Sunday, February 8, our regular 5 pm worship service at Leawood will begin at 4 pm.
Scheduled programming has resumed for Thursday, February 13 at all Resurrection locations.
This weekend, Pastor Scott and our Location Pastors wrap up the two-week series of messages exploring the power of relationships and how friendship and community can be the antidote to loneliness and isolation. We’ll look at how our relationships can actually heal and strengthen us, and what to do when those relationships get messy or difficult. We’ll remember that we’re better together, and that God designed us for connection—not just to make life easier, but to make us and the world better. Scott was interviewed earlier this week by KSHB about the power of relationships. For those of you worshiping at Leawood, Downtown, Liberty, Online, and on TV, you will hear from Pastor Scott; and at all other locations, from your Location Pastor.
During the season of Lent, we will spend seven weeks walking with Jesus through the events of the final week of his life. We’ll begin Lent on Feb. 22 with Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – we’ll actually start Lent with Palm Sunday – then spend three weeks studying Jesus’ words spoken on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. We’ll next recount the story of his anointing and his betrayal. Then we’ll share in his last supper, followed by Passion Sunday when we’ll recount his arrest, trial and crucifixion. Finally, on Easter, April 5, we’ll celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. This will be a powerful series as we walk with Jesus through his Final Week. Plan to join us each week. It will be a powerful and moving Lent focused on the events of the last week of Jesus’ life.
We’ve had a great response to next week’s program, I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics, sponsored by American Public Square on Thursday, Feb. 19! The response has been so great, in fact, that we’ve had to move to a larger space – The Leawood Sanctuary in Building A. I’ll be moderating a discussion on the book I Love You, But I Hate Your Politics with author and psychotherapist Dr. Jeanne Safer and her husband, historian Richard Brookhiser. Dr. Safer wrote the book about how, despite holding different political beliefs, they have stayed married and built a life together. They’ll share practical insights on navigating disagreements with family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors without sacrificing the relationship. If you’re struggling to talk politics with someone you care about or simply want to understand how to stay curious rather than combative when beliefs collide, this program offers real strategies for preserving trust and connection in polarized times.
We have plenty of room for you to bring your friends and attend in person in the Sanctuary. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the program begins at 6 pm. You can register for this free event here to attend either in-person or online. If you register to attend online, a link will be emailed to you with your confirmation. Childcare is available, but you need to register here.
For over 30 years, Resurrection has been the Kansas City area’s top blood drive location, and your donation really matters—each donated pint can help up to three patients in critical situations. The whole process takes about an hour; you’ll get a quick health screening, and as a bonus, every donor gets a free Chiefs t-shirt. You can reserve your time slot in advance or just walk in. Here are the dates and locations. Select your location and time, and use this link to sign up.
We’re already looking ahead to summer and to Vacation Bible Camp the week of July 12 for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. This year’s theme is GOAL—Go Out And Love—which fits perfectly since Kansas City is hosting the World Cup this summer. It’s going to be a great week of games, music, activities, and making new friends, with morning and evening sessions available to fit your family’s schedule. If you’re interested in volunteering as a leader, registration opens Sunday, Feb. 15. One perk is that volunteers get first access to register their own kids or grandkids at this time, before public registration opens on March 15. Spots fill up fast, so if you want to serve and get your kids signed up early, you can do so here.
I’ve got to run, LaVon and I are spending the day together hiking, talking, dreaming about the future, breaking bread together, and deepening our friendship!
Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend!
Adam
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.