Church in the Windshield

First Christian Church in Abilene, Kansas

May 12, 2019 (Mother’s Day)

 

Every once in a while we have the privilege of visiting a church that is particularly outstanding. The First Christian Church in Abilene is one of those exceptional churches. It all starts with a sign out front that humbly announces worship times to passerby. It’s a simple sign with no frills, no electronic pulsating flashes or color changes. The sign simply says “Worship Services at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. For the most part you wouldn’t even notice the sign unless you really wanted to attend a church service there.

 

A red leafed tree visible, beneath the tree on the left, draws your eye toward the glass enclosed entrance to the church. (The picture does not do the tree justice, however). None the less, the land scape is restful, appealing and inviting.

Once inside the church however, things were different. We were greeted by the friendliest people all with genuine and sincere words of welcome. We were handed a bulletin, a menu for the 10:30 service no less.  As we walked toward the sanctuary we heard people talking, words of joy and elation resounding throughout the sanctuary and classroom hallways. It was obvious that this church had something that was really special. The church was not only a center of social interaction but also a faith filled church centered on God, the Holy Spirit and a personal relationship with Jesus the Christ.

An unusual string of lights that zig-zagged back and forth across the sanctuary provided an interesting atmosphere of worship. Several strands of light strategically placed at the front of the church beckoned one to focus on the worship area. There were no pews in the church but rather comfortable soft seated chairs; a nice touch appreciated by both young and old. A praise band of instruments sat silently in their pre-determined space and waited patiently for their time to aid in the worship service. A large TV monitor on the left flashed bids of welcome, instructions and announcements. The lighted cross, at the top and center of the worship area, reminded worshippers to keep the “main thing, the main thing.”

 

The worship service began with lots of congregational singing accompanied by the praise band and a number of singers. Music . . .  music . . . lots of music; all of it vibrant and upbeat with words of chorus and verse displayed prominently on the ginormous TV monitor.

 

This particular Sunday was Camp King Solomon recognition day at the church. We appreciated the enthusiastic and uplifting presentation of the camp by director David Brundage. Camp King Solomon is located at 295 2350 Avenue, Solomon, Kansas. If you are traveling to Camp King Solomon from Abilene, go south of Interstate 70 on Fair Road to the first stop sign; turn right on 2350 Avenue (sand road), travel west and you will come right by it.

The First Christian Church in Abilene is a very strong supporter of the Christian camp and applauds the camps success with young and old. Last summer (2018) the camp kitchen served eight thousand meals which is a significant indication of the popularity of the project.

 First Christian Church also has fun as evidenced by a recent excursion trip on the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVR). Let’s give a shout out for the great God -centered work that the First Christian Church in Abilene is doing!

Until next time, Keep God first; Praise Him always and He will bless you.

 Ron & Sheron, the drivers behind the windshield

 Epilogue: If you would like to visit a great church that will welcome you with open arms and a strong Godly message, stop by the First Christian Church in Abilene. The church is located at 612 N Buckeye in Abilene, KS

 

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

 Mushroom Rock State Park

April 7, 2019

Prologue

Dear Readers, it has been a while since we wrote an article for the blog. During the last three Sundays we “filled in” for a couple of different churches of which we had already written blogs. Normally we don’t rewrite blogs for featured churches as was the case of the Buckeye Community Church and the Talmage United Methodist Church but we always take time to see and appreciate God in His infinite goodness. “God is good all the time.  All the time God is good”!

 On April 7, 2019 Sheron and I decided to “get out in the sunshine” and we took a drive to the Mushroom Rock State Park. Mushroom Rock State Park is located two miles south of Carnerio, Kansas, off of Old Highway 40. The above sign well identifies the park for tourists and sight-seers. Clear skies and warm temperatures brought out a number of visitors that day and we all parked in a small grassy area at the entrance of the park.

 

This was our first view of this magnificent park. We stood in awe of this interesting rock formation and wondered how it came to be? How many thousands of years did it take God to carve out such beauty, one drop of water at a time. We were reminded once again that God has no time limits on creating beautiful scenery, doing seemingly impossible tasks and bringing people to be followers of Him. Just think, it took God millions of years to create something that our generation could appreciate and enjoy. “God is good all the time. All the time God is good”!

 

Sometimes pictures are hard to read on the web so here is what the sign says:

MUSHROOM ROCK STATE PARK

   This park and the surrounding area are rich in early Kansas history.  The Fremont trail passed to the north and was used by the Kaw-Santa Fe freight company which was also the route for the first overland stages to California until they were forced to northern route by (scratched out) Indians. Mushroom Rock State Park is approximately five acres in size and purchased and donated to the State of Kansas to be preserved as a scenic park area by the Ellsworth County Historical Society.

 Across the sand road is an interesting walking bridge that leads to another rock formation. Although we didn’t walk the bridge, we saw another though smaller mushroom like rock formation in the distance.

And finally there was the manmade windmill and watering tank just outside the park showing the tranquility of the prairie and the contrast of the edifice of time. When God makes things . . . they are forever . . . and forever is God. “God is good all the time. All the time God is good”!

Until next time, Look for God in all your travels and you will be surprised at the scenery that God has provided for your joy, pleasure and renewal. And don’t forget, “God is good all the time. All the time God is good”!

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to have more historical information; copy the following link and place it in your browser.  https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mushroom-rock-state-park