Weekly Updates from Pastor Adam - Nov. 11, 2022

Dear Resurrection Family,

Today we celebrate Veterans’ Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was a celebration of the end of World War I, commemorated on November 11, the day World War I ended. It is still called Armistice Day in much of the world, but in America, it became Veterans’ Day to honor those who fought in the war, both the living and the dead, and all who fought for their country in previous wars. While Memorial Day focused on those who died serving their country, Veterans Day had a particular focus on honoring the living veterans and those presently serving in the military, though still honoring those who died in serving their country. We honored our veterans and active-duty personnel last weekend in worship as part of our Veterans’ Day commemoration. Thank you to each of you who have served our nation, both in the past and presently serving. We are deeply grateful for you.

We’ve got a lot going on this weekend and the next, and I look forward to sharing some terrific updates with you.

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS…

I’ll be back in the pulpit this weekend (our location pastors did an awesome job last week – I heard four of our five location pastors preach and enjoyed worshiping at Downtown, Overland Park and Blue Springs over the weekend). We’re in the midst of a series called, “What Did Jesus Say About Money?” Do you have a financial advisor? LaVon and I do. We meet together at least once a year. I wonder, if Jesus were your financial advisor, what would he say? What advice would he give? What principles would he suggest we live by?

I’ll take you to the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-34. We’ll consider three questions: Where is your treasure? How is your vision? And who or what will you serve? I think you’ll find Jesus’ words compelling and helpful as we look at what Jesus said about money.

For worship times, locations, as well as ways to worship online or on TV click here.

THIRD GRADE BIBLES PRESENTED THIS WEEKEND!

We’ll be presenting 300+ Bibles in worship this weekend to third graders across all of our locations. If you have not yet registered your third grader for their Bible, you can still do so here. I am so excited to be presenting our third-grade granddaughter, Stella, with her third grade Bible. This is a huge milestone step in these children’s lives and faith journey.

KIDS’ REPORTS OF GENEROSITY THIS WEEK

Thanks to the generosity of one of our members, last weekend we gave out envelopes (with $5 or $10 in them) to every child and youth in worship and Sunday School across all of our locations. (Locations varied, but generally elementary school students received $5 and middle and high school $10.) Instructions were to find some way to bless others with the gift. If your child or teen did something you found inspirational or moving, let us know, and if you’ve got a photo, even better! I’ll be sharing a couple of these stories in my sermon this weekend. I’d love to know how they felt as they became a conduit of generosity. Click here to send a note to my assistant. If the enote goes out in time, it would be great to hear from you by 1:30 pm, if not, please send your note anyway – I’ll share a few stories this week and next (we record the sermon for TV at 3 pm today).

2023 STEWARDSHIP INFORMATION GOES OUT THIS WEEK

In the coming week, those of you who are members of Resurrection will receive information about making your annual stewardship commitment for the coming year on November 19/20. We hope, member or not, if you consider Resurrection your church family, that you will return a commitment card, or make a commitment online. If you are not a member and not currently pledging, you will receive the information in worship next weekend.

Your giving is an act of worship and praise, and an investment in God’s work through the church. Your generosity makes possible everything that happens through our ministry. By means of your offerings:

• We’ve baptized and welcomed hundreds of people this year to faith in Christ.
• We’ve distributed several hundred thousand dollars in food assistance.
• We’ve mentored 1,500+ children across our locations in Sunday School and VBC.
• We’ve seen our student ministries growing and are mentoring hundreds of teenagers.
• We’ve provided hospital care, support groups, counseling and visitation of homebound.
• We’ve supported more than 2,000 people in small groups.
• We’ve ministered with nearly 2,000 low-income children in Kansas City.
• We’ve had 400 different people participate in Matthew’s Ministry.
• We provide worship for nearly 30,000 people each week.
• We’ve served as the hands and feet of Christ for thousands of people locally, across the country and around the world.

And all of that is just a bit of the return on your investment through your tithes and offerings to God through our church.

Scripture teaches us to tithe, to give the first tenth of what we have to God as an expression of gratitude and faithfulness. You may not be at 10% yet, but I wonder if you might consider taking a step towards tithing this year? I think you’ll find that you are the one blessed by this practice. Thank you to all of you who are already tithing, or giving more than tithing, and to all who generously and faithfully give even if you are not yet tithing. God is honored by your gifts, and we are grateful.

By the way, each year we give you a coffee mug as a small expression of thanks for returning your commitment card. This year’s mug celebrates the BE Campaign. We’ll hand these out beginning next Sunday after worship as people return their commitment cards. Here’s what it looks like.

BLOOD DRIVES THIS COMING WEEK

We have blood drives coming up at four locations. This is a great way to care for our community, and you may save a life! If you donate at any Church of the Resurrection blood drive, you will be entered in a drawing to win Chiefs tickets to the Jan. 1 game! Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be safely worked in as space allows. Just click on the location name for details and a registration link.

• Leawood: (Building B Foundry Hall): Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 14 or 15, 8 am-8 pm
• Blue Springs: Thursday, November 17, 2 – 6 pm
• Overland Park: Thursday, Nov. 17, 2 – 7 pm
• West: Monday, Nov. 21, 10 am – 7 pm

THANKSGIVING SERVING OPPORTUNITIES

If you are filling food bags for Thanksgiving meals this year, please return them this weekend. You can also donate online. A $50 donation will provide food to fill a Thanksgiving bag. During November, we are also collecting warmth items to make this holiday season brighter for our neighbors in need. Click here for more information and opportunities to serve.

THANKSGIVING PRAYER VIGIL NOVEMBER 22

Our annual Thanksgiving Prayer Vigil on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 10 am – 3 pm, offers a way start your Thanksgiving celebrations by centering yourself in prayer and gratitude. Before the busyness of the holidays sets in, take time to lift others up in prayer and offer thanks to God. The Prayer Vigil is in the Firestone Chapel in Building B at the Leawood location. A light lunch will be provided from 11 am – 1 pm.

A remote option will also be available for download if you cannot join in person. Watch for details on downloading this resource next week, which will also provide a tool to use to engage in giving thanks around your table.

CHRISTMAS AT RESURRECTION MUSICAL TICKETS ON SALE

Christmas at Resurrection is back this year and it’s a Kansas City tradition you won’t want to miss. Bring the family! All generations – kids to great grandparents – will enjoy the music and scenes from beloved Christmas movies as well as a retelling of the birth of Jesus. I’ve heard the excitement from those who are singing or performing saying this will be the best Christmas at Resurrection ever!

Performances are December 8 – 11, and tickets are on sale now online. If you’ve never been to a Christmas at Resurrection production before, this commercial – which you’ll see on TV soon – will give you a taste of what to expect.

VESPERS THIS TUESDAY

Each Tuesday evening, I share a brief time of reflection on Facebook Live that we call Vespers. It is informal. I come to you from my home, or my study, or wherever I happen to be. There are typically several hundred people who join me live, and another 1,500 who watch the replay during the week. This next Tuesday, I’m planning on sharing from the introduction and first chapter of my new book, Prepare the Way for the Lord – an Advent book looking at the life and message of John the Baptist and how he prepares us for Christ’s coming. Join me at Pastor Adam Hamilton Facebook at 7:30 pm CT this Tuesday. You can also catch the replay on YouTube later in the week.

STAND TOGETHER EVENT LAST NIGHT IN WESLEY CHAPEL

Last night we hosted the “We Stand Together” event in the Wesley Chapel at Leawood. 182 people from our community gathered together in person along with a number of people online to demonstrate support for the Islamic community and the Dialogue Institute of Kansas City after their facility was vandalized. The Dialogue Institute, founded by Muslims, works to bring people of various faiths together. Those attending, representing a variety of faith traditions, were united in condemning racist attacks and violence in our community. The evening ended with a candle lighting and a challenge to spread the light of love in our community. I am grateful that Resurrection is a church that stands in support of our neighbors of other faiths. (Below is a picture from the climax of the service.)

As I close this note, I wanted to mention that tomorrow morning at 11 am we’ll celebrate the life of Wendell Lady in the Wesley Chapel at the Leawood location. A visitation will be held at 10 am. Many of you knew and served with Wendell and I wanted to make sure you knew of the service.

Resurrection, I’m so grateful for you and proud of the way you seek to grow in your faith and to live your faith as Christ’s people in the world!

Adam