Easter is always a "Wow" and this year was no exception. Thanks to all for the great music and service that goes into a weekend like this.
The emphasis was on the witnesses to the resurrection. Peter and the early apostles proved to be credible witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. The credible witness of Christians has continued through the ages and we continue to have the Church of Jesus Christ alive and well in the world today.
I was thinking about the idea of credible witness. Who has credibility with you? There is this dispute between Charter Cable (Spectrum) and Fox Sports. Will we continue to get the Royals broadcasts? Who has more credibility; the cable provider or the producers of the ball games? I will let you decide. I have my opinion.
But there are more serious issues in the world. On this Easter Day I think of where do we find a credible witness to Jesus Christ and the truth of the Gospel? The American Church is struggling to provide the type of credibility that captures the imagination of people, especially people who do not have a relationship with Christ. Frankly we give the impression that "church" is primarily about personal rights. Can be important but is this our best?
Last week two Coptic Churches were bombed. The Christian minority in Egypt was faced with terror and death. They responded by reciting the Nicene Creed. (They have strong, clear belief) They exhibited forgiveness - the heart of Christianity. They continue to provide a witness for Christ in the world today. It is a witness of faith, truth and the love of Christ.
A credible witness? Where will our area look to find a credible witness for Christ? At you? At me?
It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Today we preached on the text from Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Weeds. It is the parable where Jesus talks about a field planted with good seeds then an enemy comes along and sows weeds among the wheat. The servants would pull up the weeds but the master says no. When wheat and weeds have their roots mingled you will ruin the wheat if you pull up the weeds. Jesus explains that this will all be sorted out at the end of the age. We used this story to stress patience (which we have been talking about each week during Lent). The patience we stress is not idle. Our patience teaches us to trust God.
As I worked on this I remembered a story from Fred Craddock about the Parable of the Weeds. He put it in a different context with a different message. He talked about people in the church who sometimes get "read off" the membership rolls.
We have this process where if a person does not attend worship or participate in any way for a period of time their names may be read at a "charge conference" and if nothing changes over a year they may be removed from the membership rolls.
When Craddock talked about this he made the point that if you pull out a "weed" you may actually take out a follower of Jesus. So let the field grow and allow God to sort it out.
A few years ago I decided his little lesson made more sense to me than some provision in the Book of Discipline. Our practice has not been to read names and take people off the rolls. I find myself uninterested in taking people off. I want to be busy bringing people on!
Who knows why someone looks like a weed for a season of life. We may read them incorrectly. They may just appear to be a weed but by God's grace (patience) we one day realize they are good wheat ready to enter into God's store.
So we may write to our "in-active" members but it will be to bless them and ask how to best pray. We watch growth take place and trust God to produce the good crop in the church.
It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
As I worked on this I remembered a story from Fred Craddock about the Parable of the Weeds. He put it in a different context with a different message. He talked about people in the church who sometimes get "read off" the membership rolls.
We have this process where if a person does not attend worship or participate in any way for a period of time their names may be read at a "charge conference" and if nothing changes over a year they may be removed from the membership rolls.
When Craddock talked about this he made the point that if you pull out a "weed" you may actually take out a follower of Jesus. So let the field grow and allow God to sort it out.
A few years ago I decided his little lesson made more sense to me than some provision in the Book of Discipline. Our practice has not been to read names and take people off the rolls. I find myself uninterested in taking people off. I want to be busy bringing people on!
Who knows why someone looks like a weed for a season of life. We may read them incorrectly. They may just appear to be a weed but by God's grace (patience) we one day realize they are good wheat ready to enter into God's store.
So we may write to our "in-active" members but it will be to bless them and ask how to best pray. We watch growth take place and trust God to produce the good crop in the church.
It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Reflections From Sunday Evening
The theme of holiness streams throughout the Bible. Holiness is found in the Old Testament. Holiness runs clear through the New Testament. Holiness is a theological theme we have studied and discussed over and over.
My great-grandmother went to the Church of God Holiness. She was a "holiness" church person. Her holiness was of the sort where she did not wear jewelry and maintained a modest outward appearance.
Holiness has been defined by dietary laws (Old Testament) and avoiding sin.
Holiness of heart and life is something I continually pursue along with millions of others. My problem is I am not sure exactly what it looks like. I have concluded that holiness is not merely the absence of anything "bad". I can move in the direction of perfect love for God and others but find that hard to describe. I do know holiness is much more than self-denial and self-righteousness!
Currently I think like this. There is a biblical image of "seeing in a glass darkly". That could be a mirror that reflects or a glass that is looked through. The point is made that the glass is cloudy, or tarnished. (That is one way we describe human nature in light of Original Sin - the image of God in us is sadly tarnished).
So what if holiness was like a crystal clear glass. When a person looks through the glass into our heart they see Jesus with perfect clarity. So holiness is having the tarnish removed so others may see Christ in us with clarity.
There is more. We are also able to see Christ in others and in the world with clarity.
These would be the results of holiness. So how does the tarnish get removed. We can surely remove some obstacles from our own lives. But it is ultimately not up to us. Grace upon grace continues to transform us and holiness is the result.
I pray you see Christ in the world and in the lives of others with greater clarity this week. That is a sign of holiness! May others see Christ in us with increasing clarity.
It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
My great-grandmother went to the Church of God Holiness. She was a "holiness" church person. Her holiness was of the sort where she did not wear jewelry and maintained a modest outward appearance.
Holiness has been defined by dietary laws (Old Testament) and avoiding sin.
Holiness of heart and life is something I continually pursue along with millions of others. My problem is I am not sure exactly what it looks like. I have concluded that holiness is not merely the absence of anything "bad". I can move in the direction of perfect love for God and others but find that hard to describe. I do know holiness is much more than self-denial and self-righteousness!
Currently I think like this. There is a biblical image of "seeing in a glass darkly". That could be a mirror that reflects or a glass that is looked through. The point is made that the glass is cloudy, or tarnished. (That is one way we describe human nature in light of Original Sin - the image of God in us is sadly tarnished).
So what if holiness was like a crystal clear glass. When a person looks through the glass into our heart they see Jesus with perfect clarity. So holiness is having the tarnish removed so others may see Christ in us with clarity.
There is more. We are also able to see Christ in others and in the world with clarity.
These would be the results of holiness. So how does the tarnish get removed. We can surely remove some obstacles from our own lives. But it is ultimately not up to us. Grace upon grace continues to transform us and holiness is the result.
I pray you see Christ in the world and in the lives of others with greater clarity this week. That is a sign of holiness! May others see Christ in us with increasing clarity.
It's been a great day. I hope you've had a great day too.
steve
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
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
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
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
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
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