Homecoming 09.26.2025

As I write this, we are in the middle of Homecoming Week here in Mitchell. Monday night featured coronation and the burning of the “M.” From Tuesday through Thursday, students have been enjoying dress-up days—color day, jersey day, pajama day, etc.—depending on their school. Friday caps it all off with Black and Gold Day and the 2025 Homecoming football game. It’s a full week of Kernel spirit.

In looking back at the origins of Homecoming, I discovered its purpose was clear: to build school spirit, create a sense of belonging, develop traditions that bring unity, and welcome alumni back home.

But the theme of “coming home” is not just a school tradition—it’s a biblical one. Jesus told a story about a young man who left home searching for “the good life.” Once his money was gone, so were his friends and the fun. He then found himself in desperate circumstances doing the unthinkable just to survive.  Finally, he decided to return home, not expecting to be welcomed as a son, but hoping to be taken in as a hired servant.

The son makes the journey home, has his short speech ready and was prepared to receive his father’s scorching words.  However, he was greeted by his father’s embrace and a celebration of his returning to the love of the family.  Rather than an ugly scene, the son was greeted with a welcoming acceptance by his father.  It was a relationship-restoring homecoming.  

The whole point of the story that Jesus tells is to let people know that the God of the Christian faith is a God who celebrates homecomings with open arms and a joy-filled spirit.

 As we celebrate our Kernel pride and connection this week, may we also celebrate the best homecoming of all, that of the “Welcome Home” that God gives to all who return to God’s presence and love.  

Welcome home to our Mitchell alumni. And to anyone reading this article, if you feel far from God, know this: no matter where life has taken you, God is always waiting with open arms. That is the greatest homecoming of all.
Pastor Keith

Maintenance 09.19.2025

Maintenance…  I’ll be honest, I’m not the best at doing it.  I am pretty good with changing the oil in my vehicles, but some of the other maintenance like rotating tires, flushing the cooling system, changing windshield wipers periodically…those kinds of things I’m not so good with.  

Then there’s the house maintenance.  This past summer I took a couple of extra weeks off to recoup from the very full year I had while I was involved with the Practical Church Leadership program…along with being a full-time pastor, etc.  Anyway, I had a list of home maintenance projects that I wanted to accomplish during that time off.  I think I got one, maybe two items from my list cared for…and those two weren’t really the biggies that I had hoped to cross off the list.  I guess it’s always good to have some projects on a list just in case some day I find myself bored and don’t know what to do with myself. 😊

The reason maintenance is so important is because that is what keeps the car or the house in tip-top shape, functioning at its best, and keeping its greatest value.  If you don’t check the air pressure in the tires, they can get low, and that can ruin a tire, which can be rather costly to replace.  If shingles blow off your house and the repair isn’t made, moisture can find its way into the roof and house, which can cause serious problems.  Yet, it is so easy to ignore maintenance because as they say, out of sight – out of mind.  

It's easy to think about maintenance in regard to vehicles we drive or the home we live in, but there are other crucial areas in life where maintenance is just as important as it is for a house and car.  Two such areas are in one’s marriage (and other significant relationships), and also one’s faith.  

Just like a car or a house, a marriage or one’s faith journey won’t stay strong on its own. They require regular, intentional attention. A healthy marriage doesn’t just happen on the day of the wedding; it grows through little acts of kindness, listening, forgiveness, and shared experiences. Faith is the same way—it can’t be sustained only by an occasional Sunday service or a once-in-a-while prayer. It needs daily “check-ins” with God, time reading and reflecting on passages from the bible, taking time to serve and make the world a better place, and other rhythms and disciplines that keep our hearts turned to God and tuned in to God’s values.

The truth is that maintenance usually isn’t glamorous. It rarely gives you an immediate thrill or a big “wow” moment. But over time, it’s what makes the difference between something that breaks down and something that endures. It was regular maintenance that allowed my previous car to reach over 200,000 miles of my driving, and it was still going strong when the family I sold it to sold it to someone else.   

So maybe the best way to think about maintenance is this: it’s the small, steady practices that keep the most important parts of life from falling apart. Whether it’s tightening a loose bolt, taking time to connect with your spouse, or pausing to pray or serve those in need, the little things add up to a life that’s strong, healthy, and ready for the road ahead. Just recently I saw this five word quote I really like and it speaks much truth – “What you maintain will remain.”  Now let’s get out there and take care of some maintenance today!!

Pastor Keith

We Remember 09.12.2025

Today is a day of remembering!!  As I write this article it is the evening of 9.11.2025.  I remember the Alan Jackson song – “Where were you when the world stopped turning…”  Of course he is referring to 9.11.2001.  I do remember where I was – in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  I was taking a shower when Nancy stuck her head in the bathroom and said, “Keith, an airplane crashed into a skyscraper in New York City.”  My first thought was a little plane and then Nancy said, it was a big plane.  Knowing just a little bit about aviation and airplanes, I thought it unlikely this was an accident…but I supposed it would be possible.  But then I watched as the second jetliner hit the other tower, and I knew in that moment this was no accident.  In a sense, the world did stop turning…in so many ways!

So much has happened and changed since this day 24 years ago.  Probably one of the areas where we still notice some of the biggest changes is that of air travel, from the documentation to the TSA experience, air travel has changed significantly, and understandably so. I wonder what each of you think about as having changed because of 9-11? 

Something else that I remember feeling in our nation because of 9-11 is the sense of shock we all felt…but then there was a sense of coming together.  Some would say that we had a common enemy, but others said we suddenly realized how precious life was and how quickly things can change.  There was a brief “bump” in church attendance, for a few months.  But then it dropped back to previous levels. There was still a sense of positivity, that we had a common reason to look for and share the good in the world in the midst of such devastation that we were all feeling. There were so many stories of bravery, as well as neighbor helping neighbor, stranger helping stranger, all in the name of healing the hurt of our nation and making the world a better place to live.  

Much has happened in our nation since 9-11-2001.  This year on 9.11, once again our nation finds itself reeling from violence and tragic death.  On September 10 a man was shot and killed at a political rally at a university in Utah at which he was making a presentation. That same day another school shooting took place in Colorado in which 2 students were wounded and the shooter died by suicide.  Once again, the cycle of violence and anger continues, and the presence of evil is alive and well in our nation.  

There is already a lot of noise on social media; rage, accusations, name calling, conspiracies – exactly what our world needs less of.  Instead, what our world needs is exactly what our Mission Statement says.  Our world is in desperate need of more people who say, “We exist to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love and grace to all we encounter by living out God’s Kingdom together.”  My word to us all is, don’t join the noise and hatred that is so rampant, but instead join your voice with those calmly calling for peace, justice, and seeking a new way to deal with differences and disagreement.  More than ever I believe in the power and the need for our church family to reflect and lean into our Mission Statement. Our community and world needs this.  

I also remember from 24 years ago that there were many days of despair and uncertainty.  It feels somewhat the same way now.  But remember, there is light, there is hope, there is the possibility of new beginnings, and it begins with just one person, me, you, all of us together deciding there is a different set of values that we live for…and that’s God’s Kingdom Values.  This is what it means when we say, “We exist to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love and grace to all we encounter by living out God’s Kingdom together.”

Pastor Keith

Road Construction 09.05.2025

This has been a frustrating summer!!  Not because of weather or canceled travel plans or anything like that.  No, the frustration has mainly been caused by all the road construction in our area.  Between trying to get around different parts of Mitchell, going to Sioux Falls, to even driving to Parkston there has often been road construction to deal with.  On one of my journeys to make a visit to a parishioner in the country, I discovered the road I had intended to take was totally closed off.  I had to backtrack and figure out a different way to get to my destination.  AHHHHHH

We all understand the reality of road construction here in South Dakota.  We’ve all heard the joke, there are only two seasons in our fine state, winter and road construction.  Our weather does limit the time frame for many road construction projects.   

But the truth is, we also understand the need for road construction.  Over time roadways begin to break up, the concrete or asphalt fails.  Potholes develop and deepen, etc.  Sometimes the road construction isn’t about the road as much as what lies beneath the road, so the concrete or asphalt has to be torn up in order to fix the problem below.  

We all rejoice when the road construction signs and barriers come down and the roadway is opened up again allowing traffic to flow freely.  And usually, we can see or maybe feel the benefit of the work that was done.  Often, it’s then that we realize the road construction, the work was necessary, even though it was frustrating and made life challenging for a while.

So, the question I want to ask today is, “Where is the road construction in your life?”   Where are you experiencing disruptions, delays, even detours in your life or in your spirit?  Have some potholes developed in your soul?  Is a sewer line plugged up or other updates needing to be made in your faith? Maybe God is at work in your life doing some repair or rebuilding to help you become the person that God sees you to be.  Or maybe God is at work preparing you for something that you can’t even see or imagine yet.  

I don’t know about you, but I can sure see that in my own life and faith journey.  So often the struggles and the things that I learned at one stage in my life helped prepare me or have been useful for dealing with situations in my future.  It’s true, I never enjoyed the disruption and detours that came along, but later in life I was able to see the benefit of those difficult or challenging experiences.  

With the beginning of the school year, it means that the fall season is kicking off in our church too.  Sunday School begins this weekend.  Dave Mitchell’s adult class has met all summer, they continue to meet. Natalie’s Wednesday evening study group is starting up, Youth Group is beginning again.  These opportunities, and so much more, allow our lives to be touched, shaped, and molded by our creator God who is continually at work in our lives.  May the coming “school year” be a time for all of us, even those of us who aren’t officially in school, to learn and grow.  And may God continue to do the “construction” work that needs caring for in order for each of us to follow Jesus more closely and faithfully.  

Pastor Keith

Saddened Today... 08.29.2025

I am saddened today…because once again, just a couple days ago, gunfire interrupted a school day.  

I am saddened today…because once again lives were lost, and families are forever changed because of the consequences of a shooter and the gunfire that took place at the school/church in Minneapolis.  

I am saddened today…because several families will not be able hug their children, and instead the parents are doing the unthinkable…planning a funeral for their young children.

I am saddened today…because close to 20 other children and adults were injured, some critically, by the gunfire.

I am saddened today…because once again after a tragedy takes place it seems that many are more interested in pointing fingers and blaming others rather than saying, enough is enough…what are we going to do about this persistent evil.

I am saddened today…because once again we are all reminded of the brokenness of this world we live in.  And even as sophisticated and advanced as we believe we are as human beings today, the brokenness continues to be evident.  

I am saddened today…because an individual felt so much fear or anger or was experiencing such a twisted state within their mind and soul, they felt compelled to take up a weapon and use it upon innocent people.

I am saddened today…because once again this tragedy will be seen by some, as a reason to abandon faith in God.  “Why would God allow such a horrible thing to happen, especially to these children and adults who were participating in a worship service in their school day?”

I am saddened today…because right now many people are asking the question, “Why?”  And the truth is I am too!

I am saddened today…because it seems as a society we are paralyzed in these situations and have come to the point of simply shrugging our shoulders as if to say, “There’s not much we can do about it.”

I am saddened today…to hear how older children actually used their bodies to protect younger children from harm.  That is such a beautiful act of self-sacrifice. But my sadness is that these children found themselves in that situation.

I am saddened today…to see the parents and neighbors having to hold and support each other in the midst of their shock, grief, and tears.  And yet I am reminded that is exactly where Jesus calls us, the Body of Christ, to be in times of tragedy, doing what we can to express the love and presence of Jesus.  

Yes, there is sadness in my soul over this senseless school/church shooting.  But I also know it is in those kinds of moments that Jesus was there with those children and adults, and with the parents, weeping, and saying… “I’m here with you.” 

May we hug our own children and grandchildren a little more closely today…and may we go forth into this world to live, act, think, and speak in such a way that the peace of Christ becomes more and more evident.  After all…the real change begins with each of us!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Rest 08.01.2025

I know we don’t like to hear it, but “rest” is “blessed.”  I realize we all have busy schedules, and we keep trying to fit more into it.  There’s more to do, more to accomplish, we all have a bit of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).  So, we go, go, go.  I remember a little sign that my dad kept on his dresser.  It said, “The hurrier I go the behinder I get.”  There is great wisdom in that statement.  

Where I’m getting the idea that “Rest is Blessed” is from the creation story in Genesis 1 & 2.  The actual “hands on” part of the story told in Genesis 1 tells of the six days of creation and the order that God brings to the chaos that was upon the face of the earth.  Genesis 2 begins with a wrap up saying that on the 6th day God completed all the work of creation that needed doing.  Then a really important statement is made.  “On the seventh day God rested from all the work of creation.”  We are then told that God blessed the 7th day and made it holy.  In other words, God blessed the “rest” and declared that there is even something holy about rest or at least the time of rest.  

In other words, God built into the order of creation and the organization of the world the importance and even the necessity of rest.  Certainly, God wasn’t tuckered out from working hard for six days.  The Bible also tells us that God doesn’t grow weary.  Rather, God was establishing a healthy pattern that would be a model for us human beings to follow of how our lives should look too.  Yes, there should be work, activity, and relationships…but the part that we tend to overlook is there should also be rest, and more than just a good night’s rest. (Though that too is important.)  The rest that God models for us is a rest in which the “busyness” of life is stopped – it ceases, and we simply pause to rest, recharge, and also to recognize God’s presence in the world and in our lives.

I’m writing today about resting because I am going to be taking some time off to simply rest.  This past year has been packed so full with many things, both personally and professionally.  I simply need to rest and renew for a bit and reconnect with God too.  I’ll be here this Sunday for Worship at the Corn Palace, but then Sunday afternoon Nancy and I will leave for the lake in Minnesota to camp, where we’ll stay for a week.  I will be taking some time away, two weeks, from the pulpit and most of my pastoral duties, upon our return from camping.  There will be several guest preachers to fill in on the Sunday’s I’m away and the church staff will keep things moving forward here at the church office.  

I hope that each of you are also finding some time to rest, to let go of the busyness of life and to reconnect with yourself and also with God our creator.  Rest is GOOD.  Rest is NECESSARY.  Rest is LIFE GIVING.  And I believe what Genesis is telling us is that Rest is BLESSED!!  May you be blessed in this summer season.

Life's Storms 07.25.2025

It seems we’ve had a few storms blow through our area lately.  But, not just here in the Mitchell region, but all across our nation there have been significant storms.  From Texas to North Dakota, New Mexico to New York, storms have had an impact on people’s property and lives have even been lost, we especially think of all the children from that church camp in Texas that were swept away in a flash flood due to a rain storm.  

It was just about a week ago our neighbor to the north, Woonsocket, was hit by a windstorm that caused significant damage to businesses and homes in the town.  Fortunately, no lives were lost but there was plenty of property damage. One of my neighbors is the pastor of Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket, their church was spared any damage for which they are thankful so they are able to focus on helping others.  There were also farmers who lost crops because of high winds, hail, etc. in other parts of our region.  

I’ve just described one kind of storm…a weather-related storm.  I also remember experiencing another type of severe storm when I was around 14 years old.  A friend and neighbor boy my age was killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident.  That was a storm that really shook my world!

Storms are nothing new.  They’ve been around throughout human history.  There are even storms mentioned in the Bible, with several involving Jesus.  One storm in particular is told of in Mark’s story of Jesus’ life.  Jesus and the disciples are in a boat crossing the sea of Galilee.  Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat.  A sudden storm blows in, and the boat is taking on water.  The disciples are terrified.  One of the disciples wakes up Jesus saying, “Master, don’t you care that we are perishing?”  Jesus wakes up and calms the storm.  The disciples are amazed and awestruck at the power Jesus displays.  “Who is this man?!” they wonder.

You know, there have been many times in my life journey where I’ve experienced storms.  I have felt very much alone in many of those situations, and I too have asked the same question,  “Jesus, don’t you care that I’m overwhelmed…that I feel like I’m drowning?”  In those questions what I’m really saying is, Jesus I feel like you don’t care about me!!  I may feel the aloneness in the moment, but in each of those situations I have later realized Jesus was there.  I may not have heard an actual voice, but in those situations what I have found is that somehow, I gained the strength to keep on going or someone come along at just the right time and put an arm around my shoulders and asked how I was doing.  In each case that was Jesus’ calming the storm, helping me make it through, and letting me know he was there.  Jesus did/does care!!

One of the great things about our more rural community is that people step in to help when storms appear.  I’ve already seen people provide assistance for those damaged by the storm in Woonsocket.  That is a beautiful thing.  These are moments in which we all can be the hands and feet of Jesus helping others out.  Yes, Jesus is there…he appears in many forms – in part through each of us.

Is there a storm in your life?  Jesus isn’t silent.  His presence, strength, and calm might be there in a form you simply aren’t expecting. In the midst of the storm, don’t jump ship because Jesus is there in the boat with you!

The Return of Pastor's Reflection 07.18.2025

We’ve all heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant?”  And the answer is…one bite at a time!  I guess you could say, at the beginning of this week I finished eating the elephant!!  You see, it was a year ago that I started the Practical Church Leadership program through Dakota Wesleyan University.  As a part of making time in my schedule for the “homework” and classes involved with the PCL program, I had to stop doing a few other things - writing the Friday reflection was one of those activities I let go of.  Thus the reason why there hasn’t been a Friday Reflection for almost a year.  

Anyway, it was a year ago that the PCL class began.  I read through the syllabus and was excited by the opportunity to learn some new things, after all that was why I applied to the program because I sensed I needed to refresh some of my thinking, skills and abilities.  So, I was excited to jump into the process, but I was also quite nervous, after all, it had been 39 years since I graduated from seminary.  Could I handle this new adventure?  You see, I was going to have to decide upon a project, run with and manage the project throughout the year, and then have a final presentation to my peers about what was accomplished through my project.  Seems simple enough…right??!!  Oh, and did I mention the vast majority of the classes and assignment work is done through the use of technology.  

As the classes started and the assignments began to come due, I soon found myself becoming rather overwhelmed by it all.  In fact, there was a time or two when I even kicked myself for having signed up for the program.  WHAT WAS I THINKING!!  But with the help of my staff, church leadership, the prayers of you my church family, and the encouragement of my dear wife I pushed ahead.  And one assignment at a time…I made it through.  

So, on Tuesday afternoon, July 15, I received my certificate stating that I had successfully completed all the requirements of the Practical Church Leadership Program.  No, there was no cap and gown, no pomp and circumstance, yes, there were pictures taken and the applause of our peers as our name was read and yes, I did get my picture taken with the President of DWU, Dr. Dan Kittle.  

Many of you reading this will recognize the name Bill Houk.  Bill taught for many years here in Mitchell, including at DWU.  Bill was a little bit irritated with me when I went to Sioux Falls College instead of DWU for my undergraduate classes.  Well Bill, I can now say that I am truly an alumni of DWU!!  I’m sure he’s smiling from the heavens above.  

It has been quite the journey of a year.  It has been a good journey.  At times it was a challenging journey.  I have learned some new things that will help me in life and ministry that is before me.  Thank you to all of you for your prayers, for taking the survey and the other ways you helped me with my homework.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  We did it!!!  So, now I’m wondering…what is the next elephant??  Whatever it is, it will be dealt with one step, one bite at a time!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

He is Risen Indeed! 04.25.2025

I never thought I’d say this, but I miss Easter grass.  You know, that green plastic shredded stuff that is used for fill in Easter baskets.  Yep, that stuff.  I kind of miss it.  You see, my children are grown and no longer at home and my grandchildren are four hours away, so I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, and they weren’t at our home this year for Easter.  So, there was no Easter grass at our house.  

The thing about Easter grass is that it never stays put.  It always tends to leak out of the Easter Baskets, and it ends up getting all over the place.  In fact, weeks and months later after Easter is long passed, I have found Easter grass lurking around our house, under furniture, back in a corner, sometimes even under a cushion on a chair.  I’ve even found a few strands in one of my slippers months after Easter Sunday.   When you least expect it…there it is, Easter grass.  

The reason I miss Easter grass is in part because it means there aren’t little ones running around my house to share the special day with.  But the main reason is that finding Easter grass at various times and places is a great reminder that Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, isn’t just a one-day event that gets put back in the closet (like Easter grass) until next year.  No, Easter, the day, the celebration, the recognition of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, is a day that impacts our lives every day of the year, not just on the Sunday marked Easter on the calendar.  

For those of us who are Jesus followers, Easter is about recognizing that death is not the final victor, God’s love and life is.  Easter is about recognizing that what appears to be the worst thing in life (Good Friday) is never the last thing, for those that claim faith in Christ.  Easter is about realizing there is always hope and that God is always at work, even when we don’t necessarily realize it.  

You see, for me, finding Easter grass throughout the year is a wonderful reminder of what the true meaning of Easter is all about.  It’s not about chocolate bunnies, colored eggs, and jellybeans, it’s about a risen Lord and recognizing that Jesus is alive and with us always. Jesus is alive and that gives us hope that we too can have life in God’s love that continues beyond this world and beyond death and the grave.  The Lord is Risen! He is risen indeed!!!!

Gratitude 09.06.2024

To say that the last 3-4 weeks have been quite a journey is an understatement.  It was quite a rollercoaster ride.  Doctor appointments, tests and more tests, helping mom with difficult decisions, hospital admission, nursing home, hospice, waiting, family gathering, saying goodbye, death, arrangement making, more family gathering…  This list could go on and on.  Many of you have been there.  You’ve had this very same experience with your own loved ones.  You know what I’m talking about.  It truly becomes an emotional roller coaster.  
As I write these words it was just a week ago that we were gathering here at the church to have the service to celebrate mom’s life and faith.  Hard to believe a week has passed.  So much has taken place in just the past seven days.  Sorting, cleaning, and moving things out of mom’s apartment.  Starting to deal with the legalities that are always present when a person dies.  Tears have been shed, stories shared, hugs given and received.   My sisters have returned to their respective homes.  Life is beginning to get back into its normal routines… or at least what will be the new normal.  

As I pause for a moment to reflect on all that has happened, in the midst of a lot of different emotions, there is the feeling of gratitude.  Yes, you read right…gratitude.  

• I’m grateful for church staff and church family that allowed me a lot of grace and flexibility to do what I needed to do and be where I needed to be during mom’s health decline.

• I’m grateful for those who stepped in, sort of at the last minute to help out with worship so I didn’t have to be there that first Sunday.

• I’m grateful for having been able to share the last seven or so years of life with mom here in Mitchell.  (Mom always joked that I didn’t know what I was getting into when I invited her to come live in Mitchell after I was appointed to the church here.  I always wanted to tell her that maybe I didn’t know all the details…but I sort of did know what I was getting into…and I’m glad I was here for it.)

• I’m grateful for having shared a moment of feeding mom some Zesto Chocolate Malt on one of her last days.  It struck me that she was the one who cared for and fed me on my first days of life…and how honoring it was for me to do the same thing on one of her final days here on earth.  

• I’m grateful for the church member who saw me cross the street to enter the church, as they were driving by, and they quickly pulled over so they could pray for me.  

• I’m grateful for all the signs of love and support that I’ve received from all of you, my friends and church family.  

• I’m grateful for a neighbor who offered their cement parking pad between their house and mine, for my sister to park her camper on… “For as long as you need.”  

• I’m grateful that my sisters and I were all together for a week or two helping mom, and that we were all with mom as she drew her last breath.  

• I’m grateful for a spouse that stood with me and let me do what I needed to do.

• I’m grateful for a God who was with mom on her journey…and that same God is with me too.

• I’m grateful that we have a hope of life lived in God’s joy and love beyond death and the grave.

  I could keep going…but it is interesting that in the midst of sadness and loss, yet there can be such a good feeling of gratitude for so much.  Now I’m going to wipe my eyes…give thanks again…and keep on moving forward living this life that God, my mom, and my dad gave to me.

Serving Together…

Pastor Keith