Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism. The primary purpose of this group is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

We offer two ongoing support groups (one for men and one for women) on Thursdays at Care Night for those affected by cancer. 

CANCER SUPPORT FOR MEN

PLEASE NOTE:  Our May meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 5:30pm in Room B153, instead of May 2nd.

1st Thursdays | 5:30-7 pm | Room B153

The Men's Cancer Support Group is a monthly ministry for men in all stages of cancer treatment. This ministry offers men emotional and spiritual support. This group is led by Congregational Care Minister David Contag.

CANCER SUPPORT FOR WOMEN

4th Thursdays | 5:30-7 pm | Room B153

The Women's Cancer Prayer Support Group, or Glow Girls (God Loving Optimistic Women), is a monthly ministry for women who are currently experiencing cancer treatment or learning to adjust to life after treatment. The ministry offers women of all ages prayerful comfort, encouragement, support and the compassion of new friendships. God walks with us as we journey through cancer and we feel this presence as we travel through both dark valleys and bright meadows.  This group is led by Congregational Care Minister Sharon Lovell.

Childcare is available for these classes. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Questions?  Contact Cheryl.Greenough@cor.org or call 913.544.0238.

All family caregivers are welcome: those caring for spouses or parents, long-distance caregivers, with loved ones in long-term care or experiencing anticipatory grief. Trained caregiver coaches lead in-depth discussions.

Thursdays, 7:00 pm | Room B210

This weekly support group offers resources for people affected by mood disorders. Our support groups are a great place to regain self-confidence, find emotional support, and simply be among people who understand.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | B215

God heals even the pain of divorce. Divorce Recovery for Women is a weekly class designed to offer a place where God’s healing can take place, no matter where you are in the process of recovery. During this class, we’ll explore issues facing Christian women during and after divorce. Through education and group discussions, we will address such topics as identity, boundaries, recognizing healthy grief, intimacy and sexuality, the effect of divorce on children and strategies for managing feelings of loneliness and isolation as we learn to depend on God for guidance and comfort. No registration needed.

Participants of this group are invited to a Care Night community dinner at 5:30 pm before classes. There is no cost for the support groups which are ongoing and open to everyone.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | B227

Interact with other men who understand. This ongoing group is designed to be a safe, confidential setting where men can share what it’s like to go through divorce. The class will include educational presentations and group discussion. Topics covered include loss and grief, stages of divorce, coping with anger, basic rights and needs, healthy relationships, effects on children, exploring forgiveness, negotiating the holidays and moving forward with confidence as we allow God to heal us. No registration needed.

This group is led by Congregational Care Ministers Terry Smith and Jim Cook.

Participants of this group are invited to a free Care Night community dinner at 5:30 pm before classes. There is no cost for the support groups which are ongoing and open to everyone.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30pm, Room B257

A 12-step faith-based group for family and friends of loved ones struggling with substance use disorder and other addictions. This group is for people aged 18+.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | Room B256

Pastor Darryl Burton leads these month-long classes, alternating between hope one month and forgiveness the next.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays 6:30 pm | B200

Unresolved grief can linger for years. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are on their grief journey, to attend our Care Night grief class on Thursdays. Lessons and table groups are facilitated by pastors and grief coaches who have walked the grief journey themselves.

Participants are invited to enjoy a catered community meal served at 5:30 pm in the Foundry in Building B before class. Registration to attend class is not necessary.

Looking to attend Suicide Grief Support? Click here for information.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | B213

Job Seekers Prayer and Support, led by Congregational Care Minister and local business leader Elizabeth Allen, offers prayer, group support, encouragement and information during your career change. No registration necessary. Open to everyone.

You are welcome to join us before class at 5:30 pm in the Foundry (Building B) for a community catered meal.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Meetings:

• Tuesdays, Noon (Room B256, Bldg B-upper level above The Foundry)
• Thursdays, 6:30pm (Room B251, Bldg B-upper level above The Foundry)   **Beginning Thursday, April 25th, this group will meet in Room B252.

A 12-Step faith-based approach bringing freedom and new life in Christ led by Pastor Tom Langhofer.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

LOSS OF PET RESOURCES

Recommended Books

Here are some suggestions below.  You may also want to check with a librarian in a local school or public library for additional suggestions.

• Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack (available at The Well Bookstore at Church of the Resurrection)
• Animals in Spirit: Our faithful companions' transition to the afterlife by Penelope Smith
• Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen
• Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
• Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz
• Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
• Remember Rafferty by Joy Johnson (a book for children)
• Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet by Allen Anderson and Linda Anderson
• Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love by Greene & Landis
• The Kingdom of Heart: A Pet Loss Journal by Patty L. Luckenbach
• The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife

Do Pets Grieve?

Yes, pets often grieve the loss of their human and canine or feline companion.  There are numerous resources on the internet pertaining to helping your pet cope with a loss.  Here are some examples:

10 Tips for Helping Your Grieving Pet

Dog in Mourning.  Helping our pets cope with loss.

Help for Your Grieving Pet

Feline Bereavement

Pet Grief Counseling

Note: If your veterinarian participates in K-State’s Pet Trust Program, then a licensed K-State therapist (from the College of Veterinary Medicine) is available to talk with you and there is no fee.  Call 785-532-4448.  However, your vet must be a Pet Trust Program participant or your pet must have been cared for at K-State’s Vet clinic in Manhattan, KS.

Colorado State’s College of Veterinary Medicine also provides pet grief counseling.  Call 970-297-1242 (no charge for the 1st hour).

The ASPCA provides a hotline (no charge) that connects pet owners with a psychologist to discuss making a decision regarding pet euthanasia, and pet grief. Call the ASPCA Hotline at 877-474-3310.  You may need to leave a voicemail but the psychologist will get back with you.

Commemorating Your Pet

You may want to think about a memory box that would include a lock of your pet’s hair, favorite toy, collar/tags, etc.  Paint a rock or yard tile.  Make a quilt or wall hanging that could include some of your pet’s blankets.  If you have a connection to K-State, then you may want to consider including your pet’s photo in the Whispering Garden at KSU.

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Angel Hearts Rescue

• www.angelheartsrescue.org
• Mission:  Assists homeless people in Kansas City to provide basic medical care, food and supplies for their pets.

Formed and led by Alice Delbosque, Angel Hearts Rescue is a Kansas City based non-profit organization that assists homeless individuals to provide basic medical care, supplies and food for their pets.  Alice works with Uplift Organization Inc. to provide pet food and supplies from their trucks that serve meals to the homeless community.  In addition, Alice forms relationships with homeless individuals and shows them Christ's love by recognizing that their pets provide them with much needed companionship. Angel Hearts reaches out, not only through the Uplift truck, but also by going to homeless camps in order to serve this population by providing food, medical care, supplies, spay/neuter services, Trap Neuter Return services, and supplies.

Humane Society of Greater Kansas City

• www.hsgkc.org
• 913-596-1000
• Volunteer Coordinator:  Gina Levra   X122
• Mission:  To save and improve the lives of dogs and cats throughout the greater KC area by providing preventive veterinary care and spay/neuter services, education and adoptions.

The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City has been serving the Kansas City community for over 100 years. HSGKC is unique in that they provide a low cost veterinary clinic that is widely used and a very necessary resource for the urban core community where they are located. Additionally, the veterinary clinic of HSGKC works closely with the Wyandotte County Unified Government to provide all of the veterinary services for them and to partner with their Animal Services division.  Through the Ray of Hope program, HSGKC is able to offer adoption services by using an effective fostering program and satellite adoption events throughout the Greater Kansas City community.  HSGKC also offers extensive education in the community.

• Ray of Hope Program at HSGKC
  • www.hsgkc.org/rayofhope.html
  • Volunteer Coordinator:  Kathy O’Dowd
  • 816-726-0586
  • kathy.odowd@cor.org

Ray of Hope is a partnership between the Humane Society of Greater KC and KCK Animal Control to save the city shelter’s pets before their time was up.  Humane Society volunteers conduct weekend satellite events.

Pets for Life - Therapy Pet Program Partner

• kcpetsforlife.com
• 816-363-3665

Pets For Life, Inc. is a volunteer organization that certifies therapy animals in order to place volunteer teams of handlers and pets in service across our community to enhance the care and treatment of people in local hospitals, nursing homes, shelters for domestic violence, mental health programs, treatment centers for youth and corrections facilities. Some of these same teams of volunteers have shared their time at Church of the Resurrection for CARE night classes, Foster Parents Day Out, and the Silver Link Ministry, to name a few.

Rose Brooks Center

Rose Brooks Center is the only domestic violence shelter in Kansas City to also maintain an animal shelter and foster care program for those they serve.  Rose Brooks offers 57,000 safe nights per year for women and children escaping life threatening abuse.  Rose Brooks Center addresses the needs of many families who will not leave their pet behind in an abusive situation.  In many cases, pets are used to keep people in the home with the abuser or are also abused, sometimes, in an effort to control the humans living in that household.  Rose Brooks recognizes the need to keep pets with their families.

• For more information, please visit:  Pet Shelter

Spay Neuter KC

• www.snkc.net
• 816-353-0940
• Contact: Michelle Rivera, Director
• volunteer@snkc.net
• Mission:  To decrease pet homelessness, increase pet retention and improve the quality of life for pets through education and supportive services for families in need.

Spay Neuter Kansas City provides low cost spay/neuter services as well as vaccinations, microchips and preventative care.  The Families Better Together program, which is specifically targeted by The Pet Ministry, consists of a team of volunteers that go door to door in urban core communities to help provide support needed to families to meet the basic needs of the individuals and the pets living in that household. Their mission is to keep pets in as many homes as possible by providing the education and resources necessary to do so.  SNKC also partners with Angel Heart Rescue to serve the homeless population in Kansas City.  In fact, many of our partners have beneficial relationships with each other, deepening the impact we are all creating in the community.  To find out more about SNKC and their Families Better Together program, please visit: Families Better Together™ | Spay Neuter Kansas City Outreach

The Rescue Project

• www.therescueproject.net
• 816-366-5434
• Coordinator: Andrea Knobbe: 913-706-8883
• andrea.l.fortune@sprint.com
• Mission:  To help abandoned, neglected and forgotten animals in KC.

The Rescue Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building trustful relationships with people and their pets and improving the lives of animals living in under-served Kansas City communities. By going door to door or responding to reports, volunteers at TRP provide basic survival items such as food, water, flea/tick prevention and dog houses for needy animals. They offer low cost veterinary resources and emphasize the need to spay and neuter. They also provide community education/awareness to the public on responsible pet ownership and empower people to make a difference.

OTHER AREA SHELTERS & ORGANIZATIONS

Canine Companions, KC Chapter

• Trains four types of assistance dogs
• 740-833-3700
• kcchapter@cci.org
• http://www.cci.org/kansascitychapter

Chain of Hope KC

• www.chainofhopekc.org
• 816-221-8080
• Volunteer Coordinator:  Kate Quigley
• Mission:  To alleviate the suffering of abused and neglected animals within the urban core of KC.

Great Plains SPCA

• www.greatplainsspca.org
• Volunteer Coordinator:  Elizabeth Shelton
• eshelton@greatplainsspca.org
• 913-808-3368
• Mission:  To drive change in our community through innovative programs that promote adoption, outreach, veterinary care, and a better life for pets and the people who love them.

Help Humane

• www.helphumane.org
• 816-318-HELP
• Mission:  Committed to end the suffering and killing of homeless, abused and neglected animals by rescuing, sheltering, rehabilitating and adopting these animals.  Educating the public on proper pet guardianship and the importance of spaying and neutering.

KC Pet Project

• www.kcpetproject.org
• 816-513-9821
• Fostering Contact: Rachel Long
• kcpp@kcmo.org
• Mission:  To end the killing of healthy and treatable pets in KCMO by using the most progressive and lifesaving programs and promoting effective animal control policies.

Unleashed Pet Rescue

• unleashedrescue.com
• unleashedvolunteers@gmail.com
• 913-831- PETS in Mission, KS

Wayside Waifs

• www.waysidewaifs.org
• 816-761-8151
• Contact: Megan Harding
• Mission:  Purpose is to place adoptable companion animals in responsible homes.

FAQ ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT A SHELTER OR HELPING A RESCUE GROUP

I WANT TO HELP ANIMALS IN KANSAS CITY BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.  WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

There are many, many opportunities to help animals.  Some of the typical ways people help animals are to volunteer at an animal shelter, foster pets in your home, assist with animal transports, serve on a street outreach team or assist with various fundraisers.

HOW DO I VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER?

Many animal shelters have volunteer opportunities.  The volunteer opportunities vary from shelter to shelter and some do have age limits or require a volunteer training session.  Most shelters need volunteers to walk dogs and socialize cats, help with cleaning, assist with office duties like filing and answering phones, and many other projects.  In addition to day-to-day volunteer activities, many organizations also rely on volunteers to play a role in community events such as fundraisers or adoption events.

I UNDERSTAND MANY SHELTERS NEED FOSTER PARENTS FOR THEIR PETS.  WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL?

Fostering programs can vary from shelter to shelter and will vary based on the individual animal.  In order to foster a pet, you will need to fill out paperwork and you may go through a screening process.  Fostering allows shelters to "house" many more animals than what they are able to hold in their physical facility.  This allows them to offer more choices to potential adopters and save many more lives than they would be able to without their foster programs.  Most of the time, fosters will provide regular supplies like food and bowls, leashes, etc. for the animals in their care but assistance is provided, if needed.  Additional needs, such as medication, grooming, or medical visits.  Some rescues do not have a facility and all animals in their care are housed in foster homes.

WHEN YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A FOSTER FAMILY, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER AND SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. Is my family ready for this?  Everyone in the family needs to be of a mindset that you are helping the animal by housing them temporarily and offering them a wonderful chance at a new life.  The focus should not be on the sadness you may feel temporarily when the pet leaves your home, but on the love and opportunity you have given them.
2. What is a good match for our family?  Are you home enough to provide the attention a pet that is in transition may need?  Animals will come from all kinds of situations with all kinds of needs.  Ask about the animal's history and needs and be open and honest with the shelter about whether or not it is a good fit.  Make sure to make time in your schedule to give the foster pet the love, attention and exercise they need to form healthy bonds with people.
3. How long will we have the pet in our home?  This is a good question to ask.  Some foster assignments are short term and have a definite end date because the animals are in transition to another rescue that is more suited for their breed or situation while others will be with you until they are adopted.
4. How do I choose the best rescue or shelter?  Rescues and shelters vary in the type of services they provide and their philosophies.  Before choosing a rescue or shelter, take time to visit and ask to speak to others that have fostered for them in the past.

WHAT IS AN ANIMAL TRANSPORT?

An animal transport is another way animal rescuers save many lives.  While Kansas City offers a number of progressive services for homeless animals, not every area has all of these services.  Rescuers often receive pleas for help from more rural areas or from other states where the euthanasia rate is much higher.  Transports are arranged by car or plane to get the animals in need to another city or state where they have a rescue that will ensure they have a new start in life.  Many transports run through Kansas City.  To transport animals, you should have the following:  sturdy, clean crates that are appropriately sized for the animals you will be transporting (if you are transporting for a shelter, they many have some for you to borrow), a slip lead style leash because animals on transport are often scared and may try to pull away, food and water bowls, paper towels and bags to clean up if a mess occurs in the kennel.

Transporting is a wonderful way to save lives if you feel you are not ready for the time or emotional commitment of fostering an animal in your home.

WHAT IS STREET OUTREACH?

Street outreach is yet another way to serve animals in need in the community.  Outreach teams go out in urban areas and help animals that may not have all the things they need for survival.  Animals served are often on chains and may be lacking in food, water, or shelter.  Street outreach teams provide needed supplies as well as education to the owners.  In some cases, street outreach teams are liaisons with law enforcement as well if the animal is suffering.  There are several street outreach programs in Kansas City.

LOST PET RESOURCES

A missing pet can be a great source of stress.  If you are missing a pet, here are some tips to help you locate them.

1. Post to social media and to Nextdoor app. ASK OTHERS TO SHARE THE INFO - pets are most often located in your own neighborhood or just a neighborhood or two away. Search Facebook for "lost pets Kansas City" and several sites will come up to which you can post your information. Look at these sites for found pet posts, too.
2. Visit Lost Pet Registry KC to file a report and view reports of found animals in your area: www.lostpetregistrykc.net
3. Post to PawBoost – www.pawBoost.com

Other tips for bringing your pet home quickly and safely:

1. Microchips are the easiest way to ensure your pet is returned to you in a timely manner.  Low cost microchips are available through many local shelters and through Spay Neuter Kansas City.  Be sure to register your chip and keep the information up to date.
2. Tags - even with a microchip, people are more likely to know a lost animal is a well-cared for pet if they have a collar and tag.
3. Call local vet offices, area shelters and rescues.  These are the places lost pets are most often surrendered when found.
4. For dogs, leave out a bowl of water and leave the garage door up enough for your pet to get back inside or leave fence open to the yard, etc.  Leave a way for your pet to come back late at night.
5. For cats, you can try putting out a dirty litter box and a can of tuna.  Use a laser pointer at night and shake a bag of treats.

If your pet has been missing for more than a few hours, search Craigslist ads for pets for sale or "rehoming".  Unfortunately, there are individuals that find or kidnap pets and sell them on the internet, claiming they are their pet and they need to re-home it.  If you find your pet in this manner, be sure to notify the authorities when contacting the seller.

THE ST@RZ VISION:

ST@RZ (Singles Thriving At Resurrection) is now the place to find all things for singles at Resurrection, Leawood, and beyond!  All singles (never married, divorced or widowed) are invited to participate in their age/status related activities!  Gather with us for inspiring programming and fellowship.  Enjoy fun activities!  Serve together through mission and community outreach.  Grow with the help of support services and classes offered by Resurrection’s Congregational Care Ministry.  Come thrive with us as we strive to follow the examples of Jesus Christ to love and serve!

To experience Holy Week and Easter events, click here.
For more information and to register for Journey to the Cross (4/16-4/17), click here.

Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell and your Congregational Care Team

ATTENTION: We are looking for folks to be leaders for newly forming community groups for singles. There will be more information provided for training that will be provided. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Cheryl about your interest! Thank you!

ONGOING SINGLES GROUPS & GATHERINGS:

Wednesday Evenings:  Family Night | The Foundry (Building B)

• Wednesday, April 17 (Family Night): The Single Moms group will be meeting in our regular, ROOM B149 at 6:30pm.

We offer groups for both Single Mom's and Men.  Join us anytime!

• 5:30 pm:  Begins with a Family Dinner in The Foundry (Building B) ~ $5 for adults; 5th grade & younger eat free!  Menu varies ~ see our Family Night page
• 6:30 pm:  Group classes, studies and serving opportunities for children, students and adults. ** For more details, click here.

•  Single Mom's Group:  A special ministry for single moms that provides a community to develop and grow friendships, gain knowledge on how to successfully navigate the issues that single moms face, and to find peace, love, joy, and faith in their journey.  If you would be interested in participating in this group, please contact Angela Paul at tyandbella03@att.net.   Room B149

• Men's Group:  Whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, this class has something for every man no matter your relationship status. Our mission is to help men who are non-religious and nominally religious become deeply committed Authentic Christian Men.  For more information, you may contact Todd Milner at toddmilner@gmail.com. Room B252a
  

Thursday Evenings:  Care Night | The Foundry (Building B)

Thursdays with the All-ST@RZ!  We look forward to seeing you there!

• Thursday, April 18 (Care Night): NO CARE NIGHT OR MEAL THIS NIGHT.  We encourage you to attend our Maundy Thursday service in Sanctuary A at 7pm.  Pastor Tino Herrera will be preaching and it will be a powerful service.
  

• 5:30 pm:  Begins with dinner will be in The Foundry (Building B) ~ $5 for adults; 5th grade & younger eat free!  Menu varies ~ see our Care Night page
• 6:30 pm:  Gather after dinner in Room B152 for fellowship and fun!  Every  week is different (movies, games, Bible study, speakers) so don't miss a single one!
• Have kids? Childcare is available in Building B, 6:30-8:30 pm (pre-registration required).

Friday Evenings:  Singles Game Night | Room B152 (Building B)

Friday, April 19:
Come and enjoy good fellowship, food and games!  We play card and board games each Friday!  Please bring a snack to share and your favorite game(s).  This is a great way to meet new friends!

• Building B, Room B152 (located across from The Well Bookstore by the staircase)
• The fun begins at 7 pm until around 9:45pm!
• For more information, you may contact Kevin Duty at 785-241-3187.

Other Places of Community for Singles:

• Tuesdays:  Grow Night, 6:30 pm, Building B
• Thursdays:  Divorce Recovery for Women ~ 6:30 pm, B215
• Thursdays:  Divorce Recovery for Men ~ 7:00 pm, B255
• Sundays:  New Horizons Sunday School class (ages 50+) ~ 10:45 am, Room B158. For more information, you may contact Kay at kay.king@cor.org.
• Sundays:  Faith & Fellowship Sunday School class (ages 50+) ~ 9:15 am, Room B153
• Crossroads Ministry ~ Helping people 50 years and older to navigate the second half of their lives with significance and joy.
• Financial Peace University for Single Women ~ Learn more at cor.org/fpu
• 20/30 Leawood Young Adults - Our ministry for Young Adults (single or married) in their 20s–30s. The goal of this group is to provide ways for people in their 20s and 30s to journey together in knowing, loving and serving God. For more information, please contact Shannon Greene at shannon.greene@cor.org.

QUESTIONS?

Email Cheryl Jefferson Bell at cheryl.bell@cor.org.

Want to subscribe to our weekly ST@RZ email?

• Click on the following link:  www.cor.org/enews
• Enter your information
• Select a location
• You will then be given multiple choices of other emails you can receive from Church of the Resurrection, if you wish.  This allows you to control the amount of emails you receive from us.  Click on as many as you like, then click on "Submit Registration"

 We look forward to seeing you at ST@RZ!

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | B259

This group is for people who have tried to stop a habit but have been unable to do so on their own.  It is for men and women looking for recovery from alcohol, prescription drugs, pornography, gambling, drugs, food and other compulsive behaviors.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 6:30 pm | B258

This program helps those who are affected by the substance abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse or other addictions of a loved one.  The meetings promote the use of tools to help with emotional upsets, promote effective communication methods when dealing with loved ones, and much more.

Childcare is available for this event. If you are interested in making a childcare reservation, please do so here.

Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, Room C020 (Building C)

This form of Tai Chi is easier and safer for beginners, and is supported by the Arthritis Foundation, CDC and other organizations for its benefits and the effectiveness as mind/body exercise.

The class can gradually progress to Tai Chi for energy and on to Yang Style Short Form as the interest and enthusiasm of the participants grow.