It’s a Wonderful Life – one of the most popular and heartwarming films ever made, with near-universal appeal and association with Christmas, provides a rich story of redemption that has inspired generations for decades. What does It’s a Wonderful Life teach us about the advent message of the Word become flesh? Join Angie McCarty for a study you won’t soon forget. With clips from the beloved movie and plenty of table discussion, this class will help you focus on what matters most in your wonderful life this Christmas season. December 5, 12 & 19, 9:30-11:30 am.

Thirty years ago a group of United Methodist women recognized the need to bring restorative justice to women and children suffering because of incarceration. Guided by scripture and following United Methodist social principles, this group of women, working together with prison officials, developed Ministry to Incarcerated Families and began to nurture and support women at Topeka Correctional Facility. Currently almost 900 women are incarcerated there with the average age being 29 – 49 years old; over half are mothers.

The ministry began with parenting classes embracing the goal of strengthening family bonds in spite of separation. Today in addition to parenting classes, volunteers fund and attend “Retreats”, an opportunity for mothers and grandmothers to spend the day with their children in a more family friendly environment, play on a playground, hug, and laugh. At the end of the day, each child leaves with a gift bag filled with items selected just for them and always – a stuffed animal.

Data shows that providing the tools for better family relationships and successful parenting has led to a reduction in recidivism rates, thereby reducing the typical continued incarceration cycles.

Women at Church of the Resurrection now have opportunities to serve with Ministry to Incarcerated Families:

• retreat bag donations/assembly
• purchase books for Parenting Class
• purchase books for Path to Freedom Class
• new baby care bag donations/assembly
• pen pal program
• purchase breastfeeding supplies
• purchase feminine hygiene products

The upcoming Inspired for Life Women's Conference is highlighting Ministry to Incarcerated Families along with these specific opportunities. Visit IFL.cor.org to register the conference on February 7 & 8 at our Leawood Campus.

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ---Matthew 25:26

Sponsored by United Methodist Women, learn more at cor.org/umw.

Imagine…

a place that meets you right where you’re at as a mom, a woman and a friend.

• Learning how to be better equipped as a parent through speakers and discussion.
• Growing through a supportive network of moms who “get” it — from newborns to teens.
• Serving not only your family, but also your community through outreach opportunities.

Building Better Moms (BBM) strives to build a community of moms who learn, grow and serve together. BBM members meet together in a larger group setting, but are connected with a small group of moms with whom they share a table at each BBM meeting throughout the year. The BBM calendar follows the school calendar year, beginning in September and concluding in May. The schedule is set to align as much as possible with area school and holiday schedules. BBM meetings run about two hours in length and each group meets approximately twice a month to enjoy food and fellowship, speakers and group discussion. All groups also participate in mission projects supported by The Church of the Resurrection and occasional social events outside of the meeting schedule.

Imagine… you’re here!

United Methodist Women (UMW) at Resurrection is for any woman interested in developing a creative, supportive fellowship while learning about and becoming involved in contributing to the greater needs of women next door, across town and around the world. Circles and Groups meet at various times, both day and night. Some read and discuss books written about timely issues. Others select a social justice topic to study and organize a mission project to help those affected by this issue. One group creates beautiful quilts and then gives them away to bless someone. Want to start a group of your own? We can help. All groups offer faith, hope and love in action through learning, service and education. Our local chapter of UMW has a website full of information, photos and resources.

Each month offers a book title to read, with a discussion held the first Tuesday of the following month in an AM group (10-11:30 am) or PM (7-8:30 pm). Most books can be found at a local library or in the church bookstore.

This month's selection to begin reading now and discuss on the date below:

December 3

• 10 AM -- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• 7 PM --  Fully Awake and Truly Alive by Jane Vennard

January 7

• 10 AM -- Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman & Eric Schlosser
• 7 PM -- If Eve Only Knew by Kendra Weddle Irons

Our group chooses books that will help us learn about another culture, religion, place, time or event. We are a group that welcomes all to experience wonderful fellowship and fun, plus occasional service projects. Meets the first Wednesday morning each month.

We meet on December 4 at for the annual Christmas Brunch and Book Exchange, please bring a wrapped book that someone in the group would enjoy reading. All are welcome! 

• December 4, 10 am, Room B253
• January 8, 10 am, Room B253 -- book TBD

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee and Conversation -- join us for a typically lively conversation about almost anything (except politics). We usually have a conversation-starter ready so we can get to know one another as women of strong yet differing faiths. Pick up a cup of coffee on the way, you are welcome to join in anytime. Visit us on facebook for the latest updates at Strangers No More Facebook page.

Wed, Nov 20 - Coffee & Conversation 11am-12:30pm, Oak Park Library, 9500 Bluejacket OP, KS 

This is a joint project of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee and United Methodist Women of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

Are you an avid quilter or perhaps you have always had an interest in learning how to quilt? We welcome all skill levels---a passion for all things regarding quilts is the only requirement!

Stitch’ n Tyme meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in room C020. Come visit, bring a project to work on either by hand or bring your sewing machine or come and be inspired by others who share a passion for quilting.

Come as you are and where you are in your quilting adventure.  If our activities sound like fun, come join us!  If it all seems like a bit too much, no worries, come for all or part of our activities. Many of our members come each week but just as many come when they can, the good news is you are always welcome.

Stitch’ n Tyme activities include:

• Weekly Meetings-We gather and work on projects or stop by to enjoy the inspiring show and tell, devotion and catch up on friendships, sewing projects and church happenings.
• Care Quilts- Members make quilts for our congregational care team to share with those who will feel love and comfort from our quilts. Participating in our group provides the opportunity for you to give of your talents. We have potluck lunches about four times a year where a minister or member of the church staff attend, share lunch, bless the quilts and get to know our members.
• Retreats- Our group goes to a retreat center at least once a year and spends several days and nights sewing and laughing, lots of laughing! Some retreats are “in town” at the church and others are overnight adventures. In addition, we periodically go on quilting related field trips.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday mornings!

Connect with each other in small groups and share the journey of knowing, loving and serving God and others. Through fellowship, study, worship and service, each group can strengthen the spiritual discovery and growth of each participant. As we share the story of our lives with others and see more clearly how our story connects with the larger story of God's redemptive activity, we make progress toward the goal of becoming deeply committed Christians.

These groups focus on Bible study and meet weekly to encourage and develop friendships with one another, often becoming "stretcher bearers" in faith.

Join Abby O'Neill and Michelle Funk for a conversation about the A.L.L method of reading scripture passages, drawing from the Love Journal entries (email us to get a journal!). Videos available on the Rez Women Facebook group or visit Twitter for updates.

Resources on Matthew 6:25-34 video:

• Anxiety Slayer Podcast - learn techniques to eradicate anxiety and hear peaceful conversations
• The Anxiety Podcast - storytelling show with tales of overcoming anxiety and stress
• Meditation Minis with Chel Hamilton Podcast - 10 minute doses of calm from a hypnotherapist
• LOVE journal for weekly readings, to request one email Michelle.Funk@cor.org
• Study Bible such as CEB Study Bible or NIV Revised Study Bible

Resources on Psalm 40 video:

• Learning to Walk In The Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor
• Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
• Unafraid by Adam Hamilton, view Unafraid presentation here
• For the Love Podcast hosted by Jen Hatmaker, series 8 episode 6 and 7
• Catalyst Podcast episode 461 with Adam Hamilton
• LOVE journal for weekly readings, to request one email Michelle.Funk@cor.org
• Study Bible such as CEB Study Bible or NIV Revised Study Bible

Resources on Galatians 5:22-25 video:

• Embracing the Love of God by James Bryan Smith
• Living Beyond Yourself Bible Study by Beth Moore
• "We've Got Spirit, How About You!" song
• Fruit of the Spirit song to help memorize the list of fruit
• Worship times available at cor.org/worship
• Upcoming women's groups at cor.org/leawood/women
• LOVE journal for weekly readings, to request one email Michelle.Funk@cor.org
• Study Bible such as CEB Study Bible or NIV Revised Study Bible

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

CANCER SUPPORT FOR MEN

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

* Please note this group will NOT meet Thursday, January 2nd.

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

* Please note this group will NOT meet Thursday, December 26th.

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.

Thursdays, 7pm, Room B251

** Beginning Thursday, November 7th, we invite you to join us at 6pm in The Foundry (Building B) for fellowship, a meal and personal testimonies.  This will be a time for sharing stories of experiences, strength and hope.  Groups will begin at 7pm.

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

Childcare is available and registration is required!  Click here to register.

Thursdays, 7 pm | Room B256

** Beginning Thursday, November 7th, we invite you to join us at 6pm in The Foundry (Building B) for fellowship, a meal and personal testimonies.  This will be a time for sharing stories of experiences, strength and hope.  Groups will begin at 7pm.

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

Childcare is available and registration is required!  Click here to register.

Wednesdays | 6:15 pm | B158

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.

Tuesdays:  Singles Mom's Group| Room B149 (Building B)

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.

We gather together on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30pm.  Our meetings will be held on: 

• September 3rd & 17th
• October 1st & 15th
• November 5th & 19th
• December 3rd & 17th

Childcare is available and registration is required. Click here to register.

To see what else is happening with our singles community, click here.