July 21, 2006
Dear Resurrection Family,
I'm writing this e-mail from the Lake of the Ozarks where I've spent the last couple of days writing. Once I began writing earlier this summer I quickly discovered that the ideas swimming around in my mind were really two different books. I've completed about two-thirds of one book tentatively titled, Christianity for Skeptics, Seekers and Misfits. The other book, which I hope to complete by the end of next weekend, is a series of short essays describing the theological and cultural center. I'm looking at the importance of seeing grey in a nation where many people see only black and white, or perhaps better, learning to see purple where most people only see red and blue. With the most vocal segments of society strongly on the right and left, I'll be suggesting that in many issues the truth is often a both. . .and rather than an either. . .or proposition. I'll share more with you when I'm done. Please pray that God will use me to write the book he wants me to write. Each day I am praying, as I am writing, that God will help me to say what he wants said. Thank you!
Here's what I'm covering in today's e-mail:
1. Worship at 7:45 am
2. Resurrection West Service a Blast!
3. Are You Registered to Vote? Why Voting Matters
4. Willow Creek Leadership Summit
5. An Interesting "Worship" Experience - Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at Kemper
1. Worship at 7:45 am
Last Sunday I worshiped at 7:45 am and was blessed by both the music and the preaching - Judy Long O'Neal preached at that service. My aim in worshiping at 7:45 was to have a chance just to be a worshiper there, and also to ask if the 7:45 attendees would consider attending at 9:00 or 10:45 am in the Sanctuary for three weekends beginning August 20. In my sermon series entitled, Road Trip, we're going to do something a bit unusual during each message - something we could not do in the Chapel. All but one family indicated a willingness to do this for three weeks. We're still looking at the details and seeing if there is another way to approach this. I'll let the 7:45 am worshipers know in a couple of weeks. I want to thank you for your flexibility and your willingness to do this for three weeks - please know I take seriously the importance of maintaining an early service in the chapel, and the fellowship you share in being with your friends there. I thought we might find a way to do something fun for these folks during these three weeks at 7:45 am, prior to attending worship. More on this in a couple of weeks.
2. Resurrection West a Blast!
After attending 7:45 am worship last weekend I had the joy of joining Molly Simpson in leading worship for the first Resurrection West service to be held at Prairie Trail Junior High at 107 th and Lone Elm. This was a trial run to help us work out the kinks before we formally launch on August 20. Being summer and a trial run, we hoped to have 150 to 200 people there - instead we had over 350 people and it was nearly packed. The entire service was live except for the sermon, which was Russell Brown's sermon from our Sanctuary (pre-recorded the night before - it will be a couple of weeks before we have the technology set up to send the sermon live via fiber optic to the west campus). We had a choir, musicians, acolyte and cross bearer, and, for the first time in eight years, I was able to give a children's message. There was quite a buzz following the service in the Narthex as people fellowshipped and began to sign up for various ministries. The service was important in allowing us to see things we needed to improve and tweak before we officially launch, and while we found many of these things, I was amazed at how well the service went. I felt God's Spirit in the Junior High auditorium, and the excitement of launching a new mission that could have a significant impact for God's Kingdom.
We have an incredible team of staff and lay leadership for Rez West - we just hired a part time director of traditional and blended music to develop the traditional service there and a full time director of contemporary worship who will work at both campuses. These are two very gifted musicians and worship leaders. We also have a 5 minute DVD we've put together for you to share with your friends who live in the western part of Johnson County. If you would like to have a copy of this to show your friends, please contact Molly Simpson at molly.simpson@cor.org.
[to top]
3. Are You Registered to Vote?
Only 28% of registered voters in Johnson County voted in the last mid-term primary - it only takes one vote over half to win in the primary - which means someone could become your candidate with only 15% of registered voters supporting them. Resurrection members, you are an important block of voters - I believe you represent an informed, caring and compassionate voice, in our society and in politics. I want to encourage you to make your voices heard in electing people that represent your views, whatever they may be. If you would like more information about the various offices, and candidates running for office, click on this link: www.jocoelection.org/archives/Candidates/Candidates-All-8-2006.htm. I've been trying to find a balanced, non-partisan website comparing the candidates views in a way that both Republicans and Democrats would find even-handed - do any of you know of such a resource? Some are skewed, by their questions toward a particular kind of candidate or another. Let me know if you're aware of resources. One way you can fulfill Christ's call to be salt and light and leaven - to positively influence our community and world, is by voting. If you are not yet registered to vote you can print a voter registration application from the website listed above, just click on Register to Vote, you can print the application, fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the form. The deadline to register for voting in the Primary has passed, however you still have time to register and vote in the General Election, which is Tuesday, November 7, 2006. You must be registered by Monday, October 23, 2006.
4. It's Not Too Late to Register for Willow Creek Summit
I am looking forward to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit we'll host at Resurrection August 10 - 12, 2006! We have over 500 people already signed up. I'm excited about hearing some of my favorite writers on leadership, and taking the time to think about my own leadership. I'm also excited for you to have the chance to have an energizing experience that will enhance your leadership both in the church and in the workplace. If you are looking to be inspired, encouraged and energized, plan to join us for this remarkable event. Registration is now $95, only for Resurrection members, and you must register through our website (the web link is listed below) to receive this rate. The password for Resurrection members is summithost. Folks from other churches are paying the regular rate of $255, so please don't miss this terrific opportunity! To register click on this web link; http://www.cor.org/Willow_Creek_Leadership_Summit_2006.3075.0.html.
5. Worshiping at Kemper with Tim and Faith
My brother-in-law and sister invited LaVon, Danielle and I (Becca was working as teen staff at a youth camp) to join them for the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill concert at Kemper Arena this week. It was a terrific concert. What struck me while I was there is that, in our culture, large concerts like this have taken the place of the camp-meetings of the 1800's - huge community gatherings under one tent (roof!) with emotional and inspiring shared common experiences. The service (I mean concert!) began with a prelude aimed at heightening anticipation. The lights were used to set the tone. And then the worship leaders (I mean artists!) came out to lead the congregation (audience). In the case of Tim and Faith the concert actually had a spiritual dimension to it. The stage was, either, inadvertently or by design, a giant Celtic cross. Faith Hill had a beautiful song about the Kingdom of God and later sang a moving rendition of "It is Well With My Soul." Tim also had a couple of songs that spoke of faith and questions about God. Part of what made the concert and their music effective is that they dealt with issues of love, and faithfulness and hardship - the same kinds of things that churches must deal with in their preaching and ministry. Many of the folks who attended the concert at Kemper don't darken the door of a church - this was as close as they come to a religious experience. Which reminded me that the most influential and effective evangelists are not preachers, but people like you who, in your sphere of influence, seek to let others see and hear of your faith. I don't know anything about Tim and Faith - but I took the handful of songs they sang about faith to be their way of letting their light shine in the midst of doing what they do for a living - playing great country music. How can you let your light shine in your everyday world this week?
In Christ's Love,
Adam Hamilton