November 16, 2007
Dear Resurrection Family,
There's a lot of activity around the church today. Three of the big events I'm aware of include the Symphony and our Choir performing Handel's Messiah (tickets are still available - call the symphony at 816-471-0400). We're hosting the Russian Initiative Consultation on behalf of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. We have 67 pastors and lay leaders from Moldova, Ukraine and Russia here, as well as 210 pastors and laity from across the United States hearing what God is doing in the United Methodist Churches of Eurasia. I am speaking to this group this evening. It is a joy to see some of my old friends who I met on my first visit to Russia 14 years ago. This evening is also our Confirmation retreat. I'll meet with 105 confirmands this evening as they make their commitment to Christ. This is one-half of our confirmands - another group will go through confirmation in the spring. On Sunday afternoon we'll confirm these youth. It will be a great weekend.
Here's what I'll cover in today's email:
1. This Weekend: Your Life Mission: Part One
2. Stewardship Update: How Are We Doing?
3. New Children's Film, The Golden Compass, Raises Concerns
4. Why the "No Handgun" Signs?
5. Thankful Day of Prayer
1. This Weekend: Your Life Mission: Part One
This weekend I'll be back in the pulpit and preach a sermon called, The Mission: Part One. It is the first in a series of sermons I'll preach from time to time on the various aspects of our life mission, according to the scriptures. This week we'll look at the part of our life mission that is captured in Jesus' final words to his disciples, "You will be my witnesses." It is also captured in the Apostle Paul's words, "We are Christ's ambassadors: God making his appeal through us." We'll learn from the Bible's two Philips how we can share our faith with others. And I'll offer you some tips and tools to help you fulfill this part of God's mission for your life.
2. Stewardship Update: How Are We Doing?
I thought I'd give you an update on how we're doing in this year's stewardship campaign so far. As of last Sunday we had 49.4% of the commitment cards returned - 2,699 cards - to the church for a total of $10,153,198. This is an average commitment of $3,762. We've received 127 more cards than we had by the second weekend of last year's effort, the average commitment is up by $110 or about 3%. It is difficult to know what an average family in our congregation makes, after taxes, but it would appear that the average pledge may be around 5% of the average after tax income for members of the congregation. I was asked this week how well our members actually fulfill their pledges. This year we will receive about 94 or 95% of all that was pledged, so our members do a great job of fulfilling their estimates of giving. Our goal is to see at least 65% of the commitment cards received (our hope is to receive 100% - even if you cannot make a commitment, it helps us to hear from you). If you have yet to make your commitment, you can do so online right now by clicking on this link. Every commitment, no matter the size, is important, both as an expression of your commitment to Christ and in Christ's work through our church. Thank you to each of you who have turned in your commitment cards already!
3. New Children's Film, The Golden Compass, Raises Concerns
I've had a number of you forward e-mails to me about a new film that is coming out on December 7 called, The Golden Compass. It is based upon a series of children's books that have been very popular in England called His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. The film appears to be very appealing and along the lines of Harry Potter with a touch of the Chronicles of Narnia. But the author seems to have an anti-religious bias and was quoted in an interview in 2003 as saying, "My books are about killing God." I have not read the books or seen the film and I am hesitant to comment without having done either. I do think that, since the film is marketed to children and may contain a subtle, or not so subtle, bias against God, you may want to find out more about the film and books before going to see it. If you do go see it with your children, you might use this as an opportunity to talk with your children about your faith. I suspect that the author of the books is turning away from an image of religion that, while popular, may not reflect the faith of most Christians. For one person's perspective on the books behind the film, click on this link.
4. Why the No Handgun Signs?
A few folks have wondered why our Trustees placed the No Handgun signs on the doors entering the church. One person wanted to know if this was in response to something that had happened at the church. No, there has been no incident, and I am not aware of anyone ever bringing weapons into the church. So, why the signs? I received this email from Dick Cooper, our Director of Facilities, who addressed this question:
Kansas passed a concealed weapon carry law in 2006, which became effective in 2007.
The original KS bill excluded many places for concealed weapons. For example; schools, churches, places of assembly like arenas were off limits to concealed weapons.
However, in time, the bill was modified that cast doubt on whether concealed weapons could or could notbe brought to achurch in Kansas.
Unfortunately, these are times we live. Missouri has a similar law and virtually every commercial business in KC has these signs. They are showing up in businesses and schools in Kansas too.
5. Thankful Day of Prayer
Don't forget this Tuesday is our all-day prayer vigil. We hold this twice a year, once right before Thanksgiving and once on Good Friday, and we invite you to come and spend time in prayer in the Wesley Covenant Chapel, observing a thanksgiving prayer time. We'll have special devotional guides to help you in your prayer time, and we'll invite you to pray for your fellow church members. Twice a year every member of our church is prayed for by name at our prayer vigils. While Thanksgiving Day is filled with family and food and football, this prayer vigil is a time set aside for you to devote quality time to prayer. The chapel is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Mark your calendar and plan to be here - you'll be blessed, and your prayers will be a blessing to others.
I look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend!
In Christ's Love,
Adam