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Glass, Not Plastic  

Yes, Virginia, there really is an Ohio—in Illinois.  The little town boasts no more than 550.  But heading south on Route 26, Ohio is merely a navigation marker, not a destination. We’re in search of an even smaller berg known as Kasbeer (pronounced with a Long “A”).

As the town and its sign are easily missed, look for its two largest landmarks.  To the east towers the Kasbeer grain elevator, and much closer to the highway is the white steeple tower of the Kasbeer Community Church.   Its stain glass history is filled with generations of my wife’s family.

The white steeple tower

Like all old buildings, Kasbeer Community Church has its own set of unique smells reminding you you're home.  Sunday morning hymnal selections are posted on two antique wooden boards on either side of the auditorium.  On the back wall, the ancient gears of a circular Seth Thomas electric clock grind a sort of white noise.  A four-paddled ceiling fan twirls slowly from on high with doubtful effectiveness.   The blue and green basket weave carpet looks the same as it did the day Diana and I got married.   

As for the service itself, Pastor Eric did a capable job preaching from Luke 4 in a sermon he titled, “The Authority of Jesus.”   Then followed communion and I couldn’t help but notice the cups were made of glass, not plastic.

Dare not ever forget

In an age where so many churches are immersed in lighting rigs, fog machines and video walls, the lack of technology was actually therapeutic (this from an admitted techno geek).  Imagine church without a bass guitar.  Or one single drum.  Some may doubt it’s even possible.  Not only is it possible, it was actually refreshing.  Like glass, rather than plastic.

Nothing wrong with technology.  Were Jesus to minister today, He would likely use a wireless mic—and maybe even PowerPoint. But power has never been in our technology.  And the point ought always to be Jesus and His gospel. We dare not ever forget that. 

 

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Jon GaugerJon Gauger

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