November 2020 Newsletter Article

 

Pastor's Ponderings:

Well, it's nearly November!! November is generally our most active month of the year and honestly, it still will be even with the idled status with the Covid19 restrictions. Read through this newsletter for all the goings-on.

First up for Veterans Day, on November 8^th we will be having “Breakfast Burritos” as a take-out or maybe better described as a 'take-away' item. These burritos will be available in either 'bacon' or 'sausage' and will be free to all of our Veterans. For those who haven't served the burritos will be $3/each. There is a limit of two per person.

Next up there will be our November Soup Supper, on November 12^th. This month the supper will be either as a take-out or delivery item. There will be no gathering for dinner here at the Church. The offering for this month is chili and one of Donna's famous cinnamon rolls. Adult meals will be $7, children from 6-12 are $3, and children 5 and under are Free. We will be needing some drivers to help with delivery so if you're interested in helping give the office a call and let us know.

On November 22^nd, we will be having our Annual Thanksgiving Meal. This meal will be available as either a take-home or a dine-in. We'll be serving the meal to those that want to eat in Fellowship Hall and it will be dished up by those working in the kitchen. All of the food will be prepared on-site and per the requirements from the State and CDC. This meal will be free of charge. After eating for those who wish to help we will be doing our annual “Hanging of the Greens” and decorating the Church and especially the Sanctuary for Christmas. This is always a fun and spirited event and I'm so glad we're going to be doing this in spite of all the craziness in the world.

Our Annual God's Portion Sale has been 'reimagined' and you'll find a letter from our Stewardship Chair Terry Watters included in this newsletter. Please find that letter and see what Terry has set up to replace this important fundraiser. With all good fortune, we'll be back next year holding this great tradition!

I do want to let you all know that as of October I have resumed serving communion out at Shady Oaks (once a month). This morning I was out to see them and it was great to see some of the faces that I've missed so much. Unfortunately, we have to do communion with me in the entry talking through the glass... but, praise God that we are able to give the sacraments to the wonderful souls at Shady Oaks. It will be a wonderful day when I'm able to just walk in the doors and have a normal worship service with them all once again.

Sadly, I do also have to let you all know that the “Harp Twins” had to cancel out “Christmas Concert”. They live in Chicago and if they travel to Iowa they are required to be in quarantine for fourteen days. Ours was the last event that they had scheduled for the year (everything else had previously canceled) and though they regretted doing so they were forced to back out of our engagement. They are very interested in setting up a Christmas Concert in 2021 and I will be in conversation with them about setting up a 2021 Concert.

On a good note, the Sunday Night Group has resumed meeting. Come on up on Sunday Nights to the Church for some time of fellowship, a meal, prayers, and a Bible study. We gather at 6 pm every Sunday (weather permitting).

On a final positive note, Jodi is making preparations for the Children's Annual Christmas Eve Program. Watch for more details in the December Newsletter.

And with that, I'm going to sign off and as always ask you to...

Be a blessing to someone today! Pastor Roy

Sermon for Sunday, October 25, 2020 - 1st Thessalonians 2:1-8

 

I'm "way" behind on getting this sermon up and onto the blog.  Please forgive me for the delay.

Please take a listen!

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,

Roy

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters,[a] that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. 3 For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; 6 nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, 7 though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle[b] among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 8 So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Gk brothers
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Other ancient authorities read infants

Manuscript - Message delivered at the funeral for Gail's mother - Mary Alice Engleman - October 19, 2020

 I have put this stole on today for two reasons.

First, and foremost, it's a sign of respect for Mary Alice.

Second, it's because I want to remind you all that when I step behind a pulpit I am no longer merely your husband, your father, your brother-in-law, your uncle, or your friend.  When I step behind a pulpit I assume the responsibility to do my very best to speak to you the word of God.  To speak the words that my heart earnestly feels God has laid upon me.  Today, I also wish to speak to you the words that I feel Mary Alice would like for you all to remember... and to... in your best efforts... live up to.

As I stand behind this pulpit I'm reminded that though I have spent many a Sunday morning here in these pews... always sitting right over there, with Gail and Mary Alice, and for so many years right behind Bud Darden and his wife Mary... and their son Scott... so many Sundays, but I don't believe I've ever delivered a message here in this Sanctuary.  Here in this Sanctuary that meant so very much to Mary Alice.  Mary was a member of this congregation for over 60 years, she joined the Church in 1959 and I do believe I'm correct in stating that she is Sunset Hills longest member, as I believe the Church was founded only a few months before Mary and Jack joined.

The first time Mary Alice walked through those doors and into this Sanctuary, she was a beautiful young woman, with a young son following behind her, a little toddler daughter beside her, and a baby girl in her arms.  That baby girl, I am honored to call my wife today.

In this Sanctuary that Mary Alice loved so much, and which was so foundational to her faith in our Lord, in this Sanctuary, Mary Alice raised her children, through a multitude of Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible Schools, she watched her children be baptized in this Baptistery, she saw her son-in-law... chief among sinners re-baptized and re-dedicated to God, she saw her Grandson Creath, and her Granddaughter Maddie baptized as well.  She smiled at the weddings of her two daughters Nancy and Gail... and she wept at the funeral of her Grandson Wyatt.

Here in this room, she was blessed to hear countless sermons given by the unparalleled preacher, Reverend Palmer Swenson.  Perhaps in a far corner of this room if you listen quietly... you just might still hear the reverberations of Palmer's powerful voice, delivering what you absolutely assuredly believed... and knew, was the word of God.

These four walls... this building that meant so much to Mary Alice... At funerals, it is often stated how someone was a wonderful woman, a remarkable woman, or an exceptional woman... but I can honestly tell you today... that Mary Alice was an exceptionally, remarkable, wonderful woman... and each of us was smiled upon by God Himself to have been blessed to know her.  To see her life and it's quiet witness to us all.

It's been mentioned that Mary Alice had such a wonderful and genuine smile.  I hope that you all will always remember her smile and her joy-filled spirit.  You know it's easy to smile with your mouth... it's easy to fake a smile with your mouth alone... it's nearly impossible to fake a smile that sparkles and dances in your eyes.  Mary's eyes sparkled and danced when she smiled... I even saw it there the last time I saw her smile... after Gail kissed her on her forehead.

I am going to apologize and confess to most of you here today, that much of the rest of what I am going to say is directed somewhat to Mary Alice's children but most especially to her grandchildren.  But... I pray that these words might bless the rest of you as well.  I suspect they will... as you see that's what Mary Alice's life was to those lucky enough to know her... a blessing.

As I mentioned, Mary Alice's was a quiet witness... but a powerful witness if you stop and realize... and recognize...

Grandchildren... there is something that I know in my heart... that your beautiful Grandmother wants you to know... and to remember.  It's something that her quiet, gentle, and humble soul may have left a bit too quiet... too gentle... too humble...

As we all know your grandmother had such a genuine, lovely, wonderful smile... but you need to know that your beautiful grandmother chose to smile... she chose to be happy, she chose to project joy into this world... but she could have very easily chosen an entirely different path.  Your lovely grandmother... who you should always remember smiling... that big grin and those sparkling eyes... she had every earthly right to frown.

Her mother died when she was very young, and she was farmed out to relatives who mostly felt she was a burden... it was, after all, the great depression, and there wasn't enough for their own children much less another mouth to feed.  Feeling unwanted and unloved especially at such an extremely young age... generally produces the most angry and resentful of human beings... but Mary Alice lit up God's world with her wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

You might not know, or you might have forgotten that she always had trouble with her teeth, possibly from lack of proper dental care or poor nutrition as a small child, but mainly due to genetics.  Mary Alice had to get dentures at a far too young of an age.  Dental problems and dental pain can absolutely sully the most radiant of demeanor, and your grandmother had every earthly reason to be cranky and to hide her teeth... but she just kept lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

She also lost much of her hearing while she was still young... and I know that you all knew she was extremely hard of hearing... but I doubt you realize how long it had gone on... and possibly to what degree she struggled with hearing loss.  She read lips and she was pretty good at guessing. The older I get the more I understand... how not being able to hear everything can make one irritable.  But Mary Alice didn't let on... though she had every earthly reason to disengage and withdraw... she just kept lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

The love of Mary Alice's life... betrayed her, deserted her, and broke her heart... she had every earthly right to become the most bitter and angry woman of all time... but she kept on lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

I believe and I pray that all of you grandchildren remember how active, vibrant, and vital your Grandmother was prior to her first stroke.  Though that stroke, that she suffered fifteen years ago... seriously inhibited her activity level, it couldn't diminish her vibrancy and vitality.  I remember flying to Atlanta to pick Mary Alice up from the 'southern Englemans'.  She was there in her wheelchair, nothing like she'd been when she left Omaha... for in an instant her whole life had changed... drastically... and even though it wasn't quite as big and as grand as usual... she looked at me, and she still lit up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

On that flight back to Omaha she told me that I was her Knight in Shiny Armor, her hero... but I think we all know who the real hero was and is.  It will always be Mary Alice and the way she witnessed to us all... lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

Through stroke after stroke... through time after time after time in the nursing homes and all the rounds of rehabilitation... she always bounced back, she always fought back, she always got home... and she always kept on lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

Though each bout slowly robbed more and more activity and slowly even drained away her vitality and vibrancy... it never, not even up to the very end... kept her from lighting up God's world with that wonderful smile... and those sparkling eyes.

May you all... remember always... how Mary kept smiling right up to the end of her earthly life.  Realize and recognize her witness of how to confront and overcome all adversity... how to always smile... no matter what the world throws against you.

Mary Alice was able to smile so wonderfully... so genuinely... because she knew that in spite of earthly disappointments and discomforts... illness and tragedy... there was... is... and always will be... a God that loves her, a God that loves you, and who loves me.

Through difficulty, disappointment, disloyalty, and decline... Mary's faith kept that smile on her face... and that sparkle in her eyes.  Though she wasn't one to vocally witness about her love for Christ, she lived her whole life... as a witness of the love of Christ.

Some of you have been disappointed by God, or even feel angry with God... but I assure you that those who've disappointed or angered you were human beings.  Neither Paul, nor I, nor any other minister or believer can perfectly reflect God into this world.  If you place your faith in humans you'll always be let down... but if you like Mary Alice... put your faith in Christ... you'll be able to find a reason to smile no matter what the world brings about and against you..

I firmly believe that Mary Alice would like each of you to honor her memory... to remember her love for you all... by embracing her love for God... a God that allowed her to have such a wonderful... beautiful... radiant smile in spite of and through it all.

God bless you Mary Alice and thank you for loving God and for loving each of us.  I thank God for giving you to us to know and love on this earthly journey.  And I thank God for the witness of your life.

My personal 'catchphrase' is “be a blessing to someone today”... Mary Alice was a blessing to everyone she encountered... every single day.

Today, I know without a doubt that Mary is lighting up the golden streets of Heaven with that beautiful smile that she used so wonderfully to light up our world.  That smile that can and will still light up each of your memories of her.  Our world is just a little bit darker now... but Heaven shines just a bit more brightly.           

Praise be to God...

Sunday Sermon - October 18, 2020 - "Quiet Witness"

 

I dedicated last Sunday's sermon in the memory of my Mother-In-Law, Mary Alice Engleman.  Gail's mother passed into the Lord's Kingdom on Oct 10th.  She was a wonderful lady who witnessed daily to all she encountered.

God bless her for having blessed us all.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,

Roy

1 Thessalonians 1 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Salutation

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example

2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters[a] beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9 For the people of those regions[b] report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Gk brothers
2. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Gk For they

October 2020 Newsletter Article

 

I've posted below my article for the October Newsletter.  We do have several things which will be decided upon at our next Joint Church and Christian Council Meeting.  Most likely the main thing is the decision on whether we will or will not hold our annual "God's Portion Sale".  Please remain in prayer for guidance for the church leadership.

Thank you and God Bless!

In Christ,

Roy

Pastor's Ponderings – October 2020

Well, it's now October in this crazy, crazy, wild year that we've called 2020. It's been a trying year without a doubt but I remain hopeful that the worst is over and that we're on the path back to 'normal' (whatever normal really is?). You may have noticed that the 'Guidelines' for dealing with the COVID crisis were relaxed somewhat and I anticipate that we'll make a few additional changes during our October 'joint' Council meeting. Please thank all those on the Christian and Church Councils for all the time, worry, and prayer that they've put in as we continue to work through this historic year.

As you're reading this Gail and I will be taking a couple of weeks of vacation in order to recharge and relax a bit. We appreciate the time off and will remain in prayer for all of you while we're away. If you should have anything come up please contact Bill Hungate 712-830-3716 and he will determine if he needs to call me or to contact Pastor Randy over at Union Church. Randy will be on standby for me while I am away and I will in return be on standby for him the last two weeks of October. We're blessed to have such a good relationship with a fellow church family here in Lake City.

The Lake City Ministerial Association meet this week and we have some potential changes in the works. I can't tell you more until each of us talks to our respective leadership, but hopefully, all will be receptive to the change and I am confident this change will allow the Ministerial Association to be more productive and involved in the Community. Please stay tuned.

As I write this article, plans are still in the works to have the Christmas Concert on December 5^th. The concert starts at 7 pm and our local ticket sales will kick-off on October 15^th. Adult tickets (13 and up) are $15, and children tickets (12 and under) are $10. In the event that we have to cancel the concert, all ticket sales will be refunded. Please remain in prayer that we'll be able to host this event and start our Christmas Season 2020 off in grand fashion. Our performers are the “Harp Twins” and they are remarkably talented and amazingly entertaining. You won't want to miss seeing and meeting them!!

We'll be having our Annual Hay-rack Ride on October 18^th and if you've never gone on one of these rides please make arrangements to go this year. It's always a blast and the kids especially enjoy this event. Look for the details on the Calendar in this Newsletter.

In closing, I will share with you a couple of verses from the Old Testament.

Psalm 84:11-12 New International Version (NIV)

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

No matter what we are going through in today's world, no matter what we fear, no matter what the world tries to convince us to fear... our God is faithful... our God will provide... our God has plans to use each of us to do His will in this world. Praise be to God!!

Be a blessing to someone today! Pastor Roy

Sermon from Sunday, September 20, 2020 - Philippians 1:19-30

 

This past Sunday I used (of all things) a song by 'Prince' as an illustration for my sermon.  The beginning of the song "Let's Go Crazy", states "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life".  Take a listen to the sermon and see how this crazy cowboy pastor used Prince's song to further our understanding of our relationship with Christ.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,

Roy

Philippians 1:19-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Sunday Sermon, September 13, 2020 - Romans 14:1-12

 

Last Sunday's sermon covered the verses found in the book of Romans 14:1-12.  This message from Paul is one of avoiding topics of division and discord.  There are areas of our faith that are vital and for which we should contest and correct one another, unfortunately, we all too often go to those areas that are frivolous and optional in order to argue and attack one another.

We're called to remember always to not be a stumbling block for our sister or brother in the faith... we would all do well to focus upon this message... perhaps now more than ever with all the 'anti-mask' versus 'maskers' rhetoric and other things going about in our church and society.

Remember to heal and not to divide...

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,

Roy

Romans 14:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Do Not Judge Another

14 Welcome those who are weak in faith,[a] but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord[b] is able to make them stand.

5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.

7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister?[c] Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister?[d] For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.[e] 11 For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
    and every tongue shall give praise to[f] God.”

12 So then, each of us will be accountable to God.[g]

Footnotes:

1. Romans 14:1 Or conviction
2. Romans 14:4 Other ancient authorities read for God
3. Romans 14:10 Gk brother
4. Romans 14:10 Gk brother
5. Romans 14:10 Other ancient authorities read of Christ
6. Romans 14:11 Or confess
7. Romans 14:12 Other ancient authorities lack to God