Church in the Windshield

Christmas Eve Service at Lucas

December 24, 2019

 

Christmas is such a special time of the year and we always look forward to visiting a different church each year for Christmas Eve.  This year, we visited the Lucas United Methodist Church and the church was so beautifully decorated. Sometimes it is hard to express in words or pictures a Christmas Eve Service. The Advent candles in the above picture indicate the four Sundays of the season. The first candle of the Advent season represents Hope, the second candle represents Faith, the third represents Joy and the fourth candle represents Peace.

A white candle in the center of the wreath represents the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

The flickering candles alongside the isle were so inviting that even before the service started there was a sense of the spirit and presence of God. Perhaps that is one of the reasons people are so drawn to the service. Certainly, people seem to be friendlier and more tolerant of each other during the Advent and Christmas season. It is a time of mending relationships healing wounded feelings and gifts of great generosity.

 

I should think this might be

another reason for people to appreciate the Christmas Eve Service. But then there is something about the flickering flames that causes us to look deep within ourselves and connect with God in unforgettable ways. Like staring into a campfire we experience physical warmth. Staring into the candle light, we perceive spiritual warmth. The isle candles in clusters of three represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As we look around the sanctuary we see beautiful red poinsettias placed on either side of the altar, so appropriate for the season. We pause for a moment and remind ourselves of the meaning of the poinsettias. Poinsettias are the December flowers that represent good cheer and success. Poinsettias come from a Mexican tradition of a boy gathering flowers along the side of the road to place on the altar. The

flowers turned into poinsettias. I borrowed this information from the internet and you can read the actual article by clicking on the following Link: https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/poinsettia

Have you ever wondered how many traditions of other countries, religions and traditions are incorporated into our Christmas celebration?

The Lucas United Methodist Church has the most glorious Christmas tree and it’s such a nice touch to the seasonal sanctuary adornment. Sheron and I really enjoy seeing Christmas trees all decked out in gala apparel.

This Christmas tree with sparkly lights and

Chrisman’s of angels, doves of peace, hearts and fish help us focus on Christian thoughts. The tradition of Christmas trees started in America in approximately 1870 although the exact year depends on the writer. Christmas trees were originally decorated with paper chains, strings of popcorn or strings of berries. It was not until the 1900’s that trees were decorated with lights and other trimmings but, I digress. Sheron and I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful Christmas tree at the Lucas church. Soon it was time for the service to begin and it started with the traditional Christmas carol, “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Other Christmas carols were sung throughout the service . . . “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ . . . “O Holy Night” . . . “Away in a Manger” . . . “The First Noel” and “Joy to the World.”  We love those old hymns and it would not seem like Christmas without singing them. Although the hymns were from modern times more than from the time of Jesus’ birth, they have become such a part of our Christmas tradition.

The Christmas scriptures were read throughout the service including prophesy of Jesus birth from Isaiah 9:2-7; an angel appearing to Joseph in a dream, Matthew 1:18-23. Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear a child in Luke 1:26-38 and the child was born in Luke 2:1-7. Shepherd came in Luke 2:8-18 and wise men followed a star in Matthew 2:1-12. At the close of the service, the lights were dimmed and candles were lit . . . “Silent Night” so beautifully sung by the congregation. 

  The most joyous symbol of all . . . The Holy family on the altar . . . The reason for the season!

Until next time, “Remember the Reason for the Season!

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

 

Gabriel “Man of God”

Every year, I enjoy and appreciate the story of Jesus’ birth as we all do. The story for me is something very special and each year, I imagine myself as one of the characters of the story so that I can absorb more of the meaning, like a sponge soaking up water. This year is no exception as I consider the angel Gabriel. I am not an angel by any means but I always wonder . . . what if? Perhaps it would be like this.

Lord, it is such a joy and blessing for me to serve you and I lift your name on high. Why only today, I was thinking back over the times that you have sent me to deliver a message to someone on earth. You sent me to the prophet Daniel to interpret a dream. I was a bit frightening to Daniel though because I didn’t appear as an angel but as a person. Daniel in his fright bowed down to he ground.

Then you sent me to Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist with this message: Luke 1:19-22 NIV)

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

⁵ In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. ⁶ Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. ⁷ But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old . . . .

¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. ¹³ But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ¹⁴ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. ¹⁶ He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

¹⁸ Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹ The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

How old am I you might ask? The earthlings mark time by days, weeks, months and years, but we stand outside the realm of time, don’t we? We stand in the very edifice of time itself and watch the earth spin . . . and the universe orbit in perfect harmony. So when someone asks how old I am . . .  I smile and gently move my wings as if to say . . . eons my friend . . . eons. Today though, you ask me to do the most awesome thing I have ever done in all my history. You have asked me to announce to Mary that she will give birth to a child who will be the savior of the world. But first, I must tell Joseph, her fiancé that it is OK to marry her, because he has some serious doubts and wants to do the honorable thing. So I will be on my way Lord, to speak to Joseph. . . . The encounter with Joseph went well Lord, and now I am ready to share the good news with Mary. I feel awesome responsibility in delivering this message Lord.

Mary, I am Gabriel, and I have a message for you from God. Perhaps you ought to be seated as I share this message with you.

. . . “Do not be afraid, Mary, for ^eyou have found favor with God. 31 And behold, ^fyou will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and ^gyou shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of ^hthe Most High. And the Lord God ⁱwill give to him the throne of ^jhis father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob ^kforever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to me, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”⁴

35 . . .  ^l“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of ^hthe Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born⁵ will be called ^mholy—ⁿthe Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her ^owho was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

God bless you Mary and He will always be with you. (Luke 1:5-38 NIV Paraphrased)

Things went well with Mary Lord and I think she understands the honor you have given her. It has been an honor to share your messages to the earthlings. I will wait for further instructions . . . .
 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the windshield

 

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

 

Immanuel Lutheran Church

November 10, 2019

 

Our journey takes us to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson, Kansas. This stately church, made of native stone, has been a great source of encouragement to the Wilson community for many years. It’s an attractive church on the outside and an inviting church on the inside. We have been there a number of times over the years as the church participates in community church functions. So it was not any surprise that the people knew us when we arrived and gave us a very friendly and personable welcome.

As we entered the church we, once again, experienced the beautiful interior, altar and cross. The structure itself pointed our eyes toward the heavens; the light shining through the windows exemplified and enhanced the setting for worship. Sometimes, we take for granted all the different aids that help us focus on God and worship Him. At any rate we felt right at home in the service that day. “God is good all the time; all the time God is good.”

 

The high liturgical service with readings, hymns, scriptures and affirmations gave us a sense of the thread that ties all churches to the historical past, present and new hopes for the future. It’s always amazing to us how similar even different denominations are in their traditions of worship. Though each denomination has its own way of worship the under lying presence of God is still there. Here is a church that usually keeps a pastor for long periods of time and it is not uncommon for a pastor to baptize, marry and bury several generations of the same family. There is wisdom and continuity in that type of ministry. It’s that continuity that families relish during times of joy, celebration and grief. We can go to our pastor as he or she is the stabilizing factor that has always been there for us. There is a tremendous amount of spiritual comfort in that type of relationship. Thank God for pastors willing to serve their churches and communities with long commitments.

 

 Rev. Delvin Strecker is one of those dedicated pastors even though he has been here a relatively short time and is soon to retire from service. Rev. Strecker is very dedicated to the Lord’s work; very personable and friendly as he ministers to his congregation. The picture shows him standing on the left side of the altar in full Lutheran attire. Rev. Strecker can speak German fluently to the delight of this church with German roots. Assisting with the service is Brad Shiermeyer and is pictured on the ride side of the altar. The two of them make a great team as they lead their congregation in the worship service.

 

Five children came down for children’s time that morning. Each of them listened intently to the pastor’s message. Precious little cherubs they were and I was reminded of the responsibility that we have as churches, pastors and Christians to help guide and mold the lives of the little ones.

Matthew 19:14 New International Version (NIV) 14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." We give God thanks for churches that have little children . . . the church of tomorrow . . . God bless them each one.

The Immanuel Lutheran Church is notorious for their soup suppers. This popular event attracts and invites people from all the denominations to come to share in the joy and fellowship of the church. It’s heart-warming to see how many people from the other churches in town do come to partake of the soup supper. The church is also known for its participation in the local food bank program and it does a great job collecting food and donations.

There is a no frills sign out front that identifies the church, the pastor and the service times. We are all so used to seeing church signs with flashing colors, giving announcements and show-casing a crawl line giving additional information. And that’s all good mind you, but here is a church with a sign that gives the basics and that is good also.  If you would like to visit a church that teaches the word of God, Stop by the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson. You will always be welcome and the will treat you well. The church is located at 2819 Avenue F in Wilson, Kansas. Worship Service starts at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday school starts at 10:45 a.m.

 

 

Until next time, keep on serving God and He will Bless you.

Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the windshield