A reflection by Doreen Gosmire

Have you ever wondered if planting the seeds of the spirit yields any harvest?  Here in the Midwest we like to see what the benefits are to our labors.  No accolades are necessary just a glance at the fruits of our labor.  Last fall I was afforded a glimpse at the harvest of seeds planted for the Kingdom in Balaton, Minnesota.

Balaton is a small farming community of just over 600 people in the southwest corner of the state.  It is the town my mother called home. She lived on a farm just four miles northwest of Balaton.  She talked fondly of the comaraderie, resourcefulness and benevolence of the people. 

My visit brought back many memories and familiar faces. The roller skating rink is no longer there; it has been replaced by a funeral home. The main street no longer has a drug store or restaurant.  But the faces and spirit of the people are still the same. 

The United Methodist Church is still there and vibrant. Each Wednesday night over 200 gather inside with neighbors from the Sellrud Lutheran. It is a multigenerational gathering that Pastor Lori VanHoltum, Balaton UMC describes as “a circus of the Holy Spirit.”

The evening begins at 5 pm with reflective worship. Several folks attend that have been long-time members of the community. A meal is served in the basement for all. Then the place begins to JAM (Jesus and Me) with singing, dancing and praise in a worship service overflowing the sanctuary.  At the end of the lively worship, students in grades preschool through high school gather in small groups for a time of learning, creativity and praise.

The visit back allowed me to connect with people I had known in my childhood, that my mother knew as a child and parents of friends from my childhood days. Some were making or serving the meal. Others were joining in the worship or helping with the various activities. They all knew that planting the seeds of faith is critical for the bountiful harvest.

These were people who had encouraged my faith journey. They did not stop with my generation.  This is a place where a lot of new faces are present. It was apparent that these folks knew that sowing the seeds is an important part of who we need to be.

A bountiful harvest was evident that night. Joy, laughter, praise and love for Jesus were overflowing in the words that were spoken and the songs that were sung.  The faces of those present were abundant with contentment and joy that comes from knowing and loving the Lord.