Church in the Windshield

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.