Rush to SACK HUNGER in Kansas City!

Get into the game by donating food or funds.  Pick up bags to fill with food and return by February 2.  It's 4th and goal and we're going for it!

Easy ways to make a donation:

• Visit cor.org/giveonline
• Text COR to 77977
• Stop by the kickoff display with cash/check

Donate food items:

• Cereal
• Canned Meat
• Canned Fruit & Vegetables
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Pancake Mix (Add water only) and Syrup
• Chunky Soup/Boxed Dinners/Mac'n'Cheese

Please no expired, dented or glass donations. Food can be placed in the designated drop-off bins outside the sanctuary or the Foundry.

In addition to donating food, our team needs your help before and after worship services through February 2nd.   You are welcome to select multiple shifts, such as collecting food before a service and handing out bags after that service.

• Hand Out Bags - step out of worship early and distribute bags to the congregation as they exit. You will be finished approximately 30 minutes after worship ends. All ages. See registration form for dates.

• Collect Food - arrive one hour before worship and collect food outdoors from the congregation as they arrive. You will miss the first 15 minutes of worship. ON SUNDAY EVENINGS ONLY after the 5pm service begins, you will follow the trucks (5 minute drive) to our warehouse to unload, which means you will miss that worship service. All ages, but adult supervision required. Dress for weather. Requires lifting. See registration form for dates.

• Work the Table - step out of worship early and work at the table in the Narthex answering questions and assisting with collecting monetary donations.

There is NO Serve Saturday in January. Please join us for our MLK Serve Day on January 20 instead!

Serve Saturdays offer a variety of pre-planned serving opportunities which require only your time and a desire to make an impact in our church, our community and our world. Individuals, families and groups are welcome to participate in any of our events. Help us serve God by serving others!

Younger children are welcome at the discretion of parents. Some projects may include small pieces and/or require fine motor skills such as cutting.

If you're looking for serving opportunities to arrange on your own, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO

Do I have to be a member of Resurrection?

Of course not! We love first-timers and visitors - no experience or church membership necessary. We often host scout troops, extended families, and high school students seeking service hours. Everyone is welcome!

Can children participate?

Serve Saturday is family-friendly and there are serving opportunities available for all ages. You can find the age limit for each opportunity on the registration page. Please note there is NO child care at Serve Saturday; accompanying adults are responsible for the participation and safety of their children of any age.

Can I sign up my entire small group (more than 4 people) at once?

Please use the Learn More or Register Now - Group button. Contact lindsey.seevers@cor.org if you would like assistance registering a group larger than four people.

WHAT

What will I be doing?

Each opportunity is slightly different, from serving a simple meal to sorting donations to prepping supplies. You can find a full description of each one on the registration page.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, casual and modest clothing.

What do I need to bring?

Nothing! Everything you need will be provided.

WHERE

Where does Serve Saturday meet?

Before we begin, we'll gather in The Commons (main lobby of building B) on our Leawood campus, unless otherwise noted.

Where will I serve?

Each opportunity is different - you can choose one that takes place on the church campus or one that is beyond the church walls in the Greater Kansas City community. If you leave campus you can either drive on your own, carpool with other volunteers, or simply follow others in a caravan of cars.

WHEN

When do I need to register? Can I walk-in instead?

Walk-ins are welcome at most Serve Saturday events except where space is limited and that will be indicated as Registration Required.

When should I arrive?

8:45-9am, to sign in and have a light snack.

When will I be finished?

You can find the ending time for each opportunity, and whether or not that ending time is flexible, on the registration page.

When can I eat?

Most serving opportunities do not provide a meal unless indicated.

WHY

Why should I try Serve Saturday?

Our events are designed as easy, low-commitment ways to make a positive impact on your neighbors in the metro area. Try something new, or enjoy a familiar favorite. Either way, you'll experience the powerful impact of helping others by becoming God's hands and feet right here in Kansas City.

A smile and a “we’re glad you’re here” can make someone’s day. Be part of providing a positive first impression and creating a culture of welcome by serving in a hospitality role. Serve during worship, behind the scenes or even in the parking lot! No experience needed, hands-on training will be provided. Volunteers teams often serve during the same worship service they normally attend, so no extra trip to the church is required. 

To get more information about a specific team, click here to let us know how you'd like to serve.

“True Justice” Documentary Screening

Saturday, January 18 | 1:30pm| The Foundry | Presented by Allies for Racial Justice

What shaped your understanding of race? What false narratives allow legitimization of unjust practices? What are the hard truths of our past? What can we do to make a difference?

You may have seen the Hollywood movie Just Mercy starring Michael B. Jordon and Jamie Foxx that tells the true story of Walter McMillan, who with the help of a young Bryan Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction. Now, take a deeper dive into the issues by attending a special screening of True Justice - Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equal Justice.

This documentary chronicles how racial injustice emerged, evolved and continues to threaten our country. Following the film, Allies for Racial Justice will lead an open discussion to explore how we can confront our history of racial and economic injustice and help create equal justice for all.

This event is free and open to the public. Register here.

MLK Day of Serving

Monday, January 20 | 8:45am | The Foundry Commons

Join us on Monday, January 20 at 8:45 am for our MLK Day of Serving. We’ll gather briefly at our Leawood campus in Building B to pray and distribute maps, then everyone will head out outside of our walls into Johnson County and Kansas City. Families, individuals and groups of all ages will work together for the morning at several locations with organizations who serve our neighbors and make an impact!

Opportunities include serving with Avenue of Life, Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus, the Overland Park Food Pantry, Connections to Success and more! 

Register Now

Community Events

• Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City's Mass Celebration - Justice and Equity Here and Now
  Monday, January 20, 6 pm at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church
• UMKC Division of Diversity & Inclusion 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture
  Tuesday, January 21 – 6 pm at the UMKC Pierson Auditorium
• Raising our Race Consciousness - Chaos or Community: The Urgency of Now
  Tuesday, January 21 - 6 pm at United Believers Community Church

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 michelle.vanpelt@cor.org. 

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 Criminal/Credit/Driving check: click here for form
• Current automobile liability insurance and valid drivers license.
• Successful completion of medical certification if driving trucks: click here for more information about requirements.  You must get a signed authorization form from michelle.vanpelt@cor.org prior to going to Care Now.
• 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

Help us welcome guests to worship at Resurrection! A smiling face and a warm hello puts people at ease and let's them know they are welcome and belong here. Be part of a fun group of volunteers that loves serving God and our guests.

Outside Door Greeters typically serve once per month opening doors for our guests as they arrive - rain or shine! Greeters arrive approximately 40 minutes before worship and are at their doors serving until 15 minutes after worship begins. Then you're free to enjoy the service!

Flexible serve times available, but we are specifically looking for:

• 6 Greeters to serve at the Sunday 11am service once per month. 
• 5 Greeters to serve at the Sunday 5pm service once per month.

Please contact jami.felver@cor.org to learn more.

A Worship and Acolyte Coordinator serves during weekend worship services, preparing the worship spaces and training the Acolytes. This fun position requires someone who is dependable, has a great attention to detail, and who enjoys training and working with our Confirmand students. A typical day includes preparing for baptisms, getting reserved seating set, making sure the candle carts are ready to go, and providing the pastors with water. You'll also meet with the Acolytes and train them on how to process and recess the light of Christ and banner during worship.

This rewarding role is multi-faceted. You'll serve both behind the scenes by getting everything ready for worship and with others by mentoring and coaching students to serve in their role.  You need to be able to work independently, but you'll also serve alongside the ushers and staff during worship services.

We have an immediate need Sunday nights Weeks 2 and 4.

Thank you for considering serving in this way!

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 18-26
• rezLife Serve Trip: July 26 - August 2

School Sponsorship

For just $39.50/month ($474/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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hunger Stopper Ministry delivers approximately 70 tons of food each year, through donations from within the church and special food drives held in the community. Donations are delivered monthly to local pantries and urban ministries to help feed those in Kansas City area who are hungry or food insecure.

FOOD DRIVES

Sack Hunger Fall Kick Off Food Drive:  Results are in...

Thanks to the generosity of our congregation the Sack Hunger Food Drive saw an increase of 513.33% in monetary donations over last years Fall Food Drive!  WOW!  We are so excited about our ability to creatively address food insecurity in the KC area by leveraging our partnerships with Harvesters, Associated Grocers as well as community/neighborhood initiatives near our campuses and partner schools.  Rather than just dropping a pallet of what we have, we are able to provide true NEEDS in the community because of your support. We are thrilled to move strongly into 2020 ready to make an impact!   

See our volunteer page for more ways you can get involved.

ONGOING:

• Monetary Donations: Donations in any amount will be used to purchase needed food in bulk or supplemental funding for our pantries to purchase proteins, produce and items not received. Please mark the donation for "Hunger Stoppers" and drop in collection plate during worship or mail to the church.
• Donate Non-Perishables: Please no glass containers or expired product. Desirable donations include:
  • Cereal
  • Canned meats (chicken, tuna, Vienna sausages)
  • Chunky stews/soups
  • Peanut butter & Jelly
  • Canned/boxed meals/Macaroni & Cheese
  • Shelf stable milk products
  • Pancake mix (add water only) & Syrup
  • Canned fruits and vegetables.

Non-perishable donations can be brought to the Leawood campus - in between the Southwest doors of Building A or the North doors of Building B place on the wire shelves marked "Hunger Stoppers."

Stay informed about upcoming events and information by signing up to receive the Hunger Stopper Newsletter. Sign up to receive Hunger Stopper Newsletter today!

We'd love to have you join our team of volunteers to help this ministry happen!  Please see our Hunger Volunteer Ministry page for more information.

PANTRIES WE SERVE:

Click here for the full list.