Church in the Windshield

Snow Day in Wilson 

November 25, 2018

 It’s Sunday morning and we should be getting ready to travel to a near-by church. But, it is not going to happen today.  We look out the window and see snow drifts all around the house. It’s been snowing all night; it’s still snowing . . .  blowing, sifting and drifting. Even as we watch, the landscape changes ever so subtly.

For a few minutes, I enjoy watching the miniature fiber optic Christmas tree sitting on our fireplace as it changes colors.

I check our personal weather station and see that the temperature is 28 degrees; wind chill is 15 degrees. The wind is straight out of the north at 19 miles an hour and the wind chill feels way colder to me than the 15 degrees shown on the monitor. I wonder if we made the wrong decision when we decided not to go to Texas this winter. Oh, well, the decision has been made and we will make the most of it.

We peer through the picture window on the north side of our house and see the drifting snow piling up on the grass. Suddenly, we realize that we are looking at the snow through an angel “sun catcher.”  It’s been there all along but we just don’t pay any attention to it.  Today though, it has a special meaning, “Angel in our Window.”  It is a reminder that God is always with us in sunny weather or “blizzard” cold. Let us then enjoy the beauty of the snow and give God thanks that on this day, we are in a warm place.

Sheron and I had our morning devotionals, (our church at home for this day); sat in the living room, talked and sipped our cappuccino. That time together is so vital to our relationship.

Later that morning I decided to take some pictures of the beautiful landscape painting that God was portraying on his canvas of white. From the sunroom window was this ever so beautiful pine tree dressed in puffs of white flock. The contrasting shades of gray and black suggest that the painting is not finished yet.  So it is in our lives, we often see only the shades of good and evil, dark and gray but, God is not through painting.  One day, the picture will be beautiful.

Around the corner of the house, we see the snow drifting away from the bricks and around the front porch.  It creates an interesting design of perfect curves, slopes and hills. How refreshing it is to think that God does all of this without even the stroke of a brush.

 

A quick look at the front of our house, reveals a thick blanket of snow totally hiding the steps and blocking the door way.  The snow will be removed later and the picture will change once again. Life is full of changes I guess; some good, some not so good but if God is with us the picture will always turn out alright.

Finally, there is a picture of our neighbor’s house; it’s off in the distance and the snow is deep. But we can get there if we keep on trudging and keep our eye on the house.  Seems to us, heaven is like the house in the distance. We can get there if we stay focused and keep on trudging.

Until next time, Stay focused on God, enjoy his paintings and keep your feet beneath you.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

Church in the Windshield

Hesston United Methodist Church

October 14, 2018

Hesston, Kansas is a town a few miles north of Newton, just off of Interstate 35 (I35).  Head west on Lincoln Street and in a few blocks, you will come to a stop sign. Look to the right and you will see the Hesston United Methodist Church, beautifully designed and well landscaped. A curved drive accents the front of the church, provides an avenue that leads to the front door for easy access of handicapped and others. The curved drive sweeps to the left and flows in front of an empty cross and a red flame, the United Methodist symbol and logo. The empty cross symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus and the flame represents the spirit of God.

Turn into the parking lot and you will see a sign that says “Welcome.” As you leave the parking lot there is a sign that says, “You are entering your mission field.” What a great reminder! The church’s mission field is always just beyond the sign.

Immediately behind the sign are two gray colored rectangular boxes placed stately on iron pipe pedestals.  What are those?  The first thought is that they are some sort of mail box . . . perhaps electrical distribution boxes of some sort.  But why are they in the parking lot? We ponder that for a moment and then read a sign that says, “Take what you need . . . Give what you can.” The boxes contain some food and health items.  These boxes are there to help people day or night. What a great idea! The little jingle gets embedded in your mind and resides there, “Take what you need . . . Give what you can.”

It was cold the Sunday that we visited the Hesston Church We parked in front and close to the door. Rain drops falling on our head and shoulders quickly made our jackets moist. With a press of a button our umbrella emitted a “whoop” and opened protecting our hair from a drench tragedy.  We hurried inside where we were welcomed by friendly greeters, warm air, tasty baked goods, and ice tea or coffee.

We met lots of people and some good friends of ours, Stan and LeAnn. They were the ones that invited us to come and “fill in” for their pastor Rev. Keith Schadel who needed to be gone that Sunday. We read over the bulletin and I became orientated to my expected responsibilities.

A quick look in the sanctuary revealed to us the picture on the right.  The pews were padded, the carpet was clean and the lights turned on. Beautiful stained glass windows on either side of the sanctuary enhanced the worship area and created a sense of well-being. A high rustic brown colored dome gives us a sense of awe and a feeling of being in the presence of God. High hanging lights illuminated the soon to be filled pews and the ever so holy place at the front of the church; a place where preachers preach and laymen read scripture. Children come to hear stories of Jesus and maybe one day to be baptized.

Three crosses at the front of the church, one on top of the other are both interesting and captivating. What do they mean?  According to the documentation that I received from our friends Stan and LeAnn, the sculpture was designed for “provocative meditation for you to confront God who is light, life and love.”

For us, this dynamic sculpture represents the death of Christ and the two thieves dying on the cross; the resurrection to heaven and praise to God. Whatever interpretation you put on it, your eyes are drawn to this magnificent master piece . . . to meditate upon . . . to think about and connect with God . . . at least for the moment. Come to think of it, it just did what it was supposed to do.

The service went well that morning and I got to do what I like to do best; paint word pictures and preach the word of Jesus. The sermon text for the morning was Mark 10:17-31, the story of the rich young man who wanted to check his standing with God.  Jesus told him to sell what he had and give to the poor . . . the man went away saddened.  What possession(s) do we have that would keep us from having a full and meaning relationship with God?  It might not be riches . . . could it be cell phones . . . computers . . . broken relationships?  What if we asked Jesus about our standing and he told us what we didn’t want to hear.  Would we walk away . . . saddened?

Well, the service ended, the benediction was said and we sang, “God Be With You, Till We Meet Again.” The Hesston United Methodist Church is a neat Church; we had a great experience, and I hope we do meet again!

Until next time, keep the faith, meditate on God and follow as He leads you.

Blessings

Ron & Sheron, The drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to attend a great church, stop and visit the Hesston United Methodist Church.  They would love to have you; they have a great church family and a great preacher, the Rev. Keith Schadel.  The church service starts at 10:10 a.m.

Church in the Windshield

Bennington Presbyterian/Methodist Church

September 30, 2018

Bennington, Kansas is a quaint little town on highway 18 north of Salina and east of Minneapolis. Town proper is located on the north side of Kansas K18. One could drive by Bennington and easily miss a great treasure and asset to Bennington, the Presbyterian/Methodist Church. Two churches decided that they could serve the community better if they were together, after all, they both worked for the same God. Both churches pooled their resources, stood together, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart to provide a strong Godly witness to the community.

 One look at the church after a short thirty minute drive from Abilene said to us that we were in for a special treat. We saw a picturesque church adorned in white paint standing in the midst of tall age old shade trees.  It was a restful place . . . a soul peaceful place near to the heart of God.  We pondered this for a moment and wondered . . . is this what heaven is going to be like?

The sign out front said, “All ARE WELCOME” (in full caps).  All are welcome . . . farmers wearing blue jeans, ranchers wearing cowboy hats, business people wearing tailored suits . . . weary travelers looking for a place of worship, and acceptance. Oh Yes! On this day, this church is for us . . . but there is more to come, good things and surprises.

We climbed the steps on the left of the sanctuary . . . one . . . two . . . three . . . four, but no more after eight.  As we opened the sanctuary door, we were greeted with a melodious chorus of “Welcome, come on in, glad you are here, please sign our guest register.”

There were probably no less than twenty people that shook our hands that morning and bid us well.  WOW! We weren’t the only guests that morning; the other guests were treated with the same royal and gracious welcome as we were.

The sanctuary was absolutely gorgeous, carpeted, decorated with flowers and well lighted. Our camera perspective made the ceiling look like the longitude and latitude lines of our solar system or like rays of Gods glory radiating from the church. Either way, it was a symbol for us that represented Gods eternal greatness beyond the church. A silky white screen in the front of the church provided a modern day power point median for songs and scripture. Then we saw somethings else.

What is it? At first brief glance from across the sanctuary I thought it might be a replica of the “Ark of the Covenant,” intriguing.  I must get a closer look at this most interesting, attractive and inviting piece of church furniture. As I walked toward the front of the sanctuary, I began to see that it was a picture . . . in fact a lighted picture of the “Last Supper.” Suddenly for me the altar” became a “Holy Place” and perhaps “the Holist of Holies.” My mind wonders and I try to imagine what it would be like to take Holy Communion here in the presence of the disciples . . . and in the presence of real disciples here in the church. Perhaps in time . . . who knows?

The Rev. Ever Mudambanuki gave a very warm welcome to guests. Then she prayed from the heart and preached from the word.  Her message; Fresh spiritual bread comes to us when we read the scripture. All things are possible with Christ. We lead by faith, and God enables us through his strength, his knowledge and his people. 

It seems to us that this church has all the necessary ingredients for great positive spiritual and physical growth. So until next time, be gracious to guests, pray from the heart and preach from the word . . . God will bless you.

Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you would like to visit a church that would give you a warm welcome, a kind word, and a spiritual lift. Then stop by and visit the Bennington Presbyterian/Methodist Church, 222 North Nelson Street in Bennington, KS 67422. They would love to have you! The worship service starts at 11:00 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

 

St. John Lutheran

Russell, Kansas September 23, 2018

 

A lofty brick church in downtown Russell landmarks a special long term ministry to Lutherans and to the community. The St. John’s Lutheran Church established in the early 1900’s has provided worship, guidance, care and instruction to all who would enter. Before we entered the church, we observed the front of the church and the tower that both inspired us to worship and to focus our thoughts upwards toward God. As we entered the church, two greeters bid us welcome and gave us a bulletin for the day.

Our first view of the inside of this most beautiful church revealed a colorful stained glass window, a pipe organ, an altar, and candles. It gave us the overall restful impression that God’s presence was in this place. Soft background music enhanced a restful sense of worship.

The church bell choir is totally awesome and certainly must bring joy to God as they use their talents to spread spiritual good news. Each note struck precisely at the correct time bringing heavenly music with the clarity of a crystal glass tapped lightly with a silver spoon.

Congregational singing followed with accompaniment of the piano and the great pipe organ. We listen carefully to hear the ever so slight “chuff-chuff” of the pipes as a motor driven lung breathes air into perfectly tuned metal tubes.

We read the two messages; pondered them for a while and wondered if we could apply a spiritual thought. The message on the left suggests to us that we cannot follow the crowd to heavenly places. The message on the right says to us that God carries us one by one (like the stair lift) to be with him. For us, it’s a good thought.

Pastor Roger Dennis’ message also suggested that the Christian journey required a lot of hard work and maintenance.  He suggested that Christian people can and do get discouraged but God is always with us.

We left the church that morning impressed with all the different ways that we experienced God in the worship service.  Truly we were blessed.

So during the tough times of this week, take the stair lift and know that God will be waiting for you at the top.  We would love to visit your church, so let us know (through the comments) and maybe one day, we will see your church in the windshield.

Ron & Sheron, the drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling on Interstate 70 and want to have a truly great experience in worship, stop by the St. John Lutheran Church, 425 Main Street in Russell, Kansas. They would be happy to have you. The Worship services start at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.