Holy Cross Day

Monday this week was Holy Cross Day, and though we did not celebrate it on a Sunday service this year, it represents an understanding worth holding onto. The Collect for the day opens, “Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him…”

During the last century, Jesus was reimagined several times according to big trends in society. In the 1960’s and 70’s, Jesus was often reimagined from a savior to a guru, just another one of the helpful teachers out there. Even in the church, out of a desire to make Jesus less intimidating, much of the focus shifted away from his suffering and death to Jesus as teacher and friend. The cost of following Jesus was also often downplayed.

Holy Cross Day reminds us that it was not Jesus as a teacher meek and mild that changed the world, it was his death upon the cross, a cross he tells us to take up and follow him. In Jesus’ death and resurrection are we redeemed, and that alone.

The gospel for the day comes from John 12. “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Jesus opened the way to draw all people to himself and thereby find salvation through the cross. As we encounter life’s many trials and tribulations, remember that Christ’s victory has already been achieved, and though it may seem the enemy is alive and well, in the end he is defeated. Jesus defeated death on the cross, and in so doing drew all people to him. Until our times comes, we’re called to take up our cross and follow him. Let us live our lives in light of the Holy Cross.

Cash or in-kind donations gratefully accepted

This Sunday is our monthly ingathering for the Necessity Pantry. The pantry provides personal care items for individuals and families in financial stress.

Needed items include shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving cream, bath soap, lotion, deodorant, laundry detergent, toilet paper and feminine hygiene and incontinence products. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted.

The Necessity Pantry is a cooperative ministry supported by the Church of the Resurrection in Blue Springs, St. Anne’s in Lee’s Summit, Trinity and St. Michael’s in Independence, and St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence.

Starting at 11:00 am

Join us for this year's Central Deanery picnic, which will be held today at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Independence starting at 11:00 am.

Main dishes will be provided. All those attending are free to bring sides and desserts, as each is able. Keep in mind this is not a requirement to attend!

Resurrection converting to Realm®

Exciting changes are coming to Resurrection in November! The Vestry has approved converting Resurrection's accounting and church management software to Realm.

Realm is a secure, encrypted, "in the cloud" solution that will allow multiple church leaders to access information remotely as well as provide Resurrection members important new tools -- like being able to register for events on-line, see your contribution statement anytime and access a new-online directory. We'll even have an app that you can download to your smart phone so you can stay connected all the time with Resurrection.

As part of this change, we will also be updating our website, including changing our domain name.

We'll keep you updated as these changes take place and provide you the training you need to use Realm!

Since it has been awhile since we produced a pictorial directory, Lindsay Tarasovic and Gary Zumwalt have volunteered to compile a photo display of our parishioners to be placed in the undercroft.

Please see Gary to have your picture taken or he may catch you when you least expect it! If you have a photo you prefer to be used instead of a new shot, please provide a copy to either Lindsay or Gary as soon as possible.