Reflections From Sunday Evening

I do not remember a Palm Sunday with a winter storm warning. But now I have that experience. Could this possibly be put in the category of "once in a lifetime?" I hope so. There are some other once in a lifetime experiences that I think of... My wedding day The birth of our first child - it's a boy! The birth of our daughter notification that I had been awarded the degree of Doctor of Ministry (they call it a "terminal" degree) What about those "once in a lifetime" spiritual experiences? Baptism First communion remembered First funeral attended Today may have been a once in a lifetime as far as snowy weather on Palm Sunday but there are many more great experiences awaiting us. - Next week we will gather and celebrate Easter - Resurrection - Jesus the first fruits of resurrection - a once in a lifetime experience! The seeds sown for our own anticipated resurrection life. On another note - Great thanks for those who came to church today to make things possible for us to serve pepole coming to worship. We had music - thanks Walter, Nancy, band, praise team and choir. We had worship - thanks Ginger. We were able to live stream the service - thanks Curtis. We had the behind the scenes things in order - thanks Kenny, Chuck, Shannon, Brian, acolytes (and parents who were able to bring children). We had Palm Sunday procession of palms - thanks to all the children and their teachers and helpers. We had people gather to experience God's touch and be a light of grace for others. Frankly its been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve By the way a person should never try to actuallly name people they want to express appreciation for since someone will always be overlooked. But anyway - thanks Jessica, Janice, Sunday School teachers, confirmation teachers just in case someone came - and many others. Another wow thanks - Dan Reid and his team who cleared the parking lot and sidewalks. A job very well done.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Our dictionary definition of hope is "desire with expectation of fulfillment." Today we talked about the three components of the definition. Here is a reminder. When our desires are consistent with the heart of God (which happens when we spend time in God's presence) there is an increasing degree of expectation for fulfillment. There are a couple of things we incorporate into our equation that will raise our level of expectation. Faith and Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes and refreshes us our faith is activated. When faith is Spirit activated hope rises. My prayer for you is that your hope rise. We may anticipate the Spirit stirring our souls and refreshing our faith. Enter your week with renewed expectation. Hope is desire with expectation of fulfillmnent. 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 the embodiment of hope. God embodied hope in His son Jesus. Now the tangible expression of hope is found in people - followers of Jesus Christ. Speicifically you and I have been made the embodiment of hope. It is up to us to bring hope to those around us who face the day with very little or no hope. We are seeking to be a church that is healthy, vital and growing. It is a fact that when a church is healty and vital growth ensues. Health, vitality and growth are the components of hope. Our series this month is Hope Epidemic. Together we share a hope in Christ that is contagious. Be part of the hope epidemic that will change the lives of the hopeless we will encounter this week. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today I finished three weeks of sharing vision 2013 with various adult Sunday School classes. We've been blessed by Pastor Ginger's message series this month. Her willingness to preach a three week series provided me the opportunity to spend time with many people in a small group setting. It has been a joy to share where we are in the life of our church and where we are heading. The big take away I hoped to communicate was "decisions made today will determine the health, vitality and growth of PWUMC 20 years from now." I appreciate being able to share with each group. Next week we begin a new message series called HOPE EPIDEMIC. I have been writting messages and am up to Easter. You will hear plenty about hope in the next few weeks. Here is the "spoiler alert." "Hope is Desire with expectation of fulfillment." It's been a good day. Still get to share in worship at NEXT in a couple of hours. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Random thoughts today... I was blessed by Pastor Ginger's message today. It is absolutely true that the seasons of life pass quickly. New resolve to experience each chapter to the full. Why can't the MU Tigers finish a game at the end. The difference between a decent season and a great one comes down to finishing well. In 5 losses this season Mizzou has been in position to win in the final minute but failed to do so. The difference in a record of 19-8 is much different than 24-3 which is what they would have if they always finished well. Four games to go so who knows. But don't blink! Finish well. Looks like another round of snow this week. Pastor Curtis helped put it in perspective. We DO need the moisture. But why not just snow in lakes, streams, ponds and fields instead of city streets - and my driveway? Guess it doesn't work that way. Just stay safe. It is great being able to share with various Sunday School classes this month. I don't have much opportunity to do so. Enjoying sharing vision 2013. How to listen to a sermon: I shared a thought on that this morning. Ginger - all the pastors I know - spend hours in prayer and preparation to bring a Word from the Lord each week. If you want to listen better make it a practice to pray to hear from the Lord. You probably don't need hours, just a breath - God, may I hear your Word today. Great potential. I was driving home from my folks in Appleton City yesterday. Travelling along Highway 52 I noticed a lady walking toward her mailbox and she slipped and fell. I tried to watch the rearview mirror but wasn't sure if she got up or not. I told Cindy a lady fell. Then turned into a driveway and went back to make sure she got up. I would have felt pretty bad if something would have happened. Anyway when we got back she was back in her house. I suppose all was well. Then I looked for a place to turn around and continue on. I pulled into a farm drive and got stuck! But it wasn't too bad. Pulled up a little and gave it the gas and was back on track. What do you make of that? One more thing. Academy Awards tonight. We have members who have seen all movies and could make a very educated prediction on the winners. Personally - I haven't seen any of them. Not much of a movie guy (at least not good, critically acclaimed movies). But enjoy. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I made a quick trip to the hometown this afternoon. Mom and Dad are preparing to move into an assisted living place in Appleton City. We wanted to go down and see their new place. They will be living among familiar people who are already looking forward to them joining their community. We are so thankful for a place where they can enjoy themselves and not have anything to worry about. I still expect the folks at the restaurant will see plenty of them even though meals are included in their new place. I have to say my hometown is an amazing place. Dad was in business there for over 40 years. Mom must have taught everyone in town at some time. They are fixtures in A.C. I can't begin to express how grateful we all are for the way people care for my folks. They stop in to visit. They offer to take them places. They look in on them and make sure things are ok. It is a real source of comfort knowing that so many help our family. In a very real way this is what the church is like. We care for each other. We help. We serve. We make sure. I recognize so many of the characteristics of my hometown in our church. You are a true blessing with whom to share life. Community in a Christian sense is a wonderful thing. When we left this afternoon we got together and said a little prayer. I am sure my mom and dad will bring even more light to a great place and that God will bless them greatly in this new step of life. Just like God will do with each of us as we continue to trust in Him. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve