Sunset on Table Rock Lake
Monday, December 27, 2004
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Sanctuary of Hope
Sanctuary of Hope
Meets at Boys Club at Bee Creek Road
Branson, Missouri
417-336-HOPE
Sr. Pastor Dr..Sam Kaunley
Assoc. Pastor David Stallman
Sunday School-9 a.m.
Sunday Service-10 a.m.
This is a friendly church. We are greeted three times by the time we get to our seats in the Auditorium.
The service begins at 10 and we get out about 12. There is a "kicking" choir all dressed in blue with white crosses on the front. They are not afraid to "praise the Lord." One of the pictures above shows this choir, which is excellent. The choir is led by Gail Stallman, wife of the Assistant Pastor, David Stallman. Gail does an excellent job. The only problem with the music, praise and worship is that it ends too quickly. About 15-20 minutes for the "praise and worship." You stand during much of the praise of the worship. No problem.
Today, there is communion. The communion service is "open communion." During the communion portion of the service there is an absolutely beautiful solo by one of the women of the church, which has to be one of the most outstanding solos HarleyDad has heard in years. It is sung reverently and worshipfully. The solo alone makes the visit worthwhile.
There is prayer for people who can come down to the altar, which is done in a very healthy way. A young man is commissioned to go to another church and ministry. In addition an offering is taken--actually in this case, people who have brought tithes and offerings are encouraged to bring them down to offering plates. This is done and there is some fellowship among the members in the course of this process.
It is now 11 a.m. The children are dismissed to children's church. HarleyDad puts his visitors form in his pocket. (He, for sure, is not going to walk down front to deliver a visitors card.) The preachin' begins.
The sermon is on "Anointing. " It begins with a story so funny that even HarleyDad is forced to laugh. The sermon is given intelligently and articulately. Evidently, HarleyDad and the others are encouraged to get it if they don't have it (HarleyDad concludes he doesn't). The sermon certain did not fall into the "hell, fire and brimstone" category. It was given thoughtfully. It ends with some of the Pastors notes and thoughts on "Anointing." HarleyDad suspects that he has missed the point, and wonders if there is an anointing for bloggers. He decides to ask Brokerbelle about this after the sermon.
At the conclusion of the sermon, an invitation is given. The invitation is not prolonged. It is now 12 noon and HarleyDad, who not so courageously sits in the back, heads for the door with Brokerbelle and Princessbelle. However, they do not make it out the door before they are greeted by the Assistant Pastor David Stallman, who is also Athlectic Director at one of the local Branson Christian schools. David was kind enough to let HarleyDad take his picture. Yes, I even take the camera to church-much to Brokerbelle's horror ("Is nothing sacred?")
However, we are not going to leave the church without meeting a few more people, which we all conclude is a very good thing. Our experience is that in some churches we have been able to enter the church, hear a sermon, and leave the church without human contact.
As we walk away, we are impressed. First, the people are friendly, and are obviously concerned for one another. The pastor appears to love his people. These are two very good signs.
However, the most surprising part of the story is yet to come.
HarleyDad, Brokerbelle and Princessbelle head for their favorite chinese restaurant in Branson. Nothing like Chinese food and Chinese background music after church! To our surprise, a goodly number of the church ultimately make it to the same Chinese restaurant (God works in mysterious ways and is as likely to work in Chinese restaurants as in churches). To our absolute amazement and wonderment some of the members of the group and the pastor (who we did not meet at the church) actually stop and speak to us. Well, I almost fell into my chop suey!
Sometimes this church even eats together. Well, early Christians were known to eat together , and fellowship at Chinese restaurants ain't too far from koinonea, if you know what I mean.
The picture of the pastor is taken at the Chinese restaurant, not at the church. I was kind enough not to take the picture of his plate of Chinese food. You must admit Dr. Kaunley was quite a good sport to let some idiot that he had never met before take his picture at a Chinese restaurant to put on a blog that he has never read before . Some Divine Power must have been at work because the Picture came out great.
In conclusion, the Sanctuary of Hope is one friendly church, and believe me, that is saying alot.
HarleyDad and Brokerbelle are impressed! We wish them the best, and believe that you will be hearing much more about the Sanctuary and its growth. It they sold stock in this church, I would buy it.
HarleyDad
Meets at Boys Club at Bee Creek Road
Branson, Missouri
417-336-HOPE
Sr. Pastor Dr..Sam Kaunley
Assoc. Pastor David Stallman
Sunday School-9 a.m.
Sunday Service-10 a.m.
This is a friendly church. We are greeted three times by the time we get to our seats in the Auditorium.
The service begins at 10 and we get out about 12. There is a "kicking" choir all dressed in blue with white crosses on the front. They are not afraid to "praise the Lord." One of the pictures above shows this choir, which is excellent. The choir is led by Gail Stallman, wife of the Assistant Pastor, David Stallman. Gail does an excellent job. The only problem with the music, praise and worship is that it ends too quickly. About 15-20 minutes for the "praise and worship." You stand during much of the praise of the worship. No problem.
Today, there is communion. The communion service is "open communion." During the communion portion of the service there is an absolutely beautiful solo by one of the women of the church, which has to be one of the most outstanding solos HarleyDad has heard in years. It is sung reverently and worshipfully. The solo alone makes the visit worthwhile.
There is prayer for people who can come down to the altar, which is done in a very healthy way. A young man is commissioned to go to another church and ministry. In addition an offering is taken--actually in this case, people who have brought tithes and offerings are encouraged to bring them down to offering plates. This is done and there is some fellowship among the members in the course of this process.
It is now 11 a.m. The children are dismissed to children's church. HarleyDad puts his visitors form in his pocket. (He, for sure, is not going to walk down front to deliver a visitors card.) The preachin' begins.
The sermon is on "Anointing. " It begins with a story so funny that even HarleyDad is forced to laugh. The sermon is given intelligently and articulately. Evidently, HarleyDad and the others are encouraged to get it if they don't have it (HarleyDad concludes he doesn't). The sermon certain did not fall into the "hell, fire and brimstone" category. It was given thoughtfully. It ends with some of the Pastors notes and thoughts on "Anointing." HarleyDad suspects that he has missed the point, and wonders if there is an anointing for bloggers. He decides to ask Brokerbelle about this after the sermon.
At the conclusion of the sermon, an invitation is given. The invitation is not prolonged. It is now 12 noon and HarleyDad, who not so courageously sits in the back, heads for the door with Brokerbelle and Princessbelle. However, they do not make it out the door before they are greeted by the Assistant Pastor David Stallman, who is also Athlectic Director at one of the local Branson Christian schools. David was kind enough to let HarleyDad take his picture. Yes, I even take the camera to church-much to Brokerbelle's horror ("Is nothing sacred?")
However, we are not going to leave the church without meeting a few more people, which we all conclude is a very good thing. Our experience is that in some churches we have been able to enter the church, hear a sermon, and leave the church without human contact.
As we walk away, we are impressed. First, the people are friendly, and are obviously concerned for one another. The pastor appears to love his people. These are two very good signs.
However, the most surprising part of the story is yet to come.
HarleyDad, Brokerbelle and Princessbelle head for their favorite chinese restaurant in Branson. Nothing like Chinese food and Chinese background music after church! To our surprise, a goodly number of the church ultimately make it to the same Chinese restaurant (God works in mysterious ways and is as likely to work in Chinese restaurants as in churches). To our absolute amazement and wonderment some of the members of the group and the pastor (who we did not meet at the church) actually stop and speak to us. Well, I almost fell into my chop suey!
Sometimes this church even eats together. Well, early Christians were known to eat together , and fellowship at Chinese restaurants ain't too far from koinonea, if you know what I mean.
The picture of the pastor is taken at the Chinese restaurant, not at the church. I was kind enough not to take the picture of his plate of Chinese food. You must admit Dr. Kaunley was quite a good sport to let some idiot that he had never met before take his picture at a Chinese restaurant to put on a blog that he has never read before . Some Divine Power must have been at work because the Picture came out great.
In conclusion, the Sanctuary of Hope is one friendly church, and believe me, that is saying alot.
HarleyDad and Brokerbelle are impressed! We wish them the best, and believe that you will be hearing much more about the Sanctuary and its growth. It they sold stock in this church, I would buy it.
HarleyDad
Blogging Churches
We said that our "Everything Branson" blog would even include churches.
We select the churches by looking in the Branson papers.
In Branson, God, America and Country Music are mighty important. They resound in the deepest part of our being and are very close to the heart.
It takes "huzpah" to try to blog a church because church and children are topics of the heart and you don't mess with them in a cavalier fashion.
Brokerbelle and HarleyDad will reveal their preferences in advance. We consider ourselves to be Christians-probably of the evangelical persuasion.
We are ecumenical in nature. We have visited a great number of denominations and often surprised pleasantly by a unity of Spirit among those who call Jesus Lord.
Brokerbelle and I bring different perspectives as we visit churches.
Currently we attend a United Methodist Church when we are not in the Branson area.
As we blog about churches we keep in mind that there are different churches for different folks. Some of us like "fire and brimstone"; others prefer "peace in the valley." Some like evangelical churches that concentrate on salvation; others like churches that emphasize personal and family growth.
In the Branson area, there are numerous churches for the family. There are other churches that are mainly for visitors.
HarleyDad and Brokerbelle still have a pre-teen at home with the other three having flown the nest. For that reason, we also keep an eye on the childrens' programs. After all, children are the church of tomorrow. So occasionally, I will include a comment from Princessbelle. Children can be dangerously candid.
Bokerbelle has instructed me to be kind as I deal in this area and to dull my acid wit somewhat, reminding me that those who judge shall also be judged.
All I can say to Brokerbelle is "Amen."
Finally I hope you will be patient with me-"God isn't finished with me yet." Brokerbelle and Princessbelle (and some others) will gladly testify that there may be a few cracks in my foundation and structural work may be in order. Both she and I agree that if I would lighten up my superstructure perhaps the cracks would not be so obvious. Oh well.
Now for the first church blog.
We select the churches by looking in the Branson papers.
In Branson, God, America and Country Music are mighty important. They resound in the deepest part of our being and are very close to the heart.
It takes "huzpah" to try to blog a church because church and children are topics of the heart and you don't mess with them in a cavalier fashion.
Brokerbelle and HarleyDad will reveal their preferences in advance. We consider ourselves to be Christians-probably of the evangelical persuasion.
We are ecumenical in nature. We have visited a great number of denominations and often surprised pleasantly by a unity of Spirit among those who call Jesus Lord.
Brokerbelle and I bring different perspectives as we visit churches.
Currently we attend a United Methodist Church when we are not in the Branson area.
As we blog about churches we keep in mind that there are different churches for different folks. Some of us like "fire and brimstone"; others prefer "peace in the valley." Some like evangelical churches that concentrate on salvation; others like churches that emphasize personal and family growth.
In the Branson area, there are numerous churches for the family. There are other churches that are mainly for visitors.
HarleyDad and Brokerbelle still have a pre-teen at home with the other three having flown the nest. For that reason, we also keep an eye on the childrens' programs. After all, children are the church of tomorrow. So occasionally, I will include a comment from Princessbelle. Children can be dangerously candid.
Bokerbelle has instructed me to be kind as I deal in this area and to dull my acid wit somewhat, reminding me that those who judge shall also be judged.
All I can say to Brokerbelle is "Amen."
Finally I hope you will be patient with me-"God isn't finished with me yet." Brokerbelle and Princessbelle (and some others) will gladly testify that there may be a few cracks in my foundation and structural work may be in order. Both she and I agree that if I would lighten up my superstructure perhaps the cracks would not be so obvious. Oh well.
Now for the first church blog.
Big Cedar Lodge
So you want to stay somewhere that is rustic--but that is very, very nice. Is your idea staying in your own little cabin with a fire place-yet having every amenity known to man-then Big Cedar is your place!! Roughing it at Big Cedar is like roughing it by taking your Hummer out for a little ride down to the grocery store.
Do you think I like Big Cedar. You bet I do. It is roughing it in style.
The surroundings are beautiful. It is romantic. It is located on Table Rock Lake not too far from Branson. The roughest part of your trip is getting there. Here is their map.
Like fishing. Here is your place. Proceed directly to the marina. Golfing, you are in golfing paradise. Go to their marina for a boat ride. Want to ride horses, then go to the stables. The setting is gorgeous. The restaurants are excellent. The furnishings are rustic opulence. The experience is marvelous.
The place is run by Bass Pro. Despite the hunting motiff, ladies, you will NOT be disappointed. Men, want to go to the hunting lodge and still please your wife. Well, this is the place. Be forewarned however, it is not cheap. However, things of good quality generally are not cheap anyway.
HarleyDad
Do you think I like Big Cedar. You bet I do. It is roughing it in style.
The surroundings are beautiful. It is romantic. It is located on Table Rock Lake not too far from Branson. The roughest part of your trip is getting there. Here is their map.
Like fishing. Here is your place. Proceed directly to the marina. Golfing, you are in golfing paradise. Go to their marina for a boat ride. Want to ride horses, then go to the stables. The setting is gorgeous. The restaurants are excellent. The furnishings are rustic opulence. The experience is marvelous.
The place is run by Bass Pro. Despite the hunting motiff, ladies, you will NOT be disappointed. Men, want to go to the hunting lodge and still please your wife. Well, this is the place. Be forewarned however, it is not cheap. However, things of good quality generally are not cheap anyway.
HarleyDad
Christmas Day at the Devil's Pool Restaurant
The Devil's Pool Restaurant is at Big Cedar Lodge. A map for getting there can be obtained by clicking on this link.
We discovered this restaurant a number of years ago on a beautiful snowy Christmas morning. We often go for the brunch that begins at 11:00 a.m. The decor is rustic, the food is good, the surroundings are beautiful. What more can you ask for.
Some of the choices for breakfast were eggs, turkey and dressing, beef and rice, and ham. Also they will make omelets for you. There is a dessert bar, of course. The service is on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the three of us was about $5o.
Brokerbelle and I strongly recommend the Devil's Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar. We have posted some pictures of this restaurant.
HarleyDad
We discovered this restaurant a number of years ago on a beautiful snowy Christmas morning. We often go for the brunch that begins at 11:00 a.m. The decor is rustic, the food is good, the surroundings are beautiful. What more can you ask for.
Some of the choices for breakfast were eggs, turkey and dressing, beef and rice, and ham. Also they will make omelets for you. There is a dessert bar, of course. The service is on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the three of us was about $5o.
Brokerbelle and I strongly recommend the Devil's Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar. We have posted some pictures of this restaurant.
HarleyDad
Saturday, December 25, 2004
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