Sunday, June 27, 2010

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I've appreciated Curtis and Angie sharing their experience of our Wesleyan heritage through the "I Am Not Ashamed" series. I heard good comments from others. It is good to discover from where we've come. Thanks.

Royals take 2 out of 3 from Cards - yeah)

Having a restful weekend. Enjoyed being a participant in worship today. Had an opportunity to share with some potential new members in our "Engage" class. Really enjoyed the Mission Brunch today.

I've been trying to watch and listen lately. The results are that we at PWUMC are really blessed with tremendously gifted people. I am so grateful to each and every one who serves, prays, gives and supports the work of God through our church.

I have another observation that goes with this. We have a vast resource of tremendously gifted people who are yet to discover their place in serving here at PWUMC. We can all pray that others discover their place in God's purposes here. Some may need to open their heart and mind to new possibilities of involvement and service. I encourage you to do so.

The obvious outcome of more and more people discovering what God is calling them to do is increased fruitfulness in and through the ministries of our church. Opening our hearts to what God is up to these days will bring us new and fresh encouragement.

As we look ahead may we see the work of God abounding in our midst. Together we are in for an exciting, encouraging and inspiring season in our life of grace.

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

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It's been a really cool weekend. I have a good friend who recently told me the day of his daughter's wedding was the best day of his life. I've pondered that for a couple of weeks. I have to say one's daugher's wedding day is amazing! We feel so blessed in sharing with Andrea and Marcus as they begin a new life together.
On Saturday at noon a storm blew through K.C. The wedding was scheduled for 8:00 and was outdoors. At 12:00 the wind was blowing, the sky was dark and the rain was pouring -- Andrea's reaction -- Excitement! The night before she'd asked her friends to pray for rain tomorrow - to cool things down and then pass through. She knew things were looking good! Just how it happened.
It was such a blessing to see people from so many different places and times in our lives gathered together. There were friends from Blue Springs, Raymore, Joplin and K.C. We saw those "kids" that went to high school with Andrea that we had so many great times with. (It is still "Mama Breon" to the boys.) We got to meet new friends from Texas, Kansas and so many neat people that Marcus brings to our lives. It was an amazing gathering.
Our families were all there. How thankful we are for that.
Andrea asked me to be dad and pastor - that's asking a lot kid! But I was thrilled to do so. It was emotional but I must say genuine and sincere.
The essence of what I wanted to share with Marcus and Andrea was that Cindy and I had been praying for Marcus long before we met. From the earliest days I have prayed for "those our kids were someday love and marry." Marcus is an answer to prayer. I think that's pretty neat. I also have been (and will keep doing so) praying for Christians through the generations. From great-grandparents to great-grandchildren God is alive through the generations of our lives. I rejoice that Andrea and Marcus are part of God's grace in our families.
I could tell stories and keep going for hours. For now I think I'll just say now I get the idea of what my friend said about his daughter's wedding day being the best day of his life.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
blessings,
steve

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Played golf in the church tournament this afternoon. Reminds me why I stopped playing! Thanks to Robbie, Curtis and Del I came in on a pretty good team! At least we were a little under par.
We did use my shot a time or two. I actually made a putt and had a couple of shots that helped out. But by the end I couldn't even hit the crazy ball!
The interesting thing about this - to me - is that I used to play golf regularly. I was never very good but good enough to play and have fun. But over time I played less regularly and now I play once a year. I"m not very good and frankly does not make me want to come hurrying back for more.
But we did laugh a lot (mostly AT me). The fellowship was great.
This all has me thinking. How many people do you know who have a similar experience with the life of grace and church? Used to go to church regularly - went to Bible Study - taught a Sunday School class - Helped with vacation bible school - a regular participant in the church.
Then something happened. A move took place and never got attached to a church in the new place. Somebody said something and a person decided not to go back. For who knows how many reasons people who were once very active and involved in the life of faith just don't find meaning anymore.
It begins by being out of town for three weeks and then deciding to do something with the family the next week. Before long a person who once contributed greatly to the spiritual development of others drags themselves to church on Easter or maybe Christmas Eve.
Now if I were going to begin playing golf regularly once again I would have to do a few things. It would be a great idea to take a couple of lessons. (I'm not sure I know how to grip the club anymore.) I would go out and be sure to practice until I became more consistent in striking the ball. I would get with a group of friends and play regularly. I know from past experience how much enjoyment that can bring.
The same thing holds true for the life of grace. Returning to the faith from which one has been absent for a season calls for the same thing re-starting golf calls for - commitment.
I'm not going to do the golf thing - takes too much time away from other things that I deem very important at this time in my life - primarily giving leadership to the spiritual lives of many, many people!
But our spiritual life and our use of leisure time are two very different things. I believe when a person re-ups with the life of faith a revitalized spirituality ensues. I'd love for people to make this discovery this week.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
blessings,
steve

Monday, June 7, 2010

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It is actually Monday evening and I have just returned home from Annual Conference. A few reflections ...

I have never returned home from conference without some unease over the conflicts and tension that we always assumed was inherent in the process. But this year I return feeling a true sense of connection with Christ and fellow United Methodists! Bishop Schnase has put us in position to confront issues and be confronted with the issues of the gospel without debates and "floor fights." Michael Slaughter (pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC, Tipp City, Ohio - 4500 in worship!) challenged us to take the church into the world and be fully engaged in justice! As far as I could tell we were all on board.

We had some of the most compelling preaching ever and the workshops provided practical help that will soon be implemented in churches all over Missouri.

There was a whole row of us representing Platte Woods UMC and I could not have been happier about the group we sent this year. Our lay members included Mike Cole, Alan Herndon, Jenny Hundt and Rachael Zolnowski. Your clergy, Curtis and Angie Olsen, Ginger Pudenz and myself completed the delegation. It was a great group.
A highlight was the ordination of our own Curtis and Angie! The ordination service is always a highlight of the conference and was even greater this year because of the presence of our Platte Woods Wesleyan Choir. Walter and the choir (along with some participants from other churches) hit a home run and inspired the whole conference.

It was good to be there but even better to get home and get back to the task of furthering the kingdom among the people of Platte Woods UMC!

Maybe I'll share a little about it this weekend.

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