Church in the Windshield

Church in the Windshield

 

Jetmore United Methodist Church

November 5, 2018

 

Travel west on highway 156 past Great Bend, Larned, Rozel, Burdett and Hanston and you will come to the 283 intersection. Turn left and you are in down town Jetmore, Kansas. Jetmore is a clean, well-kept small western Kansas town. Folk are friendly in Jetmore and would do about anything to help you; all you have to do is ask. They will greet you on the street with a friendly, “Hi neighbor, what brings you to these parts?” 

Sheron and I were headed for the Methodist Church. We knew where the church was as I served there a long time ago.

We entered the sanctuary and were greeted by lot of old friends and were surprised at how many names we could remember. Even more stunning was the number of people that we didn’t recognize. Time has a way of reframing our looks and dimming our memories unfortunately.

One look at the front of the sanctuary and at the balcony made us feel at home for the day. Quilts,quilts . . . beautiful quilts, hung everywhere. These gorgeous quilts made by a group in the church called “Piece Makers” were made to be given as “Prayer Quilts” to those that are having surgery or encountering illnesses. What a wonderful ministry, thank you God for the unconditional love of the “Piece Makers.” They care for people like Jesus cares for the sheep in the stained glass window.  This church does a lot of caring things for the church and for the community. “Blessed are the Peace Makers . . .” (Matthew 5:9)

Their live Cable TV Ministry has shared God’s Grace, Love and Hope to the church, the community, and to “shut-ins” now for 35 plus, years! We silently, give thanks to God, for blessing this creative effective ministry. 

Pastor Cyd Stein blessed us with a great message that morning; so prepared and professional.  Sheron and I give God thanks for all the pastors in all the churches. Our pastors, both men and women work so hard to provide pastoral care to their flocks and proclaim the word of Jesus Christ.

God speaks to the hearts of pastors and congregations in so many different ways, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Word and life’s experiences to name a few. How has God spoken to you . . . today . . . last week . . . last year?

The precious sacrament of Holy Communion was served. It was then that I saw something in the corner of the pew, a small bucket. The bucket contained a package of Kleenex, a bottle of hand sanitizer and a tag that said, “You are welcome to use as needed during the service.” In the season of sniffles, sneezes, coughs and flu, it was nice to have some protective tools. A quick glance around the sanctuary assured me that every pew had the “necessary stuff.”  What a novel idea!

It was a great day for Sheron and I  to   say, “Howdy” to  some  old

friends and to get acquainted with some new found friends as well. We pray God’s continued Blessing on the Jetmore United Methodist Church.

Until next time, keep on caring for one another and share the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Tell others about the blog and keep the emails coming, we love to hear from you.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling on highway 156 near Jetmore and would like a great experience, stop by the Jetmore United Methodist Church, 510 Bowlus Street. They will treat you well and the worship and Pastor Cyd Steins message will give you a lift.  The service starts at 11:00 a.m.