Repaying the Generosity of a Friend // M-Note 11.7.26

As many of you know Rev. Adam Hamilton, the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection (COR), was just elected to the U.S. Senate from the state of Kansas. The church he founded and leads is the largest United Methodist congregation in the United States. Adam’s congregational leadership has been an example for so many pastors across the country for decades, including me.

When we started The Gathering, Adam took notice of our church. He would send an occasional note of encouragement, check in with me on the phone, and offer insights on starting a church. As we grew, he took time to meet and speak with our staff and offer me wisdom on how to lead a growing congregation. Over the years he has been a mentor to me and now a good friend. He has impacted my life and leadership in profound ways.

So when he asked me if I would preach for him at COR the weekend after the election, I felt like it was a small way to repay the generosity he has shown me over the years. While I almost never preach in other places on a Sunday morning, this weekend I will preach at all of the services at Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. Adam will be in worship to address the congregation about his election, and I will be offering the message.

I share it with you all because I would love you to pray for me as I prepare to preach. It is an important Sunday for COR, for their people, and for the leadership of the church. As you might imagine, the congregation is experiencing so many emotions from excitement, celebration, anxiety for the future, and a bit of sadness. Pray that God would use me in a way that meets the moment, is faithful to Jesus, and impactful for the people listening. If you want to listen to the message online, you can check out COR’s website.

Back at The Gathering we will be continuing our series AfterLife: What Come Next. Last week I started the series by talking about what happens immediately after we die. Jesus calls it paradise and you can check out the message out here. This weekend, your site pastor will be preaching on resurrection, what it means, and why it offers us hope. Please plan to be in worship and invite someone who is curious about our church to join you.

I can’t wait to be back at The Gathering next week and thank you so much for being a congregation that supports and prays for me. I am honored to be your pastor and I will be worshiping with you online Sunday after my preaching! Have a great weekend and see you in worship.

Peace,

Matt

P.S. If you haven’t yet, I want to encourage you to volunteer at our next Respite event for families of children with disabilities on December 5. Registrations filled up within minutes of opening, but with more volunteers we can create space for more families. A few hours of your time can make a real impact this holiday season. You can sign up here.