Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - December 8, 2023
December 8, 2023
Dear Resurrection Family,
I attended opening night of Christmas at Resurrection last night – this year’s production was breathtaking. It was the best ever, and you would have to travel to New York City to find something that approached the beauty, inspiration and pageantry of Christmas at Resurrection. I don’t want you to miss this very special event. The first act takes you to Kansas City in 1958, and West Berlin in 1948. The second act takes you to Bethlehem the night that Christ was born. It was magnificent!
There are still Christmas at Resurrection tickets available here for tonight, Saturday and Sunday. You don’t want to miss this celebration of Christmas! The show starts at 7:30 pm tonight, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday, and 1:30 pm on Sunday. If you cannot afford a ticket, we’ll be happy to provide one for you, so come and stop by the box office and we’ll have one for you. The Saturday matinee is nearly sold out.
THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: “ANGELS AND ANNUNCIATIONS”
This weekend’s message starts with a meme you may have seen, where people post pictures of their dogs likening them to angels. Then we’ll turn to Luke chapter one and the stories of the Angel Gabriel announcing the pregnancies of Elizabeth and Mary. In the process there are four things Gabriel says that are important words from God for us today, and we’ll learn the power of a prayer Mary prays. These words, and Mary’s prayer, will change your life!
This is also Ugly Christmas Sweater Weekend. We’ll have some fun in worship seeing who has the “best” ugly Christmas sweater. Don that tacky sweater and join us. There will be prizes!
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING THIS WEEKEND
Since 2009, Resurrection has giving away our entire Candlelight Christmas Eve offering to projects supporting children and families – half to local organizations and projects and half to our global partners. This weekend in worship I’ll be sharing an exciting announcement about one of the local projects we will be supporting this year. I challenge you to consider honoring your friends and loved ones this year by giving a gift in their name to benefit children in need. Gift cards that can be used to share with friends or family the gifts you’ve given in their name are available at the Connection Point at your locations, or you can download at cor.org/next.
JOY IS SERVING WEEK 3: GLOBAL PARTNERS
WELCOME NEW RESURRECTION MEMBERS!
Last Sunday, we were honored to welcome 223 people into membership at Resurrection, 176 adults and 47 children, with 123 at Leawood, 20 at West, 22 at Downtown, 3 at Blue Springs, 9 at Overland Park, 26 at Brookside, and 20 online. Please take a minute and look at this list of new members so you can welcome them personally. There’s a good possibility someone is your friend, neighbor or co-worker!
HOLY FRIT HELD OVER FOR THIS WEEK AT GLENWOOD FINE ARTS
It was really amazing seeing the film about the marking of Resurrections stained glass window, Holy Frit, on the big screen this week. The film has won numerous awards, is showing in limited runs in 40 cities, and is being reviewed for Oscar consideration. I’ve seen it several times, but it was different seeing it on the big screen. Invite a friend to join you.
The response this week was so great, that the Glenwood Fine Arts Theater has added additional showings of Holy Frit over the next week (Dec. 8-14). Here’s the link to show times and tickets.
WHEN ALL IS NOT MERRY AND BRIGHT AT CHRISTMAS…
The holidays aren’t universally full of cheer for everyone, and if that’s you, or someone you know, please know that our Resurrection Care Team is here for you. We have two special services this week offering times of remembrance, healing and hope.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 pm, there will be a candle lighting service in Wesley Chapel for all who have lost a child, grandchild, or sibling by death. Everyone will be given an opportunity to light the candle and speak the name of the child. A time of fellowship will follow in the Narthex with hot chocolate and cookies. This special time of remembrance is open to the church and community. For more information contact dennis.apple@cor.org.
Then on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 7 pm, we have our Blue Christmas, a special service of healing and hope in the middle of this Advent season. This service is available at our Leawood (Wesley Chapel) and Downtown locations, as well as online. You can learn more here, and here’s the online link.
SERVING THE HUNGRY AND “SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR”
Every third and fifth Sunday, groups from Resurrection serve at Mill Creek Park, bringing a hot meal to folks struggling with food insecurity. Food is prepared at Resurrection Brookside and brought to the park to serve where approximately 100 people gather.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, we expect to serve a Christmas Meal to 200 people. We will also be handing out items from our winter warmth collection and Christmas cookies. While feeding the hungry, you can join members of the Resurrection orchestra and choir in spreading Christmas cheer as they lead folks in Christmas Carols from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Mill Creek Park is located at 43rd and Broadway in KCMO. Here’s a link to sign up to serve.
VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT: JOIN ME AT THE MOVIES
This Tuesday night I’ll be going live for Vespers on Facebook Live at 5 pm, as I’ve got a conflict again this week – one I’ll tell you about in a few weeks. So, if you are able, join me live at 5 pm or plan to watch it on my Facebook page at the normal time. You can also catch it on our YouTube channel the next day.So sorry to have to move things around – December is a very busy month.
WHO ARE YOU SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS WITH?
• Invite someone to join you for worship as we sing carols, hear the Christmas story and share the tradition of passing candlelight while we sing Silent Night. You can find a complete list of service times and locations on our website. We have a time and place for everyone! Share this page with your friends.
• Volunteer to serve at a Christmas Eve service and help welcome our guests. Sign up here.
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.
