Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - August 4, 2023

By the way, among the ways we develop friendships and connections in the church is by serving with others. And one simple but essential way of serving is volunteering as part of our weekend worship team. We have a variety of opportunities available to serve: ushering, greeting, serving communion, singing, playing an instrument, helping with tech – lights, sound, video are just a few. To explore the perfect opportunity that aligns with your interests and availability, just let us know by completing this form, and a team member with be in touch. You can help create a meaningful worship experience for our congregants and guests and make new friends at the same time!

INTERESTED IN JOINING A SMALL GROUP THIS FALL?

At Resurrection, small groups are communities of 5-15 people who meet regularly on the journey of becoming deeply committed Christians. Small groups are where we connect with others, grow in our faith, and build life-long friendships. New groups are forming for fall and you can stop by the tables after worship to learn more, or just complete the interest form. Here’s the link. We also have small groups for students starting this fall that you can register for here.

YOUR GENEROSITY WILL CHANGE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN!

The numbers are in, and I am blown away by your generosity, Resurrection. Across all our locations, you returned 2,103 bags filled with school supplies for our partner schools and an additional 180 bags of supplies for foster children. During Vacation Bible Camp, our children donated 2,279 boxes of crayons and 2,674 Play-Doh containers for our partner Pre-K schools. In addition, you donated $43,864 that will be used to support our partner schools throughout the year.

Additionally, I have an update on the VBC offerings that I shared last week. Through our children’s offerings and generous donations from congregants, we raised $169,000 that will be used to improve literacy in Malawi through books, libraries and community centers where reading is taught.  Last week I reported that we’d raised just over $100,000 but donations have continued to come in – this is amazing.

Resurrection, all totaled, with what you spent on school supplies and cash donations to all of these projects, this last month you have raised nearly $300,000 to support children. I am so proud of you!

WANT TO BE A TRUCK-DRIVING HERO?

Keeping our most critical local mission ministries running effectively takes the support of 37 drivers operating 4 different church vehicles. Our Bookmobile visits children at 15 schools every month where each student gets to select 2 books to keep. Our two box trucks pick up and distribute food to over 20 area pantries and deliver over 1,300 sacks of food each week to our partner schools. The Food Mobile travels to food deserts not supported by local pantries 3 to 4 times a week serving an average of 50 families at each stop.

Right now, we are in critical need of people to volunteer to drive. Schedules are flexible, and you determine the frequency. The church maintains the vehicles, provides insurance, and will support you with training. All you need is a valid driver’s license and to be in good physical shape. If you are interested, one of our staff can share more information, and answer your questions. You can also ride along with one of our current drivers to see if this is a fit for you.

The volunteers who drive our trucks and support these ministries are local heroes. We’re grateful for every volunteer, past and present, who has served as a driver, and I hope you will consider joining the team. Here’s the link to let us know you are interested.

AFFIRMATIONS, NIGHT OF WORSHIP CONCERT SEPTEMBER 9

I just listened to a brand new Christian music single called “It’s Working” by Isaac Cates and the gospel choir he leads. Isaac is an international known gospel musician who serves on our worship staff. This song was recorded last year at “Affirmations,” an amazing evening of worship music. It’s available on all digital platforms and streaming services, including Apple Music and Amazon Music. The official video will also be released later this week. If you enjoy this song, mark your calendar and join us on September 9 in the Leawood Sanctuary at 6:30 pm for our Affirmations, Night of Worship concert! The concert is FREE to the public and family friendly. Check it out here.

SPECIAL NIGHT OF WORSHIP AT RESURRECTION WEST AUGUST 12

Speaking of worship music, don’t forget our night of worship at Resurrection West on Saturday, August 12 at 5:30 pm. Worshippers United, a dynamic team of East African worship leaders, singers, and musicians will join Resurrection worship leaders for an unforgettable night of worship followed by a time of fellowship as we enjoy a multicultural meal together. Here’s the link to learn more and register. Here’s the link to learn more and register.

JOB OPENINGS AT RESURRECTION’S EARLY LEARNING CENTERS 

Help us spread the word! Resurrection’s Early Learning Centers are seeking several more passionate, dependable, committed staff members. We have full-time and part-time openings at both our Overland Park and Brookside locations. Check out the website for details.

ALIENS, UFO’S AND CHRISTIAN FAITH 

Last Tuesday, my focus on Vespers was a response to the bipartisan House Oversight hearings on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon – UAP’s (aka UFO’s). We spoke about the likelihood of aliens visiting our planet, would alien races know God, how humans would react to their presence here on earth, and how our faith might shape our response to aliens. If you are interested in the topic, you might enjoy listening to last week’s Vespers. To watch on YouTube, click here.

JOIN ME FOR VESPERS NEXT TUESDAY 

This Tuesday, I’ll be coming to you for Vespers from my home in Stilwell live on Facebook at 7:30 pm. Join me here on my Facebook page or view it after Tuesday on the YouTube page.