February 8, 2008
Dear Resurrection Family,
This last Monday and Tuesday we held our quarterly blood drive. The weather was threatening and a number of metro area blood drives closed for the day. We held ours and emailed you as a congregation that we needed your help since the blood supply was low and other drives were closed. As always you responded in amazing ways. We had over 50 gallons of blood donated - 401 pints! I met a number of folks at the drive who were first time donors - great job!!! In last weekend's sermon I taught on three Hebrew words that capture God's will for our lives: Hesed, (kindness or mercy), tsedeka (righteousness - doing the right thing even if it is not required by law), and mishpat (justice - caring for those in need, seeking fairness and equality). The blood drive was a concrete example of living out these virtues. Again, thank you to all who gave blood, tried to give blood, or who served as volunteers to make the drive happen.
Here's what I'll cover in today's email:
1. Lent Has Begun: Take the Lenten Challenge! What is Lent?
2. New Sermon Series Launches This Weekend: The Lord's Prayer
3. Ready to Dig Deeper? Sunday Night Sessions on the Lord's Prayer
4. Interested in Joining Church of the Resurrection? Join Me for Coffee This Sunday
5. Latest Posts on My Blog Regarding Last Weekend's Sermon
6. Kansas Republicans: Don't Forget to Participate in Tomorrow's Caucuses
1. What is Lent? Take the Lenten Challenge!
The Word, Lent, is a Teutonic word that means spring. It comes into our English language as Length and refers to the lengthening of the days that happens in springtime. Christians from at least the early second century had begun setting aside time before Good Friday and Easter to fast and prepare themselves for these holy days. By the 400's the period began to be fixed as 40 days, in keeping with Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness that began his ministry (and tied to Moses and Elijah who also fasted 40 days). It is a season of spiritual seeking and repentance of sin that readies us to observe the crucifixion of Jesus and to celebrate his resurrection. During this season each year we plan the sermons to focus on Jesus, or on spiritual disciplines like prayer. This year we're focusing on the Lord's Prayer (see below).
We've offered several challenges to you for Lent: 1. Be in worship each of Lent's six weeks. If you are out of town, find a place to worship where you are. 2. Give up ten minutes a day for prayer and scripture reading. We've provided Lenten Devotional Guides to help you - they are available free at the church or you can click on this link and read them online. You can even subscribe and they will be sent directly to your email so that you can read them first thing in the morning. 3. Consider a fast of some kind - something you might give up or lay aside that will create a hunger in you - a hunger which will serve as a connection with Christ's suffering and focus your attention on desiring God.
To learn more about the history of Lent, and ideas for observing Lent, check out this website.
2. New Sermon Series Launches This Weekend: The Lord's Prayer
For years I have had on a list of sermons I wanted to preach a series on The Lord's Prayer. A number of you have requested this each year. I'm excited to finally preach on this most important of prayers.
I've prayed the Lord's Prayer thousands of times, but so many times I simply say the words and miss what Jesus was really asking us to pray. In this series we'll dig in to the words Jesus taught us, and their meaning, and what Jesus may have had in mind by this powerful prayer. My own preparation for the sermon this week has enriched my understanding and praying of this prayer.
This is a great series to invite a friend to attend - most non-religious and nominally religious people have heard of the Lord's Prayer. Many can recite it. Most, I think, would enjoy knowing more about it; but they won't come unless a friend invites them. Click on the link to send an invitation to a friend about this series - they will be able to watch the video promo for it as well.
This weekend we begin by exploring the opening of the prayer: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." There's much more in this one phrase than meets the eye! I'll tell you all about it this weekend.
3. Ready to Dig Deeper? Sunday Night Sessions on the Lord's Prayer
For those of you who really like to study, and to discuss what you've learned with others, we're offering classes every Sunday night after church, beginning at 6:30 pm in Room 220 of the east building that will take you even deeper into the Lord's Prayer. This weekend pastor Judy Long O'Neal will lead the discussion. You'll enjoy having the chance to dig into the scriptures with our pastors and your fellow members!
4. Interested in Joining Church of the Resurrection? Join Me for Coffee This Sunday
If you are a visitor to our church and you've been thinking about joining, or would simply like to know more about the church, please join me and our other pastors for Coffee this Sunday afternoon. The event last from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. We walk you through the history of the church, who we are as a United Methodist Church, our mission and values, and the four expectations we have of our members. At the end, if you decide you are ready to join and be an official member we have a ten minute joining ceremony after which you will be a member of the church. Childcare is available. You can make a reservation online
or call 913-897-0120, ext. 2003. I look forward to seeing you for Coffee!
5. Latest Posts on My Blog Regarding Last Weekend's Sermon
Last week I received email and notes from folks saying the sermon was the best they had ever heard, and I received email and notes from folks saying it was one of the worst they had ever heard! My blog site is a place you can watch the sermon, leave your own comments, dialogue and discuss with other members, and where you can read postings I place there. This week I offered a response to some of the email I received. I'm preparing another post on the question of military versus diplomatic efforts that I discussed in last week's sermon. To read the latest postings, click here.
6. Kansas Republicans: Don't Forget to Participate in Tomorrow's Caucuses
Okay, Kansas Republicans, the Missouri folks and the Kansas Democrats have had their day - tomorrow is your day to get out and caucus for your candidate. Romney is out, McCain, Huckabee and Paul are still in. Spend time praying and thinking about which of these candidates you feel would best represent you and best lead our country were they to be elected president, and go out and caucus! To find your caucus site click on this link.
This is going to be a great weekend in worship! I hope to see you there!
In Christ's Love,
Adam Hamilton