Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - May 10, 2024

As I write this, Saint Paul School of Theology is having their Commencement Ceremony in the Wesley Chapel at Resurrection Leawood. We are grateful for the work of Saint Paul faculty, staff and students and their connection to Resurrection. Pictured with me below are the five Resurrection members and staff graduating today with their master’s degrees from Saint Paul: Shannon Greene, Josh Seifert, Jessica Lovell, Leah Swank Miller, and Justin Huey. I am so proud of each of them and the effort they put into completing their education while working in the church. They have made this huge investment to better serve God and you.

IN WORSHIP: MOTHER’S DAY; MY SERMON: IN A BOAT, AT NIGHT, BATTERED BY THE STORM

This is going to be a GREAT weekend at Resurrection. We will celebrate and honor women in our congregation – every woman will receive a box of Russell Stover chocolates and we’ll also have photo backdrops where you can have your picture taken with the special women in your life. Thank you to Russell Stover who donated these chocolates for all of our locations!

My sermon will be focused on one of my favorite Bible stories, one I read to Stella last night as I was putting her to bed, about the disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee by night when a storm came up. Jesus had remained on shore, but as the disciples were struggling in the darkness, in the midst of the storm, Jesus came walking to them on the water.

The story reminds me that storms happen in our lives and that Jesus still comes to us in our darkness, during our storms. Yesterday I spoke with a dear couple who lost their son this week. A terrible storm has overtaken them. I’ve been praying daily for several young people who’ve faced life-or-death battles – each is in a storm. I think of a hundred other people I know who are now, or recently have, been in that boat in the middle of the sea, in the darkness, as the winds and waves buffeted them. We’ll ask about the storms in our lives and how Jesus comes to us today.

I’ll also be sharing a few stories from some of you about your moms, who incarnated Jesus’ presence and love in the storms in your life, and how we’re called to do the same for others. It will be an inspirational weekend.

LEAWOOD LOCATION: EXCITING BUILDING PLAN UPDATES REVEALED!

This weekend following the sermon I’m going to take a few minutes to share with those of you at Leawood exciting new and completely revised building plans for the Leawood Chapel (inspired by the story of Jesus walking on the water, coming to the disciples in the storm – it’s very cool!) and some very cool updates about our student center renovations. Don’t miss this weekend!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AT RESURRECTION

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, this seems like a good time to remind you that we have a wide range of opportunities for women to connect, serve and grow in faith together at Resurrection. Whether you’re a new mom navigating the early years, a woman in midlife seeking friendship and opportunities to grow in your faith, or someone passionate about service, we have a group for you and want you to join us. We have various ministries for women at our six Kansas City locations as well as Online. Here’s a link to learn more.

SERVE SATURDAY, MAY 18

Sign up today and join us for Serve Saturday on May 18. We have a variety of ways individuals, families, and small groups can go out into our community and serve our neighbors. Go to the website now to select where you can serve.

IMPORTANT CHURCH CONFERENCE MAY 21

A Church Conference has been called for Tuesday, May 21, at 6 pm in Room B251 at Leawood to vote upon our Staff Parish Relations Committee’s recommendation of church members David Andersen, Suzy Ayres, Justin Burnett, Sierra Glaser, Adam Hartley, Jill Hays and Leah Swank Miller as candidates for pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church. The Church Conference will also vote upon the Staff Parish Relations Committee’s recommendation regarding pastoral compensation for the coming year and I’ll share an update on Resurrection’s future locations. Voting is limited to members of the church, but anyone may attend. Participants may either be in-person or participate via Zoom. Registration is not required. To join the conference online, join the Zoom call here at 6 pm on May 21. For more information, email dan.entwistle@cor.org.

LOVE KNOWS NO LABELS ONLINE CLASS BEGINNING MAY 20

Resurrection is offering a six-week online class for family and friends of the LGBTQ+ community who want to understand more deeply and provide support for their loved ones and each other. The class meets on Mondays from 6:30 – 8 pm, beginning May 20. Over the course of six weeks, participants will gain insights into the development of identity, acquire a broader LGBTQ+ vocabulary, and learn effective communication techniques. In addition, members will learn techniques to manage their emotions when feeling overwhelmed. Through a combination of exercises, strategies, education, and discussion, participants will feel equipped to support and connect with each other. Learn more and register here.

RUMMAGE SALE JUNE 13 AND 14

The annual rummage sale hosted by the Resurrection chapter of the United Women in Faith is back this summer at Resurrection Leawood. All proceeds directly benefit women, children, and families in need right here in Kansas City. And, if you are looking to declutter and give back, we are accepting donations of gently used furniture, framed art, bicycles, and kids’ items to help stock the sale. This event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of around 165 volunteers. Click here to learn more about volunteering and donating, and mark your calendars to shop on June 13 and 14.

JOIN LAVON AND ME AT OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH BENEFIT

LaVon and I are honored to be the Honorary Co-Chairs of Operation Breakthrough’s 26th annual fundraiser, Big Dream’s Bright Futures, on Thursday, June 13, 5:30-9:30 pm at KC Marriott/Muehlebach Tower. This fun-filled evening benefits the children of Operation Breakthrough, low-income children who, because of Operation Breakthrough, have a future with hope. There are already many of you who support Operation Breakthrough, as do LaVon and I, and as a congregation we support them. But I’d love you to join me to get an inside look at what they do.

This event is a party with a purpose – providing critical support for the more than 750 children who come to Operation Breakthrough from families with an average monthly income of $1,000. The community’s support provides these children with food, safety, health care, education, and love. Last year’s event helped provide extra speech and language services to the youngest learners, secured additional workforce development opportunities for teens, and provided additional academic support in reading and math through hands-on projects for over 400 additional students from a local school.

Attire is casual, and you can expect food and entertainment, with a silent and a small live auction full of unique items and experiences, and fun greetings and performances by Operation Breakthrough students. This year’s event will focus on funding wrap-around services for Operation Breakthrough children and families through therapy, social services, and support to recruit and retain more teachers. If you are interested in joining us, both tickets ($250 each) and tables are available on their website: operationbreakthrough.org.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR WESLEY HERITAGE CRUISE