October 26, 2006
Dear Resurrection Family,
I just returned to the office after having spent yesterday speaking to a conference of pastors and lay people in Detroit. Several of these pastors had recently been to our Leadership Institute. From each I heard how our Institute had profoundly touched them and their leaders and staff. During the day I spoke with 100 pastors about church leadership and preaching. In the evening I spoke with 350 lay leaders and pastors aiming to inspire and encourage them in their own walk with Christ, and then in their pursuit of God's mission for their churches. I sensed the Holy Spirit's work so powerfully last night. I went to bed last night once again believing that our church's role in fostering change, renewal and revitalization with the United Methodist Church is bearing fruit in profound ways.
Here's what I'll cover in today's e-mail:
1. Stem Cell Debate, Part I
2. This Weekend in Worship: Hidden Treasure and a Pearl of Great Price
3. Attention Visitors: Coffee with the Pastors this Weekend
4. Don't Forget: Set Your Clock Back this Saturday Night!
5. A Great Fast Company article
1. Stem Cell Debate, Part I
For those of you who live in Missouri, on November 7, 2006 you'll vote on various candidates for office and other issues, but perhaps the one which you have heard the most about is Constitutional Amendment 2 also known as the "stem cell initiative." I had hoped to see us sponsor a forum on this issue at the church prior to the election - unfortunately we were not able to do that prior to the election. Instead, this week and next, I'll offer information for you to do a bit of your own thinking about this issue.
First, you should actually read the proposed amendment - you can read this at online. There is a debate you can listen to on the web - a 55 minute radio debate featuring Donn Rubin, Chairman of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Jaci Winship, Executive Director of Missourians Against Human Cloning. You can listen to this online.
Next week I'll include in my pastor's e-mail a summary of the pertinent ethical issues as I understand them.
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2. This Weekend in Worship: Hidden Treasure and a Pearl of Great Price
This weekend in worship we'll continue our study of Jesus' parables by looking at two of the shortest of his parables - found in Matthew 13:44-46 - the parable of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great price. Both speak to us about our purpose and focus in life. Invite a friend and join us for a great weekend of worship!
3. Attention Visitors: Coffee with the Pastors this Weekend
This weekend is our next Coffee with the Pastors. This is held for our visitors to the church, to give you the opportunity to find out more about our church and, if you choose, to give you the chance to join the church. We'll meet from 2:00 to 3:30 pm in the Narthex and then, for those who are ready to join, we'll gather in the Sanctuary for a fifteen minute joining ceremony. I hope to see you at Coffee this weekend!
4. Don't Forget: Set Your Clock Back this Saturday Night!
This Saturday night, before you go to bed, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour! Each year we have folks who show up on this Sunday wondering when we changed our worship times. Once we even had a pastor do this!
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5. A Great Fast Company article
I just read this week a great article on a simple way to change the world. It was published in last month's Fast Company and it can be found online. One simple change on the part of each of us could have a significant impact on our environment. I hope you'll join me in accepting the challenge found in this article.
As I was flying home from Detroit this morning I sat next to a woman who was coming to Kansas City for a visit. As we talked she noted that she was a bit nervous flying. I told her I was a pastor and talked to her about how I find peace through prayer when I fly. I then asked if I could pray for her. We prayed together, and, after the prayer, she asked me about our church, noting that her friend she was coming to visit lived in Overland Park and was looking for a church. I just happened to have a brochure about our church in my briefcase and I shared it with her, inviting her to bring her friend to church this weekend (you are welcome to take brochures about our church from the Connection Point and keep a copy in your briefcase to share with people when you have conversations about faith). She told me that as she was getting ready to come to the airport that morning she had prayed that God would give her a sign and help her not to be nervous - she said, "God sent you!" I see God working in these ways all the time - but I might have missed it, and she might have missed it, had I not struck up a conversation with this woman and been willing to talk about my faith. As it was, we were both blessed by the experience.
I want to encourage you to, with love and humility, strike up conversations with people and watch for those opportunities God is bringing your way to minister with and encourage others.
See you this weekend!
Adam Hamilton