winning your fears

I am not sure why I thought about a story I made up and told my son when he was a little boy. It was about a dragon that made all the people in the village afraid. (what boy doesn't like a good dragon story?) Well it fell to "Sir Bobby" to save the people from the scary dragon. Upon his encounter with the dragon it became evident that the fearful dragon was not that bad at all. He was simply a dragon who needed a friend. So my son became a hero who introduced the villagers to a benevolent dragon. The dragon ended up not only a friendly dragon but also a protector of the people. I may need to go back and remember some of the details of that tale. Maybe I thought of the story today because someone is afraid and needs to win their fears to a benevolent helper and protector. Could our fears really be changed? Could our fears really have their veneer removed and seen for exactly what they are? Perhaps it is true...perfect love casts out fear. Could love change fear to friendship? steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Some random thoughts on this Memorial Day Weekend... This is more than an extra day off from work - remember our military men and women who have given their lives in service to our country Remember and honor family, friends and neighbors who have gone before us. Remember that death does not have the last word...God always has the next word. The new theme song for the K.C. Royals could be "Free Fall'in by Tom Petty. We exceeded our goal at the blood drive today...Should probably have higher goals. Plan to be with my mom and dad tomorrow and "decorate" family graves. (I could represent the last generation to continue this practice.) The Royals are depressing to watch. I could have gotten a pie in the face at church today...Don't miss PDO kicking off June 4 for Summer program. Had a good day at church today...moving past memorializing those we honor to anticipating Resurrection Life..."I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though they die yet shall they live, and whoever lives by believing in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (Jesus) It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We have had a good Pentecost Day. Somehow we kept things straight and baptized an adult, baptized and confirmed a student, baptized three children and received new members. Thanks to Pastors Ginger and Curtis for keeping things on track! This is a good day to be reminded of what the Holy Spirit does in our life. The life of following Jesus is not about keeping a list of rules but of walking in the Spirit. One of the more challenging ideas for many is that the Christian life is not about being good and doing good things. There is certainly nothing wrong with being good and doing good but we are talking about something more. Keep this in mnind. The Holy Spirit takes good, moral people who seek to be good and do good and changes lives to create grace-filled people who declare the wonders of God. On another note...graduations parties, graduations...significant days in the lives of many of our students and families. Congratulations. Go boldly into the next chapter of your life! It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In my home church in Appleton City the members surprised my mom today. She has been playing the organ or piano at the church for over 65 years. I beleve she started when she was 14! At the beginning of church they took her off the organ bench and gave her a seat by the pulpit. She said she did not have any idea what was going on. She got it figured out when people started walking by with hugs and cards. I appreciate the great people of Trinity UMC for recognizing mom. They surprised her and showed her some love. That seems pretty good to do something for over 60 years. it gets me thinking. I wonder how long I can preach... On another note... Our message series this month is Sink or Swim. We recognize that there are many challenges in the culture today. Frankly each of us have seasons of life where it feels like we are floating on a turbulent sea. People have many ways to cope with life but in the church we are a unique people. This month we are looking at practices of the church and some of the things we talk about. Here is the idea. The hope and grace that comes through the church keeps us afloat in a turbulent culture. We have looked a communion and baptism. Next week: Pentecost. I look forward to sharing the source of God's power that sustains us in life. Back to the first part of this blog. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I know you've had a great day. It has been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we celebrated confirmation with a great class. Frankly the reason many of us are pastors is for the opportunity to play even a small part in a person professing their faith in Jesus Christ. We had a great day with this years confirmation class. I pray God's blessing on every student and parent and teacher and leader and all those who played a role in this very significant experience. My message to the class was Remember. There are many acts and experiences in the Church that help us remember. I encourage everyone to avail yourself of what helps you remember. A Google search of the Kansas City A's 1962 took me to Baseball Almanac and there was the entire schedule and results of the 1962 Kansas City A's baseball team. This helped me remember something. On May 27, 1962 my dad took me to my first major league baseball game. It was a double header with the Los Angeles Angels. The A's won the first game and lost the second. I have many memories. The clearest memory I have of the game was in the second game the A's lost. Haywood Sullivan was the catcher and he dropped a pop-up. I can see it to this day. I was 9 years old. I was a baseball player. I was a catcher. I had actually caught pop-ups. I thought to myself...I could be a major league baseball player...That is a story for another day. Remember. In the movie "42" the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in major league baseball, there is a scene where a 10 year old African American has a moment with Jackie Robinson. At the end of the movie when they show some pictures of characters and tell something about what happened to them this boy's picture was shown. Under the picture is written. Ed Charles. Played for the 1969 Miracle Mets. What was left unsaid was this. Ed Charles. Also played for the Kansas City A's from 1962-67...and he gave Steve Breon his autograph! That makes me only 1 removed from Jackie Robinson! Today in confirmation and in our service of Holy Communion no one was one removed. In Christ we are with God. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve