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