Pastor’s Corner
Hope in the Midst of Darkness …
A friend recently shared something that amazed her. She turned to the pages of a devotional that had been written many years before and found herself surprised at how the words that jumped off of the page were so relevant to today.
I smiled as I read her words, because when I first became a pastor, I thought I would have to find the “perfect passage” to preach on every single week. To begin with, because most resources are written that way, I began preaching through the Revised Common Lectionary. It was there that I discovered something amazing. God speaks to us through all scripture. I have gone “off lectionary” for some series where I wanted to teach particular concepts, but always go back. God’s word always speaks to us.
I went “off lectionary” at the beginning of Lent to focus on passages about stones. I actually had a lot of ideas of how I would preach this series, only to have all of our lives interrupted as the pandemic began to spread. In this case, I had chosen the passages many weeks before, but discovered new meaning, especially in the theme verse, Psalm 62:1-2 (NRSV) “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”
If I had looked, I could not have found a better passage to hold onto in these days of uncertainty. We wait in silence, but God is still our rock and our salvation.
I am currently meeting with other leaders using a technology called Zoom. Last week, we were scheduled to go over the passages for Palm Sunday. As we spoke together, the words that came out were about the crowds gathering, the parade, the festivities, in contrast to what we had today. As you know, the gospels carry slightly different versions of this gathering, and my words jumped to the passage I am using. Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Maybe we can’t be together in person this year. But the comment by Jesus, reminds me that even if we don’t celebrate with palms, the world rejoices that the King of Kings is here. Maybe we can’t sit at the table together for communion, but the body of Christ is still united. Maybe we can’t gather and sing our favorite hymns on Easter, but the resurrection still happened, death has still lost its grip, and we have the promise that because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, will live forever with him.
God’s promises are bigger than the circumstances we face, and they are as sure as life itself. Know that in time, these days will pass, and we will gather together again. It is my fervent hope that in separation we learn the importance of gathering. That when the doors open again, we will gather with larger numbers of people who have learned that community is important.
Waiting for that day with you,
Pastor Bobbie
Pastor contact information
Repeating information from last month’s newsletter:
Pastor: Rev. Bobbie Karchner
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
Church Worship Postponed
Late in March, both Longwood and Range Line churches decided to close church services through April 12. On Saturday 3rd, the State Governor has declared a “Stay At Home” order through April 24. So, at this time, we assume the sessions agree that services will not resume before April 24. We will continue to pray for the safety of all, and especially those in the health care sector and others on the front line.
Covid 19 virus status
Email from Pastor Bobbie, 3/22/20
I just got off of the conference call with Governor Parsons, with thousands of other pastors across the state. He hopes to hold these calls weekly with church leaders to ensure that the churches feel connected and that they help communicate accurate information. He holds a public briefing every day at 3:00 and encourages everyone to tune in to hear the facts.
First of all, he wanted to let us know that while he placed the emergency order for two weeks, he wants us to understand that we need to realistically plan for the order to remain in place for 60 to 90 days at least. (Update: April 3, the Governor declared a “Stay-at-Home” order through April 24.) Things are dark. They are dark for businesses and individuals. But with all of us working together, there will come a time when this is over. Because it will end. And we will come out the other side.
It is good to be concerned. It is good to be cautious. It is not good to be afraid. We will make it through. More people are being tested. With increased testing, there will be more cases found. Sadly, the truth is, there will also be more deaths. Currently 2-3 out of 100 are dying from complications in the US.
Second, the most important things we can do are the things we are already doing. Social distancing. Washing hands. Staying home. Staying safe. Taking care of one another. Reaching out to those who need us. Meeting this challenge
Third, what can we do as churches? "Take care of your people. Encourage them to help in the best way they know how to do. Because the churches do it best. We may have to change how we do things, but our people have remarkable skills, and they are giving them. People in this state are "faith-based." That is how we will get through these times and how we come out on the other side. Doctors and nurses will do their part. But we need faith. "
Fourth, how can we pray for the Governor? He said, "I need all the prayer I can get. Everyone in room needs prayer. We are in uncharted waters. If there is ever a time to keep up your faith it is now. Pray for guidance. Encourage us as we make tough decisions, and that we find solutions."
Newsletter via Email
April 2020 marks the first month we are sending newsletters in .pdf format, via emails. If you have received one in your email and would rather NOT receive it that way, please reply to [email protected], and say “Please stop E-mail Newsletters.” If you are receiving a paper copy now and want to be added to the email list, please let us know.
Being Good Stewards
Just a reminder, most church costs remain while we are apart. You can either mail gifts in, or set them aside for when we gather together again.
Here are the addresses you can use for giving:
Range Line gifts can be mailed to:
Betty Jo Minor
23748 Hwy. CC
Houstonia, MO 65333
Longwood gifts can be mailed to:
JR & Sharon Greer
11002 North King Rd.
Marshall, MO 65340
*******************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
PW did not meet in March because of the virus, and in keeping with the new “stay at home” order, will not meet in April. We continue to stay in touch with each other on a regular basis, and we pray for the health and well-being for all, especially our nurses and doctors.
I found this quote that was meaningful to me. I hope you like it to: “Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked….”
Blessings to all, Sharon Greer
Cares and Concerns
Please keep these folks in your prayers. Some are in nursing homes and would also enjoy greeting cards:
Sympathies
It has been said before that funerals come in threes. This past month or so, it happened this way. First, Charlie Curry passed away February 24th. He grew up as a member of the community of Longwood, and lived and worked in Sedalia.
Darrell Slaughter passed away March 5, and leaves behind family who mostly live in Longwood and a sister who lives in Sedalia.
Ted Coffelt passed away March 6. He was a well-known school administrator in his professional life. We had come to know Ted as a dedicated member of the Range Line Church who enjoyed bidding on numerous items at church sales
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these gentlemen. They will be missed by all.
*******************************************************************************************
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
News from RLC
(We hope Georgia is doing well, and look forward to her return—Newsletter editors)
Repeat: 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!
In Sympathy
We remember our friend Ted Coffelt who passed away on March 6, 2020. We pray for his wife Helen, and their family, that they may be at peace. He will be missed by all, both in the community and in the church.
Cares and Concerns
Helen Coffelt
Bill and Margaret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
Georgia Reid
DATES AHEAD
Apr. 1 Youth Scholarship applications received, deadline for R/L support
Apr. 9 Maundy Thursday service --cancelled
Apr. 12 Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Thanks to all who contributed to the following, wonderful quotes. It is very much appreciated.--Editors
*****************
We are all free to make bad choices and experience the consequences of those choices. However, in a world of Coronavirus, others may experience deadly consequences from our bad choices. FLATTEN THE CURVE. SHELTER IN PLACE.
Which way will you choose? You’ve got everything to gain and everything to lose. –Dianna Marcum
********************
Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.—Clergy Coaching Network
**********************
People we know will get sick, and maybe die from this virus, so let us ground ourselves in good theology straight away, shall we?
Heaven doesn’t need another angel.
Illness and fear are not God’s will.
God will not abandon us.
This illness is not God punishing us.
“I don’t know,” is a faithful response to the question, “WHY?”
***********************
Day 7 at home and the dog is looking at me like, “See? This is why I chew the furniture!”
*************************
Someday we will look back on these days, and they will forever remind us to never take little things for granted.
***************************
You’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home. One word can change your attitude and one cough can change your life.
***************************
Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
************************
So, home schooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and one teacher fired for drinking on the job.
*****************************
God closed the lion’s mouth for Daniel. He parted the Red Sea for Moses. He gave Sarah a baby. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Nothing you’ll face today is out of his control. Trust God.
*********************************
Prayer during times of a Pandemic:
May we, who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we, who have no risk factors, remember those most vulnerable.
May we, who have the luxury of working from home, remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we, who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close, remember those who have no options.
May we, who have to cancel our trips, remember those who have no save place to go.
May we, who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market, remember those who have no margin at all.
May we, who settle in for a quarantine at home, remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen
*********************************
If you bought 30 rolls of toilet paper, you owe 3 to the church. Tithing is not cancelled.
********************************
May I never forget, on my best day, that I needed God as desperately as I did on my worst day.
****************************
Having a talk with our kids about sex doesn’t make them have sex. Having a talk about llamas doesn’t make them llamas. Having a talk with your kids about suicide won’t make them suicidal. Having a talk with your kids about mental illness doesn’t give them mental illness. It does, however, give them tools to help recognize things that might otherwise confuse or terrify them. It may help them to recognize things in themselves or in their friends. And that can save a life.
*******************************
Stop being ashamed of how many times you’ve fallen, and start being proud of how many times you’ve gotten up.
********************************
Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused. AMEN
*****************************
Jelly Bean Prayer
Red is for the blood Christ gave, Green is for the grass he made.
Yellow is for God’s light so bright, Orange is for prayers at night.
Black is for the sins we made, White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for his hour of sorrow, Pink is for his new tomorrow.
A jar full of jelly beans, colorful and sweet, is a prayer, a promise, a special treat. God fill my heart and my life with the joy of the Resurrection of Christ. Amen!
Hope in the Midst of Darkness …
A friend recently shared something that amazed her. She turned to the pages of a devotional that had been written many years before and found herself surprised at how the words that jumped off of the page were so relevant to today.
I smiled as I read her words, because when I first became a pastor, I thought I would have to find the “perfect passage” to preach on every single week. To begin with, because most resources are written that way, I began preaching through the Revised Common Lectionary. It was there that I discovered something amazing. God speaks to us through all scripture. I have gone “off lectionary” for some series where I wanted to teach particular concepts, but always go back. God’s word always speaks to us.
I went “off lectionary” at the beginning of Lent to focus on passages about stones. I actually had a lot of ideas of how I would preach this series, only to have all of our lives interrupted as the pandemic began to spread. In this case, I had chosen the passages many weeks before, but discovered new meaning, especially in the theme verse, Psalm 62:1-2 (NRSV) “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”
If I had looked, I could not have found a better passage to hold onto in these days of uncertainty. We wait in silence, but God is still our rock and our salvation.
I am currently meeting with other leaders using a technology called Zoom. Last week, we were scheduled to go over the passages for Palm Sunday. As we spoke together, the words that came out were about the crowds gathering, the parade, the festivities, in contrast to what we had today. As you know, the gospels carry slightly different versions of this gathering, and my words jumped to the passage I am using. Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Maybe we can’t be together in person this year. But the comment by Jesus, reminds me that even if we don’t celebrate with palms, the world rejoices that the King of Kings is here. Maybe we can’t sit at the table together for communion, but the body of Christ is still united. Maybe we can’t gather and sing our favorite hymns on Easter, but the resurrection still happened, death has still lost its grip, and we have the promise that because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, will live forever with him.
God’s promises are bigger than the circumstances we face, and they are as sure as life itself. Know that in time, these days will pass, and we will gather together again. It is my fervent hope that in separation we learn the importance of gathering. That when the doors open again, we will gather with larger numbers of people who have learned that community is important.
Waiting for that day with you,
Pastor Bobbie
Pastor contact information
Repeating information from last month’s newsletter:
Pastor: Rev. Bobbie Karchner
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
Church Worship Postponed
Late in March, both Longwood and Range Line churches decided to close church services through April 12. On Saturday 3rd, the State Governor has declared a “Stay At Home” order through April 24. So, at this time, we assume the sessions agree that services will not resume before April 24. We will continue to pray for the safety of all, and especially those in the health care sector and others on the front line.
Covid 19 virus status
Email from Pastor Bobbie, 3/22/20
I just got off of the conference call with Governor Parsons, with thousands of other pastors across the state. He hopes to hold these calls weekly with church leaders to ensure that the churches feel connected and that they help communicate accurate information. He holds a public briefing every day at 3:00 and encourages everyone to tune in to hear the facts.
First of all, he wanted to let us know that while he placed the emergency order for two weeks, he wants us to understand that we need to realistically plan for the order to remain in place for 60 to 90 days at least. (Update: April 3, the Governor declared a “Stay-at-Home” order through April 24.) Things are dark. They are dark for businesses and individuals. But with all of us working together, there will come a time when this is over. Because it will end. And we will come out the other side.
It is good to be concerned. It is good to be cautious. It is not good to be afraid. We will make it through. More people are being tested. With increased testing, there will be more cases found. Sadly, the truth is, there will also be more deaths. Currently 2-3 out of 100 are dying from complications in the US.
Second, the most important things we can do are the things we are already doing. Social distancing. Washing hands. Staying home. Staying safe. Taking care of one another. Reaching out to those who need us. Meeting this challenge
Third, what can we do as churches? "Take care of your people. Encourage them to help in the best way they know how to do. Because the churches do it best. We may have to change how we do things, but our people have remarkable skills, and they are giving them. People in this state are "faith-based." That is how we will get through these times and how we come out on the other side. Doctors and nurses will do their part. But we need faith. "
Fourth, how can we pray for the Governor? He said, "I need all the prayer I can get. Everyone in room needs prayer. We are in uncharted waters. If there is ever a time to keep up your faith it is now. Pray for guidance. Encourage us as we make tough decisions, and that we find solutions."
Newsletter via Email
April 2020 marks the first month we are sending newsletters in .pdf format, via emails. If you have received one in your email and would rather NOT receive it that way, please reply to [email protected], and say “Please stop E-mail Newsletters.” If you are receiving a paper copy now and want to be added to the email list, please let us know.
Being Good Stewards
Just a reminder, most church costs remain while we are apart. You can either mail gifts in, or set them aside for when we gather together again.
Here are the addresses you can use for giving:
Range Line gifts can be mailed to:
Betty Jo Minor
23748 Hwy. CC
Houstonia, MO 65333
Longwood gifts can be mailed to:
JR & Sharon Greer
11002 North King Rd.
Marshall, MO 65340
*******************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
PW did not meet in March because of the virus, and in keeping with the new “stay at home” order, will not meet in April. We continue to stay in touch with each other on a regular basis, and we pray for the health and well-being for all, especially our nurses and doctors.
I found this quote that was meaningful to me. I hope you like it to: “Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked….”
Blessings to all, Sharon Greer
Cares and Concerns
Please keep these folks in your prayers. Some are in nursing homes and would also enjoy greeting cards:
- Esther Brown, at Pilot Grove
- Bill & Margaret Schlomer at Golden Oaks
- Helen Coffelt—at Sylvia Thompson
- Calvin (and Mary) Kirchhoff at Golden Oaks
- Georgia Reid, at Cedarhurst, Sedalia
- Elijah Johnson (Delbert & Amy’s son)
- Renee Moore
- Scott Moore
- Aaron Reno, Army at Fort Benning, GA
Sympathies
It has been said before that funerals come in threes. This past month or so, it happened this way. First, Charlie Curry passed away February 24th. He grew up as a member of the community of Longwood, and lived and worked in Sedalia.
Darrell Slaughter passed away March 5, and leaves behind family who mostly live in Longwood and a sister who lives in Sedalia.
Ted Coffelt passed away March 6. He was a well-known school administrator in his professional life. We had come to know Ted as a dedicated member of the Range Line Church who enjoyed bidding on numerous items at church sales
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these gentlemen. They will be missed by all.
*******************************************************************************************
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
News from RLC
(We hope Georgia is doing well, and look forward to her return—Newsletter editors)
Repeat: 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!
In Sympathy
We remember our friend Ted Coffelt who passed away on March 6, 2020. We pray for his wife Helen, and their family, that they may be at peace. He will be missed by all, both in the community and in the church.
Cares and Concerns
Helen Coffelt
Bill and Margaret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
Georgia Reid
DATES AHEAD
Apr. 1 Youth Scholarship applications received, deadline for R/L support
Apr. 9 Maundy Thursday service --cancelled
Apr. 12 Easter Sunrise Service at Baptist Church, Houstonia
********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Thanks to all who contributed to the following, wonderful quotes. It is very much appreciated.--Editors
*****************
We are all free to make bad choices and experience the consequences of those choices. However, in a world of Coronavirus, others may experience deadly consequences from our bad choices. FLATTEN THE CURVE. SHELTER IN PLACE.
Which way will you choose? You’ve got everything to gain and everything to lose. –Dianna Marcum
********************
Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.—Clergy Coaching Network
**********************
People we know will get sick, and maybe die from this virus, so let us ground ourselves in good theology straight away, shall we?
Heaven doesn’t need another angel.
Illness and fear are not God’s will.
God will not abandon us.
This illness is not God punishing us.
“I don’t know,” is a faithful response to the question, “WHY?”
***********************
Day 7 at home and the dog is looking at me like, “See? This is why I chew the furniture!”
*************************
Someday we will look back on these days, and they will forever remind us to never take little things for granted.
***************************
You’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home. One word can change your attitude and one cough can change your life.
***************************
Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
************************
So, home schooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and one teacher fired for drinking on the job.
*****************************
God closed the lion’s mouth for Daniel. He parted the Red Sea for Moses. He gave Sarah a baby. He raised Lazarus from the dead. Nothing you’ll face today is out of his control. Trust God.
*********************************
Prayer during times of a Pandemic:
May we, who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we, who have no risk factors, remember those most vulnerable.
May we, who have the luxury of working from home, remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we, who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close, remember those who have no options.
May we, who have to cancel our trips, remember those who have no save place to go.
May we, who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market, remember those who have no margin at all.
May we, who settle in for a quarantine at home, remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen
*********************************
If you bought 30 rolls of toilet paper, you owe 3 to the church. Tithing is not cancelled.
********************************
May I never forget, on my best day, that I needed God as desperately as I did on my worst day.
****************************
Having a talk with our kids about sex doesn’t make them have sex. Having a talk about llamas doesn’t make them llamas. Having a talk with your kids about suicide won’t make them suicidal. Having a talk with your kids about mental illness doesn’t give them mental illness. It does, however, give them tools to help recognize things that might otherwise confuse or terrify them. It may help them to recognize things in themselves or in their friends. And that can save a life.
*******************************
Stop being ashamed of how many times you’ve fallen, and start being proud of how many times you’ve gotten up.
********************************
Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused. AMEN
*****************************
Jelly Bean Prayer
Red is for the blood Christ gave, Green is for the grass he made.
Yellow is for God’s light so bright, Orange is for prayers at night.
Black is for the sins we made, White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for his hour of sorrow, Pink is for his new tomorrow.
A jar full of jelly beans, colorful and sweet, is a prayer, a promise, a special treat. God fill my heart and my life with the joy of the Resurrection of Christ. Amen!