Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Dear Resurrection Family,
As I write this e-note, we are on our way to the ancient city of Corinth where Paul started a church and spent 18 months preaching, teaching and shepherding the church. He would return three more times to this community, and write four letters to the believers there, at least two of which are included in our New Testament (some scholars believe that parts of a third letter were incorporated into 2 Corinthians). We’ll make our last stop in Athens on Sunday to recount Paul’s ministry there as described in Acts 17. Monday evening we land back in Kansas City.
I’m looking forward to being back in the pulpit the weekend of Nov. 4/5 when, with the help of video filmed on location, I’ll take you on this same journey. In a three-week sermon series called The Call: The Life and Journeys of Paul, we’ll explore Paul’s life, journeys, imprisonment and death and see how his story speaks to our lives today.
But before that, we have great worship and Trunk or Treat coming up this weekend at Resurrection.
THIS WEEKEND: THE INVITED GUESTS AND THE LAMP
We’ll conclude our sermon series on the parables of Jesus by looking at the parables of the invited guests and the lamp. Pastor Scott Chrostek, our Executive Director of Ministries and Programs, will be preaching at all locations this weekend. I’m looking forward to Scott’s message as he helps us unpack two important parables, one of which is powerfully simple in its message, the other one a bit more complicated. Don’t miss worship this weekend as Pastor Scott helps us understand what it looks like to truly follow Jesus.
TRUNK OR TREAT AT RESURRECTION LOCATIONS
- Saturday, Oct. 28 from 3 – 5 pm at Leawood, West, Blue Springs, Overland Park and Brookside
- Sunday, Oct. 29, after the 9 am and 11 am services Downtown
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO RETURN YOUR COMMITMENT CARDS!
We are so grateful for your commitment and generosity in our annual stewardship campaign and our Generation to Generation capital campaign. I’ll be sharing the results of the campaign on November 12. If you have yet to make a commitment, you can still click here to make your commitment online, or return a commitment card in worship this weekend.
LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS WITH MEALS AND WARMTH
- Holiday meals Oct. 28 – Nov. 12
- Winter Warmth Nov. 13 – 30
FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR NOV. 11
Have you been thinking that maybe it’s time to create a will or update your current will or trust? The Resurrection Foundation will host an online Estate Planning Seminar on Saturday, November 11, from 9:30 – 11:30 am. Local estate planning attorneys will present helpful information to prepare you to take the next step with your professional advisor. The information presented will be relevant to all ages and life stages, with breakout sessions for specific interests and groups. For additional information, please contact foundation@cor.org. Click here to register for this free seminar by Thursday, November 9. On Friday, November 10, you will receive an email containing a unique link to join this informative seminar.
RESURRECTION ANNOUNCES 2024 SEMINARY FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP
Together with Saint Paul School of Theology, Resurrection will award a full-ride scholarship to a seminary student beginning studies in 2024. This three-year Resurrection Fellows program offers a unique opportunity to combine academics and real-life pastoral experience. The award not only covers tuition, books, and fees for three years but also includes a part-time paid position at Resurrection. The application deadline for prospective students interested in the Resurrection Fellows program is January 31, 2024. Finalists will be invited to interview in February, and the award recipient will be announced by March 1, 2024. If you or someone you know might be interested in this opportunity, you can learn more and apply here.
BE INFORMED AND VOTE THIS FALL
In Johnson County, advance voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 28. If you live in Johnson County, the website
VoteJoCo.com has survey responses submitted by candidates. This site is sponsored by area chambers of commerce who serve Johnson County and provides information about public policy issues impacting area businesses. For election information in other locations, check out the League of Women Voters site: vote411.org. Take the time to do your homework and find out if the candidates reflect your values and then vote – your voice matters.GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CHRISTMAS AT RESURRECTION PROGRAM
Christmas at Resurrection is a Kansas City musical tradition that takes place at Resurrection Leawood! This must-see musical presentation features more than 300 actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists in a celebration of Christmas and the depiction of the traditional Christmas story. Tickets are on sale for performances Dec. 7 – 10 online. Here’s the link to learn more and order you tickets.
VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT
This coming Tuesday, on my Vespers, I’ll be coming to you live from my “man cave” in Kansas City sharing with you a bit about our journeys this month and thoughts on the power of taking biblical pilgrimages. You can join Vespers live on Facebook or watch after Tuesday on YouTube. Here are the links: Facebook, or YouTube.
PRAYING FOR VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN MAINE AND ISRAEL/PALESTINE
I have been praying since reading the news last night for the people in Maine who lost loved ones in a senseless act of violence. Could I ask you to pause, right now, to pray for these families in their grief, and for law enforcement as they continue to search for the perpetrator of these crimes? (By the time you read this they may have found the shooter, but as I write these words they have not.)
Finally, continue to join me in praying for those in Israel and Palestine. My heart is heavy for Israelis, for Palestinians and for all impacted by the events of these last three weeks.
Looking forward to being back on Monday!
Adam
P.S. Check out your location newsletter on Tuesday for more opportunities to get connected with Resurrection. Sign up here.
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.
Learn More About What's Happening Now at Your Location
Watch for the “Next” newsletter in your email on Tuesday. This newsletter includes a personal message from your location pastor (Wendy, Anne, Bill, Penny, Joshua and Ashley) and opportunities for you to engage and connect at your location. If you’re not receiving it right now, you can sign up here.
