Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - June 28, 2024

June 21, 2024

Dear Resurrection Family,

Thank you to all who sent cards and notes to LaVon and me this last week after LaVon’s mother, Bernice passed. These meant so much. We’ll be celebrating her life tomorrow in the Leawood sanctuary at 11 am. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.

THIS WEEKEND: ALIENS AND THE END OF THE WORLD

Is there life on other planets? Have aliens visited our planet? Congress conducted a series of hearings on the topic last year. If there are aliens on other worlds, what are the theological implications? And how would we respond if aliens visited our world? We’ll consider these questions, and we’ll look at what science, and the Bible, say about the end of the world – just a couple of light topics!

The message this week will conclude our summer revival and I think you’ll find it fascinating, fun, and at the same time spiritually significant. The sermon begins with a look at the world’s very first sci-fi film, from 1902! You’ll hear a bit of my conversation with a senior researcher, a planetary astronomer, at The SETI Institute – focused on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, the institute was founded by Carl Sagan and others in 1984 to see if they can find evidence of intelligent life on other planets. We’ll look to the words of Leviticus and Jesus’ words in the gospels to see how these speak to the question of aliens. Then we’ll conclude the message by considering the end of the world. We’ll learn how scientists suggest the world will end, then look at what the Bible says about the end of the world. We’ll address how we live without fear, but instead, with hope.

This is going to be a fun and meaningful weekend of worship. Invite a friend to join you for a sermon they won’t hear in many other churches. For those who can, come in person. If you’re traveling or are unable to attend in person, join us on KMCI Channel 38 at 8 or 11 am, or join us online.

DO UNTO OTHER CAMPAIGN FOR KINDNESS KICKS OFF IN AUGUST

• We’ll be distributing yard signs to Resurrection members to place in your yard and neighborhoods before and after worship at all of our locations. For those of you who are Resurrection online members outside of Kansas City, we are working on a way to get yard signs to you. Watch for an email with details from Pastor Ashley Morgan Kirk.
• You can order Do Unto Others t-shirts online and have them shipped directly to your home. Here’s the link. We also have a limited supply of t-shirts available for purchase in the bookstore at Resurrection Leawood during their regular business hours.
• Beginning in mid-August we’ll have social media resources that we hope you’ll share with your connections, and we’ll be launching our advertising campaign then also.
• Watch for special speakers, workshops and a sermon series this fall that helps us go deeper and explore what it really looks like to Do Unto Others, and how it can change our lives and our world.

EXCITING FALL FOR STUDENTS AT RESURRECTION!

If you are a student, entering grades 6 – 12, registration is now open for our Sunday morning Discipleship Groups, which includes Sunday School classes and confirmation. In a small group of peers, led by a caring adult mentor, you can dive deeper into your faith and ask those tough questions, strengthen your beliefs, and build lasting connections with God and others. This will be an exciting time to experience the power of faith, community and personal growth at Resurrection. To see all of the opportunities available and to sign up, click here.

RESURRECTION NIGHT AT THE KC CURRENT JULY 27

So many purchased tickets for Resurrection night at the KC Current soccer match on July 27, that they have made another block of tickets available to us. The game is at 7 pm, and if you want to join this unforgettable evening of soccer, food, fun, and fellowship, order your tickets here. 

CONCERT AT BROOKSIDE FEATURES HEARTLAND MEN’S CHORUS

You are invited to celebrate the end of PRIDE month with a special choral concert, featuring the Heartland Men’s Chorus, at Resurrection Brookside on July 1 at 7 pm. Join the KC Pride Performing Arts Coalition for a collaborative performance that includes the Heartland Men’s Chorus of Kansas City, Kansas City Women’s Chorus, OUTside Voices KC, and Choral Spectrum. These ensembles will showcase the pieces they’ll perform at the prestigious GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis this summer! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a variety of choral music and celebrate inclusivity with the Kansas City community. Admission is free! More information here.

A VERY ORDINARY SUMMER – NOT AN ORDINARY EVENT!

Escape the ordinary with an extraordinary event called A Very Ordinary Summer! Did you know between the celebrations of Easter and Advent lies a beautiful season called Ordinary Time? Don’t let the name mislead you! This often-overlooked period invites us on a journey to explore the depths of our faith in the everyday moments of life. Join us on Wednesday, July 10 for a unique event blending summer fun with faith exploration.

Starting at 5:15 pm, immerse yourself in a casual game night atmosphere. We’ll have delicious food available and exciting outdoor games courtesy of Chicken n’ Pickle. Then, at 6:30 pm, head to the Foundry (or stream online) for a panel discussion featuring Robert Johnson, Ashley Morgan Kirk, Rebeca Chow, and guest speaker Jennifer Caswell, a physical therapist. This is an evening you won’t want to miss. For more information and to register click the one of the options:  In Person or Online.

EXPLORE YOUR FAITH WITH OTHERS THIS FALL AS A SMALL GROUP HOST

As we begin to make plans for fall kick-off, we are looking for people who will consider serving as small group hosts to lead and facilitate discussions as we form new small groups this coming August. If you enjoy connecting with others and exploring your faith in a relaxed setting, we’d love to hear from you. If you are interested in signing up or are curious and want to learn more, click here.

SUMMER SERVE TRIPS UPDATES

Adam

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