Reflections From Sunday Evening

Everyone has gone home. Now to reflect on Christmas 2016.

Christmas Eve services in the new worship center were great. So many people helped make the services meaningful and honoring to the Lord. We were like other churches in the Northland with high attendance. Participation on Christmas Eve reinforces the idea that people are interested in the Christian faith and look for ways to addeess spiritual needs. How do we best build on this reality and reach people in ways thatt develop vital disciples of Jesus Christ?

This morning the dining hall was full of people fixing plates of food to deliver to people working today. This outreach has grown from 40 some meals to nearly 300 in the past 12 years. I see young people joining their families to serve in this way. They have been doing this most of their lives! Some day they will be sitting with a group in their church thinking about ways to serve Christ and others and they will share the Christmas meal delivery their church did. And the ministry goes on and on. 

I think about how deeply grateful I am for family that enjoys being together.

I think about the birth of Jesus - the Incarnation - and how God has acted to save us. I am amazed and deeply thankful. 

This evening I rest in the peace of Christ.

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

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Brrrr.  In case anyone did not notice the streets were slick Saturday.  I felt the need to get out and check the roads before making a decision on whether or not to have church Saturday evening. I backed out of the drive and headed down the hill.  I figured I would go down a couple of blocks, make a turn and circle back around.  Started up a hill and couldn't make it.  I think I could have been in an army tank and still not made it.  Really slick.  In trying to get squared around and head back down that hill the vehicle started to slide.  There was nothing to do.  I whacked a mailbox and knocked it over.  From there I got across the street and got a little off the road so I could get some traction, stopped the car and headed back across the street to let the homeowner know they would soon be the proud owners of a new mailbox courtesy of the guy driving on the slick road.
I got across the road and came to the sidewalk in front of the house.  It was really slick.  Then things began to happen.  It was like slow motion.  I thought I cannot stand on this stuff much longer.  Rather than flail away I just basically sat down on the ice and slid down the hill like a kid on a sled!
Then I got in the grass and made it to the front door.  I have this idea the couple had been watching the whole thing.  I knocked, they opened the door and invited me in.  I gave them my card with my cell phone number and asked them to call me so I could replace the mailbox.  I did tell them I was doing "church business" checking on the roads.  They were nice.  Who knows, maybe they will come to church some time.
Needless to say we did not have church Saturday evening.  I will cancel Saturday services when the weather is like it was Saturday.  But we do not cancel on Sundays due to weather.  In past years I've tried that.  We would put a note on the door announcing that services were cancelled and somebody would come up and read it.  So if someone is going to come to church we are committed to being there regardless of the weather.
I got back up the hill and into the garage.  Stayed in until this morning when I carefully navigated my way to church where a pretty amazing crowd of people braved the elements to come and worship the Lord.  It was a blessed day all around.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Walter Bryant and the music program of PWUMC provided great worship this weekend with the Christmas cantata, "Almost There".  We are so blessed to have such varied and excellent music to escort us into the presence of God on a weekly basis.  Today was special.
This weekend I had my annual opportunity to participate in the music ministry.  A few years ago Walter asked if I would narrate the cantata.  I figured I can read pretty well so why not.  So I have been narrating for the past few years.  I actually find it enjoyable.
This year Walter offered to give me a year off.  You see, this cantata was more difficult than some we have done.  It was challenging for the musicians (they all did a fantastic job) and as I discovered for the narrator.
Here was my issue.  A little background helps.  I don't do music.  I listen to it and I enjoy it very much.  But I don't sing. I don't play instruments.  I have difficulty playing the radio!  I know what a note is and can tell if they go up or down but as far as reading music - nada.
So when I was narrating this cantata and needing to read in the middle of songs and be able to read my parts at the right time -- I had a challenge.  But Walter let me go ahead.
As I thought about this and how I was probably not going to do this really well and would need to work on it more than usual to make sure I "did no harm" I realized something.  I was going to have to practice what I preach.
Here is what I mean.  I often ask people to get out of their comfort zone and take a risk.  As a matter of fact I have pretty much asked our whole church to do that.  You have responded in some amazing ways.  Anyway, here I was having to do that myself.
Glad I did.  Everyone helped me out.  I had a couple of things pointed out that were corrected.  When it was all said and done everything fit together nicely and meaningful ministry happened.
Now I get back to what comes a bit easier for me - (I would rather preach 100 times than stress out on the music!)  But the next time I feel the nudge to step outside my comfort zone and seek to do something for God I will have a greater sense that it will work.  I encourage you to make the same discovery!  Together we move forward to honor and serve the Lord, even if we feel a bit unqualified in the beginning.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
On another note...Keep our mission team in prayer as they make a trip to Honduras this week.  Once again we take the ministry outside the walls of the church

Reflections From Sunday Evening

How about a couple of reflections on the weekend?  We moved to our new time schedule this morning and most people seemed to remember.  We will be sorting out who attends which service in the next few weeks and see how it works.  We are off to a great start.
The new worship space is amazing.  One of my favorite comments came after church when one of our long time members commented on how clear the sound was and that she could hear everything well.  That's great.
We still need to work on that communion time if we are going to have a full house.  But everyone made it to the Table.
Our music is absolutely amazing.
The choir sounds super in the new space.  The praise team was amazing.  The Spirit was alive in worship.
The 5:00 Saturday and 8:00 am services were also very good.  Good response all weekend.  We seem to be an encouraged place.
Did I tell you the latest update on our finances?  We announced this weekend that we are currently at 5.4 million dollars for the IMPACT campaign!!!! That means when our three year commitments are fulfilled we will have the project paid for or at least very close.  This is a definite sign of God's moving in our church and what is taking place.
I want to thank everyone who has worked and prayed and given and served and the list goes on and one and on - for everything done.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Events of the week....
The new building was inspected and we were provided a list of items to address this week in anticipation of receiving our certificate of occupancy.
Thanksgiving Day...Had our family together at Andrea's (daughter) and Billy's.  Bobby and Leslie, mom and dad, Cindy and me.  Great.
Actually defeated my son-in-law in ping pong. (once - never mind how many times he won)  Cindy and I also won a round robin couples ping pong! Yielded a tie-breaker to Billy and Andrea.  Fun.
Went to a movie and dinner with our kids and spouses.  Great way to finish a good week.
Read and seeking to apply a meaningful devotion based on I Corinthians 13:5.  The text reminds us that love...keeps no record of wrongs.  Has anyone ever discouraged you?  Has someone been critical of you?  Has anyone ever wronged you?  If they have...love...keeps no record!  Everyone gets a clean slate.  Now trying to live into that one.
Baker won their quarterfinal football game and moves to the semi-finals of the NAIA football playoff.
Had a great weekend of church.
Cindy decorating the house for Christmas.  Tree up!
It's been a good week.  It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Something I have been thinking about is seeking to be "authentic".  I'm not sure where I got the idea that this should be a point of emphasis in my life but it is.  I am not really sure what authenticity will look like in my life.  I try not to be a "phony".  I try not to be duplicitous.  (I think I know what that means).  But it seems like authenticity is a good thing to pay attention to and seek to nurture.
Here was my test for authenticity.  I had an occasion to dress up.  I don't do these black-tie things much but the other night presented one of those times.  I thought about it and decided an authentic thing to do would be get a "real" bow tie.  Anytime I wear a bow tie it is a clip on.  But in the interest of being authentic I thought get a tie and tie it.  So Cindy got me a real bow tie.
I read the directions.  I looked at a utube on tying a bow tie.  Never did figure it out.  My quest for authenticity was failing.  But not to be deterred I asked for help.  So Cindy tied the tie and I wore it the other night.  Somewhat authentic.
I will not give up.  I believe I will be able to tie a bow tie by December 6 when I dress up again to serve at the Ladies Christmas Tea.
Authentically yours,
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This morning I shared about our church being a polling place on Tuesday.  Ballot booths were set along the wall where our prayer boards are.  I thought that was appropriate.  In keeping with the tenor of the times the results of this election are being applauded in some circles and deeply criticized in others.  Some are jubilant while others are distressed.  So what do we do?
I point you back to what we talked about last week.  Regardless of what candidate is elected, what party prevails or what platform is adopted we do not trust in those results.  We trust in God.  We are people of FAITH.
As people of faith we have a responsibility.  Regardless of whether you are happy or sad about the outcomes Christians have the responsibility of being agents of reconciliation.  We are those God expects to heal divisions.  We are uniquely positioned to be the people of God in turbulent times and watch God work through His Church.
Of all people we are the people who have hope.  Share the hope of Christ and make a difference.
On another note...
Did you see that Chiefs game today?  Who woulda thought?
On yet another note...
We draw nearer the opening of our building.  The entrance is impressive.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Our reminder as we approach Election Day 2016 this Tuesday.  As followers of Jesus Christ we are people who must have a word of encouragement and hope on Wednesday morning.
We talked today about our right and responsibility (every right carries with it a responsibility) to participate in the democratic process by voting.  We also talked about the important element we bring to the nation.  We have FAITH.  We are people of faith.  We offer faith to the world.
Faith builds trust.  Faith and trust produce confidence.  Our divided nation could certainly use some confidence in the Living God who was, is and will be God no matter who occupies the White House or which party prevails.
Please.  Exercise your right to vote and even more importantly live into your identity as a follower of Jesus and find the word of our divided nation on Wednesday morning after the election.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we gave out Third Grade Bibles.  This is one of our Platte Woods traditions that I find very meaningful.  These children have heard the Bible stories and read from the scriptures.  Now they are presented their own Bible.  It has their name in it.  It is becoming personal.
I always like to give an assignment.  Today I turned their attention to the Gospel of John.  The assignment over the next three weeks is to read one chapter per day. (with their mom and dad) They are to look for the seven "I Am" sayings found in the Gospel of John.  Along the way I believe they will find many other meaningful passages and messages in the Word.
On another note...
Yesterday Cindy and I attended a wedding at a Greek Orthodox Church.  The contrasts between how they do things and how we do them was striking.  I was caught up in the liturgy.  I missed most of the Greek words spoken but actually picked up a couple of things.  The service is rich in symbolism and tradition.  This is no critique on the way we do ministry but it is good to be exposed to different ways.
The Gospel is so rich.  There are so many expressions of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are not a one size fits all faith.  We are able to reach some that no others will reach and others reach people we will not reach.  The bottom line is that Jesus Christ is lifted up and people come into relationship with Him.
We meet God in the traditions.  We meet God in worship.  We meet God in liturgy.  We meet God in personal testimonies.  We meet God in baptism.  We meet God in daily life.  Pray with me for a great group of Third Graders as they meet God in the Gospel of John over the next three weeks.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

A week ago Tayla sang "People Get Ready".  That may be a very appropriate message for us to consider as we anticipate moving into our new facility in a few weeks.  Through this process we have talked about the need to focus on our mission and our ministry and not depend on a building to magically draw new people to church.
Remember, in the movie Field of Dreams the first time Ray heard the voice in the cornfield it said "build it and HE will come".  The idea that "build it and they will come" is a killer for the church.
So our focus is on mission and ministry.  Furthermore we must establish new forms for reaching new people.  This is not a criticism of our existing ministries.  It is simply reality.  New people need new forms to draw and include them in the life of the church.  So let's be forward thinking.
The day will soon be here when things are going to feel differently.  Many of us will wonder what in the world happened to things that we were accustomed to!  Trust me.  It is going to be worth any cost we find ourselves paying to enhance the outreach of our church.
We are the people who will consist of a new core of faithful followers of Jesus.  We are the ones who will establish a culture that intentionally reaches out to un-churched people and invites them to discover a new relationship with Christ.
As "core" people what can we do?
First we will be involved.  Get on a team.  There is Hospitality, Tech, Care and others.  We need core people who are great "team players".
Secondly get in a group.  Many people have found and continue to find great meaning and fellowship in our adult Sunday School classes.  Keep making these stronger.  Invite others to join you.  But realize the majority of new people will need new groups to get connected.  That is great.  Core people are group people.
Third, be a percentage giver.  New people come for a season, then get committed to Christ and the church and then begin to give.  Core people must carry the burden for growth.  Be a percentage giver.
Fourth, invite people.  Invite your friends.  Encourage people to "come and see".  Invite people to discover something great through faith in Jesus.
This is nothing unique or new.  Other growing churches have found core groups who are the catalyst for new ways of doing ministry and helping others come to faith.
I'm in!  I trust you will be as well.
It's been a great day.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It was an eventful day at Platte Woods UMC today.  In the service downstairs at 11:00 there was a unique response.  Our worship leader, Mat Thornton used a perk of leadership to introduce his girl friend, Andrea Shaw, to the congregation in order to wish her a happy birthday.  But he went beyond a happy birthday.  By the time he finished singing to her he was on his knee proposing!  She said yes!  You don't see that everyday at church!
It is a great story.  Mat and Andrea met at church.  They led worship together in our modern music service.  They must have liked each other.  Now they are engaged.
They met at church.  Actually the story of meeting at church is shared by others who continue to make PWUMC their church home.
I wonder who else has met at church?  I wonder who has met Jesus at church?  Who has met Jesus in the nursery when loving child care people shared the love of Jesus with them?  Who has met Jesus in Sunday School class, Vacation Bible School, or youth group?  Who has met Jesus in a special worship service or revival?  Who has met Jesus in an Adult Sunday School Class?  Who has met Jesus on a mission trip?  Who has met Jesus in a service project?  Who has met Jesus in a hospital visit?  Who has met Jesus?
Another question...Who will meet Jesus in the new building?  Who will meet Jesus in the next Confirmation Class?  Who will meet Jesus in the waters of baptism?  Who will meet Jesus when they are invited to come and see and make their way to church?  Who will meet Jesus next?
I look forward to seeing the answers to our questions.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Yesterday was the installation of Bishop Bob Farr. It was a day of celebration as we welcomed one of our own life long Missourians to this significant leadership position in the Church.
Again I am reminded of life being filled with new experiences. I have known our present bishop since he started in ministry. I remember him leading the former Randolf-Memorial UMC to growth despite the church being located  on two dead end streets! We were neighbors when he started Grace UMC in Lee's Summit. We have worked together through the years on different projects. So this is a new experience welcoming a new leader that I know well. It is a good experience.
During the reception following the service an older, distinguished looking man walked up to me. I recognized Rev. Cecil Neal, my district superintendent when we started the new church in Blue Springs. He still remembered stories of early days of work and faith. It was good to remember old experiences with one who supervised, encouraged and believed in our mission.
So yesterday the new met the old. Where will you encounter Jesus today? Will it be with a new experience built on the faith you celebrate?
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This was a strange day in the sports world.  Early this morning we learned that Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez was killed in an accident.  He was 24.  He was a baseball player with a promising career ahead of him.  Major League Baseball teams across the country shared their sense of loss as one of that special fraternity left far too soon.
Then this evening reports come that Arnold Palmer has passed at age 87.  Of course he was a true legend of golf.  He contributed in a huge way to the popularity of golf as the sport found its way to tv with Palmer the star.  He continued to be a tremendous ambassador for the game of golf.
People find themselves all across the spectrum of life.  Some have promising days ahead while others reflect on great accomplishments and contributions.  The fact is all of us are making our contributions each day.  As followers of Jesus Christ we contribute through faithful obedience and service.  We live each day for the honor of Jesus.  We embrace the moment in ways like Jose Fernandez did in his short career.  We continue to be ambassadors for Christ all through life like Arnold Palmer did for the game of golf.  It never stops.
So we can take a couple of minutes this evening to consider two sports stars who pass from our midst.  But we also take a few minutes to remember those brothers and sisters, known and unknown who live, serve and die in faith.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I referenced "Sherpas" in the message today.  I came across these people in a sermon Len Sweet published.  I thought it might be good to follow up with some more information.  Wikipedia has a section on the Sherpas.  The section on "Mountaineering" gives insight to this unique people group.
"Sherpas are highly regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in their local area.  They were immeasurably valuable to early explorers of the Himalayan region, serving as guides at the extreme altitudes of the peaks and passes in the region, particularly for expeditions to climb Mt. Everest. Sherpas are renowned in the international climbing and mountaineering community for their hardiness, expertise, and experience at very high altitudes."
Sherpas guide explorers and mountain climbers over the peaks.  They know when to go and when to stop.  They know when to wait and when to proceed.  They can read the warning signs that may save lives.
It was suggested today (thanks Stan Shipman) that we should rename our Hospitality Team the "Sherpas".  I'm not sure that will gain traction but who knows!
Regardless of whether or not we start calling people "Sherpas" what they provide could be applied to worship and God's gifts to lead us over the peaks and through the valleys of the Christian life.
Worship keeps us on the path.  Worship provides warning when we get in spiritual danger.  Worship calls out to those who have wandered away or gotten lost.
Our spiritual "Sherpas" could certainly guide us over the path of following Jesus.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
stefve

Converge

This week I will take some time to "Converge".  Actually Converge is the name of our annual pastor's event.  It is a combination of continuing education, fellowship and spending some time with friends.  It is a time to worship and learn.  It is a time to catch up with some of those fellow clergy we do not see often.  It promises to be a good time.
Some times we take things for granted.  We have the regular opportunity to meet together for worship and fellowship.  As clergy we play a different role.  I am blessed to be in worship each weekend but there is something necessary about times to worship and not have any leadership responsibilities.  So I play to take advantage this week.
On another note...
Many people took advantage of the building tours this weekend.  I heard many positive comments.  It is pretty impressive and we are looking forward to moving in.  Planning on things being ready by the end of November.
On another note...
Speaking of building tours... We looked at an unfinished project today.  I hope you note the similarity to our building project and our spiritual lives.  We continue to be "unfinished projects" as we keep growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Keep on.
On another note...
Did you see that Chiefs comeback today?
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We were talking about miracles today.  We do not make miracles happen.  We cannot earn or deserve a miracle, or any favor of God for that matter.  But we can nurture our relationship with Jesus Christ and live life in expanding grace.  Then do this.
Receive from God what God desires to give rather than being limited to what we may ask.
Read Acts 3 and look at the story of the beggar who had an encounter with Peter and John.  He asked for money.  That had become the way he thought of getting his minimal needs met.  He looked at Peter and John expecting to get something from them.  Once again his expectations were for a coin or for supper.  But then he heard a great truth.  "Silver and gold I do not have but what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk."  A miracle followed.
He asked for and expected a coin but he received the possibility for a livelihood.
He asked for and expected supper but he got physically healed.
He asked for and expected something to see him through the day but he got included in the people of God and took his intended place in worship.
He asked for what he had come to expect.  He received what God desired to give.  A miracle.
Expand your vision.  Deepen your relationship with Jesus.  Nurture a sense of expectancy.  Discover what it is to receive from God what God desires to give rather than be limited to what you can ask.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Could I share an insight into pastoral ministry.  For the most part pastors are known as "preachers".  Most people see pastors in preaching mode more than any other.  But pastoral ministry is actually a life and death matter.  Pastor's are with people at the greatest times of joy.  They are there for births, baptisms and various steps in life.  We celebrate life.
On the other hand pastoral ministry is life and death.  We are present when people pass from here to eternity.
I am thinking of this today because I just learned that a friend of mine, Rev. Dave Hampson, passed away last evening after a lengthy battle with cancer.  I met Dave through Aldersgate Renewal Ministry.  We shared on the board together.  We encouraged one another when we taught workshops.  We shared conversations.  We would see one another once a year but I often thought of Dave.  He was in Kansas City one year and stayed with us.  He was one of the kindest and most dedicated Christians I know.
His passing causes me to think of the great privilege we pastors have of being with people in life and death.  With Dave there is a sense of loss as I continue to pray for Cathy and his family, but there is also a certain hope of heaven.  What an amazing gift of faith the Lord provides!
So I take a few moments today to think about my friend and some of the laughter we shared.  I think about the call of pastor and the awesome privilege of sharing life with a congregation.  I think of how impossible this task would be without the people of God who support, pray and encourage on a daily basis.  It is an awesome thing to share life as a pastor with the Church - the people of God.
It's still been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

After a couple of weeks off it was good to get back to church this weekend.  We had a great and engaged group of people in worship.  This is my favorite place to share in fellowship and worship the Lord!
We were able to visit Woods Chapel UMC while off and that was a good experience.  It seemed like I knew as many people there as here at home.  Last week we spent time in Branson.  It ended up a family gathering as we all joined up for a couple of days.  I would say it was totally relaxing and got me all rested up but Cindy is a great planner and kept me moving most of the time!  It was totally fun.
I will admit that "vacation" is a little hard for me.  I take a few days to wind down so I am not thinking about what I "need" to be doing all the time.  I find it difficult to stop the tapes that run through my mind and just take it easy.
I wonder why this is.  Then I think about growing up.  We lived on a farm.  Dad farmed and milked cows.  In those days farmers never got a day off.  (much less a vacation)  The cows came to be milked each morning and evening.  If you were tired you worked anyway.  If you were sick you worked anyway.  If you wanted to go somewhere to do something you milked anyway.  It was constant.  It was a way of life.  (No wonder dad decided to get into insurance and real estate!)
I guess there was a work ethic that was ingrained in me from an early age.  Certainly nothing wrong with that.
But as I continue this life of faith I keep running into Jesus.  He worked and spent himself in service to others.  But he also took the disciples and withdrew from time to time.  That is a good example.
Through the years I have picked up some good advice.  One is "when you get tired rest."  That seems pretty obvious but how many times have I violated that obvious principle?
Rick Warren instructs anyone who seeks to avoid burnout to "divert daily (whatever relaxes you), withdraw weekly (Sabbath), and abandon annually (disconnect).
That makes good sense.  I'm still on the learning curve with these things but as I think about it I had a really good time these past two weeks.  I may try this again one of these days.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today Cindy and I had the opportunity to worship at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lee's Summit.  Woods Chapel was the first church I was aware of to take Radical Hospitality to heart.  They developed a hospitality program that has been an inspiration to churches throughout our conference.  It was nice to see them in action today.
It is also nice to do a little comparison.  We have learned from others and in turn become a motivation for still more churches to practice Radical Hospitality.
This is a first line.  A person makes the decision to come to church at Platte Woods.  They drive onto the property. (one of these days it will be very inviting rather than feeling like a construction zone!) Parking lot greeters make people feel welcome and comfortable finding the best place to park.  A visitor is directed toward the front door where they are greeted and made to feel at home.  Once inside people are shown where their children go for Sunday School or other activities.  Basic information is provided.  People are welcomed to the sanctuary.
This may be done as a program.  Then the true radical hospitality begins.  This is where the real test for a congregation enters the picture.  Everyone becomes part of the Hospitality Team.  Everyone is responsible for making guests feel welcome and wanted.  People introduce themselves and give an opportunity for guests to share their names.  Before the day is over a person has a great church experience and is closer to Jesus than before the came.
It is an exciting time to be the Church.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Thanks to Jamie Grayson and Keith Cash for sharing their hearts today in worship.  We were able to model conversation and communication around the issue of racism.  I found it refreshing to have such an encouraging conversation in light of the current realities in our nation.  You may access the message through our website - www.plattewoodschurch.org and go to messages.
On another note...
This has been an eventful fall and summer.  I had the privilege of representing you at General, Annual and Jurisdictional Conferences.  Some good things happen and some things leave us in on-going struggle.  But we do know that God will prevail.  Consider it a blessing to be able to walk with God through some of the most interesting and challenging times we have known.
I finished teaching a course on theology this week where I worked with 15 local pastors in the Course of Study program at St. Paul School of Theology.  As always this was a joy.
On another note...
We pray for one another.  Please pray for Rev. Ginger Pudenz as she is scheduled for surgery this Tuesday.  We anticipate a great result and Ginger will be back in the middle of things in a few days.  Pray.
On another note...
Today begins a few days off for Cindy and me.  I do find it hard to slow things down but am looking forward to a couple of weeks at a different pace.  In the meantime everything is in good hands.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Back from Jurisdictional Conference where the Rev. Robert (Bob) Farr was elected bishop.  Bob is a native of Missouri and has served effectively in our conference for many years.  Many of us have watched his development as a disciple of Jesus and leader in the Church.  It was a double joy when we learned that Bishop Farr has been assigned to serve the Missouri Conference.  This is a bit of an unprecedented move but illustrates how many of us believe God's hand was truly in the process.  We welcome Bishop Farr who begins his new chapter of ministry among us September 1.
Jurisdictional Conference is an interesting thing.  For nearly two days it seems like we are a divided, stalemated Church.  Then things begin to develop and the next thing you know everything is new and onward we go!
I hope to learn a lesson from the Church as I survey the divisions in our nation and even our church.  Some people in our various denominations get the idea that things are so divided up that we will not be able to continue in ministry together.
Many in our country look at the divisions of the day and get a feeling that we may not get out of this one.
These are difficult times.  But we have been through difficult times before.  What could preachers have been preaching, people thinking and Christians doing during the days around the Civil War?
Maybe we could go back deeper in Church History and consider some of the huge differences among Christians that literally took hundreds of years to work through.
We do live in urgent times.  We live in a time that calls for faithful action.  But we are also a people of history.  Patience is a fruit of the Spirit.  I would not encourage anyone to postpone action but to also realize that patience is trusting God.
We pray.  We participate.  We engage.  We trust.  God is still at work.  God will move in history and in our lives.
On another note...
Another shooting today...
God, in your mercy.
Next weekend we will have a conversation about racism and violence.  Two members of our congregation, Jamie Grayson and Keith Cash, will share.  I will also include insights from  law enforcement people in our congregation.  I believe this will be a significant conversation and we will be drawn a bit deeper into the Kingdom of God because of it.
It's been a troubling, yet good day.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It's been a difficult week in America.  We have been stunned by the impossible to understand killings in Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas.  I have already written my thoughts on these events so will not pursue that today.
We are also aware that our nation is not the only nation suffering huge division and violence.  In Iraq a suicide bomber strikes a busy shopping area and over 200 are killed and injured.  We do not even notice the violence taking place in the Old City of Jerusalem.  God, in your mercy.
But let me skip past this.  Today as we came to prayer in worship I was thinking about these issues and then thought about the unlimited possibilities that will be unleashed in 500 kids this week when we have Vacation Bible School.  Maybe my generation has failed but that is no reason to give up.  Our church (and churches all over the world) have an opportunity to sow seeds in young lives that may grow to fruition.  When we share the story of Jesus with a 5 year old we may be planting a seed in one who will become a leader who changes the world.  We may begin to ignite the passion in a fifth grader that will propel them into a difference making life.  With people all over the country giving of themselves to build up faith in the next generation we may see this thing turn around.
We have the opportunity to give, serve and love in ways that will be life-changing.  God will touch lives and empower new ministries and mission.
Anticipate a great week!
On another note...
This week United Methodists will be gathering in various places to elect bishops and make assignments of bishops for the next four years.  I will be with others in our jurisdiction gathering in Wichita where we will elect 3 new bishops and also find out who will be assigned to lead the United Methodist Church in Missouri.  Pray for us as we engage in this work.
So I'm doing "political" stuff.  Many of you are teaching children.  Everyone is going about life and living their faith.  It all matters.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Too Much Violence

One day a person is shot and killed during an encounter with police. The next day a person is shot and killed during a routine traffic stop.  The next day a number of police officers are shot by snipers.
I read these accounts just like you do.  I listen to reports just like you do.  I try to formulate some cogent thought about what in the world is going on.  But I feel stymied.  What is there to say?
I read the Psalms this morning and started with Psalm 36:1; "I have a message from God in my heart...."  My thought was, "I really wish I did."
My experience with racism and the accompanying evils and challenges leaves me without much to offer the larger context.  I mean, when I was little I was taught that if you were in trouble, scared, lost or needed anything...look for a policeman.  They will help.
Many of you reading this have a similar experience.  That attitude is totally opposite what a black father or mother must tell their little one: If you see a policeman keep your head down, comply, don't resist.  They are not your friend.
In this world of opposites what on earth do I have to offer?  But there is something to offer.
Our President responds to the challenge to make official statements about these social issues, especially the on-going violence we witness against the black community.  There are mayors who make statements; police chiefs make statements; preachers enter the fray with something to say.
We all talk with friends or family and we make our own statements.  We have questions.  We seek to engage a culture with tremendously different world views.
So it comes to me to confess that I don't have a statement to make.  But I do have something to offer.  I have decided to be grateful for President Obama when he addresses issues of police shooting black people.  I have decided to be grateful and listen to the many voices that enter the dialogue.
My contribute must come from my faith perspective.  So much of this violence is based on fear.  So the word from the Church could include "There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear..." (I John 4:18)
The Church stands up to and speaks against injustice.
The Church mourns with those who mourn.
The Church builds up one another in love.
The Church offers light in darkness.
The Church provides salt to preserve and flavor the culture.
The Church points to another way.
The Church offers hope.
The Church offers Christ to a hurting, confused, distressed, lost world.
The Church offers Christ who loves all with a life-changing, culture transforming, world difference making love.
Perhaps none of us - activists, injustices fighters, racism exposeers, law enforcers, front-line engagers and the Church - people like you and me - have the whole answer.  But together we can make a difference.  Would you seek to do your part?  Who would God call you to offer a word of hope to?  How might you provide encouragement and support?  Are there police officers in your family, among your friends or your church who desperately need to know that we are praying for them?  Are there minorities who are fearful and hurting that desperately need to know your are providing support?
I still question what I have to contribute to the national debate.  I still wonder what I have to say that could make a difference.  But I dare to believe.  I dare to hope.  I dare to trust that the Church - what you and I have to offer - may contribute along with the other voices - to something beyond our capacity to create.  May God use us - May God use all - to point to healing, hope, change.
Our contribution: "Love one another."
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Forty years ago today Cindy and I were with a couple from Cassville, Mo. at a retreat in a place called Rabbit Ridge Mississippi.  Tommy Woods was a lay witness mission coordinator who hosted the weekend retreat on the 4th of July weekend in 1976.  On Saturday night Jimmy Buskirk preached a sermon titled "Where Do You Live?"  It was based on Acts 8 where Phillip was among those disciples who were scattered from Jerusalem and he went to Samaria. There he preached the Gospel of Jesus and people believed.  Word got back to Jerusalem and they sent Peter and John to see what God was doing.  At that point they shared with the Samaritans the Holy Spirit and the new believers were filled with the Spirit.  The message ended with an invitation: Could you be in Samaria before Phillip came sharing the Good News?  Could you be in Samaria after Phillip but before the Apostles came sharing the Holy Spirit?  Or could you have the Spirit but seek a fresh filling?  Then he said, "Come put your knees in the sawdust, make your commitment to God and tell someone before you sleep tonight."
That night I said yes to a call I had been sensing for several months.  In essence I said yes to God, that I would be a preacher if he wanted me to be one, but God would have to make me one because I certainly could not do it myself.
Forty years...
There were times when I thought I was pretty good, only to be remained of how needy I am.
There were more mistakes than I can count and a few times it worked out that I got it right.
There are been ups and downs.  There have been seasons of victory and defeat.  There have been opportunities missed and opportunities claimed.
In forty years of ministry I have slipped into trying to make things happen myself and also experienced trust in the Holy Spirit and seen God do some pretty amazing things.
In forty years of ministry I have felt God's grace and seen the hand of God directing our steps.
In forty years of ministry I have been humbled.
In forty years of ministry I have come to trust in the Lord more and more.
It was an amazing weekend forty years ago.  It began the greatest journey of faith I could possibly imagine - and then some.
On this 4th of July weekend I have much to be thankful for.  There is much to reflect on.  In addition to re-reading the Constitution and Declaration of Independence I get to reflect on a life-changing call to ministry that is resulting in God elevating the trajectory of Cindy and my life in wonderful ways.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a good day to.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I was surprised when the people of Great Britain voted to leave the European Union. You can listen to and read all the political experts explain this but in essence it seems to me a populist movement. Citizens are weary of trusting leaders to make decisions for them. So here we go. There is a good bit of this going on in the USA these days. Trust of leaders and institutions is low. There have probably been times in history that were even more challenging, but these are "interesting" times. So what do we as followers of Jesus do with the current climate?
 In America we are committed to democracy. We in the United Methodist Church do not really operate as a democracy. We are a representative form of church government. We elect people to represent us at all levels of our church life, including the local church. The past few years all the administration books and leadership books have stressed the necessity of strong leadership in the church. (With the exception of Leonard Sweet who keeps insisting that we do not need leaders as much as followers of Jesus.)
So what do we do? Who do we copy? What does all this have to say to us at Platte Woods UMC?
We are always seeking to learn from others but want to recognizing our unique features and do what we do well.
We are trying to build a leadership model that calls for the Senior Pastor to cast vision and show the way forward.  The authority is in influence.
The staff identifies, recruits and equips leaders who do the same to bring the people of the congregation into ministry and service.
When this works right the people are the "ministers".  The staff and church leadership support the church, not steer the course.
Like most other things in the culture today it presents challenges.  But what a great time in the life of our church to be part of what God is doing.  Always learning.  Always seeking.  Always serving.
Here we go.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Father's Day. Thinking about dad and how grateful to be able to stop by and visit to this day. I think of sooooo many things about my dad. He took me to my first Big League baseball game. He was my biggest fan whether it was pee wee baseball, high school football, basketball, track or any other activity. He was discipline. He was encouragement. He was teacher. He has many stories that still bless me. He was always present in church. I may not have been sitting by him but he was always in view. He was example. He was provider. He was influencer. He was a (silent) cheerleader. He was there when I started preaching. He is still there - often physically, always in spirit. There is so much more my brother and I could say about our dad. But today it is Happy Father's Day. Thanks for all you are and have ever been. Now I better finish up. The kids will be here in a minute and I get to go get mom and dad for dinner. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

And we rest... Kevin Roth John Armstrong Marvin Raley We celebrated each of these lives the past week. Kevin was a tremendous leader in our Scouting program. His memorial service featured a Tribe of Mic-O-Say service. I found it meaningful and encouraging. John's service was at Leavenworth and featured the Military Service. The recognition of service to country added deep meaning to his memorial service. Marvin's service included military honors and his life in the church was a very meaningful part of his remembrance. There were other things that happened in the life of our church this week. A worshiping community gathered in support of one who lost a loved one. A baby was baptized. Two people want to join the church. (I got that news Sunday!) Pastor Jake and Keera had a reception in light of their recent marriage. People smiled. People listened. People heard the Word. People took a challenge. Some are going to be reading a Gospel this week! Many played golf and helped raise money for our church endowment. (Thank you Nelson and Kathie Hopper) People served by providing hospitality in the parking lot. (I point these out because they had a new challenge this week.) People led in worship. People got some good news this week. Some people got bad news this week. This merely scratches the surface of a life in the week of the people of God coming together at Platte Woods UMC. It's been a great - an amazing - a meaningful week. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we talked about "We Are More." Bishop Schnase used the phrase some time back when he was addressing a group in preparation for General Conference. Kim Jenne, our Connectional Ministries director has done some great work expanding the idea "We Are More". wearemore.faith. Check it out. We are more than our attendance averages. We are more than our buildings. We are more than "cash". We are more than "A,B,C goals". We are more. A huge point in this is that we are more than the issues that divide. Feel free to check out today's message on our website (www.plattewoodschurch.org) and hear what I was talking about in this context. I'll give you the bottom line. We are more...because we are followers of Jesus Christ. This is more than ethnicity, age, gender or anything that makes us different. We are more. We are more because we are followers of Jesus Christ. Remember this...When you follow Jesus there is a great likelihood that you will fall in love with Jesus and when you fall in love with Jesus you will want to honor and serve him. That sounds like a pretty good path of discipleship. Remember, We Are More. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too and may this Memorial Day weekend be a blessing to you. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It is good to be home from General Conference where United Methodists have debated the issues and worked to govern our denomination for the past two weeks. Many of you have probably followed the events and know we continue to do ministry in the name of Christ in churches all over the world. There were contentious debates but many of these were countered with Spirit-filled worship and inspired preaching. The conversation around human sexuality impacted much of our conference. At the end of the day the Council of Bishops have been charged with providing denominational leadership to help us find the way forward from what feels like an impasse. There are some matters that affect the local church more than others. For instance we approved a 604 million dollar budget for the next four years. I will be glad to speak to the some of the matters discussed and acted on at General Conference when I share what all is taking place in our church on June 14. I look forward to talking with you about the exciting things happening at PWUMC. It was a joy to be in church this morning and be blessed by Pastor Ginger's sermon. It was also a joy to hear John Miller talk about the progress being made to do something about predatory lending in the state of Missouri. I appreciate John's work in this area. This will be a busy week at church. We are seeing progress on the parking area and the building continues to rise. Plans are being made to insure funding for the project in addition to our on-going ministry. I will be preaching next week on "We Are More". Frankly we are More than General Conference, debates, disagreements, things that divide and distractions to the mission of the Church. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we talked about being "in sync" with Jesus. The illustration related to the invention of the pendulum clock. (Google Christiaan Huygene Pendulum clock). The story goes on about how he observed that clocks placed on the same shelf would synchronize together. It has been determined that slight vibrations connect the clocks and then they synchronize. We could think about how we sync our iPods, iPads, computers and other electronics but for these purpose we stay "old school" and look at pendulum clocks. The application relates to the manner in which the heart of Jesus (who is alive and well today) continues to beat. The heartbeat of Jesus is a vibration of love for people. When we connect by faith the vibration of Jesus' love for us will bring us in sync with Him. In other words our hearts will beat with the heart of Jesus. What would your life look like if your heart was beating with the heart of Jesus for... justice mercy love kindness those who do not know the Lord? We get connected by faith. Simply believe that our desire to have a connection with Christ will be honored and our lives will be synced with his. Often we seem to get "un-synced". What puts you out of sync with Jesus? Fear? Worry? Sin? We can all fill in our blanks on this one. But the good news is that the heartbeat of Jesus continues. We may connect. We may be re-synced. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good (Mother's Day) too. steve - The "Sync" idea comes from a sermon by Leonard Sweet, "Sync It". See sermon for April 10, 2016 on preachthestory.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Just got home from Sunday evening service where our graduating seniors were recognized. Wow. What a great group of young people. They introduced themselves and shared their future plans. Impressive! Their parents joined them at the front and others surrounded these soon to graduate seniors, laid hands on them and were led in prayer by Britton Fields, our Youth Minister. It was a powerful moment. This truly is a significant transition in the lives of our young people and their families. Perhaps parents face this moment with a sense of great pride and also a bit of sadness. These kind of changes make things different. We are never the same. We are never the same. This is how it works with transitions in life. We change. We move forward. Here is some good news. This is precisely at the heart of Christian experience. Jesus changes us. We are never the same. With God in our lives we constantly move forward. Things change. We are never the same. So as we pray for our seniors and their families we do so with confidence that God is in the midst of the transitions and they will never be the same -- just better. Embrace the changes Christ is working in your lives as you walk in faith, hope, love and trust. You will never be the same. blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We feel like we are losing an entire generation of young people. This generation lacks direction. This generation does not share healthy values. I have a feeling that statements like these could have been made of practically every generation. I know my Baby Boomer generation was perceived in this way. Today many people seem anxious about the Millennial Generation. The Millennial Generation now outnumbers the Baby Boomers 83.1 million to 75.4 million. I see tremendous opportunity. There were people of faith who refused to give up on Baby Boomers and this generation became huge supporters of the mission and ministry of the Church. The Baby Boomer Generation has produced some great leaders in the cause of Christ. I see the generation of my children having even greater potential for good. Millions of young people will step forward and be difference makers. Millions of young people will rise up to lead us into the future. There is great hope for the Church. I am aware that many young people are not part of the church today. I am aware of the criticism that the Church is irrelevant to today's people. I hear the claims that the Church is declining and in a few more years there will not be enough people to keep her going. But... The Church is of God. The Church will be preserved to the end of time. The Church is the Body of Jesus Christ - the Living, Risen Lord Jesus! I see signs of God's movement in the world. I see signs that God has not given up on His Church. I see signs that God has plans for the Church to prosper and not fail. I see signs that God has a hope and future for His people. If you have not seen these signs drive up Prairie View Road and see what is taking place at our church. That is not merely a construction project. That is a sign of God's power and presence among us. Future. Hope. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I have probably preached on Thomas and the text in John 20 thirty times or so. I first remember hearing Dr. Buskirk preach a sermon on "The Hands of Jesus." He started by talking about the voice from an unattended television set in another room that said, "If I get my hands on you I'll kill you." He contrasted that with what Jesus would say; "If I get my hands on you I'll save you!" Funny how you remember things like that for 40 years. His points were that in the hands of Jesus Thomas found Pardon for his past; Power for his present; and Promise for his future. I have taken different approaches to the text. I have used different illustrations. I have looked for different points of emphasis. There have been various insights come from these sermons. But there has remained a constant point that finds its way into all those sermons. It deals with doubt and faith. It goes like this: Honest doubt may lead to authentic faith. I used that today. That authentic faith that often begins with honest doubt continues to be a sign of the truth of the Gospel. Lives continue to be changed. Faith keeps being born. People continue to find hope, forgiveness and salvation in the hands of Jesus. Perhaps you see light in his eyes. Perhaps you see life in his face. Certainly you may see grace, acceptance and hope in the hands of Jesus. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In the mid 1970's and early 1980's I had the opportunity to study at Oral Roberts University and Fuller Theological Seminary in addition to St. Paul School of Theology. The unique thing about ORU and Fuller was the emphasis upon the ministry of the laity. I am thankful that I was exposed to this model of church early on. It certainly seemed logical to me. Of course I was a layperson before I was a clergy. I witnessed and experienced the power of lay ministry. When the ministry of the laity began to gain traction in Mainline churches a few years later I already had a foundation. In the ensuing years I have gone from layperson to clergy. I have continued to understand the importance of involving all the people of God in the mission and ministry of the church. I sense we are fast approaching a new season of expanded ministry at PWUMC. Today our Conference Lay Leader, Brian Hammons joined us for worship. He came with our District and Local Church Lay Leader, John Miller. This reminds me of the deep pool of committed laypersons in our conference and in our church. Tomorrow and Tuesday we will be visited by our Church Coach, Doug Anderson, who will work with us on the Equipping Church model of ministry. Again we will talk and pray about ways we can identify people who can lead ministries. We will recruit these leaders and then equip them to further the model by identifying, recruiting and equipping laypersons to share our ministry. The result of this type of ministry is more people, more connected people and reaching more new people. I look forward to this next season of ministry in our church. I look forward to sharing in your ministry. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

At the movies. Frankly I am not a huge movie fan. I go to some movies. Cindy and I like to go. But we do limit what we see. For instance we avoid R rated movies. That certainly limits the choices. I am not a great fan of the movie industry. I am weary of something as culturally significant as films to continually provide gratuitous sex, violence and a constant stream of coarse language. So do I sound Puritanical enough for anyone to disregard what I have to say? With that little rant out of my system I continue. There are movies that touch my soul, make me laugh and help me become informed on issues. So I have this conflict going on. A movie that blessed me is Miracles From Heaven. I must say Jennifer Garner plays a different role from the one she played in Alias. It will not be critically acclaimed. You may or may not agree with the theology and or message. But if you are anything like me it will touch your heart. That is my movie report for the week. (or maybe forever). On another note... Royals and Mets. Tonight. ESPN. World Championship banner being raised. 'nough said. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. (Wonder if I should go see a funny movie before the Royals game?) blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Easter! He is risen! What a day. With our construction project and the temporary loss of many parking spaces we went off site for Easter services. Park Hill South High School proved to be a great location. Very ample parking. A great performing arts center. It went very well. It was amazing to watch our people go far above and beyond to make this Easter a memorable day. Many people worked for hours to take equipment and supplies to the site. We planned and planned and then carried it out. All I did was preach a few times but our people made the services a source of blessing and hospitality. Thank you. A little rain and snow could not dampen the spirit of our Platte Woods family. It appears that the Resurrection of Jesus proves greater than logistical challenges, weather that is just weird and unfamiliar surroundings. But that really should not surprise us. After all, the Resurrection of Jesus has proven greater than death and hell itself! He is risen! He is risen indeed! It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In her book, "Dare to Serve" Cheryl Bachelder defines Servant Leadership by saying "servant leaders are courageous enough to take people to a daring destination, yet humble enough to selflessly serve others on the journey." Today we were talking about servant leadership in the context of Jesus' entry to the city of Jerusalem that initiated what we have come to call "holy week". Jesus gives us an example of servant leaders who lead with courage and humility. Another part of this mindset informs our attitude toward those we serve. Who do we serve? In Jesus time the religious leaders would give the impression that the Temple was intended to be served by the people. By the time Jesus got down with people there would be an idea that the Temple was meant to serve the people. So what do we do with this servant leader idea in our day? We in the Church are clearly meant to serve others. So what does this look like? I sometimes get the idea that we confuse serving with catering. A caterer is a person employed to provide and serve food. That is a basic definition. A group hires someone to make preparation, set up, serve, and clean up. It is important that we do not confuse servant leadership in the Church with catering. A servant leader will inspire people to join in a daring destination. A servant leader leads with courage and humility. A servant leader involves others in moving toward the daring destination of God's greatest plans and purposes. Let's join in serving rather than catering. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

How do you discover your talents? Some are obvious. Some people manifest talent at an early age. A child prodigy has a knack for playing the piano and it shows up when they are two years old. A little guy seems extra coordinated and looks like they will have some great athletic talent. In elementary school a student is the one everyone looks to and shows leadership talent. Some sing and others draw. There are some people whose talents seem to jump out and everyone can see them. Not everyone is like that. For various reasons some people find themselves developing in life wondering what it is they can do. Whether talents have appeared obvious for years or they seem elusive everyone can do some things to discover their truely God given talents. This assumes everyone has some talent, skill or ability. Today I used the illustration of driving to the church each day and being amazed at those who operate heavy excavation equipment. I would not know how to start one of those things! I see iron workers doing things that absolutely amaze me. At the same time I realize most of those talented people would rather die than stand up in front of a crowd of people and talk! We all have talents. Here is the window I believe we could look through to discover our talents. Daydream. What do you find yourself thinking about and imagining? What are your hopes, dreams and aspirations? Too many people have their dreams and ideas but make a faulty assumption. They assume they could never actually do any of them. But perhaps our dreams are meant to reveal talents that God has planted in our lives. Have you put your talents to use? That was the point of our message today. Use it or lose it. You have talents, gifts and abilities. Use them to God's glory and honor and be amazed at what God will accomplish through you. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

35 years ago we printed up "I Wish" cards and invited people to fill them out in church. An "I Wish" card might include things such as... I Wish... We would sing (a favorite song/hymn) The preacher would talk about.... Someone would call on.... We had a class on... We would pray for... The list would go on and on. Of course the key was in the follow up. If all we did was have someone "wish" for something the work was not finished. We needed to sing, preach, pray or visit in response to the people's wishes. That may have been an old method but it occurs to me that people still sit in church and "wish". We continue to be people with ideas, dreams, hopes, vision and thoughts about ministry. So what are your hopes for your church? What are your dreams for ministry? In what ways would you see the work of Christ be carried forth? These are certainly exciting times in the life of our church but remember to keep focused on mission and ministry. I wish we would continue to move forward in our current project but keep the main focus on the main thing of reaching new people for Jesus Christ. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Late next week I will be with a group of Missouri Methodist's interviewing Episcopal candidates. Every four years delegates meet to elect bishops. This summer will have added significance as our bishop, Robert Schnase, will complete his allowed years with us and be re-assigned. So among the people we interview will probably be our next bishop. We talk about the characteristics we seek in our leader. We look for a person with a significant spiritual life. We all have special interests. I am interested in how a potential bishop will relate to larger churches. We look for someone who has a great heart for the local church. We look for someone with a good knowledge of the appointive process. Frankly we end up with a composite that is impossible to meet. But off we go. We continue to pursue effective, fruitful leadership. Not only is this something we look for in a bishop but we seek to nurture leadership qualities in the local church. Our vision is a big one and not easy to do. When it comes to leadership at PWUMC we are looking for people who are able to Identify, Recruit and Equip leaders who will in turn Identify, Recruit and Equip people to engage in ministry. This is the avenue to an Equipping Church. I see us in an on-going transition. We are a large United Methodist congregation. However when you attend a worship service it does not feel all that big. Our multiple service model provides various worship settings that are small or mid-sized. But when we put everything together we have a large church. The difficult piece is leadership structure. In a mid-sized church we generally develop what is referred to as a "program church" model. The church identifies ministries or programs to develop and lead. They usually call for a staff person to lead the program. This will work up to a certain level. When a church reaches around 400 in worship the program model hits its ceiling. (That is my opinion but it is probably as right as anything!) If you study our church I believe you will find that although we have over 800 people in worship we continue to operate with a program church model. We must change. In comes the Equipping Church model. In April we will have Doug Anderson, our church coach, come in to work with staff and laity specifically on the issue of the Equipping Church. I look forward to learning new skills, finding people with more resolve and leading us into a new season of ministry with this Equipping model. When we do this we will multiply ministry and enter an exciting new phase in our life together. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. I like mid 60's in the dead of winter! blessings, steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I saw the movie Risen this weekend. It is a new release. It probably will not get a great following and certainly not a box office hit. But I did find it interesting. What would it be like for a Roman soldier who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus do with the assignment to go find the body of the dead Nazarene? This is his story. What would you do? You might go looking for people who are spreading this story about Jesus rising from the dead and ask them some questions. In his case he had to find all the recently dead and look among them for the one he would recognize from those hours on the cross. You would go looking for those reported to be disciples. Perhaps you would take a group of soldiers and kick in a door in search of followers. But what would you do if you stepped into a room and came face to face with the crucified One? It might - no, it definitely would change your life. What do we do to examine this story of the resurrection of Jesus. Some of us find it easier to accept than others. Some of us have heard the story of Jesus rising from the dead all our lives. For some this is a new idea, and a strange one at that. But this is the center of Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus. Why would someone go to the trouble of making a movie about the resurrection of Jesus? This is not a re-telling of the Bible story. This is the story of a person who encounters the risen Jesus. It could be your story. It could be anyone's story. What would you do if someone rose from the dead? Look for him? Listen to him? Believe? It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

How to listen to a sermon. That would be a pretty good title for an article. Maybe. This weekend I listened to 4 sermons. I was up front with Kyle on Saturday evening and with Kyle and Ginger at 8:15. As a participant in the service I was pretty engaged with what the preacher was saying. At 9:30 I listened from the congregation. At 11:00 I listened to Jake in the NEXT congregation. I am reminded that it is not easy to listen. As a preacher I have a tendency to "evaluate" sermons. I try to avoid this in our church but part of my task is to evaluate so I listen with a "critical" ear. (I came away today feeling that we are in very good hands with our younger clergy and the messages they offer.) I also realize it is easier to stay focused when I am the one doing the talking. It seems to me that little distractions are more difficult to ignore when listening. With this said I want to commend congregants who regularly attend worship and listen as we preach. Listening to a sermon is not something a person is able to do in a passive way. But maybe this is one reason we experience people attending worship on a less regular basis. Maybe it is not a matter of not being interested. Maybe people are realizing that it takes effort to listen. Is it worth the effort? Here are some hints for better listening. 1. Prepare to listen. Be rested and awake when you show up. Believe me I can put myself to sleep while I Am Talking if I am not rested. 2. Jot down a key take away or some idea that the message sparks. (This means you will be listening more intently). 3. Pray before listening. (Preachers pray before speaking. Pray the Holy Spirit speak to your heart in the message.) 4. Expect to hear a word from the Lord. It continually astounds me that God uses very human instruments to get a spiritual word to people. Expect. 5. Listen for something you may apply to your daily life. I am sure we could work on this list and come up with something more helpful but perhaps this is a start. Remember that preaching is not mere talking. It is intended to be communication. Communication requires a sender and a receiver. Part of the joy of preaching is that we are in this together. Thanks for listening. It's been a good day - Remember it is Valentine's Day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. This event has a way of taking over the day. For the vast majority of American football fans their favorite team is not playing. However even the casual fan finds this nearly compelling viewing. I will tune in and enjoy the game and the commercials. Let me put this in a different perspective. Cindy and I returned last night from a trip to Guatemala. We joined eight others from the church and visited a number of churches, schools and clinics Platte Woods UMC has supported through the years. We had fellowship with people who speak a very different language. We shared smiles and laughter. We felt the joy of people gathering in churches to praise God. We toured a medical clinic where the poor are treated and cared for. We saw the shy smiles of children. We enjoyed the extremely colorful traditional clothing worn by these Mayan people. It was not "roughing it" by any means. (I still remember sleeping in a tent on the mountain in Honduras). We spent the last two nights in Antigua. I had never seen an active volcano before. That is some sight. Even in this resort setting we visited the ancient, sacred site overlooking the city. It is an amazing thought that followers of Christ have walked these streets and lanes for hundreds of years. It is amazing to share in the simple lives of these gracious and joyous people. It is amazing to share faith in Jesus Christ with people whose lives are so different from ours. We speak of our international missions from Platte Woods Church but most cannot grasp the impact this work makes. Dr. Marty and Mona Kanne have been at the forefront of these Central American efforts for many years. I am planning a way to share this vision and mission with our church in the next few weeks. I want everyone to capture the joy of mission and find some way to participate in changing the lives of people in Central America. I am so thankful for the opportunity to see the things I've seen and meet the people I've met. I could have never imagined being in another country having a very small part in life-changing, community changing grace. As I sit to watch the Super Bowl this evening I think my mind will still be at Atitlan Lake, Chichicastenago, Chulamar and Antigua. My mind may wander to the crooked roads and mountains. Whatever I eat will certainly be compared to tortillas and frijoles. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Faith is trusting God to inform the present and control the future. That was a definition used today in the message. As followers of Jesus Christ we trust God to inform our present. That means we think, act and live by faith in our present day. By faith we live today. We also believe that God controls the future. Will Willimon (and probably a zillion others) says only God truly has a future. As we move forward into life (and even into eternal life) we have faith that God will already be there. Faith is amazing. Faith does ask a great deal of us. We have faith in an unseen God. We have faith that in silence we hear God's voice. We have faith that God is in control. We have faith that life matters. We have faith that God directs our steps. We have faith that Jesus has overcome death. Faith. We have faith that we may live faithfully in the present. We have faith that God controls our future. ...And we have no iron-clad guarantees about any of this. But at the end of the day faith is greater than sights and sounds and what we touch. Have faith. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

This Thursday evening at 7:00 we will have a "Cornerstone Service". There is a steel beam that will become part of our new building waiting in the sanctuary. In our service this week we will invite everyone to write a verse or some wording on the beam. We are asking people to come and "leave your mark" on this project. We will have the beam (as well as one in the dining hall) out through next weekend. If you can't make it on Thursday take a moment after church this Saturday or between services next Sunday to write your message. I plan to write Jeremiah 29:11. (You can look it up if you do not already know what that verse says or come next week and I will preach on it). You may have a favorite verse to write down and pass on to the next generations. I hope everyone will choose to participate in this time to pray and anticipate God's next step. On another note... For the second weekend in a row it was extremely cold today. It seemed like a good idea to add a couple of inches of snow to be sure and discourage people from getting out today. Still we had a great day of worship. We celebrated a baptism. Blessings on Zach and Jennifer on Harper Grace's baptism. We sang and prayed. We heard the Word. Somebody was encouraged. Someone was blessed. Someone was challenged. Someone realized the love of the Lord. Somebody said "yes" to Jesus Christ and walked out into newness of life. That is what happens when the people of God gather. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In Mark 10 Jesus asks three people the question: "What do you want me to do for you?" In the first case he is responding to James and John who come to him with a request. When the question was posed they replied that they wanted to each have a seat at Jesus right and left in the kingdom. Jesus' response: "You don't know what you are asking." The other occasion that comes later in the chapter is directed toward a blind man. When the question was posed the blind man replied "Rabbi, I want to see!" Then Jesus said, "Go. Your faith has healed you." The man was immediately healed. We could debate the merit of each request. We could analyze the request for power and how it was denied. But we could also talk about a request for personal help (healing) and how it was granted. Is the difference the matter of faith? Is the difference the object of the request? What do we not know about the stories? A bigger question might be what would we ask were Jesus to say to us; "What do you want me to do for you?" We might ask for some big spiritual thing like a spiritual "Great Awakening" that would change the face of the nation. Maybe we have a family request that God touch someone's heart. Would you be tempted to ask to win the lottery? Would there be a financial request? Is there a sin that seems to continually get the better of you that you would ask to be overcome? Would there be a justice issue that you would love to see resolved? I suppose this list could go on and on. Maybe the thing to do is have a conversation with Jesus and invite him to search your heart and change your heart. I have this feeling that when our heart is right and our desire is to honor God Jesus would love to look at you and ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

If you are a New Year's resolution person you may have made a resolution that is consistent with a Google survey indicating the resolutions people are making for 2016. If you are in the Millennial Generation the top priority for this year is spending more time with loved ones. They also have a high financial resolution; To spend less and save more. If you are a Generation X person (age 35-44 in the younger level) the focus is on living healthier. At the upper level of Generation X (age 45-54) the main interest is on paying down debt. If you are a Baby Boomer (age 55-64)the main resolution is to lose weight. Boomers are also interested in "enjoying life to the fullest" but not too interested in the financial issues. Seniors (65 and up) place "enjoy life to the fullest" at the top of their resolution list. Perhaps you find yourself in one of these categories. I would also like to offer a word of encouragement for a spiritual resolution. As a matter of fact were we to resolve to commit to "following Jesus" this year we would discover that many other issues to fall in place. Christ followers live in fellowship, not solitary lives. It would be logical to be spending more time with loved ones and friends in the fellowship of Christ. Following Jesus could easily lead to greater self discipline (a fruit of the Spirit) which would lead to a healthier life. Following Jesus may or may not impact "losing weight" but it would surely lead to enjoying life to the fullest. In addition to all the above following Jesus leads to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Can you imagine a year like that? Here we go. Resolve to follow Jesus It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too. steve