Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - September 15, 2023
September 15, 2023
Dear Resurrection Family,
I’m looking down on my wrist as a I write this note, at the friendship bracelet Stella gave me two years ago, and a second one I received at church last weekend. That second one was prayed over by one of our children here at Resurrection, and it is a daily reminder this month to me, and to all of you who picked one up last Sunday, to pray for our children and youth at Resurrection, and for the ministries that shape them. If you did not get a bracelet, please pick one up at the Connection Point at your location this weekend, and let’s keep praying daily for our children and youth. Here’s a picture of my new bracelet and the one Stella gave me on my wrist as I’m typing this note. I’m stopping to pray for our children and youth at Resurrection right now.
THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: “JESUS IN SEVENTH GRADE”
Did you know that in all of the Bible, we have ONLY ONE STORY of Jesus’ life between his infancy and when he breaks on the scene at the age of 30. That story must be important. It is Luke who tells us this story. It is Passover, and Jesus is 12 years old. If his schools were like ours, he would be a seventh grader!
It was this story that came to mind as I was thinking about our Generation to Generation campaign focused on being the church for children and youth, and creating spaces where they feel welcomed, have fun, find friends and connect with God.
If you live in Kansas City, join us this weekend at your location. I’m preaching the first part of the sermon on this text, and the back half of the sermon will come live from the location pastors as they reveal exciting building plans for renovations and additions focused on being the church for our younger generations. At Leawood, and online and TV, I’ll be walking you through the Leawood plans (and touching on some exciting online and TV plans as well).
At most of our locations you’ll also be able to tour the spaces with building committee members standing by to tell you more or answer your questions. If you are part of our online and TV community, we’ll share a bit about the expansion of this as well.
I’m so very excited about this effort and believe it is essential as we look at the declining in religious affiliation among children and teenagers today.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SERVING ON A RESURRECTION COMMITTEE?
We are looking for a diverse group of people who are committed to the mission and ministry of our church to serve (beginning in 2024) on our Finance, Trustees, Staff Parish Relations, Foundation and Nominations committees, and as Lay Delegates to Annual Conference. If this interests you, here is a link where you can learn more about these committees and sign up. Deadline for nominations is October 9.
SPECIAL STUDY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S SERMONS
We have an exciting study opportunity coming up in October. Our Leawood Location Pastor Robert Johnson will be leading a four-week study and reflection on a collection of Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermons. The class called Strength to Love will be a unique opportunity to connect with people from Resurrection and St. James United Methodist Church on Monday nights October 2 – 23. This is going to be a powerful community study and I hope you’ll consider being a part of it. Click here for more information and to sign up.
JOIN IN SERVING TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 16
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call or Text: 988 – provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
- Crisis Text Message Line – 741741 – a nonprofit organization providing free crisis intervention via SMS message. The organization’s services are available 24 hours a day every day throughout the US by texting 741741.
- Johnson County Mental Health Emergency Services – 913-268-0156 – maintains professional clinical staff on duty 24-hours-a-day to provide mental health Emergency Services to Johnson County residents.
- Behavioral Health Assessment Center – 913-789-3218 – Advent Medical Center provides assessments by appointment
FOCUS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH THIS MONTH
We have two more events this month where you’ll find encouragement and support in a safe place, and come away with practical ways that you can learn to care for your mental, physical and emotional well-being.
- Women’s Health Today – At this event on Tuesday, September 19, 6 pm at our Leawood Location, our United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) has invited a panel of experts to address current women’s health concerns.
- Nurturing Minds – On Friday, September 22, 5:30 pm we’re hosting an event that will feature a panel of mental health professionals who will be offering insights and practical strategies for fostering positive mental well-being in your daily life.
EXPLORE GLOBAL MINISTRY
CONGRATULATIONS LILY CAUDILL, MATTHEW’S MINISTRY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
I’m constantly reminded of how amazing our Resurrection staff are, serving the church, but also the community. Lily Caudill, a program director with our Matthew’s Ministry, is just one example. This Sunday Lily will be sitting in the Buck O’Neil Seat at Sunday’s Royals game in recognition of her work with individuals with special needs and their families. In addition to her role at Resurrection, she is involved in and volunteers with several community organizations. She was nominated by Team Up for Down Syndrome, an organization founded by Resurrection members Rex and Jennifer Hudler. If you’re going to the Special Day at the K, make sure you cheer for Lily!
VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT
Each Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:15 pm Central Time, I go live on Facebook to talk about where faith meets daily life. This week, in keeping with our theme of Generation to Generation, I’m going to give you a bit of a building tour, walking through our spaces with my phone and talking about the changes we’re proposing to make at the Leawood Location at Resurrection. Even if you attend another church or location, I think you might enjoy this walk through our buildings talking about Resurrection’s commitment to children and youth. You can join me live, or catch it on the replay on my Facebook page here, or on the church’s YouTube page after Wednesday.
It’s going to be a great weekend of worship, plan to be there!
Adam
PS: Don’t forget to check your location email on Tuesday for more opportunities or go to cor.org/next on our website.
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.
