Church in the Windshield

Church in the Windshield

Otterbein United Methodist Church

October 28, 2018

Take a twenty minute drive west on Interstate 70 from Wilson and you will arrive at Russell, Kansas, Bob Dole’s home town. Look to the right and you will see the two golden arches inviting you to come and dine; fast food anytime.

We traveled north on Kansas street until we came to Wisconsin street, turned left; drove a few blocks and came by the Otterbein United Methodist Church. Two signs caught our eye; one sign had been there eons of time. It’s well cared for wooden structure proudly announced the title of this house of worship.

The other sign was a modern electronic sign that introduced the church, gave worships times, the pastor’s name (Rev Michael Eurit) and other pertinent information. We paused for a moment and watched the sign flash information, start to finish.

 Sheron and I entered the sanctuary; heard joyful happy people, visiting and greeting one another. Three ushers greeted us and handed us a menu (bulletin) that outlined the order of worship for the day. I asked one of the ushers (jokingly) if they allowed visitors in the church service. He quickly answered, “Yow, we let anybody in.” I laughed and one of the other ushers (obviously a good friend) bantered with, “Yow, how do you suppose he got in?”  We all laughed and briefly continued the banter. I must admit that I was impressed with the ushers’ ability to put people at ease . . . even visitors. I reflected for a moment, how important ushers were and silently gave God thanks for them.

The service had not even started and our hearts were strangely warmed. We sensed a certain spirit in the church that was as bright and colorful as the flowers on the altar.  That certain spirit was exemplified to us when more people than we could count, greeted us, shook our hands and shared their names. We were visitors but in that moment, we were family . . . how we wish we could remember all their names.  But for now, we can only remember them as a part of God’s family . . . and give God thanks.

As we prepared our hearts and minds for worship our attention turned to the front of the sanctuary. Our eyes gazed upon the beautiful stained glass windows and our focal point was a picture of Jesus with outstretched arms . . . Welcome. Come one, come all . . . "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). This church is a haven of rest and a place of spiritual peace.

 The church tastefully decorated in festive seasonal colors provided an atmosphere of worship . . . even for bears . . . stuffed bears. For a moment, we pondered the bears . . .  were they prayer bears that children could take home? Perhaps they were comfort bears that children could hold during the church service . . . or maybe just delightful decorations . . . it’s a mystery.

There was no mystery about the pastor’s message though that morning. The Rev. Michael Eurit’s message was great as it always is. His message dealt with Jesus being the ultimate high priest; we could honor and rely on him for wisdom, comfort and strength. His message allowed me once again, to reminisce my own seminary days of many years long since gone by.

 At the end of the service, I took a picture of one of two beautiful banners like the one pictured on the left. These color coordinated banners blended so well with the seasonal decorations of the church, but portrayed a great message.  “For the Beauty of the Earth,” overlaid on God’s canvas of browns, golds, reds, and blues suggests that God is the master artist. Each season brings a new and exciting canvas for God’s paintings. And have you noticed that the colors on God’s seasonal landscape paintings never . . . clash?

 Until next time, welcome visitors, take time to enjoy the flowers, listen for God’s message, and enjoy God’s wonderful paintings.

 
Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

 Epilogue: If you are looking for a great spiritual church and warm welcome, consider visiting the Otterbein United Methodist Church, at 136 West Wisconsin Street in Russell, Kansas. The worship service starts at 10:45 a.m.