Pastor’s Corner
While We Wait –
Our theme for this Advent is about waiting. The Christmas season is a season of waiting for “the big day.” For many years, the Jews waited for the Messiah. Since the Ascension of Jesus, we have waited for his return. Much of our lives are about waiting. So, how should we act?
We will begin with Romans 13:11-14, living as people of the day. Paul uses the words “living honorably.” Those are wonderful words, but what does it mean to be honorable, and how do we live out those words in our lives?
During the second week of Advent, we will be addressing Romans 14:4-13, living with hope. Paul says that the Scriptures were given to us so that we might have hope. But what is hope? We all have some definition, but what does hope mean when we are living it? And where should we place our hope?
The third week of Advent (always my favorite) is Joy Sunday. But our Scripture passage this week, James 5:7-10, is about something that isn’t as much fun as joy. It is about patience. I know by this week in December, parents need patience with their kids, and teachers are ready for school to be out. Perhaps all of us are ready for the constant barrage of canned Christmas Music to be over. We have too many things to do, and too many places to be. All of us could use a little patience to restore the joy of the season.
Finally, as we wait, during the fourth week of Advent, we will be reminding that this whole thing about Jesus being born wasn’t an accident. Even as Adam and Eve first sinned, plans were in place. It would take generations, and we had to be made ready, but God had a plan from the beginning to redeem us. And God has a plan for the future. Nothing is random, God has a plan.
The thing about this particular year is that our lives and history during this holiday season are happening against a political backdrop. As we wait for Christmas, we are also waiting to see where things in our country move. I want to remind you that the history of Jesus was also played out against a political backdrop. Remember how every event is mentioned within the context of who was King, or Tetrarch or Ruler?
In fact, all of history is against a political backdrop. But we have a consistency the world does not understand. No matter who is King, or Tetrarch, or Ruler, or even President, God is the God of the Universe. Things on earth are temporary, things of God are eternal. We have a foundation to rest on that the world does not. No matter what happens, God is in control.
As we approach Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us hold fast to the sure certainty that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Blessings of Christmas!
Pastor Bobbie
Thank you
We’d like to thank Rev. Dan Festa for filling our pulpits while Pastor Bobbie was on vacation in November. Dan also has a hobby that you might be interested in. He makes “fused glass” jewelry and has it available at a shop in Arrow Rock—Missouri Folk Art Gallery and Shop, 6th and Main.
********************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends. Now we are into the Advent Season, preparing for Christmas. Our elves have decorated the church and are planning the Children’s Christmas Program which will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 4 pm. Thank you so much.
One of the first things we do at Longwood during this season is to decide on a Christmas Mission. This year we will be completing family food boxes. Our goal is to fill 14 boxes for Christmas meals. Lists have been emailed but if you need a paper copy I will have them at church.
We are still collecting for Open Door Kitchen & Pantry. And in addition we will be collecting for the Joy Gift during the month of December. Fifty percent of the Joy Gift makes it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian related schools and Colleges equipping communities of color. Fifty percent of your gift assists current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs. “Help us open our doors to those in need in our Church and the world with our own gifts.”
We of the Longwood Presbyterian Women and church wish each of you a very merry and blessed Christmas season with your friends and loved ones.
Sharon Greer
Retrieving Freedom
I am Andromeda Brouillette. I’m working on my silver award for Girl Scouts. I’m doing a supply drive for Retrieving Freedom. Retrieving Freedom is a program for service dogs that are in training and the service dogs are for people who military and veterans and people who have Autism. They are opening a facility in Sedalia. I’m trying to get the supplies by January 12, since the dogs will be arriving in mid-January. They will be moving into the facility before then, so we can take donations before then as well.
Some of the supplies we are collecting are: cleaning supplies, paper supplies, towels, kitchen supplies, queen bed sheets, toiletries, blanket/throws, pillows, laundry supplies, pet supplies and toys, raised water bowl platforms, fabric treat bags (easily cleanable), collar bandannas, lint roller hooks.
We can also take: cash donations and gift cards from Walmart, Pet smart and Amazon.
Letter from Rev. Thom
From time to time, we receive letters that we wonder if we could share them. For this letter, there was no doubt. So we asked Rev. Thom and he graciously allow us to print. Please read and enjoy:
Dear J. R.
Thank you so very, very much for sending me copies of the Longwood Church’s sesquicentennial observance, celebration and history—and the computer disk with 270 pictures relating to this notable event. What a treasure!!!
Although I do not have a computer, a friend of mine does, and he showed me all of those great pictures—the old building—the construction of the new building—the children’s swing-set being erected—a wonderful aerial view of the whole new complex and setting—pictures of former Pastors, including me! (Who took and kept that picture, and knew where to locate it? I still have that suit and tie in my clothes closet, covered with plastic sheet—haven’t worn it in years, but it is still in excellent condition—all rather surprising)—a picture of Rev. Karchner—a picture of Dr. Twito, who often preached when I could not be there—a picture of the whole crowd in attendance—and many pictures of event activities, and some photos of individuals or families. One picture, I thought, was possibly you and Betty. We haven’t seen each other in almost 60 years, so I couldn’t be sure. But all the pictures will remain a treasure. Thank you, again!!!
I also recently received the “Tri-County Specialized Ministry Newsletter” (Sept 2019 issue). Every bit of it was very inspirational. The Longwood Church is obviously still serving a very strong and vital ministry.
I still feel the impulse to come to one of the “Lord’s Acre” sales, but haven’t done so because of the distance. But that event, and the summer “Children’s Vacation Bible School” always had a special attraction
Soon, I’ll again review all of those pictures. Many thanks again!!! With Love, Blessings and Prayers,
Bob
Cares and Concerns
Please keep these folks in your prayers. Some are in nursing homes and would also enjoy your visit:
Chili & Soup Supper
Longwood Presbyterian Church
January 25th 2020
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00
(or when we run out of Chili & Soup)
Cost: $8.00 adults, $4.00 children 6-12
********************************************************************************************
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
By Georgia Reid
News from RLC
Hope that you and your family, friends and neighbors had a wonderful THANKSGIIVING season. In the Range Line area we can certainly be thankful for the weather we are having. Just enough snow to get us in the winter mode, but not enough to trouble us for any length of time. We just hope and pray that the persimmon isn’t right (folk lore says that spoons mean a harsh winter) !
Last month I forgot to say: THANK YOU’ to the young people who helped at the Lords Acre Sale, they saved us “oldies” many steps.
Deacons
The Deacons are asking us to help them with their Christmas project. They will be collecting coats to give to those who don’t have one. The will take any size or color and in good condition. If you can get them to Range Line Church, or to Barbie Reid or Tony Alexander, and they can get them placed before Christmas. They would like for coats to be at the church by December 15th.
They will also be fixing plates of cookies for neighbors, so each of you ladies (and men) need to get busy baking cookies. Cookies will also need to be at the Church by the 15th.
The more we can donate the further the Ice Cream money will go.
Our Kids
Congratulations to Will and Lynn on the birth of their son, William Lincoln Alexander. Link was born at 7:35 a.m. on November 9, 2019. Charley is now a “Big Sister” and grandparents are Tony and Jennifer Alexander and Bud and Joan Alexander are Great-grandparents as are Bill and Donna Colist of Higginsville.
Ali Ballenger was one of the fortunate ones – she got a 7-point buck deer during youth hunting season.
The Pettis R 5 Christmas program will be at the High School on December 12th at 6:30. The young people have practiced hard to prepare a program including all classes so we should try to attend.
The football season is over and Central Rivers All-Conference teams have been selected. Congratulations to Jonathon Slaughter for being chosen 1st team Defensive – DE and Mason Locke made the Honorable Mention Defense as a LB. Jonathon was also selected for the KMZU Dream Team as a defense team member. Congratulations to each of you and the team for a good season.
Houstonia Christmas parade will be held at 10:00 on December 7th with refreshments available after the parade at the Community Center.
CARES AND CONCERNS
Again, congratulations to Will and Lynn on the addition to their family.
Others on our prayer list:
Ted and Helen Coffelt
Bill and Margret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
DATES AHEAD
Dec. 1--Communion at Range Line
Dec. 1--Coffee & Donuts @ 8:30
Dec. 6--Sedalia Christmas parade – 7:30 pm
Dec. 7--Houstonia Christmas parade
Dec. 11--Senior Supper – 6:30
Dec. 12--Pettis County R5 All School Christmas program -6:30
Dec. 19--NHS Blood Drive 2:00 to 6:00 - at high school
Dec. 21-Jan. 7--Christmas school vacation
Dec. 24--Christmas Eve service @ 6:30 p.m. Range Line
Dec. 25--JESUS’S Birthday
Dec. 31--New Year’s Eve
Jan. 1--Welcome 2020
********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Thanks to all who have contributed to our newsletter, including those who have authored inspiring quotes, such as these:
You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%. And that’s pretty good.
Tonight during the message my nine-year-old son, Jay, came to the realization that the children who were not on the ark, didn’t make it. He looked to me with such a sad, questioning face. All I could say was, “Their parents didn’t make sure they were on the ark.” The weight of that statement is still weighing on me. Of all the things that I do for the Kingdom of God, NOTHING is more important than making sure that my children find their way to a relationship with Jesus.
May we think of Freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.—Peter Marshall
Momma said, you can just get glad in the same britches you got mad in.
Pray when you feel like worrying, give thanks when you feel like complaining, and keep going when you feel like quitting.
Each of us is an Innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus
Don’t judge a church according to the size of membership, but by the power of God in the church.
Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So, go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.—through Clergy Coaching Network, L. R. Knost
The kids keep laughing about my memory. They won’t be laughing at Christmas when there’s no eggs under the tree!
While We Wait –
Our theme for this Advent is about waiting. The Christmas season is a season of waiting for “the big day.” For many years, the Jews waited for the Messiah. Since the Ascension of Jesus, we have waited for his return. Much of our lives are about waiting. So, how should we act?
We will begin with Romans 13:11-14, living as people of the day. Paul uses the words “living honorably.” Those are wonderful words, but what does it mean to be honorable, and how do we live out those words in our lives?
During the second week of Advent, we will be addressing Romans 14:4-13, living with hope. Paul says that the Scriptures were given to us so that we might have hope. But what is hope? We all have some definition, but what does hope mean when we are living it? And where should we place our hope?
The third week of Advent (always my favorite) is Joy Sunday. But our Scripture passage this week, James 5:7-10, is about something that isn’t as much fun as joy. It is about patience. I know by this week in December, parents need patience with their kids, and teachers are ready for school to be out. Perhaps all of us are ready for the constant barrage of canned Christmas Music to be over. We have too many things to do, and too many places to be. All of us could use a little patience to restore the joy of the season.
Finally, as we wait, during the fourth week of Advent, we will be reminding that this whole thing about Jesus being born wasn’t an accident. Even as Adam and Eve first sinned, plans were in place. It would take generations, and we had to be made ready, but God had a plan from the beginning to redeem us. And God has a plan for the future. Nothing is random, God has a plan.
The thing about this particular year is that our lives and history during this holiday season are happening against a political backdrop. As we wait for Christmas, we are also waiting to see where things in our country move. I want to remind you that the history of Jesus was also played out against a political backdrop. Remember how every event is mentioned within the context of who was King, or Tetrarch or Ruler?
In fact, all of history is against a political backdrop. But we have a consistency the world does not understand. No matter who is King, or Tetrarch, or Ruler, or even President, God is the God of the Universe. Things on earth are temporary, things of God are eternal. We have a foundation to rest on that the world does not. No matter what happens, God is in control.
As we approach Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us hold fast to the sure certainty that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Blessings of Christmas!
Pastor Bobbie
Thank you
We’d like to thank Rev. Dan Festa for filling our pulpits while Pastor Bobbie was on vacation in November. Dan also has a hobby that you might be interested in. He makes “fused glass” jewelry and has it available at a shop in Arrow Rock—Missouri Folk Art Gallery and Shop, 6th and Main.
********************************************************************************************
Section L
Longwood Presbyterian News
Presbyterian Women
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends. Now we are into the Advent Season, preparing for Christmas. Our elves have decorated the church and are planning the Children’s Christmas Program which will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 4 pm. Thank you so much.
One of the first things we do at Longwood during this season is to decide on a Christmas Mission. This year we will be completing family food boxes. Our goal is to fill 14 boxes for Christmas meals. Lists have been emailed but if you need a paper copy I will have them at church.
We are still collecting for Open Door Kitchen & Pantry. And in addition we will be collecting for the Joy Gift during the month of December. Fifty percent of the Joy Gift makes it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian related schools and Colleges equipping communities of color. Fifty percent of your gift assists current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs. “Help us open our doors to those in need in our Church and the world with our own gifts.”
We of the Longwood Presbyterian Women and church wish each of you a very merry and blessed Christmas season with your friends and loved ones.
Sharon Greer
Retrieving Freedom
I am Andromeda Brouillette. I’m working on my silver award for Girl Scouts. I’m doing a supply drive for Retrieving Freedom. Retrieving Freedom is a program for service dogs that are in training and the service dogs are for people who military and veterans and people who have Autism. They are opening a facility in Sedalia. I’m trying to get the supplies by January 12, since the dogs will be arriving in mid-January. They will be moving into the facility before then, so we can take donations before then as well.
Some of the supplies we are collecting are: cleaning supplies, paper supplies, towels, kitchen supplies, queen bed sheets, toiletries, blanket/throws, pillows, laundry supplies, pet supplies and toys, raised water bowl platforms, fabric treat bags (easily cleanable), collar bandannas, lint roller hooks.
We can also take: cash donations and gift cards from Walmart, Pet smart and Amazon.
Letter from Rev. Thom
From time to time, we receive letters that we wonder if we could share them. For this letter, there was no doubt. So we asked Rev. Thom and he graciously allow us to print. Please read and enjoy:
Dear J. R.
Thank you so very, very much for sending me copies of the Longwood Church’s sesquicentennial observance, celebration and history—and the computer disk with 270 pictures relating to this notable event. What a treasure!!!
Although I do not have a computer, a friend of mine does, and he showed me all of those great pictures—the old building—the construction of the new building—the children’s swing-set being erected—a wonderful aerial view of the whole new complex and setting—pictures of former Pastors, including me! (Who took and kept that picture, and knew where to locate it? I still have that suit and tie in my clothes closet, covered with plastic sheet—haven’t worn it in years, but it is still in excellent condition—all rather surprising)—a picture of Rev. Karchner—a picture of Dr. Twito, who often preached when I could not be there—a picture of the whole crowd in attendance—and many pictures of event activities, and some photos of individuals or families. One picture, I thought, was possibly you and Betty. We haven’t seen each other in almost 60 years, so I couldn’t be sure. But all the pictures will remain a treasure. Thank you, again!!!
I also recently received the “Tri-County Specialized Ministry Newsletter” (Sept 2019 issue). Every bit of it was very inspirational. The Longwood Church is obviously still serving a very strong and vital ministry.
I still feel the impulse to come to one of the “Lord’s Acre” sales, but haven’t done so because of the distance. But that event, and the summer “Children’s Vacation Bible School” always had a special attraction
Soon, I’ll again review all of those pictures. Many thanks again!!! With Love, Blessings and Prayers,
Bob
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
- Marjorie Haley at Sylvia Thompson, Sedalia
- Bill Ficken at EW Thompson (and family)
- Helen Coffelt (and Ted)—Helen is at Sylvia Thompson
- Calvin (and Mary) Kirchhoff at Golden Oaks
- Renee Moore
- Scott Moore
- Lee Ann (Paxson) Eddleman
Chili & Soup Supper
Longwood Presbyterian Church
January 25th 2020
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00
(or when we run out of Chili & Soup)
Cost: $8.00 adults, $4.00 children 6-12
********************************************************************************************
Section R
Range Line Presbyterian News
By Georgia Reid
News from RLC
Hope that you and your family, friends and neighbors had a wonderful THANKSGIIVING season. In the Range Line area we can certainly be thankful for the weather we are having. Just enough snow to get us in the winter mode, but not enough to trouble us for any length of time. We just hope and pray that the persimmon isn’t right (folk lore says that spoons mean a harsh winter) !
Last month I forgot to say: THANK YOU’ to the young people who helped at the Lords Acre Sale, they saved us “oldies” many steps.
Deacons
The Deacons are asking us to help them with their Christmas project. They will be collecting coats to give to those who don’t have one. The will take any size or color and in good condition. If you can get them to Range Line Church, or to Barbie Reid or Tony Alexander, and they can get them placed before Christmas. They would like for coats to be at the church by December 15th.
They will also be fixing plates of cookies for neighbors, so each of you ladies (and men) need to get busy baking cookies. Cookies will also need to be at the Church by the 15th.
The more we can donate the further the Ice Cream money will go.
Our Kids
Congratulations to Will and Lynn on the birth of their son, William Lincoln Alexander. Link was born at 7:35 a.m. on November 9, 2019. Charley is now a “Big Sister” and grandparents are Tony and Jennifer Alexander and Bud and Joan Alexander are Great-grandparents as are Bill and Donna Colist of Higginsville.
Ali Ballenger was one of the fortunate ones – she got a 7-point buck deer during youth hunting season.
The Pettis R 5 Christmas program will be at the High School on December 12th at 6:30. The young people have practiced hard to prepare a program including all classes so we should try to attend.
The football season is over and Central Rivers All-Conference teams have been selected. Congratulations to Jonathon Slaughter for being chosen 1st team Defensive – DE and Mason Locke made the Honorable Mention Defense as a LB. Jonathon was also selected for the KMZU Dream Team as a defense team member. Congratulations to each of you and the team for a good season.
Houstonia Christmas parade will be held at 10:00 on December 7th with refreshments available after the parade at the Community Center.
CARES AND CONCERNS
Again, congratulations to Will and Lynn on the addition to their family.
Others on our prayer list:
Ted and Helen Coffelt
Bill and Margret Schlomer
Elijah Johnson
Alan Meyer
Kenny Reid
Esther Brown
DATES AHEAD
Dec. 1--Communion at Range Line
Dec. 1--Coffee & Donuts @ 8:30
Dec. 6--Sedalia Christmas parade – 7:30 pm
Dec. 7--Houstonia Christmas parade
Dec. 11--Senior Supper – 6:30
Dec. 12--Pettis County R5 All School Christmas program -6:30
Dec. 19--NHS Blood Drive 2:00 to 6:00 - at high school
Dec. 21-Jan. 7--Christmas school vacation
Dec. 24--Christmas Eve service @ 6:30 p.m. Range Line
Dec. 25--JESUS’S Birthday
Dec. 31--New Year’s Eve
Jan. 1--Welcome 2020
********************************************************************************************
From the Internet:
Thanks to all who have contributed to our newsletter, including those who have authored inspiring quotes, such as these:
You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%. And that’s pretty good.
Tonight during the message my nine-year-old son, Jay, came to the realization that the children who were not on the ark, didn’t make it. He looked to me with such a sad, questioning face. All I could say was, “Their parents didn’t make sure they were on the ark.” The weight of that statement is still weighing on me. Of all the things that I do for the Kingdom of God, NOTHING is more important than making sure that my children find their way to a relationship with Jesus.
May we think of Freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.—Peter Marshall
Momma said, you can just get glad in the same britches you got mad in.
Pray when you feel like worrying, give thanks when you feel like complaining, and keep going when you feel like quitting.
Each of us is an Innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus
Don’t judge a church according to the size of membership, but by the power of God in the church.
Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So, go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.—through Clergy Coaching Network, L. R. Knost
The kids keep laughing about my memory. They won’t be laughing at Christmas when there’s no eggs under the tree!