Yearly Archives: 2011

The building came down today!  Kehrer’s Appliance’s has been in Kinderlsey for 50 years.  And today the final remains were placed in the ground – or at least, taken to the waste management facility on the edge of town.

Brian and Diane Kehrer, owners, are friends of ours for over 30 years.  In fact, our trusty Maytag washer was bought in their store over 30 years ago – and it’s still running.  the feelings are mixed on Brian and Diane’s part.  On my part, I also sense an end to an era. 

Right now our town is in the midst of changes – and these very visible deaths just remind us that a new resurrection is soon to come.  What has been, will be replaced – and we pray for the better.

Thanks, Brian and Diane, for your service to this community.

This past week saw two stalwarts of the Christian faith pass on to a greater reward:  Sam Stoesz and Bob Kuglin.

I knew and respected both of these men.  Bob was a feisty, conservative evangelist who traveled the globe to bring the message of Jesus wherever he could go.  He compared himself to a devil’s egg.

Sam was a practical theologian who studied the history of our denomination, explained how to bring in members and was a gentle soul.  His daughter, Gloria, was around my age.  When I visited in their home I always felt at home.

Now, I suppose, I and others of my age are becoming those stalwarts who will be considered mentors and teachers.  May we always seek to seek God more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly – whatever our personality, disposition or rank in life!

There was a time today where I referred back to a sermon preached on Sunday.  And not even one I preached. 

This sermon talked about how we keep ourselves here on earth – we don’t easily consider setting aside whatever holds us back from heavenly living.  Instead we keep things alive in our lives that really should be dead.

The apostle Paul talks about everything being considered trash, rubbish, garbage, dung – more than just being set aside.  Actually considering them less than anything!

So, what holds us back?  Why do we live here and not there?

Want a good sermon?  Check out Pastor Ryan Lee’s sermon from October 9, 2011 called “Why here and not there?” on our church website (www.kindersleyalliance.com) under the sermon tab (be patient – it takes a few seconds to bring up the sermon listing – but it’s well worth it!).

Our local ministerial (comprised of less than a dozen churches) provides a hymn sing each week at a local seniors complex.  The rotation allows for every six weeks or so running about an hour’s worth of singing. 

Thanksgiving Sunday was the day set for our church.  I have grown rather attached to these people.  As I looked over the list of residents who were visiting, the obvious was obvious.  This was a visiting day when most residents were away.  But, instead of canceling the singing time, my wife and I ventured over for the 7:00 meeting.

Two ladies greeted us, and so we just sat and chatted for a few moments of time.  As time continued, a few more came and we commenced some singing.  Then one or two ventured in and sat in the back.  Half way through, a few more stragglers came.  By the time we were done we had around 15 there.

Sometimes you wonder if a very few are enough.  In our coffee time following, one lady poured out her own frustrations and God searching.  Others sat and encouraged another.  Perhaps the after meeting is just as important as the singing time.  Put them both together, and for the sake of the few there is a reason to be there – and besides that, it’s just plain fun!!