Greeters help create a great first impression for our guests by offering a warm welcome and opening doors for guests. Greeters generally serve once a month 30 minutes prior to service and 15 minutes after the start of service.

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!

June 12-21, 2019

Serve with hundreds of volunteers as we refresh and revitalize The African-Centered Prep Academy. Click here to register.

Shifts will be 9 am - noon, 1-4 pm and 5:30-8:30 pm daily (no evening shifts on Friday or Saturday). Ages 12 and up are welcome (see youth policy below).

Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of skilled and less skilled roles from painting, cleaning, organizing and hospitality to more heavy physical roles including playground installation and spreading mulch. Playground work team volunteers must be able to lift 50 pounds and be age 16 or older.

Hospitality Volunteer Opportunities

If you can't commit to physically joining our team we have some behind the scenes ways you can help.

Donate snacks:  Drop off non-perishable snacks such as 2 dozen cookies, individually packaged trail mix, granola bars, chips etc. on the specially designated shelves from Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 16.

Contribute lunch items, such as sandwiches, fruit trays, vegetable trays or a side dish. Learn more on online registration form here.

Youth Volunteer Policy

To ensure proper supervision and safety for all participants, the following policy applies to all youth volunteers who sign up with the Volunteer Coordinator or via online registration.

Age 16 and Older

Youth 16 and older may participate unaccompanied in the Bless the School Project if they have a combined Resurrection/KCMO School District Youth Release Form, and both are signed by the parent/guardian of the youth. Releases may not be signed by any other person.

Ages 12-15

• All youth between the ages of 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult, with combined release form specified above, completed and signed by their parent or guardian. If adult other than parent is bringing a youth volunteer, please have parent of youth complete release in advance.
• A ratio of 1 adult to every 3 youth volunteers must be maintained.
• Adult sponsors must provide direct oversight for the activities of their charges at all times.
• Youth must be transported to and from the site by their adult sponsors. They cannot be dropped off or wait for pick up at the site.
• Youth will not be allowed in areas with scaffolding and will not be allowed on ladders.

Under Age 12 – Not Allowed

For safety reasons, no one under the age of 12 may participate in this project or be on the project site.

THE 2019 HONDURAS MISSION TRIP IS July 21-28.

This trip is open to students entering 11th – 12th grade in the fall of 2019 and 2019 high school graduates.

The trip will concentrate on reaching out to people in some of the most impoverished areas around the Danli area in Honduras.  Ministry will include construction & working with children. Consider serving God in amazing ways this summer as you experience the warm and friendly culture in Honduras!

If you enjoy welcoming and helping others in an active environment, we need your warmth and enthusiasm at the Connection Point! It's not about knowing all the answers; it's about offering a caring smile, a sense of welcome and hospitality to those who walk through the church doors. We are looking for people who are friendly and want to help connect people to the life of our church by providing information on our groups and ministries. This is a great place for both individuals and couples to serve together.

Connection Point Greeters serve around worship times (before and after).  We have serving opportunities at the Connection Point in Building A for all services and in Building B in the Foundry welcoming Sunday School classes at 9am and the Foundry worship service at 11am.

Our greatest need is Saturday nights at the 5pm service. This is a great opportunity for couples to serve together. 

Would you consider serving once or twice a month at the Connection Point?

NO July Serve Saturday.

Use the "Events" tab up above to see upcoming Serve Saturday dates. 

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.

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

Studies have shown that the first 11 minutes a new guest is on our campus determines if they want to return. Help make sure all Resurrection guests have a great first impression by serving in one of these vital roles:

• Traffic Volunteers help set the first impression guests have of Resurrection as they help cars fine parking spots.
• Shuttle Drivers make the trip from the parking lot to the building easier and more fun for our guests.
• Door Greeters open the doors to our building to offer our guests a warm welcome and friendly smile.

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.

2019 Trips:

• rezlife High School Serve Trip: July 21-28
• Bless the School : July 20-27, 2019

2020 Trips:

• Men's Trip: January 31 - February 7 - Rez West

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.

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

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:

• June 22-29; TRIP IS FULL
• August 17-24; TRIP IS FULL
• November 2-9

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 Don Dunning at dunningdm@outlook.com.  Don is our context leader that oversees 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.

 2019 Trips:

• Medical: June 6-18; FULL
• Economic Empowerment & Agriculture: October 10-22

 
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.