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Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024
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June 14, 2024

Dear Resurrection Family,

This weekend is Father’s Day! If your father is living, invite him to join you for church. If you are a dad, invite your kids to join you for worship. I’m looking forward to being back in the pulpit this week. We’ll honor dads and the father-figures in our lives, and we’ve got a surprise for all men who join us for worship at our physical locations. My sermon this weekend will appeal, I think, to most dads as we kick off our summer series, God and the Cosmos. Here’s the link to the 45-second preview of the series, take a look and share with others.

WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND: SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER

This weekend we kick off our annual “summer revival.” Each summer, for the last few years, I’ve planned a sermon series for the summer that is fun, interesting, easy to invite your friends to, and inspiring.

The next three weeks we’ll be looking to the stars. Did you know that the sun, moon, stars, three constellations and at least one planet are mentioned in the Bible? Not just once, but over 500 times!!! The biblical authors thought about the stars a lot.

This weekend, my sermon begins with a clip from my favorite sci-fi show of all time, and then we’ll turn to Genesis 1 and Psalm 19. Next up, Einstein’s thinking about religion and science. We’ll turn to the Big Bang theory and the current view of our universe formed over the last 13.8 billion years. We’ll talk about why, with all of the amazing data we have about physics and astronomy, faith in God still makes sense. We’ll talk about cheesecake, Apollo 8, and we’ll end with a powerful clip from the television show, Young Sheldon.

For those who can come in person, I’m told our worship teams have prepared each of our worship spaces for the series. If you’re traveling or are unable to attend in person, join us on KMCI Channel 38 at 8 or 11, or join us online at cor.org/worship.

GREAT EVENING AT OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH

Last night LaVon and I were privileged to be the honorary co-chairs of the Operation Breakthrough annual gala. It was a wonderful event that celebrated what this organization is doing to impact the lives of children and families in our community. It was also a reminder of how important early childhood education is. There were many Resurrection folks there, and I’m grateful that Resurrection has made early childhood education, and partnering with Operation Breakthrough, a priority as one of our “closing the opportunity gap” initiatives. You can learn more and get involved in our ministry with Pre-K, elementary and global partner schools on our website.

At the event Resurrection’s Helping Hands Construction Ministry was recognized by Operation Breakthrough with the Courage Award for the work they have done to support the organization. Through this ministry, volunteers from all Resurrection locations meet the first and third Saturdays of each month and work on construction projects primarily to assist local non-profits and occasionally help church-associated families with construction projects. Email HelpingHands@cor.org to learn more and get put on their contact list.

LAST CALL FOR RUMMAGE SALE!

If you are seeing this email before 5 pm, this is your last call to join the Resurrection Rummage Sale at our Leawood location. The sale closes at 5, and the best deals are right now. There was so much great furniture, children’s clothing, and more when I was there yesterday morning and a crazy number of people who came to shop. They are only accepting cash. The proceeds benefit women and children supported by our United Women of Faith.

CAN YOU PAINT OR CLEAN? OUR SCHOOL MAKEOVER NEEDS YOU!

We have our School Makeover coming up June 20 – 28 at Woodland Early Learning Center where you can volunteer to help us create a vibrant and inspiring space where children can thrive. We’ll paint, clean, and transform the space into a learning environment where students, teachers, and staff feel inspired and appreciated. We have a lot of open shifts, so sign up here. Students ages 12 – 15 can serve if accompanied by an adult.

RESURRECTION CAR SHOW COMING UP

With this being Father’s Day, I thought I might mention that our annual car show is coming up Saturday, August 17. It will coincide with a community outreach and our fall sermon series which will include Classic Cars! This year’s free, family-friendly event will be bigger than ever as we invite our community to join us at our Leawood locations for cars, games, food trucks, children’s activities, a movie, live music, and more! Mark your calendar and plan to attend. To get involved now, sign up here to show your car, volunteer, or sponsor the event. Proceeds will benefit Resurrection’s Hunger Ministry and Bookmobile. Check out the website to learn more. 

If you have a classic car that you might be interested in displaying at one of our locations during the sermon series, would you please let me know by emailing my assistant, Stephanie, letting her know the year, make and model and if you’ve got a pic, include the picture. Click here email Stephanie. 

STARGAZING AT POWELL OBSERVATORY, FRIDAY, JUNE 21

To help us appreciate the grandeur of the heavens, we’re planning a special stargazing event on Friday, June 21 at 8:30 pm at the Powell Observatory in Louisburg, Kansas. Bring your blanket, lawn chair, and snacks and come unwind under a full moon this summer! Bottled water and frozen treats will be provided. The Observatory staff will walk us through a description of objects in the summer sky, including double stars and galaxies, with objects projected on an outdoor screen. They will also provide two outdoor telescopes for our use, but you’re welcome to bring your own telescope and staff will help you locate objects. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty of the night sky and join in on some community connection. Please register here so we know how many people to plan for. I’m looking forward to being there!

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS

Church offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in honor of the Juneteenth National Holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. There are many Juneteenth events throughout the community, and I hope you’ll find a way to participate. Resurrection has some upcoming events where you can celebrate this holiday and get connected with others in our community. Check these three, as well as more opportunities in the Allies for Racial Justice newsletter online.

Sat., June 15 – Overland Park Juneteenth Celebration at Prairie Fire
We’ll have an info booth and be in the parade where we’ll be sharing information about our Do Unto Others campaign this fall. Want to be in the parade? Just meet the Resurrection group at Chicken ‘N Pickle at 9 am to walk in the parade with our Do Unto Others banner. This festival is all about fostering unity and helping people learn more about their neighbors. If you’re in the area, join us.

Sat., June 22 – Resurrection and St. James UMC Juneteenth Celebration
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be at our Resurrection Leawood location. This family-friendly celebration begins at 5 pm and will include music, dance, and spoken word, and will be a great way to commemorate freedom. You can find more information about this celebration on our website.

Johnson County Museum Launches New Digital Exhibit: REDLINED
Observe Juneteenth by learning online. REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation is an innovative online exhibition that delves into the complex history of redlining and its profound impact on Johnson County and the broader region. You can view the exhibit online by visiting jcprd.com/REDLINED. Originally a physical special exhibit at the Johnson County Museum, REDLINED is a comprehensive journey through the origins, evolution, and enduring consequences of redlining. Utilizing content and images from the original exhibit, the digital version offers an engaging and accessible platform to delve into this important topic. Resurrection was proud to join with other organizations, churches and individual donors to make this exhibit possible.

SPECIAL MUSIC AND TESTIMONIES AT RESURRECTION RECOVERY THURSDAY

This Thursday, Resurrection Recovery will have very special guests. Jenn and Quinton Gibson will sing and share their testimonies from 6 – 7 pm. Jenn and Quinton are advocates for people facing addiction and are passionate about helping audiences successfully navigate the journey of recovery. Lead guitarist Quinton, in long-term recovery from alcohol since 2017, has spent more than 30 years in the music industry, performing with pop, R&B and rock artists, teaching guitar, and writing music for television. He tours with Darius Rucker. Jenn and Quinton share their story with candor, inspiration, and music, speaking to the challenges of treatment and the ongoing support needed to maintain sobriety – and a strong marriage.

Resurrection Recovery meets every Thursday, in person at Resurrection locations and online. Anyone affected by substance, drug, or alcohol abuse or addictions of any kind, including those struggling with mental health concerns is welcome. Check it out here.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 22

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. Kansas City’s celebration will be at Garrison Community Center, 1124 East 5th Street, KCMO, on Saturday, June 22 from 10 am – 1 pm. All are invited to extend and soak up some welcoming hospitality with our newest neighbors and give thanks for their presence and enriching influence here in the metro and enjoy multicultural entertainment, family friendly activities and more!

VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT

Join me for Vespers at 7:30 pm Central Time on Facebook Live which you can access here.

I’m excited for worship with you this weekend!

Adam

P.S. Check out your location newsletter on Tuesday for more opportunities to get connected with Resurrection. Here’s the link to subscribe.

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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