Church in the Windshield

 

Kanopolis United Methodist Church

February 10, 2019

 

Kanopolis, Kansas is a great little town with lots interesting and colorful history. It’s the home of the Fort Harker Museum, a salt mine, and a number of artifacts.  It’s located close to the Kanopolis Lake, Ferris Caves and other interesting places. One of those interesting places is the United Methodist Church.  At one time, the church was a gymnasium but eons of time have erased most memories of

the gym. Consequently, when you enter the sanctuary, you encounter a number of steps. I count them; one . . . two . . . three . . . four . . . five at top, a landing, three more steps, a right turn and then eight steps more. So the main floor of the sanctuary is actually in the basement, sixteen steps beneath the entrance door. I took a picture from the balcony; just inside the entrance door . . . seemed like a long ways down. Fortunately, the church has an elevator to

assist the handicapped. Sheron and I entered the sanctuary; received a warm welcome as usual. You see, I “filled in” there a number of times in years gone by.

Pastor Dennis Carter, long-time friend, greeted us and we exchanged pleasantries; it was good to see the Carter’s again. Dennis is a great preacher, strong in the faith, dedicated to preaching the word and relates well with “everyday folk.” 

The service started with a warm and friendly greeting, announcements, call to worship, affirmations and prayer. Six children came down front for Children’s time and there were a number of college students that attended church that morning as well. The sermon that morning was entitled, “Facing Forward” . . . In the beginning . . . In the mean time . . . and in the end.

The scripture text for the sermon was Romans 8:18-28.  Pastor Dennis did a great job and we were inspired.

The loving caring atmosphere of this church can be expressed with a picture of grandpa and granddaughter as they pose for an ever so special bond. It gives us “goose bumps.”

Kids are very important to the Kanopolis United Methodist Church as evidenced by this Sunday school class and their very dedicated teacher.

 

Finally, let’s give God thanks for

pastor’s spouses; those wonderful Christian people that support with their prayers, encourage in difficult times, keep the home fires burning and a smile on their faces. It takes a special calling to be a pastor’s spouse.  Blessings on you Betty!

Until next time, keep the eternal light of Jesus Christ, burning within your heart and shining through your life.

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron

Epilogue: If you would like to attend a warm God loving church, focused on Jesus, then stop by the Kanopolis United Methodist Church 103 S Missouri Street. Worship service on Sunday starts at 9:15 a.m. (Pictures of People are used with Permission)

Claflin United Methodist Church

February 3, 2019

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Claflin, Kansas is clean little town just east of Hoisington.  People there have taken a lot pride in their town.  Buildings are painted, lawns are groomed and new structures are in the making.  Just west of the main drag, stands the United Methodist Church. This stately old brick building has been a land mark of the community for many, many years. 

People come to the Methodist Church to worship, hear God’s message and seek God’s Grace and peace.  As we entered the sanctuary, our eyes were drawn to the altar; the holiest of holies; the place where God is found. We thought to ourselves, how beautiful and coordinated the pastel colors were; such good taste for worship . . . so inviting . . . so restful. We sat for a while and absorbed the presence of God. Truly, God’s spirit was felt in this place of hallowed worship. Suddenly, our eyes focused on three bouquets of flowers

supported on pillars of wood. Red and white flowers they were, wrapped in turquoise foil. It seemed to us they were striking symbols of the contrast between God’s world and our world.

 

There was the most gorgeous stained glass window at the back of the sanctuary. The window depicted a rose vine climbing a rugged wooden cross. For us, the roses seemed to be growing suggesting a new dawning of hope and life by way of an empty cross.

The north wall of the sanctuary was adorned with stain glass windows, one of which was Jesus “welcoming” and spending time with children. Isn’t that just like our savior, loving and caring for everyone . . . especially little children?

Pastor Diana Webster is a delightful person enjoying her second career. She is quite skilled and talented in music; spent much of her life teaching music in the school system. Now she blesses her congregation preaching God’s word and caring for people . . . sometimes plays the piano for church . . . WOW!  Her message Sunday morning entitled, “Come Holy Spirit Come was based on the scripture of Romans 15:5-13. ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a good message that God uses the Spirit to cultivate and encourage us to use our many different talents for God.

Until next time, keep on following the leading of the spirit and travel where He leads you.

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron

Epilogue: If you would like worship in a friendly, mid-western church that shares the spirit of Jesus Christ, then stop by the Claflin United Methodist Church.  The church is located at 120 3^rd Street in Claflin and the Worship Service starts at 10:45 a.m. They will be glad to have you and you will be glad you went.