Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - September 6, 2024

September 6, 2024

Dear Resurrection Family,

This is going to be a great weekend of worship as we begin a new sermon series on the Holy Spirit, and we officially launch Resurrection Spring Hill. If you live in the Spring Hill, Gardner, Hillsdale, or southwest Olathe area (or have friends who do) join us for worship Sunday at 9 or 11 am at 112 E. Nichols in Spring Hill. For now, children’s programming is only available at the 9 am service.

THIS WEEKEND: THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE HEBREW BIBLE

This weekend I’m kicking off a series of messages on The Power and Work of the Holy Spirit. We will take a deep dive into what the Bible teaches about the power and work of the Holy Spirit. This weekend we’ll look at what the Hebrew Bible – the Old Testament – teaches about the Holy Spirit. I interviewed Rabbi Stephanie Kramer of Congregation B’nai Jehudah this week about how Judaism understands the Holy Spirit – she’s the senior rabbi of Kansas City’s oldest and largest synagogue and you’ll hear from her during the message as well. The Hebrew word for spirit, Ruach, appears nearly 400 times in the Old Testament. It can refer to God’s Spirit, the human spirit, an evil spirit, but also wind and breath among other meanings. Our focus is on God’s Spirit and how the Spirit of God is at work in us. If you are in town, plan to worship in person, and if you are traveling or out of town, join us by worshiping online.

SPECIAL BAPTISM SERVICES SEPT. 8

This Sunday, September 8, we will have special baptismal services at our Leawood location at 2 and 3 pm. I’ll be a part of this service as will several of our other pastors. You can be baptized by immersion in our outdoor water feature in our first memorial garden, in Building C behind the Wesley Chapel, or inside the Wesley Chapel for sprinkling. I’ll be in the water as part of the immersion baptisms. If you have already been baptized you may sign up to renew your baptismal vows. Whether you’re taking your first step in faith or recommitting to your spiritual journey, you can join us for this celebration of Christian baptism by registering here.

PARENTS, DON’T MISS THIS: HOW TO RAISE A CITIZEN

Parents, how are you being intentional about teaching your children about politics and how our government and democracy function? In this time of polarization, how are you helping prepare them to understand and be engaged in the big questions that divide us? On Monday, September 16 at Resurrection Leawood’s Foundry Hall, The American Public Square will present Dr. Lindsey Cormack who wrote, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It). Lindsey grew up in the area, graduated from Blue Valley Northwest, got her Ph.D. in Government from New York University, and is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute in New Jersey.

The event will be in Resurrection’s Leawood Foundry Hall with a cookie reception beginning at 5:30 pm and Dr. Cormack’s presentation beginning at 6 pm and concluding at 7:30 pm. I’ll be interviewing Dr. Cormack as part of the event as she helps us understand how we can instill the values of democracy, and the ability to engage in politics and civic life while combatting polarization. This event is sponsored by American Public Square, and you can register free to attend either in person or online on their website here. Free childcare is available if you register here.

TAKE A LIFE-CHANGING GLOBAL SERVE TRIP IN 2025

I’ve challenged all of you who are able to consider going on a Global Serve Trip. These experiences can be life-changing and you explore the world and make a difference. Resurrection is offering 19 incredible trips in 2025 to destinations such as South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Costa Rica, Honduras, and more. Trips cater to various interests including education, construction, capacity building, and medical assistance. You can learn more about these trips, including how to sign up, costs, duration, scholarship opportunities, and accommodation details at a special online Lunch and Learn Zoom session on September 18 at Noon (CDT), click here to join the Zoom link on Sept. 18. This informative session will address common questions and provide an opportunity for questions. For more information and to sign up for an upcoming trip, click here.

RESURRECTION TO PURCHASE TWO VEHICLES FOR POLAND!

The last three weekends at our Leawood location we had fun cars parked outside the main doors and invited attendees to vote for their favorites by placing pocket change or dollars into a box designated for each car. All the money would go to purchase a van for the UMC of Tarnow, Poland for use in its ministry. We raised over $30,000 dollars! We spoke by Zoom with the General Superintendent of the UMC of Poland this week, who was overjoyed, he asked if they could use the funds to buy two used vehicles for two of the churches that most needed them. Thanks to your generosity, both in the voting and through your regular offerings, you provided vehicles for two congregations. We had a very close race last weekend in the car competition. The winner was the Bergman’s 1928 Model A Ford but several were close behind. Thank you to all who participated in helping raise these funds. As always, I’m proud of you!

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH • RESURRECTION RESOURCES

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We believe that even in our darkest times, there is always hope, and we want to walk with you through your challenging seasons. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, we encourage you to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. In addition, you can call or text 988, which will connect you with a mental health professional. Resurrection offers a variety of resources to support you that you can find at Resurrection.church/crisis.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS

We are currently seeking volunteer leaders to serve on key committees and elected positions: Finance, Trustees, Staff Parish Relations, Foundation, Nominations, and Lay Delegates to Annual Conference. We need leaders who represent the wide demographics our congregation and are passionate about serving Resurrection. Take a look at committee descriptions, requirements and submit your application here if you are interested to our Nominating Committee. Applications are due on Monday, October 7.

RESURRECTION RECOVERY MINISTRY KICK-OFF SEPT. 12

I’d like to invite you to join us at our Recovery Ministry Kick-off and Open House on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 5:30 pm at Resurrection Leawood, Online, and all Kansas City Resurrection locations. This free event, open to everyone, will feature a powerful panel of experts, moderated by Channel 9 News Anchor, Lara Moritz, discussing addiction, mental health and learning how to support our loved ones facing these challenges.

At the Leawood location, free childcare will be available, but you need to register for it by clicking here. Also, for those attending in person at the Leawood location, we’ll be serving a delicious Nick & Jake’s pasta dinner. Learn more about Resurrection Recovery here.

DO UNTO OTHERS BILlBOARDS, SIGNS, OTHER CHURCHES TOO!

On the way to the Chiefs’ game last night I was excited to see our Do Unto Others billboard on 435! I’ve been seeing your signs popping up all over Kansas City. But I’ve also been receive pics of churches across the US who are using this campaign. The latest I heard of this morning was First UMC Fort Worth, Texas. We provide the graphics and other campaign materials including sermon support materials and churches adapt for their setting and place their church’s name on the signs and t-shirts. Over 1,000 churches across the US are joining in this campaign built around Jesus’ Golden Rule and inviting people to spread kindness during the election season. Churches can find resources at campaignforkindness.com. For Resurrection, you can learn more on our website: resurrection.church/kindness.

SEPTEMBER 21 SERVE SATURDAY: DO UNTO OTHERS FOCUS

Join us for a special Serve Saturday event on September 21 as we promote kindness throughout our community during this election season. This month, we’re combining our regular community service with a unique focus on spreading a message of kindness. Volunteers will gather at Resurrection locations to receive “Do Unto Others” yard signs and area maps. Together, we’ll go out in groups to place these signs throughout the community, making a positive impact and demonstrating that kindness transcends political divisions. We will also have regular Serve Saturday opportunities available.
To learn more, click here, and then sign up for the location where you can serve. Signing up in advance will help us make sure we have enough signs and maps ready for you.

GREEK FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

My Godfather, Lou Petrakos, reached out to me this week inviting me to the annual Kansas City Greek Festival this weekend. He’s Greek Orthodox and a leader at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 120th and Wornall. I’m planning on going tomorrow afternoon at around 1:30 pm. If you are looking for something fun to do, it’s going on all weekend with food and entertainment 6-10 tonight, noon to 10 pm Saturday and noon to 4 pm Sunday.

As an aside, if any of you are going to the Gardens at Sunset benefitting the Kansas City Community Gardens, I’ll be there Saturday night as well.

VESPERS TUESDAY

Join me for Vespers this Tuesday night. I’ll go live at 7:30 pm. from my home in Stilwell with a conversation about faith and life. Click here to go to my Pastor Adam Hamilton Facebook page. You can also access it here on YouTube later.

Looking forward to an amazing weekend in worship!

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.

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