July 4, 2025
Dear Resurrection Family,
Happy Independence Day! Each year around the 4th I re-read the Declaration of Independence with its lofty opening words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” The Declaration goes on to list 27 grievances the colonies had with the British Crown. If you’d like to read the entire Declaration, it only takes a few minutes and can be found here. While the Second Continental Congress declared independence on July 4, it would be seven years later, in 1783, that the British would finally recognize the United States.
Among the freedoms we cherish in America is the freedom of worship. I’d love you to exercise that freedom this weekend by being in worship or, if you are traveling, joining us online!
WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND – WILD KINGDOM: GOD AND THE ANIMALS
Did you know that 120 species of animals are mentioned in the Bible? It’s first page includes fish, birds and livestock. The last page mentions dogs and a lamb! This month, our kids Vacation Bible Camp will focus on God’s wild kingdom and the animals. In worship we’ll join in this theme exploring lessons from scripture and its teaching about God and the animals, teachings that will inspire you and speak to your life. It’s going to be a great three-part series!
This is also Worship Together Weekend, a weekend every few months when we invite children ages five and up to join their families in worship. Childcare will be provided for children ages four and under, but we will have no separate programming this weekend for children and students.
VACATION BIBLE CAMP AND RESURRECTION DAY AT THE ZOO
There’s still time to register your kindergarten through 5th grader for Vacation Bible Camp at one of our locations, but do it
here now so they don’t miss out. Then, for everybody, we hope you’ll join us for a Resurrection Day at the Kansas City Zoo on Saturday, July 19 at 9:30 am. Spend some time with your family and friends, invite your neighbors, and join us in exploring God’s amazing creatures at our special discounted rate of just $14 per person. We’ll meet at the zoo entrance at 9:30 am. We’ll have a sweet treat for you and cast members from Christmas at Resurrection will be there by the penguins! It’s going to be amazing! Learn more and get your tickets
here.
BRAVER ANGELS ONLINE FAITH AND FREEDOM PROGRAM SUNDAY NIGHT
As I’ve shared before, Resurrection is a member of the
Braver Angels, a national organization committed to “bringing Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.” We also have representation in the leadership of
Braver Faith, a relatively new branch of Braver Angels that is committed to demonstrating that faith and hope can transcend our religious and political differences. To that end, Braver Faith will host a nationwide Zoom webinar on Sunday evening, July 6, at 6 pm CDT. Entitled
Faith and Freedom through Prayer and Reflection, the 75-minute event will feature four speakers, patriotic music and brief prayers from a variety of religious traditions, including Christian, Buddhist, Baha’i, Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish. Resurrection Pastor Cheryl Jefferson Bell will offer one of the prayers.
Some of the speakers lean Red, others lean Blue, but all share a love of this country and believe that we can be brought together by our common purpose and commitment to faith and freedom. The event is free, but you do need to register here to get the Zoom link. This will be a very powerful and inspiring way to end your 4th of July weekend.
If you are interested in learning more about getting involved with Braver Angels, you can email Resurrection staff member Cathy Bien.
EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AUG. 7-8
Every August Resurrection has the privilege of serving as a host site for The Global Leadership Summit. At this year’s summit for business leaders and teams, August 7-8, we expect 600-700 people to join us to learn and grow from some powerful speakers including: Nick Saban, Walker Hayes, Craig Groeschel, Christine Caine, and John Maxwell. Each speaker will share some practical wisdom to elevate your leadership. Consider bringing your co-workers for this opportunity to learn how to lead with purpose and excellence. Special early bird pricing for Resurrection members is available now through July 16, and you can register
here.
49 PEOPLE BAPTIZED AT LEAWOOD SPECIAL BAPTISMAL SERVICE
A couple of weeks ago our pastors held a special baptismal service for our children and adults who had never been baptized, and we offered the chance for others to remember their baptisms. It was really remarkable, baptizing children, youth and adults who had never been baptized. Some were baptized by sprinkling in the Wesley Chapel. Many were baptized by immersion in our outdoor baptistry. It reminded me, as I baptized in the immersion baptistry, of the power of baptism and the lives being impacted by you, Resurrection. We began in the Wesley Chapel for the opening, then some made their way outside to our original memorial garden, while others stayed in Wesley for their baptism. Below are a few photos of the event (click to enlarge).
If you would like to be baptized, we have scheduled another special baptism service this summer at Leawood on Sunday, August 31, at 2 pm where you can choose baptism by sprinkling in Wesley Chapel or immersion the memorial garden. You can register
here.
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST: A CONVERSATION WITH BARNETT HELZBERG JR.
Last Saturday I sat down with Barnett Helzberg, Jr. He’s 91 years old, the former CEO of Helzberg’s Jewelers, and a remarkable man who, with his wife, Shirley, have had remarkable impact on Kansas City. I think you might enjoy this brief conversation. You can listen to or watch the podcast by clicking here.
Resurrection, I love you and I am so proud of the impact you have on the lives of so many people in Kansas City and beyond!
Happy Fourth of July!
Adam
