Reflections From Sunday Evening

Let me start by saying this was a good day. The series on Young's book The Shack went very well. I sensed the Lord among us as we looked at the theme of forgiveness today. I'm glad I didn't miss it.
Which brings me to another thought. Transistor radios. I had my transistor when I was a little kid and used it to listen to the Kansa City A's baseball games. I did not miss a game (or so it seems now.) In the early 60's you didn't dare miss one of those games because they only won ever week or so and you didn't want to miss it. That transistor radio made it so I didn't miss anything.
I used my transistor radio in other ways. I listened to WHB 710 am. Phil Jay, Johnny Dolan - they were some of the deejays. They played top 40 songs. Those were the childhood days of rock 'n roll. I made up this game where I used a golf ball like a baseball in the milkbarn. It had concrete walls and floor and helped the old reflexes when I used it as a ball field. I broke every window in the place at least once. Thanks dad, for not getting mad or making me stop. I listened to WHB while I played hour after hour.
I listened to one of those A's games one night on my transistor radio, while I was hitting rocks with a plastic bat in the driveway. (It was good to live in the country - the only windows I broke were in that same milkbarn. Orlando Pena was a pitcher for the A's. One night I listened and he hit a grand slam homerun. I'm glad I didn't miss that. Especially since that may have been the hear he lost 20 games - which is pretty hard to do.
I still had a transistor radion when I went to college. Cindy got me a set of golf clubs and I took a class and started playing. In those days the golf course in Baldwin City, Ks. had sand greens. I guess it is still a sand green course. It really works better for a cross country course than a golf course but that is where I started to play. I paid $25 for an annual family membership with unlimited play. If I could get that deal at the National I'd start playing golf again! Anyway, I would play practically every day. And take my transistor radio with me so I wouldn't miss the K.C. Royals games.
The bottom line is that since I was a little kid I've not wanted to miss things that were important to me. Baseball games - whatever I could get on my transistor radio. Times have changed. Now it's an Ipod. Nobody does transistor radios anymore. But I still don't like to miss things.
Now here is the jump. I come to church week after week (I know it is pretty much expected of me but I really think I'd want to be here even if I didn't have to) because I find that God is among us. God does amazing things. And I don't want to MISS anything God is doing.
Today was a good day not to miss. It was a good day to reflect on the forgiving grace of God. I think it helped me to develop that idea of not wanting to miss anything when I was a kid - I still don't want to miss anything.
I hope you've had a good day.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I called dad this afternoon. Happy Father's Day. I looked in the balcony at church today and saw Bobby, Andrea and Marcus. It made a happy Father's Day. I got home from church and Cindy, Bobby and Andrea had fixed lunch - hamburgers & bratwurst - homemade ice cream and blackberry cobbler (i start the diet tomorrow). I tried to watch the Royals but oh boy. Golf is much more interesting (imagine that).
Today church was alive. At least that was what I felt from where I was. The music was great. I KNOW my Redeemer Lives - thanks Susan N. Curtis made me excited praying for campers and leading us to the throne of grace. While I was preaching YOU brought me to life.
Preaching is an amazing thing. Sermon preparation starts early in the week. It continues each day. The study and work gets done. That's just part of it. I have discovered that I can write a sermon. I can deliver a message. But i can't preach unless the Holy Spirit shows up. I am learning the key to preaching is found in YOUR eyes. When there is hope, anticipation and a sense that you are really listening for a word from God - a preacher can PREACH. I don't know how you found it today, but you were alive.
My prayer is that you find in the core of your being that you truly believe that God is good, God is love and God is trustworthy. I pray that in the core of your being you truly experience the perfect goodness of God. I pray that as only God is able you face tomorrow KNOWING at the core of who you are that God is good, is love and is absolutely trustworthy.
Wow. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Thursday Night Worship

So what's up with having church on Thursday night? Well, since you asked...here are some of my thoughts that go into this.
1. Worship is really important. It is in worship that we have the greatest opportunity to experience the presence of God. Worship is important to our spiritual life. Worship is where transformation begins, continues and moves us forward. So worship is important to the Christian life.
2. Culture has changed and Sunday morning at 11:00 is no longer the "sacred" hour for worship. We are committed to multiple worship experiences. We realize that many people travel and have a multitude of other commitments and opportunities on the weekend. So we want to provide a time for worship that does not conflict.
3. The preacher for the weekend will preach the Thursday night service. The sermon on Thursday is the same as the one on Saturday and Sunday. It is not a "devotion" time. It is a worship service. Thursday night gets the same thing Sunday gets.
A couple of other things. We have now had two Thursday night ReNew services. 59 and 72 people have taken advantage of the service. In my opinion "50" is a number that indicates a meaningful worship experience. So we have begun in the range we need in order to provide a quality experience.
We are planning the thursday night service for 10 weeks this summer. I have no idea how the service will progress. If people take advantage of this opportunity and God blesses it we may in fact make this a regular part of our church. If it does not meet a need we are not going to push it.
I see our staff having an attitude of "whatever it takes." We are committed to offering ourselves in whatever way we need to in order to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In the future I see churches needing to have even more worship experiences to reach a changing world. This summer's Thursday night service anticipates this coming reality.
The bottom line is....if you are not going to be in town or available for worship on the weekend, come on Thursday night. Worship is an important value we hold and the expectation is that people will worship each week unless they are sick or out of town. I believe you will be blessed and your experience of Jesus Christ will be enhanced through the passionate worship we engage in at PWUMC.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It's been a busy day. Church went very well today. A highlight was Michael Short's special music. Amazing - as was the choir and praise team. What a blessing.

We had our first Thursday night service this week and 72 in attendance. It worked for this week as most of the attendees were out of town this weekend. We think worship is really important and want to do whatever it takes to provide the needed opportunities for people to come into the presence of God. I really appreciate everyone who makes the extra effort to serve.

After church I played (I use the term loosely) in the church golf tournament. Hadn't played in a couple of years - hit some good ones (ok maybe 3 good ones!) but the team of Curtis Olsen, Robbie Robison and Steve Barth carried me pretty well.

Thanks to Nelson Hopper for all the work he and his team do in order to make this annual event such a success.

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

Royals

Last night (Friday) Cindy and I went to the Royals game with a group of adult leaders and students in our youth program. It was a great night - the game was all you could want - but the post-game show was memorable. They had lots of fireworks which is cool but they also celebrated 40 years of K.C. Royals baseball. I remember day 1. As a matter of fact I was in the stands for the second game in Royals history. (I'd have been at the first but had to go to school or something like that.) Anyway, I've been a Royals fan since they started.

I grew up with these guys. Paul Splittorff, Willie Wilson, Frank White, John Mayberry, Freddie Patek, and of course George Brett. There was Dan Quisenberry and Dick Howser. Hundreds of men have worn the Royal uniform through these past 40 years.

It amazes me how a baseball team is able to capture things that are really important. They recognized PASSION, COMMITMENT, TRADITION AND THE EXPERIENCE. You could make that the emphasis for a church.

Anyway, the remembrance was neat. I think about some of the men like Dan Quisenberry and Dick Howser who have passed on. I remember the "pine tar" game with George Brett and the fierce competion with the New York Yankees. The big crowd that was at the New "K" last night had a great trip with our past stars and those now wearing the Royals uniform.

Just a few thoughts on something that has brought me joy for many years.

Blog Thoughts from PWUMC Attendees to 09 Annual Conference

From Pastor Ginger Pudenz: Our 2009 Missouri Annual Conference was a great encouragement to our ministry hearts, as always. The theme this year was “Somewhere Out There,” and throughout the conference we were blessed with beautiful vignettes of personal testimony from lives that have, at one time, been somewhere out there – at a distance from God, out of personal relationship with Jesus. Hearing about that precious moment in a person’s faith walk where they truly connected with the body of Christ and walked into a church for the first time is no small thing. It first reminds us that we have all been strangers in a strange land. It reminds us that welcoming others into the relationship is such a privilege and a joy. And, it reminds us that there are preparations to be made for those folks who are still a far ways off.

At my home, when we really make a concerted effort to straighten up the house inevitably one of our sons will ask … “Are we expecting guests?” We often chuckle at that question; yet, how profound that question is! The moment someone is moved to come closer to Christ – it’s us – the children of God who get the honor of opening the door and greeting them. There are also folks somewhere out there who will need us to go to them, to provide learning and service opportunities within the body of Christ, and to be home to welcome them. Fortunately, we were also reminded of the words of Jesus who explained, “ … if I am lifted up … I will draw everyone to myself.” (from John 12:32) Our ministry is that of lifting Jesus up! Let everything we do lift Him up! I look forward to another season of ministry with you in caring for our faith family and in praying for those who will come. Join me in praying discernment for all the many ways that we will be called to those out there.
Pastor Ginger

From Lay Leader Alan Herndon: “Somewhere Out There …” was the theme of the Missouri Annual Conference this year. As your lay leader, I found it a fitting theme as we continue to be “the outwardly focused congregation.” Annual Conference started off with incredible worship and a very passionate message from Rev. Robin Miller, senior pastor of Church of the Shepherd. Her focus on Friday morning was how “somewhere out there” was a person like her who had gotten out of the habit of going to church, but through the care of Christian love of a fellow believer she remembered her youthful call, and is now blessed to lead one of our largest and fastest-growing congregations in the state.

Saturday morning continued to start the day off with a powerful message by the Mississippi Annual Conference Bishop Ward. She challenged us to focus on recounting our own personal engagement of Christian contacts with others. As leaders she pushed us to reignite the light of Christ in others, and instructed us to point our direction outward to ignite others to believe. The worship services are always the best part of Annual Conference for me. It always renews me and my focus as a church leader. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed seeing friends, students, prospective seminary students and other ministers. But sitting for 8 hours and listing to reports is not my idea of fun, but it is Annual Conference. We voted on some General Conference Constitutional Amendments that we should receive word later this year about the results. They all are important Constitutional Amendments that can affect the future of the United Methodist church.
I had the opportunity to be an usher this year. What does an usher do at Annual Conference? Thanks for asking. WE HAND OUT A LOT OF PAPER!!! We also assisted in special worship services and helped a lot of people find their spots on the floor, answered a lot of questions about the annual conference, and guided others to find coffee.

Finally, we ended the annual conference with a time of sharing from Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II. As Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II so passionately reminded us on our final day together, “ If we can fill a stadium with tens of thousands of screaming fans jumping and yelling for a football team that has a win loss record of 2 & 14, we should then celebrate God with the same enthusiasm and vigor! We should remain Christ-Centered in our daily happenings for the one who has never lost and never turn away.”

I hope as a congregation we continue to be thinking of those “Somewhere out there and what we can do as Christians to share the light of the world.”
Your Lay Leader, Alan D. Herndon

From Evelyn Evans, PWUMC Lay Member: It was really a wonderful conference this year. We heard all the teaching moments and gained knowledge from those. The different pastors that spoke were really great. The business end of the conference went very smoothly with very little debate on issues. Bishop Schnase gave a wonderful teaching moment on Monday morning. It was great. And then to have the privilege to hear Congressman/Pastor Emanuel Cleaver II was outstanding! We are truly blessed to be able to call him one of our own.

On a personal note, it is fun for me to be able to connect with pastors and laity that we have known for many, many years.
In Christ's love and service, Evelyn Evans

From Brian Evans, PWUMC Lay Member: This was my fourth Annual Conference representing Platte Woods Church, and I have to agree with Steve it was my most positive. Bishop Schnase and the team he has assembled have done a great job of re-focusing our conference to do the work we are called for. We did the usual business of an Annual Conference, but this year even that seemed to create an increased level of unity.

The theme for this year's conference was "Somewhere Out There." We experienced many examples of "somewhere out there" through great sermons, teaching times, personal testimonies, a report on our success in Mozambique, etc. "Somewhere Out There" highlighted examples of how our conference (churches) are being pro-active in reaching out to those with physical and emotional needs, but, most importantly, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to a love-starved world. I know that pride isn't suppose to be a trait of a Christian, but I think the reference is to self-pride. Therefore, I can say, I left this year's Annual Conference prideful of how our churches (congregations) are making a difference right now.
Blessings to all, Brian Evans

From Mike Cole, PWUMC Lay Member: This was my first annual conference and I enjoyed the experience. Coming from the business world I have attended many conventions, conferences and meetings over the years so the size, format, workshops, displays, breakout sessions and actual meeting processes were familiar but the overwhelming difference was this was about God, Christ and reaching people for them. A business convention for God! And his spirit, the Holy Spirit was surrounding us everywhere.

I was very impressed with the focus and drive that the Missouri Methodist Church shows in its leadership. Bishop Robert Schnase is pushing his team and all the pastors in Missouri to focus their efforts to reach people in our communities with an outward focus. One passionate speaker said it best by reminding us that if our churches and ministries are not outward-focused then we are not doing the work Christ commanded us to. If we are not focused outward then chances are pretty good that we are focused inward and sooner or later an inward focus can lead to infighting and a subtle form of idolatry.

Think of Platte Woods Church as an emergency rescue life boat in the midst of a raging, stormy world, then think of the congregation members as folks the life boat has already picked up or is in the process of pulling on board. Now if you’re the boat captain or his staff or active passengers should you focus primarily on people already in the boat or is your rescue mission to get to those in the water and save as many as possible while you can, before it’s too late and they are lost, forever!

I felt God tugging on my heart the entire weekend in many ways and giving me direction. I pray I have the courage and sense to follow.

Thank you for allowing me to attend the conference and help in representing Platte Woods Church. It was a blessing.
Mike Cole, Lay Member

Annual Conference Day 4

We finished conference today. It was probably the most positive, inspiring, encouraging conference I have participated in. (At least that is my perspective.) Now some people would rather we enter more forcefully into debate about certain issues. We did vote on a number of constitutional amendments and the debate seemed pretty minimal to me. But we will see how all that turns out.
The day began with Bishop Schnase sharing a a teaching time with us. I have never heard him better. He issued the challenge to be invitational. A few examples were shared of ways he has allowed normal circumstances to lead to entering a conversation with someone about faith and church. (This will be our invitation for the next several months!)
Congressman Emanual Cleaver II was introduced as a new assistant to the bishop. The man gets more done on "break" than most do in a full time job! He will offer his expertise to the churches of our conferences, especially the African-American churches and pastors. His comments - it was a real sermon - was tremendously inspiring. He inspired me to "life up Jesus!" We often need these reminders to get back to the basics of life in Christ and what our faith is really about.
All the appointments were "fixed." Your pastoral staff - Curtis, Angie, Ginger and myself are re-appointed for the ensuing year. Personally I am extremely grateful to be privileged to serve as senior pastor of Platte Woods UMC.
Good to be home. Now back to work putting to practice the insights gained.
Our lay members - Brian and Evelyn Evans, Mike Cole, and Alan Herndon will be putting some thoughts together and they will be posted on my blog. (I think) Look for that in the next few days.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Annual Conference - Day 3

The memorial service held this morning was meaningful to me. Rev. Jim Bryan from Missouri UMC in Columbia did a great job with the sermon. At this service the names of those clergy and clergy spouses who have died in the last year are read and honored. We are invited to stand when the names are read of people who have touched our lives. I'm sure it is a sign of my "experience" but I found myself having been impacted by over half the men and women who we honored today. It was a meaningful service.

In the afternoon we did our business. The main issue dealt with constitutional amendments. We talked a little but there was not a huge amount of debate (interest?). We will not know the results until all annual conferences have sumbitted their results.

We were running ahead of schedule and the bishop led us through the budget process. We approved our conference budget with an increase of around 3%. The increase is primarily due to increased health insurance costs (18%) and another item or so that we do not control (general church issues).

We are ahead of schedule and hopefully will complete our work tomorrow in a timely fashion and be home before evening. (I will probably stop in Appleton City and say hi to mom and dad - and that may lead to something to eat - so who knows?)

The evening events begin shortly. Heading to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game! It is actually a conference event!

Annual Conference - day 2 - Saturday

We started early. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward preached and did a great job. She serves the Mississippi Area. (In her sermon she mentioned Fanny Lou Hamer and an experience in Indianola, Ms. I once preached in the church there!) Little things that strike a chord.

The business that is done early in conference is basically done to get things ready for action that comes later. For instance we "present" the budget to get it in front of the conference but will not approve or amend it until Monday.

Before lunch we had the Retirement (I believe 29 retired) and Commissioning Service (16 commissioned if I remember correctly). A personal observation - I have a story about practically all those who retired. I've served with them. I've know many since I started out over 30 years ago. I was district superintendent for a couple of them -- gave one his first appointment. And I also have begun working with those who were commissioned. It was a good and meaningful time for many.

The afternoon was spent in workshops. I went to rehearsal for the ordination service. Following a Board of Ordained Ministry dinner where we recognize those to be ordained we headed to the site of the service. As always it was a very meaningful and moving service. Bishop Schnase ordained three deacons and nine elders.

Among those ordained was Chris Snyder, our former associate. Good to see the family!

At the ordaination dinner I found myself seated by the bishop from Mozambique. I mentioned to her that we had a team from the church I serve in Mozambique right now. She asked if "Chris" was there. I discovered new fame for Chris Sams. Later I was reminded that the offering taken at the ordination service was for the orphanage our team has gone to visit and that we are seeking to complete.

All in all it was a good day. A bit tiring. Enough challenges to keep us paying attention. Enough joy to encourage us.

Annual Conference

Yesterday we began Annual Conference. Rev. Robyn Miller and the praise team from Church of the Shepherd in St. Charles led in worship and it was a great time. Church of the Shepherd is similiar in size to us at Platte Woods UMC. Really encouraging time.

We began conducting some business but it is mainly preliminary reports that will be acted on later in the conference.

In my role as chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry I led a lunch for people who are taking a first step at this conference. We call it "commissioning." I shared some things with them about their continuing in the process and helped give them a gift from the conference.

From there we went into the "clergy session" where the pastors do some specific business. Actually this is a time led by the Board of Ordained Ministry so I introduced people who do all the work! (The bishop did ask at the end if there was anything I'd like to say and I said, "nope.")
Following that meeting (the laity had their own gathering at the same time) the whole conference came together. Once again I had a report to make and did so in a timely fashion. We introduced all the people who will be ordained or commissioned.

A little more business and then the bishop spoke and did a great job. He was followed by Bob Farr who leads our "congregational excellence" office. He always brings great energy and enthusiasm to the work of the church.

One part of his report included the new church that will begin in the Northland (somewhere along the 152 corridor.) We (Platte Woods UMC) are the "mother church." This means we offer encouragement and help the new pastor (Curtis Hoffman) along the way of developing a new faith community.

In the evening we had a "Mozambique Mingle." Food - conversation - a number of booths communicating the mission in Mozambique. The bishop from Mozambique spoke. Good gathering. We (Missiouri Methodists) are doing some pretty amazing things in this very poor country. (Be sure to pray for our team from the church that just left for two weeks there!)

It was a good first day of conference - a bit tiring - but inspiring.

You are being represented by myself, Curtis and Angie, Ginger, Alan Herndon, Brian and Evelyn Evans, and Mike Cole.

Today (Saturday) we start at 8:00.