Today Cindy and I took the day to visit another church. When I take a week off I like to worship in another place. It's good to see friends and also helpful to see what others are doing. This morning Cindy and I attended the NorthStar UMC in Liberty. This is about a 10-year-old church. They are doing some good things. We were blessed by the worship and preaching of Jim Hoffman. He had me searching for things I might be unadvisedly attached to.
It was about 10:15 when we left there, got in the car and thought about where to go next. There are a couple of great churches in the area. We thought about going to one of them and I know it would have been a joyful blessing. Then I said, "You want to go to Platte Woods?" Cindy said yes and so we came to our favorite church for the 11:00 service. And I am glad we did.
Today's service brought great joy to me. Everyone did super in putting the service together. Curtis' sermon was right on. (Made me cry!) The drama had my heart from beginning to end. The worship was great - way to go choir and Susan. Plus I got to sit by Cindy and Curtis' parents!
It is such a blessing to be part of what God is doing at PWUMC. The staff is fabulous. The leadership is second to none. You - the people of our church - are making this a place where people may come and experience the saving and perfecting grace of God in Jesus Christ.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
business card on your car?
Evidently someone chose our church to put business cards on everyone's car today. It sends you to a Web site. I decided to check it out and found some of the old ultra-conservative, anti-church stuff I ran across 30 years ago. If you have looked at the Web site I would encourage you not to be alarmed. A telling point deals with what translation of the Bible is appropriate. The source of this Web site insists only the King James Version is a legitimate translation. This is simply not true. Those who advocate this position fail (in my opinion) to recognize that the KJV, just like any other translation is just that - a translation. You better learn Biblical Greek and Hebrew if you are going to get a "purer" translation. Yes, even if you read Greek and Hebrew you must still translate the words. Suffice it to say that God is the author of His Word and (I believe) graciously gifts people to translate, expound and interpret the Word for our salvation and edification.
I don't think I'll point out anything else from the Web site. There was a time in my faith life that this sort of misinformation and warning would trouble me. But not today! We're not an apostate church - We are not sold to the world. We are a faithful expression of the Body of Christ.
I don't think I'll point out anything else from the Web site. There was a time in my faith life that this sort of misinformation and warning would trouble me. But not today! We're not an apostate church - We are not sold to the world. We are a faithful expression of the Body of Christ.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
The children kept coming at the 11:00 service. I'm not sure how many of our Vacation Bible School kids came to sing at church this morning but they certainly were a great hit! Isn't it amazing how much energy and excitement children bring to worship? Today was just an extension of the joy expressed all week during a super VBS.
A couple of things hit me during church this weekend. It is fun when you start seeing things while you're preaching! Whether our obstacle to grace is financial debt (which is what we focused on this week) or something else the principles seem to be the same.
1. Ask God for help. This is what the widow asked Elisha (II Kings 4:1-7) to do. The prophet is the representative of God. When faced with a struggle, an obstacle, or a barrier - ask God for help.
2. The insight we saw today dealt with financial debt -- satisfy your obligations.
3. The next insight follows directly - live within your means.
4. The essential principle to remember is that no situation is hopeless - as long as God is involved and with us! That is good news.
Today was one of those days where you got the sense that God was with us. Now recognize God's presence in your life as you move into this new week.
I am sort of on "vacation" this week. Trying to take a few days off and recharge the spirit a bit. I'll be around and see you soon. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. (Although I am tempted to modify the closing from Charles Gibson to Walter Cronkite.) That's the way it is July 19, 2009. Good night.
steve
A couple of things hit me during church this weekend. It is fun when you start seeing things while you're preaching! Whether our obstacle to grace is financial debt (which is what we focused on this week) or something else the principles seem to be the same.
1. Ask God for help. This is what the widow asked Elisha (II Kings 4:1-7) to do. The prophet is the representative of God. When faced with a struggle, an obstacle, or a barrier - ask God for help.
2. The insight we saw today dealt with financial debt -- satisfy your obligations.
3. The next insight follows directly - live within your means.
4. The essential principle to remember is that no situation is hopeless - as long as God is involved and with us! That is good news.
Today was one of those days where you got the sense that God was with us. Now recognize God's presence in your life as you move into this new week.
I am sort of on "vacation" this week. Trying to take a few days off and recharge the spirit a bit. I'll be around and see you soon. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. (Although I am tempted to modify the closing from Charles Gibson to Walter Cronkite.) That's the way it is July 19, 2009. Good night.
steve
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Ahh summer -- nothing quite like it. People are taking trips -- going places -- doing things. It doesn't do a great deal for church attendance but it sure is a great time. Even with many people busy here and there we had a really good day at PWUMC. Ginger preached a great sermon on Freedom From Doubt. We could all find ourselves in the story somewhere! The worship was good. God was with us. It was a good day - and we did have more folks in church than last week!
There was more. This afternoon Roy is taking a group to a leadership conference at Saddleback Church in California. Rachel Zolnowski and Bob Hummel are going with 10 of our youth to this leadership conference. I took a moment to share with the group as they were preparing to leave. This can be one of the great experiences of their lives. Saddleback Church (Rick Warren is the pastor) is one of the great churches in the history of time! These 10 young men and women will have an opportunity to gain insight and learn things that will stay with them the rest of their lives. I am praying that they bring back a new spark and we soon see the fruit of their efforts.
I told the group how neat this experience is. Most of us never had an opportunity to do anything like this when we were in youth group. The big "trip" I went on was a sub-district meeting in Nevada - 30 miles from home!
Be in prayer for our youth as they travel and experience this leadership conference this week.
And while you are praying -- here is another big one. VBS -- Vacation Bible School -- starts in the morning. Ms. Anne and so many others have been putting in long hours in preparing for this significant week in the life of our church. It is a proven statistic that the majority of people who put their trust in Jesus Christ do so in childhood. There is no more significant group in our church than our children. This week we will be putting all we have toward their spiritual development. VBS is one of the great things we do here at PWUMC. At last count I heard there are 234 children registered. We'll have a few extras and a few not make it but it is going to be a bunch of kids running around church this week! On top of the children we have many, many youth and adults who will be helping (I see Cindy working on her lessons now!). We'll give it our best. Please keep our children and VBS in your prayers - May God grant us a great week and may children know the love of Christ like never before.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
There was more. This afternoon Roy is taking a group to a leadership conference at Saddleback Church in California. Rachel Zolnowski and Bob Hummel are going with 10 of our youth to this leadership conference. I took a moment to share with the group as they were preparing to leave. This can be one of the great experiences of their lives. Saddleback Church (Rick Warren is the pastor) is one of the great churches in the history of time! These 10 young men and women will have an opportunity to gain insight and learn things that will stay with them the rest of their lives. I am praying that they bring back a new spark and we soon see the fruit of their efforts.
I told the group how neat this experience is. Most of us never had an opportunity to do anything like this when we were in youth group. The big "trip" I went on was a sub-district meeting in Nevada - 30 miles from home!
Be in prayer for our youth as they travel and experience this leadership conference this week.
And while you are praying -- here is another big one. VBS -- Vacation Bible School -- starts in the morning. Ms. Anne and so many others have been putting in long hours in preparing for this significant week in the life of our church. It is a proven statistic that the majority of people who put their trust in Jesus Christ do so in childhood. There is no more significant group in our church than our children. This week we will be putting all we have toward their spiritual development. VBS is one of the great things we do here at PWUMC. At last count I heard there are 234 children registered. We'll have a few extras and a few not make it but it is going to be a bunch of kids running around church this week! On top of the children we have many, many youth and adults who will be helping (I see Cindy working on her lessons now!). We'll give it our best. Please keep our children and VBS in your prayers - May God grant us a great week and may children know the love of Christ like never before.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
The insight from this weekend could be summed up by saying "bricks from straw." It comes from the story in Exodus where Pharaoh withholds straw (an ingredient in brick making in Egypt back in that time) and forces the Hebrew slaves into oppression. Interpreted this could mean we have certain needs, resources are diminished, and demands are increased. This is a real formula for oppression.
We see it in the Exodus story. We could see it in the American Revolution. We see it throughout history. Anytime some tyrant is in power and seeks to maintain what they have by oppressing people they are resorting to "bricks without straw." One observation is that whenever this happens rather than ensuring that the oppressed people are "kept in line" the seeds of freedom are being planted.
The whole "bricks without straw" idea may also be seen in our personal lives. There are factors that line up to press us into a mold or life that God never intended. Needs persist, resources diminish, demands increase.
The good news is that Jesus Christ is our sure source - God meets us at the point of our every need - The Lord is more than sufficient to empower us to meet the demands of the day.
That was the main point from today's sermon. I hope everyone has been able to celebrate the tremendous gift of freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States. I trust you are being renewed and ready to step back to work, worship and service. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
We see it in the Exodus story. We could see it in the American Revolution. We see it throughout history. Anytime some tyrant is in power and seeks to maintain what they have by oppressing people they are resorting to "bricks without straw." One observation is that whenever this happens rather than ensuring that the oppressed people are "kept in line" the seeds of freedom are being planted.
The whole "bricks without straw" idea may also be seen in our personal lives. There are factors that line up to press us into a mold or life that God never intended. Needs persist, resources diminish, demands increase.
The good news is that Jesus Christ is our sure source - God meets us at the point of our every need - The Lord is more than sufficient to empower us to meet the demands of the day.
That was the main point from today's sermon. I hope everyone has been able to celebrate the tremendous gift of freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States. I trust you are being renewed and ready to step back to work, worship and service. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Let me start by saying this was a good day. The series on Young's book The Shack went very well. I sensed the Lord among us as we looked at the theme of forgiveness today. I'm glad I didn't miss it.
Which brings me to another thought. Transistor radios. I had my transistor when I was a little kid and used it to listen to the Kansa City A's baseball games. I did not miss a game (or so it seems now.) In the early 60's you didn't dare miss one of those games because they only won ever week or so and you didn't want to miss it. That transistor radio made it so I didn't miss anything.
I used my transistor radio in other ways. I listened to WHB 710 am. Phil Jay, Johnny Dolan - they were some of the deejays. They played top 40 songs. Those were the childhood days of rock 'n roll. I made up this game where I used a golf ball like a baseball in the milkbarn. It had concrete walls and floor and helped the old reflexes when I used it as a ball field. I broke every window in the place at least once. Thanks dad, for not getting mad or making me stop. I listened to WHB while I played hour after hour.
I listened to one of those A's games one night on my transistor radio, while I was hitting rocks with a plastic bat in the driveway. (It was good to live in the country - the only windows I broke were in that same milkbarn. Orlando Pena was a pitcher for the A's. One night I listened and he hit a grand slam homerun. I'm glad I didn't miss that. Especially since that may have been the hear he lost 20 games - which is pretty hard to do.
I still had a transistor radion when I went to college. Cindy got me a set of golf clubs and I took a class and started playing. In those days the golf course in Baldwin City, Ks. had sand greens. I guess it is still a sand green course. It really works better for a cross country course than a golf course but that is where I started to play. I paid $25 for an annual family membership with unlimited play. If I could get that deal at the National I'd start playing golf again! Anyway, I would play practically every day. And take my transistor radio with me so I wouldn't miss the K.C. Royals games.
The bottom line is that since I was a little kid I've not wanted to miss things that were important to me. Baseball games - whatever I could get on my transistor radio. Times have changed. Now it's an Ipod. Nobody does transistor radios anymore. But I still don't like to miss things.
Now here is the jump. I come to church week after week (I know it is pretty much expected of me but I really think I'd want to be here even if I didn't have to) because I find that God is among us. God does amazing things. And I don't want to MISS anything God is doing.
Today was a good day not to miss. It was a good day to reflect on the forgiving grace of God. I think it helped me to develop that idea of not wanting to miss anything when I was a kid - I still don't want to miss anything.
I hope you've had a good day.
steve
Which brings me to another thought. Transistor radios. I had my transistor when I was a little kid and used it to listen to the Kansa City A's baseball games. I did not miss a game (or so it seems now.) In the early 60's you didn't dare miss one of those games because they only won ever week or so and you didn't want to miss it. That transistor radio made it so I didn't miss anything.
I used my transistor radio in other ways. I listened to WHB 710 am. Phil Jay, Johnny Dolan - they were some of the deejays. They played top 40 songs. Those were the childhood days of rock 'n roll. I made up this game where I used a golf ball like a baseball in the milkbarn. It had concrete walls and floor and helped the old reflexes when I used it as a ball field. I broke every window in the place at least once. Thanks dad, for not getting mad or making me stop. I listened to WHB while I played hour after hour.
I listened to one of those A's games one night on my transistor radio, while I was hitting rocks with a plastic bat in the driveway. (It was good to live in the country - the only windows I broke were in that same milkbarn. Orlando Pena was a pitcher for the A's. One night I listened and he hit a grand slam homerun. I'm glad I didn't miss that. Especially since that may have been the hear he lost 20 games - which is pretty hard to do.
I still had a transistor radion when I went to college. Cindy got me a set of golf clubs and I took a class and started playing. In those days the golf course in Baldwin City, Ks. had sand greens. I guess it is still a sand green course. It really works better for a cross country course than a golf course but that is where I started to play. I paid $25 for an annual family membership with unlimited play. If I could get that deal at the National I'd start playing golf again! Anyway, I would play practically every day. And take my transistor radio with me so I wouldn't miss the K.C. Royals games.
The bottom line is that since I was a little kid I've not wanted to miss things that were important to me. Baseball games - whatever I could get on my transistor radio. Times have changed. Now it's an Ipod. Nobody does transistor radios anymore. But I still don't like to miss things.
Now here is the jump. I come to church week after week (I know it is pretty much expected of me but I really think I'd want to be here even if I didn't have to) because I find that God is among us. God does amazing things. And I don't want to MISS anything God is doing.
Today was a good day not to miss. It was a good day to reflect on the forgiving grace of God. I think it helped me to develop that idea of not wanting to miss anything when I was a kid - I still don't want to miss anything.
I hope you've had a good day.
steve
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Reflections From Sunday Evening
I called dad this afternoon. Happy Father's Day. I looked in the balcony at church today and saw Bobby, Andrea and Marcus. It made a happy Father's Day. I got home from church and Cindy, Bobby and Andrea had fixed lunch - hamburgers & bratwurst - homemade ice cream and blackberry cobbler (i start the diet tomorrow). I tried to watch the Royals but oh boy. Golf is much more interesting (imagine that).
Today church was alive. At least that was what I felt from where I was. The music was great. I KNOW my Redeemer Lives - thanks Susan N. Curtis made me excited praying for campers and leading us to the throne of grace. While I was preaching YOU brought me to life.
Preaching is an amazing thing. Sermon preparation starts early in the week. It continues each day. The study and work gets done. That's just part of it. I have discovered that I can write a sermon. I can deliver a message. But i can't preach unless the Holy Spirit shows up. I am learning the key to preaching is found in YOUR eyes. When there is hope, anticipation and a sense that you are really listening for a word from God - a preacher can PREACH. I don't know how you found it today, but you were alive.
My prayer is that you find in the core of your being that you truly believe that God is good, God is love and God is trustworthy. I pray that in the core of your being you truly experience the perfect goodness of God. I pray that as only God is able you face tomorrow KNOWING at the core of who you are that God is good, is love and is absolutely trustworthy.
Wow. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Today church was alive. At least that was what I felt from where I was. The music was great. I KNOW my Redeemer Lives - thanks Susan N. Curtis made me excited praying for campers and leading us to the throne of grace. While I was preaching YOU brought me to life.
Preaching is an amazing thing. Sermon preparation starts early in the week. It continues each day. The study and work gets done. That's just part of it. I have discovered that I can write a sermon. I can deliver a message. But i can't preach unless the Holy Spirit shows up. I am learning the key to preaching is found in YOUR eyes. When there is hope, anticipation and a sense that you are really listening for a word from God - a preacher can PREACH. I don't know how you found it today, but you were alive.
My prayer is that you find in the core of your being that you truly believe that God is good, God is love and God is trustworthy. I pray that in the core of your being you truly experience the perfect goodness of God. I pray that as only God is able you face tomorrow KNOWING at the core of who you are that God is good, is love and is absolutely trustworthy.
Wow. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
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