Earlier today I wrote Good Riddance 2009. I talked about people from the church who had passed away this year. Then tonight, on my way home from work, Bob Lewis passed away. I have never seen anyone, other than Randy Miller (Radio Superman), who played the piano and enjoyed it as much as Bob did.
At Joe Hornbeck's funeral, I was sitted behind Bob while he played. And I watched him hang his head and cry, something I had never seen before, until we prayed for his daughter Pat a few weeks later.
I hope Bob got some money from Pixar Movies for the way they used his likeness for the main character in "Up".
He was a very sweet but stoic man. I suspect he is already playing in Heaven.
I will truly miss him.
All my love to Pat, Chuck, Bob Jr., Debbie, and Betty.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Good Riddance 2009
It is almost over, and I could not be happier. But I find that I am saying this almost every year about the same time. I did not like 2008, and this year had some moments just as bad.
First, I really miss men's breakfast, because I miss Joe. When Joe died, I really did not know if the breakfast times would continue. We all enjoyed them, but it was because of Joe. It is tough to not see him every Sunday, and listen to his stories about the Cardinals.
I miss Bob Weidman as well. Watching him continue to walk into church week after week, after getting a terrible diagnosis from the doctor was proof to me of how powerful God is, and how weak we are.
I miss Ted. Seeing Dorothy without him makes me sad for her. But I did enjoy learning more about him after he died. And to listen to his grandkids talk about him made him so much more real to me.
I will miss my friend Kevin's mom, Wilma. She fed me, so she was loved by me. I am keeping Leroy in my prayers, and Kevin's sisters.
I am worried about a friend with lukemia, another with ALS. But I know that God surprises me all the time, and He may have great things in store for both of them next year.
I remember being at the emergency room a lot this year. Richard, Max, Bill, Joe, and a few others kept me on the run to the Pana Hospital. Cody Chaplin and I kept each other company a few times in that tiny waiting room this year.
And I am going to miss Cody. He and his dad have moved away. I have to be honest, Cody got on every nerve with me, but I also saw another side of him. I spent time with him one Saturday, and saw a very polite young man who talked to everyone, and was so nice to anyone he met. He is a big reader. A little too much to handle sometimes, but he is my friend, and I will miss him. Even when I am turning off the fellowship hall lights after he turned them on, he still meant a lot to me.
I am looking forward to 2010. Maybe our finances will get better (both personally and at the church). Maybe more teens will start coming. Maybe people will love more, care more, and grow in Christ more. Maybe I will as well.
My hope is that this year be one of adventure, of growth, of good changes. I dont want much next year, and I dont expect a lot. I hope that is how it ends.
First, I really miss men's breakfast, because I miss Joe. When Joe died, I really did not know if the breakfast times would continue. We all enjoyed them, but it was because of Joe. It is tough to not see him every Sunday, and listen to his stories about the Cardinals.
I miss Bob Weidman as well. Watching him continue to walk into church week after week, after getting a terrible diagnosis from the doctor was proof to me of how powerful God is, and how weak we are.
I miss Ted. Seeing Dorothy without him makes me sad for her. But I did enjoy learning more about him after he died. And to listen to his grandkids talk about him made him so much more real to me.
I will miss my friend Kevin's mom, Wilma. She fed me, so she was loved by me. I am keeping Leroy in my prayers, and Kevin's sisters.
I am worried about a friend with lukemia, another with ALS. But I know that God surprises me all the time, and He may have great things in store for both of them next year.
I remember being at the emergency room a lot this year. Richard, Max, Bill, Joe, and a few others kept me on the run to the Pana Hospital. Cody Chaplin and I kept each other company a few times in that tiny waiting room this year.
And I am going to miss Cody. He and his dad have moved away. I have to be honest, Cody got on every nerve with me, but I also saw another side of him. I spent time with him one Saturday, and saw a very polite young man who talked to everyone, and was so nice to anyone he met. He is a big reader. A little too much to handle sometimes, but he is my friend, and I will miss him. Even when I am turning off the fellowship hall lights after he turned them on, he still meant a lot to me.
I am looking forward to 2010. Maybe our finances will get better (both personally and at the church). Maybe more teens will start coming. Maybe people will love more, care more, and grow in Christ more. Maybe I will as well.
My hope is that this year be one of adventure, of growth, of good changes. I dont want much next year, and I dont expect a lot. I hope that is how it ends.
Monday, December 21, 2009
What a weekend (or Trinity scores a touchdown with my Savior).
This weekend brought our church trip down to Washington Park. The weather cooperated, and our caravan of four cars and a truck with a trailer made it just in time. We gave over 100 children Christmas presents Saturday morning, in addition to so much more.
I prayed with a woman whose little granddaughter had been raped by three boys. The granddaughter was seven at the time. The boys were thirteen and nine. The story was very graphic and I will skip it here. But if you think Mr. Stoneface made it through that story you are very wrong. I cried as she shared about this poor little girl. I talked to Sandra, who had lost family in a tragic house fire. I saw people ask for gifts for grandchildren. But it was the faces of the little kids that made it special. I asked several of them why they were not opening their presents. And I got the same answer every time. "We are saving them for Christmas."
I handed out hats and gloves that a dear co-worker provided, and watched little faces light up when I stuck the hats over their faces, making them giggle and laugh. Thank you, B!
It was a great morning, and then we ate lunch with April and my oldest friend, Glenn. It was a great day.
When we arrived back in Pana, over 100 gifts were given out to Angel Tree participants. And more donations were brought in.
Sunday morning brought our children's program. One of our young boys portrayed our pastor, even walking in on his knees to be more realistic. Pastor says he was not amused, but I know better. But it was Trinity that made me almost fall over. Trinity is a little three year old (previously mentioned in the last blog for her "elephant" jokes). She was playing the part of the Virgin Mary. She walked into the sanctuary carrying the baby Jesus under her arm, and strangely resembled Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears running the football into the end zone...And he scores. Sorry, Chicago fans...I know that has not happened much this season.
The shepherds attempted to use their staffs as pipes, in an effort to play us a tune.
Did I mention that I love Children's Christmas programs? Thank you Tonya and Carol.
After church we blessed a young mom by sharing toys with her, giving her son a great Christmas. She asked why, and our reply was because that is what the church does for its family. It continued through today, with four more kids getting toys.
And last night was our Cantata. Sharon, a new attendee, did an awesome job pulling us together so we did not come off looking like dorks.
It was a great start to this Christmas week. To everyone who gave, April, Aaron, Becca, Steve and Jan, Brian, Jennifer, Brett, Wanda, Andrew, Kim, Pastor, Vicki, Jerry, Sven, Bryson, Briar, Glenn, Kylie, Marvin, Cathy, Breanne, Bailey, Brit (know you were not there, but in spirit), Paula, Skip, Sheila, Ruth, Reva, Ivy, Bill, Kyle, Kenny, Becky, and the stores that gave fruit and gift cards. and the people who brought gifts and did not tell us. and the desserts. and the money. Kaisers for giving, Braswells, there are so many. Do not get upset if I forgot you, because God knows you did a good thing. I will have pictures soon, and maybe video. God Bless you all, Have a great Christmas. And remember that you changed and possibly saved lives through your actions this season.
I prayed with a woman whose little granddaughter had been raped by three boys. The granddaughter was seven at the time. The boys were thirteen and nine. The story was very graphic and I will skip it here. But if you think Mr. Stoneface made it through that story you are very wrong. I cried as she shared about this poor little girl. I talked to Sandra, who had lost family in a tragic house fire. I saw people ask for gifts for grandchildren. But it was the faces of the little kids that made it special. I asked several of them why they were not opening their presents. And I got the same answer every time. "We are saving them for Christmas."
I handed out hats and gloves that a dear co-worker provided, and watched little faces light up when I stuck the hats over their faces, making them giggle and laugh. Thank you, B!
It was a great morning, and then we ate lunch with April and my oldest friend, Glenn. It was a great day.
When we arrived back in Pana, over 100 gifts were given out to Angel Tree participants. And more donations were brought in.
Sunday morning brought our children's program. One of our young boys portrayed our pastor, even walking in on his knees to be more realistic. Pastor says he was not amused, but I know better. But it was Trinity that made me almost fall over. Trinity is a little three year old (previously mentioned in the last blog for her "elephant" jokes). She was playing the part of the Virgin Mary. She walked into the sanctuary carrying the baby Jesus under her arm, and strangely resembled Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears running the football into the end zone...And he scores. Sorry, Chicago fans...I know that has not happened much this season.
The shepherds attempted to use their staffs as pipes, in an effort to play us a tune.
Did I mention that I love Children's Christmas programs? Thank you Tonya and Carol.
After church we blessed a young mom by sharing toys with her, giving her son a great Christmas. She asked why, and our reply was because that is what the church does for its family. It continued through today, with four more kids getting toys.
And last night was our Cantata. Sharon, a new attendee, did an awesome job pulling us together so we did not come off looking like dorks.
It was a great start to this Christmas week. To everyone who gave, April, Aaron, Becca, Steve and Jan, Brian, Jennifer, Brett, Wanda, Andrew, Kim, Pastor, Vicki, Jerry, Sven, Bryson, Briar, Glenn, Kylie, Marvin, Cathy, Breanne, Bailey, Brit (know you were not there, but in spirit), Paula, Skip, Sheila, Ruth, Reva, Ivy, Bill, Kyle, Kenny, Becky, and the stores that gave fruit and gift cards. and the people who brought gifts and did not tell us. and the desserts. and the money. Kaisers for giving, Braswells, there are so many. Do not get upset if I forgot you, because God knows you did a good thing. I will have pictures soon, and maybe video. God Bless you all, Have a great Christmas. And remember that you changed and possibly saved lives through your actions this season.
Friday, December 18, 2009
When Christmas Kind of Hurts
Christmas is an odd time of the year for me. I have seasonal depression, so I am always kind of down because of the lack of sunshine and the cold. But, thank goodness, there is medicine, family, friends, and radio stations that do not play all Christmas music.
It is a good time of year for so much more than being down, though. It is a chance to reflect and remember all the good times of the past.
A certain aunt of mine suggested that Kim and I start traditions, and one that we started was the Christmas pickle ornament. Since Andrew became a part of our lives, we hide the pickle somewhere on the tree, and he and his friends (every year there is someone new looking for the pickle) try to find the pickle so they win the prize. One year it was a bottle of Coke from Mexico, and Andrew won. He will never forgive us for that nasty tasting stuff.
Traditionally, we also watch movies like A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Mixed Nuts (available in the $5 bin at WalMart), the Santa Clause 1 and 2, and others. We fix toast Christmas morning and open gifts. We pass out at some point. We enjoy the day together, and look forward to phone calls from loved ones, and now we get texts as well.
But Christmas also kind of hurts sometimes. This is my second year without Mom. I still see stuff in the stores that I think I should buy her, and then I remember that she is gone. Kim would buy her a poinsetta, and we always enjoyed the Christmas stollen. This will be my first Christmas without Dad in my life. He does not talk to me because he feels that we owe him money (it's a long story) and now does not communicate. My sister stopped talking to me after Mom died. So now our family togetherness time is a little smaller.
Today I thought of the time that Mom took me to see Santa in downtown Taylorville. Dad was supposedly busy. As we walked into Santa's little house, I immediately recognized that Santa had been replaced by my father. They explained "Santa's helpers" to me, which helped me to rest a little easier that night. I still believe in Santa because of their love for me.
But it hurts, I will admit. I miss my family. This may seem like something I "need" to get over, but I don't know if I want to do that. Memories are all I really have left of Mom, Dad, and Michelle. We did have good times, I wish we still could.
If Christmas hurts you this year, call me. I will probably understand what you are going through. But also stop for a minute and remember what you still have. Where would I be without Kim? Andrew? Our friends? My friends? Allen? April? And so many other people. And to that special aunt that taught us about traditions, thank you. You have made Christmas memories for us and you were not even here to do it. My best to everyone this season.
It is a good time of year for so much more than being down, though. It is a chance to reflect and remember all the good times of the past.
A certain aunt of mine suggested that Kim and I start traditions, and one that we started was the Christmas pickle ornament. Since Andrew became a part of our lives, we hide the pickle somewhere on the tree, and he and his friends (every year there is someone new looking for the pickle) try to find the pickle so they win the prize. One year it was a bottle of Coke from Mexico, and Andrew won. He will never forgive us for that nasty tasting stuff.
Traditionally, we also watch movies like A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Mixed Nuts (available in the $5 bin at WalMart), the Santa Clause 1 and 2, and others. We fix toast Christmas morning and open gifts. We pass out at some point. We enjoy the day together, and look forward to phone calls from loved ones, and now we get texts as well.
But Christmas also kind of hurts sometimes. This is my second year without Mom. I still see stuff in the stores that I think I should buy her, and then I remember that she is gone. Kim would buy her a poinsetta, and we always enjoyed the Christmas stollen. This will be my first Christmas without Dad in my life. He does not talk to me because he feels that we owe him money (it's a long story) and now does not communicate. My sister stopped talking to me after Mom died. So now our family togetherness time is a little smaller.
Today I thought of the time that Mom took me to see Santa in downtown Taylorville. Dad was supposedly busy. As we walked into Santa's little house, I immediately recognized that Santa had been replaced by my father. They explained "Santa's helpers" to me, which helped me to rest a little easier that night. I still believe in Santa because of their love for me.
But it hurts, I will admit. I miss my family. This may seem like something I "need" to get over, but I don't know if I want to do that. Memories are all I really have left of Mom, Dad, and Michelle. We did have good times, I wish we still could.
If Christmas hurts you this year, call me. I will probably understand what you are going through. But also stop for a minute and remember what you still have. Where would I be without Kim? Andrew? Our friends? My friends? Allen? April? And so many other people. And to that special aunt that taught us about traditions, thank you. You have made Christmas memories for us and you were not even here to do it. My best to everyone this season.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
What makes us all the same today? Part 3
I love church. I love going to church. With the exception of having a really bad headache or some intestinial disease, I dont like to miss. And here's why.
We, at First Church, for the most part, have a good time and like one another. Everybody seems to have a great sense of humor, and in a large family, that makes for a lot of spontaneous fun.
There is nothing like laughter. Last week, for example, our pastor sang an impromptu song with one of the congregation. Everyone enjoyed it, and no feelings were hurt. It is what makes a family. And as a result of the song, it becomes a story that will be told for years.
We tease one another. Pastor's daughter has a boyfriend, so we all call him "pastor's son-in-law", which does not make pastor laugh. Instead he glares at some of us, and pinches others. But he knows that we are kidding.
He loves to laugh, to joke, to enjoy his day. We have had some good times. This Friday night is the annual "pastor's Christmas party", where last year we got the pleasure of hearing Trinity Crowe tell "elephant" jokes. An example: What time is it when an elephant sits on the church? Time to get a new church. They sound better coming from a little girl.
At the Crowe family Halloween party, someone dressed as our beloved pastor. It made the entire evening so much more fun.
Sometimes skits are performed during a service. When our little kids perform, there is always something that makes us smile.
What makes us all the same today? Having a sense of humor, enjoying one another, and realizing that being part of a big family can be a lot of fun.
We, at First Church, for the most part, have a good time and like one another. Everybody seems to have a great sense of humor, and in a large family, that makes for a lot of spontaneous fun.
There is nothing like laughter. Last week, for example, our pastor sang an impromptu song with one of the congregation. Everyone enjoyed it, and no feelings were hurt. It is what makes a family. And as a result of the song, it becomes a story that will be told for years.
We tease one another. Pastor's daughter has a boyfriend, so we all call him "pastor's son-in-law", which does not make pastor laugh. Instead he glares at some of us, and pinches others. But he knows that we are kidding.
He loves to laugh, to joke, to enjoy his day. We have had some good times. This Friday night is the annual "pastor's Christmas party", where last year we got the pleasure of hearing Trinity Crowe tell "elephant" jokes. An example: What time is it when an elephant sits on the church? Time to get a new church. They sound better coming from a little girl.
At the Crowe family Halloween party, someone dressed as our beloved pastor. It made the entire evening so much more fun.
Sometimes skits are performed during a service. When our little kids perform, there is always something that makes us smile.
What makes us all the same today? Having a sense of humor, enjoying one another, and realizing that being part of a big family can be a lot of fun.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What makes us all the same today?
I am amazed by compassion during these nutty hard times. People everywhere are struggling with finances. We sure are. Everytime we fix one thing in the house, something else breaks down. The car is running fine at the moment, but we know that something will happen soon enough, it always does. People are complaining about the economy, about job loss, about hurting and pain. Yet...there is light in the darkness.
When our church made the decision to collect toys for Washington Park and the Good Samaritan Compassion Center and also for the Angel Tree in Pana, I honestly did not believe that it would be the best turnout. We ourselves have cut way back on Christmas giving because Andrew is in college, milk is expensive, and financially we are really hurting. But we found money to buy toys for the kids in Washington Park. And so did a lot of other people. I am overwhemled by the amount of giving. People have handed me money, brought toys to our home, supplied blankets, coats, hats, gloves, coloring books, hot wheels, crayons, stuffed animals, trucks, desserts, and so much more. One of our church members offered a covered trailer for us to take all the gifts down to the church. Several people are providing cookies and cupcakes to take down the day of the big giveaway. One of the women I work with, a real sweetheart with one of the greatest smiles ever, has brought three bags so far for the kids. Her compassion is inspiring. One man in the church brought an African-American Barbie doll over. He had bought it years ago for collectibility, and now just wants a little girl to enjoy it. The Angel Tree has toys all around it, there are boxes of donated items everywhere, including our garage, and we still have not made our way to yet another home that just called with more toys to donate. When I think I should be down this holiday season, I think of the giving. And I am reminded of the greatest gift ever given...a father giving his son for me. What makes us all the same today? We still care. And we all enjoy giving.
When our church made the decision to collect toys for Washington Park and the Good Samaritan Compassion Center and also for the Angel Tree in Pana, I honestly did not believe that it would be the best turnout. We ourselves have cut way back on Christmas giving because Andrew is in college, milk is expensive, and financially we are really hurting. But we found money to buy toys for the kids in Washington Park. And so did a lot of other people. I am overwhemled by the amount of giving. People have handed me money, brought toys to our home, supplied blankets, coats, hats, gloves, coloring books, hot wheels, crayons, stuffed animals, trucks, desserts, and so much more. One of our church members offered a covered trailer for us to take all the gifts down to the church. Several people are providing cookies and cupcakes to take down the day of the big giveaway. One of the women I work with, a real sweetheart with one of the greatest smiles ever, has brought three bags so far for the kids. Her compassion is inspiring. One man in the church brought an African-American Barbie doll over. He had bought it years ago for collectibility, and now just wants a little girl to enjoy it. The Angel Tree has toys all around it, there are boxes of donated items everywhere, including our garage, and we still have not made our way to yet another home that just called with more toys to donate. When I think I should be down this holiday season, I think of the giving. And I am reminded of the greatest gift ever given...a father giving his son for me. What makes us all the same today? We still care. And we all enjoy giving.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
What makes us all the same today?
Tuesday night was the same as a lot of other nights in our house. On our way home from work (my wife and I are blessed because we get to car pool together) we talked about our day and, as always, the conversation turned to supper ideas. I, as I usually do, suggested pizza. She came up with a variety of alternatives, and we agreed on macaroni and cheese with hamburger added to it. After arriving at home, she began supper and I did my typical evening routine.
As supper came to fruition, she noted that we had no vegetable (she is big on veggies). So I headed for the pantry and grabbed a jar of tomatoes, home canned by my Mom.
And as we sit down to eat and watch Jeopardy (pre-recorded) I realized that I was eating the last jar of tomatoes from my Mom. You need to know my Mom died last August. So I kind of got a little sad thinking about that "one more disconnection" with her. I have stopped communication with several members of my family since she died, not my choice, and does it hurt.
What makes us all the same today? Loss. Whether it be a parent, a child, a husband, a wife, a friend, or a beloved pet...loss hurts. The economy is in the dumper, we are all struggling to make it through each day financially, and then we lose someone important to us. The Pana Church has seen a lot of loss in the last year. And we all experience it, maybe a little differently, but it happens. And when something like the last jar of tomatoes comes up, or a birthday, a holiday, the sight of something that reminds us of them, we crave the chance to talk about our loss.
What I love about my church family is that I know I could go to almost anyone and talk, and they would listen. With loss comes the realization that love still remains.
What makes us all the same today?
As supper came to fruition, she noted that we had no vegetable (she is big on veggies). So I headed for the pantry and grabbed a jar of tomatoes, home canned by my Mom.
And as we sit down to eat and watch Jeopardy (pre-recorded) I realized that I was eating the last jar of tomatoes from my Mom. You need to know my Mom died last August. So I kind of got a little sad thinking about that "one more disconnection" with her. I have stopped communication with several members of my family since she died, not my choice, and does it hurt.
What makes us all the same today? Loss. Whether it be a parent, a child, a husband, a wife, a friend, or a beloved pet...loss hurts. The economy is in the dumper, we are all struggling to make it through each day financially, and then we lose someone important to us. The Pana Church has seen a lot of loss in the last year. And we all experience it, maybe a little differently, but it happens. And when something like the last jar of tomatoes comes up, or a birthday, a holiday, the sight of something that reminds us of them, we crave the chance to talk about our loss.
What I love about my church family is that I know I could go to almost anyone and talk, and they would listen. With loss comes the realization that love still remains.
What makes us all the same today?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Welcome to the Pana Nazarene Church
Is this your first visit to our website? Well, if it is then welcome. If it is not, then I guarantee this is the first time you have seen this blog. I decided to make one purely dedicated to the church and not my personal stuff.
My name is Kevin and I am one of the associate pastors at Pana Nazarene. I am the one that drives Pastor Ebbler crazy. Even though Pastor Lila also does, he does not admit that because she is older and he does not want to hurt her feelings. I am easy pickings.
If you come to the church and look for me I am easy to spot. I am huge, really huge, and really cute. I usually go around and try to greet everyone, if possible, before the service starts. On Sunday evenings I am usually with the teens. On Friday nights I am at Kids 4 Jesus and Saturday nights I am at Teen Night. (We need a new name for Teen Night). I work at the State Capitol during the week so I am always ready to discuss politics (joking, please dont talk to me about politics during church). If you want to buy me lunch and talk about the State and its awful financial situation, then that is a different story.
I am married, and the adoptive father of a great young man. My wife is Kim, she is the one always smiling. Pastor's wife is the one always crying. My son is Andrew and he is usually away at college. When he is home he is usually up front, wearing some radical colors so he stands out.
Kim and I usually sit up front in the far right pew in the front row. Behind the cool piano.
As we go through the blog together, I am going to attempt to fill you in on church, not just ours, but church in general. It is crazy and not easily understood, but in the end it is worth knowing something about. Until next time...
My name is Kevin and I am one of the associate pastors at Pana Nazarene. I am the one that drives Pastor Ebbler crazy. Even though Pastor Lila also does, he does not admit that because she is older and he does not want to hurt her feelings. I am easy pickings.
If you come to the church and look for me I am easy to spot. I am huge, really huge, and really cute. I usually go around and try to greet everyone, if possible, before the service starts. On Sunday evenings I am usually with the teens. On Friday nights I am at Kids 4 Jesus and Saturday nights I am at Teen Night. (We need a new name for Teen Night). I work at the State Capitol during the week so I am always ready to discuss politics (joking, please dont talk to me about politics during church). If you want to buy me lunch and talk about the State and its awful financial situation, then that is a different story.
I am married, and the adoptive father of a great young man. My wife is Kim, she is the one always smiling. Pastor's wife is the one always crying. My son is Andrew and he is usually away at college. When he is home he is usually up front, wearing some radical colors so he stands out.
Kim and I usually sit up front in the far right pew in the front row. Behind the cool piano.
As we go through the blog together, I am going to attempt to fill you in on church, not just ours, but church in general. It is crazy and not easily understood, but in the end it is worth knowing something about. Until next time...
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