Weekly eNote from Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Friday, 1 July 2016

Friday, July 1, 2016
Weekly eNote from Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Friday, 1 July 2016
Dear Resurrection Family,
This week, I am taking time with our executive staff and campus pastors to pray, dream and plan as we seek to discern where God would lead us over the next two years. We’ve been looking over the sermon ideas you submitted last week (there were over 100 sermon series ideas you submitted – enough to last 12 years!) and discussing the messages for the next couple of years. We’re laying the groundwork for the development of a strategic plan that looks ahead to 2030. And we’re looking at what needs to happen as Leawood, West, and Downtown prepare for the opening of new buildings and Blue Springs prepares for its renovations.
As we head into the Fourth of July weekend and celebrate Independence Day, I am grateful for the freedoms we have in this country, and the lofty ideals put forward by our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. At the same time most of us sense that we are more divided as a nation than we’ve ever been. Regardless of our party affiliation we feel the distrust of the other.
This week I posted the first of five blog posts based upon my January sermon series, Facing the Issues that Divide. My aim is to foster conversation among Christians across the country. The blogs and the sermons, along with a leader’s guide, are intended to encourageSunday School classes and small groups in churches across the US to engage in the conversation. You can read the first blog post and find out more about how to use this material by clicking here.
How do you comfort a friend who has lost a loved one? What do you say when someone you love discovers they have cancer? How do we care for one another and bear one another’s burdens? This weekend at the Leawood Campus I’ve asked our Executive Pastor of Congregational Care, Karen Lampe, to teach us how to care for others during their darkest times. We’ll have a small gift – a list of scriptures for you to keep with you that can be of help when you or your loved ones are walking through difficult times. Her message is entitled, Rise and Shine. You won’t want to miss it. The Vibe service will hear from Chris Folmsbee who will share a message entitled, Chasing Chariots.
Every Thursday night, Resurrection hosts classes and support groups through Care Night on the Leawood Campus. You can see the full list online. This summer Care Night has included some special health and wellness programs. A two-part class designed to increase safety awareness begins next week. On July 7 we’ll have a screening of “The Hunting Ground,” the award winning documentary film about sexual assault on college campuses. After the film, there will be a discussion led by my Executive Assistant Sue Thompson. The film is appropriate for anyone who is a junior in high school or older. The second class on July 14 will be self-defense training for our church family and community, provided by The Ali Kemp Educational (TAKE) Foundation. TAKE will bring waivers for participants, and anyone under 18 years of age will need a parent or guardian signature. You can register for one or both classes online. Classes are at 6:30 pm in room B206 on the Leawood Campus. Childcare is available. I am so proud that our church is providing this training and support to our community, and I hope that you will bring your friends and family members and join us.
Next Saturday, July 9, is the annual Resurrection Car Show at Leawood. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend who doesn’t attend church to stop by and check out the more than 100 awesome cars on display in our parking lot from 9 am to 1 pm. Here’s the website if you want to register your car for display or judging. Each year I enjoy choosing one car to win the Pastor’s Pick award. I look forward to seeing you at the car show!
Last week I invited you to take a short survey to help our mission team organize trips in 2017. If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment and share your opinions. Click here for the survey link.
I’ll be back in the pulpit July 9/10, preaching a two-part sermon series on Joseph and the Dreamcoat. We’ll have music from the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and I’ll walk you through this very important story found in Genesis and what it teaches us about ourselves and about God. Then we’ll have a Resurrection Night at Shawnee Mission Park’s Theatre in the Park onFriday, July 22. I hope you’ll plan to join us.
Just a reminder, our church offices will be closed on Monday, July 4. Have a great holiday weekend!
In Christ’s Love,
Adam
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue

Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
913.897.0120

www.cor.org
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