We pray with and for Tree of Life Synagogue. The shooting yesterday is yet another act of evil perpetrated against people. In this instance the violence was directed against people of faith. These are our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Many people in our congregation will personally call a Jewish friend today and express our care and prayers. This is not something we voted on. This is not a mandate or a protest. This is people stepping out to express the love of Christ.
Our troubled times are wracked by senseless violence. Many insist stricter gun control laws are required. Maybe. Many insist we need to arm more people to defend our institutions. Maybe. Frankly, I do not see a political solution. I see real people speaking love and grace. I see real people initiating grass roots movements that extend the Gospel and the Kingdom of God into the world. I see local churches, with people who love God and care for their friends, rising up and turning the tide.
I don’t know how. This is not a new program. This is offering our best to God and seeing the Lord’s hand extending in ways we cannot imagine. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But maybe not.
It has been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day to.
Steve
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Reflections From Sunday Evening
This weekend my brother John and I had the opportunity to share in our home church, Trinity United Methodist in Appleton City, Mo. I did a workshop on church health Friday evening and Saturday morning while John preached Saturday and Sunday. I am sure the people there were blessed by the preaching and was thankful they were gracious during the workshop!
One is never sure what impact they are making but I certainly enjoyed being "back home" for a little bit. Stayed Friday night with life-long friends. (thanks again Larry and Karla) I looked around the table and it seemed like only yesterday we were lighting the candles for church, sitting in the balcony, getting baptized and confirmed together.
Our memories may be larger than reality but they are truly our memories.
I came away from the weekend with a renewed commitment that God is able. God is able to use any church - big or small - to reach the unreached in their mission field. We were looking at a community of 1100 surrounded by another several hundred in the country. Assuming around 60% of the population do NOT attend church (which is a percentage we are seeing in many places) there are hundreds of unchurched, unreached people in their mission field. If a church in a rural community could make a difference in 5% of the unreached they would double their impact. Pretty amazing.
Things do not usually work according to our formulas but the Holy Spirit does not seem that interested in our formulas.
So, God is able. God is able to use His people to reach others.
Small church, big church, medium church, mega-church, God uses all sorts of churches to be a light in the world that makes a difference.
Be a difference maker.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
One is never sure what impact they are making but I certainly enjoyed being "back home" for a little bit. Stayed Friday night with life-long friends. (thanks again Larry and Karla) I looked around the table and it seemed like only yesterday we were lighting the candles for church, sitting in the balcony, getting baptized and confirmed together.
Our memories may be larger than reality but they are truly our memories.
I came away from the weekend with a renewed commitment that God is able. God is able to use any church - big or small - to reach the unreached in their mission field. We were looking at a community of 1100 surrounded by another several hundred in the country. Assuming around 60% of the population do NOT attend church (which is a percentage we are seeing in many places) there are hundreds of unchurched, unreached people in their mission field. If a church in a rural community could make a difference in 5% of the unreached they would double their impact. Pretty amazing.
Things do not usually work according to our formulas but the Holy Spirit does not seem that interested in our formulas.
So, God is able. God is able to use His people to reach others.
Small church, big church, medium church, mega-church, God uses all sorts of churches to be a light in the world that makes a difference.
Be a difference maker.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Reflections From Sunday Evening
This was a week where the Church was alive.
Thursday - Memorial service for Sue Calhoun. It was a most meaningful time as we celebrated the life and faith of a dear friend and member of PWC. Walter's Beatle's medley captured Sue's spirit.
Saturday - We celebrated the marriage of Brandi Weymuth and Zach Corbett. It was a joyful time to share with family and friends.
Saturday - During the Saturday service 3 young people were baptized. New life.
Sunday - The Youth Band led worship at 10:45 Modern Service. This brings hope and encouragement to the church.
Sunday - Sign up for this weekends Ladies Retreat; Scout chili supper tickets; Flu shots as we partner with Ian's Rainbow Foundation to join Glen and Julie Moise in educating people about the flu.
Sunday - At a district and conference level, our new District Superintendent, Rev. Melissa Dodd was installed to her new ministry.
I know there are many who worry about the church, but I have seen her alive and well this week. And we anticipate even more coming.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Thursday - Memorial service for Sue Calhoun. It was a most meaningful time as we celebrated the life and faith of a dear friend and member of PWC. Walter's Beatle's medley captured Sue's spirit.
Saturday - We celebrated the marriage of Brandi Weymuth and Zach Corbett. It was a joyful time to share with family and friends.
Saturday - During the Saturday service 3 young people were baptized. New life.
Sunday - The Youth Band led worship at 10:45 Modern Service. This brings hope and encouragement to the church.
Sunday - Sign up for this weekends Ladies Retreat; Scout chili supper tickets; Flu shots as we partner with Ian's Rainbow Foundation to join Glen and Julie Moise in educating people about the flu.
Sunday - At a district and conference level, our new District Superintendent, Rev. Melissa Dodd was installed to her new ministry.
I know there are many who worry about the church, but I have seen her alive and well this week. And we anticipate even more coming.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Philippians 4:8
“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things.”
Think about...
True. Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life.
Noble. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Right. Jesus is our RIGHTeousness
Pure. Jesus, without blemish or spot.
Lovely. He is altogether lovely.
Admirable. Jesus gives an example.
Excellent. Worthy is the lamb.
Praiseworthy. Jesus, worthy of our praise.
Something - Someone - to think about.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve
“...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things.”
Think about...
True. Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life.
Noble. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Right. Jesus is our RIGHTeousness
Pure. Jesus, without blemish or spot.
Lovely. He is altogether lovely.
Admirable. Jesus gives an example.
Excellent. Worthy is the lamb.
Praiseworthy. Jesus, worthy of our praise.
Something - Someone - to think about.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve
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