Matthew's Ministry
Awareness, outreach and support for persons with special needs and their families.
It is our desire to show the love of God to all people and to incorporate them into the life of the church.
Our child has a place where he can be himself and where he can feel loved. He is learning about God and creating his faith journey through that. It's such a relief to have Matthew's Ministry here.Montera Jurascheks
Our Purpose
Matthew’s Ministry supports, empowers and encourages individuals of all abilities to become deeply committed Christians by knowing, loving and serving God.
At Resurrection Leawood, we have just moved into a new space in Building B that will allow us to better meet the needs of our Matthew's Ministry participants.
Matthew's Ministry Programs
Family Night Out
All-Church Program
Family Night Out offers an evening of respite for parents and caregivers while also offering an evening of fun for those with special needs. Participants are paired with volunteers to enjoy dinner, games, crafts and a movie. All ages are welcome to register as well as siblings of children with special needs.
Family Night Out is offered one Saturday evening each month, 5-8pm.
Future dates:
July 28, 2018
August 25, 2018 (*for participants 15 years old and younger only!)
September 22, 2018
October 27, 2018
November 17, 2018 (*for participants 16 years old and older only!)
December 8, 2018
Registrations will be made available at the beginning of each month.
For questions about Family Night Out call Shelby Wallace at N/A, or email using the form below.
Family Night Out (Resurrection West)
All-Church Program
Family Night Out offers an evening of respite for parents and caregivers while also offering an evening of fun for those with special needs. Participants are paired with volunteers to enjoy dinner, games, crafts and a movie. All ages are welcome to register as well as siblings of children with special needs.
Family Night Out is offered one Saturday evening each month, 5-8 pm.
For questions about Family Night Out (Resurrection West) call Christie Walker at (913) 627-9656, or email using the form below.
Angel Care
All-Church Program
Angel Care Providers are available at Sunday 10:45 am and 5 pm worship services. We invite all individuals with special needs to attend for quality care during worship service. We also provide one-on-one, individual care for participants, allowing them to join classroom activities or interact solely with Angel Care Providers.
For more information, contact Matthew's Ministry at 913-544-0295 or email Jennifer Ross.
For questions about Angel Care call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Angel Care
All-Church Program
Angel Care Providers are available during worship services. We invite all individuals with special needs to attend for quality care during worship service. We also provide one-on-one, individual care for participants, allowing them to join classroom activities or interact solely with Angel Care Providers.
For more information, email Christie Walker.
For questions about Angel Care call Christie Walker at (913) 627-9656, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry Youth Group
All-Church Group
Youth Group students enjoy music at the beginning of the 11:00 service in the Foundry on Sunday mornings. After the scripture reading, the students move to a classroom (in the Matthew's Ministry wing) to engage in fellowship and Sunday school lessons.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry Youth Group call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Sonflower Bakery
All-Church Program
Sonflower Bakers bake scones, cookies, bread and cupcakes three times a week. This gives them an excellent opportunity to enjoy time with fellow Matthew's Ministry Bakers and volunteers.
Bakery Shifts:
- Mondays: 12-3 pm
- Wednesdays: 12-3 pm
- Fridays: 12-3 pm
For questions about Sonflower Bakery call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry for Parents & Caregivers
All-Church Group
2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 6:15pm, Matthew's Ministry wing
Matthew’s Ministry Fellowship offers support and connection for families of individuals with special needs. This ministry provides an active community for families to share joys, challenges, resources and prayer together.
On the 2nd Wednesday of the month, you are welcome to come early for a free community meal in the Foundry from 5:30-6:15 pm. Then from 6:15-7:45 pm, parents can learn, connect with others and grow spiritually through guest speakers and sharing in small groups. Registration for class is not required.
Matthew’s Ministry Fellowship also offers social activities at various times throughout the year.
Childcare is available from 6:15-7:45 pm in Building B at KiDSCOR for ages 6 weeks - 5th grade at no charge. If you are interested in making a reservation for childcare, please do so here. If you need Matthew's Ministry care for individuals with special needs, please email Jennifer Ross.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry for Parents & Caregivers call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Sonflower Ringers
All-Church Program
Our handbell choir for differently-abled individuals is composed of high school and adult members, ages 14 and above. Ringers do not have to be able to read music. Sonflower Ringers use a music scroll system for making their music.
All interested members must meet with Beverly Williamson prior to their first rehearsal. Beverly may be reached by email or home phone: (913) 548-2729.
REHEARSAL TIMES
Sonflower Ringers
- Rehearsals: Sundays, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C050
For questions about Sonflower Ringers call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Scout Troop 11
All-Church Group
Scout Troop 11 is a coed scout troop for individuals with special needs. The troop meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 pm.
The objective of the organization is to create an opportunity for young special needs boys and girls to become more mature and independent via the Scouting program. The troop also facilitates social interaction among the parents of special needs kids.
- Boys must be 11 years old or older, up to 25 years old.
- Girls must be 14 years old or older, up to 25 years old.
- New scouts may join at any time.
- Every scout must be accompanied at all times by a parent or adult.
Troop 11 camps twice a year and has special events and family fun nights.
For questions about Scout Troop 11 call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry Adult Learning Program
All-Church Program
The Sonflower Adult Learning Program is an enrichment program for adults with special needs. It meets Monday through Friday, 10 am - 3 pm. Participant application required (apply here). For more information, please download our handbook.
Prayerfully consider volunteering with the Sonflower Adult Learning Program. Join us for one day at the Sonflower Bakery on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays at 12-3 pm. Other opportunities include helping with Art Class on Tuesdays at 10:15 am or Book Club on Thursdays at 12:30 pm. All activities are in the lower level of Building C at Resurrection Leawood. Join our fun group and be blessed! Please contact Joan Baird to sign-up or for more information.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry Adult Learning Program call Joan Baird at (913) 232-4110, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry Adult Bible Study
All-Church Class
Students 18 and over join their peers for music and fellowship at the Adult Bible Study's weekly Sunday evening program held during the 5 pm worship service. Following praise and worship, Matthew's Ministry participants meet for an adapted Bible study and fellowship in Room B201.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry Adult Bible Study call Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Pastor Adam and the Phillips on Matthew’s Ministry
Upcoming Events
We'd love to have you join us at any of our upcoming Matthew's Ministry events!
Help out with Matthew's Ministry
Angel Care Helper
Angel Care helpers provide one-on-one, individual care for participants, allowing them to join classroom activities or interact solely with Angel Care Providers during the Sunday 10:45 am and 5 pm worship services.
For questions about Angel Care Helper contact Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Sonflower Adult Learning Helpers
Join us for one day at the Sonflower Bakery on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays at 12-3 pm. Other opportunities include helping with Art Class on Tuesdays at 10:15 am or Book Club on Thursdays at 12:30 pm. All activities are in the lower level of Building C at Resurrection Leawood. Join our fun group and be blessed!
For questions about Sonflower Adult Learning Helpers contact Joan Baird at (913) 232-4110, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry Youth Group Helpers
Youth Group helpers provide support for students to engage in fellowship and Sunday school lessons after worship at the 11 Foundry worship service.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry Youth Group Helpers contact Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
Matthew's Ministry Adult Bible Study Helpers
Help students 18 and over learn and grow together during the 5 pm worship service. Following praise and worship, Matthew's Ministry participants meet for an adapted Bible study and fellowship.
For questions about Matthew's Ministry Adult Bible Study Helpers contact Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295, or email using the form below.
The Matthew's Ministry Team
Jennifer Ross
Director of Matthew's Ministry
Jennifer has served as the Director of Matthew’s Ministry, the Special Needs Ministry of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for 15 years. Matthew's Ministry offers a comprehensive special needs ministry which includes one-on-one Sunday school... Keep ReadingKelly Sisney
Director of Operations & Community Life
Kelly has been a member of Resurrection since the beginning. Once her and her husband, David became empty nesters, they moved downtown to help start Resurrection Downtown. Kelly was previously a clean comedian for 8 years and though doesn't do shows anymore,... Keep ReadingShelby Wallace
Matthew's Ministry Program Director
Shelby Wallace serves as the Program Director for Matthew’s Ministry. Shelby has had a heart for individuals with special needs for as long as she can remember. From peer mentoring at Blue Valley High School, coaching the K-State Cheer Fierce Cats in college, to now... Keep ReadingJennifer Ross
Director of Matthew's Ministry
Jennifer has served as the Director of Matthew’s Ministry, the Special Needs Ministry of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for 15 years. Matthew's Ministry offers a comprehensive special needs ministry which includes one-on-one Sunday school assistance, family respite nights, Scout Troops, a hand bell choir, an employment training program and a weekday learning program for adults with intellectual disability. The weekday learning program also runs the Sonflower Bakery, known for selling delicious baked goods. Jennifer also serves as Education Chairperson for the Kansas City Down Syndrome Guild and serves on the board of Inclusion Connections which provides day services and operates a dog treat business. Jennifer has degree in special education and thirty years of experience working with individuals with special needs in schools, state facilities, colleges, and churches. Jennifer’s next dream is to build a boating facility and provide a nautical experience for people with special needs and their families.
Contact Jennifer Ross at (913) 544-0295
or email using the form below.
Christie Walker
Director of Children's Ministries
Kelly Sisney
Director of Operations & Community Life
Kelly has been a member of Resurrection since the beginning. Once her and her husband, David became empty nesters, they moved downtown to help start Resurrection Downtown. Kelly was previously a clean comedian for 8 years and though doesn't do shows anymore, is certainly collecting a great deal of material! She likes to color!
Contact Kelly Sisney at (816) 979-1335
or email using the form below.
Sarah Brischle
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Diane Enlow
Director of Children's Ministry
Joan Baird
Sonflower Adult Learning Program Coordinator
Shelby Wallace
Matthew's Ministry Program Director
Shelby Wallace serves as the Program Director for Matthew’s Ministry. Shelby has had a heart for individuals with special needs for as long as she can remember. From peer mentoring at Blue Valley High School, coaching the K-State Cheer Fierce Cats in college, to now helping our Matthew’s Ministry participants grow in their faith and walk with Christ!
In her free time, you can find Shelby cheering on the K-State Wildcats (EMAW!), spending time with family, or laying out by the pool every chance she can get. She is getting a new last name in December thanks to the most special and amazing proposal at Family Night Out!
Shelby is so thankful to be a part of Matthew’s Ministry. It has not only impacted so many lives of individuals with special needs, their families, and the community; but, it has impacted her faith and relationship with Christ in so many incredible ways.
Contact Shelby Wallace at N/A
or email using the form below.
