Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - April 17, 2026

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP? EXPLORE RESURRECTION THIS SUNDAY

I’d love for you to join me and our other pastors for Explore Resurrection at any of our locations or online this Sunday afternoon, April 19 (April 21 for Resurrection West). Explore Resurrection is an inspiring gathering where our pastors and I share our church’s story, our beliefs as Christians and as United Methodists, what it means to be a member of the church, and answer your questions. You’ll connect with fellow worshipers and discover opportunities to serve, connect, and grow. At the close of the gathering, there is a brief but meaningful joining ceremony for those who are ready to officially make Resurrection their church family. Register for Explore Resurrection at your location here.

RESURRECTION HOSTED LEADING YOUTH PASTORS THIS WEEK

This week, our church hosted a gathering of 65 youth pastors from the largest churches in our denomination to encourage them and promote mutual learning. I had the joy of speaking to them at one of their sessions. What an awesome group! Resurrection started a group called The Leading Edge for the 100 largest churches in our denomination about 20 years ago. We convened the pastors of these churches in Dallas last month. It was their youth pastors who gathered here last week. I mention this as an example of how you regularly encourage leaders of the leading churches in our denomination.

FEMALE CLERGY CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK

Speaking of conferences and encouraging leaders, next week we are hosting a small conference for female clergy from across the country called the Lead(HER) Conference. Led by and for female clergy, it will be an extraordinary event. If you are part of another congregation reading my eNote and you are a female clergy person, or know one, check it out here.

5TH GRADE SHARE SUNDAY APRIL 26

As I’ve shared with you before, we have special Faithwalk Milestones for each grade in our children’s ministry. Each milestone creates an opportunity to partner with families to help our children discover, practice and deepen their relationship with God. Our 5th graders are gearing up for a special milestone all about sharing their faith with the people around them. This weekend, in Sunday programming at all locations, 5th graders will make their own invitations to invite their friends to join them next Sunday, April 26, in Sunday School, a special morning of food, games, and a time to learn together. As a special bonus, every friend who comes will receive a discount on their Vacation Bible Camp registration so they can join us again this summer. If you are interested, you can learn more about the Faithwalk Milestones for your children or grandchildren here.

GLOBAL EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS

Did you know that 3,000 children in Uganda, Malawi, South Africa and Honduras have educational opportunities through Resurrection’s classroom sponsorship program? Sponsorships by more than 400 Resurrection families help local partners provide opportunities for students in communities where access to learning can shift the trajectory of a child’s life. Plus, when a child gains access to education, the impact moves through their family and into the broader community. Monthly sponsorships of just $39 help cover teachers’ salaries, classroom materials, and tuition. And, global serve trips offer the opportunity to meet the kids and communities we support and see your impact firsthand. You can learn more at worship this weekend or check out the sponsorships and serve trips here.

GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SUNDAY, MAY 3

We will be recognizing our 2026 high school graduates on Sunday, May 3, and we need you to register so we can celebrate you at the time and location you normally worship. When you register, if you submit a photo and a short bio, we’d like to display those outside each worship venue that day. Graduates and parents are also invited to a special celebration at your location following worship, with a short program, food, and an additional gift. Every location is doing something a little different, and you can find all of those details when you register here by April 27.

TONIGHT’S CHILDREN’S MUSICAL AT RESURRECTION LEAWOOD, THE FAB 4

Like you, we’ve been watching the weather front that will be moving through town this afternoon. As I’m writing this enote, it appears the potential for dangerous weather will have moved out of our immediate area to the east by late afternoon. Because of this, we have decided to continue with our children’s musical at 6:15 pm in the Leawood Sanctuary.  We will not be hosting the pre-show activities which were planned to start at 5pm.   Our Choir families will receive additional communication from Chy by email shortly.  Also, this is an open event and everyone is invited to attend, however, please be sure to check the radar and forecast before you leave home and as always use caution when deciding to travel.

COMING UP…

• Serve Saturday, April 18, a variety of times and locations across the KC Metro. Sign up here.
• History, Hymns and Charles Wesley’s Role in Early Methodism, a conversation with historian David Worthington, Tues., April 28, 6:30 pm, Leawood Foundry and Online. Register here.
• Resurrection MAY Blood Drives, May 4-5 (Leawood), May 7 (Blue Springs and Overland Park), May 11 (West and Spring Hill), May 12 (Downtown), May 13 (Brookside), May 14 (Lee’s Summit). Register here.

HOLY SPIRIT BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

For years, I have wanted to write a short book on the Holy Spirit that would take readers through a study of scripture focused on the identity and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God’s active presence and power at work in us and in the world. I based the book on sermons I’ve preached in the past. (You can listen to the two most recent sermon series on the Spirit, from 2024 and 2020, by clicking on these links), a survey of 1,000 people about their experience of the Holy Spirit, and a fresh read of every passage in scripture about the Holy Spirit. There are free small-group videos I recorded and study guides available via a QR code at the front of the book.

The book will be available on April 21 through Amazon, but our bookstore, The Well, has it in stock now. I’m really excited about this little book – I will mention that the print is small to have allowed it to fit in a compact size, and there is a larger print version available as well. You can order online here for pickup at the Leawood location or have it shipped. Royalties for copies sold through our bookstore will go to the Generation to Generation campaign.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be your Senior Pastor, and I’m looking forward to sharing The Sermon on the Mount with you this weekend.

With love,

Adam