Monday, March 27, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It was a great time of celebrating the most recent step in God's plan for Platte Woods UMC.  Bishop Farr preached all weekend and consecrated our new space to the glory of God.
I had many thoughts as we walked through the past couple of days.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who have prayed and worked to see this project come to where it is.  Amazing!
We were able to recognize many individuals who have contributed so much to God's work.  We recognized the building team, including Harmon Construction, Mantel-Teter architects and all who have been working on the project.
We recognized Leadership Council members who have provided steady support.
We recognized the Building Committee and all the work they have done.
We recognized the staff for leading us through the process.  Outstanding!
We recognized three individuals for special support.  Michael Short has chaired the Building Committee and I am personally indebted to him for his constant encouragement and leadership in this process.  No one knows the hours Michael has given to further God's work.
Lori Bogart has functioned as "project manager" through the process in addition to her already full schedule and responsibilities.  Her steady demeanor and spirit has kept us on track in ways people will never fully understand.  We are all deeply appreciative of Lori.
Cindy Breon - could not have come this far without total support and encouragement on the home front.  She has kept me grounded and encouraged.  She has asked great questions.  She has pointed out the successes.  She has been a rock of support and encouragement.  Wow.
Now we move forward.  There are still some details to finish.  But as Bishop Farr pointed out this weekend we now have a platform from which to launch the new/next thing God wants to do.
I want in on what God has next.  Join me.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

When I was in high school I attended the N.A.I.A. basketball tournament for the first time.  It was either 1970 or 1971, I am not sure.  This is the small college tournament.  They played a tournament with a 32 team field in one week.  As time past I kept going to the games once a week most years.  Over time a group of us would take a day and watch the full 8 game round.  When our son, Bobby was in elementary school he made the trip.  I recall going to eat and him eating half a chicken and lasting until sometime late in the evening before he dozed off.
I always had this idea that it would be really neat to go to the entire tournament some day.  But it always seemed like there were things to do and I was glad to get one day at Municipal Auditorium.  Until this year.  I decided to take the time and go to the tournament.  So I have watched all or parts of 28 basketball games over the past four day.  There are three more to go with the semi-finals and finals this week.
I realize that this is not as much basketball as Buck and Betty Farmer watched over the 69 years they attended each game of the NAIA tournament.  I believe they were married in 1946.  In 1947 they went to the tournament and went to every game ( with one exception - When the tournament was moved to Tulsa for 8 years they drove home to watch the championship game on tv one year).
They have paid tribute to the Farmer's at this year's tournament.  Betty passed away about three years ago and Buck died this past fall.  Talk about a legacy!
I have a late start to try and catch up with them.  I think if I will go to all the games until I am 131 years old I will catch their record.  I better get a different goal.
There may be some other things to find in what the Farmer's did.
Loyalty.  Their loyalty to the small colleges and the game of basketball is great.  Maybe I can have a similar loyalty to the Church.  I'm off to a pretty good start with that.
Support.  They supported something they loved.  How may I continue to support those I love, people and groups?
Commitment.  69 years.  Wow.  What about a lifetime of commitment to Christ and His call?
Joy.  People were met.  Friendships were forged.  Basketball can provide some wonderful opportunities.  May each of us find true joy in worship, service and Christian growth.
One other thing about the NAIA tournament.  It was begun in 1937 by James Naismith, the "inventor" of basketball, Frank Cramer, a pioneer in athletic training products, and Emil Liston of Baker University.  Yes, a Baker man founded a basketball tournament that has been played for 80 years.
So that's it for my down week enjoying game after game of basketball.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

While preaching today I missed about 9 good opportunities to stop!  But I kept having something to say.  Oh well, I know I preached a short sermon sometime.
Part of what I wanted people to know was that Jacob Schneider was approved for commissioning this week.  He will be commissioned at this year's annual conference.  This is a significant step in the ordination process of the United Methodist Church.  Congratulations Jake.  Proud of you!
We continue our conversation about patience.  It did seem appropriate to put patience into action by leaving the parking lot without honking our horns at people.  Sounds like people did very well today.
It's funny how spring daylight savings time seems to effect the church like the Fourth of July Weekend!  It is generally one of our lower attendance weekends.  Even so we had a great weekend.  If you did not hear the new children's choir, "Good New Company" you missed the highlight of the year!  They were great.  Energetic, enthusiastic and brought the Gospel to the congregation.  Wow.  Looking forward to their next time in church.
Continuing these random thoughts...it is really basketball season now.  Shortly the NCAA tournament field will be announced.  We are kicking off three weeks of compelling sports.  Enjoy.  I have this thing for small college sports.  Hope to catch some games at the NAIA tournament.  Won't make it to Billings, Mt. for the Baker women's games in the national tournament.
Enough of that.
Let me offer one more reminder of our Lenten applications for the week.  Do no harm.  Do good.  Stay in love with God.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I am so thankful for people who serve in the life of the church.  I tend to provide opportunities for people to do so.  For instance, today I failed to bring the questions we ask people when they make professions of faith.  Never thought of it until about time to bring Noah Barajas forward to make his profession of faith.  Thankfully I've done this enough to get the main thing.  Do you accept Jesus Christ and pledge your allegiance to his kingdom?  Noah did so and we celebrated his profession of faith today.  Thankful.
Before that I was able to kick over a cup of coffee that was under my seat.  Thankful for Bill noticing it and coming with paper towels to clean up.  Opportunity to serve.
I also realized that we had forgotten to bring the communion ritual and Jake took off to get it while the service was underway.  Another servant.  Oh well.  Nobody really knew we were scrambling around but together things went well.
I was able to top off the day when Cindy and I went to lunch.  The buffet was great.  Except when I got the biscuit and covered it with sour cream instead of gravy.  (Looked like gravy to me).  Thanks to a gracious waitress.  Second round worked better.
Such is the day.  We hit on all cylinders and we miss fire.  And when the day it done worship has touched the hearts of many; a person has committed their life to Jesus Christ, Holy Communion is celebrated and God's provision is deeply appreciated.
It's been a good day.  I hope you've had a good day too.
steve