Esther L. Anderson age 73 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at her home. Esther was born March 22, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Hattley and Arlene (Ballard) Rector. She retired from Forest Hills Central Middle School in 2007. She was a tomboy growing up and enjoyed camping and the pool at her home. She loved her grandchildren and taught them how to cook, she was always there for her family. Surviving are her husband, Carl whom she married on May 25, 1968; sons, Michael, Aaron (Lisa); grandchildren, Hannah, Abby and Brayden; sisters, Carol (Chuck) Mackus, Linda (Gary) Nead; brother-in-law, Fred Andrus; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lois Andrus. The family will greet friends Friday, November 27th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family service will follow the visitation. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church or Faith Hospice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

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Colen Clem Cole age 73 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, October 30, 2018 after a long illness with Dementia/Alzheimers disease. Colen was born April 14, 1945 in Greenville, MI the son of Clem and Rose (Nelson) Cole. He graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart on August 20, 1965. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War Era from 1966-68. He enjoyed the outdoors sporting life: hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and riding his quad around his farm with his dog, Little Joe. He loved best being in the big woods and observing nature. Colen owned and operated United Riggers and Erectors Company, Inc., a construction company in Grand Rapids since 1974. Surviving are his wife, Nancy (Tisdel) Cole; son, Calvin (Carolynn) Cole; granddaughters, Laurynn and Allison; sisters, Marion (Richard) Morris, Marieta (William) Peterson; nephews, Dirk, Bill, Brent; niece, Tresa. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Victor Tisdel and Leon Dennis. Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 am until time of service at 12:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment with military honors will take place at East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Jerry L. Cadaret, 79 of Kentwood, died Sunday, July 30, 2017. Jerry was born May 16, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio the son of Paul and Ona (Lydick) Cadaret. He graduated from Godwin High School and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 – 61. He worked for A.J. Sparks Belting and was a member of the East Nelson United Methodist Church and a life member of the Doric Masonic Lodge, Grand Rapids. Jerry enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, traveling and camping. He was a hard worker and always put his family first. Surviving is the love of his life, Shirley (Tisdel) whom he married on June 2, 1961; children, Brenda (Tom) Voisin, Beverly (Roger) Carlson, Jeremy Cadaret and Susanne Aldridge; grandchildren, Cathleen Honeysette, Kenneth (Emily) Mol, Benjamin (Olivia) Mol, Christen (Chris) Chapin, Jacob (Lindsey) Mol, Timothy Mol and Christina Dean, Mackenzie Cadaret and William Ball; great-grandchildren, Reece, Randal, Brooklynn, Emma, Grayson, Ethan, Zachary, Autumn and baby Lucas on the way. The family received friends Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. Visitation Thursday from 10 – 11 a.m. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Pastor Inge Whittemore

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs

Before Jesus was taken to heaven, he had spent time with his disciples opening their hearts and minds to the scriptures. He taught them and then assured them that they would not be left alone to try to forge ahead without him. He told them to “GO and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). The thing to remember is that he also said, “LO, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). He said to stay in Jerusalem because they would be clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49) and on Pentecost that power became known by the rush of a mighty wind and flames over each of the disciples. Then Peter spoke and the church was born on that very day. That spirit is still powerful to this day, as shown by the whirlwind of work done by the church throughout the world, and by the flames of the spirit in the hearts of all those who believe.

I read a poem by Roy Lessin recently:

He is seen in 

The love expressed through your heart,

The compassion revealed through your spirit.

The kindness displayed through your actions,

The blessing received through your life.

What a wonderful way to describe someone who seeks to live their faith in their daily walk with the Lord. Would that all we do and say be evidence of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.

In this season of Pentecost may you take time to recognize the Holy Spirit within you. May you honor the ways the Spirit has worked through you and moved you to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

CS Players perform at the Kent “Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens, oh my!”

Mar. 24-26: The Cedar Springs Community Players will be presenting three Sci-Fi Fantasy comedy one-act plays on March 24, 25, and 26 at the Kent Theatre. “Zombies, Werewolves and Aliens, oh my!” kicks off the 2017 fantasy-themed season. The three short comedies are set in the Old West, modern-day suburbia, and outer space in the future and feature hilarious encounters with an assortment of monsters and aliens. March 24th & 25th at 7:30 p.m. – March 26th at 2:00 p.m. Advance tickets $10 at the Cedar Springs Library. At the Kent Theatre – $12 at the door, $8 under 18. #11,12p

Indoor Spring Sale

Mar. 25: St. John Paul II Parish, 2110 – 17 Mile Rd. in Cedar Springs, is hosting an indoor spring sale on Saturday, March 25^th from 9 am to 1 pm. Something for everyone! Household items, décor, small appliances, toys, books, etc…. don’t miss out! #12p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Mar. 26: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 26th  at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message and music will be shared by Traditional Country and Gospel Singers. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #12

Find Your Voice 14th Annual KDL Teen Poetry Contest

April 1-30: Two ways to win! Submit up to two poems during the month of April for a chance at a juried category prize. Stop by a branch for details or visit www.kdl.org/teens. #12

Magna-Tiles Mania

Apr. 1: Drop-in and build. Create cubes, pyramids, or other geometric shapes and patterns from two-dimensional to more complex three-dimensional systems. Discover patterns, symmetry, 3D building skills and magnetic principles. For ages 6 and older. Saturday, April 1 at 10:30 am, Nelson Twp. /Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #12

Mixing Magic! A World of Color, Optics and Light

Apr. 4: Explore how we see our world by mixing color and playing with light. Discover magical optical illusions and other natural phenomena such as rainbows! For ages 6 and younger. Tuesday, April 4^th at 10:30 am, Nelson Twp. / Sand Lake KDL Branch, 88 Eighth St. #12

Help Promote Literacy

Apr. 4,13,19,24: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Tuesday, April 4^th at 10 am, Thursday, April 13^th at 2 pm, Wednesday, April 19^th at 6 pm and Monday, April 24^th at 10 am. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #12

Fish Fry at East Nelson

Apr. 5: East Nelson United Methodist Church’s annual Fish Fry will be held on Wednesday, April 5^th from 5 to 7 pm. East Nelson UMC, 9024 – 18 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs. #12

Pastor Inge Whittemore

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs

At East Nelson UMC, the last 24 hours of Jesus Christ is our series of messages for Lent. Lent is the 40 days prior to Jesus’ crucifixion (not counting the Sundays) and it’s a time of reflection. We are reflecting on how so much happened in that last 24 hours. From that last Thursday evening to Friday evening, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples; shared his last supper; prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane; was betrayed; arrested; deserted; tried; convicted; sentenced to death; tortured; crucified; died; and buried. The season of Lent allows us the space to reflect, to meditate, to ponder, to ruminate over each of these profound events.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, treasured and pondered all of the events that led up to the momentous evening when the shepherds barged into the stable to “see this thing that has happened.” I love that Luke (2:19) shares her introspection. I believe it’s a beautiful example of how to hold a story close to our heart.  We have much to ponder also. The story of Jesus’ life on earth begins when Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” There’s the birth in the lowly stable, parable stories Jesus told, people of all walks of life who were healed. We can meditate on the words of the Sermon on the Mount, or the meals for hundreds made from a few fish and loaves of bread. And now, in Lent ,we can reflect on all that occurred to bring Jesus to the cross for us.

May we each find the space in our daily living over the next few weeks to ponder these things in our hearts.

Psalm118: 5-6, 13-14, 17 (NIV): 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. 6 With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?

13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 

17 I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord.

Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd. , Cedar Springs MI 49319

By Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him” (Matthew 4: 18-22).

So, what does golf have to do with fishing? Well nothing, actually, except many of us do not know someone who is a commercial fisherman but most of us know someone who plays golf. One similarity between fishermen and golfers is that it is not typically a solitary activity; in other words, it is something that you do with other people, and in fact is even better when you do it with someone else. In fact, think of what would happen if you went fishing alone and caught a record size fish that got away just as it broke the surface, or what about if you were playing golf by yourself and you shoot a hole-in-one and there is no one to see it.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is also not a solitary activity; in fact, Jesus gives us the model for that as we see him going from boat to boat calling people to follow him to a life of discipleship. What would happen in the church today if we asked people to join us in worship as easily as we ask people to go fishing or golfing? Good Luck and hit em’ straight.

Edith E. Tisdel, 99, of Cedar Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Porter Hills. Mrs. Tisdel was born May 7, 1916 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the daughter of Lavern and Muriel (Lincoln) Hatch. She had been a member of the East Nelson United Methodist Church, the Spencer Mills Ladies Aid and a lifetime member of the Eastern Stars. She enjoyed making cakes for all family events, homemade bread and scubbies and going to the lake in the summer. Surviving are her daughters, Shirley (Jerry) Cadaret, Sharon (Don) Hopwood; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Wayne Tisdel in 1999; brother, Matthew Hatch and a great grandson. The family greeted friends Friday, March 18 from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service was held Saturday at 2:00 pm. Pastors Herb VanderBilt and Chuck Smith officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Blood Drive for Lizzie August

Mar. 10: Donate blood in honor of Elizabeth August. Lizzie was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 4 in 2009 and during her treatments she has received 13 red blood and 29 platelet transfusions along with 2 bone marrow transplants. She is now 11 and in remission. There are so many more who need our help. Come donate blood to honor her journey and the journeys of all the young children fighting their own battles. Creative Technologies Academy, 350 Pine St., Cedar Springs on Thursday, March 10^th from 1 to 6:45 pm. To schedule an call Jennifer August at 616-799-0559. Come donate blood and register with Delete Blood Cancer to be part of the bone marrow donor registry. American Red Cross, 800-733-2767, redcrossblood.org. #10

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Mar. 13: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 13^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message will be shared by Pinky Hosford who has an amazing testimony to share, Music will be shared by Gospel Singers, Larry, Deb, George and Ray, traditional country and gospel singers. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #10

Job Seekers Workshop

Mar. 14, 28, Apr. 11, 25: Kent District Library and Michigan Works! Present free Workshops for Job Seekers. Workshops are on Mondays from 1 0 3 pm at the Nelson Township/Sand Lake KDL Branch.  March 14^th: Resume Development Workshop, March 28^th: Interviewing Workshop, April 11^th: Brand: You!, April 25^th: Communications Skills. For more information, please visit www.kdl.org/events or call KDL at 616-784-2007 or 877-243-2466 (toll free). #9,10p

Dinner at the Legion

Mar. 14: American Legion, 80 S. Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a roast beef and onion dinner on Monday, March 14^th, from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be mashed potatoes, veggies, roll, drink and dessert. The cost is $9 for adults, children (15 and younger) $4.00. Come and enjoy home cooking. Take out is available. 616-696-9160.  #10p

Michigan Blood Drive

Mar. 15: The Cedar Springs United Methodist Church will host a blood drive on Tuesday, March 15^th from 12:30 pm until 7 pm. Is your blood really red or is it green enough to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as Irish? Find out. Attempt to donate and you could also potentially help three people in need. The Blood Center thanks all the people that attempt to donate. #10

Dinner at East Nelson UMC

Mar. 16: East Nelson United Methodist Church, 9024 – 18 Mile Rd., is hosting a Ham Dinner on Wednesday, March 16^th from 5 to7 pm. The menu will include: ham, cabbage, red potatoes, carrots, relish tray, rolls, homemade desserts. Everyone is invited. Donations accepted. #10

Fish Fry

Mar. 18: Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Ave., is hosting a Fish Fry on Friday, March 18^th from 4:30 to 7 pm. Battered fried fish, baked potato or fresh-cut French fries, cole slaw, coffee and punch, dessert. 3 pieces – $9, 2 pieces – $7, 1 piece – $5. Eat in or carry out. 616-866-4298. #10,11p

Annual En Gedi Auction

Mar. 18: Come Be Refreshed! Friday, March 18^th with the High School cafeteria doors opening at 6 pm. This year’s event has many great items for you to choose from to include furniture, MSU football and basketball tickets, private golf session by MSU Coach Casey Lubahn, hotel stays, fine dining certificates, tools, hand-made dolls, private wild turkey and pheasant hunts, clothing, wood pellets, puzzles, and much more!!!! With a $10 entry donation you can enjoy delicious appetizers while you browse the items on the silent and live auction table. All funds earned on this event will be matched by CS Manufacturing. En Gedi is a Christ-centered non-profit organization providing a FREE after school youth center, special high school and community events with a focus on building family. Donations of services or products (all are appreciated are greatly needed. Contact Sue Wolfe at 696-2246 or SueQ@hughes.net for tickets or for donation pick-ups. #10,11p

Pancake Breakfast 

Mar. 19: The Courtland Fire Department, 7480 – 14 Mile Rd., will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 19^th from 8 – 11 am. The fire department will be serving pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Adults – $7.00, Children 4-12 – $4.00, 3 and under are free. #10

Quilt Show Library Friends Fundraiser

Mar. 19: Saturday, March 19^th from 10 am to 4 pm. Show your quilt! Last Call! Do you have a quilt that you want to show in the 4^th Annual Friends of the Library Quilt Show? Call Barb at 616-236-9500 or Louise at 616-696-1376 to still get your quilt in the show. Quilts may be delivered to the Cedar Springs Middle School on Friday, March 18^th between 4 and 6 pm or Saturday, March 18^th between 7:30 and 9 am. Attendees will vote for their favorite quilts in each of the two categories, general and antique ( at least 50 years old). Admission is $2 per person and in addition to the quilt show there will be trunk shows for Red Button Quilt Co. and Blueberry Backroads, a silent auction, a quilting garage sale and a raffle quilt. Raffle tickets are available at the Cedar Springs Public Library, Luv2Quilt on 14 Mile and at the show. See you there. #10

Mom2Mom Sale

Mar. 19: The Resurrection Lutheran Church, 180 S. Third St., Sand Lake is hosting a Mom2Mom sale on Saturday, March 19^th from 9 am to 1 pm. For questions regarding the sale, please contact Nichole at 616-263-9662. #10,11p

Roast Beef Dinner

Mar. 20: The Rockford American Legion Post 102 on the corner of Northland Dr. and Rockford Park Dr. (330 Rockford Park Dr.), will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Sunday March 20^th and every 3^rd Sunday of each month. Open to the public. We will be serving roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, coffee and punch. Reasonably priced at $9 for adults, kids age 4 to 12 for $7 and under 4 years are free. Serving from 11am to 3 pm. See ya there and bring the family! #10,11p

Good Friday Walk and Remember

Mar. 25: Walk to each of the Sand Lake Village Churches and listen to the thoughts of characters that experienced the crucifixion first hand. Friday, March 25^th from noon to 1:30 pm. Our walk begins at Resurrection Lutheran Church (just south of town on Northland Dr.), with stops at the Full Gospel Church, Downtown Pavilion, Mary Queen of Apostles, and the United Methodist Church. Transportation will be provided back to the Lutheran Church. Children and families are encouraged to join us. #10-12p

HCNC Easter Egg Hunt w/Brunch

Mar. 26: Howard Christensen Nature Center will hold it’s 6^th Annual Easter Egg Hunt with Brunch on Saturday, March 26^th. Brunch will be served from noon to 2 pm. The Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly for all ages at 2 pm. Brunch is $5 per person or $20 per family of 4 or more and includes the Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg Hunting only $1 per egg hunter. Members are free. 16160 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, 616-675-3158. www.howardchristiansen.org. #10

CS Community Players Mystery Trivia

Mar. 30: The Cedar Springs Community Players are pleased to announce “Murder at the Kent”, a collection of three one act plays which will be performed at the Kent Theatre on March 30th, 31st, and April 1st.  The plays are Sorry, Wrong Number, Heat Lightning, and The Man who Died Twice.  These short, thrilling plays will delight the mystery lovers and send shivers down the spines of the audience.  And since every good mystery story requires some anticipation, the Players have devised a series of mystery themed trivia to build up the suspense before opening night.  These questions will appear in The Cedar Springs Post each week in the month before the production, starting on March 3^rd.  Solve the riddles and bring your answers to one of the performances at the Kent Theatre to be entered to win prizes that night. #10p

Community Night

Apr. 21: Cedar Springs Community Night is April 21st and registration is underway. The deadline for registration is March 25th. Forms are online at www.csaparksandrec.com or you can call 616-696-7320. #10b

Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs MI 49319

“Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, and live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

This year I could not wait to see the new Star Wars movie and when I got to see it, it was great. One of greetings that is attributed to the Star Wars series is the phrase “may the force be with you,” although I am not sure that it is ever used exactly that way in the movie. In any case, it is an appropriate greeting even in the church, provided we edit out the secular word force and insert the Holy Spirit. In the movie, this greeting serves to provide hope to people (and aliens) who are struggling against an evil force committed to destroying all the “good” people.  One of the problems is that it is not always easy to tell the good guys from the bad guys. In the movie, the force can be used for good or it can be used for evil; in fact, one of the characters representing the dark force was originally using the force for good. What both the Jedi knights and the apostle Paul knew was that the force for evil is very powerful and that we always need to be on our guard.

The apostle Paul is writing to a church that has struggled with a lot of issues and in his last address to them challenges them to a higher power, to continue the fight, and to stay in fellowship with one another. This may seem to also be an appropriate message as we leave 2015 and go forward into 2016. May God’s force be with us all.

Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd. 

Cedar Springs MI 49319

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 

“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children” Matthew 14: 13-21.

 According to the Gospel of Matthew, the beheading of John the Baptist changes the scope of Jesus’ ministry. Up until this time, Jesus was teaching and leading his disciples through some important lessons.  The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of lessons about not only discipleship but also some practical advice on how to behave in the vision of the kingdom that Jesus describes. Many of these sayings have been incorporated into our everyday speech like “turn the other cheek,” “eye for an eye,”  “salt of the earth and others. Also, up until this time, Jesus has been doing everything, he has healed the sick, cast out demons and is teaching about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  So it must have been somewhat surprising to the disciples when they tried to get rid of the hungry crowds, Jesus does something different. He puts the disciples in charge. Jesus turns the tables and says, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples, of course, are dumbfounded and look at themselves and then to Jesus and said, essentially, “We can’t feed them, we don’t have enough food.”  Of course, Jesus shows them they are wrong, what they have is enough.

As we encounter this world we live in, we, too, are sometimes at a loss for how to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We complain that we don’t have enough, we don’t  have the right kind of church building, the right music, the right community.  We would like to do more for local missions such as the food pantry, Second Chance School, or Kid’s Hope but we think we just don’t have enough.  Our text today disagrees with our assessment; we do have enough if we allow Jesus to be at the center of all we do. Jesus has entrusted us with bringing the Good News to those who desperately need to be fed and with Jesus’ help we do have enough.  You give them something to eat.

Pastor Herb VanderBilt 

East Nelson United Methodist Church

9024 18 Mile Rd. 

Cedar Springs MI 49319

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4  

Based in this passage of scripture from the Book of James, I have had many opportunities for joy this past month. We are remodeling our daughter’s kitchen, putting in base cabinets, a pre-molded countertop and a new sink. Each step has been filled with multiple tests of patience and ability. And although there are a few existing challenges, there is joy in the finished product, and a growing in knowledge of the right and wrong way to plumb a sink.

James, however, is not talking about remodeling projects. He is speaking to the dispersed Jewish Christians who are struggling in the faith and dealing with the challenges of being a Christian. The letter is addressed to those Christians who have been scattered throughout the then known world and are far away from where they started and are learning that in order to live out their faith, there are many trials and temptations that come.

James is telling them and all of us that to have a mature faith, we need to expect trials. In fact, it is through these trials that a strong mature faith can develop. As we share our trials and temptations with each other, we also need to keep encouraging those who are going through a trial to keep trying.