Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - May 15, 2026
THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: TAYLOR SWIFT AND THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
I wonder if you’ve ever been criticized unfairly, judged by others, or had someone assume the worst of you and your motives? This weekend in our study of the Sermon on the Mount we turn to this tendency to judge others. Scholar John R.W. Stott once wrote, “We have a fatal tendency to exaggerate the faults of others and minimize the gravity of our own.”
In the message, I’ll begin by sharing a bit of an interview the NY Times recently did with Taylor Swift. Near the end she talks about how criticism affected her and the advice she gives to young artists. We’ll learn an important lesson about criticism from her, one that Jesus modeled for us.
Shortly after Jesus tells his disciples not to judge, and to take the log out of their own eye, he tells us to beware of false prophets – to think critically and practice discernment towards people who are harming others – and this seems counter to his call not to judge. How do we reconcile the two? What is the criteria he tells us to use when we are discerning? Finally, we’ll turn to what scholar William Barclay calls “the Everest of Ethics” – the Golden Rule. I can’t think of a better message for graduates, but also for all who seek to follow Jesus. To the degree we live this rule, every part of our lives goes better.
I’ll be preaching this weekend and on May 31 before stepping back from preaching until after the August primary. On Memorial Day weekend we have an amazing guest preacher, NY Times bestselling author Kate Bowler. You won’t want to miss the next three weekends in worship. Here’s a link to all our worship locations and times.
SAINT PAUL GRADUATION. EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SEMINARY?
UMC MIRACLE SUNDAY
Speaking of seminary and theological education, this Sunday United Methodists from across the country and around the world are sharing an offering to endow 500 annual scholarships for seminary education for pastors in Africa, the Philippines and Europe. While 71% of United Methodist pastors in the US have seminary degrees, only 5% of UM pastors in Africa, the Philippines and Europe are theologically trained. Our congregation is providing a $50,000 grant from our mission offerings to support this endeavor. Your past generosity has made this offering and the theological training for pastors around the world possible. Thank you, Resurrection!
SUMMER MAKEOVER AT THE HUB
This year’s Summer Makeover serve project will be at The Hub, a community gathering place in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, that provides the community with a community market, clothing pantry, community garden and a commercial kitchen. The Hub’s Executive Director, Rev. Carter Ellis, is a United Methodist Pastor affiliated with Resurrection, serving at The Hub which is a vital part of this community. From June 3 – 10, we’ll help refresh and strengthen the space that make it all possible. I hope you’ll plan to join us and be part of something really special this summer. You can learn more and get signed up here.
LEAWOOD CHAPEL ORGAN AND SACRED ELEMENTS CAMPAIGN
This past Sunday was really special, with many of you joining us at Resurrection Leawood in the new Wesley Chapel for a sneak peek of the space and the opportunity to write our prayers inside the walls. If you didn’t get to sign the walls, we will have some plywood that will go in the space in the Narthex this weekend that you can sign. You can help us complete this chapel space by contributing to the purchase of the organ and sacred liturgical elements, including hymnals, the Communion altar, candle cart, and more that were not included in the construction cost funded by the Generation to Generation campaign. Because of your continued generosity the new Wesley Chapel will become a space filled with worship, prayer, and sacred reminders of God’s presence and love. Learn about this campaign here, and click here to make your gift. You can make a contribution in honor of someone you love and download a personalized card here to let them know a gift has been made in their honor, which is what LaVon and I did.
I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this weekend!
In Christ’s love,
Adam
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.
