Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today Alan, Elisha, Reese and Jake Herndon were with us the Sunday before they move to Kansas. Alan and Elisha are not only great members of PWUMC but also one of those families that have become true friends. Alan and I have served together on our conference Board of Ordained Ministry and made many trips back and forth to Columbia, Mo. for meetings. We have had opportunities to share in a number of events and ministries in the Church. I have known Alisha since she was about 3 years old. On our first Sunday at Platte Woods she came up to Cindy and me and asked if we recognized her. When she told me who she was it was a joy. Her mom and dad were serving the Christian Church in Waverly, Mo. when we moved there in 1978. Great friends. Anyway, the Herndon family means a lot to me. Alan has accepted the position of President of the Kansas United Methodist Foundation. It is a great opportunity and he will serve well. Reese pointed out that her dad is the "President" and her mom is the "first lady." Absolutely. It seems to be the nature of life these days. People move around and have a series of new experiences in life. There was another person who came to church today asking me if I knew who she was. She looked familiar but I was at a loss. When she told me, Carolyn Morgan, I could hardly believe it. It was a surprise. Carolyn and her family used to live in Blue Springs and were some of the earliest members of the church we started there. As a matter of fact Carolyn was the first adult baptism in that church. What a great memory. She was visiting in the area today and came to church. Life is filled with great relationships, new and old. It puts things is a different perspective when one of us takes a new step in life. We get reminded that our relationships are not dictated by proximity but rather spirit. Each week I witness new relationships being formed. There are people who come to church for the first time. There are others who have become consistent. There are many who have been here for years. Together we make a pretty amazing place where grace prevails and love is the foundation of our relationships. It's been a really good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve