WEATHER ALERT:

Due to weather conditions, all in-person daytime and evening programs have been canceled across the church’s locations for Wednesday, except for the Recovery programs and Food Pantry at Overland Park. Decisions for Thursday daytime programs will correspond with local school district decisions and will be posted on the church’s website.

IMPORTANT:

Scheduled programming has resumed for Thursday, February 13 at all Resurrection locations.

Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - December 27, 2024

December 27, 2024
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December 27, 2024

Dear Resurrection Family,

Christmas Eve Services are always highlights of the year at Resurrection, and this was no exception, including two new locations, Resurrection Spring Hill and Resurrection Liberty, having their first candlelight Christmas Eve services. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers and staff who made 35 Christmas Eve services possible across all locations. And thank you for all who shifted services to an alternate time. Thanks to you we didn’t turn anyone away this year. We won’t have the television and online numbers until next week, but in person we were up about 1,000 from 2023. I’ll share the numbers next week for those who like to see.

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

This weekend in worship, we’ll conclude our series on the story of Jesus’ birth as found in the Gospel of Matthew by looking at what happened after the celebration of the birth. Pastor Scott Chrostek will be sharing a message that explores what we can learn from the story of the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. Who of us hasn’t gone through those moments when things change in an instant and our world seems upside down? You won’t want to miss this powerful and inspiring message.

WORSHIP TOGETHER WEEKEND

This is one of the weekends throughout the year when we invite children ages five and up to join their families in worship. Childcare will be provided for children ages four and under. We believe that these worship together Sundays are a wonderful opportunity for our children to see their families pray, sing, give an offering and listen for God’s guidance in scripture and message. This modeling by parents and grandparents sets a behavioral practice of worship that is lifelong. A recent study by Christianity Today showed that: “People who attended church as children are also more likely to grow up happy, to be forgiving, to have a sense of mission and purpose, and to volunteer.” We look forward to worshiping together this weekend.

CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING PROVIDES HOPE FOR CHILDREN

Thank you to everyone who shared the light of Christ by contributing to our Christmas Eve Offering to support projects and programs benefiting children and families locally in Kansas City and globally. You can still contribute online to this special offering through the end of the year by clicking here or by designating “Christmas Eve Offering” on the check you place in the offering this weekend or mail to the church. I’ll be sharing the totals later in January.

YEAR-END GIVING: CATCHING UP

I just checked LaVon and my giving to the church for 2024 and found we are $450 short of fulfilling our commitment. I’ll be completing our commitment today (I’ll do it online using the link below). You can find a link to your giving in an email from “Resurrection Donor Relations” sent on December 12. In the first paragraph you’ll find a link that will take you to your giving account.

As you complete your year-end giving, I remind you that you can still make a tax-deductible gift to Resurrection in 2024, but you must do so by 11:59 pm on 12/31/24. Here’s how:

  • By Mail: Send to – Resurrection, Attn: Finance, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224 (must be postmarked by 12/31/24).
  • Online: Visit cor.org/givenow by 11:59 pm on 12/31/24.
  • In-Person: Drop off at the Leawood Location, Building C, South Entrance by 4 pm on 12/31/24.
  • Drop Box: Use the drop box near the Leawood, Building C, South Entrance by 5 pm on 12/31/24 if the building is closed.

Gifts received after the 12/31/24 deadline will count toward your 2025 giving. Thank you for your continued generosity and support! For additional information and assistance, contact our Donor Relations Team at development@cor.org or call 913-544-0256.

NEW JANUARY SERMON SERIES: THE PEOPLE JESUS LOVED

Many of you have watched or heard of the popular streaming series, The Chosen. This popular series, that has been translated into more than 50 languages, tells the story of Jesus’ ministry as he dines with tax-collectors and sinners, heals the sick, feeds the hungry, befriends the lonely, and literally loves everybody. Nearly 2000 years after his public ministry, people are still drawn to his story of unconditional love. In our sermon series beginning January 12, we will be looking at his story afresh, using scenes from the first season of The Chosen and the Gospel scriptures as we explore “The People Jesus Loved.” No matter who you are, what you’re going through, or where you’re coming from, I hope you will join us and invite your friends for this powerful series filled with meaning for our lives today. Here’s a link to a video promo that you can share.

On Wednesday nights, following the weekend sermon, we’ll be showing the entire episode that we’ve drawn from for the weekend sermon. We’ll invite you to sit around tables and I’ll lead you in table conversations about the gospel story and how the producers of The Chosen interpreted it. This is a great way to make new friends and or to invite your friends and neighbors who are not in a small group to join you! To find out more about the Wednesday evening offering at our locations and online, click here.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAM: RESET IN THE NEW YEAR

We are offering a special event, in person and online, on Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 pm that could be transformative as you go into the new year. Celebrated speaker Cheyanne Skelton will share a practical framework for living with renewed purpose and energy in 2025. Through interactive exercises and powerful insights, you’ll develop strategies to nurture your spirit, discover your authentic calling, and create an actionable plan aligned with God’s vision for your life. The program will be available in-person at Resurrection Leawood and via livestream at Resurrection locations (childcare provided) as well as online. To learn more and register, click here.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY AT RESURRECTION LOCATIONS

Are you looking to take control of your finances and achieve financial peace of mind in the coming year? Financial Peace University, a comprehensive program that teaches time-tested, biblical principles for managing money effectively. Led by experienced facilitators, Financial Peace University equips you with practical tools, coaching, and resources to help you create and stick to a budget, get out of debt, save for emergencies, invest for retirement, and develop a generous mindset. Over 1,500 individuals have already benefited from this life-changing course at Resurrection, gaining invaluable insights and establishing healthy financial habits. Whether you’re a high school or college student just starting to budget, an adult looking to tackle debt, or someone nearing retirement, Financial Peace University is for you!

Thanks to a generous donor, the course materials are provided at no cost. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your financial future. Financial Peace will be offered at the Resurrection locations and times, which are listed below. Here is the link to select a location and register.

  • Leawood – Mondays, 6:30 – 8 pm beginning Jan. 13 (childcare available)
  • West – Mondays, 6:30 pm beginning Feb. 3 (childcare available
  • Overland Park – Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm, beginning Jan. 29
  • Blue Springs – Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, beginning Jan. 15
  • Online, Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, beginning Jan. 15

MLK SERVE EVENTS

Make plans now to join us in honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during our MLK Serve Saturday events on Saturday, January 18 and Monday, January 20. In the spirit of Dr. King’s powerful vision of social justice, equality, and community empowerment, we invite you to roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful difference in our community through various service projects. Our events are designed as easy, low-commitment ways to make a positive impact on your neighbors in the metro area. Try something new or enjoy a familiar favorite. Either way, you’ll experience the powerful impact of helping others by becoming God’s hands and feet right here in Kansas City. Find out more here.

CHURCHWIDE 2025 STUDENT KICKOFF EVENT JAN. 5

If you are a middle or high school student (or the parent or grandparent of one) sign up today for the ultimate 2025 Student Kickoff Event. Students are encouraged to bring their friends and join Resurrection Students at The Main Event (either in Olathe or Independence) on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 7 pm for an epic afternoon of non-stop action and fun, where $20 gets you access to everything – unlimited laser tag, bowling, two full hours of video gaming, plus all the pizza and soda you can handle. You can learn more and register here.

GLOBAL SERVE TRIPS

I’d like to encourage you to make participating in a serve trip one of your goals for 2025. We have a number of domestic and global serve trips coming up this coming year. You can learn more and sign up now here.

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S PODCAST

In this week’s episode of my Making Sense of Faith podcast, I explored the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth and how their unexpected friendship offers wisdom for our lives. We’ll also look beyond the peaceful nativity scenes to uncover the real story of fear, uncertainty and ultimately profound joy. If you know someone who needs to hear that it’s okay to struggle during the holidays and that God has not forgotten them, please share this episode with them. You can download episodes of Making Sense of Faith on your favorite podcast app, or click here to watch or listen to this as well as earlier episodes and to sign up to be notified when a new episode is released.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Adam

Adam Hamilton

Resurrection Senior Pastor

Reverend Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection and the author of 22 books. He has been married to LaVon since 1982, and she has been a critical partner in every dimension of Adam’s work. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Adam’s writings are known for helping readers make sense of challenging theological questions, exploring the significance of the biblical stories, and equipping Christian leaders to be more effective in their work. He earned his MDiv from Perkins School of Theology and graduated with honors from Oral Roberts University with a degree in Pastoral Ministry.

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