Reflections From Sunday Evening

I keep thinking about the man in the story who spent 43 years in a 6x9 foot cell. Even more striking is the sense of being overwhelmed when experiencing freedom. The vastness of the sky above, the ocean before, and crowds of people seem too much. There were times the certainty of confinement seemed preferable to the vastness of freedom.
For many people the vastness of God’s Grace can seem overwhelming. How do we function in the Spirit? Some would rather settle into a rules based, law governed, faith. But that is so foreign to the life Jesus invites us to live.
It may seem overwhelming but with the Lords guidance we find fullness and abundance. Follow the path.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today we talked about a Pathway of Discipleship. We are moving from an emphasis on programs to thinking more along the lines of pathway. Programs are good and important in the life of the church, but we can get over saturated with them. When that happens programs can actually become regressive. Enter pathway - steps along new life in Christ.
We also shared a new worship schedule that will begin September 15. Beginning that weekend we will have services at 5:00 Saturday, 9:30 Contemporary worship in the Worship Center, and 11:00 Traditional worship in the sanctuary.
I hope you find the same excitement about what God is doing as we step into the fall.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Backpack blessing. We invited children to come forward during prayer time this weekend to pray for them as they get ready for a new school year. The kids seemed fine with standing up in front of everyone. Even a couple of them took a bow!
We prayed for a great school year. We prayed for the contents of their backpacks to be used for learning. It was a true blessing.
Another part was asking the congregation to show them some love. We clapped and cheered for the kids. We even agreed to pray for them - and all those in school - through the school year.
While I was doing that it hit me how much of an encouragement this could be. We invited the kids to look at the people in the congregation. They waved. They clapped. They cheered.
Then I asked them to remember they were being prayed for every day. When they did not feel like going to school, or they felt bad for whatever reason, I wanted them to remember their church was cheering for them.
That’s what we do. We cheer for each other. Young, old, middle, we are cheering for one another.
So, pray for your church family. Cheer them on.and remember, this week, when you feel discouraged or you doubt, fear, or question, you are being cheered on.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Violence. We witness a great evil in our country when one angry prison is capable of atrocities that hurt us all. There seems to be an evolution of evil.
We are all acquainted with mischief. Just this weekend someone scrubbed our church website, got contacts information of many of our teachers and group leaders and sent an e-mail. Trust me, I did
not ask anyone for a favor much less some gaming gift card. Delete.
No one is injured by this mischief, just irritated.
A step beyond that is malicious mischief. That seeks to do harm.
Then there is something that goes beyond malicious mischief.
In the hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Martin Luther identified the source of evil.
“For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe,
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate.
On earth is not his equal.
Cruel hate.
This is what we see. Angry, misguided individuals act on cruel hate.
Our police and first responders step in and limit the carnage. They were able to save countless lives in Dayton, Ohio this weekend.
Politicians have a responsibility. Some say “ arm everyone” while others call for gun control ranging
from “responsible” to “ total”.
If a young man had not taken a gun to First Friday’s in Kansas City, gotten into some sort of argument or altercation, then fired his gun in the air, a 25 year old woman would not have lost her life. Families are devastated.
People want to fix our problems. Let us encourage all in their efforts.
But what about us? What about we who follow Jesus? How do we combat “cruel evil”?
We turn again to Martin Luther.
“ Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing;
Doesn’t ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle,”

Jesus Christ defeats cruel evil.
Christ lives in us and empowers us to defeat cruel evil.
Christ is our hope - the hope of the world. We are called to make Hope the new reality.
By God’s Grace - it’s been a good day.
I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Finished our stay home vacation. Royals won in a game with plenty of action.
Earlier this month I was able to teach a theology class to our Course of Study students. That is joyful!
I witnessed a great Vacation Bible School. (I even got a shirt) That was joyful.
I got to do some work around the house. ( Not so fun)
I did some reading. A couple of books about WW II and President Truman. Those were deeply challenging and troubling times in America but it is inspiring to be reminded how the USA prevailed.
Another joy was being in worship at PWC through the month. It is greatly encouraging to watch younger clergy step up and lead/serve.
The summer months give me renewed hope as we face challenging times in nation and church. But guess what, we have been here before.
We have faith.
We have gifts.
We have leaders.
We have servants.
We have truth.
We have hope.
Above all, we have Jesus.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

50 years ago Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Buzz Aldren soon followed and was the first person to have communion on the moon.   NASA had spent untold hours of planning and preparing for an event that would change the world.
50 years ago some people planned a music festival that exceeded expectations. We still think of Woodstock as a culturally defining experience.
This summer many people have been reflecting on 1969. That Apollo 11 thing was a big deal!
I wonder what people in 2069 will be reflecting on? People are making plans today that will result in experiences, events, and discoveries that will change the world.
There are other ways to put these things in perspective. Who is being prayed for today that will make the joyful discovery of Christ and have their life changed?
How will the Church of Jesus Christ experience change that will be celebrated 50 years from now?
What changes in your life will God bring about today that will affect someone 50 years from now?
Ready? Today recognize where The Lord is working in you.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

It’s good to take a breath. Getting ready to teach a class in course of study next week. This week a little down time to re-charge. Also a chance to see how other churches are doing things. We know the popular narrative is that people simply do not attend church these days. Experience bears this out.
Today Cindy and I met our kids and went to Life Church in Overland Park.
On the way I observed several people out walking or biking. (I actually saw several in my own neighborhood when I went out early.). There was a ball field across the street from the church that was crowded with people. I saw a few folks mowing their lawn. Sunday morning.
But I also experienced a large church filled with people for multiple services.
This happens all over the world. If you would have awakened in Cuba this morning and headed for church, you better be early or there would not be a seat. That story would be replicated in many African nations. All over South and Central America people throng to hear the Word of God proclaimed. In a few years China will have more Christians than any nation on earth. And their government is not exactly supportive.
American church attendance may be at a low ebb but following Jesus is at an all time high.
So...
Be encouraged.
Be prayerful.
Be faithful.
Be in the middle of what God is doing.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve