Church in the Windshield

Hesston United Methodist Church

October 14, 2018

Hesston, Kansas is a town a few miles north of Newton, just off of Interstate 35 (I35).  Head west on Lincoln Street and in a few blocks, you will come to a stop sign. Look to the right and you will see the Hesston United Methodist Church, beautifully designed and well landscaped. A curved drive accents the front of the church, provides an avenue that leads to the front door for easy access of handicapped and others. The curved drive sweeps to the left and flows in front of an empty cross and a red flame, the United Methodist symbol and logo. The empty cross symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus and the flame represents the spirit of God.

Turn into the parking lot and you will see a sign that says “Welcome.” As you leave the parking lot there is a sign that says, “You are entering your mission field.” What a great reminder! The church’s mission field is always just beyond the sign.

Immediately behind the sign are two gray colored rectangular boxes placed stately on iron pipe pedestals.  What are those?  The first thought is that they are some sort of mail box . . . perhaps electrical distribution boxes of some sort.  But why are they in the parking lot? We ponder that for a moment and then read a sign that says, “Take what you need . . . Give what you can.” The boxes contain some food and health items.  These boxes are there to help people day or night. What a great idea! The little jingle gets embedded in your mind and resides there, “Take what you need . . . Give what you can.”

It was cold the Sunday that we visited the Hesston Church We parked in front and close to the door. Rain drops falling on our head and shoulders quickly made our jackets moist. With a press of a button our umbrella emitted a “whoop” and opened protecting our hair from a drench tragedy.  We hurried inside where we were welcomed by friendly greeters, warm air, tasty baked goods, and ice tea or coffee.

We met lots of people and some good friends of ours, Stan and LeAnn. They were the ones that invited us to come and “fill in” for their pastor Rev. Keith Schadel who needed to be gone that Sunday. We read over the bulletin and I became orientated to my expected responsibilities.

A quick look in the sanctuary revealed to us the picture on the right.  The pews were padded, the carpet was clean and the lights turned on. Beautiful stained glass windows on either side of the sanctuary enhanced the worship area and created a sense of well-being. A high rustic brown colored dome gives us a sense of awe and a feeling of being in the presence of God. High hanging lights illuminated the soon to be filled pews and the ever so holy place at the front of the church; a place where preachers preach and laymen read scripture. Children come to hear stories of Jesus and maybe one day to be baptized.

Three crosses at the front of the church, one on top of the other are both interesting and captivating. What do they mean?  According to the documentation that I received from our friends Stan and LeAnn, the sculpture was designed for “provocative meditation for you to confront God who is light, life and love.”

For us, this dynamic sculpture represents the death of Christ and the two thieves dying on the cross; the resurrection to heaven and praise to God. Whatever interpretation you put on it, your eyes are drawn to this magnificent master piece . . . to meditate upon . . . to think about and connect with God . . . at least for the moment. Come to think of it, it just did what it was supposed to do.

The service went well that morning and I got to do what I like to do best; paint word pictures and preach the word of Jesus. The sermon text for the morning was Mark 10:17-31, the story of the rich young man who wanted to check his standing with God.  Jesus told him to sell what he had and give to the poor . . . the man went away saddened.  What possession(s) do we have that would keep us from having a full and meaning relationship with God?  It might not be riches . . . could it be cell phones . . . computers . . . broken relationships?  What if we asked Jesus about our standing and he told us what we didn’t want to hear.  Would we walk away . . . saddened?

Well, the service ended, the benediction was said and we sang, “God Be With You, Till We Meet Again.” The Hesston United Methodist Church is a neat Church; we had a great experience, and I hope we do meet again!

Until next time, keep the faith, meditate on God and follow as He leads you.

Blessings

Ron & Sheron, The drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to attend a great church, stop and visit the Hesston United Methodist Church.  They would love to have you; they have a great church family and a great preacher, the Rev. Keith Schadel.  The church service starts at 10:10 a.m.

Church in the Windshield

Bennington Presbyterian/Methodist Church

September 30, 2018

Bennington, Kansas is a quaint little town on highway 18 north of Salina and east of Minneapolis. Town proper is located on the north side of Kansas K18. One could drive by Bennington and easily miss a great treasure and asset to Bennington, the Presbyterian/Methodist Church. Two churches decided that they could serve the community better if they were together, after all, they both worked for the same God. Both churches pooled their resources, stood together, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart to provide a strong Godly witness to the community.

 One look at the church after a short thirty minute drive from Abilene said to us that we were in for a special treat. We saw a picturesque church adorned in white paint standing in the midst of tall age old shade trees.  It was a restful place . . . a soul peaceful place near to the heart of God.  We pondered this for a moment and wondered . . . is this what heaven is going to be like?

The sign out front said, “All ARE WELCOME” (in full caps).  All are welcome . . . farmers wearing blue jeans, ranchers wearing cowboy hats, business people wearing tailored suits . . . weary travelers looking for a place of worship, and acceptance. Oh Yes! On this day, this church is for us . . . but there is more to come, good things and surprises.

We climbed the steps on the left of the sanctuary . . . one . . . two . . . three . . . four, but no more after eight.  As we opened the sanctuary door, we were greeted with a melodious chorus of “Welcome, come on in, glad you are here, please sign our guest register.”

There were probably no less than twenty people that shook our hands that morning and bid us well.  WOW! We weren’t the only guests that morning; the other guests were treated with the same royal and gracious welcome as we were.

The sanctuary was absolutely gorgeous, carpeted, decorated with flowers and well lighted. Our camera perspective made the ceiling look like the longitude and latitude lines of our solar system or like rays of Gods glory radiating from the church. Either way, it was a symbol for us that represented Gods eternal greatness beyond the church. A silky white screen in the front of the church provided a modern day power point median for songs and scripture. Then we saw somethings else.

What is it? At first brief glance from across the sanctuary I thought it might be a replica of the “Ark of the Covenant,” intriguing.  I must get a closer look at this most interesting, attractive and inviting piece of church furniture. As I walked toward the front of the sanctuary, I began to see that it was a picture . . . in fact a lighted picture of the “Last Supper.” Suddenly for me the altar” became a “Holy Place” and perhaps “the Holist of Holies.” My mind wonders and I try to imagine what it would be like to take Holy Communion here in the presence of the disciples . . . and in the presence of real disciples here in the church. Perhaps in time . . . who knows?

The Rev. Ever Mudambanuki gave a very warm welcome to guests. Then she prayed from the heart and preached from the word.  Her message; Fresh spiritual bread comes to us when we read the scripture. All things are possible with Christ. We lead by faith, and God enables us through his strength, his knowledge and his people. 

It seems to us that this church has all the necessary ingredients for great positive spiritual and physical growth. So until next time, be gracious to guests, pray from the heart and preach from the word . . . God will bless you.

Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to visit a church that would give you a warm welcome, a kind word, and a spiritual lift. Then stop by and visit the Bennington Presbyterian/Methodist Church, 222 North Nelson Street in Bennington, KS 67422. They would love to have you! The worship service starts at 11:00 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

 

St. John Lutheran

Russell, Kansas September 23, 2018

 

A lofty brick church in downtown Russell landmarks a special long term ministry to Lutherans and to the community. The St. John’s Lutheran Church established in the early 1900’s has provided worship, guidance, care and instruction to all who would enter. Before we entered the church, we observed the front of the church and the tower that both inspired us to worship and to focus our thoughts upwards toward God. As we entered the church, two greeters bid us welcome and gave us a bulletin for the day.

Our first view of the inside of this most beautiful church revealed a colorful stained glass window, a pipe organ, an altar, and candles. It gave us the overall restful impression that God’s presence was in this place. Soft background music enhanced a restful sense of worship.

The church bell choir is totally awesome and certainly must bring joy to God as they use their talents to spread spiritual good news. Each note struck precisely at the correct time bringing heavenly music with the clarity of a crystal glass tapped lightly with a silver spoon.

Congregational singing followed with accompaniment of the piano and the great pipe organ. We listen carefully to hear the ever so slight “chuff-chuff” of the pipes as a motor driven lung breathes air into perfectly tuned metal tubes.

We read the two messages; pondered them for a while and wondered if we could apply a spiritual thought. The message on the left suggests to us that we cannot follow the crowd to heavenly places. The message on the right says to us that God carries us one by one (like the stair lift) to be with him. For us, it’s a good thought.

Pastor Roger Dennis’ message also suggested that the Christian journey required a lot of hard work and maintenance.  He suggested that Christian people can and do get discouraged but God is always with us.

We left the church that morning impressed with all the different ways that we experienced God in the worship service.  Truly we were blessed.

So during the tough times of this week, take the stair lift and know that God will be waiting for you at the top.  We would love to visit your church, so let us know (through the comments) and maybe one day, we will see your church in the windshield.

Ron & Sheron, the drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling on Interstate 70 and want to have a truly great experience in worship, stop by the St. John Lutheran Church, 425 Main Street in Russell, Kansas. They would be happy to have you. The Worship services start at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

 

Church in the Windshield

 

Glen Elder Good Sam Campout

September 6, 2018

Hello Glen Elder! The Waconda Lake (often referred to as Glen Elder Lake) located just outside of the city of  Glen Elder is an absolutely wonderful place for the Heartland Good Sam camp out. The place is so restful that the presence of God can be felt even before the Sunday worship service. Good Sam campers are neatly parked on both sides of the street. Prime cement pads support the weight of each camping unit and the view is totally unbelievable . . . Is this heaven?

We gaze across the water and see small boats hugging the shore waiting for their owners to untether them. We watch white pelicans playing in the water, bobbing in the waves like fluffy clouds billowing on God’s canvas of blue. Truly, God’s artwork is show cased in this place. Three days, we get to stay . . . three days to watch and fish or take a drive . . . or maybe a nap! Nap apps are good . . . don’t you think?

It is day two of our restful camp out and our group decided to travel to Cawker City to see the big ball of twine. Twine wrapped up on twine, now a ball that weighs several tons bound together by the tinsel strength of each strand.  As we stand in front of the great ball of twine for a picture, my mind wonders and I think . . . our group is like the ball of twine. We are bound together by the fibers of friendship, the love of travel and the love of camping. Come to think of it . . . we just like being together . . . accepting each other  for what we are . . . warts and all.

Sunday morning has come and I am in charge of worship. I am glad for the privilege and enjoy leading worship, expressing the faith and caring for God’s people. I have already been to the church (on Friday in fact) The Hopewell Church is a place of worship, and a basement storm shelter for campers. A sign on the outside basement door reads “Storm Shelter.”  I ponder that for a moment and suddenly think of the lyrics of the song “Till the Storm Passes by.”

Till the Storm Passes By - Lyrics - International Lyrics ... (Borrowed from the Internet)Your browser indicates if you've visited this link

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by. Chorus Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky; Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Worship service went well with lots participation and even sharing experiences at the close of the service.

 

Until next time, keep your faith in God, your acceptance of friends, and your wheels beneath your campers. See you in the windshield.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: A special thanks goes to Mary Jo for providing the pictures, Linda and Terry for a great campout. Lastly, a special thanks to Glen Elder staff for allowing us to use the Hopewell Church for the worship service.

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

 

Enterprise United Methodist Church

September 16, 2018

Enterprise, Kansas is a quiet little mid-western town located about six miles east of Abilene just off old highway 40. The Methodist Church is located in the western part of Enterprise only a few blocks away from the railroad. So during the summer months there is the familiar sound of a train whistle, a couple of times a day, as the Abilene Smoky Valley tourist train comes to town. From the church, we can almost hear people talking as they disembark the train and walk up the hill to tour the Hoffman Gris mill.

This stately old Methodist Church has been serving the community for one hundred and fifty years.  The Sunday that we attended the church service just happened to be the day of the one hundred and fifty year celebration. We entered the sanctuary and immediately experienced a sense of worship and awe. 

Our eyes centered on the beautiful pipe organ and on two flags; the American flag on the left and the Christian flag on the right (exactly as it should be in a church).  Placement of the flags indicated that the church was patriotic and God centered.  A quaint chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the pride of the pipes, the two flags and the altar below.  High up and to the right, a TV monitor displayed a picture of the church etched in the edifice of time and service to the Enterprise community.

The message of the picture: This church founded on the principals, of God (the altar) praised God through music (the pipe organ) and illuminated with God’s presence (the chandelier) stayed current with the times (the TV monitor).

Vivian Reschke, a member of the congregation, presented a very interesting history of the Enterprise Methodist Church.  We were very impressed with the amount of research that had gone into the presentation, especially the history of the pastors.

The Retired Rev. Jerry Sharp, singer, song writer and former pastor of the Church shared some thoughts and music.  We could feel and experience some of the rich and colorful history of his ministry in the church.

Daniel Vandenburg, pastor of the church is very sincere and dedicated to God. He has an extensive background in theology due to the fact he served churches of different denominations.  Thus he has the ability to accept people in their understanding of God. Pastor Vendenburg reminded us that the Enterprise Methodist church started with German immigrants; gave a welcome in German and then in English.  Needless to say, we were impressed. Pastor Vandenburg inspired us with a very thought provoking message entitled: “Following the Cloud.”

The congregation sang that great old hymn Faith of Our Fathers at the end of the service. What a great way to end the service; it gave me “goose bumps.”

Well, the old clock on the back wall marked time with every tic-toc, decades of time past, days of silence between services, and an eternal hope for the future. With a sense of mystic awe, Sheron and I are ready to climb back into the motorhome and hit the open road. We are ready to do again the thing we like to do best, look for churches to visit, in the windshield.  If you would like for us to visit your church, let us know and perhaps one day, we will see your church in our windshield. Until then, stay the faith and keep on ticking!

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to visit a unique little mid-western church, stop by the Enterprise United Methodist Church. The church is located at 210 West South Street in Enterprise, Kansas. Worship time is at 10:15 a.m.