Sowers’ Seeds Dear Friends,

It is not secret that I love nothing more than going for a drive. To me, it is endlessly fascinating

to see the world go by as one motors down the road. There is so much to see in the course of

one’s travels. Not only that, but there is the wonderful sound of the car and the feel of the

accelerator beneath your foot. It is absolutely a Zen feeling to cruise the highways and byways

of life.

There are at least three essential components in taking a successful trip in your automobile. First,

one wants to make sure that they have a reliable vehicle. In no uncertain terms, your

transportation needs to be up to making the journey that you have charted for yourself. Second,

I think one would want to have a vehicle that is comfortable and safe for the journey. I tend to

purchase cars that are three to five years old, have plenty of options on them, and are quite

comfortable for any length of journey. Pastors do have a tendency to drive hither and yon with

fair frequency. My black automobile was purchased as a four year old car with fifty-six thousand

one hundred and thirty miles on the odometer. In a year, I have put sixteen thousand miles on

my vehicle. Finally, I think is essential to have good music for the drive. It is so easy to allow

the miles to roll when there is a great soundtrack for the drive. I feel doubly blessed because my

vehicle has a sound system with SiriusXM radio and a now old-fashioned compact disc player.

On Friday afternoon I enjoyed my drive back from Camp Tawakoni to Leavenworth. As is my

predisposition, I avoided the turnpike and it took about three hours and thirty minutes to arrive

back to my home on Kickapoo Street. Such a drive is perfect for a two compact disc set from

The Dave Brubeck Quartet. I was blessed to see Dave Brubeck perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma

about twelve years ago. I still have a vision from the event etched in my mind. Dave Brubeck

was led slowly on stage to the piano. So slow and stooped was he, that I felt sorry for him still

being on the road performing concerts. He got situated on the bench with hands resting upon the

keys and then as if by magic thirty years came off his person as he played. His posture was

straight and true and he had a lively give and take with the other musicians and with the audience.

You knew in a moment that he was doing what he was called to do. The first half of the concert

was selections from the album that played on the way home. The album is entitled, “Dave Digs

Disney.” Dave Brubeck gives a jazz treatment to familiar Disney Songs. In the listening to these

familiar songs they take on a whole new dimension and shading. Underneath you can hear the

tunes you know, but it is almost as if new songs have been created, or as if new wine has been

put in old wineskins. The product of Dave Brubeck meeting Disney is nothing short of

revelatory. One asks themselves how well they knew those songs after all. I highly recommend

looking up the work and giving it a listen even if you might think jazz is not quite your style.

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September 20, 2018

Go to our Homepage: www.leavenworthchristian.com

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Sometimes I wonder about the things we do in the midst of worship and even in the life of the

church. We know our order of worship well and we know the programs that we have done for

many years. Because they are familiar, there is a comfort in that. But is it possible that with a

little invention, a little daring, a little experimentation and a little Holy Spirit, that we might

discover something even more amazing that was hiding just beneath the surface of the familiar

and the well-worn. What would it take for the familiar to breath with new life and yet feel right,

true and familiar? We are in exciting times at First Christian Church, because such a work is in

its early stages with our children, youth and family programs. Churches in general, and this

specific church, have been engaged in youth ministry for many years. But, what does

programming for this age and place look like? I have a notion there will be traces of the familiar,

but there will also be those creative spins and riffs on the familiar. One cannot help but be

excited by the God who is eternally constant, but who is also making all things new and

dynamic.

All the Best and God’s Blessings,

Pastor John

All those 70 and up are invited to come out and Tailgate! Wear your favorite sports shirt!

Please RSVP by September 19th to Lois: 680-8475 or Kathy: 772-1992

The Light a Candle Prayer Vigil uses a different focus scripture each week related

to the overall theme as we prepare for Children's Sabbath. You may follow along each day with

us online as daily reflections are posted. The devotions will begin Monday, September 24, 2018.

Weekly Scriptures

We encourage you to reflect on these scriptures in prayer. Find ways to share them with the

children around you and embrace them as you move into action on behalf of all God's children.

Week of September 24

Matthew 18:1-5, Be a Vision of Greatness!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of

heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you

change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever

becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes

one such child in my name welcomes me.

Prayers for all affected by Hurricane & Typhoon as well as the rescuers. Dea & Terry Nicodemus, Caitlin Onasch & Ruth Kenton

Please pray for safety for Steve Miller who is in the NC flooded area. Jim Bliss

Prayers for those individuals dealing with health issues-

prayers for healing and peace. Dea & Terry Nicodemus

Pray for Brian Onasch as he starts low dose chemo Wednesday. Pray for as little side effects as possible. Caitlin & Brian Onasch

Pray for those who have lost a loved one

Elden (Eli Bagley’s Grandfather) – August 10, 2018

Ongoing Cares & Concerns Steve Martin, Alice Bushman, Gene Allen, Marilyn Vance, Noah Kincaid,

Kathy Ramirez, Rose Marie Theel, Ruby Corbet, Cheryl Elliott, Don Bohnsack, Katie Boyer, Jody Bryant, Winnie Henderson, April Shea, Brian Onasch, Pearl Stonebraker

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Pray for our out-of-town Active Duty Personnel

Melissa Van Valkenburgh, Lucy Collings, Hannah Bond, Dustin Phillips, Rob Widmyer,

Jim & Rachel Sullivan, Christin Collins, Nickalas Derringer, Rose Uy

Please help us update our Active Duty list with

members or those in direct relationship with our

members.

Praise for 47 years of marriage on September 17th. Dea & Terry Nicodemus

Praise that April Shea’s surgery went well. Prayers

for healing and strength as the treatment plan is figured out. Danielle Euler

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Sunday, September 30th Combined Worship

9:15am Sunday School

10:30am Combined Worship Followed by Potluck Dinner

Come join us!!

After the combined service there will be a spaghetti & chicken Alfredo dinner.

Please bring a salad or dessert to share with everyone.

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Children & Youth Ministry Mission Statement We seek to grow spiritually, serve and invite children,

youth and families to participate in missions.

Values 1. Mission – We serve together in a world of need.

2. Family – We are there for one another in good times and bad.

3. Empathy – We seek to understand each other’s feelings.

4. Acceptance – We all belong.

5. Integrity – We try to live what we believe.

Finance & Stewardship Chair has requested that all the

chairpersons get the budgets for 2019 in by October 1st.

Renovation Team Meeting Wednesday, September 19th at 10-11:30am in the Kitterman Room.

We need someone to deliver Backpack Buddies food to Head Start the last week of September. You will need a truck or van with lots of space to load all the food. Please contact Ruth Kenton: 913-683-5002.

Children’s Church Schedule September 23rd

Treehouse Treasures Lakeside Learners

Sandy Wilson & Susan Hoins Diane Euler & Missy Davis

You are Invited to celebrate

Lillian Edmonds Selas’ 90th Birthday Sunday, September 30th 2:00pm in the Kitterman Room

September 20th Imogene Reynolds

September 21st Heather Shlenker

September 22nd Robert Hanson Jr

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Attendance September 16th

8:30am Worship 60 11:00am Worship 36 Sunday School 47 Visitors 2

Total 96

Offering September 16th

Will be in Next Week’s Newsletter

September 24th John Dennis

September 25th Christina Scott

September 26th Steve Parker

Re-Energized Youth 6th - 12th Grade

Next Meeting Sunday, September 23rd

Pasta with the Pastor 5-7pm in the

Kitterman Room in the Annex Behind the Church

Information concerning the rezoning request for IMAC

Many in the congregation have been concerned about the parking lot across from the church. The application has been postponed and it will be considered by the planning Commission on Monday, October 1 at 7pm. The meeting is at City Hall on the first floor--enter through the north side of the building.

First Christian Calendar September 19-26, 2018

Sunday’s Servers September 23rd

Hospital Visitation Sept 23-29

Cushing: David & Jody Bryant St John: Richard Sack

11:00am Service Elder: Richard Sack

Scripture: Margaret Collins Greeters

Main: Kim Kincaid Narthex: Pat Swartz

Servers: Fred Kesinger* Brian Onasch & Pat Swartz

Communion Prep: Ruth Kenton Clean-up: Fred Kesinger

8:30am Service Lay Leader: Fran Gast

Elders: David & Jody Bryant Greeters

Main: Gene Allen Narthex: Terry Nicodemus

Servers Ruth Kenton*, Ryan Matousek

Lonnie Dalrymple & Lois Steineker Communion Prep & Clean-Up

Ruth Kenton

The driver listed for Sunday will pick up for both worship services. Call if you need a ride to church.

Let the driver know which service you plan to attend.

Sunday, September 23rd John Groves

(913) 727-1775

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Wednesday, September 19th Prayer Group Kitterman 8:15am Renovation Team Kitterman 10-11:30am Girl Scouts Fellowship 5:30pm CMF Meeting Kitterman 6:30pm Thursday, September 20th Carillons 6:30pm Chancel Choir 7:30pm Saturday, September 22nd Keenagers Luncheon Fellowship 11:30am Sunday, September 23rd Light a Candle for Children Worship 8:30am & 11:00am Sunday School 9:45am Re-Energized Youth/Pasta w/Pastor 6th-12th grade Kitterman 5-7pm Monday, September 24th Prayer Breakfast Pullman Place 6:30am Wednesday, September 26th Prayer Group Kitterman 8:15am Elders Meeting Kitterman 7:00pm

*Captain

Contact US Telephone Number: (913) 682-3222

Church Office Hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 – 4:00

Church Email: church@leavenworthchristian.com

Website: www.leavenworthchristian.com Pastor: pastorjohn@leavenworthchristian.com

Reverend John Sowers: (309) 231-2665