Listen Up

LISTEN UP CHALLENGE

Listening to others, building relationships, and responding to their needs is Jesus’ model to ministry. As we begin to turn the corner on the pandemic and get back to normal, I am excited about all the untold possibilities for ministry with our community. But before we leap into action, we need to first listen and find out what those needs are. That’s where you come in.

This month, the challenge for the people of Resurrection is to have a casual conversation with one of their neighbors – someone they already know – about the needs of the community (or theirs) and how Resurrection might be able to help. Listen carefully as they share their ideas and then report back using our online form, or download the print version. If you missed it, watch the May 2nd message, “Listen Up” for more details.

If each of us talks to one neighbor we’ll have well over one hundred conversations. Each conversation would be a blessing in itself and will hopefully give us insight into how to truly bless the community in this new time.

IT STARTS WITH TALKING

This coming month, the challenge for the people of Resurrection is to have a casual conversation with one of their neighbors – someone they already know – about the needs of the community (or theirs) and how Resurrection might be able to help. Listen carefully as they share their ideas and take good mental notes, then report back (see the reverse side).

If each of us talks to one neighbor we’ll have well over one hundred conversations. Each conversation would be a blessing in itself and will hopefully give us insight into how to truly bless the community in this new time.

REPORT BACK

Immediately write down notes afterwards below so you don’t forget what they said. Return notes to church by either using our online report or download, print and fill out the paper report, then either send it to Resurrection via postal mail or drop it off in-person.

SAMPLE SCRIPT/QUESTIONS

Below is a sample script and some questions. These are just suggestions; the key is opening up a conversation where we listen to our neighbors. You may want to tailor your questions to the specifics of your neighbor, e.g. if they have children you might specifically ask about the needs of children in the community. Don’t be concerned about getting it “right” – it’s just a conversation. Focus on them, not our needs. Share if asked about the church, but do more listening than talking.

~~~~~~

Hi (neighbor’s name)! Got a minute?

I go to Resurrection Church. Now that things are getting back to “normal”, we’re trying to figure out how to best serve this community. Would you mind helping us figure this out by sharing your thoughts to a few questions? Great!

• How long have you lived in this area?

• What do you see as the biggest needs in our community right now?

• Any suggestions on how our church might help?

• (alternative) Our church wants to be more effective in making this community a great place to live. Any suggestions?

• Is there any way the church or I could help you right now?

• Any other thoughts?

Thank you for your time and help! We’re trying to get input from lots of neighbors all over this community. Would you like to hear the results? What’s your preference, getting together again or email?

~~~~~

ONLINE REPORT

PAPER REPORT

Listen UpJohn Ward2021-05-10T13:04:34-05:00

Christmas Lyrics

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Angels From The Realms of Glory

Angels from the realms of glory

Wing your flight o’er all the earth

Ye who sang creation’s story

Now proclaim Messiah’s birth

Come and worship come and worship

Worship Christ the newborn King

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Chorus

Gloria, In excelsis Deo

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus

Lay down His sweet head

The stars in the sky

Look down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With th’angelic hosts proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear

That glorious song of old

From angels bending near the earth

To touch their harps of gold

Peace on the earth good will to men

From heaven’s all gracious King

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing

Joy To The World

Joy to the world the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and heaven and nature sing

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come O come Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel

Shall come to thee O Israel

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep

Noel Noel Noel Noel

Born is the King of Israel

We Three Kings Of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and fountain moor and mountain

Following yonder star

O star of wonder star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading still proceeding

Guide us to Thy perfect light

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

What Child Is This

What Child is this who laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste haste to bring Him laud

The Babe the Son of Mary

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow

In a one-horse open sleigh

O’er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bobtail ring

Making spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight

Jingle bells jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

Jingle bells jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Had a very shiny nose

And if you ever saw it

You would even say it glows

All of the other reindeer

Used to laugh and call him names

They never let poor Rudolph

Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Santa came to say

“Rudolph, with your nose so bright

Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then how the reindeer loved him

As they shouted out with glee

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

You’ll go down in history”

Silver Bells

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing, people passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you’ll hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of streetlights, even stoplights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch

This is Santa’s big scene

And above all the bustle you’ll hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

‘Tis the season to be jolly

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Don we now our gay apparel

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol

Fa la la la la, la la la la

See the blazing yule before us

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Strike the harp and join the chorus

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Follow me in merry measure

Fa la la la la, la la la la

While I tell of Yuletide treasure

fa la la la la, la la la la

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year

Oh, bring us some figgy pudding

And bring it right here

Silent Night

Verse 1

Silent night holy night

All is calm I’m singin’ all is bright

‘Round yon virgin mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Oh sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

Silent night holy night

Shepherds quake oh at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

Christ the Savior is born

Verse 3

Silent night holy night

Son of God oh love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Christmas LyricsJohn Ward2020-12-24T15:50:57-06:00

COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 RESPONSE

REZ’s COVID-19 Plan

Resurrection UMC Hastings (REZ) takes the health and well-being of our congregation, staff and community very seriously. We are monitoring COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical professionals, and local health departments.

The rise of the new virus has also led to a number of questions about how we will function at church. We continue to do everything we can to balance risk reduction and the power of being together as the body of Christ. To reduce risk, we are all encouraged to follow recommended protocols from the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) or local health officials. These include frequent hand washing, not going out if sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and other normal precautions to prevent disease spread.

Currently in effect at REZ

Office/Building Access

The building/front office has resumed normal business hours and operations.

Worship

We have resumed in-person worship and rezKIDS on Sundays following COVID-19 protocol. Masks are not required
Weekly online worship services are live Sundays at 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. via Facebook or YouTube. The sermon is available afterwards via our podcast and video channels.
Please use our secure online giving resource (tithe.ly) to continue your commitment to generosity and the work of Resurrection church – or go old school and send a check through the U.S. mail.

Congregational Care

We continue to care for our congregation and patients/residents in healthcare facilities.
Pastor Mark sends out timely email/postal letter with insights and encouragement for our community. If you’d like to receive this letter via email, sign up.

Kids/Youth, Small Groups, Classes & Support Groups

All group meetings/gatherings/classes at church have resumed.
Stay in touch: Sign up for rezNews and rezKIDS newsletters.
rezKIDS, Sunday School and Nursery have resumed.
rezYouth programs have resumed. Contact Annah or AP for details. Online resources for students are also available.
No Wednesday night dinners.

Stay Calm

While COVID-19 is “new”, it is not new for the church to face periods of epidemics, fear and uncertainty. Throughout the centuries, Christians have weathered these periods by turning to their faith and one another. Please be in prayer for those who are ill or otherwise affected by COVID-19, influenza or other health issues. Our world may be in an uproar, but God is still the peace in the midst of the storm. Please contact the church office if you have additional questions about REZ’s response to COVID-19.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:6-7

You can help prevent the spread of this virus

Wear a face mask in confined spaces with the general public.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. If you are sick, wear a medical mask around other people.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or use the inside of your elbow), then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be worn by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 and by those who are taking care of someone in close settings to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

COVID-19 ResponseJohn Ward2021-05-30T10:40:45-05:00

GPS

Finding Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control

October 18 / Sunday | Read Hosea 3:1 and 4:1 / Colossians 3:12 / Titus 2:11-14

19 / Mon – God never gives up | Read Hosea 1:1-9 and 3:1-5 and 4:1 / Psalm 89:30-34

You know God is faithful but do you sometimes wonder how far He will go? This unusual story in the Old Testament answers that question. God told his prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute and have children with her. For a while she was content but after bearing him three children, she got restless and went looking for love elsewhere. If you were Hosea, how would you have responded? What unexpected thing did God tell him to do? What point was God trying to make?

20 / Tue – You can be faithful too | Read Job 1:1-22 and 2:1-10

You know trusting God is important but consider this question: can God trust you? When life is great, it is easy to sing His praises. It is not quite so easy to stay faithful when you wrestle with difficult circumstances over which you have little or no control. When life falls apart, do you keep trusting God anyway, as Job did (1:22, 2:10)? This fruit will grow as you practice being faithful to God in the small choices of everyday life and you will be more prepared for bigger storms.

21 / Wed – God understands | Read 1 Kings 19:1-12 / Isaiah 42:3

Often people focus on God’s great power and strength, but have you experienced His gentleness? The prophet Elijah did. As God’s spokesperson, he wrestled with obstinate people being tempted to worship false gods, undecided about their allegiance to the Lord God. After a decisive victory over the false prophets, an exhausted Elijah was unable to go on so God dealt gently with him. The Lord knows what you can endure and He will bring the restoration you need as you wait.

22 / Thu – Your gentleness speaks volumes | Read Philippians 4:5

We live in a get-it-done world. There is very little accommodation for those who can’t keep up. You may find it tempting to become impatient with another’s weakness in circumstances that are easy for you. But if you choose to respond with gentleness and encouragement, it can serve to motivate others and strengthen their resolve to keep going. Will you take these opportunities as a challenge to demonstrate how God has treated you in your weaknesses and so bless others?

23 / Fri – Everyone’s favorite exercise – not! | Read Genesis 39:6-21 / 1 Corinthians 10:13

Self-control requires saying ‘no’ to things that are wrong because the negative consequences are not worth a temporary pleasure. Joseph is a great example. He was a man of integrity and held fast to a higher standard than his culture expected, even when it backfired on him. Are there things that may be acceptable to your friends but you know God asking something better of you? What helps you stay the course when you are tempted to take the easy way out?

24 / Sat – Self-control is possible | Read Hebrews 12:1-3

Self-control can mean doing difficult things because of a desired outcome. Look as Jesus’ example. Life on earth was hard for him, probably harder than anyone realizes. He battled the devil’s lies and temptations; he faced hunger and discouragement and fear. The people he loved misunderstood and rejected him. But he never gave up. This verse tells us why. What is the joy you anticipate that motivates you to keep pushing forward when it might be easier to quit?

Want to download a printable version of the GPS?
Download this week’s guide or find archived guides with the relevant sermon in the Sermon Library.

GPSJohn Ward2021-02-14T20:01:31-06:00

COVID-19 Plan

COVID-19 RESPONSE

COVID-19 Plan

Updated May 30, 2021

When the original Methodist societies began to meet back in the 1700’s they had no buildings and no COVID-19. But they did have three simple rules to live by. Today, as we try to faithfully respond to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we seek to balance the challenge of those three simple rules expressed today as:

1) Do no harm.
2) Do good.
3) Stay in love with God.

To do so, we pattern our response to the COVID-19 pandemic based on the guidelines issued by the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, our insurance company and the MN Department of Health. As each church situation is unique–and as the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing–we will adapt as needed to protect our community and carry out our mission for Christ. Below are some specifics as they relate to Resurrection UMC.

General

In-person worship is taking place in the sanctuary “per normal”, i.e. no masks are required. Our Sunday worship services are also available online live at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m., and via our YouTube channel afterwards.
All classes/meetings/groups have resumed.
rezKIDS are meeting at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Nursery is available at both morning services.
The church building is open during normal business hours and all activities have resumed.

We’re thankful for a return to “normal”! As noted previously, all of these responses are subject to change depending on the situation and as more information on best practices becomes available. However, Resurrection Church promises to do its best to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. May the One who doesn’t change – the eternal God of all creation – bless us and keep us.

COVID-19 PlanJohn Ward2021-05-30T10:43:28-05:00

Lent Fellowship Study Groups

What if we all blessed three people every week? What if we just started there? Would that surprise the world? Would that change us? Let’s find out! Join us on the journey to #surprisetheworld this Lenten season. We’ll study and discuss the book “Surprise the World” which challenges us to lead lives that cause the world to question how we love and serve so well.

Study groups begin February 26^th

Experience community and fellowship in a small group setting. Lent Fellowship Study groups meet weekly in host homes across Hastings leading up to Easter. Watch for sign-up sheets coming soon!

Take me to your leader

Ready to host a group this year? Great! Just click the button below.

Lead A Group

Lent Fellowship Study GroupsJohn Ward2020-01-30T18:03:10-06:00

5% donation

Cost: $4.90

Purchase at the Higher Grounds Cafe

Scrip Cards on SaleJohn Ward2019-10-04T19:44:49-05:00

Gallery

List

DVD ListJohn Ward2019-04-06T08:38:12-05:00

RasPi Schedule Monday

Monday’s Schedule:

7:00p | AA Meeting | Room 111

RasPi Schedule MondayJohn Ward2021-07-19T13:03:01-05:00

RasPi Schedule Tuesday

Tuesday’s Schedule:

9:30a | Intercessory Prayer | @ Home

7:00p | Church Council | Room 111

RasPi Schedule TuesdayJohn Ward2021-07-26T14:15:08-05:00

About John Ward

LISTEN UP CHALLENGE

IT STARTS WITH TALKING

REPORT BACK

SAMPLE SCRIPT/QUESTIONS

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Angels From The Realms of Glory

Angels We Have Heard On High

Away In A Manger

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Joy To The World

O Come All Ye Faithful

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

The First Noel

We Three Kings Of Orient Are

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

What Child Is This

Jingle Bells

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Silver Bells

Deck the Halls

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Silent Night

Currently in effect at REZ

Stay Calm

You can help prevent the spread of this virus

Finding Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control

Want to download a printable version of the GPS? Download this week’s guide or find archived guides with the relevant sermon in the Sermon Library.

COVID-19 Plan

Study groups begin February 26th

Take me to your leader

Scrip Cards: Final Sale!

$100

Cost: $98.00

$50

Cost: $49

$25

Cost: $24

$25

Cost: $24

$25

Cost: $24.50

$25

Cost: $24

$25

Cost: $24

$10

Cost: $9.70

$10

Cost: $9.50

$5

Cost: $4.90

Gallery

List

Gallery

List

Monday’s Schedule:

7:00p | AA Meeting | Room 111

Tuesday’s Schedule:

9:30a | Intercessory Prayer | @ Home

7:00p | Church Council | Room 111

Contact Us

Want to download a printable version of the GPS?
Download this week’s guide or find archived guides with the relevant sermon in the Sermon Library.

Study groups begin February 26^th