December 25, 2018


Church in the Windshield

Christmas Day 2018

 

We light all of the candles on this Christmas Day; the white candle represents Jesus Christ. The Hope candle, the peace candle, the joy candle and the love candle are all a part of the Spirit of God.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
What a day! Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman Empire.  Let me tell you there was a lot of controversy over that one, especially the Jewish who were not too fond of Rome anyway. The prescribed time came and people began pouring into Bethlehem and Jerusalem. People have been coming through Bethlehem for several days now. I would complain myself but I realized that this event could really help my business and other merchants realized that it could help them as well.
About mid-morning people began arriving in Bethlehem at least those that didn’t have far to travel. As the day progressed group after group made their way into Bethlehem. In those days people mostly walked; some rode donkeys and other means of travel. No matter the mode of travel, people usually stayed in groups. These groups varied in size from five to twenty with the smaller groups being the ones that could walk a bit faster. People traveled in groups not only to have someone to talk to on the journey, but there was less chance of highway robbers preying upon them. The slower groups were a bit larger and would arrive later in the day and some of them even toward evening. It was toward evening and my inn was already full of paying customers; I was pleased to say the least. Other merchants were pleased as well and I could hear them in the market place, chanting “Fresh bread . . . fresh fish . . . tents repaired  . . . new clothing” Some of the merchants lit torches so they could collect their profits late into the night.  There was a couple that came to the inn that night, he called himself Joseph and introduced his wife as Mary. Neither of them talked a lot but I noticed that she was obviously pregnant. Mary seemed totally exhausted and I knew the journey had been a difficult one for her.  “Please sir, do you have a place for us to stay,” Joseph asked? I responded, “I wish I did but as you can see, the inn is full tonight.” “You will need to find
another place.” They turned to leave and I saw the disappointment on their faces.  “Wait a minute,” I said, “There is a stable out back that might give you some shelter for the night, if you don’t mind sleeping with the animals.” The couple agreed and I showed them the stable.  They made themselves at home in the stable as best they could. I went back to the front of the inn and spent some time getting ready for the next day. I put the couple out of my thoughts at least for the time being and decided to get some rest myself. 

It must have been a little past midnight when I heard shepherds close to the inn talking about seeing some angels. I wasn’t able to get all of the conversation, only bits and pieces but I thought I heard them say something about a child being born.  Hopefully, it was not that couple that I sent to the stable in the late evening and I had not heard any singing nor had I seen any angels. It could not have been that couple, but what if it was? 
Quietly, I made my way to the stable and noticed the animals were calm and peaceful which was usually not the case when the inn was full. Tonight there was something different, even though the brisk night air gave me chill. There was certain warmth that seemed to emanate from the stable. A baby boy was lying in the manger (King Size Bed) snuggled down in the warmth of a woolen blanket that was swaddled around him. “What is the name of the boy?” I asked. Joseph quickly responded with, “His name is Jesus . . . which means God is with us.” Suddenly, I felt embarrassed that I could not have offered better place for this Jesus person. But I offered the best that I had at the time . . . I did . . . I did . . . I tell you that I did . . . if only they would have made reservations.
Reflections: Jesus was born in a stable away from the crowds of people that could have had coughs, sniffles, flu and other human diseases of the day.  It was a quiet private place where Mary and Joseph could enjoy the peacefulness of the Holy Spirit. The stable was a place where there was some heat from the animals and it was a place where shepherds could come, kneel and give God thanks without disturbing other people.  How often is it in our busy lives we miss seeing the angels or hearing them sing or even pronounce His name?  Perhaps then, we should not be too hard on the innkeeper who did the best he could and gave the best he had. Jesus was born in the best place he could be under the circumstances and . . . God is still with us.
Ron & Sheron

                                Merry Christmas Everyone!



 

 

 
Church in the Windshield
 
4th Sunday of Advent

Today is the forth Sunday in Advent and we light a fourth candle. The first candle was the HOPE candle, the second candle was the PEACE candle; the third candle was the JOY candle. This forth candle is the LOVE candle.
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
 
 
The Advent journey has been so meaningful . . . so powerful. Sheron and I chose not to travel during this Advent season. Instead, we chose to pick one of the churches that we had written about in the blog; attend that church for the Advent and then travel again.  This, it seems may become a tradition and each year we will pick a church from the blog in which to spend the Advent. Perhaps it will be your church next year.  All of the churches that we have attended have been so wonderful and so inspiring; it made for a tough choice. This year’s Advent church was the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas.


Ponder for a moment the Advent spiritual journey. We start with hope on the first Sunday; hope is the stepping stone that allows us to be open and receptive to spirit of God.  Where there is hope, there is peace . . . the second candle. Peace is “heart healthy” both spiritually and physically.

Painted on a building just outside of Topeka as we travel east on Interstate 70 is a huge sign that says. “NO GOD NO PEACE . . . KNOW GOD KNOW PEACE.” Every time, I see that sign, I think, stop worrying about the things you cannot change and ALIEVE it to God.
When there is peace in our lives, we have joy and that is so freeing . . . so cleansing . . . so exhilarating. It reminds me of that old time chorus, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain, I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul. You probably don’t want me to sing that for you.
The candle that we light for the forth Sunday in Advent is the love candle. Because of love, we give to God to each other and to those around us in need. This past year, we have tried to give as much as possible to those in need like the following scripture says:
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
In our journey of giving though, we have been surprised at least three times and they all happened in restaurants. We would be dining, visiting and doing the normal restaurant stuff.  We would go to the cashier to pay and find that someone across the room that we never met or never knew . . . paid for our meal. Do we have an explanation . . . no? Can we predict that it will happen again . . . no?  All we can say is like the song, “thank you Lord for your blessing on me (us).”
Until next time, cling to the hope, walk in peace, express the joy and share the love.
Ron & Sheron
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

December 22, 2018


Church in the Windshield
Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2018
 


It’s the third Sunday in Advent and many churches are lighting the JOY candle which is most often a pink candle. Why pink you ask? When parents are planning the birth of a child, they often will paint the baby’s room pink or blue to express the joy of the planned new birth. It’s very close to the time and we expect the birth of Jesus soon.  We have only another week of waiting you know; such excitement, such anticipation and such expectation. The Christian world will celebrate the birth of the Christ child. He will be born and placed in a manger in Bethlehem. We celebrate that as well even though 2000 plus years, have passed, one by one and we rejoice.

Philippians 4:4-7 New International Version (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sheron and I think about the joys that we have experienced this year and this Advent.  One of the joys this year has been all of the new friends that we met.  Our extended church family expanded from one church to many churches and we wonder why we didn’t start “Seeing the Church in the Windshield” years ago. “God is good all the time . . . All the time God is good,” What Joy! We serve an “Awesome God.”

Another Advent Joy came Sunday afternoon (December 16) when we attended the CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL at the Stiefel Theatre (old Fox Theater, now remodeled and updated) in Salina. We got there early as we always do; presented our tickets and made our way to the balcony. With an usher’s help we found our seats, mid-section, half way to the top (there are no bad seats in Stiefel Theatre).

As we waited for the performance to begin, we enjoyed watching the great multi-faceted, multi-layered chandelier (estimated 20 foot in diameter) change colors. It sequentially faded and changed from red to blue, to green, to white. Though we were high up in the balcony, the chandelier was way above us, centered in the theater, well out of balcony reach.  In true form, Sheron and I pondered, how you would get up there to clean that thing.

The CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL was presented by the Salina Symphony in conjunction with Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina Chorale, Salina Community Theatre and the Tamara Howe School of Dance. Dr. Ken Hakoda did an absolutely marvelous job directing the symphony. Never have I heard such beautiful music, watched such great choreography heavenly I must say.

For an hour and a half, the orchestra played; adult and youth choirs sang . . . youth danced.  It was such a good mix of both religious and secular music. I thought of all the God given talent in the two hundred plus cast . . . surely God was in this place.  How could one not feel the joy of this Christmas season . . . this Advent Sunday?

During the course of the program, the youth did tap-dance and ballet. I tried to imagine what it would feel like to dance on my toes like that . . . ouch! Then I got this image . . .  elephants don’t ballet, especially old ones and I chuckled, so true. Well the program came to an end but the music is still felt within my soul.

Finally, we leave you this beautiful Kansas sunset picture of God’s joy in this Advent. Only God could paint such a picture.
 

 
Until next time, keep the joy of music within your hearts, step in time to the pulse of life and enjoy the sunsets!

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 11, 2018


Church in the Windshield
 
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 9, 2018
 
It’s the second Sunday in Advent and party plans still occupy our thoughts, minds and focus. For a brief moment we remember the first Sunday in Advent; the hope it gives, the anticipation of what is to come and the excitement of the celebration of the birth of Christ.  It’s going to be a great party, shepherds will be invited to visit the Holy place and angels will be invited to sing. I wonder what they will sing; O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem . . . Away in a manger? Neither Jingle Bells nor Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will likely be sung though. Come to think about it none of the above listed songs will likely be sung. Those songs were all written in our time . . . in our place in history and yet we sing them because they bring peace in our hearts and help us focus on what is really important.

Sheron and I reminisce about Jerusalem . . . and Bethlehem after having visited both places.  It’s amazing and intriguing to realize how close the shepherds were to the manger probably within two or three miles; maybe as close as a half a mile. We try to imagine being there and experiencing that now world renown event that goes viral two thousand years later.

In our minds eye, we see that it is a cold winter’s night. It’s a clear night with stars twinkling everywhere like colored fiber optic lights adorned through an inverted colander.

We imagine small herds of sheep bedded on the hillside warmed by their natural coats of wool. The sheep are resting . . . sleeping . . . trusting knowing that the night-watch shepherds will keep them safe from harm. It is so quiet and so peaceful . . . little do they know that the stage has been set for the most significant event in their life time and in ours.

Then an angel appears and then another . . . and another until a whole host of angels has made their debut like a singing flash mob in Time Square. The angles dressed in white hovered over the shepherds . . . and the sheep. They praise God and announce the birth of Jesus in a manager in Bethlehem. 

Sometimes, we think we would like to have been there when the angels came. We would like to have heard the voice and wonder if it was in the language of the shepherds. We would like to have heard the music and wonder if it was like a thousand voice choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. Or maybe it was an overwhelming and breath-taking sense of peace! Today, we light the second candle, the PEACE candle.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)

Until next time, keep the peace with God . . . and with each other.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: The Bethlehem, Shepherd & Sheep, Angel and Music graphics were all borrowed from the internet.

 

 

December 9, 2018


Church in the Windshield

Advent Preparation
December 2, 2018

It’s hard to believe that it is the Advent Season already! Our motorhome is parked in the “Bus Barn” and we agreed that we would not travel with it until after the Advent . . . unless there was an emergency . . . unless . . . unless.

The weather has been so cold for so long that I wonder if the diesel would even start . . . though I know it would. I go to the building and check the thermometer on the wall; its 26 degrees but the temperature in the motorhome basement (where the water pipes are located) is 33 degrees. Though the building is insulated and the water pipes have always been above freezing, (so far) I still check . . . and day dream about our next trip. Which church will we see next in our windshield?  Perhaps it will be your church; it’s a mystery . . . (to be continued).

As we prepare for the Advent season we ponder over the wonderful journey that we have had these past six months visiting churches, meeting people and hearing great messages! Certainly, we have grown in our faith, appreciated different ways of worship and loved God’s people. What a joy it is for us to share our journey in the blog. We give God thanks for each of you, our readers, and wish you well in this Advent Season.

So here we are in the first Sunday of Advent, we light the first of four candles that surround the white Christ candle. The candle is purple; its flickering light illuminates the altar and casts interesting shadows on the back wall of the church. The shadows dance, wave and sway with a light so inviting . . . so mesmerizing that I can almost feel warmth from it. I stare at the light for a while, and ponder what it means. Even in a darkened room, this little light gives out rays of hope and encouragement.  Somehow then, the worries and struggles of the day seem a little less cumbersome; a little more manageable and life is good.  Is it any wonder then, that the first lit candle on the Advent wreath is the HOPE candle?  The purple candle represents the royalty of God, so rich, so pure . . . so holy . . . so awesome!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2)

Until next time, light a candle for Jesus, accept Him and receive the Hope of Eternal Life!

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron

Epilogue: Lost my nerve . . . winterized the motorhome!

November 30, 2018


Church in the Windshield

Snow Day in Wilson 
November 25, 2018

 It’s Sunday morning and we should be getting ready to travel to a near-by church. But, it is not going to happen today.  We look out the window and see snow drifts all around the house. It’s been snowing all night; it’s still snowing . . .  blowing, sifting and drifting. Even as we watch, the landscape changes ever so subtly.
For a few minutes, I enjoy watching the miniature fiber optic Christmas tree sitting on our fireplace as it changes colors.
I check our personal weather station and see that the temperature is 28 degrees; wind chill is 15 degrees. The wind is straight out of the north at 19 miles an hour and the wind chill feels way colder to me than the 15 degrees shown on the monitor. I wonder if we made the wrong decision when we decided not to go to Texas this winter. Oh, well, the decision has been made and we will make the most of it.
We peer through the picture window on the north side of our house and see the drifting snow piling up on the grass. Suddenly, we realize that we are looking at the snow through an angel “sun catcher.”  It’s been there all along but we just don’t pay any attention to it.  Today though, it has a special meaning, “Angel in our Window.”  It is a reminder that God is always with us in sunny weather or “blizzard” cold. Let us then enjoy the beauty of the snow and give God thanks that on this day, we are in a warm place.

Sheron and I had our morning devotionals, (our church at home for this day); sat in the living room, talked and sipped our cappuccino. That time together is so vital to our relationship.

Later that morning I decided to take some pictures of the beautiful landscape painting that God was portraying on his canvas of white. From the sunroom window was this ever so beautiful pine tree dressed in puffs of white flock. The contrasting shades of gray and black suggest that the painting is not finished yet.  So it is in our lives, we often see only the shades of good and evil, dark and gray but, God is not through painting.  One day, the picture will be beautiful.

Around the corner of the house, we see the snow drifting away from the bricks and around the front porch.  It creates an interesting design of perfect curves, slopes and hills. How refreshing it is to think that God does all of this without even the stroke of a brush.

 
A quick look at the front of our house, reveals a thick blanket of snow totally hiding the steps and blocking the door way.  The snow will be removed later and the picture will change once again. Life is full of changes I guess; some good, some not so good but if God is with us the picture will always turn out alright.

Finally, there is a picture of our neighbor’s house; it’s off in the distance and the snow is deep. But we can get there if we keep on trudging and keep our eye on the house.  Seems to us, heaven is like the house in the distance. We can get there if we stay focused and keep on trudging.

Until next time, Stay focused on God, enjoy his paintings and keep your feet beneath you.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

November 17, 2018


Church in the Windshield
 
First Southern Baptist in Russell, Kansas
November 11, 2018

 
 
Its 10:00 a.m. Sheron and I are traveling west on Interstate 70 toward the First Southern Baptist Church in Russell, Kansas. The sky is overcast; it looks and feels like it is going to snow, but the roads are clear and dry at least for now. We turn right on highway 281 (South Fossil) and head north to the car wash because First Southern Baptist is located just north of the car wash.
We find the church and a sign that says “God has a big Eraser! What a comforting thought!

I park the pickup and we go inside to find the sanctuary lit with relative low light and the sounds of soft music being played.  The setting provides a quiet worshipful atmosphere for us to meditate on God; pray silent prayers and prepare our hearts for the worship service.  It is an important and meaningful time for us

In a little while, a couple of families that belong to our Heartland Good Sam’s camping group arrive and give us warm welcome.  Sheron and I are glad to see them as it’s been a while since we have visited with them.

A large bearded man dressed in a striped shirt, jeans and a tie walked down the aisle; stopped at our pew and introduced himself as Brother Ken Pitzer. We exchanged pleasantries and Brother Ken bid us welcome.
 
Soon the service started and there was the usual welcome, greetings, prayers and songs of a traditional worship service. Then the American Flag was displayed and the congregation was invited to stand and sing “God Bless America, land that I Love,” and veterans were recognized. Sheron and I were both moved by this very powerful affirmation of our country and its veterans. “God Bless America.” The hymn still rings in our thoughts.
 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.  This beautiful hymn focused on the screen in the front of the church sanctuary united all of us into kindred spirit. Certainly this spirit is the main theme of this church and the church does a great job of keeping “the main thing, the main thing.” Today, I give God thanks for all churches, all pastors; all brothers and sisters who lift up the Holy name of Jesus.

I look around the church and there are constant reminders everywhere of what is important.

I see banners like the one right. I see people that have gone through rough struggles in life and have had to depend on God  . . . and each other! Brother Ken Pitzer’s message from Luke 1:46-56 talked about Mary’s Thanksgiving, her dependents on God and the strength that she found in Elizabeth.  Obviously, ‘the main thing was the main thing.”

The service ended with the singing of the song “Whiter than Snow” and we were invited to the church “pot luck” dinner. It was a wonderful “pot luck” dinner with all kinds of specialty items, secret recipes and desserts! WOW! What a feast!

As we left the church, it was snowing  . . . huge fluffy snow-flakes drifting softly to the ground. It made us remember childhood adventures in the snow . . . and ice.  Though the roads were not yet slick we drove cautiously . . .

            Until next time, keep "Keep the Main Thing, The Main Thing," keep your faith in God and keep your wheels on the gound. Let us know and we might see your church in our windshield.
 
Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to visit a church strong in the faith and grounded in the Word of Jesus, then stop by the First Southern Baptist Church, 386 S. Fossil St (Highway 281) Russell, Kansas. Hear Brother Ken Pitzer share the faith and the church will welcome you. Service starts at 11:00 a.m.

 

 

November 8, 2018


Church in the Windshield
 
Jetmore United Methodist Church
November 5, 2018

 


Travel west on highway 156 past Great Bend, Larned, Rozel, Burdett and Hanston and you will come to the 283 intersection. Turn left and you are in down town Jetmore, Kansas. Jetmore is a clean, well-kept small western Kansas town. Folk are friendly in Jetmore and would do about anything to help you; all you have to do is ask. They will greet you on the street with a friendly, “Hi neighbor, what brings you to these parts?” 

Sheron and I were headed for the Methodist Church. We knew where the church was as I served there a long time ago.

We entered the sanctuary and were greeted by lot of old friends and were surprised at how many names we could remember. Even more stunning was the number of people that we didn’t recognize. Time has a way of reframing our looks and dimming our memories unfortunately.

One look at the front of the sanctuary and at the balcony made us feel at home for the day. Quilts,quilts . . . beautiful quilts, hung everywhere. These gorgeous quilts made by a group in the church called “Piece Makers” were made to be given as “Prayer Quilts” to those that are having surgery or encountering illnesses. What a wonderful ministry, thank you God for the unconditional love of the “Piece Makers.” They care for people like Jesus cares for the sheep in the stained glass window.  This church does a lot of caring things for the church and for the community. “Blessed are the Peace Makers . . .” (Matthew 5:9)

Their live Cable TV Ministry has shared God’s Grace, Love and Hope to the church, the community, and to “shut-ins” now for 35 plus, years! We silently, give thanks to God, for blessing this creative effective ministry. 


Pastor Cyd Stein blessed us with a great message that morning; so prepared and professional.  Sheron and I give God thanks for all the pastors in all the churches. Our pastors, both men and women work so hard to provide pastoral care to their flocks and proclaim the word of Jesus Christ.

God speaks to the hearts of pastors and congregations in so many different ways, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Word and life’s experiences to name a few. How has God spoken to you . . . today . . . last week . . . last year?

The precious sacrament of Holy Communion was served. It was then that I saw something in the corner of the pew, a small bucket. The bucket contained a package of Kleenex, a bottle of hand sanitizer and a tag that said, “You are welcome to use as needed during the service.” In the season of sniffles, sneezes, coughs and flu, it was nice to have some protective tools. A quick glance around the sanctuary assured me that every pew had the “necessary stuff.”  What a novel idea!


It was a great day for Sheron and I  to   say, “Howdy” to  some  old
friends and to get acquainted with some new found friends as well. We pray God’s continued Blessing on the Jetmore United Methodist Church.

Until next time, keep on caring for one another and share the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Tell others about the blog and keep the emails coming, we love to hear from you.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling on highway 156 near Jetmore and would like a great experience, stop by the Jetmore United Methodist Church, 510 Bowlus Street. They will treat you well and the worship and Pastor Cyd Steins message will give you a lift.  The service starts at 11:00 a.m.

 

 

November 3, 2018


Church in the Windshield

Otterbein United Methodist Church
October 28, 2018


Take a twenty minute drive west on Interstate 70 from Wilson and you will arrive at Russell, Kansas, Bob Dole’s home town. Look to the right and you will see the two golden arches inviting you to come and dine; fast food anytime.

We traveled north on Kansas street until we came to Wisconsin street, turned left; drove a few blocks and came by the Otterbein United Methodist Church. Two signs caught our eye; one sign had been there eons of time. It’s well cared for wooden structure proudly announced the title of this house of worship.

The other sign was a modern electronic sign that introduced the church, gave worships times, the pastor’s name (Rev Michael Eurit) and other pertinent information. We paused for a moment and watched the sign flash information, start to finish.

 Sheron and I entered the sanctuary; heard joyful happy people, visiting and greeting one another. Three ushers greeted us and handed us a menu (bulletin) that outlined the order of worship for the day. I asked one of the ushers (jokingly) if they allowed visitors in the church service. He quickly answered, “Yow, we let anybody in.” I laughed and one of the other ushers (obviously a good friend) bantered with, “Yow, how do you suppose he got in?”  We all laughed and briefly continued the banter. I must admit that I was impressed with the ushers’ ability to put people at ease . . . even visitors. I reflected for a moment, how important ushers were and silently gave God thanks for them.

The service had not even started and our hearts were strangely warmed. We sensed a certain spirit in the church that was as bright and colorful as the flowers on the altar.  That certain spirit was exemplified to us when more people than we could count, greeted us, shook our hands and shared their names. We were visitors but in that moment, we were family . . . how we wish we could remember all their names.  But for now, we can only remember them as a part of God’s family . . . and give God thanks.

As we prepared our hearts and minds for worship our attention turned to the front of the sanctuary. Our eyes gazed upon the beautiful stained glass windows and our focal point was a picture of Jesus with outstretched arms . . . Welcome. Come one, come all . . . "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). This church is a haven of rest and a place of spiritual peace.

 The church tastefully decorated in festive seasonal colors provided an atmosphere of worship . . . even for bears . . . stuffed bears. For a moment, we pondered the bears . . .  were they prayer bears that children could take home? Perhaps they were comfort bears that children could hold during the church service . . . or maybe just delightful decorations . . . it’s a mystery.
There was no mystery about the pastor’s message though that morning. The Rev. Michael Eurit’s message was great as it always is. His message dealt with Jesus being the ultimate high priest; we could honor and rely on him for wisdom, comfort and strength. His message allowed me once again, to reminisce my own seminary days of many years long since gone by.

 At the end of the service, I took a picture of one of two beautiful banners like the one pictured on the left. These color coordinated banners blended so well with the seasonal decorations of the church, but portrayed a great message.  “For the Beauty of the Earth,” overlaid on God’s canvas of browns, golds, reds, and blues suggests that God is the master artist. Each season brings a new and exciting canvas for God’s paintings. And have you noticed that the colors on God’s seasonal landscape paintings never . . . clash?

 Until next time, welcome visitors, take time to enjoy the flowers, listen for God’s message, and enjoy God’s wonderful paintings.

 
Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

 Epilogue: If you are looking for a great spiritual church and warm welcome, consider visiting the Otterbein United Methodist Church, at 136 West Wisconsin Street in Russell, Kansas. The worship service starts at 10:45 a.m.