Church in the Windshield

Lorraine First Baptist Church

March 31, 2019

 

If you are traveling Southwest on highway 156 south west of the city of Ellsworth, Kansas, you will come to 10^th road. Turn left on 10^th road, (South) travel a few miles and you will come to the little town of Lorraine, Kansas. Lorraine is a quiet and safe town; probably had more activity in years gone by, but still maintains its identity. Turn right on Wichita Street (West) Drive a few blocks and you will see the most beautiful brick church, it’s the Baptist Church and it is certainly a historical landmark and pillar of the community.

We arrived early as we always do so we can take some pictures and it became quite obvious that this building was a sacred and sanctioned place of worship. We sensed the Holy Spirit even before the church service began. Sheron and I surmised that the church family would be just as unique as the building itself and sure enough . . .  we were right.  This church family that gathers together on Sunday wears their best out of respect for God and the church. And perhaps it was a symbol that God had done his best for them and they would do their best in return.

As we entered the church, people began to arrive and finally we counted twenty five (including us). The congregation consisted of loving Christian people who had long since given their lives to Jesus Christ and had chosen to follow him. This Christian family was so friendly, warm and welcoming that they made their guests (us) feel like a part of the church family . . . their church family. We were touched by such warmth. We think that each church member greeted us with “Welcome and visit.”

We couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the sanctuary . . . so restful . . . so peaceful . . . so inviting for worship. It was more than pleasingly color coordinated walls or the attractive high ceiling. It was more than the gorgeous stain glass window behind the baptistery, it was . . . well, it was a sense that God was in this place.
A scripture came to mind, Matthew 11:28 (ASV) Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

This type of rest and peace can only come through the Love and Acceptance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s the Lenten Season as exemplified by the empty cross and the purple cloth draped ever so neatly over its arms. It is a sad time for Christian people all over the world, but Easter is coming and the final story will be oh so different. Easter is coming and a glad day of rejoicing will prevail within our hearts. Easter is coming . . . the resurrection is near!

And on that great resurrection morning when Jesus rises from the dead, (now within our hearts) there may be a welcome sign similar

to the one on the left as seen on the church monitor. The sign might say welcome churches . . . welcome holy people of God . . . welcome true believers . . . and even more important . . . welcome true followers. Following Jesus is no easy task but in the end there will be spiritual rewards perhaps as colorful as the flowers in the sign.

Pastor Zach Ullom has served this Baptist Church now for a number of years and is doing a great job serving God and caring for God’s people. His message Sunday morning entitled “The Servant and the Reason,” was based on the scripture Isaiah 53:1-6.

This thought provoking message pointed us to a deeper closer walk with God and reminded us once again, who really was in charge. The church service closed with the singing of the hymn, “Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee.”

Until next time, keep your faith and trust in the one who paid the “ultimate price” for each of us.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling west of Ellsworth on Highway 156 and would like to find a great place to worship, stop by the First Baptist Church in Lorraine, Kansas. They will be glad to have you.  There worship service starts at 10:30 a.m.

 

Church in the Windshield

First Lutheran Church of Dorrance

March 17, 2019

Drive West from Salina on Interstate seventy (I70) to exit 200 and turn left and drive a short distance and you will come to the City of Dorrance, Kansas.  Dorrance is a really neat little mid-western rural-town.  People are friendly there and their church is very important to them. Years ago, when the Methodist church closed, many of the Methodist congregation started attending the Lutheran Church.

The congregation of about thirty people regularly attends the church. On this particularly Sunday there were thirty three. The sign out front bids everyone welcome and truly this church welcomes one and all. We arrived early as we try always to do. First came one and then another and another until everyone arrived. We were especially intrigued by the large silver bell placed on a pedestal beside the sign. This heavy bell is a reminder of years gone by when it was in the bell tower of the old Lutheran church. The old Lutheran Church was torn down and a new one built and dedicated in 1973. We guessed that the bell could still ring though now it’s remained silent for more than four decades.  Finally, the prescribed time came for worship and we went inside where were greeted by the friendliest people. Pastor Rodger who is a PMA (Parish Ministry Associate) extended a cordial

warm and friendly welcome also. This is a second career for pastor and she currently holds another job as well.  My hats off to pastors; they work hard, go to school, take care of their families and churches, all at the same time.

As we travel we always look for something unique about each church. First Lutheran in Dorrance shares something unique not only to themselves but to many rural Kansas churches . . . your name. In First Lutheran, you are more than a number . . . you are a person . . . you have a name and they call you by your name. You become a part of the church family.

In Matthew 16:15-16 Jesus asked Peter . . . “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Names are so important.

There are so many things that affect the way we worship . . .  a welcoming sanctuary . . . bright light emitted from stained glass windows . . . the altar prepared for Holy Communion. Our minds wonder as we “soak up” images that direct our focus to God. Suddenly, our minds are jerked back to the reality of this day by music . . . beautiful music . . .  chimes in fact. The chimes are heard both inside and outside of the church, as they ring out the glory of God. WOW! Sheron and I were both very impressed and moved by the music.

The service progressed in typical Lutheran form with scriptural readings, responses and creeds. Pastor Rodger delivered a great message and then prepared the congregation for Holy Communion.

Holy Communion was a beautiful thing and certainly well done as row upon row made their way to

the front of the church. Upon receiving the Holy Eucharist we felt the presence of God and gave thanks. The service ended with a communion blessing, post communion canticle, prayer and a benediction. Truly, God was in this worship service.

Until next time, keep God first, and lift up the name of Jesus. Names are important especially the name of Jesus.

Ron & Sheron, the drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling in this area and would like to worship in a place that would like to know your name, then visit First Lutheran in Dorrance.  The church is easily visible from the highway (200 Road) on the east side of Dorrance. The worship service starts at 9:30 a.m.

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

March 10, 2019

“Fragments”

Prologue: Sheron and I have decided that we would make some changes to the “Church in the Windshield” blog. First of all, we will continue to write about the churches that we visit.  We will also be adding the things that we see and experience as we travel for we find God in so many different ways. Along with the experiences we will try with Gods help to share items of thought provoking practical theology, words of encouragement and at times maybe a bit of wisdom and good humor. Certainly over the years we have had some really funny things happen, some good things and some sad things as well. Most of all, we want to share our faith and love for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. So to begin with, we would like to start at the beginning; that is always a good place to start.

It’s been at least three weeks now since we updated our blog and that in itself has caused us to consider that there will be times when we cannot travel; sometimes because of the weather and sometimes because of our age (I can’t believe that I just said that).  Two Sundays in a row, we had snow storms and each one of those storms delivered almost six inches of snow. The first time now in several years we got out the snow blower, which started right off, believe it or not.  It ran for a while and then quit! I scratched my head wondering what was wrong . . . ran fine after I fueled the gas tank.

Take a look at the picture on the left and see what our weather station said about the temperature and the wind. You saw correctly, the temperature was four degrees, the wind chill a minus twelve and the winds out of the north at eleven miles an hour.  Sheron and I both agreed that it was too cold for man or beast to be out doors.  We were concerned about animals, pets and street people being out in the cold . . . how do they manage to stay warm? Cattle, for instance will huddle together in a wind break or a building each receiving warmth from the other. But what about the street people who may have only a box for shelter?

We looked out the window at the back of our house and this is what we saw in our back yard.  A new fallen snow blanketed our back

yard and covered our well-groomed fall lawn with a cushioned mat of cold white fluff. The bird bath (in the for-front of the picture) stood eerily abandoned as birds chose to wait for spring to do their cleaning. Ground feeders (birds) were trying to find a place to eat. Ah, what can we say . . . Sheron and I agreed that it was a stay at home day and have a cottage worship service? At least it was warm . . . and the service was short . . . so was the collection, come to think of it.

The second Sunday was more of the same with another almost six inches of snow. See the chronicle pictures below:

Here is another picture from our back window. As we can see, the tree is bare; the snow is deep and it is very cold. A closer look at the picture reveals shadows on the snow and on the building. God is sending the sun to begin the process of clearing the snow, warming the air, and giving us hope that one day spring will be here (right now, we hope that it will be soon). But there is something in the picture that we don’t readily see. It’s the buds . . . buds on the tree. That’s right, the tree is starting to bud and we wonder how that can be?  Won’t the buds freeze; perhaps there will not be any leaves on the tree this year?

A view from the front porch of our house makes it very clear that the snow is here to stay for a while even though the snow grader has already been down the street.  We do appreciate our city people and KDOT (Kansas Department of Transportation) for their prompt and efficient care of the roads. It certainly does make the streets and highways safer after a storm. Let’s have a shout out for our road and street workers!

Finally, there are the geese, beautiful Canadian honkers that seem to instinctively know when it is time to fly south for the winter and north for the summer. During the last two weeks, we have seen and heard large skeins of geese headed north for the summer. Perhaps the geese know something that we don’t . . . but how and why? The geese fly high and fast to keep themselves safe from trophy hunters booming blasts. A few nights ago, we heard the geese flying in the night and wondered how they were able to navigate the darkness. They certainly have no headlights, no taillights, nor any navigational lights. The geese have no compass or GPS’s (Global Positioning System) yet instinctively they travel day or night and usually in the correct direction. We think this skein of geese is flying north towards Canada. Geese have at least ten different calls to communicate. Listen to a skein of geese and it seems like they are all talking at once (they keep track of each other this way).  Easter is coming and when we experience the empty tomb perhaps we will be so excited that we will all be talking at once.

So who died on the cross and left an empty tomb? Who taught the geese to navigate at night? Who made the snow that sparkles in the light? Who gave His life to save us from a horrible plight? If you guessed Jesus, then you guessed right.

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2^nd Corinthians 9:15) The unspeakable gift is Jesus Christ of course.

Until next time, enjoy Gods handiwork, fly high and stay safe!

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Church in the Windshield

 

Kanopolis United Methodist Church

February 10, 2019

 

Kanopolis, Kansas is a great little town with lots interesting and colorful history. It’s the home of the Fort Harker Museum, a salt mine, and a number of artifacts.  It’s located close to the Kanopolis Lake, Ferris Caves and other interesting places. One of those interesting places is the United Methodist Church.  At one time, the church was a gymnasium but eons of time have erased most memories of

the gym. Consequently, when you enter the sanctuary, you encounter a number of steps. I count them; one . . . two . . . three . . . four . . . five at top, a landing, three more steps, a right turn and then eight steps more. So the main floor of the sanctuary is actually in the basement, sixteen steps beneath the entrance door. I took a picture from the balcony; just inside the entrance door . . . seemed like a long ways down. Fortunately, the church has an elevator to

assist the handicapped. Sheron and I entered the sanctuary; received a warm welcome as usual. You see, I “filled in” there a number of times in years gone by.

Pastor Dennis Carter, long-time friend, greeted us and we exchanged pleasantries; it was good to see the Carter’s again. Dennis is a great preacher, strong in the faith, dedicated to preaching the word and relates well with “everyday folk.” 

The service started with a warm and friendly greeting, announcements, call to worship, affirmations and prayer. Six children came down front for Children’s time and there were a number of college students that attended church that morning as well. The sermon that morning was entitled, “Facing Forward” . . . In the beginning . . . In the mean time . . . and in the end.

The scripture text for the sermon was Romans 8:18-28.  Pastor Dennis did a great job and we were inspired.

The loving caring atmosphere of this church can be expressed with a picture of grandpa and granddaughter as they pose for an ever so special bond. It gives us “goose bumps.”

Kids are very important to the Kanopolis United Methodist Church as evidenced by this Sunday school class and their very dedicated teacher.

 

Finally, let’s give God thanks for

pastor’s spouses; those wonderful Christian people that support with their prayers, encourage in difficult times, keep the home fires burning and a smile on their faces. It takes a special calling to be a pastor’s spouse.  Blessings on you Betty!

Until next time, keep the eternal light of Jesus Christ, burning within your heart and shining through your life.

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron

Epilogue: If you would like to attend a warm God loving church, focused on Jesus, then stop by the Kanopolis United Methodist Church 103 S Missouri Street. Worship service on Sunday starts at 9:15 a.m. (Pictures of People are used with Permission)

Claflin United Methodist Church

February 3, 2019

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Claflin, Kansas is clean little town just east of Hoisington.  People there have taken a lot pride in their town.  Buildings are painted, lawns are groomed and new structures are in the making.  Just west of the main drag, stands the United Methodist Church. This stately old brick building has been a land mark of the community for many, many years. 

People come to the Methodist Church to worship, hear God’s message and seek God’s Grace and peace.  As we entered the sanctuary, our eyes were drawn to the altar; the holiest of holies; the place where God is found. We thought to ourselves, how beautiful and coordinated the pastel colors were; such good taste for worship . . . so inviting . . . so restful. We sat for a while and absorbed the presence of God. Truly, God’s spirit was felt in this place of hallowed worship. Suddenly, our eyes focused on three bouquets of flowers

supported on pillars of wood. Red and white flowers they were, wrapped in turquoise foil. It seemed to us they were striking symbols of the contrast between God’s world and our world.

 

There was the most gorgeous stained glass window at the back of the sanctuary. The window depicted a rose vine climbing a rugged wooden cross. For us, the roses seemed to be growing suggesting a new dawning of hope and life by way of an empty cross.

The north wall of the sanctuary was adorned with stain glass windows, one of which was Jesus “welcoming” and spending time with children. Isn’t that just like our savior, loving and caring for everyone . . . especially little children?

Pastor Diana Webster is a delightful person enjoying her second career. She is quite skilled and talented in music; spent much of her life teaching music in the school system. Now she blesses her congregation preaching God’s word and caring for people . . . sometimes plays the piano for church . . . WOW!  Her message Sunday morning entitled, “Come Holy Spirit Come was based on the scripture of Romans 15:5-13. ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a good message that God uses the Spirit to cultivate and encourage us to use our many different talents for God.

Until next time, keep on following the leading of the spirit and travel where He leads you.

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron

Epilogue: If you would like worship in a friendly, mid-western church that shares the spirit of Jesus Christ, then stop by the Claflin United Methodist Church.  The church is located at 120 3^rd Street in Claflin and the Worship Service starts at 10:45 a.m. They will be glad to have you and you will be glad you went.

Church in the Windshield

Hoisington United Methodist Church

January 20, 2019

 

Cloudy days and sunshine rays. It seems like this winter has had a lot of dreary cloudy days. We look to the sky to see patches of fog drifting along, ever so silently covering our world like a fluffy thick down blanket. But then, the sun begins to shine through this thick layer of fluff, only slightly at first . . . then more . . . and more. Finally the sun shines through in all of its glory sending rays of hope, promise and joy. For a while we close our eyes and absorb the warmth of the sun’s radiant heat. The Hoisington United Methodist Church has been through some difficult times but they let the SON shine . . . then more . . . more. Now the SON shines

through with all of its glory radiating God’s Hope, Peace, Grace and the Joy of Jesus to all who will receive.  The Hoisington Methodist has wonderful programs including one that encourages and brings families together. Sheron and I appreciated Teddy’s Corner (Teddy Williams the Parish nurse). This week’s corner gave keen insight to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which gave us inspiration for this week’s blog.

Hoisington, Kansas is a Central Kansas town that survived a tornado. So half of the town is old and half of the town is new. A church that weathered the storm stands humbly in the central western part of Hoisington. This church is the United Methodist Church.  During the aftermath of the storm, the church housed a food bank, (and still does) offered prayers; brought encouragement,

comfort and hope to the community. How do I know . . . Sheron, and I were there during the aftermath? Sheron, pulled a wagon with cases of bottled water down the streets while I delivered bottles of water to thirsty workers and residents. We saw first-hand the wonderful work that the church was doing; people coming to the church for basic needs both physical and spiritual. Here was a church that flew the flag of victory high and dispensed God’s grace with the clarity of a bell.  A bell now stands quietly perched on metal frame beside the church marquee.

I stand there for a moment and listen . . . though the bell is not physically ringing. I sense the bell ringing deep within my soul sounding out the joy that this church has for God.

Upon entry of the church, we saw the most beautiful sanctuary, so restful, so peaceful . . . a church

with caring people. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the front of the church to a gorgeous stained glass window of Christ with outstretched arms.  The caption within the stained glass said, “Come unto me . . .” Isn’t that a comforting invitation? How often we carry burdens that zap our spiritual lives, strain our emotional lives and stress our physical bodies. But Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are burdened and heavy laden and I WILL give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 in part). God is so good!

The church service that morning followed a traditional United Methodist service with greeting, singing, prayers and children’s time (called Young Disciples in this church).

On this particular day, we enjoyed a special treat, Ron Baily, a Lay Speaker brought the message. Ron “filled in” for Pastor Seong Lee (who was gone on this particular Sunday). This was the first Lay Speaker that we had the privilege of hearing since we started traveling and writing the “Church in the Windshield.”  Ron did an excellent job delivering the message entitled, “Time” using the scriptures found in Ecclesiastes 3:11-15. WOW, we were impressed! Here is a brief snipped: Ecclesiastes 3:11-15 New International Version (NIV). 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil . . .  .

At the end of the service we sang that great old hymn, “For the Beauty of the Earth.”  This hymn seemed to be most fitting for a very “timely” message. At the close of the service, I took a picture of one of the beautiful stained glass windows (see at the right).  We visited with some friends that we had made in the church . . .  indeed a superb experience! Let’s give a “Shout Out” to the Hoisington United Methodist Church and the wonderful way they are sharing the SON!

Until next time, enjoy the beauty that God made in His own time and stay happy and peaceful in his presence.
 

Drivers behind the windshield, Ron & Sheron
 

Epilogue: If you would like to have a super worship experience, stop by the Hoisington United Methodist Church, 467 W Third St, Hoisington, Kansas. The people there will treat you right and share God’s Grace in the process. Worship time is 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.

Pictures of the church are used by permission; other pictures were free from the internet.

Church in the Windshield

 

The Cross at 213

January 6, 2019
 

Drive west on Interstate 70; west of the Ellsworth exit to mile marker 213. Look south (left) and you see the most beautiful lighted cross.  If you are like Sheron and I, you have traveled up and down Interstate 70 many times. I don’t know how many times we traveled it but it seems like a “bazillion”and yet we never get tired of seeing the cross.                               

The cross was built on faith as the wall banner of this little prairie country church shows. Fourteen people gather on a given Sunday to worship, pray and hear God’s message in the Excelsior Lutheran Church. But who knows how many people this little church reaches in just one night.

A day time look at the cross reveals something so different. This structure made of pipe, electrical boxes, bulbs and guy wires towers in the sky. An octagon structure mounted high upon the tower reveals sixteen bright LED (Light Emitting Diode) long lasting lights. The main mast supports approximately twenty-eight plus lights (I am not sure the picture

 shows all the lights). None the less, it is impressive even in day time. This structure blends so well the sky in the day time that it becomes almost invisible from Interstate 70. It is almost as if the cross is saying, “I am here waiting . . . waiting for those lonesome night time hours between dusk and dawn.” “I am waiting, but when the time comes I will be ready.” Ah yes, if only we could be like the day time cross . . . always ready . . . always waiting.

It’s night time now and the cross seems to say, “My lights are on and it is time to shine.”  Tonight, I will bring a ray of hope to some discouraged individual traveling on the Interstate. I will awaken a sleepy driver whose focus has been on segmented white lines for far too many miles. I will encourage another that life is worth living . . . don’t give up. To another, I will say, Look . . . you made it through the storm and you will be safe now. Some will see me and sing a song; some will say a prayer. Occasionally, someone will stop and take my picture.  Others will recognize me as a land mark and know that they are close to home.  But when we see the cross, aren’t we always close to home? I am reminded of the scripture that says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).

Is it lonely here on the prairie, day after day and night after night?  No, because you see, I am not alone; I am surrounded by a battalion of “gentle giants; protectors of the prairie.” Each one twirls a triad of huge shiny silver blades in syncopated format. Many of the giants adorn themselves with a crown of red lights that slowly blink on . . . and off . . . in attractive but pleasing choreography. All day and all night, the “gentle giants” wave to me . . . and wink at me as if to say, “You are OK.”  And so it is in the real world, if we keep our eyes the cross and our faith in Jesus Christ, we will be OK.

Who says that a little country church on the prairie can’t be a great witness? Let’s give a “shout out” for the Excelsior Lutheran Church that

had the faith and foresight to light the cross.

Until next time, keep your eye on the cross and your faith in Christ.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling on Interstate 70 and would like to attend a great early service; stop by the Excelsior Lutheran Church (9^th Road and Avenue C east of Wilson. Service time is at 8:30 a.m. The church will give you a warm welcome and Pastor Angie Sundell does a great job.