Reflections From Sunday Evening

Big welcome to Dan and Ashley Cook who joined our church this morning. We always rejoice to receive new people into this faith community. Besides the joy of new people choosing to be part of what God is doing in our church we also have the opportunity to re-think our own commitment and what it means to be part of the Church. We are reminded that we take our place in a historic movement. When we say yes to rejecting evil in whatever forms it presents itself we make a statement of faith that the earliest Christians made. When we affirm the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures we take our place among Christians from every era of Church history. When we affirm our faith in Jesus Christ we stand in a holy line of faithful followers of Jesus through all ages. When we promise to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness we join with others to live our faith in Christian community. It is a great thing. Today we were reminded of this faith we profess. On another note...This evening at NEXT Dale and Nina Renee were baptized. We encouraged them as they made their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. New life is being celebrated. On yet another note...At the conclusion of our 11:00 service we recognized Dylan Cole. Dylan completed his time of active duty in the Marine Corps and got home to stay on Friday night. It was an honor to thank Dylan for his service and say welcome home. On still another note...Today was Curtis Olsen's final day to preach and share in worship at Platte Woods Church. He and Angie and the boys will be moving to Columbia to serve a great church - Community UMC. It seems like only yesterday I shared in welcoming Curtis to our staff but it has been 7 years! It has truly been a privilege to share in ministry with Curtis these past years and I wish he and Angie only the best as God opens new avenues of service. So it has been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. blessings, steve