Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are drawing toward the end of 2015. From the perspective of many it might be just as well! However it is still important to look for new learnings and places of spiritual growth. One thing that helps keep me going is reading. Like most people there does not always seem to be enough time or energy to read everything I want to read. By the time I read the Scripture - I read the Bible through this year and will get a fresh Bible to start again on January 1 - the necessary reading for sermon preparation and other ministry matters and newspapers, magazines and miscellaneous articles there still needs to be some time for a few good books. This year I enjoyed two John Grisham novels - Grey Mountain and Rogue Lawyer. I am not sure if Grisham is writing at his best but certainly enjoyable reads for his fans. "Vanishing Grace" by Philip Yancey is certainly worth reading. We need reminders of the grace that make all things new. In the last few years I have enjoyed reading Wendell Berry. The rural setting and era resonates with people like me who grew up in rural America. "Nathan Coulter" was an enjoyable read this year. I always try to keep up with a new Leonard Sweet book. This year I read "From Tablet to Table". Sweet has a way of engaging this technological age with some reminders of how we stay in touch with the living God. Pema Chodron wrote a book and the title was intriguing enough to draw me in. "Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better." I probably will not stay with this author - totally out of my area - but when we get anxious about not living into the success expectation of our culture it is good to know there is a place for risky living. I read a book seeking a spiritual awakening in America. Dutch Sheets writes "An Appeal to Heaven". Certainly something to think about. Currently I am reading Tim Keller's "The Reason for God". A very good book to share with our skeptical friends. I am also starting a book my brother gave me for Christmas. John Ortberg's "All the Places to Go" has already got my attention. He is talking about the open doors God sets before us and the adventure that beckons. I am eager to keep reading and look for the next open door God will set before me (us) in 2016. Today has been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It seems like the sun comes up later and goes down earlier these days. But that will begin to change tomorrow (December 21, 2015) That is the Winter Solstice. It will be the shortest day of the year. A few seconds do not seem to change much. It will still be dark in the morning and dark early in the evening. But we will have turned a corner. After December 21 the days will begin to get progressively longer. There will be a bit more light. That is very appropriate since we are in the season of lights. There are Christmas lights, candle lights, star lights, green lights, red lights, flashing lights, blinking lights but most importantly there is the light of Christ. With the light of Christ and the light shining a bit longer each day we find promise. We have the promise of God who comes to dwell with us. We have the promise of a Savior who will save us from our sins. We have the promise of a redeemed creation. We have the promise of peace, hope, joy and love. Wow. There is a lot going on. I hope you will take a moment this week to remember we have turned the corner. The days will be getting a bit longer, brighter and warmer. Of course before they get much warmer we can expect some cold and snow, but is never lasts. Spring is promised. The warmth of Christ will soon envelope us. Enjoy the week. Have a wonderful Christmas. Have joy in the midst of the on-going work of God in Jesus Christ. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day to. blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This has been a good day. The Wesleyan Choir presented the Christmas cantata today. What a great job sharing the message of Christmas in a way that touched the hearts of many. Joy filled the air in the sanctuary today. Later I hit the stores with the family for some Christmas shopping. Maybe that was not the greatest part of the day but hanging out with everyone was really good. I keep thinking about the Church. This is a time of year when people in many different places in their spiritual lives come to church. There are some who are interested in pursuing the Christian faith. There are many who come to celebrate their faith. It is a joy to share with so many different people. I am excited to be part of a church that seeks to reach people in many places in their spiritual lives. Some churches tend to focus on one or two ministries while others expand their reach. The church should be about the work of assisting non-believers to become Christians; nominal Christians to become committed Christians; Committed Christians to become informed Christians; Informed Christians to become Engaged Christians and Engaged Christians to become mature Christians. It becomes a circle of faith development. I could pursue this further and cite examples of churches that focus in particular areas. My vision: Let's reach them all! I do have a real desire to encourage and assist people in coming to faith in Christ. But each area of ministry brings great joy. May the joy of Jesus fill your hearts as we continue to anticipate and prepare for Christmas. It's been a great day. Blessings. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I wish. Have you ever sat in church and thought to yourself I wish...? I wish the preacher would hurry up and stop talking. (Probably won't come true.) I wish I had a million dollars. I wish I could find a meaningful way to serve Christ and the Church. I wish someone would call on... I wish the doctor's appointment had gone a different way. I wish I could go to that college. I wish that guy would ask me out. I wish no children would ever go to bed hungry. I wish there was an end to the war in .... I wish we would sing... I wish we had a great youth program (Oh yes, we do). I wish Christmas would hurry up and get here. I wish life would slow down. Your wish list could literally go on and on and on. Some of the wishes reflect childhood dreams. Some wishes reflect very grown up issues. Each wish holds the possibility of becoming more than a wish. Each wish may become a prayer. Think about your wishes and imagine how they would sound in your conversation with God. You can trust God in this. If your wish (your prayer) does not line up with God's best He might say something like "let's think about this wish." Are you sure? Do your really? What if we did this? There may be other wishes (prayers) where God would say I would love to! I've been waiting for you to ask! Feel free to come to church next week and think to yourself I wish... But you do not have to wait until then. Before you sleep today you can take a moment and say I wish. You can rise in the morning and begin your day with I wish. I cannot predict the outcomes but I do know God will be delighted to hear you. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Most of us find it difficult to be in two places at the same time. We wish we could be. It seems there is always more to do. But we are limited to one place at a time. We may be limited to one place at a time but we are capable of being different things. That is consistent with Christianity. Christian faith includes multiple expressions of life in the same people at the same time in the same places. For instance Christian faith includes people who are a mixture of good and bad. We express a faith of justice and righteousness. We are saints and sinners when we gather together. We are part of a kingdom that is present and not yet. In the whole experience we worship a God who is three in one. To our God we offer ourselves. We bring our mixture of hope and anxiety, faith and fear. We bring all of who we are and the entirety of life to the God who is all in all. We marvel at the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. As we enter this Advent season we bring all we are to the God who is all. We are beginning this season of preparation with hopeful expectation. We have this expectation that God takes us with all our hopes, dreams, fears and anxieties and pulls us together in a redemptive way. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Like most people I have been reading about and praying for Syrian refugees. This has become a central part of our national conversation as politicians read polls and opinion surveys. There seems to be an emerging sentiment among the American public that would call on our nation to not receive Syrian refugees. It goes without saying that no one would want Islamic terrorists to be brought to live among us. Many of the people fleeing Syria are Muslim and there are also a number of Christians seeking to escape the war and oppression in Syria. Another commentary suggests that Muslims do not share our American values. This is a reason to keep the Syrians away from America. At this point I need to interject that while there are certainly Muslim values that are not consistent with American values the same could be said for Christians. As Christians we know that our first and single allegiance and loyalty is to Jesus Christ. Our nation was founded on Christian principles and vestiges of these principles continue to be woven into the fabric of our American experience. We always worship God and not nation. There are economic values where Christianity challenges the America values of consumerism and accumulation. Christians value generosity. Our value of free speech where we claim the right to say anything could be challenged with the Christian value to let praise come from our lips but not cursing. We have the right to say what we believe but Christians guard what comes from us. Another value we seem to hold as Americans is safety and security. I am not sure about everyone but I place a high value on safety and security. I would go so far as to suggest this is the primary purpose of government. With that said I realize that the values of safety and security do not seem to rise from the scriptures or the heart of God. I definitely pray for protection and God's hand to hold me firmly. But our Christian value is to live for others. When Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples he did not promise security but rather his presence. I circle back to the Syrian refugees. I believe our Christian value of hospitality and welcoming the stranger is a higher value than protecting us from potential threats. That is difficult for me to say but it is true. We must guard ourselves against making decisions based on fear. We are people of faith. That may be the largest value difference for us to recognize. blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This has been a tough week in many ways. Racial strife at the flagship university in Missouri. Leaders of a great university resigned in the midst of racial unrest. A football team stands with fellow students. A game is at risk. An uneasy truce seems to come forth. The coach of the football team announces he is fighting cancer and will retire at the end of the season. That is a difficult week in Missouri. In the whole scheme of things our issues pale in light of things that happened in Kenya, Nigeria, Baghdad and Paris. Lives were lost in terrorist attacks. There have been no negotiations. There is no uneasy truce. How will the free world respond to the evil threat of terrorism? There are other things that have happened in the past days that have not made the news. People have felt a strange uneasiness. There is a gnawing sense of anxiety over who knows what. Where do we turn? There are some other things that have happened. A person came to church and reported that they had their best church experience in two years. A newly relocated widow found her way to church and perhaps is finding a new family. Youth after youth served 750 people at a turkey dinner. What do we make of all this? Horrible terror. Joyful celebration. Perhaps if we were to walk through the New Testament with Jesus we might encounter one who walked in a real world. He lived under an oppressive political power that was ruthless in maintaining power. There were terrorists in those days who planned and plotted acts of violence to turn things in their favor. In the middle of all that Jesus talked about loving your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Then he went out and actually did what he preached. I wonder what I will do this week? steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It seems like ages ago that we were watching the KC Royals in the World Series. So much has happened in the past week. Game five was another reminder to never quit. Always anticipate something good happening. (Unless you were a Met) Perseverance pays off. There is always hope. Wow. All the things we seek to impress upon people seemed to play out before our very eyes. Less than 48 hours after the final game everyone who ever thought about going to Kansas City showed up for a parade! What a celebration. Again we witnessed a piece of life. Celebration! Royals players show up on late night tv shows. Sports writers keep writing about the amazing year. Already plans are being made for next season. So even World Champions must prepare for tomorrow. Some men who played on the 2015 team will not be with the team in 2016. There will be others to take their place. The game goes on. I suppose we will be making comparisons between the Royals and life and the spiritual life in particular. Most of those comparisons will be a stretch. But if there is a great spiritual lesson to be found in this past week perhaps it is the hope and possibility of unity. Even people who do not know or care anything about baseball got caught up in the joy. People of all economic situations, faith perspective, ages, gender and any other demographic joined together to support the boys in Blue. Here is a lesson. We who are people of faith believe Jesus Christ is the one who truly unites all people to God. We become one in Christ. Yet we who follow Jesus keep putting up roadblocks and barriers. For some reason we get the idea that our particular views and beliefs are right and all others are wrong. So we split up. We are convinced that our actions reflect the path of Christ and any other is out of bounds. So we divide. We like the way we baptize, communion, structure the church, administer the finances, govern, lead, serve, vision...If you don't do it my way we go our separate ways. But there is hope. Hope in Christ. One day...One day the Holy Spirit will move in amazing ways. One day Jesus will gather His Church together. One day we will be one in Christ. Hey, if the Royals can unite a city Jesus can unite the Church and the world. Something to seek after. Something to pray for. Something to think on. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Let's talk baseball! Baseball is an absolutely great game. We start playing when we are little kids. I think of playing baseball when I was a little guy. We played and had fun. We learned everything about the game. It was all new to us. We learned how to hold the bat and swing correctly. We learned how to catch the ball and throw it. We learned how to get in the right position and what to do when the ball came our way. As we get older the game gets more difficult. The pitcher throws harder. They start to throw curve balls. We adapt. We grow with the game. On a summer day we may remember days when a bunch of kids got together and played until dark or we lost the ball. I remember throwing a ball against the barn door. There is no way of knowing how many rocks I hit with various ball bats. Maybe we find ourselves at the "K" on a late July or August afternoon. It is a lazy day. We find the ballpark to be a place to relax. We look at the well manicured green grass. Our mind wanders. We hear the crack of the bat and the crowd cheers. We watch the play unfold and then settle back in to enjoy the pace and the peace of baseball. Today we see a big difference in July baseball and October baseball! In October every pitch holds a grip on our attention. Every pitch, every play has the potential to bring delight or despair. My heart beats faster just watching the World Series. I actually tried to NOT watch game four. It is Saturday night. I get up early on Sunday. I have things to do. I decide to go to bad after the sixth inning. I actually fall asleep for an inning. Then the Royals come to life. I hear a cheer from the living room. Cindy is cheering for our team. I hear a notification on my phone. Tie game. I hear another cry of joy from the living room. Royals take the lead. I lay there but my mind is now engaged. Another cheer from the living room. Another run for the Royals. I get up to watch. The idea of a two run lead with six outs to go is too stressful. I still have to get up in the morning. I lay there trying to not think about the game. Finally I hear one more sound from the living room. I check the game. One out and two on base. Then I hear this cry of delight from the other room. Cindy is celebrating the win. I go watch the celebration. Baseball. I said all that to think about the church. For many church is a place of nurture and comfort. It is a place where we find peace. It is like a summer afternoon. Then I think of church as October baseball. There is intensity from the heart of God. There is so much more at stake than there is in a baseball game. There is eternal significance in everything done. The Holy Spirit drives us to the Cross. The Holy Spirit sends us into mission. There are new discoveries in the life of grace that jump into our hearts. There is an intensity of Spirit that is absolutely life changing, community changing, nation awakening and world altering! The Church is alive with the Holy Spirit. It is even more exciting - even better than October baseball. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we were looking at Genesis 22. That is the story where God tells Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. I was looking at traditional and alternate interpretations of the text. I won't go into all that now. But I want to go back to the idea that we might focus on verse 11. This is the verse where just before Abraham goes through with sacrificing Isaac God intervenes. He stops Abraham from going though with the sacrifice. We generally focus on Abraham's response but here we look at God's action. This is a significant moment in the story of redemption. Abraham is leading God's people. They will become a great nation. Later a new leader named Moses will arise. There will be ups and downs for the people of Israel. Prophets will come forward. Later God will come in Jesus Christ. Apostles will carry the message of the Gospel. Through history the faithful will continue the message and untold numbers will believe in Jesus Christ and continue the people of God initiated so long ago. When God called out to Abraham I see him beginning a new way. The people where Abraham's people were going had many practices such as worshiping many gods, child sacrifice, sexualized religious practices and other things. When God says "stop" a new way is introduced. The people of God will be distinct from the cultures and nations of the world. They will not practice those acts the others took for granted. A new way is beginning. When Moses brought the 10 Commandments they were counter to the practices of others. In a world with a multitude of gods the Lord says you shall have One God. In a world of idolatry there is a prohibition of graven images. The list goes on. The people of God continue to this day. We may forget some of this but we still carry the distinctive mark of the people of God. The people of God live differently from the prevailing culture. We think different. We live different. We are different because Christ lives in us. ...Something to think about. We are the people of God. What does that mean to us? On another note... Today PWUMC held our Trunk or Treat at Chin Elementary School. We partnered with the school and were able to share with many who are not in our church. I thought it was a great witness. So proud of our Children's Ministry and whole church. It's been a good day. (Chiefs win?) - (Go Royals!) steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we were talking about faith and how it produces hope. Hope is an interesting word. Some time when you are with some friends ask how they define hope. If they are like many people today the definition will include words like "wish" and "desire". Frankly we have developed an understanding of hope as wishful thinking. A Biblical understanding of hope is much different. The scriptures speak of our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13). This refers to our hope of the appearing of Jesus Christ. In our Christian understanding hope is much more than wishes and desires, it is grounded in faith and is sure and certain. I shared what I learned from Rev. Nanette Roberts who serves the UMC in Olathe, Kansas. The Indo-European, Hebrew and Greek root words end up being translated hope and the same root word leads to a word translated curve. The image emerges of a bend that changes direction and provides a new way. A change in perspective is always possible. The bottom line is we can have a more informed definition of hope. Hope is a strong and confident expectation that change is likely to occur. When faith rises and hope follows we may find ourselves having a strong and confident expectation that change is likely to occur. Feel free to apply that idea to your faith life, your relationships, your health, your finances or any circumstance in your life. We might also apply that idea to our hopes for our church, community, nation and world. People of faith have been entrusted with something that is life changing and world changing. Faith produces hope and hope leads to a strong, confident expectation that change is likely to occur. God is likely to step into our lives and make a great change. God is likely to step into our lives and forgive us, redeem us and change our hearts. God is likely to move in the Church and bring forth a revival of faith that will rock the world. God is likely to get involved in the community, the nation and the world in a very redemptive way. Let faith arise and hope follow. Live with a strong, confident expectation that God will move in your life. It is very likely to occur. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Third Grade Bibles. Today was the day we gave our third graders their Bibles. It is always a joy to hand out the Word of God and shake a young persons hand. They are such a great group. Week after week third graders comes to Sunday School. Their teachers and all those involved in Children's Ministry invest in their faith formation. Many of these kids are part of our Wednesday night program (WOW). They have been in Vacation Bible School. Through the years they have been in many classes. They have done crafts. They have served in different ways. They have played. They have shared refreshments. They have been part of the Church. Today we added an important ingredient to their life of faith. The Bible. I asked them to find the Gospel of Mark. Their assignment is to read Mark. I told them when they finish Mark 4 and read the Parable of the Sower to email me. (About half of our third graders have email addresses). Past experience tells me they will be reading and getting more and more acquainted with God's Word. I anticipate someday these third graders will be sharing the Word in Middle School and then in High School groups. These are the young people who one day will participate in and lead campus groups in college. These are some of those who will be witnesses in the workplace and encourage co-workers with the Scriptures. Seeds are being sown. The church plays a great role in the development of disciples of Jesus Christ. We pray, we serve, we give and we love children into the life of faith. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I am thinking sports this afternoon. Here is a general principle for success. Be in the right place and do the right thing. This is especially true when playing defense. I would say that over half the battle is simply being in the right place. At least then you are in the way! (I watched the Chiefs game and they prove my point. Seldom did they appear to be in the right place). We watch defensive placements in baseball that seek to put people in the right place to make a play. Once in the right place it becomes important to do the right thing. From experience I know what it is like to be in the right position and then miss a tackle. But it is much easier to do the right thing when you are in the right place. There are examples of people making super plays even though out of position. But that is not common. Be in the right place and do the right thing. That makes for success. Let me put this in a spiritual perspective. It is important to be in the right place spiritually. Be "in"Christ. That means it starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ. We accept Christ and the Lord then "lives in us". We are in the right place by the grace of God. From our position in Christ we are empowered to do the right things. This is when we are best able to "love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with our God." It is evident that people without a relationship with Christ do good and accomplish some important things. But in my analogy it takes some extraordinary actions when doing good work in our own power. In Christ we have the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to do mercy and justice. In Christ we have the power to witness for Christ and point others to His love. When in the right place (in Christ) we are best equipped to do the right things. On another note... Tomorrow (Monday) we host a blood drive at church. We are open from 2-7. It is a great way to serve and make a difference. Remember (from the announcement today) that those who sign up become eligible to take home a pie from Corner Cafe. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

One of the recent concepts in our time is "chatter". Chatter has been part of my vocabulary for many years. In little league baseball we were told to "chatter". Hey batter, hey batter, hey batter...swiiiing batter! (Maybe that was Ferris Buhler's Day Off). In elementary school there were many of us who might be called "chatter boxes" because we were more social than was allowed. But the term has taken on a different meaning from the conversational tone of an earlier time. Today "chatter" may refer to the communications that intelligence agencies pick up from terrorists. Amazingly there is someone out there monitoring practically every form of communication trying to discern chatter so as to stop violence. Chatter. This has me thinking about the chatter all around me. The sound of Joe Buck's voice on Sunday afternoons has become part of the background of American life. (He is an announcer for NFL games in case you didn't recognize the name). Today I heard the chatter of Rex Hudler and the announcers for the K.C. Royals. Among all this comes the continual chatter of advertisements. Listen for the noise in your life. There is background chatter practically all the time. Chatter, chatter, chatter. This becomes serious in the spiritual sense. In a world (and a life) filled with continual chatter it becomes increasingly difficult to hear and recognize the voice of God. God speaks to people in many different ways. Don't expect voices out of the heavens but God speaks. Many times people indicate that they do not believe God speaks to them. Perhaps people feel that way because of all the chatter that stifles the voice of God. So what could we do about this? Listen. It takes time and effort to listen. It is very difficult to hear and recognize the voice of God when we try to pick His voice out from all the others we have going all around us all day. We are invited to some intentional, focused time with God. Some like a few minutes in the morning or evening. It does not make much difference when the focused listening time comes as long as it is intentional. Don't try to pick up on God during the course of a busy day. That is a good time to pray and talk to God but not a good time to listen. Get quiet. Get focused. Listen. Jesus indicated that his sheep (those who love him and follow him) know his voice. Remember the Lord has more invested in communicating with you than you have invested in Him. So relax. Listen. Focus. Hear God's voice. Oh one other thing. Be careful. God does not always say what we expect Him to say. Be ready for a surprise or even a challenge. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Saturday evening Cindy, our kids and I went to a football game at Baker University. We like to get out at least once a year and remember where we went to college. It is always fun to walk across the campus and remember the classes we had in the various buildings. We look at the renovated science building and I remember my anatomy and physiology class. There is Parmenter Hall that was nearly condemned when we were there and now is renovated and re-purposed. Case Hall is where we took those education classes and the psychology courses. The library looks very different. Mabee Hall is where I had my physical education classes and was home to all the coaches offices and the basketball court. (I had my own key to that building. I used to wash the football uniforms each week but that is another story). Since we were there a new physical education building/gym has been constructed. The student union looks very different. (Much improved). There is a chapel on campus that was brought over from England. It is a chapel that Margaret Thatcher's father once preached in. We were there several years ago when it was dedicated. There have been many changes. Even with the changes the form of the campus remains. The mission is stronger than ever. The improvements are enhancing the educational experience at Baker University. There was another change. Baker played William Penn University. It was the third all time meeting between the two schools. I actually played in the previous two. The combined scores of those games back in the '70's was William Penn 111 - Baker 0. Believe me, I did my part! The big change came in the game last night. Baker 48 - William Penn 13. That was a definite change. Depending upon your perspective it was either a really good change. (The Baker perspective). Or...a really lousy change. (The William Penn perspective). I will go with the positive and leave it at that. We are experiencing change in and at our church. Depending upon your perspective...it is either great or a painful disturbance. Will the changes move us forward in our mission? Will the changes result in changed lives for decades to come? Will the changes contribute to many people giving their lives to Christ and experience saving grace and the promise of eternal life? This is why we introduce change. This is why we take risks. We will certainly recognize the previous form of our church and maintain great memories. We will also recognize something new and fresh that will enhance the mission of Jesus Christ. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. (Go Chiefs - Go Royals!) steve

Reflections (it's Monday rather than Sunday so a new name)

I think it was sometime in the spring of 1976. Cindy and I had been thinking, talking and praying about our next step. It seemed like taking a step into ministry was where we were heading but since there was no real frame of reference for a decision like that it was not easy. Discerning a call (or direction or practically anything else in the spiritual life) is not simple. Part of the complexity involves prayer, searching the scriptures, considering life situations and having conversations with others. There was a United Methodist evangelist who we had met a few months earlier. Cecil Williamson had a profound effect on us. We discovered that Cecil was going to be preaching at a church in Arkansas. We lived in south Missouri but he was closer than Mississippi where he lived. We decided to go to this little town in Arkansas and see him. We had a friend staying with us at the time so the three of us got in the car and headed out. (I believe we took the afternoon off from teaching since it was like a 5 hour drive). I have no idea how we got to this place but it seems like we drove over mountains and across rivers and where there were no roads! But we got there. We went to church. Then we went to the preacher's house where Cecil was staying and talked. I really do not remember the content of our conversation. No light bulbs came on. But the encouragement and the experience contributed to our decision. It took us most of the night to get home and after sleeping an hour or so we went to work. (Can't do stuff like that anymore!) I share that because tomorrow we anticipate Cecil and his wife Julie passing through Kansas City on their way out west. They will be spending the night and I am pretty jazzed for our conversation. Cecil is now retired. (If evangelists ever really retire) But he is still active and going strong. I look forward to seeing my mentor in ministry. Thinking about this reminds me of how blessed I have been to have people invest in me. There have been many. It strikes me that part of our Christian life includes investing ourselves in others. Who could you offer your time and life to? You never know. Your interest and presence could contribute to a changed life. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I have been thinking about announcing my candidacy for President. I mean who has not looked at things and thought, "I could do that good." Several years ago I was speaking to a group and a young man in the crowd later said he was feeling a call to ministry. He indicated I really helped him when he heard me. His thought..."If he can do this anybody can." But there may be more to it than that. I'm not sure that President thing would suit me very well. Certainly not everyone is suited to do every job or task that exists! We all have interests, talents and gifts. There are certain things we seemed "wired" for. The joy comes when we find our niche. I have known far too many people who toil in their job just counting the days until they can retire. Of course people need to make a living... but really. What if there was another way? What if we sensed a call to serve whether in a job or as a volunteer? What if we were able to offer our daily tasks to God and work or play in ways that honor the Lord? It could make a difference in how we approach things. If I find myself doing what I do as an offering to the Lord it makes a difference. I tend to want to do a better job. I tend to find more sense of fulfillment. I tend to make more of a difference. How would your life be different were you to live, serve, work, labor, play as an offering to God? My guess is you would find more pleasure in what you do. You would find a greater sense of meaning. You would discover joy. Just some thoughts. This would be a good day to live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I've been thinking about the Royals while watching them play (not very well) in Boston this weekend. It is pretty amazing how good this team is especially when compared to how - less than good - they were for several years. When we came to Platte Woods 10 years ago the Royals were in a season where they would lose 105 games included a 19 game losing streak. How do you do that? I remember the down years and one thing that people kept talking about was how difficult it was for "small market" teams to compete in the economy of baseball. It was easy for Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Minnesota to talk about the competitive disadvantage they had with New York, L.A. and Boston. (Of course nobody said much about St. Louis who always has one of the best teams in baseball. But I digress). It appears that a common trait of teams not doing well was they made excuses. Of course there are always challenges but they are not justifications for excuses. The Apostle Paul wrote; "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20) In essence all we must do is take a look and we see the handiwork of God. People may talk all they want about not believing in God or questioning God's existence. But the Word states it clearly. Look around. Nature itself cries out that God is real. People are without excuse. I find it much more helpful to accept responsibility instead of making excuses. In the Church excuses do no good. For instance... When a person visits church seeking to encounter God we have no excuse to not be prepared to meet people where they are. When a person is in need of prayer we have no excuse for not ushering someone into the presence of the Lord. When a person is discouraged we have no excuse for not providing an opportunity for uplifting inspiration. When justice is denied someone we have no excuse for not being the voice for those who are not heard. When a person loses hope we have no excuse for not offering a vision for what life may be. I could go on and on. What would this week be like were we to step forward in faith and avoid excuses? It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I continue to think about the mission/ministry model the Church needs to embrace. There is the "attraction" model. That is where we open the church doors and say "here we are", and expect people to show up. For this to be effective the church would need to have a better "show" than Disneyland! Even if we were hyper-professional in our production we would not necessarily see lives changed. That is not to say we should not always seek to get better in a pursuit of excellence in worship, serving, learning and all things church. But even if everything goes right the attraction model will fail us. I am not sure what the other extreme might be. Perhaps the House Church. But that would merely seek to attract people somewhere, just not the church. Maybe there is some model for pure service. Christian faith is found out there somewhere where we do good for others. I could go on about these different models. What I keep coming back to is a church that is sent. We, the people of God, are sent into the world to witness for Christ. We are a "go" people. Go into all the world and make disciples. We go and continually plant seeds of the Gospel. We offer Christ to the world in a multitude of ways. Presence is important. Service is vital. Speaking for those without a voice is part of offering Christ. Eventually someone looks at us and poses a question. Why do you do what you do? What makes you who you are? At that point the Church has the opportunity to invite. Jesus put it like this. Come and see. The invitational church says come and see what God can do in your life. The invitation is met by the Holy Spirit who continually creates a heart longing for Jesus. Person after person responds. This is where the "place" we call church comes into play. We have a worship center. We have places for discipleship. We become a "lab" where wonder and inquiry rise. So my "Invitational Church" both goes and says come and see. Something to think about. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Maria Popova tweets "I love the idea of a 'theology of rest' amid our culture of compulsive productivity." Some days things strike us with greater clarity than others. Perhaps this is one of those days. I mentioned the good effects of a day off this week. Just a little rest contributes to a more positive spirit, renewed energy and peaceful outlook. It's amazing. The world is basically the same. The same challenging circumstances still exist. There are still decisions to make. I could go on and on. But rest aids perspective. I should know this. Years ago a mentor told me "when you get tired rest." That makes a lot of sense. Still we struggle. Ours is a culture of "compulsive productivity." We are judged by what we accomplish. We are evaluated on productivity. We can drive ourselves into non-productivity very easily. Leonard Sweet helps us see some of this in Church terms. We are gauged by ABC's. Attendance (which we have no control over), Buildings (as if they were the real mission which they are not), and Cash. The crazy thing about this is that there is never enough. There is always another person to reach for Christ. Attendance. There is always something to build or maintain. Building. There is never enough money, time or volunteers for a church that is alive and involved in mission. Cash. Sweet suggests a better evaluation would focus on MRI's. Mission, Relationships and Incarnation. I believe were we to do the MRI's well the ABC's would astound us. So with that said let's think about a "theology of rest." Certainly something to prayerfully consider. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Being intrigued by the Fixer Upper concept. I admit to being much more of an ESPN type than HGTV. However our series on Fixer Upper looks good. The idea behind the TV show sounds like a mission statement for the Church! They turn dilapidated but high potential homes into showcases. They work to revitalize whole neighborhoods. They help people who can't see a structures "beauty beyond the blemishes". They work to save homes that look hopeless. They are about renovating the imperfect. They reveal what a house was always intended to be. If we were to look at this from a faith perspective we would see the work of the Spirit in and through the Church. Jesus has a way of using us (the church) to turn dilapidated lives into showcases. The church has the potential to revitalize whole neighborhoods. Faith inspires people to look at their lives and see "beauty beyond the blemishes." The Lord saves those who feel hopeless. Our faith is about renovating the imperfect. Life in the church has a way of revealing to people what they were always intended to be. We have been created in the image of God. We have been created to be in relationship with the Living God. We are invited to the Abundant Life Jesus speaks of. It is all pretty amazing. We are on a renovation mission. You are invited to come along. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We finished our Defining Moments series today. It was a good word that came to Jehoshaphat when enemy armies were moving against them. "Do not be afraid - do not be discouraged. The battle is not yours but God's." Read 2 Chronicles 20 and you will see what happened! Our take-away from the story went something like this. When things are happening in your life that cause you to feel afraid or discouraged look to the Lord. Fear has a tendency to lead to panic and most decisions made in "panic mode" do not go well. So turn to the Lord. It is His battle. Next time you face a fear or discouragement take your stand, move forward and sing a song. (Remember you need to read the story for this to make sense). Actually we are looking for the power of praise and worship to defeat fear and discouragement. It is amazing how God comes and moves in ways that lead us joyfully home. You may be in the midst of making a choice or decision that will turn out to be a defining moment in your life. My prayer is that it be the kind of moment that puts you (or keeps you) on track with God. Keep writing your story of God's power and presence in your life. On another note...it was hot at Kauffman Stadium but well worth it to see the Royals get another win. It was truly a day for baseball. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This is a great day to be an American! Today is National Ice Cream Day! In keeping with the spirit of the day we passed out various types of ice cream to everyone as they left church today. It was just fun. We had the ice cream donated. I am grateful to our people who put this together (Jennifer, Debbie, Ann, Brian & Evelyn - as well as all your helpers). I appreciate those who put together the donation. We will be making a gift in kind to those who helped out. What we enjoyed today was a treat similar to what people (especially children) might receive from Harvesters or some other organization that serves people in need. I thought is was super to share in something that many in our community consider a great treat. It's great to be childlike and enjoy our ice cream. That is not all. We also celebrated a great week of Vacation Bible School. A representative group of our kids sang for us in worship. You had to see this week to appreciate it. I can tell you there were 450 kids singing, dancing, learning and having a wonderful time with the Lord this week but seeing the seats in the sanctuary filled with kids was amazing. There is no way to fully comprehend the lives that were touched this week. You saw the joy and fun but the Lord knows the hearts that were touched, the faith that took root and the way a young persons course of life was established. It has been a great week to be a kid at PWUMC! Today was a great day to be a kid at PWUMC. With childlike faith - trust in the goodness of Jesus Christ - we rejoice. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This week is Vacation Bible School week at Platte Woods. VBS continues to be a timeless tradition for churches. I remember VBS weeks - yes more than one week of VBS. Those were summer days when we came to church each day for Bible stories, crafts, snacks and games. We ate homemade chocolate chip cookies that members made and brought to church. We drank red Kool Aid. We played games like Red Rover. We made things that supported the Bible story of the day or week. We learned stories in the Bible. When you put it all together we were experiencing God. We were kids but something was happening in our lives that would not go away. We still remember. The technology is much different. Flannel boards have given way to videos. The snacks are more healthy. The games are different. But the Bible stories are the same. The experience of God's love and grace continues. This week we anticipate more young lives being impacted by the Spirit of God. It promises to be a great week. Should be fun. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The Independence Day holiday is drawing to a close. People will be heading home from a weekend get away. There may be one more cook-out but we are getting ready for a new week. Hopefully sometime during this weekend we have re-read the Preamble to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence or some other historical document. Hopefully we have taken a moment to reflect on the precious gift of liberty and freedom that is such a part of the American experience. Maybe we have given thought to what we most appreciate about our nation. Perhaps we have reflected on the commitment of those who led the way. Our nation is filled with defining moments. There were the first stirrings in the hearts of men who saw a vision for a new nation. There were those who risked all they were and all they had for this proposition that all men are created equal. There was the defining moment when leaders pledged their "lives, possessions and fortunes" for the new nation. There have continued to be many defining moments along the way of the great experiment in democracy. With that said I invite you to also consider defining moments in your life, especially your Christian life. Do you recall the first stirrings of faith in your heart? What does your spiritual autobiography look like? Can you identify the moments in life when God seemed most close and clear? Are there seasons of life where God seemed distant. Can you identify choices and decisions that have turned out to be defining moments in your life of faith? As surely as our nation continues forward with new challenges and opportunities your life does the same. There will be other defining moments ahead in your life of faith. Be encouraged and anticipate your future in faith with joy. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I are back home from a week in Seattle, Wa. It was a great time away. We saw the Royals win 2 out of 3 from the Mariners. Amazing how many KC fans show up for road games these days! I must admit the Seattle faithful did not seem overjoyed at chants of "Let's Go Royals." The weather was great. We saw the sights. It was simply good to rest up and re-charge. As always good to be home and getting ready to get back to business. I did have the opportunity to get to church this morning. I appreciate Keith Milburn inviting me to share at the Patriotic Service held at the flag pole this morning. It was a good time to remember heritage and celebrate the faith that makes us a "great" people. I also had the privilege of receiving Duane Whorten into membership today. It was a blessing. It was good to step in and have a part in services today. Thanks to our great staff and to Pastor Ginger for preaching this month while I do some other things. I look forward to starting a new message series next weekend and invite you to join in and find some "Defining Moments" in your life. It's been a good day. I trust you've had a good day too. steve

Change our heart O God

I truly wish I had something to say or offer that would change what happened in Charleston. I am at a loss to understand much less speak to this act of violence that struck Emanuel AME Church. It looks like racism is a primary factor. A sacred place engaged in a sacred purpose was violently violated. I wish I could make all this go away. We need change. There are some who grasp the deep need to change systems that produce racism and violence. Please put your minds and hearts to work to effect changes that will produce deeply needed social change. There are some who are experts in providing better safely and security, especially as it relates to churches and non-profits. Please share your expertise so that basic changes may be made in how we go about our lives. There are many, many other factors. Put your heart and mind to work and make a difference. I think about what I have to offer. I am a pastor at heart. I believe faith in Jesus Christ changes our hearts. Faith does not cure all things nor make everything perfect. But I believe that faith has the greatest power and potential to changes lives and in turn change the world. A heart where Christ dwells and is actively at work will be transformed from sin to righteousness. A life prone to racist views may be changed to one who loves and celebrates one another. We in the Church are at an important point. We have brothers and sisters in Christ suffering through an unimaginable experience. Would you do some things with me. Examine your own heart. Where do you find love for God and others rising to the surface? Celebrate that grace that is in you. Where do you find a sense of entitlement, fear, anxiety or even superiority to others. Would you own that? Would you follow the example our Scriptures teach and repent of any things that might even begin to resemble sin. Put your hope and trust in Jesus Christ and ask him to change your heart and life. Once we examine our own hearts could we take new steps to put our love in action? Don't laugh at a racist joke. Look for ways to allow the Holy Spirit to help you with awkward conversations where we lovingly yet firmly challenge the anti-Christ views we encounter. Share the love of Christ with others. Be part of changing lives and changing the world. Use you heart and your mind to make a difference. We are the people of God. God wants much from us. I wish I had more to offer. I feel powerless and even useless in the face of the evil some have experienced first hand and that continues to gnaw at me. But what I have I freely offer. I offer Christ. prayerfully, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Last week we completed our annual conference. All pastors were appointed to continue our service to PWUMC! That certainly brings joy to each of us. Today I sat in the congregation at the 9:30 service and 11:00 NEXT. Wow, do we have some good preaching going on here! It is such a joy to be part of a great team. I did make a sacrifice today. For the first time in two or three years I played golf. I was part of a team that...did not win. But it was a good day and we enjoyed playing. Mainly this was a fund raiser for the church endowment fund. It was a good turnout for the 19th Platte Woods Golf Tournament. On another note...I pulled up to the church late in the week and saw the many trees that have been taken down. Frankly I did not feel a sense of loss when I saw the old parsonage being removed to make way for our new and expanded parking lot. But when I saw the trees...I hate to lose trees. (We had to take a dead willow tree out of our yard in the past few days!) But the good news is that our trees at church are not being lost. The Urban Lumber Company will take our trees that are being replaced. Check out their website and you will see examples of what they do with used trees. The trees that have lined our property for years will be re-purposed and provide beauty and joy for many. When our new parking lot is completed there will be other environmentally friendly landscaping. I believe everyone will be amazed. Today as we look at what is going on at church we see the beginning of new life. Looking ahead it appears pretty amazing. On yet another note...Today Cindy attended her home church in Butler where they were dedicating a new playground which her mom's memorial gifts contributed to. It was a joyful day in many places. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Twenty-five years ago the movie Field of Dreams was released. There is a line in the movie that has become part of our normal conversation. We have also applied the phrase to church life. You have probably guessed the phrase. "If you build it they will come." Actually that phrase comes later in the movie. The original call to Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) was a little different. He heard the voice; "If you build it HE will come." We could have a nice discussion about the relationship between father and son and how the movie speaks to the matter. We could also apply this insight to church life. Never build a church based on the idea that simply constructing something will automatically attract people. It is really not about us. It is about HIM. Build it and He will come. In the movie the Field of Dreams opened a magical way for father and son to have an amazing experience. In church life He - Jesus comes among us. Jesus offers us an amazing experience. Later in the movie Ray's daughter reminds everyone that "build it and THEY will come." This is echoed by the James Earl Jones character. "Build it and they will come." (To say nothing of one great soliloquy !) Here is the connection. Build a life, a culture, an environment or a church where Jesus is invited in and totally welcome and HE will come among us. The Living Lord Jesus has such an impact that He will attract others to the life giving faith he inspires. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

"If you know the good you ought to do and don't do it, it is sin." That's a bit of a paraphrase of James 4:17. Today we put this in a little different light. Rather than "ought" the idea may be put in an affirming way. We might say "Do the good you know you could." The story came from a college class where the assignment was to observe a teacher in the classroom. Sometime into the class session the teacher stepped out of the room and when she did a group of students locked her out! I was there to "observe". That was my assignment. At that point I had some options regarding what to do. I could join them. Imagine the stories a group of sophomore boys would have if a college student helped them lock their teacher out of the room. A second option was to observe. That was what the assignment was. That was the expectation. Why not sit back and watch, just observe. I could then go write my paper. The other option was to open the door. I did what any of you would do. I opened the door. In reflecting on that experience I learn something. I am capable of doing the good I know I could. I am the first to admit that I have not always followed through with that. I have missed the mark. I have failed. But the capability is there. That is our message for the church today. As we look upon the world and see all the needs and injustices that seem so prevalent we have options. Will we join with those who create circumstances that oppress and harm others? Will we "observe" deciding that it is not my problem. Or will we be the people of God who open doors? Look for the door that God is opening. Look for the door to open this week. Do the good you know you could. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In an hour we will gather in Memorial Hall for a "de-consecration" service. About 55 years ago the first sanctuary of Platte Woods Methodist Church was opened. For around 10 years this building served as the worship space for a growing congregation. When the current sanctuary was built the first sanctuary became "Memorial Hall". It has served the people of God well in a variety of ways through the years. The last few years has seen Memorial Hall used for worship services. We have conducted memorial services here. There have also been some weddings. Each week Memorial Hall has been used for Sunday School class meetings. Youth ministry has been conducted in Memorial Hall following some significant remodeling a few years past. Other uses include regular exercise classes. The space has been used as a voting precinct. We have hosted many meals in Memorial Hall. Staff meetings have been held in this space. There have been graduation parties and various kinds of receptions. Over the years Memorial Hall has become a great multi-purpose space. This evening we will gather and remember the great experiences in this place. A "de-consecration" does not negate anything that has taken place here. It simply says thank you for being a vehicle for ministry over many years. Buildings may be somewhat like life. We grow and develop during childhood. Changes take place during our teenage years. We move into young adulthood, middle age and maturity. Each stage of life builds on the former. Together a life is made. Memorial Hall has made a huge contribution to the development and growth of Platte Woods United Methodist Church. Many memories but even more anticipation of God's future. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We had a blessed day at church today. Always good to join together for Mother's Day. Our game went well. Amazing how many women had the things we were asking for in their purse! This week I was with a group from our church at a conference in Atlanta. One session posed the question; "What would a great leader do?" Many insights. I put what I learned to practice. Evidently we need to replace a filter on our refrigerator. We noticed some water dripping from the refrigerator onto the floor. I ask, what would a great husband do? He would soak up the water (at least some of it) from the floor. Question 2; what would a great wife do? She would fix the problem! It was good to recognize women and especially mother's present in church today. Happy Mother's Day. On another note... As an off hand remark today I mentioned that 10 youth will be going to Honduras this summer. They will work with the poor and help with a construction project. They will contribute toward changing a life which in turn may change another, and another, and another. This is how we contribute toward changing the world! I mentioned that not everyone can go to Honduras but why not sponsor one of these youth? I actually had a family say we want to sponsor one and if you need it we will do two! That made my day. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In the midst of everything else that was taking place in church this weekend - Honduras Mission Trip breakfast, announcements about name tags, communion, worship, preaching, classes - the normal things done on a weekend. We also recognized graduates. Our high school seniors are busy finishing up school. They are preparing for graduation. They are having their graduation parties. They are anticipating their next steps in life. The next steps are really significant. Graduation is a great accomplishment but it does not mark a stopping point in life. Graduation is a step along the way. There is much more to come. I hope we make the connection between this attitude and the Christian life. We have Christian experiences. We may mark our baptism. Perhaps we are confirmed. Maybe we experience a sense of call. There may be a new, fresh insight. Each season and each day of our Christian life is fresh and new. There are new experiences that bring us encouragement and direction. Whatever the momentary experience may be we are not finished. When we become a Christian we do not check that off our "to do" list for spiritual things and go on about the business of life. We become new. We become a living, growing spiritual entity. Following Jesus takes us to new places regularly. Following Jesus leads us in an adventure of serving and loving God and others. It is a life that does not stop. We find a continuing flow of the Spirit into our lives that transforms and creates life day by day. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today was one of those days that was simply a blessing. The highlight for me was our Confirmation service. I looked at those young people sitting on the first two rows and recognized them from Wednesday night activities, VBS, church and other activities. I have watched a number of these students grow up. These students were in pre-school when I came to Platte Woods. Now they stand before the church and say yes to Jesus Christ. Nothing better. I think of these young people and the challenges they face. I think of the world we live in. I also think of the challenges faced by those in my generation when I was confirmed in the faith in the 1960's. We had challenges as well. I have confidence in these young people. By the grace of God they will not only profess faith but grow in their faith. Some will hear a call from the Lord and possibly go into fulltime ministry. They will be the people who live their faith in the work place. They have the potential to make a difference and change the world. The focus of the message this weekend was "God will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine." I will ask and imagine a great deal from this group. I will trust God to do even more than I dream. Could I remind you of the same expectation for our entire church? We left today with the challenge to expect God to do immeasurably more in our heart, life and church than we can ask or imagine. On another note... I thank Walter and the praise team one more time for all they did to make our recently completed message series a real joy. They have led our worship at all weekend services for 7 of the last 8 weekends! Much appreciation. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

There is a passage in the Book of Isaiah that we traditionally interpret as a reference to the Messiah, Jesus. There is a good chance the prophet had a contemporary figure in mind as well as a vision for the future. The description of the one to come is in the context of the "suffering servant" section in scripture. "...He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isa. 53:2b) So often we think a leader must have the "right" appearance. In the Old Testament when the first king of Israel was being sought Saul was taller than the others and must have certainly "looked" the part. We continue to make judgments based on first impressions and outward appearance. Jesus gives us another perspective. Our depictions of Jesus probably speak more to our ideas than what Jesus actually looked like. There is something that makes us present Jesus in a manner other than a man in whom God dwells. There was nothing about him to attract us to him or cause us to desire him. Maybe not due to mere physical appearance but there is more to it than that. There is something about Jesus that strongly attracts us to him. There is something about Jesus that creates desire to know him. There is something about Jesus. Maybe it is the way he accepts us for who and what we are. Maybe it is how he seems to see something in us that we do not see in ourselves. Maybe it is his gracious acceptance. Maybe it is the way he challenges us to be more than we are. Maybe it is the way he forgives us. Maybe it is the way he believes in us. There is something about Jesus. The one the prophet saw as not being attractive or creating desire is the one who knows us, loves us, comes to be our God, our Savior, our Lord and our friend. There is really something about Jesus! It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

There are some things that make be say I wonder why? For instance, I wonder why James Shields outpitched Madison Baumgardner last night in the first week of the baseball season instead of doing so in last fall's World Series? Just wondering? I wonder why people have such a great experience on Easter and then forget to come to church the next week? Just wondering? I wonder why sports can be so captivating that I find myself watching the final round of the Master's Golf Tournament? Just wondering? I wonder why people who share the same faith in the same Lord come out on totally different sides of some issues? Just wondering? I wonder why some people think war makes sense? Just wondering? I wonder why some people who live in a great land of plenty go hungry? Just wondering? I wonder why some are exposed to the Gospel and it does not seem to make a difference in their life? Just wondering? I wonder why some people embrace the Gospel and change the world? Just wondering? I wonder why Walter Bryant has such tremendous musical talent and I cannot even play a cd player? Just wondering? I guess I could go on like this all day. Perhaps there are simply some things that we may always wonder about but never have a totally definitive answer. It really does come down to a matter of faith. I am very thankful that God has given me a "measure of faith" and through time has seemed to water it so it has matured. I am thankful for enough faith to keep me going when clarity is missing. So for the rest of the day I am going to think faith and take a break from wondering. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

What a weekend! There is nothing like Easter. The music was amazing. The services were energizing. It was a great joy to praise the Lord today. Many families were together for church. Surely the presence of the Lord was with us. The NCAA basketball tournament is winding down. That was some game last night when Wisconsin beat an undefeated Kentucky team. Monday nights championship promises to be a good one. While on the sports theme tomorrow is opening day for the Royals. It was just a few months ago they took us on an exciting ride through the playoffs into the World Series. There is a rumor that I may be at the "K" tomorrow when they raise the AL Championship flag. There is so much going on. It is spring. Wow. Of course not all the world is feeling the joy of spring. Christians in Iraq and Syria continue to face the most severe persecution. Students in Kenya lose their life because they are Christians. People we know (and perhaps ourselves) face struggles and fear. But there is a common denominator for all. Jesus is risen! He lives and because he lives we too shall live. Ours is a God who overcomes death. No persecution will ever have the last word. Death will never have the last word. God overcomes death. We find life in the resurrection of Jesus. We find joy in the resurrection. We find peace. I posed a question today. If you believed God overcomes death what difference would that make in how you live? Would you love a bit more? Would you serve more. Would you risk more for the kingdom of God? Jesus is risen. For us all. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

On this date (March 29) in 1978 Cindy woke me and said it was time to go to the hospital. I had been up late preparing for a Systematic Theology test. Off we went to Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We got there and I got Cindy checked in and turned over to a nurse. I disappeared. A few minutes later I joined her. She asked where I had been. I told her I went and threw up but now I was ready to go! It was a memorable day. Later that afternoon Bobby was born. We remember the significant events in life. That day changed our lives. We have been there as he grew through all the stages of life into adulthood. New life alters our life. I took that exam later in the week. Must have passed it since I ended up graduating. It is all pretty amazing. I think about how other significant events affect our lives. Life if full of decisions and experiences. They all merge together to make us who we are. I think of another event that happened long ago. Today we remembered Jesus' entry into the city and reminded everyone of the events that lay before him culminating at the Cross. And because of what Jesus has done our world has been forever changed. Hope has been woven into the "fabric of the universe (to quote a former bishop who had a great way with words and images). Because of what Jesus has done our lives are not what they might have been. When we include the dimension of personal faith in Christ we have something that forever changes us and that we can never forget. This week there are different times we are called to gather and remember. We have communion on Holy Thursday. We reflect on the Cross on Good Friday. And next week we witness the most amazing event of all time. Resurrection! It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

"You've Got a Friend", "How Sweet it is to be Loved by You" and a host of other songs from the 70's were featured in our message today. We even had a commercial break - "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." You probably remember that one. These were some of the songs from the 70's that contributed to our series today. We focused on happy, pleasant songs that brought back some good memories. At the same time we remembered some events of the times. Some of them were not so pleasant. my for st memory of terrorism was the Munich Olympics with the Israli hostages and killings. This was the time of Watergate. There was the Iran hostage matter. Some might say the worst of the decade was Disco music. But seriously, there were some troubles. But we sought to balance things with music. At that time there were other forces at work that were seeking to engage the culture for good, or should I say for God. The people of Platte Woods UMC were stepping out in faith to build a new sanctuary to help meet the needs of people. It was a great step of faith and through the years God has honored that faithfulness. We find ourselves at another point in time where there are many troubling issues and situations. But we are feeling a Spirit prompt to engage this culture with the Gospel. Megan Hayes shared her story of the dear friend who did not "associate church with Easter." There are many wonderful people all around us with similar thoughts. The mission field is right here. I believe the church that chooses to engage today's mission field with the Gospel will write history. May God give us power to go and write history. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are in the message series where we are remembering, celebrating and anticipating the different phases in our church's development. Today we looked at the second phase of our development when the church constructed the first classroom wing. That was in 1964. Of course we want to keep in tune with the times so we remember some of the culture and music of that era. Today the praise team featured "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". It capped our segment on the culture of the 1960's. Abbey Morris was great! I was a bit disappointed that we did not do a duet with me having the Margin Gaye part! (Well, not really since I can't carry a tune in a bucket but it would be cool if I could.) We use some cultural and secular music to illustrate a basic point. People of faith have 2 basic options when it comes to culture. We can separate from it or engage it. We can curse the darkness or light a candle. I choose to engage and seek to make a difference. I invite you to take a similar step. We anticipate engaging the culture through mission and ministry. On another note... I am anticipating what orange shirt I can wear on Tuesday. I know lots of people wear green on St. Patrick's Day but as much as I admire St. Patrick I lean toward William of Orange. After all he was the historical figure that led England at a time that secured the nation as a Protestant nation. This is your chance to brush up on your history. So if you see me in my orange on Tuesday, now you know. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we had a 98% yes vote to proceed with our building project. There was a great turnout for our church conference. The atmosphere was positive. Pertinent questions were posed. Honest conversation took place. Michael Short did a fantastic job presenting the plans and responding to the questions. I could not be prouder of our church. This certainly does not close the book on our work. As a matter of fact the hard work lies before us. Continue to keep us in prayer as we to move forward. Today we begin to re-focus our mission. We GO out to plant seeds of the Gospel through word and deed. We share in ministries of mercy, service and justice. We plant seeds through witness. We OFFER CHRIST in multitudes of ways. We INVITE people to Come and See what God may do in the life that seeks Him. In our Wesleyan terms we invite people to come and experience the New Birth and enter the life of grace and Christian Discipleship. On another note... We began our series on STEPS IN TIME. It was a meaningful remembrance and celebration of those who have worked and served to bring our church to where we are. The music was GREAT. We remembered, celebrated our beginnings and anticipated our future. Next week we remember and celebrate the second phase in our development - the first classrooms and the 1960's! Don't miss it. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In spite of the snow and cold we had a good day at church. Sometimes "impact" is a better measurement than "how many". Today seemed to me to be a day of spiritual impact. Thanks to Pastor Ginger for leading us in the message and the anointing with oil along with Holy Communion. In our tradition Communion is known as a "means of grace". That means we believe that the risen Lord Jesus Christ is present in the act of communion. Communion is generally recognized as a means of feeding the soul and perfecting us in love. But our founder, John Wesley, also perceived Holy Communion as being a "converting ordinance". There is no reason why a person could not experience the new birth at the Lord's Table. Today we included anointing as a reminder that ours is a God who heals. When we stand in the presence of the Lord His grace stirs our souls. We trust Jesus as our healer. We anticipate that today some experienced greater wholeness of spirit, mind and body. On another note... Next Sunday at 12:30 we will have our Church Conference to address our building project. This is the final congregational vote where we seek your approval to move forward with the project to construct a new worship center, connecting building, youth center and support space. We will also ask your approval for the projects financial plan. This is a great step in the life of our church. We believe that our decisions made now will have impact on generations to come. I hope you will come and be part of this moment in our church's history. I have mentioned that raising the money and building the building is the "easy" part. We are embarking on an adventure where we will be called to reach a new generation for Christ. We can expect God to effect some exciting change in our church. We can expect God to do some amazing things. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

A couple of things today. Take the challenge to read 4 Gospels in 40 Days. You can download a reading plan from a number of sources. Check #LENTCHALLENGE. That should take you to Margaret Feinberg's page to direct you. Another option is YouVersion and their 40 Days. The point is we will read the 4 Gospels in the 40 days of Lent. Tell your friends. You don't need to pay attention to details. (Not this month.) When you come to a hard to understand passage just move on. Read the 4 Gospel in a broad stroke and look for the Big Idea(s) that surface. I am praying that as we read God's Word the Holy Spirit will surprise us and literally change lives. 4 Gospels in 40 Days. Today in our prayers we prayed for the Persecuted Church. 21 Coptic Christians were recently beheaded by ISIS. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer for the name of Christ. These courageous Christians bowed before the sword and received the Crown of Glory. We pray against the evil that is rampant in our world today. For a thoughtful resource go to Gabe Lyons Call for Action. Once again our generation will learn the "persecution of Christians wakes a slumbering Church." (Gabe Lyons) Today was a blessing as we gathered to worship. I sensed the Holy Spirit coming to surprise us with His presence. Next week we want everyone to make a special effort to come to church and bring someone with you. We will celebrate Holy Communion and offer healing prayer for everyone who comes. We expect God to move in our midst. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I took an opportunity to visit two churches this morning. We drove to Lee's Summit and attended worship at Grace UMC. Jeremy Vickers brought a very good message reminding us to "do something". As a bonus we saw a couple we have known for many years and got to have a very brief catch-up. From there we went to First UMC - The Summit - in Lee's Summit. Rev. Jim Preisig is one of our best preachers and his message was a real blessing today. Both of these churches are doing great things for God. They offer traditional worship and contemporary worship. They reinforce what we keep observing as their contemporary worship provides significant outreach to people and this is reflected in their growth. I appreciate the opportunity to visit other churches and learn what is going on. To top the day off we ate at Fazolis! While it is great to visit other places I come back with an even deeper appreciation for PWUMC. (I already have read a Facebook post expressing great appreciation and affirmation for Kyle's message today!) We are part of a church where God is at work. It is a joy to share in ministry with each of you. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. On another note... Remember to be in church this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. for our Ash Wednesday service. We begin the journey to Easter as we enter this season in the Church year we call Lent. I encourage you to reflect on your spiritual life and take a step to deepen your faith and love for Christ. We begin this journey of repentance and faith. Together we walk with the Spirit. May you have a fresh insight that will take you deeper in the love of Christ. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Loved Kyle's illustration about his 5 year old nephew who watched his mother get all her answers from her iPhone. He figured she could ask her phone if he was going to have a new baby brother or sister! Check out the message on line to get the whole story. One reason it spoke to me was the point about five year olds being born into and nurtured in a technological culture. This makes me think. Why can't we bring people into and nurture them in a culture of grace, or a culture of the Holy Spirit. We would learn the language of Spirit/grace. We would expect life to be informed through our Spirit/grace culture. It seems like a worthy goal to me. On another note... I had a conversation with our new district administration person, Megan Hayes. She is in her 20's and shared a conversation she had with a friend. Megan asked her friend what she did for Easter. In the conversation her friend commented that she never connected church with Easter! Wow. It excites me to know there are people to whom I could share the greatest story ever. There are people around us who do not connect Easter with the Church. There are people who do not know that God has defeated death. There are people who will hear the good news of the gospel for the first time. I pray to be able to share with these wonderful people. I pray our church be a church that shares the greatest story ever with people yet to hear. It's been a good day. I trust you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I did things differently today. Cindy and I went to the 8:15 service. Kyle did a great job. Ginger led us in Holy Communion. It was great to share with you in worship today. Then I spoke in the Around 30's class. This is a great group of people who have led and served our church for many years. We had a good conversation. I always enjoy sharing here. After that Cindy and I did something rare. We went home with a short stop at the store along the way. So this is what people do when they do not go to church. I did run into some of our people who had already been to church. Glad they saw me in church before the grocery store! I will do some different things this month. Kyle will be preaching the first 3 weeks. (He does so well I feel like going and freshening up my resume!) I use these times to prepare for the next message series. I also take time to participate in our services. The next series is exciting me. We will be looking at our history with the various building projects undertaken. Each project was done in a specific era and setting. We will look at things from our "beginnings" to our "future". Our music will reflect the different eras. Our application will celebrate the past and find the seeds of future witness. We may even dress to reflect the decade. (Does anyone have purple bell bottoms? But back to the present. This month we are "Making Sense of the Bible." If you have questions about the Bible and how to read it for all its worth, this is a series for you. I see some great insights coming this month. Don't miss it. It's already been a good day. Now enjoy the Super Bowl. (This is becoming a national holiday you know.) blessings. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today at our annual Church Conference we approved Britton Fields as a candidate for ordained ministry. Britton has been a part of our church for a number of years and most recently been playing with the band at our NEXT service. He also serves on our church leadership council. I have met and prayed with Britton. He has prayerfully explored the call to ministry and today took another significant step toward a life of serving Christ and the Church. When a member of our church steps into ministry it is a tremendous highlight. Seeing a person come to faith in Christ for the first time is the greatest experience a church can share. Second to that is having one of our own respond to the call to ministry. This shows that our church is a place where faith is nurtured and the voice of God is heard. It is a joy to recommend Britton for ministry. Ordained ministry is not the only way to respond to God's call. I believe all Christian are gifted and called to some form of ministry. There are many opportunities at Platte Woods UMC. We have a variety of service ministries. Some are called to teach. Some are called to administer. Some are called to help. Some are called to give. Some are called to work with children. Some are called to youth ministry. Some are called to hospitality. Some are called to preach. It is a wonderful thing when the people of the church hear God's call and say yes. Then the adventure begins as God equips and empowers. Welcome to the adventure Britton. Welcome to the adventure ... It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we talked about the difficulty many people have reconciling our belief in a good, gracious, kind, powerful and wise God with the reality of sin, evil and suffering in the world. There is no definitive answer to this issue. However there is a very real hope that we find in Jesus Christ. While I cannot give some secret answer to the problems encountered I can offer the hope of Christ with great confidence. We looked at an illustration from Leonard Sweet. It is always nice to adapt others illustrations to our own purposes! The idea centered on learning a second language. It is one thing to learn vocabulary and grammar but that does not make us fluent in a new language. The test comes when we "dream" in the new language. That comes when we go beyond vocabulary and grammar. This comes when we are immersed in a new culture. We learn to recognize the sounds, sights and smells of a new culture. We not only learn the language, it becomes part of us. Then we "know" a new language. We applied this to the Christian life. John the Baptist came calling people to repent. They were baptized in water and entered a new relationship with Jesus Christ. Sins are forgiven. Abundant life is experienced. Eternal life is promised. Coming back to the challenges of our day we wonder if this sufficiently empowers us to live a redemptive life in a world laced with sin, evil and suffering. Perhaps we should listen to John the Baptist again. "I baptize you with water for the forgiveness of sins. One comes after me who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." We can be immersed in the Holy Spirit and when we are we will emerge new people. To be immersed in the Holy Spirit is to enter a new culture and know the language, the smells, the sights and the sounds. This is when we dream the dreams of God. This is a way we know and experience a good, kind, wise, powerful and gracious God living in redemptive ways in the world of sin, evil and suffering. By faith, be immersed in the Spirit and emerge a new person. On a personal note... Cindy's mom, Ruth Ann Grizzell, passed away this weekend. She had battled cancer. She had two good years after undergoing treatments three years ago. She lived the faith and looked forward to heaven. We would love your prayers for Cindy, her brother and sisters and the extended Grizzell family as we share in the celebration of her life. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Tomorrow the college football season comes to a close. There will be a real national championship game played between Oregon and Ohio State University. Oregon and their high powered offense is favored to win. But I am going to make a prediction. (Someone tell Don Schriver I am picking Ohio State). Yes I believe OSU will win the game and take home the national title. Oregon is great. If they win it will be because they deserve to and they will have capped an amazing season. But here are some things Ohio State has going for them. Tradition. OSU has been a power for decades. Go to the "Horseshoe" and watch a game with 105,000 fans. They have great tradition. Coaching. Urban Meyer is a fantastic coach. He wins everywhere. This will be no exception. Players. It does not matter how much tradition there is or how great the coach, it all comes down to players. They have talent. Program. They have a plan. They have a way they do things and stay with it. It all adds up to an OSU National Championship. Tune in Monday evening or check the score later and lets see how my prognosticator skills work out. Before I move on I want to compare OSU to what we experience in the life of the Church. There are days and even eras of history where people wonder if the Church will last. But we do not affirm, "The Church is of God and will be preserved to the end of time" for nothing. The people of God make the Church and the Body of Christ is the leaven that God uses to change and redeem the world. We have some great things going for us at Platte Woods UMC. Tradition. We are part of the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells with us. Jesus lives in our midst. Furthermore we have engaged in effective ministry since the 1950's. We have a history of making a difference and seeing lives changed. Coaching. We have a great staff that is capable of inspiring and equipping people to serve and honor God in life changing ways. The lay leadership of PWUMC is as strong as they come. We have people who are deeply devoted to God's mission in and through PWUMC. Players (members/participants). This is what makes all the difference. You are the people of God who care for one another. You are the people of God who serve. You give. You share the faith with others. You are the primary reason we have a great church. Program. We have a plan. We are "building an outwardly focused Christian Community of full participants in the Life of Grace". That is a plan (vision). We are focused upon making disciples of Jesus Christ. That is a mission. It is an absolute joy to be part of our church. It is a double joy to serve as your pastor. If we were a football team I would certainly pick us to win the championship! It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we spent some time thinking about 2 types of people: The NONES and the DONES. These are people who represent a portion of the 40,000 plus people who live in our immediate area that are not part of a faith community. NONES are those who have never been baptized, do not have a church background, did not go to Sunday School or Bible School, or those who have left a childhood faith and now check the "No Preference" box on a religious survey. NONES. The DONES are those who have been faithful in church attendance. They have served in many ways. They give. Then one day they decide "I'm Done!" Both types of individuals present challenges to the church. It is clear that for the church to continue to do "business as usual" will not help the NONES move past the barriers that keep them from full participation in a faith community. Clearly "business as usual" has contributed to DONES. We can spend time developing strategy and plans. We could bombard people with all sorts of messages. But there is one thing we (the church) have to offer that is unique. We offer grace. I am sharing from Phillip Yancey's book, "Vanishing Grace: Whatever Happened to the Good News?" Could it be that the church has resorted to "standards", "expectations", "accountability" and "rules" and seen grace slowly vanish? We begin a new year and today I offer you GRACE. This is the free gift of God revealed in Jesus Christ. This year we anticipate the emergence of grace in our church and in our lives. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Embark

One definition of the word embark is to take the first step into a process. This seems like a good way to begin this new year - 2015. In our church we anticipate the "next" step in a building process. We are embarking upon something that stretches beyond the immediate. We are embarking upon something larger than ourselves. We embark upon a 40 year project! What we do in these next months will serve the church for years. These initial steps we take will continue to bless and encourage for generations to come. I am not sure of all the exact steps we will take. We may hesitate. We may stumble but we will not fall. We embark - take the first step - into a process to honor and glorify God. I am overjoyed to embark with you into this New Year.