I love you, and that's no joke.
Son Shawn
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Thoughts on Church Visits
Some things that I would take away from our visits.
-The physical posture that we have when worshiping does say something about our hearts.
Standing, moving, smiling, raising hands; they aren't indicators of worship taking place in the heart, but they can be. Distracted looking around while singing, not singing at all, lots of glum faces, reluctantly standing; they aren't indicators that worship isn't taking place in the heart, but they can be.
-Greeting visitors and regular attenders that you don't know does say something about Christ's love in you.
If the only person that talks to me in 30+ minutes of trying to get people to talk to me says, "Would you like a survey?", what does that say about peoples love for others?
-Use of our physical facilities says something about our focus.
Is it about nice, pretty, well-kept facilities? Or is it how can we use what God has given us to reach those around us? I would suggest that in this case it is the latter.
What is so hard about this, is that I can come up with what I think are the right answers. But I also know how much work it can be to put into practice. The more involved we get in the world, and in peoples lives, the messier it gets. Sometimes we prefer to stay on the surface, because it is cleaner and more comfortable there. I believe God calls us below the surface, and into the depths. That is where God is working, and he wants us to join him there. "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
-The physical posture that we have when worshiping does say something about our hearts.
Standing, moving, smiling, raising hands; they aren't indicators of worship taking place in the heart, but they can be. Distracted looking around while singing, not singing at all, lots of glum faces, reluctantly standing; they aren't indicators that worship isn't taking place in the heart, but they can be.
-Greeting visitors and regular attenders that you don't know does say something about Christ's love in you.
If the only person that talks to me in 30+ minutes of trying to get people to talk to me says, "Would you like a survey?", what does that say about peoples love for others?
-Use of our physical facilities says something about our focus.
Is it about nice, pretty, well-kept facilities? Or is it how can we use what God has given us to reach those around us? I would suggest that in this case it is the latter.
What is so hard about this, is that I can come up with what I think are the right answers. But I also know how much work it can be to put into practice. The more involved we get in the world, and in peoples lives, the messier it gets. Sometimes we prefer to stay on the surface, because it is cleaner and more comfortable there. I believe God calls us below the surface, and into the depths. That is where God is working, and he wants us to join him there. "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
Church Visiting Sunday
This last Sunday, we visited 3 churches for our Evangelism and Church Growth class. Each one was a very different experience. There were about 11 of us, and Suzanne and the girls didn't go along.
The first church we visited was an African American Methodist Church. There were roughly 2,500 people in attendance that morning. As you can imagine, the service was much more lively than your typical Swiss or Russian Mennonite service. The singing was very powerful. Lots of clapping and swaying, and impromptu runs and repeats. The drummer was drumming and the piano was playing. During the preaching service, the organist was playing little notes and runs to keep time with the pastor. The youth choir had a very moving song, with a couple of the singers in tears by the end. There was also a testimony song, by a lady from the audience. During the greeting time in the service, we got a number of hugs and I even got a kiss from an older lady. At most there were 2 dozen non-African American people in attendance, but we felt very welcome. Many people invited us to come again.
The second church we visited was an Evangelical Free Church. This church was made up of mostly white middle and upper class people. There were also about 3-4 dozen Chinese people, some of which had earphones on as they listened to a Mandarin translation of the service. There was a stark contrast in the friendliness of this congregation or lack thereof. No one greeted us, I was hard pressed to get an usher to give me a bulletin, and the service lacked any sense of emotion or movement. An ironic comment from the pastor at the beginning of the sermon was about how awesome it is to see God orchestrate the service. Most of us found this to be funny, knowing that services like that are usually planned to the tee, and the previous one we were at had lots of unplanned elements. After the service we continued to encounter little friendliness. It is not my nature to be overly outgoing, but I actually walked up to conversations to get people to talk to me. Most people just made eye contact and went back to their talking. I even walked in front of people as they hurried excited the service. Most people just sidestepped you and said, "excuse me." Where were the "Hello's", the "Welcome's", and the "Good to have you here"? We did share our experience with a member and they were embarrassed, and promised to share it with leadership. At the very least they need to have a couple people whose "job" it is every service to know the congregation well enough, that they can spot the visitors and welcome them.
The third church we visited was only to look at it's sports facilities. It was a Baptist church that took up a whole city block. They recently built a large sanctuary that seats around 3,000, but their Sunday attendance is only in the 750-850 range. The rest of the facility is also way under used. They have 2 full basketball courts, a 6+ lane bowling alley, a weight room full of nautilus equipment, a cardio room, a large dining area and kitchen, and many other amenities. Unfortunately, they only allow members and their guests to use it. It is kinda like an exclusive country club. Most of their members are from the suburbs and it is too far to drive in to use the facilities. They only come for church to this intercity neighborhood. Most of us thought that they should open up the facility for the neighborhood, maybe after school programs, or community ministry. I know it would cause a lot of extra work for the church to let ruffians in, but it's about ministry and impacting those around you. It's not about just having nice stuff and keeping things for ourselves.
I know, we are idealistic college students. More thoughts in the next post.
The first church we visited was an African American Methodist Church. There were roughly 2,500 people in attendance that morning. As you can imagine, the service was much more lively than your typical Swiss or Russian Mennonite service. The singing was very powerful. Lots of clapping and swaying, and impromptu runs and repeats. The drummer was drumming and the piano was playing. During the preaching service, the organist was playing little notes and runs to keep time with the pastor. The youth choir had a very moving song, with a couple of the singers in tears by the end. There was also a testimony song, by a lady from the audience. During the greeting time in the service, we got a number of hugs and I even got a kiss from an older lady. At most there were 2 dozen non-African American people in attendance, but we felt very welcome. Many people invited us to come again.
The second church we visited was an Evangelical Free Church. This church was made up of mostly white middle and upper class people. There were also about 3-4 dozen Chinese people, some of which had earphones on as they listened to a Mandarin translation of the service. There was a stark contrast in the friendliness of this congregation or lack thereof. No one greeted us, I was hard pressed to get an usher to give me a bulletin, and the service lacked any sense of emotion or movement. An ironic comment from the pastor at the beginning of the sermon was about how awesome it is to see God orchestrate the service. Most of us found this to be funny, knowing that services like that are usually planned to the tee, and the previous one we were at had lots of unplanned elements. After the service we continued to encounter little friendliness. It is not my nature to be overly outgoing, but I actually walked up to conversations to get people to talk to me. Most people just made eye contact and went back to their talking. I even walked in front of people as they hurried excited the service. Most people just sidestepped you and said, "excuse me." Where were the "Hello's", the "Welcome's", and the "Good to have you here"? We did share our experience with a member and they were embarrassed, and promised to share it with leadership. At the very least they need to have a couple people whose "job" it is every service to know the congregation well enough, that they can spot the visitors and welcome them.
The third church we visited was only to look at it's sports facilities. It was a Baptist church that took up a whole city block. They recently built a large sanctuary that seats around 3,000, but their Sunday attendance is only in the 750-850 range. The rest of the facility is also way under used. They have 2 full basketball courts, a 6+ lane bowling alley, a weight room full of nautilus equipment, a cardio room, a large dining area and kitchen, and many other amenities. Unfortunately, they only allow members and their guests to use it. It is kinda like an exclusive country club. Most of their members are from the suburbs and it is too far to drive in to use the facilities. They only come for church to this intercity neighborhood. Most of us thought that they should open up the facility for the neighborhood, maybe after school programs, or community ministry. I know it would cause a lot of extra work for the church to let ruffians in, but it's about ministry and impacting those around you. It's not about just having nice stuff and keeping things for ourselves.
I know, we are idealistic college students. More thoughts in the next post.
Friday, March 28, 2008
4 + 1 = 3
You like my math?
4 weeks of classes + 1 week of finals = 3 weeks off till CPE starts for the summer
Now it makes sense, right? I was feeling a creative spark that should have been aimed at a assignment that is due on Wednesday of next week. I'll have to work on my aim. It has been a couple busy weeks, and sometimes you run out of motivation. So much to think about, so much to absorb, so much to integrate, so much to talk about, but (you saw this coming) so little time.
Actually, the math problem above could also be used to illustrate how some assignments get done.
4 hours till midnight + 1 cup of coffee = 3 am Where did the time go?
Everybody have a worshipful weekend!
4 weeks of classes + 1 week of finals = 3 weeks off till CPE starts for the summer
Now it makes sense, right? I was feeling a creative spark that should have been aimed at a assignment that is due on Wednesday of next week. I'll have to work on my aim. It has been a couple busy weeks, and sometimes you run out of motivation. So much to think about, so much to absorb, so much to integrate, so much to talk about, but (you saw this coming) so little time.
Actually, the math problem above could also be used to illustrate how some assignments get done.
4 hours till midnight + 1 cup of coffee = 3 am Where did the time go?
Everybody have a worshipful weekend!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
8 years yesterday
Tuesday was Suzanne and I's 8th anniversary. Wow! Eight years. Could we see ourselves where we are now, eight years ago? No. Are we glad we are here? Yes. Are we really enjoying both the community and the growing experience? Yes, Yes. Are we still in love? Yes. Do we still like each other? YES!
To celebrate our anniversary, we listened to Shawn Nolt preach in preaching class:) He has a lot of room for growth.
If you pray, continue to pray for us as we grow, as we are stretched, as we seek God's continued guidance.
Time flies and we're still having fun!
To celebrate our anniversary, we listened to Shawn Nolt preach in preaching class:) He has a lot of room for growth.
If you pray, continue to pray for us as we grow, as we are stretched, as we seek God's continued guidance.
Time flies and we're still having fun!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter
This morning Suzanne and I took advantage of our great babysitters (mom and dad), and went on a prayer walk. It was at the arboretum here in Hesston at 7am. The temperature was 27, the wind was calm, the moon was still high in the sky. There were a about 4 scripture stations around the loop. There were also about 3 prayer stations. It was a meaningful time of contemplation and prayer as we walked in a beautiful setting that God created. The birds were singing, as the ducks swam on a calm lake with the mist rising as the sun came up over the horizon. Beautiful, glorious, Amen.
Last night, Dad and I went to Venue 302 in Hutchison. Dad has been listening to Andy's sermons online since my last post about the venue. He didn't disappoint. It was a powerful service about Christ's death and resurrection. His sermon was from Roman's 7, and we learned that we have issues, we are not in control, we are a war, we need rescued, and Jesus is the answer. Praise be to God!
Last night, Dad and I went to Venue 302 in Hutchison. Dad has been listening to Andy's sermons online since my last post about the venue. He didn't disappoint. It was a powerful service about Christ's death and resurrection. His sermon was from Roman's 7, and we learned that we have issues, we are not in control, we are a war, we need rescued, and Jesus is the answer. Praise be to God!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I'm on spring break
My parents got here on Tuesday morning and we have been having a great time. The girls are just in their glory!
Yesterday it was over 70 degrees and sunny. My dad (unknown), Merle C. (58), Randall S. (55), and I (57) went golfing at the course here in town. It was really nice, and not windy for a change. See scores in parentheses above.
We had a barbecue last night for supper. The rest of the week should be in the 50's, and we will probably get a little rain.
It feels good to have a week off from school work. I have enjoyed working around the house, loafing, and playing.
We will have the pleasure of a visit from Roy and Ruth S. tomorrow. They are visiting Eric and Karmen M. in Hutchinson.
Alyssa is at school, Courtney and Emberlynn are being entertained by Papa and tinkertoys, Suzanne and Grandma are browsing or shopping in Newton, and I am getting ready to join the tinkertoy fun after finishing ours and my parents taxes.
Suzanne and I will be going on our first "real" date this year on Saturday. We really need to make time for this more often. A big thanks to Mom and Dad. Take time for those you love!
Yesterday it was over 70 degrees and sunny. My dad (unknown), Merle C. (58), Randall S. (55), and I (57) went golfing at the course here in town. It was really nice, and not windy for a change. See scores in parentheses above.
We had a barbecue last night for supper. The rest of the week should be in the 50's, and we will probably get a little rain.
It feels good to have a week off from school work. I have enjoyed working around the house, loafing, and playing.
We will have the pleasure of a visit from Roy and Ruth S. tomorrow. They are visiting Eric and Karmen M. in Hutchinson.
Alyssa is at school, Courtney and Emberlynn are being entertained by Papa and tinkertoys, Suzanne and Grandma are browsing or shopping in Newton, and I am getting ready to join the tinkertoy fun after finishing ours and my parents taxes.
Suzanne and I will be going on our first "real" date this year on Saturday. We really need to make time for this more often. A big thanks to Mom and Dad. Take time for those you love!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Rain rain, where did all the water come from?
Last Sunday it started raining around noon. Here is what it looks like normally right behind our house (actually the next day, it is usually drier):
Here is what it looks like after a couple hours of rain:
Notice that the black pipe is underwater. Just thought you'd want to know.
Here is what it looks like after a couple hours of rain:
Notice that the black pipe is underwater. Just thought you'd want to know.
Springbreak is on it's way
It has been a very busy week with exam's and assignments, and I won't be done till about 5pm or later this evening. This week was midterms, and all the professors try to cram a few things in before Spring break. Next week is my spring break, and the following week is Alyssa's. Here is the weather for the next couple days:
As you can see it is windy and cold this morning. My 7 minute walk felt like a cold eternity this morning. However, the way it looks, we should be in the 60's for the week. Yeah! My parents are coming out for a visit. We'll probably do a little golfing and tour the Excel plant here in town, see if they'd like to buy a ventrac:) We will check out some other Kansas hotspots hopefully. We look forward to time with them. The grandparents and girls will be at full throttle I am sure! And Suzanne and I will get a long date!!!
Anyway, we are looking forward to a break and some not college related activities. By the way, this is week 9, which means only 6 more weeks till finals. It is moving fast. A year from now, we could know where we are going from here. That is almost unreal!
As you can see it is windy and cold this morning. My 7 minute walk felt like a cold eternity this morning. However, the way it looks, we should be in the 60's for the week. Yeah! My parents are coming out for a visit. We'll probably do a little golfing and tour the Excel plant here in town, see if they'd like to buy a ventrac:) We will check out some other Kansas hotspots hopefully. We look forward to time with them. The grandparents and girls will be at full throttle I am sure! And Suzanne and I will get a long date!!!Anyway, we are looking forward to a break and some not college related activities. By the way, this is week 9, which means only 6 more weeks till finals. It is moving fast. A year from now, we could know where we are going from here. That is almost unreal!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Weekend roundup
Today we went to Garden Community Church for the first time. It is West of Hesston. It was a Mennonite church a number of years ago, but is non-denominational now. The mennonite heritage was hard to sense for a couple reasons:
-A Christian flag and an American flag on the stage.
-Sunday School class was made up of about 70+ people with a teacher that taught almost like a sermon, and will be a series for a quarter about being "fisher's of men".
Nothing bad is meant by this, only an observation.
It was 62 degrees and sunny when we left for church. We drove some classic sand roads to get there.
When we got home soon after noon, it was 45 degrees and windy and rainy. A storm blew in, and we should have some mid 50's this week. That is down from a high of 72 degrees on Saturday.
Speaking of Saturday, I had a fun time at the park with the girls. Suzanne had an all day class in Wichita, and now she can teach Arthritic water aerobics at the Wellness Center. She starts Monday
-A Christian flag and an American flag on the stage.
-Sunday School class was made up of about 70+ people with a teacher that taught almost like a sermon, and will be a series for a quarter about being "fisher's of men".
Nothing bad is meant by this, only an observation.
It was 62 degrees and sunny when we left for church. We drove some classic sand roads to get there.
When we got home soon after noon, it was 45 degrees and windy and rainy. A storm blew in, and we should have some mid 50's this week. That is down from a high of 72 degrees on Saturday.
Speaking of Saturday, I had a fun time at the park with the girls. Suzanne had an all day class in Wichita, and now she can teach Arthritic water aerobics at the Wellness Center. She starts Monday
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)