This Sunday!

The Power of Prayer and Perseverance!

Tomorrow at 12:00 noon we will gather for the first time at out new home, Immanuel Methodist Church, 800 North Main Street Edwardsville. This will be a communion service.

As a reminder, Immanuel Methodist has a 10:30 service which will not be finished until 11:30 so please enter through the lower doors on either the north or south side of the building.

We are looking forward to a new journey in our new church home.

See you tomorrow. Love, pastor kent

We Need Help!

Do you love music? Have you ever thought about being part of the Music worship team at PCF?
Do you have an ear for music? The music worship team is looking for a couple of volunteers to learn how to run sound at our new church.  We are going to be bringing in Traci Bodenbach of Output Unlimited to do the training. Traci is a sound engineer expert. He is the one who has done the sound for all the Raise the Praise concerts.

This is a commitment that would require about 4 hours per week every week unless we get a couple of people trained.  We currently practice Thursday evenings from 8:00 till about 10:00! And of course there is every Sunday. This is a ministry opportunity. It will require dedication and commitment. Please pray about it and if you are willing to learn some new things and commit to the music worship team, then we need you!

Please let me know ASAP! We need you immediately! 

See you Sunday! Love, pastor kent

Just Stop It!

Maybe we should stop being so religious, what ever that means, and start loving each other?

Jesus made it pretty clear that He accepted the persecuted, the judged, the sinful, the broken, the poor, and the hated. If I recall, the only ones He was ticked at most the time were those who "acted" and claimed to be religious!

This Sunday, a new beginning, a new home, a new energy full of possibilities! Come join us!
12:00 noon, 800 North main St. Edwardsville, the Immanuel Methodist Church. A place where "unconditional love" changes lives!

See you Sunday. Love, pastor kent

You think you know all about God

I came across a very interesting verse in the bible; 2 Kings 20:1-6 God tells king Hezekiah he is going to die! But Hezekiah goes to the Lord in prayer and God changes his mind and adds 15 years to his life. Does God really foreknow the future? This will be an interesting study as we move into this new year!

2 Kings 20:1-6

Hezekiah’s Illness

20 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”

2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”

This Sunday: We will have our first service at our new location Immanuel Methodist Church, 800 North Main Edwardsville. Our service will begin at 12:00 noon. This will be a new beginning for us in several ways. We will be welcoming a new addition to our music program. We have hired Matt Conway as our new keyboard player and music director. He will share directing responsibilities with Bonni. After our last service at the Crystal Garden Bill Diggs resigned his position with us as our Keyboard player. Bill has been with us for many years and we will miss him. Bill's parents are having serious health issues and playing for two churches was just too much for him to continue. If you get a chance please send Bill a thank you for all of his service and talents he has shared with us. Bills address is 2908 Petticoat Junction Lane, Glen Carbon Il. 62034

I am looking forward to this kickoff Sunday at our new location. We are going to start dreaming big, worshipping with lots of joy, and working together with an amazing group of people at Immanuel Methodist! See you Sunday at 12:00 noon!  It's going to be WONDERFUL!

Love, pastor kent

Betty update

Good news, Betty is coming home from the hospital! They ran tests and there were no problems found.
She has her grandson and daughter taking care of her. Betty is getting ready to move to Missouri and she is experiencing some stress. Keep her in your prayers!

Thank you, pastor kent

Prayer Request!

About 15 minutes ago  our sweet Betty Godin was taken by ambulance to Anderson Hospital. Her vitals were good before taking her but she seemed shaky. I'll keep everyone posted as I get more information. Please lift Betty in prayer!

Sincerely, pastor kent

Monday

The more I read and study and pray, the more I am convinced that religion has been made way too complicated. Go to Jesus, ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you. Ask to have your spiritual eyes and ears opened so that you might hear and see and understand more than you do now.  Then, go about your day. What ever has been assigned to you. Whether an attorney, a teacher, a dentist, a plumber, a business person, whatever. Begin expecting to experience and hear from God. If you get an inner prompting to show love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, go with it! That is God speaking to you.

1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 

This Sunday, a new beginning of Hope, Peace, Love. Come join us at our new home: Immanuel Methodist 800 N. Main Edwardsville.

Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Immanuel Methodist Contemporary Worship     9:00 am
Immanuel Methodist Traditional Service          10:30 am
Praise Community Fellowship Service        12:00 noon

See you Sunday, let's start dreaming BIG!   Love, pastor kent

Today at 11:45 AM

It's Fellowship Sunday! NO service today. We are having a Fried Chicken Dinner with our new hosts at Immanuel Methodist Church 800 North Main Street Edwardsville. Come join us on this rainy day for some of the best fried chicken in Madison county. It is going to be a great time to get to meet and know the people at Immanuel Methodist.

Serving will begin at 11:45 this morning! All are welcome. Dining in the lower area. Come in thru the lower doors located on either the north or south side of the church! We will be looking for you!

Love, pastor kent

One More Thing!

This Sunday, we are sponsoring a "Let's Get To Know One Another Lunch" at our new location, Immanuel Methodist Church 800 N. Main Edwardsville starting approximately at 11:45 AM. We want the two congregations to meet and get to know one another.

Brad Joiner would like to ask anyone who is willing, to bring a Desert for this gathering. All other food is being provided By Mark and Denise Reeder and Brad Joiner.

So those of you who love to bake or create, it would be greatly appreciated. All helpers to this event should arrive by 11:00AM. Do not come in the upper sanctuary doors since church will be in session. Use the lower doors on either the north or south side of the church complex. Can't wait!

Looking forward to seeing all of you! Love, pastor kent

Time Change!

This coming Sunday we will be gathering at our new location, Immanuel Methodist Church located at 800 North Main Street in Edwardsville. Brad Joiner and I met there today to go over this Sundays chicken dinner and we are going to change the dinner time to 11:45 instead of noon. The reason being, their last service lets out at 11:30 and we want their congregation to come on down after service and begin eating.

So plan on being there by 11:45am this coming Sunday so you can meet and talk with our new church family.

Also, do not enter the church by the sanctuary doors this Sunday since church will still be in session. Please enter by the double glass doors on the lower level on the parsonage side of the church. There is also an entrance on the lower level on the south side of the building.

Looking forward to a big turnout and a great kickoff to our new church home. Come hungry there will be lots of great food catered by DK's market, Mark and Denise Reeder's store in Hamel. The best fried chicken in Madison County!

See you Sunday. Love, pastor kent

Are We Home?

Immanuel Methodist Church has opened their doors to us.
Let me give you some observations I have had since we moved in after our last service.

1.) Immanuel's Pastor,  Jackie Havis- Shear who seems to go by Pastor Jackie, is about as kind and welcoming as anyone you'd ever want to meet. She and I are developing a wonderful friendship already.

2.) Immanuel's "sound guy and technician" Dave Rader,  has been very wonderful, encouraging and helpful. Dave is also a musician and plays the bass guitar for their contemporary service.

3.) The church is very comfortable, nice pews, traditional, and offers projection screens for words or video. There is a loft for overflow congregation. The basement area has a nice kitchen, and dining area as well as Sunday school classrooms, a nursery fully stocked with plenty of toys and games. There is also a rehearsal area in the basement for choir warm up.

4.) There is ramp access to the sanctuary on the north side of the building with access to the sanctuary.

5. Pastor Jackie and I are working out such things as scheduling and weddings and events. There is a very nice secretary, Anita Seehausen.

What can you do?  Please mark your calendars for this coming Sunday to be part of the big, Family Fellowship Lunch. A very nice lunch is going to be provided by PCF and we will be coming together to meet and thank the people of Immanuel Methodist for opening their doors to us. The lunch will be served beginning at 12:00 noon. Praise Community Fellowship will not be having a service this Sunday because of this special lunch with our new hosting church family. All are welcome to attend.

I am working with Brad Joiner who will be coordinating the lunch. If you would like to volunteer to help with this celebration Sunday please email Brad Joiner at bradleyjoiner1@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing all of you This Sunday, January 25th at our new location, Immanuel Methodist Church, 800 North main Street, Edwardsville.

Love, pastor kent

Monday's Thoughts about Sunday's Sermon

"Whether our interpretations of Scripture result in love for God and neighbor is a practical test of whether our interpretation is correct." Jack Rodgers

NEWS: We officially have a new home! Immanuel Methodist Church located at 800 North main Edwardsville. Almost directly across the street form Eden Church.

Although the Crystal Garden offers a really unique facility, Immanuel Methodist has opened their arms to us and we feel will give us the following advantages.

1.) We can immediately offer Sunday school, nursery, and youth group to our youth.
2.) We have meeting rooms available to us.
3.) There is a full kitchen and dining area.
4.) The sanctuary seats 200.
5.) We can leave our musical equipment set up.
6.) Nice, newly paved parking lot.

The board feels this opportunity will serve our needs for some time as we continue to evolve and grow. Reverend Jackie Havis-Shear is a most wonderful, kind welcoming, pastor of the church.

Next Sunday, January 25th, Praise Community Fellowship will meet at Immanuel Methodist Church for the first time. We will be providing a lunch so that both congregations can meet and get to know one another. The lunch will be served at 12:00 noon and we expect a large turn out from both congregations.

I will keep you posted as to the help needed for that day and any other details. We moved all of our equipment and belongings yesterday after out last service at the Crystal garden.

Get the word out, PCF has a new home! Immanuel Methodist Church at 800 North main in Edwardsville.  More to come.


Psalm 118:24

24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Love, pastor kent

Today!

Come to church at 12:00 noon. You know you will feel better afterword.

See you there, you might just learn something that will change your life journey!

Love, pastor kent

This Coming Sunday!

"A New Way to Read the Bible!"

Hey, everyone who receives this blog! I am going to start a series of teachings for everyone who has ever struggled with reading the bible and I would imagine that is all of us. The last few weeks I have talked about two small books in the bible, Ruth and Haggai. From those two short stories, we learned both contain an immense amount of meaning and symbolism that can speak directly to our lives and relationships today.

But there are many writings in the bible that are difficult to understand. I want try and address this Sunday so that you can open your bibles with a refreshed way to read it and glean it's message to you.

My last Blog Post, "Always Learning," points to my continued growth and changing theology. I want anyone who has struggled with their faith, struggled with believing some of the things in the bible, even struggled with God Himself, to come to this next service. I think you are going to hear some refreshing good news and have a new way to re-examine some of the bibles teachings. I think what I am going to share with you will be faith building. It will give you a whole new approach to reading and understanding of the scriptures. Maybe this can be a new beginning to your faith journey?

I hope to see you Sunday at 12:00 noon at the Crystal Garden located at 1230 University Drive Edwardsville. Come and be a part of the Worship, Fellowship, and Love of Praise Community Fellowship. We are learning to hear and understand God, so that we might be better representatives of Jesus to the world!

See you Sunday! Love, pastor kent

Always Learning!

The more I study the Bible, the more questions I have which makes me dig in deeper, read more, study more, and pray more. One thing I am definitely learning is that we must be willing to expand our reality paradigm to continue to grow spiritually.

What I thought about God and the bible when I was 20 has changed over the past 38 years! It continues to change! To me, that is very healthy! I have continued to ask, seek, pray, and study, and have added my many life experiences to the mix. Now don't misunderstand what I am saying. I did not say that God is changing, I am saying that I continue to change because of new understandings and revelations that I have while I continue to try and grasp and understand what God's message is to me and to humanity.

I think one of the worst enemies of Christianity has been what I call "Denominational Thinking!" Now before somebody gets their nighty in a knot let me explain what I mean. Denominational thinking  is when a church, a denomination, even a family, say,"This is the way it is and that is final, no more discussion!" and everyone just buys in goes along with that doctrine.

An extreme example of this type of lack of thinking Christianity was Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple. The followers of Jim Jones "bought in" Hook line and sinker of what was being taught to the point of drinking the poison cool aid and dying……. for what?  Over 900 men women and children lost their lives because they "bought in" to someone else's interpretation and doctrine instead of doing their own search for God and His meaning.

I have studied and continue to study "many" sources and ideas as I continue my journey. I read many books from different philosophies. I have known people who refuse to investigate other ideas outside of their core beliefs. To this I have to ask why?  Why would anyone want to put a wall around their reality paradigm? Unless perhaps they might be afraid of moving closer to the truth and sometimes moving closer to the truth can be very scary. Why? Because it requires people to think differently, which put another way means, CHANGE!

In Romans 12:2 the apostle Paul writes: "And do not be conformed to this world, but by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Paul is telling us we must "renew our mind" and that requires us to think differently. And we cannot think differently if we keep hearing the same thing over and over!

The God we worship is Mysterious, Great, Wonderful, Magnificent and beyond what we can even imagine. But too often I think we put Him in a very small box because we feel safe with a God like that. The God that I am learning about does not fit in a box. The God I worship is so big, it is hard for me to even begin to try and grasp Him except through His son Jesus.

Final point. God is way, way bigger than any denomination, or definition, or doctrine that any of us could possibly come up with! Keep Seeking. Keep Asking. Keep Knocking. Keep Praying, and Studying because there is so much more than what we think we know!

Love, pastor kent

Monday

And the Lord said through the prophet Zechariah, "Return to me", says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you!"

I love that verse of scripture!  That is God's continuous call to all of us, "Seek me, come to me, and you will find me and know me!"

Announcements:

Garden Club tomorrow at Jennifer Kaburicks home at 6:30PM. I heard that it was a great gathering last week. Lots of participation and many great revelations shared about how God is working through the different lives of those gathered. If you have never participated in this group, you should consider giving it a try. It is a wonderful way to learn more about how God is working in everyone's lives.

DIRECTIONS TO Jennifers home:

(From 159 South)  Go south on 159 past 270. Turn right at the light for Glen Crossing Rd. At approximately ½ mile you’ll see Kingsbrooke Subdivision on the left.  Our gravel driveway is immediately past Kingsbrooke on the left. (If you get to Barkwood Ln, you’ve gone too far.) Follow the driveway back past a couple houses – it will make a sharp curve to the right. Then turn left onto our driveway (you’ll know it’s ours b/c it has rip rap along each side of it – plus we’ve put up a little sign with our name/address) and keep going back, as it will make another sharp turn to the right, and you’ll see our house.  I’ve attached a map so you can see where our house in compared to the others – it can be tricky, especially in the dark.

 Call her cell if you have questions. 314-496-2903.

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

Yes Church Is on Go!

We have driven the streets, and have checked the parking lot at Crystal Garden, there is no problem with either! So as of 8:50 am we will be having service today at 12:00 noon!

I am on my way to Beverly farm to do a service now. If Weather changes between now and 12:00 I will update the post!

Lets worship!  Love, pastor kent

Watch for Weather Updates

I am watching the weather for Sunday. I'll get a blog out late Saturday to let you know if we will be on go for service.

We are the tool, not the power!

Hope to see you Sunday. Love, pastor kent

Coming This Sunday…..

Sermon Title: Is the bible Inerrant? Infallible? Inspired? 

I know this is going to rock some of your boats but it is my prayer and hope that this sermon will greatly help your spiritual journey. Come with an open mind and an open heart. Just remember, God is real, He loves you, there is a plan, and there is always hope in Jesus!

Hope to see you Sunday! But I warn you, better get ready to hang on for an interesting ride!

Praise Community Fellowship meets Sunday at 12:00 noon at the Crystal Garden located at 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville. Music, Fellowship, Worship, Message!

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

Tonight

Jennifer Kaburick will host the first "Garden Club" meeting tonight at her new home at 6:30. Garden club is an informal social gathering where the topic remains on Spiritual issues, questions, and explorations.

I hope you will join her!  Here are the directions to her home off of Glen Crossing Road.

Directions to our house (I wouldn’t use your GPS or mapquest – they typically don’t take you to the right location): 452 Glen Crossing Rd.

(From 159 South)  Go south on 159 past 270. Turn right at the light for Glen Crossing Rd. At approximately ½ mile you’ll see Kingsbrooke Subdivision on the left.  Our gravel driveway is immediately past Kingsbrooke on the left. (If you get to Barkwood Ln, you’ve gone too far.) Follow the driveway back past a couple houses – it will make a sharp curve to the right. Then turn left onto our driveway (you’ll know it’s ours b/c it has rip rap along each side of it – plus we’ve put up a little sign with our name/address) and keep going back, as it will make another sharp turn to the right, and you’ll see our house.  I’ve attached a map so you can see where our house in compared to the others – it can be tricky, especially in the dark.

 Call her cell if you have questions. 314-496-2903.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent

The Most Powerful Ministry in the World!

LOVE!

Watch Here

There is no more to say.  By the way, the woman singing is Jewish!  Watch till the end.

Love, pastor kent

Who?

I hope you enjoy the blogs! If you do, please consider sending them to your family and friends. Re-post them on your Facebook page. Let the Holy Spirit speak through you to expand God's Kingdom.

Who get's final authority in your life decisions?……(I know, I can hear some of you guys now…"My Wife!") Ok maybe there is some truth to that? 

Bottom line, God is and will be the final authority for everyone.  Just like there is only one truth. No matter what I believe or what you believe or what your grandmother or your best friend believes, there is still only one truth. Truth is exclusive! In the bible that truth came as a person. "I am the way, the truth, and the life!" No one comes to the father except through me!"( John 14:6)

Now you have to decide, "Is that the truth or not?"

Praise Community Fellowship, we meet at 12:00 noon at the Crystal Garden on Sundays. The Crystal Garden is located at 1230 University Drive, Edwardsville. We are seeking people who are seeking love in their life. We are seeking people who are hurt, sad, mixed up, broken, as well as people who are just curious about the reality of God. People who have lots of questions are welcome. People who have "had it" with church are welcome. Everyone is welcome. 

Come join us or call me if you have questions.

Love, pastor kent  618-334-3575

Sunday One, 2015

A New Year and a New Time!
Tomorrow we begin our 12:00 noon service time.

Tomorrows sermon title, "You Cannot Do More for Your Life than God can Do For Your Life!"
The sermon title is borrowed from a book written by Charles Stanley. I saw that sentence and said, "Now there is a sermon!"

12:00 noon tomorrow. I hope I see a great turnout for our new time.
Come join us for Communion, Music, Worship, Message.
We will be collecting for Glen -Ed pantry at tomorrows service.

See you there! Love, pastor kent

Welcome 2015

A message from Jennifer Kaburick:

Can you believe it’s already time to ring in a new year? It seems like just yesterday my family was watching the ball drop on TV! Admittedly, I’m one who looks forward to this time as a reason to get a fresh start. Start eating right, get back into the habit of exercising, read my bible more, pray more. One thing I’ve missed doing in recent months and that I’m excited to start doing again is our weekly fellowship group (“The Garden Club”).   This was a group of folks who got together to simply share what God was doing in their lives. With busy summer schedules, we took a break, but I’m ready to start meeting again. Are you?

This group is whatever we want it to be and is open to anyone.  We’d named it Garden Club because during one sermon a while back, Pastor Kent had mentioned that we, as Christians, aren’t perfect, but we can look to each other for support and guidance. Just like members of a garden club who are open about challenges they might be having with their flower beds, or bugs eating their roses. Sure, everyone wants to have a beautiful garden, but sometimes things get in the way. Just like our lives. We’d love for everything to be perfect, but it just doesn’t always go that way, does it? Which is where the beauty of our Christian family/friendships comes into play. We can share in one another’s joys, but also lend support when we hit bumps in the road.  I’m open to whatever direction the group wants our meetings to go – we can have a bible study and dedicate time to certain books in the Bible, or we can have a topic to discuss, have a prayer meeting, or just leave it open to wherever the conversation leads.

Please join us at my home next Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at 6:30pm for the first Garden Club gathering in 2015.  E-mail me atjkaburick@express-scripts.com and I will send you directions to my house.

 Thanks and have a Happy New Year!

See everyone Sunday at 12:00 noon at the Crystal Garden!  A New Time for a New Year!

Love, pastor kent