RezBlog

Am I Too Cynical for This

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:09:55 GMT

The first in a two-part series on finding healing in the Church in honor of our upcoming Healing Conference, this post by Al Cedeno chronicles his journey to from cynicism to healing here at Church of the Resurrection.

What You Can Learn About Leadership from a Classroom of 2 Year Olds

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:20:11 GMT

Lane Severson, a member of Resurrection since 2011, father of five, businessman, & regular blogger, served as the host of the RezKids 2-year-old room this past year. He originally wrote this post for Stosh Walsh’s Leadership for ...

Don't Forget Me: Why Compassion Ministries?

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:07:05 GMT

A few years ago I quit my job as a pastor and started working at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. One of the six adults under my care was a 40-something man named James, a zealously friendly guy who met everyone—and I mean everyone

Why They Marched- Pt 2

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:38:23 GMT

In this two-part series looking back on the 40th annual March for Life on January 25th, Church of the Resurrection’s Nancy Kreuzer, Mindy Popp and Fr Gregory Whitaker reflect on why they took part.

Why They Marched

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:26:24 GMT

In this two-part series looking back on the 40th annual March for Life on January 25th, Church of the Resurrection’s Nancy Kreuzer, Mindy Popp and Fr Gregory Whitaker reflect on why they took part.

Holy Week in Photos

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:24:35 GMT

Relive Holy Week and the moments where we walked with the Lord in Jerusalem through these photos from our Resurrection Photography Team.

A Holy Week Survival Guide

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:46:04 GMT

RezBlog editor, Eucharistic team leader, and veteran of 8 Holy Weeks at Resurrection, Meghan Robins takes a humorous, service-by-service look at how to plan ahead for Holy Week. A contract for a full-length book is pending.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Photo

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:27:36 GMT

For our first holiday season in our new building, we gathered together on Christmas Eve at 5pm for a Candlelight service. In a Sanctuary full with Resurrection family and many friends from the community, the service began in darkness as Pastor of Worship Steve Williamson chanted from the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus’ birth and the congregation responded by singing the phrase, “O come, o come Emmanuel.” Then Fr. Stewart announced the birth of Jesus, “Unto us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

Parish Letter from Fr Stewart

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:47:15 GMT

Wheaton Leader Article on our Grand Opening

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:09:49 GMT

WHEATON — After more than 20 years without a building of their own, members of Church of the Resurrection have a place to call home, and they’re ready to invite the rest of the Wheaton community to stop by for a visit.

Their home is a reclaimed plastics factory in Wheaton near Lincoln Marsh, but two years of planning and construction have transformed the factory into a house of worship.

Grand Opening

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:05:02 GMT

Church of the Resurrection hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Sunday, December 16th at their new home, a reclaimed plastics factory originally designed by Chicago Modernist architect David Haid. After two years of planning and construction, the church celebrated its Grand Opening weekend with tours of the newly finished building, a Christmas concert, and an intimate ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk.

Katherine Ruch's Consecration Poem

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:40:58 GMT

Coming to Our Resurrection: On the occasion of the consecration of Church of the Resurrection’s new building

Former Rector Fr. William Remembers Coming to Rez in 1987

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:06:42 GMT

When Anne and I started in leadership at Church of the Resurrection in 1987, we had previously been ministering with Hispanic congregations in the city of Chicago. Resurrection was our first position as priest and deacon with an English-speaking congregation. This suburban church had been experiencing hard times, and only about twenty or so souls regularly attended worship on Sunday mornings...

Advent @ Rez, 2012

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:45:08 GMT

A Letter from Fr. Stewart

Christ is Coming!

Advent marks the beginning of a new church calendar with the anticipation of the coming of Christ. It is an opportunity to prepare and consecrate ourselves to receive him in our church, our homes, and our lives.

Farewell to the Ministry Center

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:23:09 GMT

1825 College Avenue. In May 1997, it was simply an address. But Church of the Resurrection had signed a lease and moved in, choosing to call it home. At that time, clergy and staff coordinated pastoral care using a beeper. Father William Beasley sent memos on sheets of paper bearing the heading “Memo.” The subject line had no check box to indicate that it had been opened and read. Three years before the millennium, the church’s whole ministry functioned using two computers...

Receiving Communion Worthily

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:57:22 GMT

This Clergy Corner is a teaching from Fr. Stephen Gauthier on receiving communion worthily. You can find more of Fr. Stephen's teachings on the sermon page.

The Apostle Paul describes what it means to receive Holy Communion as follows:

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16).

Upper Midwest Unity Service

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:36:52 GMT

Over 150 people from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Chicagoland gathered to worship and pray for unity for the sake of mission and for a diocese that is part of a revival of Word and Sacrament in the midwest. Find out more about the Unity Process at www.midwestanglican.org.

What do the Midwest Anglican Unity events mean for us spiritually?

Wheaton Labor Day Parade Float

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:14:25 GMT

Church of the Resurrection had a float in the Wheaton Labor Day Parade this morning. The Rez Folk Band played some high energy renditions of "Peace Like a River," "I Saw the Light," and other folk-gospel favorites. It was a fun way to be a part of our Wheaton community and to let folks know that we are moving into downtown Wheaton later this year. Check out some photos below:

Youth Missions Trip Update

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:09:21 GMT

Hello friends and family, So far the mission trip has gone great...

Meet This Year's Interns!

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:46:51 GMT

This year Church of the Resurrection welcomes 11 new interns. Each of them wrote a short bio so that you can get to know them better.

Clergy Corner With Fr. Stewart

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:37:20 GMT

In this edition of the Clergy Corner, Fr. Stewart talks about his family vacation and summer sabbatical studies at Nashotah House Seminary.

June 27, 2012, Dear Beloved Resurrection Family: Greetings in the name of our Lord! I am writing to update you on my summer...

Confirmation: What Is It, Anyway?

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:05:01 GMT

As a liturgical church, Resurrection is serious about the sacraments. We get really excited about baptisms (just ask the ten babies that were baptized at Easter Vigil!), partaking in the Eucharist, and celebrating marriage. But what about a sacrament like Confirmation, which may not be as familiar to many of us? Rezblog co-editor Tiffany Brenneman interviewed Community Care Coordinator Val McIntyre about her experience being confirmed this April, and then got the inside scoop about confirmation from our very own liturgical expert, Fr Stephen Gauthier.

Battle Lines: Jesus Confronted

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:34:14 GMT

In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the Christ figure Aslan is described as unsafe but ultimately good. What does it mean that—like Aslan—Jesus is wild and fierce when faced with opposition?

Behind the Vigil Reading Song with Dan Fager

Wed, 30 May 2012 19:14:54 GMT

Dan Fager describes the passage that he sang at Easter Vigil—God’s Presence in a Renewed Israel—as an “espresso shot” of the hope that we have in Jesus, a way to tangibly bring into our imaginations the redemption of God’s people that will happen in the future.

Midwest Anglican Unity Event

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:13:42 GMT

In light of the Anglican Mission’s (AM) restructuring and the Anglican Church in North America’s (ACNA) movement toward a midwest diocese, the leadership of both the AM Midwest Network and the ACNA’s Wisconsin and Greenhouse Deaneries has called all interested parishes and parishioners to enter into a discernment process. As part of this process, each region is hosting a Unity Event in order to wait on the Lord and seek His heart for the Anglican work in the Upper Midwest.

2012 Holy Week Photos

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:20:37 GMT

Each year Holy Week is a profound time of communal and individual reflection and celebration. It is in the dying to ourselves and rising to new life in Christ that we experience in Holy Week that we learn to walk with the Lord throughout the rest of the year. As you continue to pray through you and your family and friends' experience with the Lord this Holy Week, may these images serve as stones of remembrance of what the Lord has done and is continuing to in his people at Church of the Resurrection.

An Insider’s Perspective on the Winter Youth Retreat

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:40:45 GMT

This past winter, Resurrection’s youth coordinator Brett Crull led the youth group on a fun-filled retreat. We asked Adam Hampton, one of our middle schoolers, to give us an insider’s perspective.

Lenten Discipline: A Generational Reflection

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:22:35 GMT

"Lenten Discipline: A Generational Reflection" is our Lenten series this year on the Rezblog. Each week, it will feature someone from a different generation as they reflect on how they engage the season of Lent.

Interview with Resurrection's Visual Arts Leader

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:07:27 GMT

In this interview, Laura Tabbut (leader of the Visual Arts ministry) talks about her experience making the banners used in Resurrection’s worship services. Interviewed by Kevin Emmert, Laura discusses the process for designing and making banners, offers her insights about how they contribute to Resurrection’s worship life, and provides details about the banners we have been seeing throughout Lent.

Meet the Children’s Ministry Team

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:15:47 GMT

In a recent letter, Fr Stewart and Deacon Karen emphasized how important our children are at Church of the Resurrection. Our new Children’s Ministry Team reflects that commitment in their dedication to serving Resurrection’s youth on Sunday mornings and beyond. This video is a chance for you to get to know Brett, Amy and Sarah as they interview one another.

Lenten Discipline: A Generational Reflection from Mary Campbell

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:46:49 GMT

“Lenten Discipline: A Generational Reflection” is our Lenten series this year on the Rezblog. Each week, it will feature someone from a different generation as they reflect on how they engage the season of Lent.

Lenten Discipline: A Generational Reflection from Madeleine Ruch

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:47:00 GMT

Clergy Corner February

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:08:41 GMT

“Clergy Corner” is a blog series featuring our beloved priests and deacons. It will focus on a different person each month and be full of tidbits of information you simply do not want to miss. This month's clergy member is Deacon Gregory Whitaker.

Ash Wednesday Ekphrasis: An Encouter of Word and Art

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:56:19 GMT

Ekphrasis, the Greek word meaning “to proclaim or call an inanimate object by name,” is traditionally a verbal or visual description of another work of art. At heart, it seeks to allow one medium of art to encounter another, and to allow one artist to step into the world of a fellow creator. This Ash Wednesday, three Resurrection artists offer the ekphrastic results of their time spent with van Gogh’s “Pietà.” This poem, reflection, and painting are meant to lead you into a time of reflective worship as we enter into the season of Lent.

There is One Body

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:20:25 GMT

Our Worship Pastor, Steve Williamson, has written this worship song around this vision for unity. It is a setting of Ephesians 4:4-6. Check out the video and lyrics below. You can also download it to take it with you throughout the week.

An Artist's Journal

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:40:02 GMT

In the spring of 2011, a group of talented artists at Church of the Resurrection came together to create a forty foot high banner of Christ for our Easter Vigil celebration. The result of their collaboration is a modern-day icon called "The Resurrected Christ." This is the powerful story of the making of that banner.

Clergy Corner

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:24:27 GMT

"Clergy Corner” is a new blog series featuring our beloved priests and deacons. It will focus on a different person each month and be full of tidbits of information you simply do not want to miss. This month we are talking with Father Kevin Middlesworth.

God's Work Through Resurrection's First Healing Conference

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:04:14 GMT

This past fall, Church of the Resurrection hosted our first ever Healing Conference. Over the course of three days, the theme “Hope for Wholeness” was played out through a dynamic combination of preaching, teaching, worship, and healing. Each session began and ended with worship, and many were followed by a powerful ministry time of healing prayer. The weekend acted as a culmination of Resurrection’s commitment to healing ministries, and by the closing communion service it was clear that many at the conference had encountered God.

Youth Group Featured in AMiA Newsletter

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:18:52 GMT

Our youth group was featured in the AMiA Newsletter "Currents" last month for their "Work It" nights serving the Least.

On a Sunday night when they could have been doing homework, Christmas shopping or watching TV, a group of high school students at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois, gathered to make a difference in the lives of those often forgotten—hospice patients. Students used markers and colored pencils to design simple greeting cards that would deliver Christ’s love to patients lacking crucial support and companionship.

“Many hospice patients are lonely and have no family connections,” says Deacon and Hospice Chaplain the Rev. Philip Kenyon...

Christmas Village: Real "Live" Missionaries

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:05:13 GMT

The Sunday before Christmas, Father Stewart announced from the pulpit that we had real live missionaries at Christmas Village. He said it like they were exotic animals. (Incidentally, there were also exotic animals at Christmas Village.)

Choristers and Girls' Choir Lead in Worship at the Christmas Pageant

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:21:14 GMT

On December 18, Resurrection held a Christmas Pageant as part of our annual Christmas Festival. Janna Williamson, director of our Choristers and Girls' Choir, reflects on our children's role in leading worship by making beautiful music.

Children's Ministry Nativity Art

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:06:49 GMT

Each year during Advent, our children spend time in Children’s Ministry creating beautiful drawings of the nativity story. This year, Julia's art was chosen to be on the cover of the Christmas Eve Family Service bulletin. Julia is 9 years old.

Resurrection Goes to Prison

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:39:48 GMT

Last week 10 people from Church of the Resurrection followed the gospel call to “remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison” (Hebrews 13:3). We entered Lincoln Correctional Facility to share the light of Christ and the love of the church to 150 incarcerated women. Since most of us had never been in a prison, we were apprehensive about what—and whom—we might encounter there. Would they listen to our message? Would they join us in worship? Would they accept this Christmas gift we were offering? Would they, so hardened by life’s disappointments, care at all?

Pastoral Answers to Your Questions on Giving

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:57:15 GMT

3 great questions I’ve gotten about giving to REACH

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had great conversations with many Resurrection people who wanted to talk about giving and how God is leading them. They asked good and hard questions, ones that led to deeper thinking and wrestling and conversation. Here are the three questions I’ve been asked most:

Meet Our Sister Churches

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:43:05 GMT

Folks newer to Resurrection may not realize that we are not alone; we have “sister churches” throughout Chicagoland, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. We love our family and want to introduce them to you.

For Children Only: Matthew 18:1-4

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:36:52 GMT

Throughout the gospels, Jesus often mingled with we might call “little people”—social misfits like lepers, the chronically ill, religious outsiders, tax-collectors and prostitutes, and especially children. Our world is also filled with “little people”: angry adolescents, “unwanted” babies, “old folks” crammed into nursing homes, the mentally ill (and those who love them), moral “failures,” immigrants, and the nearly invisible substrata known as the poor, or what one author calls “the bottom billion.

"I’m ‘Spiritual’ but Not ‘Religious’”—Part 2

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:29:34 GMT

Right on the heels of Peter’s amazing spiritual insight about Jesus (“You are the Christ”), Matthew shares another story about Peter’s botched attempt to follow Jesus. Apparently Peter got fed up with all this talk about a suffering Christ, so Peter performed an intervention on Jesus. He basically tells Jesus, “Get a grip and stop this incessant and negative self-talk. You’re the Messiah; now act like one!

Meet Your New Staff Members

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:35:07 GMT

We are in an exciting season at Church of the Resurrection. Though we are sad to say goodbye to some great staff members who are transitioning to other things, it's our joy to welcome some wonderful new staff members. Please greet them when you see them on Sunday or stop by the office. They'd love to connect with you.

Karen Miller
Executive Pastor

"I’m 'Spiritual' but Not 'Religious'" - Part 1: Matthew 16:13-28

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:24:00 GMT

I meet many people who say they like Jesus but then they’re quick to add, “I guess I’m spiritual but not religious.” Before the 20th century we used the words “spiritual” and “religious” almost interchangeably, but now many people prefer the “spiritual but not religious” (or SNR) label.

Unfortunately, this SNR trend often implies that the church is optional to one’s spiritual journey. But according to Jesus, this SNR penchant for “church-free” or “church-lite” discipleship isn’t just an innocent difference of opinion; it’s a colossal rejection of Jesus’ plan for the world. Jesus restores the world through a new community, a specific, concrete group of real human beings who live with him.

A Letter to Mary

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:42:03 GMT

Dearest Mary, handmaid of the Lord, may we continue to learn from your example what it looks like to obey in love. (“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your will”)

Holy Mary, mother of God, we are grateful that, aided by grace, you not only rejoiced in what the Father would do through you, but that you fully accepted your role—your place—not only in history, but in all eternity—as one glorious piece of the great puzzle—the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.

Food Matters

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:23:54 GMT

I used to love Hot Pockets. O, the tasty, juicy, greasy goodness stuffed into that magical baking sleeve! But ever since I read Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food I haven’t been able to wolf down a single Hot Pocket. According to Pollan, a Hot Pocket isn’t “real food” (just grab your magnifying glass and chemistry textbook and read the ingredients).

Getting in the House: Matthew 15:21-28

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:55:40 GMT

Throughout Matthew’s very Jewish Gospel we’ve seen hints (see Mt 1:2-17; 2:1-12; 8:5-13; 15:1-20) that Jesus’ kingdom will reflect his multiethnic creation. But this story doesn’t seem like a good place for Jesus to launch his multi-ethnic ministry. A woman with a need, raw and vulnerable, approaches Jesus and starts screaming for help, and Jesus seems to give her a cold shoulder. Why doesn’t Jesus seem to act like the Jesus we know and love?

Beautiful Flops: Matthew 14:22-33

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:11:03 GMT

R.O. Blechman is often hailed as the most famous illustrator in the world. But for every successful work, Blechman claims that most people would be shocked by his string of failures. In a series of letters to a young protégé, Blechman shares his ongoing struggle with artistic flops:

Welcome to the Little Way: An Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:23:46 GMT

We are entering a sermon series called "The Meaning Behind the Miracles" that focuses on readings from the Gospel of Matthew chapters 14-16. For the next five weeks, Resurrection's own Matt Woodley will be sharing reflections on these passages taken from his upcoming commentary on the Gospel of Matthew published with Intervarsity Press. You can also find these reflections in a booklet form here.

Letters from Jos

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:51:56 GMT

This year, Church of the Resurrection raised an all-time-record amount for our Good Friday Gift—over $71,000. The gift was given to the Archdiocese of Jos, Nigeria, led by Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi. Fr. Stewart met Archbishop Ben 11 years ago, while both were studying at Trinity School for Ministry. Since then, Archbishop Ben has visited Resurrection once, and we have sent teams to Jos twice—most recently this spring, when Deacon Keith and I visited.

Then last week we got a letter from Deaconess Susan, which included the following excerpts:

An Interview with Our New Priest

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:24:12 GMT

On May 8th, Stephen Gauthier was ordained to the priesthood after many years of ministry at Resurrection. Join us as we learn what the process of ordination was like for him.
Kamiah Walker: What was the process like to become a priest? How was it different from the process to become a deacon?

New Aspirants Announced with Clergy Letter on Holy Orders

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:44:26 GMT

On Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Stewart announced a new letter on Holy Orders written by the clergy team that explains what it means to be ordained as clergy. The letter also explains the process for seeking ordination at Resurrection, which involves three stages: aspirancy, which is a discernment phase, postulancy, and finally ordination. The clergy at Resurrection are committed to early leadership and later ordination.

Fr. Stewart also announced three new aspirants at Resurrection, Brett Crull, Justin Long, and Trevor McMaken.

Sanctity of Life Testimony

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:12:02 GMT

Testimony from Mindy Popp
Resurrection's Sanctity of Life ministry recently participated in a county-wide initiative called "40 Days of Life." Mindy Popp and others from Resurrection took turns praying outside of a family planning clinic for 40 days. Mindy shared this story with the church on Easter Sunday as a testimony to God's faithfulness to all of his people, including his children who are still in their mother's wombs.

Meet the New Deacon

Wed, 25 May 2011 18:38:28 GMT
On May 8, Gregory Whitaker was ordained as a deacon at Resurrection. Following the service, I sat down with him to discuss the process of becoming a deacon and what the service was like for him.

Easter Sunday 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:25:39 GMT

As our church reached the Holy Week destination of Easter morning, I found my mind teeming with details. I hoped I could keep straight, my body stressed, my spirit unsure. I didn't feel tremendously Easter-ish.

Easter Vigil 2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 18:14:26 GMT

"This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land.

This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life.

This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.

Good Friday 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 13:46:34 GMT

As a member of the music team at Church of the Resurrection, I am very aware of the fact that the perspective of a musician is different from that of a congregant. When I am worshiping from the stage, I experience a closeness to the altar, the cross, and the congregation. In particular, I feel the energy of the sanctuary around me in the faces of those in front of me.

Maundy Thursday 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:46:53 GMT

As we walk through Christ's last week together each year, we are drawn in to the story of his suffering and sacrifice. There is so much to take in during that week as we worship together.

A few years ago I wrote "Passion Song" which recalls several of the major events during Holy Week. I was inspired to write it while reflecting on Jesus' earthly relationships.

Tenebrae 2011

Mon, 02 May 2011 13:47:20 GMT

This is the third year that we have offered a Wednesday evening service during Holy Week. Tenebrae is an ancient, contemplative service where light is gradually reduced as a candle is extinguished after each Scripture reading and musical response. It was a beautiful opportunity to experience an overview of the story of Holy Week before we plunge into the narrative in detail in the triduum (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).

Palm Sunday 2011

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:54:43 GMT

Holy Week at Resurrection is like a roller coaster. Having waited for what seems like forever in the long and reflective line of Lent, Palm Sunday is like taking your seat and pulling the bar down over your head, then being pulled up steadily and deliberately up the first big hill in uncertain expectation of all that's coming over that first hump...

Anticipating Holy Week

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:44:15 GMT
As we begin Holy Week and anticipate honoring Christ’s death and celebrating Christ’s resurrection through our service–some of our leaders reflect on their favorite moments throughout the years.

Creative Conversations with Jesus: Turning Mourning into New Life

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:53:39 GMT

At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus says to Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" Martha believes, but does not expect to see the glory of God in action... By Margie Fawcett

Former Resurrection Member Visits after Planting Church

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:05:26 GMT

This Sunday, a former Resurrection member, Fr. Ben Rey and his wife Monica, will be joining us for our Palm Sunday services. After graduating from Wheaton College, Ben moved to Boston where he began an evening prayer group that grew into a new Anglican church plant, Church of the Cross. In this video, Ben shares about the impact Church of the Resurrection has had on that church and what the church looks like now...two years later.

Creative Conversations with Jesus: The Artists Group and the Man Born Blind

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:39:47 GMT
This Lent, we asked some of our Resurrection artists and writers to engage with the Bible passages that are the focus of our Lenten sermon series, “Conversations with Jesus.” Today’s pieces are the result of reflections by Resurrection artists on John 9:1-38.

Creative Conversations with Jesus: Children's Art

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:30:16 GMT

This Lent, we asked some of our Resurrection artists and writers to engage with the Bible passages that are the focus of our Lenten sermon series, “Conversations with Jesus.” Today’s piece is a collection of art drawn by our children. It represents scenes from the woman at the well as well as other Bible stories.

Creative Conversations with Jesus: Grateful Musings of a Recovered Addict

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:35:07 GMT
This Lent, we asked some of our Resurrection artists and writers to engage with the Bible passages that are the focus of our Lenten sermon series, “Conversations with Jesus.” Today’s piece on John 3:1-17 is a personal reflection from a Resurrection staff member whose life is a vivid example of being born again.

Creative Conversations with Jesus: Written and Cello Reflections

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:51:27 GMT

This Lent, we asked some of our Resurrection artists and writers to engage with the Bible passages that are the focus of our Lenten sermon series, “Conversations with Jesus.” Today’s reflections include a creative writing encounter with silence and an original cello “translation” of Jesus’ conversation with Satan in Matthew 4:1-11.

"Lenten Song: All Flesh is Like the Grass"

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:48:44 GMT

For Lent this year, we'll be singing this song, "All Flesh is Like the Grass" by Fernando Ortega. Watch this video and download the mp3 so this song can travel with us through Lent.

Ash Wednesday- A Gathering of Notorious Sinners

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:36:26 GMT

“[Lent] was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church.”-BCP

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think of myself as a “notorious” sinner. If anything, I pride myself on keeping my sins cloaked in a discreet cloud of humility, penetrable only by those close enough to me that they see through my politeness. Yet every year I look forward to Ash Wednesday, the day that I can literally wear the awareness of my sinfulness on my forehead.

My Questions about Life

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:19:40 GMT

When I came to Church of the Resurrection 6 years ago, I asked myself, “Where are Christians on sanctity-of-life issues?” There seemed to be a great silence. So many vital and needed ministries were at work in the church-- I saw God working in so many ways -in and through people. But eventually I became aware that Christians were often confused, even divided, over the issues surrounding abortion. Some were worn out with it all and frustrated—understandably so. What could they do—how could they make a difference in something so huge and seemingly beyond their control?

Hand & Cloth: Resurrection’s Sanctuary of Transformation in India and Bangladesh

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:07:39 GMT

In the slums of India and Bangladesh, many women find themselves driven to a life of prostitution. Nipu is one of these women. Sold to a brothel when she was 10, she was later sent back to her family when one man there thought she was too young. She was now considered “damaged goods” though, looked down upon by villagers. Her family sent her back to the brothel.

The Ruch's Blizzard Baby

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:52:00 GMT

...at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Stewart and Katherine Ruch thought they had made all the necessary arrangements for a blizzard delivery. Katherine, who was eight days overdue, was scheduled to induce labor early Tuesday...

Evangelism for Everyone

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:17:47 GMT

Recently, Lon Allison, director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, stopped by to talk with the Resurrection staff about how we are doing with evangelism. He listened as Deacon Keith outlined the bringing part of our mission. Keith described our Fall, Christmas and Easter festivals, our increase in the number of people who have been baptized, and how we've gone from a hardly-evangelistic church to a hopefully-evangelistic church. His response?

You're Glorious: The Iseman's Story

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:15:34 GMT

Nate and Jeannie Iseman have been at Resurrection for several years, and have experienced the Sanctuary of Transformation firsthand. Listen to Nate share about that ongoing process and then hear Jeannie sing a beautiful song of worship in response.

Wait in Hope

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:06:16 GMT

Merry Chri… I mean, Blessed Advent! Despite the fact that I have been attending Church of the Resurrection for almost eight years, it was not until this Advent that I noticed that Anglican banter that surrounds Christmas. First it was “Happy New Year!” on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by an only half-joking insistence on replacing the deeply engrained “Merry Christmas” with a more proper focus on Advent. After the initial novelty of saying “Happy New Year” to my non-liturgical friends wore off, it occurred to me that it is rather remarkable that the church centers its calendar on Advent. The church fathers didn’t even wait until Christmas day to start things afresh, but considered the whole season of Advent significant enough to begin their New Year on its first Sunday. Interesting.

Hope When You're Scared

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:37:49 GMT

When I saw the little notice on Facebook that Kevin Miller had a sermon called "Hope When You're Scared," I knew I was going to listen to it immediately. I've known Kevin for a few years, and have benefited so much from his wisdom both as a friend, as a boss, and, on some occasions, as a priest. He's someone I greatly admire because anytime he says something or gives advice, because you always know it's earned; he's not just glibly regurgitating something he's heard elsewhere or saying something he wouldn't live out.

An Inside Look at the Lessons and Carols Children's Choir

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:38:44 GMT

Last year was the first annual Lessons and Carols service at Church of the Resurrection, and even though I was in the choir, I think that one of my favorite moments was at the dress rehearsal a few days prior to the event, when the children's choir joined us for the first time. After months of preparation, we in the "big choir" got to hear for the first time the voices of the children of the church as they partnered with us to prepare some of the traditional carols and anthems we would be singing in the service. Their presence brought a sense of vitality and energy to the music that can only be present when children are.

Hope In Advent

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:15:02 GMT

This week we entered into the season of Advent: a perfect time to reflect on the past year, and prayerfully consider the year ahead. During Advent, I often find myself thinking about all the hopes I have for the year to come, maybe things I didn’t get to do this year, or things I’m missing spiritually. I would say these are good hopes, but I was reminded this week by Deacon Stephen’s message that I should place my greatest hope and trust in the Lord, no matter what’s in store for my life.

Why We Celebrate All Saint’s Day

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:22:17 GMT

I grew up in France, where All Saint’s day (“Toussaint”) is a national holiday celebrated mainly by a two-week vacation for schoolchildren. At the time I did not bother to wonder what the weeks of freedom commemorated, and it was only recently that I stopped to think about those early holidays in conjunction with the Church celebration I have come to love.

Blessing for Jonathan's Church Plant

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:49:08 GMT

On Sunday, October 24, Fr. Stewart led Resurrection in a blessing of Jonathan Kindberg as he transitions out of leadership at Resurrection-Parkside and plants a new Hispanic church. We caught up with Jonathan and asked him to update us on where God's leading him in this next season of his ministry.

This Fall in Chicago marks the longest I have ever lived in one place: 6 years! My life has been one consistent sojourn: I was born in Peru, and then in quick succession moved to Kentucky, Chile, Kentucky, Panama and Chicago, in that order. You can see that I've done "transition" before.

Choosing Celibacy

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:27:44 GMT

On an ordinary Tuesday last spring, the Dean of Student Life at an evangelical Christian college in the Midwest said to me, her graduate assistant, "Marcy, the evangelical culture of our campus does a lot to prepare its students for the inevitability of marriage, but we do little to set them up for singleness. We need to do better. You should be the one to speak with them," she decided, "and the title of your talk should be, 'Single by Choice.'"

Creating Artwork for the Marriage Sermon Series

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:57:08 GMT

Part of imitating Christ is acknowledging the fact that God created us as creative beings. When God created Adam and Eve, He gifted them with imagination and an appreciation for beauty. At Church of the Resurrection we seek to use our artistic and creative gifts to help lead others into the presence and worship of our God. In the middle of September, the worship arts team gathered a group of artists to begin creating art on the theme of imitating God and becoming like Jesus in marriage and celibacy.

I do... But Just Not Anymore

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:27:18 GMT

It is surprisingly radical amongst evangelical Christians to believe in marriage as a sacrament, but in a world where the process of divorce is almost as common as the institution it denies, such a view can be our saving grace. Marriage cannot merely be a legal binding of two entities. It is not a secular celebration of love and expensive parties in which you get to show off your good taste. Marriage is no mere human union, but a sacrament that God uses for the sanctification and multiplication of his people.

Why Married People Need Single Friends

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:16:07 GMT

Can married and single people be friends? It seems simple enough in theory. But as many of us know from practice, these kinds of friendships can carry a lot of emotional baggage and jealousy—and not just about sex. How can we understand one another when our domestic lives look so different?

Chicago Harvest Review

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:27:29 GMT

Two weeks ago, 4,758 people made a decision for Christ at the Greg Laurie: Chicago Harvest crusade. Our very own Rev. Keith Hartsell then connected each and every one of those individuals to a local church so that they were contacted within days after their decision. We caught up with Keith to learn more about this crusade and Resurrection’s involvement in its planning.

Thirst 1-1-1

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:39:40 GMT

I am so grateful for the way the people of Resurrection responded to our Thirst 1-1-1 campaign. Our goal was that every attender of Resurrection would donate $1, and with an average attendance right now around 840 people each Sunday, I hoped we could raise about $1,000. Instead, we raised...

Church of the Resurrection Featured in AMiA's Wave Magazine

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:36:26 GMT
This excerpt is taken from the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) Fall 2010 issue of its quarterly magazine, Wave. Sunday Morning sanctuary A sacred or holy place…a space where God dwells. The concept of ...

From the Rector

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:28:11 GMT

I wanted to take this chance to update you all on the remarkable time in the Lord we had at our fall RezFast on September 8. RezFast is one of the ways we build a culture of prayer and fasting and concretize our need for Jesus in everything we do. As part of the service, I shared some thoughts on what the Lord is calling us to pray and fast for this coming year in the ministry life of Resurrection.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 10

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:43:01 GMT

Is there someone you’d like to talk with about happiness or the good life? Pass on the happiness: Is there someone you could serve or encourage this week?

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 9

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:58:50 GMT

The ninth beatitude proves to us that Jesus wants us out in the world bearing his name. The beatitudes are not a code of personal development or piety; rather, the beatitudes give us a framework by which to engage the world.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 8

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:08:29 GMT

There is a Kingdom of Heaven and we are invited to become a citizen of that Kingdom. While we may suffer during this lifetime as we live according to our new Kingdom’s values, we have a King who has conquered death and evil. One day, He will take away all sadness and pain.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 7

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:06:19 GMT

In acting as peacemakers, we imitate the Son of God, who is himself our peace and whose mission it was to unite all things in himself (Ephesians 2:14 and 1:10). Christ has reconciled us to God, so that even now in this world we can rest in his effective sacrifice on the cross.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 6

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:22:05 GMT

“…for they will see God” is one of the most hopeful verses in Scripture. We live in a world that believes that it is impossible to see God or to even know Him in any reliable way. Yet, the truth is just the opposite! We can see God. Christians know that God has made a way for us to get to know who He is.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 5

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:01:13 GMT

The blessedness of the fifth beatitude is not simply the fact that we will receive mercy if we show it, though that is blessing, indeed; rather, the abundance of this promise is in the utter imbalance of it. We show mercy—we pour our cup of self out for someone else in whatever way we might know how—and in that tiny space left from our self-offering, God’s mercy flows to us, filling and spilling over our meagerness and need.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 4

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:36 GMT

One thing that I have been aware of my whole life is that I have a deep desire, or hunger, for something I do not currently possess. It hits me as an intense longing or deep dissatisfaction with my current situation—most often in lonely places, late at night when I cannot sleep or after returning to mundane life after a mountaintop experience. The experience doesn’t feel like a blessing, but it actually is.

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 3

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:33:21 GMT

When I’m honest, “meek” is not a word that I get excited about. In my mind it brings up ideas of weakness, but Chromatius reminds us that some of the toughest men in Scripture have been called meek. My connotation of meek is usually “weak” but the truth is that we worship a meek God so it cannot mean “weak.”

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 2

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:43:03 GMT

For the next 10 weekdays, we'll be studying Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 on what it means to be blessed. Follow along here on the blog, download the whole booklet here, or pick up a copy on Sunday. As part of our Festival, we'll be talking about "The Pursuit of Happiness" at church for the next three Sundays as well.

"Blessed are Those Who Mourn"

The Pursuit of Happiness: Day 1

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:54:32 GMT

For the next 10 weekdays, we'll be studying Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 on what it means to be blessed. Follow along here on the blog, download the whole booklet here, or pick up a copy on Sunday. As part of our Festival, we'll be talking about "The Pursuit of Happiness" at church for the next three Sundays as well.

"Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"

The Pursuit of Happiness: Introduction

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:53:44 GMT

What does it take to really be happy?

In her book The Illumined Heart, writer Frederica Mathewes-Green says that the central question of life is “why none of us feels really at home in this world.” ;
What do we do with that?

The Family Behind Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:19:48 GMT

If you’ve been reviewing all the fun activities for our fall parish mission in September, you may have noticed Kernel Dan will be there making his kettle corn on site! Who is this Kernel Dan, you ask? Would you believe you may have sat next to him at church? One of Resurrection’s very own-Dan Imbody, started the kettle corn business along with his brother, Dave.

I had an opportunity to learn more about the brother’s business, how they got started, and where I can purchase my next bag of sweet kernels during a Q&A session with Dan.

Rez Softball Recap, with team captain Johnmark Smith

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:02:40 GMT

We were thrilled to have over 40 people sign up for the softball team this summer. Some were able to make it to every game while others only came to one or two. This year was particularly fun for me because we had more new people on the team than veterans which meant that I got to meet lots of new people who quickly became some of my favorite at the church.

Fresh Veggies, Fresh Creation: A Garden Co-op Story

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:21:37 GMT
One of my favorite parts about summer has always been fresh veggies. Even as a kid I loved to eat the beans and peas fresh, often just standing in the garden and shelling the peas where I stood. Which is why I was delighted to interview Adam Beyer about the two co-op gardens that he, Jeannie and Nate Iseman, and several others from Church of the Resurrection have started.

Photos from VBS

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:58:55 GMT

Thanks to Bethany Gates and Johnmark Smith for these photos. More coming soon! If you have any photos, please send them to me or post them on Facebook and I'll post them here.

Journey with Joseph to Egypt This Week!

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:46:19 GMT

An unlikely leader rises to power from humble beginnings to help rule a nation with wisdom. No, I’m not talking about Obama, but this year’s Vacation Bible School!

Trinity Sunday: The Promise of Divine Life

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:39:06 GMT

So, we’ve been marking time by acknowledging the redeeming birth, life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ our Savior, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who, living in the believer, continues the work of Christ across space and time on down through the generations. What do we do now?

Sometimes when I get to this point of the church year calendar, I feel a little let down. All the fuss has cooled a bit, and now we have months and months of ‘ordinary time.’ Yawn. Right? So wrong!

Resurrection-Parkside’s First Communion Service

Wed, 26 May 2010 18:02:32 GMT
“Todos los que tengan sed, vengan a beber agua; los que no tengan dinero, vengan!” “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink!”

These words read from Isaiah 55 reverberated throughout the service. Jesus’ invitation to come and feast with him: Come, Vengan, Come.
These words read from Isaiah 55 reverberated throughout the service. Jesus’ invitation to come and feast with him: Come, Vengan, Come.

Pentecost: Happy Birthday Church!

Thu, 20 May 2010 21:26:33 GMT
Every family has its own birthday traditions. In my husband’s family, you were allowed to eat sugary cereal and stay in your pajamas and play video games all day. In mine, we picked our favorite meal and cake and helped my mom cook them. Interestingly enough, the Church has her own birthday tradition. In it, her people wear red and eat bread and drink wine and celebrate baptisms. This tradition is called Pentecost, and it is our spiritual birthday.

A Fond Farewell: Church of the Ascension Blessed as New Plant

Mon, 17 May 2010 18:08:40 GMT

We’ve been meeting together as the Ascension team for several weeks now, thinking, talking, and praying about Church of the Ascension. We are companions at the beginning of a journey, growing as friends and as people. Already we have enjoyed so much about one another; discovering our love of food and drink, sports and games, music and laughter. We’ve also been caring for each other, as we’ve grieved the loss of a dear friend so young, listened and prayed for deep concerns, reached out to connect and to love. At the center of what we’re about is Jesus – hearing his voice, making him plain, following him in this new adventure.

Fr. Kevin Miller Joins the Staff

Sun, 09 May 2010 18:28:29 GMT

Kevin, welcome to the staff as our new Associate Rector (officially starting Aug 1)! You’ve been a part of Church of the Resurrection for a while and we get to see you celebrating and preaching regularly on Sunday mornings, but we want to get to know you a little better. So, before we get into some longer questions, how about we start off with a little lightning round?

In God's Kitchen: Easter Sunday

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:28:01 GMT
I have a new-found obsession with egg whites. I set about making these insanely yummy chocolate soufflé muffin cupcake things for Easter brunch, headed for my kitchen, and met my match. I had never separated eggs before, and the chocolatey awesomeness called for egg whites, separated out, and whipped up. There the whites sat, runny and pale and kinda gross, in the bottom of my mixing bowl. Not sure what would happen, I turned on my mixer and waded in.

Tell the Story: Reflections on the Vigil readings

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:27:34 GMT
Something powerful happens when a church community simply reads the Bible together. This probably sounds boring to a lot of people. No gimmicks. No outlandish sets. No fog machines. Just the true stories of some pretty stubborn people and their fiercely faithful God. But during this year’s Easter Vigil I was struck by the inevitable wonder of these stories and how they teach us the meaning of God’s faithfulness to his people, the Israelites and his church.

Resting on the Cross – Good Friday

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:43:20 GMT
This was only my second Good Friday at Resurrection, so I can honestly say: I always approach the praying-at-the-cross time with a lot of anticipation—and a lot more trepidation. I get worried about the logistics. What if I can’t find an open spot to pray? I get concerned about the public side of it. Couldn’t I just stay in my seat and envision bringing my burdens to the cross?

Maundy Thursday

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:28:25 GMT
As Christians, we believe living in the community of the local church is really important. This is where we see God’s presence are transformed into Christ’s image. But living in the beautiful reality of the fellowship of the church community is not an easy thing. On Maundy Thursday we are not confronted with the idyllic Normal Rockwell painting of a blissful, smiling family around a dinner table. No. Instead, we see feet.

Palm Sunday

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:11:04 GMT
This Palm Sunday was my first time participating in the outdoor processional as a musician. I walked up the hill singing and playing my guitar, walked onto stage and worshipped with a room full of excitement and praise. A forest of palms were waving, children were dancing, banners were flying, and all of our voices were singing Hosanna to our King! The last song finished and I walked to the back. While I was still catching my breath from the last 20 minutes of joy, Ty had already begun to tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Return to the Father’s House—Coming Home

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:54:35 GMT
On our Lenten journey this year, we’ve explored in various ways what it looks like for the follower of God to come home to him. And now near the end of Lent, readying us for Holy Week, we learn what it looks like to live in that house—rejoicing in our position as adopted children of God, never the owners of his house.

Drastic Measures for Easter Vigil Secrets!

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:57:04 GMT

Liz goes to great lengths to uncover the hidden truth about Easter Vigil!

Return to the Father’s House – As you are.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:02:15 GMT
Deacon Stephen’s sermon this past Sunday reminded me of a fact I try to suppress: I have been jealous of the Prodigal Son my whole life.

Uncovering the Truth about Easter Vigil

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:03:55 GMT
Steve Slagg keeps watch while Liz Thompson listens in on important Easter Vigil planning.

Return to the Father’s House – Repent & Be Renewed

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:08:25 GMT
Last week we learned that we need to be deconstructed to enter through the narrow door. In this week’s message, “The Key,” Fr. Stewart examined Luke 13:1-9 and the themes of sin and repentance. After deconstruction comes repair.

Chris Easley & The Little Book of YES!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:11:02 GMT
As you may have noticed at church yesterday, Chris Easley, one of the teenagers at Church of the Resurrection, has written a book, and he did a signing during RezCafe. If you didn’t know he wrote a book, let alone had a book signing complete with snacks—that’s all right—Chris is about to tell you all about it. You can also see some pictures if you scroll down, and then you can pretend you were there (minus the snacks).

Important Facts About Easter Vigil

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:22:05 GMT

Liz shares her knowledge of Easter Vigil details with Steve.

Return to the Father’s House – Through the Narrow Door

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:24:36 GMT
In his sermon on Luke 13:22-25, Father Stewart began with a story about the old boiler in his basement that, at long last, kicked the proverbial bucket. The servicemen tried to fit it through the door at the top of the stairs but, try as they might, the sucker wouldn’t fit. So, after much struggle, they eventually had to take the thing apart to get it through.

Return the the Father’s House – Resist Temptation

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:27:38 GMT
On Sunday, Father Stewart preached on the temptation of Jesus at the end of his 40-day fast in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13). He gave this message in the context of our Lenten theme: Returning to the Father’s House. By studying Jesus’ temptation, Stewart found and plucked into sight the promises of a present and caring Father God brightly illumined against the almost mundane temptations of the Devil.

The Great Lent

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:31:02 GMT

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

How to Fast Video

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:33:19 GMT

This video comes to us courtesy of Resurrection’s very own Liz Thompson, creator of a new series of web videos called “How to Liz” where she learns 52 things in 52 weeks with the help of her friends. She posts a new installment every Sunday on her YouTube page, but this week, RezBlog gets to see it first! Thanks Liz!

The Past and Present of Ash Wednesday

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:36:39 GMT

I arrived at Church of the Resurrection unfamiliar with liturgical practice and the church calendar. One of my first interactions with the Resurrection community occurred on Ash Wednesday in 2008, at the evening service. I was ushered into my Lenten journey that year by a time of special repentance, even without any foreknowledge of the purpose of Ash Wednesday, and my spirit was quickened tremendously in preparation for Easter. I hope what follows is helpful as a reminder to those of you who are already familiar with Ash Wednesday, and helpful as new information for those of you who aren’t!

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:40:24 GMT
The first annual Festival of Lessons and Carols was a wonderful evening of worship and invitation. Over 650 people attended and walked through the readings and music that journeyed from Genesis towards the birth of Jesus. One of the high-points of the service came as we sang the last verse of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Drinking from the Social Justice Fire Hose

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:44:08 GMT
If you’re like me, you sometimes find the sheer number of tasks you must accomplish and responsibilities you dare not ignore overwhelming. Between work, friends, family, hobbies, grocery shopping, and budgeting, there seems to be little time (or energy) left to worry about things like global hunger, evil, modern-day slavery, justice. These are big concepts, big issues. How do people find the time, with all this other stuff in their lives, to worry about “causes” when our lives are already so full?

The Two Sisters of Worship and Mission

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:47:35 GMT
For a couple weeks we’ve been thinking about the vision for 2010 of “Building an Sanctuary of Transformation by Worship and Mission.” This past Sunday Stewart preached on this calling to worship and mission using a painting of The Two Sisters that was sitting in front of the altar and that was on a prayer card.

Unto Us a (Church) is Born

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:52:04 GMT
Merry Christmas Friends! This year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus, we also rejoice in the birth of a new church. For those of you who did not hear Fr. Stewart’s announcement this past Sunday, our very own Deacon Matthew will be planting a new daughter and sister church in neighboring Elmhurst. While it will be sad to see our beloved Matthew and Kris transition from their pastoral leadership at Resurrection to this new church in the next six months, it is an absolute joy to see them follow God’s call on their lives!

Advent Reflections – Mary’s Story

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:55:00 GMT
As we prepare to walk down this final road leading to the manger, this last week of Advent no doubt looks different for each of us: some of us have runny noses to wipe and brains to wrack for dinner ideas; others have recalcitrant spreadsheets to wrestle into submission before shutting down the computer for a few days off. Some of us have heavy packs of sorrows and challenges that we have carried into the season while others have hearts full of laughter and lightness.

Advent Reflections – Repent and Rejoice

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:58:02 GMT
As a child, I failed to comprehend the season of Advent. I got Lent. Lent is focused and determined; it strips us from the trappings of the temporal as we fix our eyes and desires on Jesus. Ah, but fickle Advent … was I supposed to be happy or sad? Cheerful or penitent? These emotions swirled like visions of Christmas gumdrops in my young mind, and during a season that should be robust with meaning, I was filled with confusion.

A Brotherhood on a Journey—Together.

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:00:11 GMT

Resurrection is a family that lives out our life in Christ TOGETHER. We are a family made up of brothers and sisters, journeying together with Jesus Christ. What a profound joy and blessing it is to not be alone, but to live together with such a family as this! Every year on the first Friday and Saturday of October, all the brothers of our church family gather together for a special two-day annual retreat at Techny Towers in Northbrook, IL. It is a spectacular time of worship, teaching, and recreation that carries many of us men through the coming year.

Advent Reflections on Luke

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:03:44 GMT
During Advent, the clergy at Resurrection have called us to read through the entire Gospel of Luke, which will be our main Gospel reading for the next year. To read more about reading Luke as a church, click here.

The first thing that strikes me when I read the Gospel of Luke is how familiar it is. The beginning words of Luke chapter two are standard Christmas fare; the Beatitudes roll of the tongue with ease; the parables are ones many of us grew up with in Sunday school. It is a proverbial companion with whom to journey comfortably through Advent.

Or so I catch myself thinking sometimes.

Join Us for a Festival of Lessons and Carols

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:02:58 GMT
Join us this Sunday evening, December 13 from 5-6:30 pm for our first annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, a historic church celebration and free Christmas concert featuring our adult choir, children’s choir, and orchestra. The Lessons & Carols service originally started in 1918 England, after World War 1. There’s even a prayer at the beginning of the service remembering the people who died in the war, saying “joining with those worshiping on another shore.” When deciding what to do for a winter parish mission, Steve Williamson noted, “We were looking for a way within our Anglican heritage to invite the community to something that wasn’t a Sunday morning service.”

Back to the Manger – A Treasure Hunt for the Nativity

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:07:54 GMT
My dear father-in law died the day after Thanksgiving. I adored him. He taught me to fly fish. Of all the friends and family excited about our book project, Back to the Manger – A Treasure Hunt for the Nativity he was beaming over it. So much beaming that I couldn’t wait to give him the book as a gift when we all met together in Connecticut for the holiday.

Christ the King Ordinations

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:09:26 GMT
On November 22, Church of the Resurrection ordained two of our leaders as deacons. On the feast of Christ the King Sunday when we recognize Jesus’ authority over all of our lives, Stephen Gauthier and Keith Hartsell were a picture of how everyone in the church is called to give their lives to our King. We thought we would catch up with them and ask them a few questions about what this whole ordination process has been like for them. Consider this our chance as a church to get to know the two newest deacons who will be serving and ministering to us.

A Thanksgiving Noon-day Prayer Service

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:11:37 GMT
For the last five years my wife Bonnie and I have traveled to my parents house in Michigan for Thanksgiving. We were in college and dating when we made this trip for the first time. Now we’re filling the car up with the diaper bag, high chair, and pack-and-play for our daughter Eleanor’s first Thanksgiving! A few years ago my family was looking for ways to add some meaningful traditions to our Thanksgiving celebration. For the first time we made appetizers – some veggies and dip, stuffed mushrooms, and cheese and crackers. We sat together in the living room and snacked for a while as the scents of Thanksgiving turkey wafted from the kitchen.

Meet Our Trader Joe’s Artists

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:24:08 GMT
If you’re anything like me, when you go to Trader Joe’s, you’re very focused on your list. And if you’re especially like me, now that the Christmas stuff is out, you’re very, very focused on the Peppermint Joe Joe’s.

But there’s a lot more to Trader Joe’s than your checklist.

Here Comes Christmas Village 2009!

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:25:44 GMT

Christmas Village is Saturday, November 21, from 10am-3pm at the Ministry Center

Join us on November 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ministry Center for Resurrection’s annual Christmas Village! This is a great opportunity to serve our overseas missionaries by purchasing Christmas gifts for those they minister to daily. Embrace the joy of giving this Christmas season and while you’re at it, enjoy some coffee and a cookie, pet a sheep, and wander through our Christmas tree forest! Now, really, doesn’t that sound more enjoyable than fighting the crowds at Oakbrook?

The News from Kenosha

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:27:48 GMT
Greetings from Light of Christ Anglican Fellowship in Kenosha, Wisconsin!

Light of Christ was founded in January, 2007, by Jan and Michelle Anderson, who were traveling a long distance to attend Church of the Redeemer in Highland Park, IL. Fr. William Beasley commissioned Jan as a catechist, or lay minister, for the work of starting a new Anglican church in Jan’s hometown of Kenosha. After a Lenten period of discernment, the young church called Fr. Eirik Olsen, the associate priest of Church of the Resurrection to be its priest and pastor. The Olsens commuted on Sundays for a year until their Warrenville home sold in May, 2008.

Why We Celebrate All Saint’s Day

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:31:07 GMT
I grew up in France, where All Saint’s day (“Toussaint”) is a national holiday celebrated mainly by a two-week vacation for schoolchildren. At the time I did not bother to wonder what the weeks of freedom commemorated, and it was only recently that I stopped to think about those early holidays in conjunction with the Church celebration I have come to love.

God’s Work Through Our Fall Parish Mission

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:21:38 GMT
As our first annual Fall Parish Mission draws to a close, we are grateful and humbled by the ways we’ve seen God work in our church. Our prayer is that Resurrection will continue to grow as a church that lives an invitational ...

Proverbs Devotional Day 21

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:40:38 GMT
“But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” (9:18)

When I was 20 years old, I found a drowned man washed up on a Florida beach. I later learned he’d jumped off the Key Biscayne Bridge the day before. Though I was not religious at the time, I remember perceiving that what I was seeing was not simply physical death, but spiritual death as well. It left a deep and lasting impression on me.

Proverbs Devotional Day 19 Part II

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:39:54 GMT
The connection of body and mind.

I had an experience five years ago where my body began reacting to the fear in my mind. I was having full on anxiety attacks, the kind where your heart races, you can’t take deep breaths, and you feel like there is this raging river going through your body. I had been listening to the lies of fear for so long that my body couldn’t take it anymore and was finally breaking down.

Proverbs Devotional Day 19

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:34:30 GMT

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

We had been tent-bound for three days, and it looked like we’d be stuck for a fourth and possibly a fifth. Everything was wet- the precipitation had not stopped for more that seventy continuous hours. The ripstop nylon of our tent flapped constantly in the tempest- we regularly had to brace the tent with our bodies to prevent the poles from snapping in the strong mountain gusts. Sleep was interrupted several times an hour for this reason, as was all conversation and any attempt at cooking what was left of our dwindling food supply. To add to the situation, it was the end of almost 80 days spent together in the backcountry. We were ready to go home, but couldn’t. It should have been a depressing, claustrophobic, and maddening few days.

Proverbs Devotional Day 18

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:42:10 GMT

I have faith that Sasquatch exists; I look for him while backpacking in the Pacific Northwest.

I have faith that justice is real. I try to treat others fairly and am angered when people are treated unfairly.

I have faith in Jesus. I make it a goal to follow him with my actions; I try to do what he tells me to do.

Proverbs Devotional Day 17

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:43:38 GMT
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.” {Proverbs 22.6}

I’m a new mother. Fresh. Utterly inexperienced. My husband and I have not yet earned witty anecdotes or sage truths to share at parties. My little girl is brand new, too. While her personality was shockingly evident in the very beginning, her formation happens slowly everyday. Our little family is trying to figure this thing out together, so we hold fast to God’s promise found in Proverbs.

Proverbs Devotional Day 16

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:45:26 GMT
Can the Proverbs 31 Life be Mine? Is this Proverbs 31 woman for real? Sewing late into the night by a lamp that does go out, gorgeous toned arms planting a vineyard, a prominent husband, self designed purple clothes and children that get up in the morning and praise her? All of that sounds like an unattainable biblical ideal. Reflecting on who you know that might fit this description is an interesting exercise because if you are fortunate enough to know her you must ask why is she this way?

Proverbs Devotional Day 15

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:48:31 GMT
“The purpose of a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

I hate underwater scenes in movies. Those images of shadowy water speckled with sea rubble conjure up a sense of both vastness and crushing weight that makes my chest constrict. Yet here I am confronted with this thought–that the purpose of my heart is like deep water–deep, opaque water, difficult to navigate without a paralyzing consciousness of sin. Thank heavens for the second image: a friend of understanding holding a bucket with a long cord, dropping far down to penetrate the depths of my soul.

Proverbs Devotional Day 13

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:50:18 GMT
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. (Proverbs 21.13)

“Poverty is the result of relationships that don’t work” (Bryant Myers, World Vision).

As a student at Wheaton College, I developed a desire to help the poor. I read all the right books, heard the inspirational speakers and was rearing and ready to go. But there was a problem: I was living in a dorm of (generally) wealthy college students in the middle of one of the wealthiest suburbs in the nation. How was I supposed to help the poor? I would probably have to just cut a check to some distant organization…or not. I began by asking God to show me how I could begin helping the poor right where I was.

Proverbs Devotional Day 12

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:57:15 GMT
Our relationship as Christians to the government is something of a puzzle to me. On one hand we are sojourners – strangers in this land – not citizens. As such, we answer to a higher authority (Ephesians 1:21).On the other hand, we are called to submit ourselves to the local authority (1 Peter 2:13 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors”). All the while, it is the Lord who puts men and women in places of earthly authority (Proverbs 8:15-16). And yet we know perfectly well that some kings rule wisely and others unwisely. Should we submit to the authority of a tyrant? Or should we only submit to the authority of a “just” king? If the latter, then would it not be a matter of subjective opinion who is the tyrant and who is just?

Proverbs Devotional Day 11

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:01:27 GMT
A definition of humility that I can relate to is “meek and humble acceptance of what God asks of us” (Rev. Mario Bergner paraphrasing Josef Pieper) namely to trust that the grace of our Lord is sufficient in enabling us sinners to live a life worthy of His call and that this call is wholly Good.

Proverbs Devotional Day 10

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:02:26 GMT
It’s next to impossible to read the collection of proverbs for today’s topic and remain unmoved. The collage of images drives home the immense power of anger: a dam breaks and waters of contention burst forth, wreaking havoc. Anger snaps like a snare, trapping and maiming those who let it rule them. Or anger is like a fire, changing people from the image of God into mere kindling. Angry folks destroy their own neighborhood in the heat of their all-consuming fury.

Proverbs Devotional Day 8

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:04:29 GMT

Most of us can relate to becoming defensive at the slightest hint of criticism. I learned an important lesson early in my marriage. I felt like I had fallen into a deep, black hole when my husband confronted me about things I was doing that he did not like. It took almost a day to see the Light again, and in that Light God spoke clearly to me, and I understood I had to thank my husband for being so honest with me.

Proverbs Devotional Day 7

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:05:27 GMT

A few things that strike me from this set of Proverbs are that work “works” when it is the reception of a gift from God (18:16), connected to bodily reality (16:26), an opportunity for faithfulness in the small things (11:18, 16:11), and productively messy and risky (14:4). These things are so convicting because of my contrary attitudes. How much more would I prefer an endless annuity to being forced to rely on God? How many more days do I chose the tidiness of getting my invented chores done than the hard and fearful work of getting some real work done? How often do I believe that the way to access the Lord’s provision is to nickel and dime my employer on expenses and “billable hours” instead of through prayer, fasting, and working before considering comfort (24:27)?

Proverbs Devotional Day 6

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:06:49 GMT

The sluggard sounds a lot like me. I’m usually the first to say, “Can’t this wait until tomorrow?” My mom even gave my then fiancé this premarital advice, “If you ask Lindsey to do something, she’ll get it done—it just might take her a while.” I’ve always been a procrastinator. Still, even at work I find I’m most productive as a deadline approaches. My garden even sounds like the field of the sluggard—overgrown, covered in weeds, broken down. My neighbors are waiting for my ant-skills to kick in, and I’m beginning to become even more uncomfortable with this passage.

Proverbs Devotional Day 5

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:08:04 GMT
Well, we’ve now transitioned into the second section of the devotional; topics related to “Making Wise Decisions About Work.” Fr. Kevin will be preaching on that topic this Sunday, so it will be fun to have been reading and thinking about it for a few days before and after. In fact, this section is the largest section in the booklet, which makes sense because Proverbs and the Bible have a lot to say about work. On Labor Day, our small group was hanging out and wondering about the origins of the Labor Day holiday. I made some comment about how it’s easier to know what holidays like Christmas and Easter are about, since the Bible and the church have plenty to say about them.To which my wife replied, “the Bible has a lot to say about work too!”

The Family Behind Kernal Dan’s Kettle Corn

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:11:57 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been munching on kettle corn since Sunday morning at the Festival and Open House. If you’ve been wondering about the identity of Kernel Dan, would you believe you may have sat next to him at church? One of Resurrection’s very own-Dan Imbody, started the kettle corn business along with his brother, Dave.

Proverbs Devotional Day 4

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:09:44 GMT

If I’ve learned one thing from the Devil it’s that he knows how to make evil look good. I mean that in both the sense of looking good as in looking cool and acceptable but also in the more devious and spurious way in which he makes evil look like the good; the right thing to do is eat the fruit God forbid us to eat, He didn’t actually say don’t do it; it is good for Jesus to make the rocks into bread, you’re a miracle-maker! and besides, God doesn’t want you to starve, does He? Satan can quote more Scripture than I can, but the Proverbs have an excellent way of describing this kind of wickedness: crooked.

Proverbs Devotional Day 3

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:13:28 GMT
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (16:9)

I’ve never been much of a planner. I’ve had dreams and desires along the way, but not always specific plans. One thing I have always wanted was to be married and have children. I never was quite sure how to “plan” for that anyway, as many of you single women will agree. It never occurred to me that the simple act of desiring something good and trusting God to do as He chose was the best preparation I could have had. I had not made specific plans about when and how I would meet certain goals in my life, but I had done a lot of planning and desiring about how I would be a wife and mother. I imagined a joyful home of worship and laughter. I imagined loving my husband and teaching my children. I never “planned” on being a widow at 38 years of age. All of my plans for family life came crashing in at the death of my husband.

Proverbs Devotional Day 2

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:15:13 GMT

When I was a kid, we had a Children’s message every other week before the sermon. I distinctly remember one week from when I was about 6. The guy who was talking at us said that we were all sinners and that we should raise our hands if we’d ever sinned. All the kids raised their hands. I didn’t raise my hand. No way, man, I don’t want to raise my hand. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever done anything wrong, now that I really think about it…

Proverbs Devotional Day 1

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:16:37 GMT

The book of Proverbs is firmly situated in the corpus of what is aptly titled “Wisdom Literature” of the Old Testament Writings. As such, it is concerned with the application of sound knowledge for everyday life situations in order that we might flourish as human beings created in the image of God in a world largely characterized by foolishness, vanity, and darkness. We need wisdom!

21 Day Study in Proverbs

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:17:51 GMT

"you can follow the daily readings, pray through them, discuss them with your family, friends, small groups, prayer cells, and at morning and evening prayer."

Beginning on September 13th, we will be embarking on a 4 Sunday, 21 day journey as a church through the book of Proverbs. Dr. Stephen Gauthier has compiled a 21 day devotional booklet that is a topical organization of passages from Proverbs so that they coincide with the topics of the sermon series.

Festival and Open House Art Show Preview

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:21:38 GMT

On September 13, we’ll be having a Festival and Open House as the kick-off for our Fall Parish Mission. It’s going to be an AWESOME event! We will have food, a folk band and Irish dancers, and a fabulous art show. Over 40 artists are participating this year, displaying and selling paintings, photography, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, hand made cards and other gift items. In addition, beautiful poetry will on display for all to enjoy.

Choir “Jamboree”

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:23:36 GMT
“How precious is the name, brethren sing, brethren sing! How precious is the name of Christ, our paschal Lamb . .”

It actually happened, folks; Resurrection has a real, full-time choir! And if there’s one thing we love doing it’s singing praise to the Lamb—the Name above all Names! We all hope that in some small measure we have helped Resurrection worship this year.

Thailand Team Arrives Home

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:48:01 GMT
We arrived safely home from Thailand over the weekend after our 24 hour travels, thankful to be at home and in our own beds. We’re now trying to beat the Chicago heat and jetlag. Our trip flew by…I was most impressed with the ...

Embracing Each Child

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:48:52 GMT
On Sunday, a few days ago, we went as a team to the night market which surrounds a large Buddhist Temple, where monks with shaved heads and orange garments are constantly offering incense to gold statues. And along the thoroughfare, crowded ...

The Women’s Resource Program

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:49:40 GMT
It has been a joy for those of us volunteering with the Garden’s Women’s Resource Program (WRP) to be with the Thai woman who leads WRP. We loved her instantly! She became a Christian at age 9 by praying to the “Unknown ...

Speaking the Truth

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:50:37 GMT
Today the women on our team will accompany Maeko, the Japanese worker at the Center, on outreach to women in the bars. The workers are few here. The rule is you must go out two by two, never alone to do outreach in the bars. The spiritual ...

Children’s Drop-in Center

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:51:40 GMT
Yesterday our taxi driver unloaded us from his red covered pick-up in front of a gated Thai temple with curved golden horns reaching skyward. Directly across the street from this temple is the Garden of Hope’s Center. A four story ...

5 Star Serving Training

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:52:40 GMT
It’s 10 a.m. and I’m feeling like an elephant, stuffed with an omelet, fresh croissants, sweet watermelon, and two cups of earl gray tea. Our team dines on the open-air patio at the Hospitality Training Center, where Christa from ...

The Garden of Hope – The Name of Jesus

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:53:29 GMT
It was either the pitter-patter of Gabe’s feet running across the concrete, or it was our prayers pitter-pattering upward to God from the small room in the Chaing-Mai childrens drop-in center. We prayed all at once, like raindrops, or ...

Greetings from Thailand

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:54:22 GMT
We are so excited to finally be here! We traveled together to the airport on Monday morning for the first leg of the trip—a thirteen hour flight to Seoul, Korea where we had a five hour layover. Then we caught a flight to ...

Mission’s Team Arrives Safely in Thailand

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:55:24 GMT
Mission’s Team Arrives Safely in Thailand July 29, 2009 by rezoffice Friends, I spoke on the phone this morning with Mission Trip Team Leader Matt Jewell who, along with the team, is safely in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They had ...

The DeZwaan’s: A Story of Awakening

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:16:35 GMT
This Sunday, June 28, is our Nations Sunday where we celebrate that God is moving in the world, awakening the church and the nations to his love. We remember the feast of St. Peter and St Paul (June 29) and other Christians throughout the ...

Resurrection Softball Video from David V’s Blog

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:57:08 GMT
Resurrection Softball Video from David V’s Blog July 23, 2009 by rezoffice Check out this video that David V. made and posted on his blog last week. You can see his blog and several others on the sidebar to the right. If you ...

Growing Neighbors at Resurrection Parkside

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:58:32 GMT
Every day, little by little it grows. Every day it slowly becomes more visible and tangible. All of us are excited for the day it will fully bear the fruit of all the meticulous “TLC” we have given it. I’m talking about our ...

Summer Mission Trip to Thailand

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:59:40 GMT
Charley, Heather, Keith, Chloe, Jennifer M., Nichole, Sarah, Jennifer G., Kirsten, Lynne, Matt, Dawn, Gabe Swadee-ka! (Hello!) My name is Jennifer M., and I am blessed to be a part of Resurrection’s team going to Chiang Mai, ...

When in Rome: VBS 2009

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:01:11 GMT
When in Rome, act like the Romans do! Janet, Kristan and the rest of the children’s ministry leaders took this phrase to heart as they transformed the Ministry Center into 1st century Rome last week for this year’s Vacation ...

Church Picnic

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:02:08 GMT
On June 7, we all gathered in the grass out in front of our Ministry Center offices for our annual church picnic. The enjoyment of games, music, food, family and friends quickly ensued. Just look at how much fun everyone in these pictures is ...

Church Picnic

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:14:36 GMT
On June 7, we all gathered in the grass out in front of our Ministry Center offices for our annual church picnic. The enjoyment of games, music, food, family and friends quickly ensued. Just look at how much fun everyone in these pictures is ...

Resurrection Softball Team

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:19:57 GMT
After tons of fun playing church league softball last year, we’re back again this summer! This year we’re having just as much fun but with one immediately noticeable upgrade: team shirts! One of our own, Keane, did a fabulous job ...

Rez Men Work Day

Tue, 26 May 2009 19:22:39 GMT
On Saturday, some men from the church gathered for the RezMen Service Day. This day was organized by the Men’s Ministry to be a time set apart for the men of our church to serve households in our church, assisting them with various ...

Resurrection Parkside

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:25:00 GMT
On May 3rd, 2009, we were thrilled to bless Jonathan Kindberg as a Lay Catechist for Resurrection Parkside! Jonathan’s vision is to reach those living in and around the Parkside Apartments, which is a predominantly refugee ...

Women’s Retreat 2009

Sat, 09 May 2009 19:06:06 GMT
This years women’s retreat was held on the beautiful grounds of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. It commenced on Friday night with dinner, followed by evening prayer, where Barb Gauthier offered a meditation on Psalm 23. St. ...

Tom’s Story in the Daily Herald

Thu, 07 May 2009 19:07:10 GMT
Many of us have been praying for Tom Williamson and rejoicing at his recovery! Tom is husband to Janet, our Family life Pastor, and father to Steve, our Worship and Arts Pastor. On April 13, the Monday after Easter Sunday, Tom suffered ...

rezLIST!

Tue, 05 May 2009 02:24:58 GMT
Yesterday we launched a new online resource for our community called rezLIST. rezLIST is a place where needs of our members can be met by our members. As a church body, we worship together, serve together, and pray for each other – ...

Youth Confirmation

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:11:00 GMT
On Sunday, April 26th, 10 of Resurrection’s youth were confirmed in their faith in Jesus Christ before the congregation. The service was the culmination of a process that began two months ago when Fr. Stewart spoke at the first class ...

Easter Sunday

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:12:46 GMT
Easter Sunday is the pinnacle of Holy Week and of the church year. The celebration that erupted just a few hours previously on Saturday night when Christ rose victorious from the grave now continues in glory on Sunday! Easter Sunday is the ...

Easter Vigil

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:52:01 GMT
The Vigil of Easter is a service of waiting for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and eventually a celebration of His victory over death. The service at Resurrection was held in four different sections. First was the Service ...

Good Friday

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:54:16 GMT
On Good Friday the church observes the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we reflect on his crucifixion, we are also reminded of our own mortality, brokenness, and need for Jesus in our lives. Church of the Resurrection gathered ...

Maundy Thursday

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:55:25 GMT
Maundy Thursday is a service commemorating the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist and washed his disciples’ feet. On April 9, we at Resurrection both celebrated the gift of Holy Communion and tried to ...

Palm Sunday

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:56:24 GMT
Who Will Ascend God’s Holy Mountain?We all met at 10am on Palm Sunday, April 5, to ascend Glenbard West’s mountain driveway! A shofar call signaled the beginning of the procession that was met by palm branches, blankets, and coats on ...

Ash Wednesday

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:59:12 GMT
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent, a forty-day period of fasting that precedes the celebration of Easter. This practice began as a time for those who would be baptized at Easter to prepare themselves. This year at Resurrection, ...

Rez Blog::Resurrection Family Stories

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:49:36 GMT
Welcome to Rez Blog, the place where you can keep up on Church of the Resurrection’s latest events, news, pictures and stories. Save this page a bookmark and check in to see what is going on in the life of our church family. This ...