Let's Not Let Religion Get In The Way of Love!

Love breaking Rules? Being a radical? Not following tradition or the crowd? Man would Jesus love you! because He was all the above. I get so tired of hearing about Christians being Rule Followers, Do Gooders, Hypocrites, Holier Than Thou, Holy Rollers. Oh I know there are plenty of people who call themselves Christians who would fit that definition, but they are missing the boat. Jesus was none of those. 

Jesus was a rule breaker, a radical, a non conformer, a non traditionalist. Why do you think the religious leaders of the day despised Him? It wasn't because He was conforming to their traditions and rules. No, just the opposite, Jesus was doing things way different. He was re-defining religion to the religious world.  He was accused of breaking the current religious laws. Healing on the Sabbath, not washing His hands before eating, hanging out with the "sinners", the outcasts, the tax collectors. 

If you want a real exciting life, one that is full of challenging the status quo. Become a follower of Jesus! He did not let the church of the day stand in the way of love. 

Matthew 15:1-3New International Version (NIV)

15 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

I have said this before and it is becoming more and more clear to me. Church is broken because we are broken. God is waiting for a group to break free of the traditions of worship and start radically loving the world. What will it look like? Good question. But I can tell you this. It won't look anything like the church most of us have grown up in. I am seeking and praying. We are on the cusp of something radical.   

James 1:22-27New International Version (NIV)

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Is the church today accomplishing this? 

Praise Community Fellowship and Immanuel Methodist, two churches breaking the rules of tradition by meeting together to worship as as one family every Sunday at 8:45 am. We meet at 800 North Main Street Edwardsville.  Services are lead by pastor Jackie Havis-Shear and Kent Schuette. 

Announcements: Brad Heuchert is putting together a memorial service involving the Edwardsville Glen Carbon Fire Departments service for Sunday September 11th. The service will begin at 12:00 noon at the Sunset Hills Cemetery located on Route 157 in Edwardsville. There will be an honor guard and music provided by Anna Harris and Steve and Debbie Loucks and Matt Conway. Please mark your calendars for this event.

Stay tuned for much more! Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

It's Monday!

Too busy to be bothered!

Too much to do!

I really can't be bothered reading this right now!

I know. So does God! He loves you, and wants to speak to you in the very circumstances that are  currently stressing you out!  But here's the deal. He can only help you if you make time to have a cup of coffee with Him. Just you and Him. No cell phone, no reports, no computer, no TV, just you and Him. Try it! Not just once. Make an appointment with Him everyday and give him time. 

Yea but what do I do. I mean, what do I say? People will think I'm crazy. Plus, I really do not have time to spare! 

I know. It really makes no logical sense. As a matter of fact every instinct and reason will tell you that taking 15 minutes with God everyday is ridiculous. You don't have time now. What good could possibly come from sitting there alone somewhere hoping God is "really" going to intervene and help? All I can say is, "You will never know until you step out in faith and do it!"  But I will tell you there is one vital key to having this work for you. Here is what the bible says about this vital key:

James 1:5-8New International Version (NIV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

You must believe! Great. How do I believe in something which I have never experienced? It's not easy, that is for sure. But, here is what I experienced. When you reach the point where you have no more strength, no more answers, no more solutions, to the problems and disappointments in this life, it is a good time to reach out to God and say, "Here I am God. Can you see me? Can you hear me? I really need to know if you are there, because I can't do this alone anymore. Please help me to believe. Help me to know you because I need you!"  

That is when you get God's attention. When you surrender. When you realize that the world really does not have the answers to your emptiness. That's when God can show up and become real in your life. Here is one more thing to consider. If you are reading this, maybe this is God's way of knocking on your door right now! He works that way. He offers all of us many chances to get into a relationship with Him everyday. Way too often we just miss the opportunity because we are so focused on the cares and troubles of our daily lives. Walking close to God everyday is the only way to live your life to it's fullest potential. THE ONLY WAY!

Ok, get on with your day. It's your call! 

Congratulations to Steve Porter who is now retired! Look out World!

Thank You Pastor Jackie for a great message yesterday, "Love Has No Labels!"  Very thought provoking to me!

Do you have an idea for our church that will help us demonstrate God's love? Let us know. 

Pastor kent 618-334-3575   pastor jackie 618-656-4648.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

This Sunday!

Pastor Jackie will be continuing our theme from last Sunday on Love. Tomorrow's sermon is "Love has No Labels!"  The fastest way to a better life can be accomplished by increasing our capacity to love. 

I hope you can join us tomorrow as we come together to learn and worship. 

Announcements: There is a new Adult Sunday School Class beginning immediately following our service called Wired World. This class will discuss current headlines and issues and how to approach solutions in a Love filled way. 

PCF will begin it's weekend Lunch Program for Kids. See Faye Heuchert for more details. 

We will be serving a Thanksgiving dinner to the families of the Kids we have been serving in the TWIGS and SAKS program. This free dinner is planned for Sunday November 20th at Noon in the Church Fellowship Hall. See me or pastor Jackie if you want to help! 

See you tomorrow! Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

Am I Good Enough?

How many Christians feel unworthy of God's Grace? Unfortunately this seems to be part of of our human experience. We only get rewarded when we are worthy. Our society seems to be built around that premise. 

You work hard, obey the rules and then maybe you will get a raise or move up the ladder. No wonder we find God's Grace so hard to grasp. 

There is a wonderful story in the New Testament found in the book of John. It's about Jesus coming across a crippled man who has been sitting by a pool in a town called Bethesda for 38 years waiting to be healed. Jesus asks the man, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while am coming another steps down before me.  So Jesus says to this man, "Rise, take up your bed and walk. And immediately the man was made well." 

This story can be found in John 5:1-8. But there is an underlying message in this story that we all need to understand. It is the story of what Jesus did not do! Jesus did not ask the crippled man if he had been good, if he was a regular church attender, if he tithed, if he kept all the commandments! As a matter of fact there was no attempt what so ever of Jesus trying to determine the man's worthiness. It never entered the formula. Jesus just asked one simple question of this man, "Do you want to be made well?"  That was it. If you read the story you will see that the crippled man didn't even answer the question. He instead gave excuses why he had not been healed. But Jesus healed him anyway.

Now that is what Grace is all about. You and I are not worthy and yet we are saved by grace. The church needs to read and understand this story. We come together in all our brokenness and failures and shortcomings to worship a God who loves us inspite of ourselves! Start living boldly in Jesus' grace!

Hope to see you soon. Love, pastor kent

Is The Life You Are Living Fantastic?

For those of you who missed the service  yesterday I want to share with you what the "One Thing" is as I promised on yesterdays blog. 

The premise of my sermon was this,  "If I had to boil down everything in the bible and all the books I have ever read about improving ones life. If I had to make one suggestion to anyone wanting to improve the quality of their life in the fastest way possible."  This would be what I call the short cut to the best, most fulfilling life you can possibly live!

It doesn't involve getting a degree, losing weight, getting a better job, buying a new suit or improving your resume or making more money. Are you ready? Here it is: "Increase Your Capacity to Love Others!"

Ok Great but how do I do that you might ask? Start with meditation on this one scripture every day until it begins to sink into your soul, into your heart, and most importantly into every relationship you currently have. The effects are profound and life changing. 

1 Corinthians 13New International Version (NIV)

13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poorand give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I pray that you will take the time to meditate on this life changing scripture. It's about grasping the God empowered love that is available to everyone. This is the kind of love that will change your world as well as the world of those around you. 

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

This Sunday

"If I could Give You Just One Thing". Because I turned 60 this past week I spent some time reviewing my life and all that I have learned about God's life changing wisdom. This Sunday, after much thought, I will give you the most life changing advice that I know. 

The PCF singers and praise band will be leading the worship. 

It's been a good life and the Good News is, There is so much more to come! Hope you can join us this Sunday. Come to "The Church" where every Sunday is a life changing Sunday!

Two congregations coming together to be Jesus to our community. Praise Community Fellowship and Immanuel Methodist. Better together!

Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie.

Service begins at 8:45 AM. Located at 800 North Main Edwardsville.

But What Do I Do With This?

For those of you who are regular attendees of a church, my bet is 99% of you have accepted that Jesus is your Lord. Good. I would also bet that most of you go to a church where the preacher is preaching sermons about things which you agree.  So here is the question, "What are you doing with the Christian message?"

That's our problem. We don't know what to do with all the good news that we have heard over and over at church. Here is a clue:

Ephesians 2:1010 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Pastor Jackie and I are investigating the needs of our community. We will be sharing this information with our boards soon. In the mean time, ask God to open your eyes and ears so that you see and hear what He sees and hears.

This Sunday Praise Community Fellowship will be leading worship. Come join us and find out what you can do with the Good News! We will be meeting at 8:45am at 800 North Main Street Edwardsville. See you Then. 

Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

What You Need on a Rainy Monday!

If you could get on an airplane this morning and fly high enough, the sun is shining very bright above all this rain. There are perfectly clear blue skies if you go high enough. 

So, if your feeling a little low, you just need some spiritual altitude. It can be found by reciting these words with enthusiasm. 

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it.

Right now in this very moment, you can connect with the God who created everything. All it takes is an open mind, a receptive heart, and a real desire to hear from Him. Take the time now if at all possible and say this prayer.

"God, I am feeling (........) please make yourself real to me today. Open my ears and my eyes and my heart to your presence. I need you every minute. I want to walk close with you today and everyday. Help me to stay close to you and help me to know your voice and your promptings so that I can fulfill what you have planned for my life!" Thank You! Amen

The people you see winning the medals in the olympics started their journey by making a decision many years ago. The decision became a commitment. And the commitment became the journey. Take one step toward God and His way of life and peace today. Trust in that decision and then every minute of every day continue walking toward Him in everything you do! Someday you too will be standing on the podium of  success, Peace, Love, and Joy! 

See you this Sunday! Love, pastor kent

This Sunday, "Who Are The Least Among Us?"

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Pastor Jackie will be leading the service this Sunday and her message is, "Who Is The Least Among Us and Do We Welcome Them?"

God will provide plenty of opportunities for us to serve, but we must become Spiritually aware so that we don't miss these opportunities. here are several scriptures that speak of this. One of my favorites is, found in Matthew.

Matthew 25:40  "The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

When we participate in being a blessing to these "Angels Unaware" we are actually blessing Jesus! You are participating with Him ad the blessing will be expanded and shine back on you.

Come join "The Church" where two congregations have come together to expand God's love in one another and the community. Praise Community Fellowship and Immanuel Methodist. We can do more together!

Announcement: There will be a brunch following the 8:45am service this Sunday. It will be a celebration brunch for the beginning of the new school year. All school aged children are encouraged to bring their back to school back packs for a special blessing during the service.

See you soon. Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

Practice Walking On The Water

Matthew 14:28-31

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Jesus calls us to trust Him in All circumstances even when things look to be impossible. The crux of this biblical story is simple, when you stay focused on Jesus, not the fear, "All things become possible!"

Easier said than done, you might add! Yes, much easier said than done, but anything that you can now do without thinking was learned thru practice. Faith can be learned and experienced with practice. "Can we really trust God?" is always the hidden question behind our lack of faith. And there is a question behind that question, which is, "Is there really a God?"

I built my faith in God by reading the bible and many many books about the bible. But my experience with faith came when I began "experimenting" with the teachings of Jesus. My first experience of "Walking on the Water came when I stepped out of the safety and comfort of my boat and  forgave some people who I didn't think I would ever forgive. I did so to see if God would come into my life in a real way. I figured if I was asking God to help me, I needed to step out onto the water in faith to see what would happen. I did, and it changed my life forever. He was real. There is peace which cannot be understood until you step out onto the water trusting Jesus.  

My ministry is simple. I want to inspire and help people discover the reality of Jesus so they can experience what "Walking on the water" feels like. It is a life style, a discipline, and it makes for an amazing journey that takes the fear out of living. So, my advice to you if you are struggling with life, "Practice Walking on the Water" and don't take your eyes off Jesus!

Announcement: Pastor Jackie and I and our respective boards have just added an important event to put on your calendars. Our two churches are going to be serving a Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 20th at 12:00 noon to the families of the kids we are serving through the SAKS and TWIGS programs. This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. We hope to serve at least 150 people and we will be accepting help for that day. We will "BE" the church that day. There will be more information on this to come!

Come join this amazing church some Sunday and get out of the boat and start walking on the water with us! Two churches coming together to expand the reality of God, and Jesus' love in our community. 800 North Main St. Edwardsville. 

See you soon. Love pastor kent and pastor jackie

Need to talk with a pastor? Call pastor kent @618-334-3575 or pastor jackie @ 618-656-4648

WOW Again!

For those who were able to attend yesterdays service I don't need to elaborate. It was wonderful! A full church filled with love, peace, joy and enthusiasm. 

We have a theme for our services now until Christmas and that theme is all about how to live life filled with Hope, Joy, Love, and Enthusiasm even if that is not what you are experiencing at the moment. 

It's about learning to believe in God's word found in the bible. 

It's about learning how to increase your faith in God which leads to trusting Him in all things.

Enthusiasm is a big part of it. To be able to wake up with enthusiasm is vital to having a positive life experience. It is believing that God loves you, because He does, and that He will take you on an amazing journey IF you allow Him. 

Enthusiasm comes from the greek word entheos, which means to be filled with the divine! Is your life filed with the divine? Divine meaning the things of God, the essence of God, Godliness. 

There is something wonderful that happens when a group of people come together on a Sunday and become one family in spirit filled with joy! That's what we have been experiencing here at 800 North Main Edwardsville at 8:45am Sunday mornings. 

For those of you who missed the service yesterday, Emily Ottwein's testimony will be on our website soon. You can listen to all the past testimonies at www.praisecommunityfellowship.com. Scroll down to sermons. Also, stay connected to Praise Community Fellowship by subscribing to this blog. Just fill in your email address to the right of this page. 

More to come! See you soon. Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

This Sunday! "What is Keeping You Out of Your Promised Land?"

You won't want to miss this Sunday! Emily Ottwein will be sharing her powerful story of how she overcame breast cancer and went from being on food stamps to now having the career of her dreams!

Her testimony to God's grace and love will inspire and touch you! 

Come join us this Sunday at 800 North Main Street Edwardsville at 8:45am. The original Eden band will be leading the worship music. Pastor kent will have the message, "What is Keeping You Out of Your Promised Land?"  It promises to be another powerful Sunday.

Immanuel United Methodist and Praise Community Fellowship come together to worship in this special service every Sunday. We are a small church with big dreams and doing big things for God's kingdom. If you need a lift, some kindness, some love, inspiration, motivation, and touch of God's  grace, come visit us. You are welcome here!

Hope to see you Sunday 8:45am! Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie.

800 North Main Street Edwardsville

Someone You Know Needs to Know The Reality of Jesus!

The greater your concept of God, the more Peace and Joy you will experience in your life! 

Once you can grasp the absolute reality of God, the purpose of your life will start coming into focus. And when your true purpose starts coming into focus, the fears and anger and frustrations will begin to diminish. And when your fears, frustrations and anger begins to diminish you will begin to see the possibilities that exist for your life.

It's not religion that will change your life, it's Jesus. 

This Sunday the Eden Band will be back together for the first time in about three years. Rick Coy, Wally Osika, Emily Ottwein, Ann Ottwein Culp, Steve Loucks and myself. I hope you will be able to join us. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, August 7th at 8:45 am. 

See you soon. Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie