The future of the church??

Well, here they are. The latest confirmation graduates and newest members of the church. Does it scare you or excite you? As for me, I'm in their corner. What a great bunch! What say you??

Going TO church or being THE church??

Tomorrow we will celebrate with 5 of our youth their becoming members of our local body of the church. They will be 'confirmed" during the service and will publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (at least what that means for them at this juncture in their lives). They will then make vows of membership to God and to the church regarding their desire to walk in accordance to God's will, as well as become a part of the community of faith who seeks to rejoice and mourn, laugh and cry, TOGETHER.
As always, my concern is that we just go through the motions, pat them on the back, eat a meal with them, and then send them on their merry way, leaving them to fend for themselves in this crazy high pressure world we live in. Oh, we can meet each week together in church, (which is biblical and essential), but I just wonder how we can BE the church to them.
Will we pray for them? Will we go to their ball games and support them? Will we be there for them when they stumble? Will we give of our time to teach, to make cookies, to shoot hoops, to chaperone, to listen, to attempt to offer some stability in an unstable world? I certainly hope so.
Just because these kids are joining the church tomorrow doesn't mean it is the starting point for them. God has been at work in their lives prior to their even being born. It's just that tomorrow is a spiritual marker that highlights an important time that He is at work in their lives. And it provides those of us who have been a part of the church for some time, an opportunity and privilege to welcome them into something far greater than an institution, but a family, a community of faith. So let's not just go through the motions on Sunday, let's be the "alive and well" body of Christ that joins with these kids on this faith journey we call life.

CHECK THIS OUT!!

Just wanted to show you a few more pictures. The upper left is a picture of 4 wheel drive tractors driving cattle home on hiway 25 to Craig Sheppard's feedlot. If you can zoom in it's a cool shot. The road closed sign is on the west edge of town on hiway 96 while the house is our neighbor on the corner. The main streets are open but nowhere to park. Lots of snow yet to remove.

Our oldest boys and wives left this morning around 9:30 and sounds like they are getting along pretty good on the hiways. Thankfully they were going east. It worked out pretty well that we were snowed in as a family. Now you'll have to ask them if they agree. Later - P.R.

BURIED!

Well, here we go again - a big snowstorm has us shut down for awhile. Church is cancelled for tomorrow ( I hate that but too many safety issues for people).

Our kids made it just in time as we are celebrating Christmas this weekend so we have been eating alot, playing a bunch of games, watching some football, and even a few movies. Thankfully we've kept our power so we are nice and warm inside.

It's going to take awhile to get this all cleared up but we're not griping about the moisture. Maybe the drought will be broken now.

Even in the midst of the storms we are reminded that God is good, all the time! P.R.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Well, it looks like we in western Kansas will be having a white Christmas. It's really pretty now that the sun has come out and the ice has begun to melt. We lost some trees and tree branches in the area because of the ice but kept our power - a good thing.
With the snow on the ground I am again reminded of the real meaning of Christmas - the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to restore our relationship with God and each other. He came as a gift from God to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness - or as the pictures remind us, to wash away our sins that we would be whiter than snow.
It is my prayer that you have a most blessed Christmas and that you will not only receive God's greatest gift for your life, but may pass it on to others. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

P.R.

Christmas is coming...................

Yes, I'm still alive. It's a little busy this time of year as you know. Just finished officiating a wedding at our church chapel, getting ready for a Christmas party this evening, preparing for church in the morning, and putting stuff on the computer for the program tomorrow night. Practice is tomorrow afternoon followed by the program and even a few goodies in the fellowship hall after the program.

Okay, deep breath. Ah yes, Christmas. I know it's busy but let's not get so busy we miss out on what we are celebrating. In light of that, I encourage those of you who read this from the church to invite people to our services next weekend - the regular morning worship at 11.00 a.m and then the special christmas eve candlelight service at 6:00 p.m. I've got a great video clip for the evening service that the visitors and you will love. I promise.

So here we go. A little more than a week from Christmas. Are you ready???????

NOT WITHOUT HOPE!

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and as I mentioned earlier this morning, Christ comes to us in a variety of ways. Obviously, this time of year we think of his coming to us as a baby as we celebrate his birth at Christmas. But I was reminded as I officiated a committal service at the cemetery this afternoon that Jesus truly comes to us at our time of greatest need. Not that he is not with us other times, but at those times when we grieve, mourn, or suffer, Jesus is right with us giving us strength and hope that only he can give.
One thing I really noticed today was the hope the family had in Christ and the comfort they took in knowing they will see their loved one again. For we know that this is just a temporary journey we are on and eternity awaits us once we leave this world. And it is so noticeable in people when their faith is in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In the midst of death, they can still proclaim victory. Victory over sin and death. I saw that today in many of the family members and was able to talk about that great hope we have in Christ with many of them.
What a contrast to those who do not claim faith in Christ. They are consumed by grief and sorrow and unfortunately find themselves powerless. The season of Advent reminds us that this does not have to be the way it is. Jesus has come to give us hope, a living hope that is built upon faith in him as Lord and Savior. He has come not only to remove our sin, but to give us a peace that passes all understanding. As we move closer to Christmas and continue our journey through this Advent season, I pray you know that Christ has come for each and everyone of you to give you hope beyond hope. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

STRANGE SIGHTINGS!!

What's with all the green people? Was it something they ate? It's not even Thanksgiving. Oh! Did someone say the wicked witch? If she is so wicked, why is she smiling? And what about the strangely dressed guy? A guard, you say? A guard of what? Hmmm. I feel safer now. Anyways, the Wizard of Oz was great (The Musical, that is). Congrats to all who participated. A really great show.

On another note, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much or you'll look like those strange creatures pictured on this here blog. Green, green, green. Later - P.R.

ONE HAPPY FAMILY!

Well, what can I say? What a crew, huh? We got Todd married off last weekend and we're all smiles. (Some smiles are stranger than others). But we are thrilled with our new addition - Melissa. We needed another rose amongst the thorns. As you can see in the upper left corner, we clean up pretty good. And of course, my three sons are acting like their mother in the above picture. I just couldn't control them. And my mother has a great supporting cast around her in the picture to the left. Ah yes, life is good, and I'm blessed with a great family.

Okay Kyle, you're next - but the pressure is on. I've got two great daughters-in-law. One more will make it all complete. (Don't get in a hurry).

JUST to let you know!

I've been trying for three days to put some pictures on this here blog thing regarding my time at Aulne but for some reason it doesn't want to load them. Had a great time. Saw family and friends and met some new folks as well. God worked in a variety of ways - the evening services, the men and women groups, and even with the kids, especially the stump the pastor time. Aulne's music, as always, was awesome. It was great to play guitar with my brother Rod, my buddy Kevin, and my son Todd. Could have done that for hours. Some of my classmates from MHS were there, even my 6th grade teacher from school was there every night. That was ironic - I used to set in her class and now she was sitting in mine. Monday night was especially awesome. Ask me about it.

Now we're gearing up for Todd's wedding on Friday night. God has sure worked in his situation and now we are extremely blessed to have Melissa joining the family. The wedding will be very intimate with just immediate family followed by a huge reception at Salina. Can't wait. Ooops - got to go. I'm supposed to officiate. Have to put a few words together for the kids.

Pray for a blessed wedding and more important, a blessed marriage.

Until next time........................................................

AULNE! WHERE'S THAT??

What do you mean - you don't know where Aulne, Kansas is? It's a suburb of Marion, Peabody, Florence, and dare I say Hillsboro? Most important it's my old stompin grounds where this coming week I will be leading some renewal services. Now, Iadmit I am returning with fear and trepidation - they all know me better than I would probably like them to. So there's no fooling anybody.

However, I am really looking forward to heading back to the big metropolis. I'll be playing guitar with my brother, my good buddies, my son, and who knows who else. I'll be leading some youth events, a men's breakfast, a women's luncheon, some kid stuff, and oh yes, the evening services. As much as I am looking forward to that, I am more looking forward to what God is going to do. It sounds as if they are well prepared for these few days together so I ask you all to keep the 22nd - 24th in your prayers - for me and for the people who attend. Also keep the folks in Leoti in your prayers as well. I'd sure appreciate it.

Well, got to go. Things still do do before heading east on Sunday. Stay tuned! P.R.

P.S. Tomorrow is son #2 birthday. Happy Birthday Eric!! Love you greatly!

BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP!

Just a few more pictures from our recent trip to the high country. As you can see, the scenery is awesome. No wonder we sing "when I in awesome wonder". We experienced the changing of the colors of the leaves on the trees, the beauty of overlooking a mountain ridge on a lake below, as well as the snow that fell on our last day. In the midst of all this, how can anyone say there is no Creator, that all this "just happened". No way!
Beginning this Sunday I am beginning a series on worship. God's creation cries out that we worship Him. What else can we do? "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him" (psalm 95:3-4).

GO TEAM???

Hmmmmm. As you can see we have a sighting of a strangely dressed, somewhat noisy, alien form of cheerleader attempting to get those around him to respond with loud sounds unaccustomed to the likes of local Leotians. The verdict is still out as to who this strange person may have been and exactly what his motivation was for dancing wildly at the busiest intersection of our fair city. Yet........there seems to be a resemblence............. to a certain lay leader......................of a certain church............................here in the county seat. Nah................, it couldn't be.......................................or could it????????????

That's no bull..... or is it?

Ah yes, what an adventure in the high country. As you can see, someone shot the bull. That someone was Shep - 26 yards away with a 50 caliber muzzle loader. My brother witnessed it all. We all went up with the horses to retrieve the quarters and take them down to the base camp. Craig was grinning from ear to ear. He was one happy camper.

Actually, we all were happy campers. We had a blast (other than a mule chase a time or two). A little patience tester for us all but we survived and passed the test. Had beautiful weather, rainy weather, and even a bunch of snow on the last day. The true mountain man experience. Caught a few trout, walked a lot of miles, climbed a bunch of mountains and even washed our hands a time or two. The water was cold, I'll tell you that. Anyway, made it back home in one piece late Saturday night - a little grubby, a little smelly, but well worth the trip. I'll try and post some more pictures if I can get this blog thing to work. Later - P.R.

GO WEST YOUNG MAN!

Leaving tomorrrow for the high country for a week. Going with Shep and my 3 brothers. Should be a hoot! Carry on. I'll fill you in when I get back. P.R.

PASS THE PIGSKIN and various assundry things.

Ah yes, another football season has begun and what a great start for the high school - a 53- 6 trouncing of Satanta. Nothing like scoring on the opening kickoff return and never looking back. Life is good! I liked the play calling of the coach, the enthusiasm of the team, the quickness off the ball - so far so good. But alas, the season is young. Time will tell what kind of a team we have. JUST a sidenote - did you see Kyle get his bell rung near our sideline? Ironically it was a hit by our own guy as they all were making a tackle. He was slow in getting up and definitely was in la-la land. Good old football.
I got my voice good and warmed up. Only had to correct the refs a couple of times. They're coming around.
JUST spoke with the #2 son who is moving back to KS as I write. He was in Utah this morning and should be in Colorado by now. It will be good to have he and Andrea back in the same state. M.L. is with her sisters this weekend so Kyle and I are roughing it. You know- watching football, eating some chips and dip, going to Charlies, maybe shooting a few doves since the season is open. (I realize they are symbols of peace so I just shoot the rebellious ones.) Todd is in KC with a bunch of youth pulling what's left of his hair out and Melissa is - well, who knows what Melissa is up to? M.L. did get to see her in McPherson last night however.
My brother and I are gearing up for the mountain trip next week with Shep so we decided not to take a shower this week just to get in shape. Don't worry, I'll splash some toilet water on for church. You'll never even know. Oh yeah, speaking of church, I've got to go get ready. Have some things to do. And the kick is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!

ALRIGHT, ALREADY.....

Okay, I'm being pressured to do that blog thing again. Where does the time go? I thought I just did it. Anyway, school is once again upon us although the junior high has yet to get started. Too bad they are losing their snow days already. See, they thought it was great to start late but the days still have to be be made up. Who's crying now? And school sports are prepping for the new season. Time will tell how we will do. No matter, get out and support the kids (Just don't yell at the refs). Oh and by the way, I am announcing the JV football games. Of course I won't be biased and I'll only say objective and supportive things for our team as well as our opponent. (Snicker, snicker). And yes, 8 from our church are going to Promise Keepers next Friday. Should be a blast. Don't worry wives. We won't come back with our heads shaved, wearing leather, beating our chest, and grunting. Wait! Maybe we will! (Doubt it). However, regarding he-man stuff, I'm heading to the mountains in a couple of weeks with Shep and my brother, packing horses, pitching a tent, hunting elk, fishing for trout, taking pictures, and experiencing God's splendor of His creation. Can't wait for that. I'll be back for the holidays - don't want to miss the good food. DID I MENTION CHERRY PIE? (Where did that come from?) Anyways, just a few random thoughts. Must keep you all happy. (There's so much pressure).

AND THE WINNER IS.....

After weeks an weeks of training, Rick's Wreck narrowly took first place in the world famous barnyard olympics at the Wichita county fair. The Wreck won by 1 second over the Ken Gerstberger crew and 9 other teams and will now proudly wear the gold medals until next August when they will defend their title. The team consisted of Kyle and Evan Just, P.R., and the beautiful and talented good luck charm, Karlee Seaton. She was the missing link that was needed to put us over the top. The Wreck would like to thank our familes and friends for allowing us to train these many weeks (hours, minutes?). Without your sacrifice, we would not have been able to take our place in Barnyard Olympic history. And that's no bull!

THE WAY IT OUGHT TO BE!

This past week or so I've tried to be observant as to what we've been up to as a church here in Wichita county and there is much reason to praise God. For example:

• The youth took a day to make bierocks for the county fair. Had a good turnout and they worked hard. Some of the youth also went and cleaned the food booth. I checked it out. It looks great!
• Several members of the church have been making and taking meals to those in need. Thanks to all who are giving their time and serving the Lord in this capacity.
• Many have generously responded to Gina's need to raise money for her upcoming mission trip to India. I spoke with her and know she is truly appreciative.
• Thanks to Lee for taking Dale to Haviland for the Emmaus walk.
• Thanks to Mary Lou, Marqueta, and Randy for treating Marge like a queen while Dale was gone. Also thanks to Mike who drove a group to Haviland to bring Dale back to town.
• What about those who helped the Schumachers move on that hot Saturday afternoon? Definitely a labor of love. Helpers included young and old(er) and male and female.
• And what a great evening on Tuesday as the Emmaus group took supper to the Schumachers. More importantly, what a sacred time it was when they all gathered together in prayer in the middle of the living room praying that God would bless the family and the transition that lie ahead.
• And the outreach to the kids continues as 21 of the God Squad kids from outside the church showed up for the Splash Bash at the pool. Great stuff!

These are only a few things that have taken place in the last week, not to mention those things that have taken place behind the scenes. As you can see, the body of Christ is at work in Leoti. And that most assuredly is the way it ought to be!

THE WORLD'S GAME??

Okay, so I thought I would give the world cup a chance and watch the championship soccer game Sunday afternoon on tv. Besides, I needed a nap and knew soccer would put me to sleep. I was right. I tried. I attempted to give it a chance, but give me a break. The two teams played for 90 minutes with a whopping 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Some kind of action, huh? Then they go into two 15 minute overtime periods. Guess what? No one scored. Surprise. Surprise. And they call this drama? Then the game is decided on five free kicks per team. Mano a mano. Italy wins because they made more free kicks than France and the champion is crowned. Oh, be still my heart! They could have skipped the whole game, gave the 2 teams the free kicks and it would have been over in 10 minutes. Oh well, to each his own. But give me American football anyday!