Reflections From Sunday Evening

We had a great weekend at church. We had a great group of children literally "kick" us off at a couple of services. There was a wonderful spirit as we gathered to worship. This weekend we were talking about bearing fruit. The whole idea of fruitfulness is very important to us. Fruitful congregations are something we are working on continually. Fruitfulness in the Christian life is something we are intentional about. With all our talk about fruitfulness I was thinking of a way to describe it in terms we could identify with. Frankly being fruitful as a congregation is much more than increasing the numbers of people involved (that is a byproduct). In the New Interpreter's Bible Commentary Gail O'Day writes on the section of scripture we read today in John 15. She says "fruit" is "doing works of love." As I thought about that it seemed like a good way to describe fruitful Christian living. But I also thought there needed to be a little more to it. Today we talked about fruitfulness as "doing works of love that reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ." These works of love may obviously include "risk-taking mission and service." Hands-on mission and service are fruitful acts of love. But there is more. Sharing our faith with another person with the intent of helping someone come to faith in Jesus Christ is a definite "work of love reflecting the nature and character of Jesus Christ." Worship is an act of love. Study is an act of love. Prayer is an act of love. We could make a long list. For today I invite you to look at the whole of the Christian life and seek to be fruitful - engaged in works of love that reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ. Be fruitful. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too (with respects to Bill Self!).

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We had a great day at church. Ginger did a super job with the message on Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I trust we were all inspired to serve as Jesus has served us.

Several years ago I came across a concept reading a book by Leonard Sweet. He was taking us from the "Iron Rule" - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. He got to the "Golden Rule" - do unto others as you would have others do unto you. He suggested another rule - the "Platinum Rule" - do unto others as they would have you do unto them. (The business principle is treat your customers like they desire to be treated - not a bad Christian concept.) He had a final rule - The "Titanium Rule" - Do unto others as Jesus has done unto you! That is an amazing idea. What if we went out and treated other people like Jesus has treated us - grace - mercy - forgiveness - blessing - encouragement - peace - compasssion - justly - I suppose the list could go on for a long time.

Could this be something Jesus had in mind when he finished washing the disciples' feet and reminded them "you call me teacher and Lord and that is what I am. Now as I have done for you go and do for others."

It was a great reminder today. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Tonight at our youth meeting pastor Roy announced that he is resigning as our youth pastor. Roy has built up our program and we are very grateful for all that he and his wife, Beth, have brought to Platte Woods UMC. We wish him only the best as he continues to follow God's leading and moves forward into the future.

This week we will begin our search for someone to build on the foundation that has been established. In the interim, Rachel Zolnowski, assistant youth director, will continue to lead the program. I would ask for continued prayers as we move forward in this vital ministry of our church.

On another note - thanks to Ginger for her great sermon today. She has started us on the journey to the cross.

We find ourselves in the season of Lent. We had a great attendance for our Ash Wednesday service. Now we continue to prepare ourselves for Easter. We prepare for celebration through self examination - repentance - and spiritual disciplines.

Join me in prayer and action as we follow Jesus.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Nine young men received their Eagle Scout Award this afternoon. It always amazes me to witness the dedication of young people, their parents and adults leaders who help them along the road that leads to Scouting's highest award.

This is not lost on me as I think about the spiritual life. We have been looking at what we do "After You Believe" and have realized there is much more to the Christian life than the starting point. There are many people who assist us along the way. There are many lessons to learn. There is much to discover about the nature of God. There is much grace, mercy and love to experience.

We do not award people "merit badges" in the spiritual life - After You Believe. But we celebrate each step of grace as together we move forward in ways that honor God and share the Spirit of Christ day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year - over a lifetime of experiencing the life-changing, life-transforming power of God.

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