Newsroom

Pastor Phil Hopper invites every ALBC man (friends are invited too!) to this three-day, transformational event at Sky Ranch in Oklahoma.

 

Men can join us for numerous recreational opportunities and new friendships at this retreat near Joplin. The theme is Aim Higher and challenging speakers will motivate you to grow in every aspect of your walk with Christ. In addition, activities include everything from golf to basketball to relaxing in rocking chairs. Register and learn more at welcome centers. More on the retreat here.

Aim Higher is sponsored by Abundant Life Men, a ministry of Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo.

In our latest Abundance Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper talks about our new sermon series, "Too Many Lovers: Letting Go of the Idols in Our Lives." Learn about the battle that each of us faces in resisting the pull of idolatry. We'll discover how we can we find our strength in God alone and experience transformed lives.

Listen to an audio-only version of this podcast here.

Dear Abundant Life Family:

Thank you to everyone who was able to be a part of an amazing Sunday! Although it took many months of planning behind the scenes, you made the day a success. It was an incredible joy to worship in the midst of thousands of you in our Abundant Life family – all in one place.

We had an amazing turnout and an equally amazing response. All along we have asked not for equal gifts, but for equal sacrifice. That is what transpired Sunday. The ALBC family gave $635,859 in one-time gifts – surpassing our goal of $400,000. This generous offering will help us to quickly pay down our remaining debt so that we can focus on constructing our new worship center.

Not only was there an overwhelmingly generous outpouring on Sunday, an additional $2,139,237 was pledged over the two-year course of our campaign. I thank God for the generosity and sacrifice that have been shown by so many of you.

I know a number of people were not able to be a part of Celebration Sunday because of illness, travel and other conflicts. It is not too late to give a one-time gift toward the building fund and to make a two-year commitment. We know that our first week total is going to go up as some of these late gifts come in.

As excited as I am about Sunday, we must keep in mind that the work is not over. In fact, it’s only beginning. Regardless of which buildings we worship in, our goal every week is to reach our city. Our Celebrate the Vision campaign has never been about buildings, but about people – leaving a spiritual legacy in our community.

Over the coming months and years, we’ll have plenty of progress to report when it comes to bricks and mortar. But I’m even more excited about the spiritual progress we’ll be seeing all along the way. Thank you again for your part in it. I am deeply humbled and honored to be your pastor.

I love you all very much,


Pastor Phil

Thanks to Ron Wight and Bart Cox for capturing Celebration Sunday, May 6, in photos.

Children move up a grade and can draw closer to God through VBS, camp and other activities.

By Cathy Mahurin

Whether your idea of a perfect summer break involves lounging on the beach on a tropical island, taking in a great summer movie, or sharpening your spiritual combat skills at boot camp, Abundant Life Baptist Church has a summer activity for your kids.

Promotion Sunday will kick off the summer on Sunday, May 27, when sixth graders will move to seventh grade at The Core. The following week on June 3, all other children will advance into their new grades. To celebrate their promotion to middle school, the sixth grade Tweeners will have their final fun event on May 19 from 6-9 p.m. at The Core. Fifth graders will have a farewell party May 18 from 6-9 p.m.

Vacation Bible School
After promotion Sunday, the island fun begins. Kids will find Adventure on Promise Island – this year’s theme – where they will learn about God’s lifesaving love. They will eat island snacks, make impressive crafts and enjoy the fellowship of their fellow islanders. VBS starts on Monday, June 11, and runs through Friday, June 15. Kids who are three-years-old and potty trained through fifth graders are welcome on the island from 6-8:30 p.m. The church auditorium will be transformed into an island getaway on June 10 and the G3 Kids Choir will lead worship in our Sunday evening service that night.

Sixth graders have their own version of Vacation Bible School called VBX (Vacation Bible School Xtreme). Parents need to register for VBS and VBX by May 15 to get a free t-shirt. For more information, visit the VBS page.

Children’s Camp
The next event on kids’ summer to-do list is Children’s Camp at Windermere Baptist Conference Center at Lake of the Ozarks, July 29_Aug. 3. You won’t want to miss this year’s BOOT Camp (Biblical Outlook and Outreach Training) where kids will compete with each other and participate in a messy “slopstacle” course, plus enjoy a zip line and rock wall climbing. Children will also have opportunities for tubing and swimming in addition to participating in a talent show. But learning about God’s word is the main focus of camp. Last year, 10 kids gave their lives to Christ and many more grew in their relationship with God. Registration is open now and enrollment packets are available at the Children’s Wing welcome desk. Visit the camp page for more information.

Preschool movie night
What could be better than preschoolers and their parents enjoying popcorn together at a movie night on July 11? Parents and their children are invited to the Holy Word Theater in the Children’s Wing to enjoy a preschool-friendly movie from 7-9 p.m. Click here to learn more about summer preschool activities.

Abundant Life’s Children’s Ministries has your summer vacation destination. Join us as we grow closer to God and take full advantage of the wonderful days of summer.

Writer Cathy Mahurin is a member of ALBC.

Join Pastor Phil Hopper and other believers from around the city on Thursday, May 3, at noon at Lee's Summit City Hall for the National Day of Prayer. We'll seek God in prayer for our families, community, nation and world. The event will last one hour. Please park in public areas and not in front of businesses in the downtown area.

You can listen to an audio-only version of this podcast here.

If you missed our Celebrate the Vision video in our home viewings, please take a few minutes to watch it here. Pastor Phil explains the vision and details of our plan to continue to reach our city through this capital campaign. Then join is Sunday, May 6, for Celebration Sunday.

In our latest Abundance Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper talks about what to expect, plan for and pray for as we approach Celebration Sunday on May 6. Hosted by Roy Harryman.

Listen to an audio-only version of this podcast here.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

Join us on this Sunday, April 22, at 5 p.m. in room 3 to learn about the Oct. 20-28 mission trip to Harmons, Jamaica. Working through the ministry Won by Won, we'll do home construction and repair, visit sick and elderly shut-ins and meet other practical needs throughout this rural, mountainous community. The cost is approximately $1,250. Contact Roy Harryman, rharryman@abundantlifebaptist.com, for more information.

Thursday, May 3, noon, Lee's Summit City Hall steps

LEE’S SUMMIT – Local Christians will gather May 3 at noon at Lee’s Summit City Hall to pray for their families, community, nation, and world in observance of the National Day of Prayer.

This hour-long event is non-denominational and will feature music, a short message from local pastors and prayer. Each year, millions of Americans from numerous Christian traditions unite to pray on the National Day of Prayer, now in its 61st year. The event is open to all.

“Americans disagree about many things, but I think we can all agree that our nation and world are facing challenges that are too big for us,” said Pastor Phil Hopper of Abundant Life Baptist Church, one of the organizers of the event. “Problems including unemployment, terrorism and the breakdown of families have eluded our human efforts to solve them. Prayer is humbling ourselves before God to ask for his help and to align ourselves with his purposes.”

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was amended to read as follows: “The President of the United States shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”

President Barack Obama’s presidential proclamation from April 29 said: “Throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer for strength, inspiration, and solidarity. Prayer has played an important role in the American story and in shaping our nation’s leaders.”

For information about the local event, contact Phil Long at plong@abundantlifebaptist.com. More information on the national effort is available at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

The entire Abundant Life Family will gather together in one service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, to Celebrate the Vision.

We'll worship outdoors in the satellite parking area and make our Revolutionary Faith financial commitments to God. Everyone will need to do a little packing for this big day. Please bring:

• Your brick (if you have one), commitment card and initial gift
• Chairs for yourself and family
• Food (last names A-Q bring a side dish to share; last names R-Z bring a dessert to share)
• An appetite for lunch afterward (we're providing the main dish and drinks)

There will be children's activities for newborns through age five at the main building, with shuttle service back and forth. All other children and students will join their families in the outdoor service. With the exception of parents of nursery and preschool children, please park in the shuttle area (see map below).

We are looking forward to this day of Celebration with you!

Celebration Sunday Parking Map

 

The SMART Team (Small Maintenance and Repair Team) helps people in need with minor home repairs. In doing so, they demonstrate the love of Christ to our church family and community. Learn more from SMART Team leader Denny Noland, Pastor Phil Long and team member Shannon Henry in our latest Abundance Podcast. For more information on serving or sharing a need, contact Shannon at shenry@abundantlifebaptist.com. Listen now or click on the icon below to hear the podcast. Hosted by Roy Harryman.

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast here.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

In this three-minute update, Pastor Phil Hopper shares the good news that all of Lee's Summit has been reached with information about the Gospel and Abundant Life Baptist Church. Hosted by Roy Harryman.

Abundant Life Member Harold Finch has spent decades sharing Christ around the world. Now he's seeking to expand on that work and leave a spiritual legacy through a new movie, featuring Fred Thompson and Daniel Ross Owens, set to debut in 2013. Listen to the audio-only version here, or view the video version below. The Abundance podcast is hosted by Roy Harryman.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

Pastor Brian Opperman explains the unique plans for Easter weekend, April 7-8, and how we can prepare ourselves for God to change our lives. Hosted by Roy Harryman.

Listen to the audio version of this podcast.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

Click here for the audio version of this podcast.

Pastor Phil Long explains how Abundant Life is on the verge of reaching every household in Lee's Summit through our All Church Blitz outreaches. The next blitzes are Monday, April 2, and Monday, May 21. Learn how you, family and friends can be a part of this simple, life-changing outreach.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

Learn about sharing Christ in the Boston area by serving a church plant led by Aaron Cavin, who spoke at our missions conference in November. The trip is July 30-August 6. You only need to attend one of the two informational meetings on March 18 or April 1 in Core room 111. Contact Pastor Jernigan Schwent for more information.

We're excited to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with you on Easter weekend, April 7-8.

In order to make room for our church family and guests, we're offering six services:

• Saturday, April 7, at 3, 4:30 and 6 p.m. in the main auditorium.
• Sunday, April 8, at our regular times at the main campus and via simulcast at The Core at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

There will be Children's Ministry activities during all services.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions or be of service in any way. Learn more in our podcast about Easter weekend:

Thanks to all who re-arranged their schedules to help launch the 8 a.m. simulcast on Sunday, March 4, at The Core. The house was packed! Thank you for making room to reach more people for Christ. Enjoy this one-minute highlight video, with photos courtesy of Bart Cox.

Thanks to members of the Abundant Life family for choosing a stone of remembrance Sunday to remind them of their commitment to be an integral "living stone" in the building of God's church.

"Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." -- 1 Peter 2:4-5

View highlights of the weekend in the video below, courtesy of Ron Wight.

Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Kansas City and Lee's Summit, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

The SMART Team (Small Maintenance and Repair Team) helps people in need with minor home repairs. In doing so, they demonstrate the love of Christ to our church family and community. Learn more from SMART Team leader Denny Noland, Pastor Phil Long and team member Shannon Henry. For more information on serving or sharing a need, contact Shannon at shenry@abundantlifebaptist.com. Listen now or click on the icon below to hear the podcast.

 Learn more about Abundant Life Baptist Church, serving Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., at www.abundantlifebaptist.com.

In our latest Abundance Podcast, Children's Ministry Director Tifanni Hughes explains how this year's Easter egg hunt outreach is moving from the church campus to individual neighborhoods. Learn how to be a part of taking the Gospel to our community -- and your friends and neighbors. Listen now or click on the icon below.

Abundant Life Baptist Church serves the Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Mo., metro area.

We’ve asked ALBC to step up and launch an 8 a.m. simulcast at The Core. But we don’t want those pioneers – or anyone else – to miss out on Community Groups. As a result, these groups are launching or moving on March 4 to open up opportunities:

• Game Changers, led by Roy Harryman, 9:30 a.m., is moving from room 3 to the front modular right next to the kitchen/main auditorium (ages 30s-50s).
• The Pursuit, a new group, led by Lance Harrington, will start at 9:30 a.m. in room 3 (ages 20s-40s).
• Branches 2, led by Matt Bartle, is moving from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and is moving to the Pleasant Lea Middle School cafeteria (ages 30s-50s).
• Career Age Singles, led by Chris Thomson, 9:30 a.m., is moving to Pleasant Lea Middle School room 220 (ages 20s-30s).
• Victory, a new community group, led by John Winchell, will also launch at Pleasant Lea Middle School at 9:30 a.m. in room 218 (30s-50s).

Take advantage of one of these opportunities to get involved and connected. Contact Pastor Lance Harrington for more information at lharrington@abundantlifebaptist.com or x105.

In our latest Abundance Podcast, Pastor Phil Hopper explains how the 8 a.m. simulcast, beginning March 4, can make room for people who need Jesus Christ and a caring church home. Learn more about how you can be a part of this effort. Listen now or click on the icon below.

Rick Roeber, leader of The Gap prayer ministry, explains how the ministry is expanding to provide more opportunities for group prayer. Rick also shares about his heart for prayer and offers practical advice for praying in our daily lives. Learn more from Rick at gap@abundantlifebaptist.com. The Gap meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m. in room 7.

 Rick Roeber on the GAP prayer ministry

Pastor Lance Harrington shares how Abundant Life's team to Greece served Middle Eastern refugees, shared Christ in the community and walked in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Listen and view pictures of the trip.

Abundance Podcast: Sharing the good news in Greece from Abundant Life Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Workshops will equip parents to teach kids practical faith lessons.

By Allison Gibeson

Knowing how to teach children about God can be a difficult and sometimes intimidating task, but Abundant Life is hosting a series of workshops designed to help parents have spiritual conversations with their children through informal, everyday moments.

“We want to equip parents as spiritual leaders of their children to know how and when to introduce their child to God,” says Krystal Dunahee, ALBC’s early childhood coordinator. “All of the workshops provide practical ideas that help parents turn everyday situations into ‘God moments,’ informal opportunities for God to work in your child’s life. Parents can capture these moments and use them to point their child toward Christ.”

Krystal says we live in a culture where it is increasingly easy and convenient for parents to rely on Sunday school to feed children spiritually, but that spiritual feeding is multiplied when those same concepts are introduced at home. She hopes these workshops will provide parents with creative ideas to provide spiritual training.

The first workshop will be held this Saturday, but several more will follow. All sessions are held in the Children's Wing. Here is the schedule:

• Saturday, Jan. 21, 4 p.m.: Using sensory play to teach toddlers the Bible.
• Saturday, March 24, 4 p.m.: Using music to help three-year-olds praise and worship God.
• Saturday, June 2, 4 p.m.: Using science and nature to teach four- and five-year-olds to praise and worship God.
• Saturday, Sept. 29, 4 p.m.: Introducing Bible basics to babies.
• Saturday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m.: Establishing Christ-centered family traditions with young children.

The workshops will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on these days with free child care provided. No reservation is necessary for the workshops, but parents must register for child care and can do so here.

“Hopefully parents will feel empowered by the tools they receive during these workshops to lead their children spiritually in a purposeful yet practical way,” Krystal says.

For more information, contact Krystal at kdunahee@abundantlifebaptist.com

ALBC's Coram family -- Michael, Julie, Noah and Taylor -- are moving to Ghana on Feb. 21 to work at Baptist Medical Center. View pictures of their 2011 trip to Ghana and learn about their upcoming adventure. Contact them at corams4Christ@yahoo.com or via Facebook.

In our latest Abundance Podcast, Pastor Lance Harrington explains how Community Groups help the people of Abundant Life "grow small" in the midst of a large-church environment. Learn how to get involved and -- if you're already in a group -- how you can make the most of your involvement and help others to engage.

By Melony McNulty

In December, more than 150 Abundant Life families helped fulfill the command to “do good … be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).

Together they provided gifts for more than 50 Lee’s Summit families, including 135 children, through Abundant Christmas Blessings, a ministry begun three years ago by ALBC members Danielle Fusaro and Heather Smith.

The goal of the ministry is to demonstrate Christ’s love by providing Christmas gifts for families who have no other means to obtain them.

Heather contacted the designated families to learn about their Christmas needs and how the church could pray for them. About half were from outside ALBC.

Church members who participated in the giving chose an ornament from one of the church’s Christmas trees. Each ornament included a request for a gift. Members then bought the presents anonymously and returned them to the church with the ornament attached.

Gifts included about 100 gift cards, 225 toys, 150 outfits, 75 pairs of shoes and 40 coats. Community Groups raised almost $3,500 for the outreach and more than a dozen volunteers pitched in to make it a success.

Once all of the gifts were delivered to the church and sorted, families were scheduled for 15-minute appointments to pick up their Christmas presents. Besides gifts, families received encouragement, counseling, prayer and information about ALBC. In addition, each was given a homemade gift from the church’s Moms in Action ministry.

“There were many families who had specific questions about salvation and baptism that we were able to provide Biblical references for,” said Danielle.

The outreach also provided a way for ALBC children to give financially or to donate their time distributing gifts. Danielle and Heather hope to expand the program next year to allow even more kids to participate.

One final note: Artificial trees are needed for the 2012 outreach. So before you pack them away in the attic, contact Danielle at DanielleF@nrccua.org.