Reflections From Sunday Evening

This Wednesday we begin the season in the Church year called Lent. This is traditionally a time of introspection, self-examination and repentance. This is a time people consider their own mortality. Dust to dust and ashes to ashes. As we were created from the dust of the earth so we return. Frankly that does not sound really exciting does it? Still the season of Lent serves to prepare us for Easter and our new life in the risen Lord Jesus. During Lent we often choose to practice a form of self-denial. Consider something you might "give up" for Lent. The purpose of this is to practice self-discipline. Another practice for the season of Lent might be to "take up" a new practice or devotion. Basically we are invited to take this time until Easter to be intentional about Christian discipleship, devotion and growth. We will begin the season this Wednesday with our Ash Wednesday services. The first will be at 6:30 a.m. Come on your way to work or school and reflect, receive the sign of the ashes and holy communion. We will also have a service at 7:00 p.m. offering the same graces. Together we are invited to walk the way of Christ during this season of Lent. I hope to see you Wednesday. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are working through a message series called "The Power of Habit." We have been looking at ways to change bad habits and create new ones. We have learned a person cannot extinguish a bad habit, only change it. We have further discovered that it is possible to develop new patterns, or habits, in life. A huge point revolves around the need to believe that change is possible. We have pointed out that even if someone was not interested in Christianity they could still gain from the book and messages. A person can develop new patterns (habits) in life and make life better. We are able to do things that will make us better people. But I have tried to be pretty clear about including another dimension. I am inviting people to look at the Power of Habit through a spiritual lens. Those who seek to follow Jesus Christ need not settle for behvior modification. We are invited to place ourselves in the presences of God and through the work of the Holy Spirit may experience not only changes in behavior but a transformed life. Frankly to consider the Christian life any less than transforming sells the whole thing short. Yet we often fail to grasp the possibilities the Gospel presents. Kendra Creasy Dean is a teacher of youth ministry. She wrote a book titled "Almost Christian." The basic theme of her work is that youth (taking their cue from parents and other people of influence) adhere to "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism." It is not only young people who think of the faith in these terms. Many people believe the faith is meant to give us some tools to make us a little better than we might be without it. Often a bigger concerns from parents is that the faith will help their kids be a little better so as not to embarrass them. That is the Moral part. The Therapeutic part means we consider God's purpose making us happy. The Deism part indicates God is a distant being who is suppossed to come around when we need help for something. It seems to me this is a far cry from Biblical Christianity. I truly beleive that following Jesus is much more than another self-help technique. Following Jesus means more than making us a little better (moral) than we used to be. Following Jesus will never reduce God to one responsible for making us happy. Following Jesus will not allow us to keep God at a distance useful only for times when we get in trouble. So back to The Power of Habit. It is not merely self-improvement. It is not merely behavior modification. The Power of Habit reminds us we may develop patterns, habits, that when trusted to the risen, living Lord Jesus Christ, will transform our lives. There is one more message in the series. Next week we wrap it up. The Power of Habit will make you more fruitful! It's been a good day. (Now for the Super Bowl). I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Certainly good to be feeling better. We had a good day today. I'm giving a little re-cap from the message this weekend. One idea challenges us to consider ways to respond in various situations. When tempted to condemn - offer compassion When tempted to be angry - offer kindness When you know you are right, and right makes might - offer humility and meekness When frustrated - seek patience When tempted to stand in judgment - find seeds of forgiveness. When we begin to make these actions habits we find our lives changing. I hope you are developing some new patterns (habits) this year. God is about the business of transforming lives. As we continue to develop "routines" that come from following Christ we find our lives being changed. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

For the third time (I think) since 1976 I could not answer the bell to preach today. For all of you who have wrestled with this "crud" I feel your pain! Hopefully this thing will run its course - with some help from the doctor - and I will soon be back among you. Psalm 30:2 says, "Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." I must say that has been on my mind today. Here is a reminder to ask God for help. Some of our most meaningful prayers are very simple. "God send help!" So today I join all of you in asking God to help. Health Finances Relationship Work Just fill in the blank. God send help. Thank you It's been a good day (in spite of feeling lousy). I hope you've had a truly good day Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

A few asked me to share some of the books I mentioned this morning. So here is some of what I was speaking about this weekend. I guess I could start with the Hardy Boys and Chip Hilton books. If you have youngsters interested in mystery or sports these would be some vintage books to share. But here goes with what I have been reading this year. I mentioned "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg. This is the basis for the new message series beginning next week. There are ways to overcome bad habits and develop good habits. I will be putting this in a spiritual context for the series. I read a couple of John Grisham novels this year. I don't only read theological material. I have referred to Andy Andrews book, "How Do You Kill 11 Million People?" Joel Manby, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment contributes the the management/leadership literature. Today people are teaching that you do not motivate or manage with "sticks and carrots" but with affirmation. In Manby's case love is an essential ingredient. Jonathan Merritt wrote "A Faith of Our Own." He represents young evangelicals who are putting their own mark on faith rather than simply continuing the faith of their childhood. I read a novel by Wendel Berry; "Jabber Crow." For any who have rural roots or grew up in the country this will remind you of some familiar ways of life in rural America. Patrick Lencioni wrote "The Advantage." This is another leadership/management book that I found very stimulating. Michael Atchison (a member of Platte Woods) published the novel XL. I personally found it insightful. "Deep and Wide" by Andy Stanley is an important book. I am excited about learning ways to develop a church that people who do not like to go to church will love to attend. I also mentioned a number of podcasts and preachers I listen to. Catalyst podcast with Brad Lominick and Ken Coleman is filled with insights, new books, how churches and ministries are doing social action and many young preachers are featured. Some of the preachers I listen to on my iPod include Andy Stanley, Charles Stanley, John Ortberg, Joel Osteen (mainly for his joke!), Craig Groeschel, Tim Keller, Rick Warren and Bill Hybels. Of course you can always go to the Platte Woods UMC website and listen to our messages. It's been a good day. Getting ready for the new year with snow and all that. It's also been a good year. I think I'll read a little this evening. I hope you've had a good day. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We had a blessed day at church today. Music is so great! It is always good to be surrounded by such a gracious Spirit. We are gearing up for Candlelight Services tomorrow. We begin at 3 and continue with two services at 5 (sanctuary and Memorial Hall), 7, 9 and 11. Christmas Eve is always a highlight of our year. One of the big discussion questions among some of my clergy peers has been about whether or not it is appropriate to serve communion on Christmas Eve. There is not a true concensus but generally it seems we should do what fits our context. That is pretty obvious. The issue really gets at people who may be coming to the church for the first or the first time in a long time. Frankly holy communion is a bit of an "insider" practice. So practically all the clergy who anticipate "unchurched" people attending are reluctant to offer communion. We will serve communion at our services with the exception of 5 and 9. It is a bit of an experiment. We are trying to be as welcoming to our new friends as possible. We will continue to study and learn. Christmas Day we anticipate serviing 200 meals to people who will be working during the noon hour. We have had a great response to this ministry. Hopefully people will get some down time in the days following Christmas. I certainly plan to enjoy some time with our family. Next weekend we will end the year with a message "What I have Learned This Year." I hope you will join us. I am actually still learning some things and hope to share a few ideas with you. If you do not have your shopping finished better hurry. I think I will head out for one more trip. It's been a great day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The music of Christmas has the power to life hearts above the sorrow the world thrusts upon us. The music of Christmas has the power to bring light to penetrate the darkness in which we often stumble. The music of Christmas has the power to point to redemption from sin. The music of Christmas has the power to bring our memory of the story to our present experience. The music of Christmas was shared by our Wesleyan Choir this weekend. It was great. Perhaps worship truly does make a difference. Perhaps worship truly does lift the spirit. Perhaps worship is what we must do to be overcomers of sin and darkness. We continue to pray for all those touched by tragedy. We pray "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." We see the "kingdom" in the child that was born. Together we continue the way to the manger and trust that once again we will experience the life of Christ in our heart. It's been a grace filled day. I hope you've be touched by grace too. steve