February 1, 2008

Dear Resurrection Family,

Last night I watched the Democratic primary debate. Some time back I watched the Republican primary debate. This coming Tuesday those of you who live in Missouri will vote in your party's primary, and Kansas Democrats will participate in your party's caucus. Kansas Republicans will caucus on Saturday, February 9. Below I've listed more information about where you can go to find out the location of your polling station or caucus site. You can switch parties or register to vote at the door for the Democratic caucuses in Kansas. To participate in the Republican caucus in Kansas you must have registered as a Republican by January 25.

The key issues that seem to be uppermost on people's minds in the primaries include the economy, the war in Iraq, health care and immigration. I'm interested in the candidate's positions on these issues, but I'm even more interested in seeing their character, their strengths, and their potential weaknesses; how they handle themselves, how they make decisions, and their ability to bring people together around common goals. I am interested in which of these candidates will represent us well on the International scene. I am reminded of John Kotter's description of what leaders do (Kotter taught leadership at Harvard Business School for many years). Leaders cast vision, align resources to accomplish the vision and they motivate and inspire people to accomplish the vision. I think we need a President who can do these things, along with a host of other things a President must do.

I'm making a list of the qualities I am looking for in a President, and checking to see which of the candidates I think best represents these qualities. Each of the candidates on both sides has some of them. I will pray, read, and reflect as I come to my own conclusions. I know you will do the same. I think you, as a congregation, are among the most intelligent, compassionate and committed people I know. Your voice is important.

Here's what's up in today's email.

1. This Sunday: What Would Jesus Say to America? Bring a $1 Bill.
2. SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICE AT 4:00 PM this weekend
3. Bring Your Soups and Food Offerings This Weekend!
4. When and Where to Vote or Caucus
5. A Good Excuse for Buying a New Big Screen - Guys, Read This

1. This Sunday: What Would Jesus Say to America? Bring a $1 Bill.
This weekend we conclude our series of sermons on Seeing Gray: Faith, Morality and Politics in a Black and White World. I'll teach you three Hebrew words that are important in understanding what God asks of kings, presidents and nations. We'll look at a $1 bill and ask what it teaches us about who we are as a nation (try to remember to bring a $1 bill with you to church - if you have children who are in worship with you, bring one for them too). We'll think together about what Jesus might say to us as a nation based upon a reading of Luke's gospel. Bring a friend this weekend!

2. SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICE AT 4:00 PM this weekend
We have a large number of relatively new people worshiping with us on Sunday nights since Christmas Eve. As a way of encouraging them not to miss church this weekend, we're moving the Sunday evening service to 4:00 pm so that they can worship and still make their Super Bowl parties. Is this compromising with the culture? I don't think so - it is one small change we can make to help us fulfill our mission of reaching non-religious and nominally religious people. So, encourage your friends who worship on Sunday night to be here. We'll be done at 5:00 pm.

3. Bring Your Soups and Food Offerings This Weekend!
This weekend is our big Souperbowl Food Drive. I look forward to shopping today for chunky soup and other items that LaVon and I will share with families in need. I'm always blessed by the thought that the food I bring will be shared by people in need right here in Kansas City. Pray for those families as you load your sack of items and bring it to the church this weekend. Remember, small groups - I will join the small group who brings the most food (pounds calculated on a pound per person in the group basis) for a Saturday morning in which we'll deliver food to an area pantry and then share a pot-luck brunch together. I'd love to spend several hours with your group. Check out the official rules for the small group competition on the website. 

4. When and Where to Vote or Caucus
All Missourians vote in their primaries this Tuesday, February 5. To find your polling location: http://mcvr.mo.gov/PollingPlaceLookup/. The Kansas Democratic caucuses will be held on Tuesday, February 5. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Registered Republicans and the unaffiliated may switch to the Democratic Party at the door, and if you are not a registered voter you may register at the door. Bring a photo ID with you. You must attend the caucus site for your State Senate District. For a list of these locations and more information go to this site: www.ksdp.org/SuperTuesday. The Kansas Republican caucus will be held on Saturday, February 9. Check-in begins at 9:00 am and the caucus begins at 10:00 am. Bring your photo ID (if you have your voter registration card that will speed up the process as well). To participate in the Republican caucus you must have registered as a Republican by January 25. You can participate in the caucus location that is most convenient for you provided it is within your congressional district. For a list of these locations click on this link: www.ksgopcaucus.org.

5. A Good Excuse for Buying a New Big Screen - Guys, Read This
If you are looking for a reason to buy a new HD big screen and you have a big screen already, we might be able to help! We're in need of three or four big screen televisions at the church for our larger meeting rooms. If you have a big screen that is less than 5 years old, is in great working condition, that you would like to donate to the church, or if you would like to purchase a big screen for the church, would you please let me know. We're looking for 55" or larger televisions but they must be in good working condition. Click on this email address and let us know and tell us a bit about the make, year, and model, sue.thompson@cor.org.

I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend!

In Christ's Love,

Adam Hamilton