Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - July 3, 2026

July 3, 2026

Happy 4th of July weekend!  I still remember celebrating our nation’s bicentennial in 1976. I was only 12, the age of my granddaughter Stella today. The world has changed a lot since then!

There are a lot of great events taking place tomorrow. Resurrection has a float in the Leawood city parade that starts at 10:00 am. The parade runs from 119th north to College Blvd on Tomahawk Creek Parkway. There will be food trucks and plenty of fun. LaVon, Stella and I will be in the Lenexa parade that starts at 93rd and Park – it is also at 10 am.  In the evening, the Resurrection float will once more be out for the Stilwell parade. It begins at 192nd and Metcalf at 6 pm.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s Declaration of Independence, I invite you to join me in spending time in prayer, expressing your gratitude for the gift of freedom and asking God to continue to guide our country as we pursue unity, justice and peace. I’ll share a couple of reflections on this anniversary at the end of the eNote, but first, plan to join us for a special worship message this weekend.

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: 250 YEARS LATER 

You are in for a very special treat this weekend in worship as my friend Rev. Olu Brown brings the message. Olu was part of our Young Pastors’ Network mentoring program nearly 20 years ago.  He is an author, speaker, leadership coach, and one of the most effective communicators you’ll hear.  He founded Impact Church, a United Methodist congregation in Atlanta, which grew from 25 people to over 5,000 under his leadership. He retired in 2022 to start a leadership development and executive coaching school.

Olu’s sermon will explore how our nation’s historic anniversary can be a time for reflection, a time for renewal, and a time to reimagine – for each of us individually as well as collectively as a church, a community and a country. I know you’ll be encouraged by his message and inspired by his perspective. I’ll be in Leawood introducing him in each of the services. If you are traveling for the holiday weekend, join us online.

Some of Olu’s message will draw from his book, Faith: 4 Essential Practices, and copies will be available for purchase at all locations this weekend for $15, credit card only. He will be signing books after the Leawood Chapel and Sanctuary services. The locations have a limited number of signed copies available.

ASSISTANCE TO VENEZUELA

Two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela last week. The death toll continues to rise, and thousands have been injured. Resurrection is supporting those affected by sending funds through the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is engaging with local churches and NGOs on the ground to provide shelter, clean water and sanitation, food, mental health support, and early recovery. Please hold the people of Venezuela in your prayers this week, and if you’d like to respond in a tangible way, you can make a donation here to the disaster relief fund.

VACATION BIBLE CAMP WEEK OF JULY 12

This is the last week to register for Vacation Bible Camp, and it’s going to be awesome! For kindergarten through 5th graders across all Resurrection locations, the week will be packed with games, music, hands-on activities, and new friendships. This year’s theme. GOAL (Go Out And Love) is going to be as much fun as the World Cup! If you or someone you know needs some assistance with the registration fee, please note that scholarships are available. We don’t want any child to miss out! Learn more and register here.

COMING TO WORSHIP THIS MONTH – WEEKEND RENTALS: FINDING THE GOSPEL IN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 

For the next two weekends, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest family films from the past year to find the deeper truths hiding inside them – the messages of hope, courage, grace, and redemption woven into stories for all generations. We’re kicking things off with Pastor Bill Gepford from our Resurrection West location, preaching on How to Train Your Dragon, on July 12. Check out and share the promo video here.

RESURRECTION NIGHT AT THE DRIVE-IN JULY 30

When was the last time you were at the drive-in?  Watching movies under the stars from your lawn chair (or sitting in your car) and concessions at the snack bar, or bring your own. As a fun way to conclude this sermon series, we’re hosting a family movie night at Boulevard Drive-In on Thursday, July 30, to watch How to Train Your Dragon together. LaVon and I loved taking our kids to the drive-in when they were growing up. If your kids or grandkids have never been, don’t miss this opportunity. LaVon and I hope to be there too. Everyone is invited for this fun summer night out. Check out the details here.

REFLECTING ON 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM