It's been some weekend. I had the opportunity to serve as spiritual director for the women's Emmaus Weekend number 31. I could name the weekend "51 Women and Me!" but that sounds way too much like a country western song. I'll just leave it at saying Joann Hummel and her team provided an opportunity for a number of people to experience the grace of God in a new and fresh way.
It is probably not the smartest thing in the world to try and do but I was also the preacher for the weekend at PWUMC. And we had a really good weekend as well. For me the highlight was the Confirmation service at the 9:30 service. I had the privilege of baptizing 4 young people and confirming 17 in the "faith and fellowship of true disciples of Jesus Christ." There is nothing that brings me more joy. My thanks to Roy and everyone who worked with our confirmation class this year.
On Friday night I slipped off from Emmaus and went to the Confirmation lock-in. I shared with the group and talked about them listening for a call from God to enter a life of ministry. Some personally sensed that God might have this in mind and then others were identified or confirmed by their peers. Six people are the focus of our prayers that God's will be done. We have 6 young people who are listening for the call of God to enter ministry!
I hope you get a sense of why this has been a really good weekend. Person after person has been touched by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is more real for a number of folks this day. This is what I live for. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
It strikes me that the early disciples were not sure what to do after the resurrection. The same could be said for the church today. We do wonderfully well at recognizing and celebrating the resurrection on Easter but don't know what to do next. Where do you go from the central event of the Christian faith?
The early disciples went into locked rooms and tried to overcome their fear by hanging together.
They eventually decided to go on a fishing trip (John 21).
They kept questioning their own experience.
We continue to wonder what to do in the aftermath of the resurrection.
Eventually something happened. The disciples moved into mission and witness. The key to this was the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them and into their lives. After that they knew what to do as resurrection people.
I encourage you to continue your faithfulness in these days following the celebration of Easter and prepare for your own Pentecost.
Today we continued to think about Jesus' Social Network. (This Facebook thing gets more interesting.) Next week we will look at "being friends of God." We will also confirm this year's class.
On another note, we were able to host the Emmaus weekend these last few days and will host the women's walk next weekend. It's been a very meaningful day for many. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
The early disciples went into locked rooms and tried to overcome their fear by hanging together.
They eventually decided to go on a fishing trip (John 21).
They kept questioning their own experience.
We continue to wonder what to do in the aftermath of the resurrection.
Eventually something happened. The disciples moved into mission and witness. The key to this was the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them and into their lives. After that they knew what to do as resurrection people.
I encourage you to continue your faithfulness in these days following the celebration of Easter and prepare for your own Pentecost.
Today we continued to think about Jesus' Social Network. (This Facebook thing gets more interesting.) Next week we will look at "being friends of God." We will also confirm this year's class.
On another note, we were able to host the Emmaus weekend these last few days and will host the women's walk next weekend. It's been a very meaningful day for many. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What's in a number?
1886. Do you have any idea what happened in the world in 1886? An Englishman (you'll have to look up his name yourself) invented the flush toilet. The first "Avon" ladies started working in the US. Coca-Cola was first advertised and went on sale. (It claimed to be a cure for headaches and dyspepsia.) The tuxedo got its name when tobacco heir Griswold Lorilland wore a short black dinner jacket with satin lapels to the Tuxedo Club in New York, NY. (You realize I googled 1886 to find this information. Not common knowledge for me.)
Emily Dickinson died in 1886.
Among those born in 1886 were Ty Cobb (baseball player), Ed Wynn (comedian) and Karl Barth (theologian.)
There were many other events, births and deaths in 1886. So like any year it has some significant things happening that no one would have known at the time.
Why 1886? That is how many people we counted in worship on Easter. 1886. Who knows the stories that will be written in the lives of those 1886 people? Some will have significant spiritual experiences. Some will become leaders in the church. Some will never show up again. But among the many God is at work. Just another reminder of God at work among us.
Emily Dickinson died in 1886.
Among those born in 1886 were Ty Cobb (baseball player), Ed Wynn (comedian) and Karl Barth (theologian.)
There were many other events, births and deaths in 1886. So like any year it has some significant things happening that no one would have known at the time.
Why 1886? That is how many people we counted in worship on Easter. 1886. Who knows the stories that will be written in the lives of those 1886 people? Some will have significant spiritual experiences. Some will become leaders in the church. Some will never show up again. But among the many God is at work. Just another reminder of God at work among us.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
He is risen! He is risen indeed! We had a great Easter celebration. I really want to commend the youth for a super Sunrise service. How 'bout that Quin Pudenz who preached! Actually it reminded me of the first time I preached. (Nearly got sick!) Good job man. Hope it becomes a habit. In addition the drama the youth shared was very moving. If you weren't there, ask somebody about it. Blessings on all who helped make this service possible.
All in all it was one of those days where God showed up. The music, the fellowship and everything that happened made us aware of the presence of God.
Just a reminder about the "Facebook" series. Think about what Jesus' profile would look like. How would you fill in the blanks? What do you think Jesus' interests are? What about what he is doing now? Who are his friends? I would encourage you to get familiar with the profile page on Facebook and imagine how you would fill it in. It won't determine what Jesus is actually like but will give you fresh insight into how you think of Jesus.
This is an amazing place. We have had a wonderful Easter celebration. I hope you get enthused about what exciting things God has in store for us in the days ahead. It's been a really good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
All in all it was one of those days where God showed up. The music, the fellowship and everything that happened made us aware of the presence of God.
Just a reminder about the "Facebook" series. Think about what Jesus' profile would look like. How would you fill in the blanks? What do you think Jesus' interests are? What about what he is doing now? Who are his friends? I would encourage you to get familiar with the profile page on Facebook and imagine how you would fill it in. It won't determine what Jesus is actually like but will give you fresh insight into how you think of Jesus.
This is an amazing place. We have had a wonderful Easter celebration. I hope you get enthused about what exciting things God has in store for us in the days ahead. It's been a really good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Well there is one more college basketball game to follow. Tomorrow night is the national championship game between North Carolina and Michigan State. Did anyone know that Tyler Hansbrough's aunt attends church here at Platte Woods Church?
Anyway, here is something else that goes with basketball. M.U. coach Mike Anderson was awarded the Clair Bee Coach of the Year award. There are a number of these kind of awards given out each year. K.U. coach Bill Self won a Coach of the Year award (actually a bit more recognized than the Clair Bee award).
The thing I like about Coach Anderson's award is the person it is named for. Clair Bee was a college basketball coach at Long Island University from 1931-1951. During that time he had two undefeated seasons. His teams won two NIT championships (when that was THE big tournament) during his tenure.
In addition to being a successful coach he was also an author. He wrote technical books on basketball. But I remember his Chip Hilton series. These were inspirational sports books. They were books I read when I was a kid.
Chip Hilton was the star in football, basketball and baseball depending on what season it was. He always brought out the best from his "sidekicks" and others on the team. He was a leader. The teams usually went from some sort of struggle during the year to a championship. Any little boy who read Chip Hilton books would certainly dream of being that kind of teammate and leader who was always in the middle of a championship season.
Now here is the jump! We are in the midst of a Christian championship season. We begin Holy Week. There are ups and downs. There is a plot to the season. There is a supper. A struggle. A betrayal. A defeat. A crucifixion. But there is more. The season turns! Easter arrives. Resurrection prevails. A victory won!
I hope you will be part of all this week offers. Walk with us through the struggle. Take in what it means for Christ to die for you. Join us for joyful celebration next Sunday!
This has been a good day. I hope you had a good day too.
steve
Oh, I about let it get past me. Last week you committed a little over $720,000 for our kitchen/dining hall project. This is certainly enough for us to proceed! Plans will be developed and bids let in about 3 weeks. If you have any questions about this project (or anything else at church) please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Just another sign of a "championship season."
Anyway, here is something else that goes with basketball. M.U. coach Mike Anderson was awarded the Clair Bee Coach of the Year award. There are a number of these kind of awards given out each year. K.U. coach Bill Self won a Coach of the Year award (actually a bit more recognized than the Clair Bee award).
The thing I like about Coach Anderson's award is the person it is named for. Clair Bee was a college basketball coach at Long Island University from 1931-1951. During that time he had two undefeated seasons. His teams won two NIT championships (when that was THE big tournament) during his tenure.
In addition to being a successful coach he was also an author. He wrote technical books on basketball. But I remember his Chip Hilton series. These were inspirational sports books. They were books I read when I was a kid.
Chip Hilton was the star in football, basketball and baseball depending on what season it was. He always brought out the best from his "sidekicks" and others on the team. He was a leader. The teams usually went from some sort of struggle during the year to a championship. Any little boy who read Chip Hilton books would certainly dream of being that kind of teammate and leader who was always in the middle of a championship season.
Now here is the jump! We are in the midst of a Christian championship season. We begin Holy Week. There are ups and downs. There is a plot to the season. There is a supper. A struggle. A betrayal. A defeat. A crucifixion. But there is more. The season turns! Easter arrives. Resurrection prevails. A victory won!
I hope you will be part of all this week offers. Walk with us through the struggle. Take in what it means for Christ to die for you. Join us for joyful celebration next Sunday!
This has been a good day. I hope you had a good day too.
steve
Oh, I about let it get past me. Last week you committed a little over $720,000 for our kitchen/dining hall project. This is certainly enough for us to proceed! Plans will be developed and bids let in about 3 weeks. If you have any questions about this project (or anything else at church) please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Just another sign of a "championship season."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)