this great ministry? There are several ways for you to plug in. We have opportunities for you to serve on an ongoing basis as well as one time pop in as your time allows.

Donation Sorter:

Join the team and help sort the large quantity of donations dropped off at the church every week. Fun, fellowship and sorting occurs on weekday mornings in our specially-designed space located in the NEW Missions Sorting Area in the lower level of building A.

The sorting team meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, 9 – 11 am

Other ways to volunteer:

Please click here for information about how to help as a Clothing and More Team Driver.

If you're looking for serving opportunities to arrange on your own, click here for an informal list of organizations we enjoy working with here in Kansas City.  Please feel free to reach out to any of the organizations that interest you or your group!

DONATE:  For information about how to donate please click here.

2019 Trips:

• November 2-9; TRIP IS FULL

2020 Trips:

• February 15-22
• April 18-25
• June 20-27

To learn more about what previous trips have participated in, visit our blog.

Individuals with constructions skills are encouraged to apply. Please note: Participants must be 16 years or older and Safe Gatherings certified to participate.

All funds received are considered a charitable contribution.  As such, once they are received by The Church of the Resurrection, there are NO REFUNDS.  If, for some reason, the trip is cancelled or you can no longer go, Resurrection will credit the funds toward a future serve trip (for you or for an immediate family member) within 12 months of the original trip; OR use the funds for ministry work with our Methodist partners in Puerto Rico.

If you have questions about the deductibility of trip-related expenses, please contact your tax professional.

About Our Puerto Rico Disaster Response

Puerto Rico is often referred to as the “Island of Enchantment,” a direct result of the warm people, excellent cuisine, and picturesque scenery, including the most beautiful beaches.  Paradise is what the local people call it, as they get to see and live into GOD’s creation and beauty every single day.

On September 20th, 2017, Hurricane Maria (a category 4 hurricane) pummeled the island of Puerto Rico.  The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection mobilized quickly to help with immediate needs.  After contacting the Bishop’s office of the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico to determine the best way forward, Church of the Resurrection sent $10,000 for emergency supplies, and partnered with Heart to Heart International in sending an additional $20,000 worth of food and supplies.

The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico also immediately responded to the call to action, developing a culture of lay and clergy Early Response teams, implementing a Brigade of Hope (food, solar lights and water hand delivered to homes) and partnering with other local denominations, non-government organizations (NGOs) and FEMA to help those in need.

In January, a small leadership team from Church of the Resurrection went to Puerto Rico to walk alongside the Bishop Hector Ortiz Vidal and his team and see first-hand the devastation left in the wake of this natural disaster.  The team learned staggering statistics about the situation on the island, including:

• 250,000 homes damaged 
• 100,000 completely destroyed
• 40 Methodist Churches damaged
• 10 Methodist Churches destroyed
• Several hundred thousand left the island for the mainland

Bishop Hector Ortiz Vidal recommended that Church of the Resurrection partner with a local church in Puerto Rico. We are happy to share that Samuel Culpeper Iglesia Metodista in Hatillo has been selected for this partnership.

There are 235 public schools across the island that are slated to permanently close the fall of 2018, including Joaquin Rodriguez, Samuel Culpeper's church partner school.  The Methodist Church in Puerto Rico will be enhancing social programs to assist those families with children who are no longer able to attend school. The remaining funds collected from the Special Offering for Puerto Rico held last fall have been allocated to the reconstruction of the church roof, a priority from the bishop’s office, enabling them to provide help to all those in need.

Resurrection teams have already been deployed and have worked alongside our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters repairing the church roof, repairing local homes, and assisting with painting and clean up.  Returned team members have shared that the experience has made a dramatic impact on their lives, and the hospitality is unmatched and inspiring.

Consider joining a team today, your life will never be the same.  It is said that one’s treasures are most valuable when they are those of the Kingdom of GOD.  Where does your treasure lay?

Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Rico Serve Trips:

Who can go?
Just about anyone! Individuals, couples, families, retired persons, members of Church of the Resurrection and non-members alike. The minimum age is 16, and all trip participants must complete the Safe Gatherings online course.  Team members under the age of 21 must have their parents/guardian complete a notarized Parental Consent Form.

What skills do I need?
The most important skills are a desire to serve God while working side-by-side with Puerto Ricans; to be a team player; and to be flexible for whatever comes our way. You don’t have to know Spanish (you will certainly learn a few new words and key phrases) or construction: you just need a big heart and willingness to serve.

What projects will we work on?
We strive to work on projects that are deemed of most importance to our local partners, but most likely we will be working on light construction alongside our partners from the Samuel Culpeper Methodist Church.

What does the cost cover?
The cost per person includes housing, meals, in-country transportation, insurance, gasoline, construction costs, local labor, cultural day activity and food, donation to the local trip administration.  Airfare will be booked after the trip has closed and will be added to your total trip cost.

What’s not included?
Personal expenses, souvenirs, extended travel past the official trip conclusion.

Are there any discounts?

Yes! There are two ways to receive a $100 discount (they cannot be combined!): apply before the Early Application deadline; OR be a repeat Global Impact Ministries Resurrection serve trip participant.

How do I get to San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Global Impact Ministries will reserve airline tickets so that the team travels together.  Your airfare is tax-deductible and will be added to your total trip cost in our online team portal, Managed Missions.

Where do we stay?

Team members stay at the Arecibo Methodist Campsite.  Approximately 1.15 hours west of San Juan, where the team will be spending the week.  The campsite has 4 bunk rooms with 9 bunkbeds each (separated by gender), private indoor bathroom facility, a large indoor dining pavilion, Chapel, Garden of Gethsemene, and much more.

Will we get to see the beach?
If all goes as planned, yes! Both Hatillo and Aresibo are located on the Northwest side of the island minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. On our last day (Saturday), and on our return to the San Juan area, we will travel to El Morro and Old San Juan, a beautiful destination rich in history, beautiful landscape, restaurants and much more. Afterwards we will head to the airport to head home.

Is Puerto Rico safe?
Puerto Rico is safe, as with any tourist destination, there are cases of petty crime and driving can be a challenge.  Generally, outside the capital of San Juan, the country resembles a clean, tropical, laid-back place.

I have some questions that aren’t listed here.
Please feel free to send an email to Rod & Sharon Hennig - rhennig12@gmail.com.  Rod & Sharon are our context leaders that oversee our partnership with Puerto Rico.

Resurrection has been partnering with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) since 1998 with a strong focus on children and families – specifically through education and training.  Educational efforts include support for the Ditshego House of Laughter in the community of Mooiplaas.  Serve trip team members work with the students, teachers and other staff to deliver requested lesson plans and participate in light renovation projects at the school. Resurrection also works with West View and Elim Methodist Churches in Centurion, South Africa where worship and the ministry of presence come together. To learn more specific trip information, click on one of the links below for one of our upcoming trips.  For more about the experience of serving on a team, visit our blog.

2019 Trips:

• Children, Education, and Renovation Projects: June 21-July 1, 2019
• Children, Education, and Renovation Projects: September 20-30, 2019

2020 Trips:

• Children, Education, and Renovation Projects: June 18-29, 2020
• Children, Education, and Renovation Projects: October 15-26, 2020

About Ditshego House of Laughter

 Ditshego House of Laughter is a non-profit organization providing multiple services for approximately 350 vulnerable children in the informal settlement of Mooiplaas. More than 16,000 people make their home in Mooiplaas at the base of a landfill in the area between Johannesburg and Pretoria (now Tshwane). Among Ditshego’s services are a pre-school, an Open School for older children, a House of Safety for foster children, and after-school services. Without Ditshego these children would not have a chance for an education because many are undocumented or immigrants.

About South Africa

South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent.  It covers an area of approximately 472,000 square miles or slightly less than twice the size of Texas.  Although it is a developed and modern country with roughly 57 million people and 11 official languages, South Africa struggles with high unemployment, HIV/AIDS, slow economic growth, crime, and corruption. Even in the post-1994 era following the end of apartheid (racial separation), social and economic inequality remains a significant challenge and South Africa is one of the most economically unequal countries in the world. Despite this, South Africa is making progress toward broader prosperity and a peaceful democracy.

Using Psalm 4:8 as the guiding mission, the Beds Program provides new beds to children who don’t have beds of their own in Kansas City urban and suburban communities. Our purpose is to recognize and address the physical need for sleep, thus providing a sense of comfort, rest and peace. Through this coordinated demonstration of God’s love and provision, we will bring smiles and comfort to children and families. Our focus is to serve the children referred by Resurrection's partner school districts and specific mission partners.

Upcoming Serving Opportunities:

Beds Inventory Sorting & Prep:

Volunteers are needed to help us prepare for our fall events by sorting pajamas, packing linen kits and preparing bedtime bags.  This is a great family serving opportunity.  Please contact bedsforeverybody@gmail.com.

Beds Pick-up Party: 

Volunteers are needed to make a child's dream of their very own bed a reality. At the pick up parties children will receive a mattress/frame, pj's, linens and a book!

Dates:

Rescheduled to 10/6/19 -  Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 1-3pm - Register Now

Ways you can help at the pick up party:

• Provide refreshments for 15-25 people: baked goods, juice, and water.
• Load/unload mattresses
• Distribute linens
• Serve refreshments and assist children and their families as they receive a new bed.
• Donate gently used books or stuffed animals, which are provided to the children receiving beds.

Other Serve Opportunities:

Host a Linen Drive

Host a linen drive in your school, workplace, or neighborhood! New twin linens will be provided to school aged children who receive beds through the Program. If you need more information on the Program for your drive, please contact bedsforeverybody@gmail.com.

Slat Support Construction

Have access to free or inexpensive lumber? We are always looking for lumber to build our slat support structure. This structure is used in place of a box spring.

Sponsor a Bed

Don’t let a Kansas City child sleep on the floor tonight. Consider sponsoring a bed!

• $95 for a new twin bed (mattress, mattress pad, slat support and metal frame)
• $40 for a new set of linens
• $135 for a twin bed and all the linens!

Contact bedsforeverybody@gmail.com with questions.

Please visit the Beds Ministry Donations page for more information about how to support this ministry with donations.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. -Psalm 4:8

The Church of the Resurrection is working to empower Malawians to give them a fighting chance for a future with HOPE. How are we making this happen? Through the Methodist Church, we partner to provide opportunities for abundant life, address basic needs, develop self-sustaining economic empowerment, offer health education and medical rehabilitation. Resurrection also works with our partners to support opportunities for spiritual formation and pastoral leadership, early childhood education, and life skills training.  To learn more, visit our blog.

 2019 Trips:

• Economic Empowerment & Agriculture: October 10-22

2020 Trips:

• Medical: June 4-16
• Community Garden & Education: July 9-21
• Economic Empowerment & Agriculture: October 8-20

 
About the Malawi United Methodist Church

 On January 1, 2009, the Malawi United Methodist Church celebrated their status as the new Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church. Their status reflects the dedication, sacrifices and prayers of Malawian pastors and laity who have planted and nurtured this young church over the past two decades. They grew from a handful of churches to a thriving conference of 22 circuits and more than 140 churches, based on the passion and commitment of John Wesley to preach the Good News. They work to serve those in the most rural villages, hoping to set Malawi on fire for Christ.

Rev. Daniel Mhone, the Church's District Superintendent, supervises 24 pastors appointed in largely rural circuits where 85 percent of the church members survive day-to-day as subsistence farmers.The 22 circuits of the Malawi UMC are each served by one pastor who is responsible for 3 to 20 local churches within a 150-300 square mile region. The pastors work tirelessly as advocates for vital infrastructure in the communities where they serve, such as borehole wells that can provide clean drinking water for families as well as water for washing and irrigation for gardens.

Our Partnership with ZOE
The Church of the Resurrection partners with ZOE, a three-year program developed in Africa that empowers orphans and vulnerable children around the world to overcome extreme poverty, become fully self-reliant, and learn of God’s love for them. ZOE is currently active in Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Liberia, Guatemala and India.

ZOE’s indigenous program facilitators ensure children know about their rights, are free from abuse and exploitation, and can find a safe place to live. Children learn skills such as farming and animal husbandry at monthly meetings. ZOE then provides tools, seeds and farm animals to the children so they can grow and raise their own food.

Learn more at http://www.zoehelps.org

About Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country of 10.5 million people, most of whom live in rural areas east of Zambia, west of Mozambique and south of Tanzania. Like Zimbabwe, it was colonized by English-speaking Europeans in the 1800s. Malawi gained its independence from Great Britain in 1964, and became a democratic republic in 1994. Lilongwe is its capital city. The annual per capita income is $800. Some 80 percent of the population is Christian, 55 percent of whom are Protestant.