Church in the Windshield

Church in the Windshield

 

First Southern Baptist in Russell, Kansas

November 11, 2018

 

 

Its 10:00 a.m. Sheron and I are traveling west on Interstate 70 toward the First Southern Baptist Church in Russell, Kansas. The sky is overcast; it looks and feels like it is going to snow, but the roads are clear and dry at least for now. We turn right on highway 281 (South Fossil) and head north to the car wash because First Southern Baptist is located just north of the car wash.

We find the church and a sign that says “God has a big Eraser! What a comforting thought!

I park the pickup and we go inside to find the sanctuary lit with relative low light and the sounds of soft music being played.  The setting provides a quiet worshipful atmosphere for us to meditate on God; pray silent prayers and prepare our hearts for the worship service.  It is an important and meaningful time for us

In a little while, a couple of families that belong to our Heartland Good Sam’s camping group arrive and give us warm welcome.  Sheron and I are glad to see them as it’s been a while since we have visited with them.

A large bearded man dressed in a striped shirt, jeans and a tie walked down the aisle; stopped at our pew and introduced himself as Brother Ken Pitzer. We exchanged pleasantries and Brother Ken bid us welcome.

 

Soon the service started and there was the usual welcome, greetings, prayers and songs of a traditional worship service. Then the American Flag was displayed and the congregation was invited to stand and sing “God Bless America, land that I Love,” and veterans were recognized. Sheron and I were both moved by this very powerful affirmation of our country and its veterans. “God Bless America.” The hymn still rings in our thoughts.

 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.  This beautiful hymn focused on the screen in the front of the church sanctuary united all of us into kindred spirit. Certainly this spirit is the main theme of this church and the church does a great job of keeping “the main thing, the main thing.” Today, I give God thanks for all churches, all pastors; all brothers and sisters who lift up the Holy name of Jesus.

I look around the church and there are constant reminders everywhere of what is important.

I see banners like the one right. I see people that have gone through rough struggles in life and have had to depend on God  . . . and each other! Brother Ken Pitzer’s message from Luke 1:46-56 talked about Mary’s Thanksgiving, her dependents on God and the strength that she found in Elizabeth.  Obviously, ‘the main thing was the main thing.”

The service ended with the singing of the song “Whiter than Snow” and we were invited to the church “pot luck” dinner. It was a wonderful “pot luck” dinner with all kinds of specialty items, secret recipes and desserts! WOW! What a feast!

As we left the church, it was snowing  . . . huge fluffy snow-flakes drifting softly to the ground. It made us remember childhood adventures in the snow . . . and ice.  Though the roads were not yet slick we drove cautiously . . .

            Until next time, keep "Keep the Main Thing, The Main Thing," keep your faith in God and keep your wheels on the gound. Let us know and we might see your church in our windshield.

 

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to visit a church strong in the faith and grounded in the Word of Jesus, then stop by the First Southern Baptist Church, 386 S. Fossil St (Highway 281) Russell, Kansas. Hear Brother Ken Pitzer share the faith and the church will welcome you. Service starts at 11:00 a.m.