Sunday, May 28, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Memorial Day serves to remind us of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country.  It is amazing to think we have World War II veterans among us who remember those they served with.  There are veterans of Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.  All have memories of some they served with.  We have active duty military we count among our church family.  They serve in a long tradition of those willing to sacrifice that we may enjoy freedoms.
It is an extension of the day to remember family and friends whose lives we celebrate.  Memorial Day may lead to Decoration Day.  Do take the time to remember and be thankful.
We had a full week at church.  We had a Celebration of Life and a Celebration of Marriage.  I saw an 11 day old baby this morning!  We shared the news that our own Britton Fields completed Pastor's Licensing School and will be appointed to serve at PWUMC at annual conference.
I had a great blackberry streusel muffin this morning.  If you have not stopped by the cafe on a Sunday you are missing out.
As usual -never take this for granted - we had great music today.  We had joyful celebration and meaningful reflection.
It was a blessed day.
It was a good day to remember.
It was a good day to celebrate our faith in Jesus Christ.
I hope you've had a good day too.  And have a blessed holiday weekend.
steve

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I give extra thanks to God for six leaders in Platte Woods UMC.  Glenn and Barbara Ladd, Jim and Margie Thomas, and Dean and Deb Welsch.  They are our Confirmation Class leaders.  Week after week they invest themselves in the lives of young people leading to confirmands making their profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  Today we witnessed the fruit of their love and efforts as seven young people stepped forward into the Christian life.
We could not touch the lives of young people in this way were it not for the excellent leadership Britton Fields and Brand Stumbaugh provide.
It is always a special moment to baptize and confirm.  In our tradition the ordained (Nancy Listen, Jessica Richard, and myself) place our hands on the confirmands and symbolize the Holy Spirit coming.  It is pretty amazing.
In addition to our confirmation class we witnessed another youth being baptized. Blessings on Kaitlyn Bolt! We also shared in Calvin Hagedorn's baptism.  We pray for Benjamin and Kaity as they raise Calvin in the faith.
One gets the idea the Holy Spirit is moving in the church.  I give thanks.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

What a fun day!  Mother's Day is hard to beat.  The "kids" came up and fixed lunch for everyone.  Mom and Dad with us.  A good family day.  Never take family for granted.  A joy!
Also had a super day at church.  Three baptisms put all of us in a great spirit.  Truly witnessed the move of the Holy Spirit today.
It is impossible to explain the joy of holding a child in your arms and placing the waters of baptism over their head marking them as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I will surely be praying for the McKee's and Lane's as they raise their children in the Church and in the love of Jesus.
We also put the baptismal to good use today.  McKelvey McDaniel stepped into the water to make her profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  She was buried with Christ in the waters of baptism and raised up to enter the new life of a Christian.  Amazing!
Next week there will be more.  More baptisms.  More professions of faith.  More joy and grace to go around.
It's been a great day.  I trust you've had a great day too.[
steve

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Reflections From Sunday Evening

One Profession of Faith.
Two new members.
An infant baptized.
Communion served and received by many.
Prayers lifted on high.
A traveler assisted on her way.
Amazing music and worship.
The Word read and proclaimed.
Sunday School classes sharing the faith.
Children introduced to Jesus.
High School Seniors recognized and blessed.
Youth encouraged.
Friendships discovered and renewed.
Generosity practiced.
Thoughts inspired.
People serving.
This and much more.
Just another day in the life of the Church.  When we stop and think of how many lives are touched on a weekend and then multiply that across the world it will take your breath away.  Truly the Spirit of the Lord is moving across the face of the earth.  God continues to renew His creation and touch His people.  It is a joy to be part of what God is doing.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve