Pastor’s Corner
Initiating Change
Whenever bad things happen, the question becomes, “Is God in Control of this?” Or better yet, “Why does God allow Evil.” There was a famous book awhile back called, “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” As I write this article, it is with much hanging over us in the news. Not just CoVid19, but attacks upon children in Syria, North Korea, and a myriad of other stories.
In Scripture we see two themes that seem to compete. God created the world and all that is in it, and yet bad happens. “If all is good, why does bad happen?” “If God is all powerful, why doesn’t God stop evil?” Or, “Where is God?”
Last year when I attended the Seminar in Washington DC, they talked about how we respond to the bad in the world. Through White Hats in Westerns and a myriad of other stories, we have developed what is known as a “hero narrative.’ Somebody extraordinary responds to a moment of crisis with dramatic action, then things change. Many people use the Jesus story as such an event.
Today, we look for heroes in many places, Politics, Leaders in Churches, powerful people, to create the change that we expect. The formula goes: There is a Crisis, we wait. There is a Hero, we wait. The Hero, in some dramatic action saves us. All is well.
The truth is, the world doesn’t work like that. There is no Lone Ranger, or Superhero, or John Wayne fighting evil. There is only each of us. That is how God created the world to be. Individual people serving God.
In the Old Testament, after the establishment of Israel, we find ordinary people in charge of their own lives, following God. Judges were raised up to help in crisis, but they came from the people, and their strength wasn’t their own, it was the strength of the people who supported them.
The story of the Israelites in those days is the story of the way things were meant to happen. Rather than a single hero, the people were strong in and of themselves. This is known as the “Movement Narrative.” When bad things happen, people (us) gather together to find community, figure out how best we could contribute, make a plan, and get to work.
In doing this, we find a truth. The most important activism isn’t opposing what is wrong, it is creating what is right.
In other words, God’s answer to evil is us! We are meant to be the change we want in the world, and that is the job God created for us. We are here, not to fight evil like a superhero, but to create right by how we act.
Jesus did not just come into the world and die and be raised from the dead. In doing so, he was a hero. But he did much more. He gathered ordinary everyday people, fishermen, tax collectors, people just like us, and taught them that the simple things they did mattered.
And using those ordinary people, he created the church as we know it today, a fellowship of people determined to change the world for God.
In this world, bad things happen. God has a plan for those bad things. But we must always remember that we are often the answer to what God wants done. Not some hero or magic intervention. Simply us, doing what Jesus taught was right.
May God bless and keep you,
Pastor Bobbie
Upcoming Special Service Times
Apr. 5--Palm Sunday service—regular times.
Apr. 9--Maundy Thursday (Communion) at Range Line, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 10--Good Friday service at Longwood, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 12--Longwood—Breakfast at 8:30, Easter Worship Service at 9:45 a.m.
Apr. 12--Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
Apr. 19--Bright Sunday
Other events that might interest you:
Pastor contact information
Just in case you need to reach our pastor and you can’t find last Sunday’s bulletin, here is her contact information (the newsletter website is also listed):
Pastor: Rev. Bobbie Karchner
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
*********************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
PW met on February 19th with 3 in attendance. Our Bible Study was Lesson Four taken from Exodus 20:12 and Luke 9:57-62. “The purpose of Lesson Four was to explore the gift of life and our responsibility to those who bring us to life.” We need to honor those who guided our path whether they are family, friends or leaders in your community.
We discussed our mission for this year and Shirley made the recommendation that we contact CASA and see how we could help. Since then I have contacted CASA and set up someone to come to our next meeting on March 11, 1:30 pm to speak to us regarding their program. Everyone is welcome to join us in learning how we as a community can help. We will have a short meeting after this speaker to discuss our Easter breakfast, but no Bible study this month.
After church last Sunday we discussed with the ladies of the church about ordering white tablecloths for the Fellowship Hall and PW paying for them. It was a consensus that we do this and they have been ordered. We feel on special occasions using the white tablecloths will add a more formal atmosphere. Thank you to everyone for their input.
We continue to collect food for the Open Door Kitchen in Sedalia. Our collection from February was taken to them on Monday, March 2. They are very appreciative of our donations. If you need a list of what their needs are please contact me. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Sharon Greer
Cares and Concerns
Please keep these folks in your prayers. Some are in nursing homes and would also enjoy your visit:
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
Submitted by Jennifer Alexander
on behalf of Georgia Reid
News from RLC
Morning Worship Visitors
Twelve members of the Northwest High School FFA Organization and their sponsor, Shelby Bagnell, attended morning worship services at Range Line on Feb. 23 as their start to National FFA Week. They were treated to donuts and juice prior to the service. Another activity the chapter had planned for FFA Week was a Community Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the AG Building at NWHS from 6-9 a.m. Hope many in our community were able to participate and support this worthwhile organization. We felt honored that this great group of young people chose Range Line to help them start National FFA Week.
Our Kids
On Sunday, Feb. 9, piano students of Carol Perkins presented a piano recital at New Bethel Church to a crowd of about 75 people. Three of our own budding musicians performed. Cassie Ballenger played “Willie and Tillie” and “My Fifth”. Allison Ballenger played “Indian War Dance” and “Romance”. Andromeda Brouillette played “early Morning Stroll” and “Jingle Bells”. Each of the 26 performers played two songs of their choosing. Following the recital, there were refreshments and fellowship in the church basement. It takes a lot of practice to learn these songs and even more courage to perform in front of a crowd. We are so proud of these young ladies and hope they continue their music studies!
Save The Date!
Believe it or not, we are already in preparations for VBS 2020, so save the date! VBS at Range Line will be July 13-17 with the culminating program on Sun., July 19. Children ages 4- those who have completed 6th grade may attend. If space is available, we may be able to take 3 year olds also. Students who have completed grade 7 (or above) are able to serve as helpers in VBS. This is an open invitation for volunteers (both adults and youth). We will need 5 teachers, at least 1 assistant in each class, help with recess, music, crafts, and refreshments, opening and closing service, and helping the VBS director (a runner - my knees and stairs don’t get along very well!) This is a great opportunity for youth to earn required service hours. I will be giving more specific information in future newsletters, but for now, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Paperless Opportunity
I think all of us agree that this newsletter is a valuable source of information and inspiration and are anxious to see it continue. One way that we could reduce some of the cost and labor is to email the newsletter to those who would like it in that format. You would still get the newsletter every month, but rather than mailed or hand-delivered to you in paper form, you could open it up and read it in your email. If you would like this option, please send your email address to either J.R. Greer at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], and we will add you to a group mailing to receive your newsletter. If you prefer the paper copy, no action needs to be taken. While you are contemplating this, if you notice any birthdays/anniversaries that are incorrect, have been omitted, etc., please let us know so that we can update our records. I will keep reminding you of this option until we are sure everyone has been notified and has made their preference known. Just in my immediate family alone, we could save about 8 pieces of paper, 32 copies, and $2.20 in postage each month! Let us know if you want the paperless option.
Cares and Concerns
Ted Coffelt family
Bill and Margaret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
Georgia Reid
DATES AHEAD
Mar. 6--Youth Scholarship applications available at high school counselor
Mar. 19--Session meeting, 1:00 pm @ Cedarhurst, Sedalia with Georgia
Apr. 1--Youth Scholarship applications received, deadline for R/L support
Apr. 9--Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m.
April 12--Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
*********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give.
God didn’t remove the Red Sea. He opened it. Just because God hasn’t removed your problem, doesn’t mean he won’t provide a way through it.
A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.
“Mama, look what I found,” the boy called out.
“What have you got there, dear?”
With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered, “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”
Do you want to Fast this Lent? In the words of Pope Francis:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
(From pietrafitness.com)
“God doesn’t stop the bad things from happening; that’s never been part of the Promise.
The Promise is:
“I am with you. I am with you now until the end of time.”
Waiting to come to the Lord when you get your life cleaned up is like waiting to go to the ER when you stop bleeding. He doesn’t love some future version of you; He loves us in our mess.”
When a church ceases to have a heart and a ministry for its community, it is on the path toward death.
Sometimes I shock myself with smart things I say and do. Other times, I try to get out of my car with the seatbelt on.
The Art of Gaslighting
When I was in the 7th grade, our teacher put on a video and told us to take notes. Ten minutes in, she threw the lights on and shouted at Steven Webb Sladki, telling him he wasn’t taking notes and he should have been. But the thing was, Steve was taking notes. I saw it. We all saw it. The teacher asked if anyone wanted to stand up for Steve. A few of us choked out some words of defense but were immediately squashed. Quickly, we were all very silent. Steve was sent to the principal’s office. The teacher came back in the room and said something like, “See how easy that was?” We were reading “Anne Frank.” I started to understand. I just thought now was a good time to share this story. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that what you see with your own eyes isn’t happening.
(And finally, this one is for Andromeda Broullette who was bothered by flies in Sunday school, and also for Emmett Alexander, who helped us realize that if it weren’t for flies, frogs might go hungry!)
“The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but the fly comes close.”--Mark Twain
As always, thanks to those who have contributed to this month’s thought provoking entries.—Newsletter editors.
Initiating Change
Whenever bad things happen, the question becomes, “Is God in Control of this?” Or better yet, “Why does God allow Evil.” There was a famous book awhile back called, “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” As I write this article, it is with much hanging over us in the news. Not just CoVid19, but attacks upon children in Syria, North Korea, and a myriad of other stories.
In Scripture we see two themes that seem to compete. God created the world and all that is in it, and yet bad happens. “If all is good, why does bad happen?” “If God is all powerful, why doesn’t God stop evil?” Or, “Where is God?”
Last year when I attended the Seminar in Washington DC, they talked about how we respond to the bad in the world. Through White Hats in Westerns and a myriad of other stories, we have developed what is known as a “hero narrative.’ Somebody extraordinary responds to a moment of crisis with dramatic action, then things change. Many people use the Jesus story as such an event.
Today, we look for heroes in many places, Politics, Leaders in Churches, powerful people, to create the change that we expect. The formula goes: There is a Crisis, we wait. There is a Hero, we wait. The Hero, in some dramatic action saves us. All is well.
The truth is, the world doesn’t work like that. There is no Lone Ranger, or Superhero, or John Wayne fighting evil. There is only each of us. That is how God created the world to be. Individual people serving God.
In the Old Testament, after the establishment of Israel, we find ordinary people in charge of their own lives, following God. Judges were raised up to help in crisis, but they came from the people, and their strength wasn’t their own, it was the strength of the people who supported them.
The story of the Israelites in those days is the story of the way things were meant to happen. Rather than a single hero, the people were strong in and of themselves. This is known as the “Movement Narrative.” When bad things happen, people (us) gather together to find community, figure out how best we could contribute, make a plan, and get to work.
In doing this, we find a truth. The most important activism isn’t opposing what is wrong, it is creating what is right.
In other words, God’s answer to evil is us! We are meant to be the change we want in the world, and that is the job God created for us. We are here, not to fight evil like a superhero, but to create right by how we act.
Jesus did not just come into the world and die and be raised from the dead. In doing so, he was a hero. But he did much more. He gathered ordinary everyday people, fishermen, tax collectors, people just like us, and taught them that the simple things they did mattered.
And using those ordinary people, he created the church as we know it today, a fellowship of people determined to change the world for God.
In this world, bad things happen. God has a plan for those bad things. But we must always remember that we are often the answer to what God wants done. Not some hero or magic intervention. Simply us, doing what Jesus taught was right.
May God bless and keep you,
Pastor Bobbie
Upcoming Special Service Times
Apr. 5--Palm Sunday service—regular times.
Apr. 9--Maundy Thursday (Communion) at Range Line, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 10--Good Friday service at Longwood, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 12--Longwood—Breakfast at 8:30, Easter Worship Service at 9:45 a.m.
Apr. 12--Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
Apr. 19--Bright Sunday
Other events that might interest you:
- March 8—Confirmation classes begin at Longwood, 4:30 p.m. (1 ½ hour classes for the next 12 weeks)
- May 4—TCSM Meeting at Longwood 6:30 PM
- July 13-17—VBS at Range Line
Pastor contact information
Just in case you need to reach our pastor and you can’t find last Sunday’s bulletin, here is her contact information (the newsletter website is also listed):
Pastor: Rev. Bobbie Karchner
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
*********************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
PW met on February 19th with 3 in attendance. Our Bible Study was Lesson Four taken from Exodus 20:12 and Luke 9:57-62. “The purpose of Lesson Four was to explore the gift of life and our responsibility to those who bring us to life.” We need to honor those who guided our path whether they are family, friends or leaders in your community.
We discussed our mission for this year and Shirley made the recommendation that we contact CASA and see how we could help. Since then I have contacted CASA and set up someone to come to our next meeting on March 11, 1:30 pm to speak to us regarding their program. Everyone is welcome to join us in learning how we as a community can help. We will have a short meeting after this speaker to discuss our Easter breakfast, but no Bible study this month.
After church last Sunday we discussed with the ladies of the church about ordering white tablecloths for the Fellowship Hall and PW paying for them. It was a consensus that we do this and they have been ordered. We feel on special occasions using the white tablecloths will add a more formal atmosphere. Thank you to everyone for their input.
We continue to collect food for the Open Door Kitchen in Sedalia. Our collection from February was taken to them on Monday, March 2. They are very appreciative of our donations. If you need a list of what their needs are please contact me. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Sharon Greer
Cares and Concerns
Please keep these folks in your prayers. Some are in nursing homes and would also enjoy your visit:
- Esther Brown, at Pilot Grove
- Bill & Margaret Schlomer at Golden Oaks
- Helen Coffelt (and Ted)—Helen is at Sylvia Thompson, Ted has been in the hospital
- Calvin (and Mary) Kirchhoff at Golden Oaks
- Georgia Reid, at Cedarhurst, Sedalia (glad to hear she attended RLPC worship on 2-23)
- Elijah Johnson (Delbert & Amy’s son)
- Renee Moore
- Scott Moore
- Aaron Reno, Army at Fort Benning, GA
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
Submitted by Jennifer Alexander
on behalf of Georgia Reid
News from RLC
Morning Worship Visitors
Twelve members of the Northwest High School FFA Organization and their sponsor, Shelby Bagnell, attended morning worship services at Range Line on Feb. 23 as their start to National FFA Week. They were treated to donuts and juice prior to the service. Another activity the chapter had planned for FFA Week was a Community Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the AG Building at NWHS from 6-9 a.m. Hope many in our community were able to participate and support this worthwhile organization. We felt honored that this great group of young people chose Range Line to help them start National FFA Week.
Our Kids
On Sunday, Feb. 9, piano students of Carol Perkins presented a piano recital at New Bethel Church to a crowd of about 75 people. Three of our own budding musicians performed. Cassie Ballenger played “Willie and Tillie” and “My Fifth”. Allison Ballenger played “Indian War Dance” and “Romance”. Andromeda Brouillette played “early Morning Stroll” and “Jingle Bells”. Each of the 26 performers played two songs of their choosing. Following the recital, there were refreshments and fellowship in the church basement. It takes a lot of practice to learn these songs and even more courage to perform in front of a crowd. We are so proud of these young ladies and hope they continue their music studies!
Save The Date!
Believe it or not, we are already in preparations for VBS 2020, so save the date! VBS at Range Line will be July 13-17 with the culminating program on Sun., July 19. Children ages 4- those who have completed 6th grade may attend. If space is available, we may be able to take 3 year olds also. Students who have completed grade 7 (or above) are able to serve as helpers in VBS. This is an open invitation for volunteers (both adults and youth). We will need 5 teachers, at least 1 assistant in each class, help with recess, music, crafts, and refreshments, opening and closing service, and helping the VBS director (a runner - my knees and stairs don’t get along very well!) This is a great opportunity for youth to earn required service hours. I will be giving more specific information in future newsletters, but for now, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Paperless Opportunity
I think all of us agree that this newsletter is a valuable source of information and inspiration and are anxious to see it continue. One way that we could reduce some of the cost and labor is to email the newsletter to those who would like it in that format. You would still get the newsletter every month, but rather than mailed or hand-delivered to you in paper form, you could open it up and read it in your email. If you would like this option, please send your email address to either J.R. Greer at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], and we will add you to a group mailing to receive your newsletter. If you prefer the paper copy, no action needs to be taken. While you are contemplating this, if you notice any birthdays/anniversaries that are incorrect, have been omitted, etc., please let us know so that we can update our records. I will keep reminding you of this option until we are sure everyone has been notified and has made their preference known. Just in my immediate family alone, we could save about 8 pieces of paper, 32 copies, and $2.20 in postage each month! Let us know if you want the paperless option.
Cares and Concerns
Ted Coffelt family
Bill and Margaret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
Georgia Reid
DATES AHEAD
Mar. 6--Youth Scholarship applications available at high school counselor
Mar. 19--Session meeting, 1:00 pm @ Cedarhurst, Sedalia with Georgia
Apr. 1--Youth Scholarship applications received, deadline for R/L support
Apr. 9--Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m.
April 12--Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
*********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give.
God didn’t remove the Red Sea. He opened it. Just because God hasn’t removed your problem, doesn’t mean he won’t provide a way through it.
A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.
“Mama, look what I found,” the boy called out.
“What have you got there, dear?”
With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered, “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”
Do you want to Fast this Lent? In the words of Pope Francis:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
(From pietrafitness.com)
“God doesn’t stop the bad things from happening; that’s never been part of the Promise.
The Promise is:
“I am with you. I am with you now until the end of time.”
Waiting to come to the Lord when you get your life cleaned up is like waiting to go to the ER when you stop bleeding. He doesn’t love some future version of you; He loves us in our mess.”
When a church ceases to have a heart and a ministry for its community, it is on the path toward death.
Sometimes I shock myself with smart things I say and do. Other times, I try to get out of my car with the seatbelt on.
The Art of Gaslighting
When I was in the 7th grade, our teacher put on a video and told us to take notes. Ten minutes in, she threw the lights on and shouted at Steven Webb Sladki, telling him he wasn’t taking notes and he should have been. But the thing was, Steve was taking notes. I saw it. We all saw it. The teacher asked if anyone wanted to stand up for Steve. A few of us choked out some words of defense but were immediately squashed. Quickly, we were all very silent. Steve was sent to the principal’s office. The teacher came back in the room and said something like, “See how easy that was?” We were reading “Anne Frank.” I started to understand. I just thought now was a good time to share this story. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that what you see with your own eyes isn’t happening.
(And finally, this one is for Andromeda Broullette who was bothered by flies in Sunday school, and also for Emmett Alexander, who helped us realize that if it weren’t for flies, frogs might go hungry!)
“The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but the fly comes close.”--Mark Twain
As always, thanks to those who have contributed to this month’s thought provoking entries.—Newsletter editors.