I drove past my childhood home a few days ago. You have most likely been
past it. If you go east of DeKalb on I-88 you will cross the farm where I
grew up. Just past Dauberman Road and before Main Street Road, a 10-acre
section of the land my grandfather and father farmed became part of the
tollway. A large sign now marks the place as Dunteman Sod Farm. Just
beside the interstate is the lane where I rode my bike to reach the
creek…a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon.
Only a mile across the fields you will see the town of Kaneville. Don't
blink…you might miss it. The view from the interstate is mostly a cluster
of trees; a few of the homes can be seen. But one landmark is always
visible, no matter the season – the steeple of Kaneville United Methodist
Church. That steeple has been the tallest structure in the small town
since it was first built in the late 1800's.
Have you ever stopped to admire church steeples? Carla and I have. In
fact, we have a sizeable photo collection of churches we have seen as we
travelled. Sometimes we have parked the car and come inside to enjoy a few
quiet minutes in the spirit's presence in another of God's houses. Other
times we have snapped the picture as the car kept moving along the
highway…usually wondering about the congregation that meets in that place.
Perhaps the steeples I find most interesting are found on open roads, in
open country, far from any towns or other houses. I imagine those steeples
are like lighthouses, calling and guiding the faithful to gather for
worship, study, prayer, fellowship, and service.
Salem has a steeple. I wonder if its top is the highest structure in
Sycamore? You can certainly see it from a great distance in most
directions. Does it call God's children in this place to gather? For
worship, study, prayer, fellowship, and service? I confess I often drive
into the parking lot without noticing the steeple…perhaps we who are here
more often have taken it for granted and have stopped seeing it. Many of
the newer members at Salem share that the look of this building caught
their attention. That undoubtedly includes the steeple, so tall against
the heavens, as if reaching toward God. But God doesn't live only in
heaven. He is wherever his children are. While the building might attract
folks to come inside, what encourages them to come again is the welcoming
spirit they find. Thanks be to God; He is present among his children at
Salem, and we are learning to let others know that God loves them, too.
As our Lenten journey continues, let's try to be ever more open to God's
love in our lives. Let's ask God to use not just the steeple as a
lighthouse. Let God use us, and all the gifts he has given us, to do his
work of telling the world how much God cares.
Ron Vanatta
Calendar:
*Wednesday service at 2 followed by pie; Soup Supper at 6; Holden Evening
Prayer at 7. This week we look at the third petition of the Lord's Prayer.
*Weekend worship opportunities Saturday at 5 and Sunday at 8 and 10:30.
*The youth will be receiving shoes until Maundy Thursday. Help them reach
their goal of 1000 pairs.
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