Church in the Windshield

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.