Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - August 25, 2023

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: “THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF BAPTISM”

Have you ever been baptized? I was baptized by sprinkling as an infant in the Catholic Church, and later, as a teen, re-baptized in a swimming pool when I joined a church that didn’t recognize my infant baptism. The first baptism I don’t remember, the second I didn’t fully understand.

This weekend in worship, my message is on “The Purpose and Power of Baptism.” We’ll study the scriptures, unpack the meaning of baptism, share a humorous film clip, and some powerful stories that help us see how baptism is meant to shape our lives every day. As the service ends, we’ll invite you to remember your baptism and we’ll hand out our new Baptismal Shower Prayer – a prayer meant to hang in your shower so that, each day, you might begin the day remembering your baptism.

If you’ve never been baptized, there will be a special opportunity to be baptized on Saturday, September 3 from 2 to 4 pm in our original Memorial Garden and Wesley Chapel at our Leawood location, by either sprinkling or immersion. I’ll be there baptizing as will some of our other pastors. Or you can sign up to be baptized at your location. For more information or to register go to cor.org/next.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF MATTHEW’S MINISTRY THIS WEEKEND

This weekend we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Matthew’s Ministry at each of our Resurrection locations. Participants and their families will serve in worship services this weekend by greeting, providing music, and sharing testimonies. Free cookies produced by Matthew’s Ministry’s Sonflower Bakers will also be available after church!

Matthew’s Ministry began in 1993 to provide support during church services to Matthew Joyner, an individual with special needs, and his family. It has since grown to serve almost 200 families. Matthew’s Ministry offers services on Sundays during each of Resurrection’s services. Small group options are available for adults and students, and Angel Care Support provides one-on-one help to children and students who need additional assistance.

Throughout the week, the Sonflower Adult Learning Program provides fellowship and day programming to adults 21 years and older. The Sonflower Program also includes the Sonflower Bakery, which produces goods such as cookies and breads that are distributed throughout Resurrection as well as the community. Additionally, Matthew’s Ministry provides dynamic opportunities for those with special needs, such as the Drama Club and Family Night Out events, which include a night of activities while caregivers can take a night off. Mark your calendar now for the Matthew’s Ministry Performing Arts Concert and Art Exhibit on Monday, October 9 at 6 pm in the Leawood Foundry. You won’t want to miss this!

Matthew’s Ministry would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers. If this is something you might be interested in, you can learn more on the website here or fill out a volunteer interest form here. Not only will you be a blessing to a Matthew’s Ministry family, but the joy you will receive back is priceless! We look forward to many more years of ministry where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, loved and find a home at Resurrection.

INTERESTED IN JOINING RESURRECTION? COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS THIS SUNDAY! 

If you have been worshiping with Resurrection and consider it your church home, I encourage you to take the next step and become a member at Resurrection. On Sunday, August 27, from 2 – 4 pm, we will have a Coffee with the Pastors at all of our locations and online. At this gathering, you will learn more about the church, meet the pastors and staff, and I’ll share with you what it means to be a member and Christ follower at Resurrection. Toward the end of the session, we’ll have a brief joining ceremony for those ready to become members. Childcare is available, and you can register here.

EXCITEMENT BUILDING AT CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ADVANCED GATHERINGS 

This week we began hosting gatherings of our leaders, at each location, to share plans for projects that will be supported by our Generation to Generation Campaign in September. We shared fellowship and food, and walked through the spaces that will be transformed; there was excitement and energy as we dreamed about how we will reach all generations and the building changes and additions that will help us do just that! One person wrote after our gathering last night, “We have been a part of several capital campaigns in the past. Last night was, by far, the most impactful presentation and time spent in community with other believers. Thank you! What an exciting time in the life and future of our church!”

We only have a few of these gatherings left. I don’t want any of you miss this, so if you are interested in attending an advance event, you can click on your location and register: Leawood, West, Downtown, Blue Springs, Overland Park. (Pastor Wendy will be sharing information with Brookside in a different format coming up).

CLASSES, GROUPS AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK

Beginning this week, we have programming starting up for kids, students and adults across all Resurrection locations and online. For adults we have an exciting lineup of classes, including Disciple Bible Study, Meet Your Bible, Financial Peace University, and men’s and women’s groups. Our programs for kids and students kick off on Wednesday evening, August 30. Our hope is that you’ll find a place to get connected and grow in your faith. For the complete list of programming by location, visit cor.org/next.

AFFIRMATIONS: A NIGHT OF WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 9 AT LEAWOOD

I’ve shared previously that we have a really amazing night of worship, Affirmations, coming up on Saturday, September 9 at 6:30 pm at our Leawood location. Isaac Cates, our Director of Music Outreach, will be leading an amazing group of musicians and vocalists from across Kansas City and beyond. You don’t want to miss this inspiring evening of uplifting music and heartfelt performances. Here’s a brief video to give you a taste of what’s in store. Share this with your friends and invite them to join you! 

CHILDCARE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS CRITICAL NEED AT LEAWOOD

I have some exciting news, that also brings a challenge and an opportunity. We have had more than 700 women sign-up for our Building Better Moms’ groups this fall at Leawood. For these women, as well as the families participating in small groups, the childcare that Resurrection provides makes it possible for them to connect with others and grow in their faith while they know their children are cared for in a safe and loving place. We simply do not have enough staff or volunteers to provide this care this fall, so I’m asking you to consider spending a couple of hours each week supporting families and helping care for Resurrection’s youngest members. We have both paid staff and volunteer positions. You can learn more and let us know your interest using the links at cor.org/next.

NO VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT

This Tuesday, I’ll be leading one of our dinner gatherings at our Leawood location sharing our upcoming building plans and won’t be able to share my normal weekly Vespers, but if you’ve missed any lately, you can check out past vespers on our YouTube page.

The temperatures are going to be 20 degrees cooler in Kansas City beginning tomorrow, but the ministry is just heating up at Resurrection! Don’t miss this exciting weekend in worship!

Adam

P.S. Check out your location newsletter on Tuesday for more opportunities to get connected with Resurrection. Here’s the link to subscribe today.