Weekly Updates from Pastor Adam - Feb. 3, 2023

Dear Resurrection Family,

February is Black History Month. There are a lot of community events in Kansas City to help us recognize and celebrate historic contributions of Black Americans. Visit Kansas City has put together a great list of things to do in our city. Here’s a link. We also have some things coming up as part of our Allies for Racial Justice partnership with St. James UMC. Check out their website here. Additionally, we’ll be hosting a screening of a new documentary about the birth ofGospel Music in Kansas City at the end of the month. I’ll have details below, but first here’s where we’re going this weekend…

THIS WEEKEND: “IF JESUS HAD AN IPHONE…”

How much time do you spend on your smartphone? I looked at my “screen time” app on my iPhone and I was shocked (I’ll share my data in the sermon this weekend). But when you include vespers, reading my devotions, responding to e-mail, text messages, social media, looking at news, talking, reading, etc. – the number becomes disturbing. And my number is significantly lower than the average American!

This weekend, as we conclude our series on Faith and Technology, we’ll ask, “If Jesus had an iPhone”… What would he have done? How would he have used it? When would he have turned it off? And then we’ll look at how and why we might want and need to adjust how we use these important devices in our lives. I think you’ll be inspired, encouraged, challenged and helped by this concluding message. We’ll end the sermon looking at Jesus’ invitation for us to be his “followers,” and his “friends,” and to “share,” “like” and “retweet” his message! Bring your phone (in do not disturb mode!) and join us for worship this weekend.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES THIS WEEK

Speaking of technology, if you go to cor.org, our old website, you are now going to be redirected to a brand new site: resurrection.church. I’m really excited about this site that we’ve been working on for almost a year. As you can imagine, Resurrection is a very complex organization with a lot going on at our six locations and online. In the digital world, our website is like the front door to the church. Our goal is to provide a welcoming website that is easy to navigate but still includes all the information a guest or member would need.

This new website was designed to help us more effectively grow and communicate our mission throughout all of our locations, ministries, and programs. Additionally, it will support our continued growth as an online platform with resources and worship that reaches people all over our country, and even internationally

I encourage you to explore the website. It may take some time to get used to where things are now located, and we know there will be some bugs that need to be fixed, but our team has done an amazing job of creating a website that truly represents Resurrection and will help people connect and engage with our church. If you notice something that doesn’t work or is incorrect, use the contact form on the “Contact Us” page to let us know.

COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS THIS WEEKEND, FEB. 5

This weekend we will also have Coffee With the Pastors on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 2 – 4 pm at each of our locations and online. This event is our process for becoming an official member of Resurrection where I and other pastors share with you more about Resurrection – what we believe, who we are, and what is expected of our members. You’ll meet our pastors, learn about our beliefs, history and expectations; and, after a short break near the end, you’ll have a chance to join the church. Click here to register!

RESURRECTION BLOOD DRIVES IN FEBRUARY

Blood donations have remained low following COVID, but the need for blood continues to be high. You can help those in need by donating at one of our blood drive locations listed below. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Just click on the date link to make a reservation:

–Leawood: Monday, Feb. 13, 8 am – 8 pm or Tuesday, Feb. 14, 8 am – 8 pm
–Overland Park: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2 – 7 pm
–Blue Springs: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2 – 6
–West: Monday, Feb. 20, 10 am – 7 pm

HISTORY OF GOSPEL MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SCREENING FEB. 27

As a part of Black History Month, Resurrection is going to host a premiere of the film I’m So Glad on Monday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 pm in the Leawood Foundry Hall. The film, produced by Nancy Meis and Paul Wenski and narrated by Resurrection worship leader Isaac Cates traces the history of Gospel music in Kansas City. You can view the film’s trailer here. A Q&A with the producers will follow the showing.

SHARING RESURRECTION IN SWEDEN

Speaking of Isaac, he shared a note with me this week with an update on his music outreach. He has been in Sweden Performing concerts and teaching master classes to choir directors and students from southern Sweden. Isaac was excited to be able to share about Resurrection, his work here, and our Gospel choir, One Accord,” as well his own musical compositions and work with musicians in Kansas City. On Saturday he will direct, lead and sing in a final concert with 1,126 people in the choir! I’m proud of Isaac and his musical outreach to strengthen churches in Sweden. How cool is that!

AN EVENING OF MUSIC WITH CAMERON

On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 pm, the Resurrection choir and orchestra will join Cameron Smith for a concert featuring music from his new album, Faith Will Bring You Through, in the Resurrection Leawood Sanctuary. Cameron is an incredible vocalist who regularly leads worship at Leawood. You will be blessed by this concert. The concert is free.

MEN’S RETREAT COMING UP AT ARROWHEAD MARCH 4

We have a great opportunity for Resurrection men and their guests on Saturday, March 4, at 9 am at Arrowhead Stadium. Join Kevin Lockett, former NFL football player, and Pastor Scott Chrostek for a discussion on faith, leadership and community. You’ll also have an opportunity to tour the stadium and locker rooms – get a behind-the-scenes look at where Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and all the incredibly talented Chiefs players suit up for games. Register today, and don’t miss this!

COLLEGE STUDY STARTING MARCH 21 WITH PASTOR ADAM

Are you between the ages of 18-25 and looking to connect with others your age and learn more about the Bible? I’m going to be leading a three-week study for 18 to 25 year olds on Tuesday nights, March 21, 28 and April 4. We’ll meet from 7 to 8:30 pm in person or online. For those in person we’ll have free pizza, and you’ll receive a copy of my new book, Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws. To register and for more information visit resurrection.church/collegestudy.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE, CONNECT AND GROW

–All-Church Conference – Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7-8:30 pm, Leawood Foundry and Online, approve leaders for committees, candidates for ministry and 2023 budget. Details on the website.

–Grandkids Night Out – Friday, Feb. 10, 6-8 pm at Leawood, dinner and activities for grandparents and grandkids, $5 per person. Register online.

–Sack Hunger Food Drive – Pick up a grocery bag at church, fill it with the requested items, and return, or donate online.

VESPERS TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Join me this Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 pm CST on my Pastor Adam Hamilton Facebook page. You can also replay Vespers at your convenience on our YouTube channel.

In closing, I’m also excited about our Inspired for Life Women’s Conference that is taking place tonight and tomorrow at our Leawood location. There is still time to register at ifl.cor.org.

In Christ’s love,

Adam