Life. It is truly amazing. This weekend we experienced a great deal of life as we gathered for worship. The "lively" spirit conveys life - especially in the spiritual realm.
I got an e-mail announcing the birth of a baby early this morning. It is a young couple from another church I once served. Life.
There was a funeral visitation this evening for a friend. He too was part of another church I served at one time. We were friends. It was cancer. While at minister's school a couple weeks ago I went over to his house and spent an hour. I got to see his wife. I talked with Chuck. He was weak. Couldn't really understand much he said but he was in the conversation. It is hard to know what to say at a time like that. I ended up asking Chuck to do something for me. By the look in his eye you could tell he was interested. I asked him to "give my regards to John Wesley." I said he won't know me but you can tell him who I am. Then I asked him to look up another friend of mine who died on New Year's Eve this year. He recognized the name from remembering me speak about this old friend from 30 years ago. At that point Chuck took a pencil and reached for his note pad to write down the name. He had something to do when he got to heaven! Life.
As I reflect on today's events - worship - a short time with this year's confirmation class - a time to share with church leadership this evening - a couple of phone calls - the usual - I am reminded of the wonder of life. Oh yes, there was the baptism of Zachary Curtis Olsen this morning! Life.
I hope you will share with me in taking note of the many aspects of life that we will encounter this week. Today has been a good day filled with life. I hope you had a good day too.
steve
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration
I was with our staff at a work retreat Tuesday. We were suffering for Jesus at Staley Farms! I made sure we were notified when it was time for President Obama to receive the oath of office. A little before 11:00 we took a break and gathered around the TV. Together we witnessed this historic event.
Once again I stand amazed at our peaceful transition of power. If we were not the envy of every other country for any reason but this it would be enough. We have hard fought campaigns and then suddenly our differences melt into the fundamental truth that we share our common heritage as Americans.
I was a little boy when John Kennedy was elected president. All indications tell us that the election of Barack Obama rivals that of JFK in 1962. We are a nation that values freedom -- all freedom -- thought, politics, religion -- freedom. Regardless of who anyone voted for or whether one is overjoyed today or discouraged, Americans stand together and witness this peaceful transition of power.
There was another part of watching the inauguration that captured my attention. Did I tell you we were at Staley Farms? My daughter, Andrea, works there. She was coordinating our event yesterday. As I stood watching history unfold I realized I was standing next to my 27-year-old daughter. We were watching the events through eyes that have 28 years' difference in them. We look at the world through different eyes. We also share many things. It simply increases my wonder to realize who I stood by and who I was surrounded by as we watched the events of the inauguration.
Here is a note that is even better. Americans agree and disagree yet share in the same gift of freedom no matter who we vote for. Take it a step further. Christians stand shoulder to shoulder with one another as we witness the reign of Jesus Christ. We stand together in the love of Christ, our witness to Christ, the power of Christ, the presence of Christ, the joy of Christ, the grace of Christ -- I could go on. We stand together - side by side - shoulder to shoulder - heart to heart.
May the events of this significant transition in our nation's history serve to remind us of the significance of our shared faith in Jesus Christ. We stand together.
Once again I stand amazed at our peaceful transition of power. If we were not the envy of every other country for any reason but this it would be enough. We have hard fought campaigns and then suddenly our differences melt into the fundamental truth that we share our common heritage as Americans.
I was a little boy when John Kennedy was elected president. All indications tell us that the election of Barack Obama rivals that of JFK in 1962. We are a nation that values freedom -- all freedom -- thought, politics, religion -- freedom. Regardless of who anyone voted for or whether one is overjoyed today or discouraged, Americans stand together and witness this peaceful transition of power.
There was another part of watching the inauguration that captured my attention. Did I tell you we were at Staley Farms? My daughter, Andrea, works there. She was coordinating our event yesterday. As I stood watching history unfold I realized I was standing next to my 27-year-old daughter. We were watching the events through eyes that have 28 years' difference in them. We look at the world through different eyes. We also share many things. It simply increases my wonder to realize who I stood by and who I was surrounded by as we watched the events of the inauguration.
Here is a note that is even better. Americans agree and disagree yet share in the same gift of freedom no matter who we vote for. Take it a step further. Christians stand shoulder to shoulder with one another as we witness the reign of Jesus Christ. We stand together in the love of Christ, our witness to Christ, the power of Christ, the presence of Christ, the joy of Christ, the grace of Christ -- I could go on. We stand together - side by side - shoulder to shoulder - heart to heart.
May the events of this significant transition in our nation's history serve to remind us of the significance of our shared faith in Jesus Christ. We stand together.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
It seems to me we have some "professional acolytes." What's an acolyte, you say? That is the person who begins our service by lighting the candles. Historically these were young people who assisted the priest in various ways. They might assist with baptisms or communion. In some places others assist by bringing in the Bible or other symbols used in worship. We are not "high church" so our acolytes are pretty limited to lighting the candles.
There is some real significance to this. When one of our young people walks down the aisle they represent bringing Christ (the Light of the World) into our midst. So this is important! Without the Light of the World -- what's the use?
The Light of the World, Jesus Christ, has certainly been among us. Today someone commented that the Holy Spirit was with us. I agree! Evidently someone has been praying because we can sense God's presence among us -- stirring, encouraging, bringing joy.
In case you've missed it we have three "generations" so far. The WWII generation (The Greatest Generation according to Tom Brokaw) made the unique contribution of a spirit of sacrifice. We named the 60's Generation's unique contribution living in the tension between hope and despair. Today we did the 70's. The unique contribution was named as "spiritual awakening." I really enjoyed sharing the message and being part of the services this weekend. Eveyone who participates in our worship planning and leading is a great blessing.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
There is some real significance to this. When one of our young people walks down the aisle they represent bringing Christ (the Light of the World) into our midst. So this is important! Without the Light of the World -- what's the use?
The Light of the World, Jesus Christ, has certainly been among us. Today someone commented that the Holy Spirit was with us. I agree! Evidently someone has been praying because we can sense God's presence among us -- stirring, encouraging, bringing joy.
In case you've missed it we have three "generations" so far. The WWII generation (The Greatest Generation according to Tom Brokaw) made the unique contribution of a spirit of sacrifice. We named the 60's Generation's unique contribution living in the tension between hope and despair. Today we did the 70's. The unique contribution was named as "spiritual awakening." I really enjoyed sharing the message and being part of the services this weekend. Eveyone who participates in our worship planning and leading is a great blessing.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
I think it is great that so many people get revived in January and church attendance goes up. It doesn't hurt when there is no snow or ice on Sunday morning! But today was an amazing day. It actually started Saturday evening when Donna played a Beatles' medley and got everyone in the spirit of the 60's. Today the Jubilante's were rocking with "My God!" The praise team and Walter and the band out did themselves. Their part of the service was absolutely amazing. To top it all off the Wesleyan Choir brought great energy and enthusiasm with "O Happy Day."
By the time our musicians did their thing I had more fun preaching than any time I can remember for a long time!
You are a super people to preach to. I count my blessing continually that I have the opportunity to serve Platte Woods UMC at this time. God is truly at work among us.
Our average worship attendance is up and continuing to go forward.
Financially you made it possible for us to complete the year with a surplus.
We have a vision for constructing a new kitchen and re-model the dining hall. (I'll be making an official announcement about this later this month!)
We are having an increasing number of visitors.
We have the - best - greatest - neatest- staff in the world!
People are being cared for in very meaningful ways.
I could go on and on.
Let me just say Wow! This has been a really good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
By the time our musicians did their thing I had more fun preaching than any time I can remember for a long time!
You are a super people to preach to. I count my blessing continually that I have the opportunity to serve Platte Woods UMC at this time. God is truly at work among us.
Our average worship attendance is up and continuing to go forward.
Financially you made it possible for us to complete the year with a surplus.
We have a vision for constructing a new kitchen and re-model the dining hall. (I'll be making an official announcement about this later this month!)
We are having an increasing number of visitors.
We have the - best - greatest - neatest- staff in the world!
People are being cared for in very meaningful ways.
I could go on and on.
Let me just say Wow! This has been a really good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
In the sermon this morning (actually yesterday) I mentioned four values the World War II generation brought home from the war -- according to Tom Brokaw.
1. Personal Responsibility
2. Duty
3. Honor
4. Faith
This got me thinking about other sources of values. Several years ago I preached my grandfather's funeral. I share some values I took from his life.
1. Rising early
2. Hard work
3. Abstinence from alcohol
4. Being frugal (some might say I took too much from this one!)
There are other sources of values. The Missouri Annual Conference has five values that we seek to use in ordering our life in ministry.
1. Christ-centered
2. Fruitfulness
3. Excellence
4. Accountability
5. Collaboration
I've been praying about values I think God would have us claim in our church. They are pretty close to the Conference values with a few changes.
1. Christ-centeredness
2. Spirit-empowered
3. Biblically based
4. Outward focus
5. Fruitful
6. Accountable
It seems to me a church should first and foremost be as Christ-centered as possible. We should always strive to keep Jesus Christ at the very core of what we are about.
Being Spirit-empowered means we are willing to take on a mission or task that we could not accomplish in our own strength using our own resources. It puts us in a position of acting on faith with the awareness that if the Holy Spirit does not empower the ministry it simply will not happen.
A church that is Biblically based will strive to always be faithful to the scriptures and order our life together following biblical teachings and principles.
It is an ongoing challenge to be outward-focused. It is human nature to be most aware of our own needs and the needs of those close to us. We are discovering the importance of putting others first and being more and more outward-focused in our mission and service.
When we are faithful to Christ and trust in His power to lead us we will find the church producing good fruit for the kingdom. If we are not being fruitful we need to examine our practices.
Finally accountability is important. We need to do more to build accountability into our ministry teams, leadership and membership.
I invite you to consider these various values and ask God what He would seek to instill in your life during the new year. I continue to seek to better understand what is really important to me. I invite you to do the same.
It's been a good day. I hope you have a good day too.
1. Personal Responsibility
2. Duty
3. Honor
4. Faith
This got me thinking about other sources of values. Several years ago I preached my grandfather's funeral. I share some values I took from his life.
1. Rising early
2. Hard work
3. Abstinence from alcohol
4. Being frugal (some might say I took too much from this one!)
There are other sources of values. The Missouri Annual Conference has five values that we seek to use in ordering our life in ministry.
1. Christ-centered
2. Fruitfulness
3. Excellence
4. Accountability
5. Collaboration
I've been praying about values I think God would have us claim in our church. They are pretty close to the Conference values with a few changes.
1. Christ-centeredness
2. Spirit-empowered
3. Biblically based
4. Outward focus
5. Fruitful
6. Accountable
It seems to me a church should first and foremost be as Christ-centered as possible. We should always strive to keep Jesus Christ at the very core of what we are about.
Being Spirit-empowered means we are willing to take on a mission or task that we could not accomplish in our own strength using our own resources. It puts us in a position of acting on faith with the awareness that if the Holy Spirit does not empower the ministry it simply will not happen.
A church that is Biblically based will strive to always be faithful to the scriptures and order our life together following biblical teachings and principles.
It is an ongoing challenge to be outward-focused. It is human nature to be most aware of our own needs and the needs of those close to us. We are discovering the importance of putting others first and being more and more outward-focused in our mission and service.
When we are faithful to Christ and trust in His power to lead us we will find the church producing good fruit for the kingdom. If we are not being fruitful we need to examine our practices.
Finally accountability is important. We need to do more to build accountability into our ministry teams, leadership and membership.
I invite you to consider these various values and ask God what He would seek to instill in your life during the new year. I continue to seek to better understand what is really important to me. I invite you to do the same.
It's been a good day. I hope you have a good day too.
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