Volume 27, Issue 5
May, 2016
The United Methodist Church of Burlington
WELCOME BACK PETER
A Sermon Based on John 21:1-19
by Pastor Scott Hannon
Peter says, “I am going out to fish.” The disciples, who
are with him, decide to go along. They spend all night fishing
and do not catch a single fish, not even a minnow. So the net,
which they hoped would be filled with fish, is empty.
Jesus just happens to be walking along the lakeshore and notices their
empty nets. He says, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” In the New Revised Standard Version, he is quoted as having said, “Children, you have no fish have
you?” Not only does Jesus remind them of their failure to catch any fish, but he
calls them children. It is recorded that they reply with a single word, “No!”
Because the disciples do not yet recognize Jesus, I imagine they also say a few
choice words in response to Jesus’ comment.
Jesus gives them some advice on how to catch fish. He says to cast the
net to the right of the boat. It does not matter from what side the net is cast. It is
morning. It is past the time for fishing. The disciples know all of this. Yet they
do as Jesus tells them to do. At this stage, maybe they are willing to follow any
instruction, just for the sake of receiving some guidance on what to do. You may
have been in a similar situation. Life became so perplexing that you did not know
what to do next. So when someone said to do something, you did it.
Amazingly, their net fills with so many fish that they cannot haul it back
into the boat. Where did the fish come from? Did Jesus know there was this
special place for catching lots of fish? Does it really matter? There are fish in the
net. So the disciples try to haul it aboard.
Continues on page 11.
“Sharing God’s
Love with
Coffey County
and the World”
Inside:
Sharing God’s Love
2
Christian Ed. News
3
Footprints News
4
Volunteer Schedule
5
Events Calendar
6
New Members, Seniors
7
Kids’ Page
8
Council Minutes
9
Work Day
10
Sermon, Cont’d.
11
JOIN US
SUNDAYS!
8:15 am Worship 8
9:15 am Sunday
School
10:30 am Worship
11:30 am Hospitality
IGNITING A “CHRIST-CENTERED PASSION”
AT BUMC
by Council Chair Carie Collins
In January, our church members came together to discuss what we love about our Church and what we
would like to do better in 2016. Several great ideas were shared. We decided that to keep the “fire” going we
needed to form a team to put the ideas into action.
Your BUMC Ignite Team consists of Jan Wideman, Dawn Freeman, Tawny Decker, Terry Bussard,
Jill Handley, Greg Hudson, Amy Collins, Harold Stubby, Joan Murphy, Sara Steiner, Rita Beard, Pastor Scott
and Carie Collins. These people represent all different ages and different passions for our church. Together
they have taken the ideas of the whole church and set what would be our priorities for 2016.
Continues on Page 3.
Page 2
Scriptures for
May Sermons
Join us at 8:15 or 10:30
worship for Pastor Scott’s
messages based on the following scriptures:
May 1: John 14:23-29
May 8: Acts 16:16-34
May 15: Acts 2:1-21
May 22: Romans 5:1-5
May 29: Luke 7:1-10
E-Mail
Devotions
Available
Devotions from Pastor Scott
are available through email.
If you are currently not
receiving them but you would
like to, please share your email
address with the church office
([email protected]).
If you are receiving email
devotions and would rather not,
please notify the church
office as well.
You Are Invited!
Call for a Visit!
Get to know
Pastor Scott better!
He would like to hear
from you.
If you would like a
visit, please call him (913-5220098) or call the church office
(364-2181) to set a time you are
available. He can visit your
home or you can meet at the
church.
BUMC…..SHARING GOD’S LOVE
This section is devoted to sharing
examples of our congregation acting on our mission of “Sharing God’s Love with Coffey County
and the World.” If you want to recognize someone
for sharing God’s love with you or others, please
email the church office at lmasters@ umcburlington.org for its possible inclusion in the newsletter.
The deadline for submitting information is the 20th of each month.
Greg Hudson accepted oversight of the basement leak repair
project. He was able to coordinate contractors for plumbing repairs,
basement repairs and carpet repairs. This work was really appreciated by
the Trustees as most of it was during normal work hours. We appreciate
Greg's' dedication and oversight.
Thank you to all who donated requested nursery
items. Tawny Decker said she has been delighted with the
response, and the children are delighted too. Tawny donates
personal time keeping the BUMC nursery orderly. She disinfects toys and items to keep our children safe and healthy.
Thank you for your effort and concern, Tawny!
The chancel choir shared music at the community
Good Friday service. We appreciate the group’s willingness to share
God’s message in music not only each Sunday, but also outside the BUMC
sanctuary.
Thank you to all the committees and committee chairs who have
been working hard to help BUMC share its vision and reach its goals. To
read more about the vision and goals, please check out the Ignite article on
pages 1 and 3.
The striking flowers at BUMC’s back door were
provided by Steve and Verla Bartholomew. These geraniums’
brilliant combination of red and pink are a stunning welcome to
all who enter those doors. The new entry rugs at the front doors
are also a welcome addition. Thank you, Steve and Verla!
Obviously we all can’t be at every single
event. Mark Petterson’s photographs help share the experiences. Thank you, Mark, for being so generous with your
talent. Our newsletter is more enjoyable and more complete
with your photographs.
Thank you to all who helped with Clean-Up Day! Please look for
pictures on page 10.
Kent Hoyt again completed the BUMC financial audit
ahead of schedule, and he donated his services. We appreciate
his generosity. We also appreciate the work of BUMC Treasurer Becky Reeves and Foundation Treasurer Dale Rein in
preparing the documents for this annual required audit. The
completed form is available in the church office for anyone
wishing to review it, and it is always a part of the annual conference report
published in the fall.
Page 3
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
by Director Adrienne Fleming
Igniting, Cont’d
from Page 1
Recognition Sunday is scheduled for Sunday May 8, 2016. Please
join us for during this time to recognize all of the wonderful teachers and
leaders within our BUMC congregation. At this time, we will also recognize
our graduating Seniors and mothers!
Registration is now open for children and
youth interested in attending summer camp at Camp
Chippewa near Ottawa! Visit the camp website,
www.campchippewa.org, to find a session with activities that interest you. BUMC camp scholarships
are available for campers ages 3 -11 attending this
summer. Application forms are available in the church office or online and
are due no later than Sunday, May 22, 2016. Scholarships will cover $150
of a camper’s registration fee. In the instance of fees exceeding $150, the
difference will need to be paid by the individual camper. For a complete listing of scheduled camps, visit the website above or stop by the bulletin board
in the classroom hallway.
Come enjoy Movie Night at BUMC this
June! Snacks like popcorn and candy will be provided. Why drive forty miles and pay to see a movie
on the big screen, when you can come to BUMC and
do the same thing for free!?
Come enjoy “Miracles from Heaven.” Anna
Beam (Kylie Rogers) lives with a rare, incurable disorder that leaves her unable to digest food. Despite the dire diagnosis, devoted mom Christy
(Jennifer Garner) relentlessly searches for a way to save her beloved daughter. Everything changes in an instant when Anna tells an amazing story of a
visit to heaven after surviving a headlong tumble into a tree. Her family and
doctors become even more baffled when the young girl begins to show signs
of recovering from her fatal condition.
Vacation Bible School dates are set! Keep
your eyes and ears pealed for information regarding
BUMC’s “Surf Shack,” coming to you LIVE each
Wednesday this June from 6 pm – 8 pm in Garst Hall.
It is a blessing and honor to serve and worship
with you.
In His love,
Adrienne ([email protected]; 810-406-9013
Summer Sunday School leaders are needed throughout the summer.
If you can offer leadership for just a Sunday or two for the children’s class
(ages 4-10) please contact Adrienne with the contact information above.
The top three priorities for
2016 and the strategies to
accomplish them are:
1) Grow Young Families
*Look at developing a Praise
Band
*Have an Event/Alumni
Weekend
*Explore the Possibility of an
Associate Pastor
2) Communication
*Contact Members who are
not attending
*Follow up with people who
have been Confirmed, Baptized or Married in our church
* Keep Facebook/Sign updated
*Develop a Church Brochure
3) Outreach
*Volunteer with ECKAN/
Coffey County Extension
*Offer classes and provide
scholarships
*Look into a Church van
There are so many
wonderful things going on at
BUMC, and the Ignite Team
is excited that these priorities
will complement what we are
already doing well.
Please feel free to share
any ideas you may have for
our Church with the Ignite
Team, or attend our meeting
on May 4th.
__________________________
For more information
contact any of the Ignite
members listed on page 1.
Page 4
FOOTPRINTS YOUTH NEWS
Fun Footprint Facts from the Female Leader
BUMC Footprints
The youth group meets
Sundays at 5:30 pm at the
church. The youth room is
located on the top floor at the
north end of the hallway.
Sixth graders through
twelfth graders are invited to
enjoy dinner, fellowship, a
lesson, activities, and many
special events.
Men’s Meeting is
May 13
All men are invited to
Across the Borders restaurant,
320 Neosho, on Friday, April 8
at 7 am for the BUMC men’s
monthly breakfast. Men meet
the second Friday each month.
Concessions Stand
Help Needed for
June 18
Jim and Audra Jane Hughes’
auction is Saturday, June 18.
The BUMC Youth are helping
with a lunch stand and would
appreciate help.
If you are willing to support
this fundraiser in any way,
please contact Darla Jones:
[email protected];
364-5407.
Jim and Audra currently live
at Sunset Manor in Waverly.
We have 26 youth in our group with 2 sponsors (who often have to ask
for help)…there is 1 senior, 3 juniors, 9 freshmen, the other 13 in
middle school…out of all the kids, 8 are girls
15 youth and 6 adult sponsors went to Young Christian’s Weekend in
Branson the first weekend in April—thank you to Alan and Dianne
Barrett, Rhian Jones, Sanna Alfers, Michelle Partridge, and of
course, Richard Croll
19 of us gathered for a pizza lunch after church, and then went to see
Big Fish at the high school—a huge thank you goes to Dixie Johnson and Ida Belle Caldwell for buying our food and show tickets!
Our next youth meeting was April 17th, and Dixie and Ida Belle bought
us Subway and chips for our dinner—what a treat! Even though we
were missing some of our kids that day, they were still able to eat
all of the food provided. Yes, we have some healthy appetites!
One of our recurring lessons has been focusing on RESPECT—for ourselves, others, property, etc. Be sure to compliment the youth if
you see them being respectful.
Our other lessons are taken from “Bible Studies for Life”—We want
our kids to be equipped for life with any and every lesson God
gives us.
The day after prom, Austin Croll and Nik Alfers were both present and
awake at youth group—that’s the kind of dedication we LOVE!
Finally, Susan likes hugs—how many of you will read this and give her
one?
Here is a request…any youth interested in helping usher for one of
the late services in May? How about for VBS on Wednesdays in June
from 6-8pm? I believe there are some openings for us to help with either.
It is such a blessing to serve in the church!
With love,
Susan
(& Richard, too!)
Sign up to provide Sunday
dinner for our youth at:
www.takethemameal.com,
using footprints as the
required sign-in information.
Or call Richard (364-9232)
or Susan (364-9233) to
schedule a date!
Page 5
MAY WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS
May 1 Communion Sunday
8:15 Service
Worship Leader: Diane Williams
Video: Amy Collins / Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Jane Griffith
10:30 Service
May 8
Mother’s Day
8:15 Service
Worship Leader: Carie Collins
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Bev Yokum
10:30 Service
Worship Leader: Harold Stubby
Video: Nik Alfers
Scripture: Judy Rhodes
Ushers: Youth Footprints
Acolytes: Shalonn Wright, Drue Thorp
Child. Church: None
Children’s Message: Elizabeth Hudson
Nursery: Zoe Caldwell
Hospitality: Joyce Hopkins, Joan White
Worship Leader: Johnny Freeman
Video: Liz Caldwell
Scripture: Charlotte Burrell
Ushers: Terry & Geneva Bussard
Acolytes: Elijah Caldwell, Kenny Glenn
Child. Church: Adrienne Fleming
Children’s Message: Oggie, Susan Croll
Nursery: Kaitlyn Caldwell
Hospitality: Judy Romary
May 15
May 22
8:15 Service
Worship Leader: Judy Stukey
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Judy Stukey
10:30 Service
Worship Leader: Bob Culbertson
Video: Austin Croll
Scripture: Isaac Caldwell
Ushers: Becky Reeves and Mark Petterson
Acolytes: Sophia, Kaitlyn Borden
Child. Church: Dianne Barrett
Children’s Message: Elizabeth Hudson
Nursery: Brenden Alfers
Hospitality: Shirley Daniel and Lila Zscheile
May 29
8:15 Service
Worship Leader: Diane Williams
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Diane Williams
10:30 Service
Worship Leader: Sanna Alfers
Video: Nik Alfers
Scripture: McKenzie Dalby
Ushers: Needed
Acolytes: Hannah, Hayden Sides
Child. Church: Kathy Gales
Children’s Message: Adrienne Fleming
Nursery: Isaac Caldwell
Hospitality: NEEDED
Mowing: Judy Romary
Heritage Sunday
8:15 Service
Worship Leader: Roger Cole
Video: Amy Collins/Lanny Ratzlaff
Scripture: Roger Cole
10:30 Service
Worship Leader: Tina Decker
Video: Weston Fleming
Scripture: Jara Thorp
Ushers: Adrienne and Wes Fleming
Acolytes: Thomas Hudson, Michael Torrez
Child. Church: Adrienne Fleming
Children’s Message: Carol Culbertson
Nursery: Teela Burrell
Hospitality: Doug and Lisa Bruce
We Need, Appreciate
BUMC Volunteers
If you are unable to serve on the day
scheduled, please feel free to trade with
another person and let the church office
know (364-2181 or lmasters@ umcburlington.org). Reminders are emailed weekly.
If you see an area of ministry in
which you are interested, please let us
know. We appreciate your ideas and your
time. Let us support you in using your
gifts and talents at BUMC as we serve and
worship together.
Page 6
Wish a happy May birthday to these friends!
1
2
4
8
11
12
14
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
Mary Ann McAlister
Jussica Smith, Leona Winter
Sydney Ledom
Nik Alfers
Susan Croll, Owen Jones, Shane Wright
Lincoln Stukey
Brooklyn Barrett
Hannah Sides
John Knachel, Wendy Smith
Jay Atkin, Dianne Barrett
David Erbe, Harold Stubby, Tarryn Stultz
Chuck Alfers, Mary Walling
Misty Gilbert, Nancy Thompson
Kathy Cole
John Truelove
Sharen Caldwell
Nicholas Davies
Steve Bartholomew
Paige Crooks, Amanda Hannon
Rhian Jones
Wish a happy May anniversary to these friends!
1
5
Doug and Jeanie Feldhausen
Kent and Lori Hoyt
8
Mike and Shelly Thorp
15 John and Roberta Norman
21 Glenn and Karen Reeves
24 Bill and Jean Parmely
25 Shane and Sherry Fejfar
27 Robert and Sally Trendel
27 Terry and Lisa Garrett
Please help us keep the calendar, birthdates, and
anniversaries up to date and correct by letting us
know of additions or corrections needed.
Please call the church office weekdays 8 to noon:
364-2181 or email [email protected].
We appreciate your help!
Page 7
THREE BUMC HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES TO BE HONORED
Three high school graduates will be
honored at worship on May 8.
Amy Collins, daughter of Steve and Carie
Collins, and Ross Gilbert, son of Richard and Tina
Gilbert, will be recognized at 8:15 service. Amy is
graduating from Burlington High School and Ross
is graduating from Southern Coffey County High
School. Austin Croll, son of Richard and Susan
Croll, will be recognized at 10:30 service. Austin is
graduating from Burlington High School.
Please celebrate these graduates and see them
receive their senior Bibles on May 8.
May 22 is
Heritage Sunday
Amy Collins
Austin Croll
Ross Gilbert
COMMUNITY BACCALAUREATE
services will be held for area high school graduates, family, and
friends at BUMC on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 pm. The community is invited. Kathi Bahr and Jane Griffith have graciously
offered to organize refreshments for those in attendance following
the service. The reception will be in Garst Hall. If you wish to
offer goodies, please contact one of these ladies to help.
BROWNS JOIN BUMC
Mike and Tammy Brown
transferred their memberships to BUMC
during 10:30 service on April 24.
Mike and Tammy have two
daughters: Cheyenne and Makayla. Please
help welcome this family to the BUMC
family!
SUMMER INCREASES NEEDS FOR
SOME LOCAL FAMILIES
God’s Storehouse sees an increase in food required to keep its
shelves stocked through the summer months. When children are out of
school, families need more supplies. BUMC designates the fourth Sunday of
each month as “God’s Storehouse Sunday” but of course any day is a good
day to share with those in need. A collection basket for God’s Storehouse is
outside the church office door.
The Outreach Committee is currently working to organize and serve
free lunches for kids up to 18 years of age at the Recreation Center weekdays
this the summer. Volunteers will be needed to serve. More info is to come!
Come celebrate Heritage
Sunday on May 22. “We will
celebrate our past as The
United Methodist Church and
as the Burlington United
Methodist Church,” Pastor
Scott said.
Peace with Justice
Offering
One of the six Conferencedesignated special offerings is
May 22nd’s Peace with
Justice Offering.
Gifts given for Peace with
Justice Sunday fund programs
that advocate for peace and
justice in the United States
and around the world. These
programs empower United
Methodists to speak out for
removing structures and systems that harm Gods’ children
globally.
Special giving envelopes
will be inserted in bulletins
that Sunday for those who
wish to contribute to this
churchwide offering.
Bishop Warner Brown Jr.
of the UM Council of Bishops
said, “In the spirit of John
Wesley, United Methodists
celebrate that the world is our
parish when we share what
we have with those who have
need. We demonstrate the
goodness of God’s love…”
Page 8
KIDS’ PAGE
Kids! Bible School is coming and we’re getting ready for a fun, fun time! Please plan to be at Bible
School each Wednesday night in June from 6-8 pm. Classes are for ages 4-10, and everyone else is
invited to help (that’ll be fun too)! If you’re age 3-18, you’re invited to color the picture below. A
small “prize” is waiting for you in the office when you give your completed coloring sheet to Luella.
Artist’s Name__________________________
Artist’s Age:__________
Page 9
APRIL COUNCIL MINUTES
Burlington United Methodist Church
April 13, 2016
7:10 PM
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carie Collins.
Members present Carie Collins, Roger Cole, Pastor Scott, Luella Masters, Gary Simmons, Rita Beard, Darla Jones, Dawn Freeman,
Toni Allen, David Douglass, John Freeman, Sanna Alfers, Harold Stubby, Greg Hudson, Wes Fleming and Sara Steiner.
Pastor Scott opened the meeting with a prayer.
The minutes of the March, 2016 Church Council meeting were approved. The motion was made by Toni Allen and seconded by
Dawn Freeman. The motion passed.
Finance-The financial report for March was distributed to the committee and there was a loss of $3,642.14.
Trustees-David . The clean-up day was reviewed. The repair of the parsonage basement is complete and it was done within the
budget. The committee will be getting a price on carpet and a pad for the basement. There is a sign-up sheet posted for mowing the
lawn.
The trustees are discussing a procedure to use or check out the tables from the church. The tables could be used for an event if there
was a church member present.
Finance-Karen. There will be a meeting scheduled for the near future.
Outreach-Rita. A program is being discussed about feeding children in the Rec Center for 2 months of the summer.
Witness-Dawn. Plans for the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Sundays are being planned. There has been a discussion about beginning a Praise Band. There is information being distributed to see if anyone is interested in participating. The Witness Committee is
also discussing Heritage Sunday for the Methodist Church.
Nurture-Darla. There will be meeting on April 27 to discuss contacting prospective new members.
Church Office-Luella. Luella stated that on May 11 Baccalaureate will be held in our church.
Staff Parish Relations-Harold. Pastor Scott’s review has been completed. The nursery worker has some needs for the nursery and
the committee is asking the congregation to help provide some of these needs. The committee is still working toward the review and
update of the job descriptions.
The custodian is now keeping track of the hours she works each week. She is to work from 10 to 15 hours. The committee is keeping in touch with her.
Christian Education-Sanna. VBS will be different this summer as it will be meeting for several consecutive weeks, but on Wednesday evenings only.
The committee is working toward getting the movie “Miracles from Heaven” for a summer movie at the church.
Ignite-The Ignite Steering Committee will meet again within 2 weeks. They are planning an alumni weekend for past members and
current member who are not regular attendees. There has been a brochure developed to promote the church activities.
Trustees—The sound system is getting an evaluation to see what it will take to make the needed repairs. There is discussion of purchasing a flat screen TV for possible overflow from the sanctuary. The plan is for this will tie into the sound system. It is being researched if the Madelyn Fitch funds can be used for the sound system repair.
Godspell—The Christian Ed. Committee is looking into putting on the play Godspell this summer. There will be 10 cast members
needed and this may be opened up to members of other churches in the community. There is a cost of $595, plus $75 per performance. Books and materials are above those stated costs. There may be 3 performances. It was suggested that Madelyn Fitch funds
may be used to put on the play.
MOPS-The annual renewal fee needs to be paid at this time. It is $159. Karen made a motion to pay this annual fee, it was seconded
by Dawn and the motion passed. This item will be added to the budget for next year. It was suggested that for this year the funds
come out of the noisy offering funds.
The next regular meeting is in conflict with the Baccalaureate service that will be held at our church, therefore the next regular meeting will be held May 18 at 6:00 PM.
Luella made a motion to adjourn and the meeting ended.
Respectfully,
Roger Cole
P a g e 10
P a g e 11
Peter might be having a flashback to the time before he became a disciple. He was washing his nets.
Jesus gets into his boat. He asks Peter to sail out a little ways so he could speak to the crowd, which had
gathered to hear him. Peter complies. When Jesus finishes speaking, he asks Peter to sail out into deep water
and let down his nets to catch some fish. Because he had come away empty-netted the night before, Peter
thinks it was a foolish idea. But he does as Jesus requests. Amazingly, the nets fill with enough fish to break
them. Seeing this as a sign that Jesus is a holy man and recognizing his sinful character, Peter asks Jesus to get
away from him. In response, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” With
those words, Peter and his partners, James and John, leave everything to follow Jesus.
The disciple whom Jesus loved, which is John, mentions what Peter is probably thinking. “It is the
Lord!” The implication from our lesson is that Peter does not even look to see if it is Jesus. He just wraps his
outer garment around him, jumps into the water, and swims to the shore. The other disciples are left to struggle
with getting the net into the boat. Finally, they get it into the boat and they sail for shore. Jesus asks them to
bring some of the fish they have caught. Peter wastes no time in fulfilling Jesus' request. He unties the net from
the boat and drags it ashore. He will not fail Jesus again.
Oddly, however, just after Peter goes to get more fish, Jesus calls the disciples to have breakfast. He
gives them some bread and then gives them some fish. It seems the bread and the extra fish have appeared out
of thin air. Perhaps Peter has another flashback. This time he recalls how Jesus fed the 5,000 men plus women
and children. He did this with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. Whatever he did then to multiply the
fish and the bread, he had done again.
Breakfast is over and Jesus singles out Peter and asks him, “Simon son of John, do you love me more
than these?” Did Peter recall how when the woman asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, he said, “No, I am
not.” Peter must have felt guilty for denying Jesus. Yet, here was Jesus asking him if he loved him. Yes, he
does. So he answers, “You know that I love you.” Then Jesus says, “Feed my lambs.”
Jesus is not finished. Again he asks Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Did Peter recall the
time when they asked him if he was one of his disciples and again he said, “No, I am not.” Peter must have felt
guiltier. But, yes, he does love Jesus. So he replies, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
And Jesus replies, “Feed my sheep.”
A third time Jesus asks, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Did Peter recall the relative of the man
whose ear Peter cut off with the sword and how he asked Peter, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove
with Jesus?” And how Peter denied it. And did Peter recall the rooster crowing as Jesus said it would? Is it
possible to deny someone three times and really love him? But Peter does love Jesus, he really does. So he responds, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Each of the disciples had abandoned Jesus, when he needed them the most. So why did Jesus single out
Peter for those questions? Peter loved Jesus. He could not believe he would deny Jesus three times as Jesus
said he would. But as Jesus said, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Peter's spirit had been willing,
but his flesh was too afraid. That had devastated Peter. Jesus knew it. So to help him recover, he convinced
Peter that he really did love him. And he gave him ways to demonstrate his love. Feed my lambs. Take care of
my sheep. Feed my sheep. Peter could not change the past, but he could do something about the present.
While not up close and personal as he was with Peter, Jesus asks us if we love him. In my case, I always want to respond, “Yes, Jesus, I love you.” But sometimes I have flashbacks to times when it appeared I
did not love Jesus. For instance, there was a time that I knew someone was hungry and I did not feed that person. Jesus’ words “if you love me, you will do as I say” convicted me.
It is not easy to face my failures. But one thing I keep in mind: I cannot change the past. The only thing
I can do is change the present. So when I hear Jesus ask, “Do you love me” I make sure I respond by doing as
Jesus wants me to do. Still, there are times when I continue to come up short in loving Jesus. Each time, when
I want to make up for what I have not done, I hear Jesus say, “Welcome back, Scott.” Then he says again, “Do
you love me?” I say yes and make sure my actions demonstrate my answer is yes.
What about you? Do you love Jesus? Are there times when you have flashbacks to times when it was
apparent you did not? If so, do not fret about the past. You cannot change it. But you can do something about
the present.
Presorted
U. S. Postage Paid
Burlington KS
Permit No #55
Volume 27, Issue 5
Burlington United Methodist Church
207 South 6th Street
Burlington, KS 66839
Pastor Scott Hannon
Phone: 620-364-2181
Cell: 913-522-0098
Office Hours: 8-Noon Weekdays
Address Service Requested