Reflections From Sunday Evening

Al Wilson passed away the other night. Al was 80 years old. 20 or 30 years ago he led our finance committee at Platte Woods. He was one of the leaders that did much to make our church the great one it is today.

When I moved here 3 1/2 years ago Al was in a care center. I've been by to see him but never had the kind of conversation where I could learn from his experiences and share what he has meant to so many. One of the drawbacks of our way of doing things in the church. Al gets to go back home to Omaha and we pray for Philena and their family.

It is a funny thing -- how life cycles affect churches. Frankly there are a number of people who come to our church every Sunday that don't know those who have gone before in leadership. At the same time there are always others who step in and carry the work forward.

When I was growing up Doctor Ellett was a man that people counted on. He sewed me up a time or two! He was important to our church. He was probably the one who made sure everything balanced out at the end of the year. He could be counted on. But the day came when others needed to step forward and carry on his work and witness.

That is the Christian life. Others are always being called to step forward and carry on the work. The other night there were 39 couples at the Couples' Night Out. Young couples. People who are vital to our church life. We are in good hands.

There is a young adult group that continues to meet and attract new people. We see them stepping forward and offering leadership to our church.

There are 13 people in this year's leadership development group. Young adults. Stepping forward.

Our youth program develops future leaders for the church (whether this one or another).

Children's ministry prepares young people for the next step along their way of spiritual life.

One of the great joys of seeing the church from where I sit is noticing how tremendously bright our future truly is. So when someone like Al passes into life eternal God has a way of blessing them and all they have done through the years.

It is good to know we are all in God's hands -- and God is constantly inviting, calling and preparing people to carry the Word and further the kingdom.

It's been a good day to reflect. I hope you've had a good day too.