We were fortunate to have the Rev. Dr. Nancy Kahaian worshipping with us last Sunday.  Nancy is the current Interim Executive Presbyter for our Synod of Mid-America.  Nancy’s visit with us has sparked some questions about synods and what synods do in our church.

Presbyterians begin with the congregation.  Members of each congregation are elected by the congregation to represent them on the Session within the congregation.  That does not mean that Elders vote according to a constituent group’s desire, but they sincerely seek God’s direction for their decisions.

These elders can then work within the Presbytery –ours is Missouri Union—on committees and as commissioners.  Elected commissioners along with the pastor make decisions at the Presbytery level concerning mission and other activities carried on by the Presbytery that would be impossible, for the most part, on the congregational level.

Elders and pastors are also elected as commissioners to represent the Presbytery at the Synod level.  Presbyteries are organized within a geographical region to form a synod.  Our Synod of Mid-America is composed of 6 presbyteries: Missouri Union, Giddings-Lovejoy, John Calvin, Heartland, Northern Kansas and Southern Kansas.

Synods have various duties depending on the needs of the presbyteries they serve. In general, their responsibilities (G-12.0102) might be summarized as: developing and implementing the mission of the church throughout the region, facilitating communication between presbyteries and the General Assembly, and mediating conflicts between the churches and presbyteries. Synods are required to meet at least biennially. Meetings are moderated by an elected synod Moderator with support of the synod's Stated Clerk. There are currently 16 synods in the PC (USA) and they vary widely in the scope and nature of their work.

We have an ongoing debate in our denomination over the purpose, function, and need for synods. 

The Rev. Leo Birk Memorial Scholarship Fund is an ongoing mission to help any high school graduate headed to college as well as any full time college student.  In order to qualify for the scholarship you must be an active participant in one of the three Tri County Specialized Ministries churches.  This fund is a memorial to the Rev. Leo Birk who set up the scholarship fund from his own monies.  After his death TCSM continued this fund in his memory.  It is funded only by donations and like many things that have suffered from the economy the funding has fallen off.  We give graduating high school seniors priority for the scholarship but if we have enough money in the fund we also give a gift to any full time student in college that meets the criteria. Please consider giving a tax deductible donation to this worthy cause.  Checks should be made out to TCSM with a designation to go to the scholarship fund.  Please send to:  Jim Bales, 2100 W Main, Sedalia, MO 65301.

Otterville, Range Line and Longwood Presbyterian Churches make up the Tri-County Specialized Ministry (TCSM).  Each church elects two representatives to represent their church on the council and Rev. Pat Roller is the Moderator.  The council tries to make decisions based on input from each church that represents the best interest for all three churches.  This council meets once each quarter of the year or more if needed. It is important that you as church members contact your council representatives or your sessions if you have any concerns about the way these decisions are made.  We are always open to hear what you like or dislike about the decisions made, and we hope that your concerns will be presented to us with prayerful considerations.  Current council members are:  Otterville, Mary Goode and Virgil Meyer; Range Line, Jim Reid and Jim Bales; Longwood, Becky Barnes and Sharon Greer. 

As noted last month, this month’s Newsletter is for both July and August news in order to take the month of August off.  Summer is always busy and we very much appreciate all those who contribute to making this newsletter a success.  Thanks again.

Newsletter editors Sharon & JR Greer

Section L

Longwood PW met June 9^th with Edrie with seven present.

Our devotional was from the Upper Room. Betty had our Bible study, #7 from Joshua chapters 20, 21. Scripture tells us that justice is a mandate from God for all who wish to live faithful lives. Our collection was $53.75; part of this goes to mission work. We had our financial report. Monies paid out were for Rev. Pat for our shut-ins, and what we sent to Church World Service for postage of health kits. Also money for the Birthday offering, and we voted to send $50 to Range Line Bible School for their VBS.  Sharon had a bill for supplies for the Yard sale lunch and money paid out when we had Anna Jane’s Birthday lunch. July meeting will take care of plans for the Ice Cream supper, and we will have to meet on the first Wed. as would be too late if we met on the 14th, so we will meet on July 7th with Edrie at 1:30pm.

We already have the nice big hot dogs, thanks to Bill and Wilma Curry who donated 3 boxes, they sure sell well!

We will have lots of good homemade ice cream, cake and pies, and we pray for a good day. Remember Sat. July 17^th starting at 4pm.

We will be hearing reports at our meeting from Betty and Sharon about the meetings they attended in the Kansas City area the weekend of the 25th and 26th of June.

As we will not have a newsletter until September, we pray for all a great summer, and JR and Sharon deserve this time off, it takes a lot of work to get the letter out monthly, thanks guys, you do a great job,

When Sept gets here, school will have already started and most of us will be in our routines, our kids in school here, and our college kids. Good luck to all of them. This is Tim's last year for football, and he will graduate in Dec.  Good luck to Scott, Bethany, Jake and Jordan also.  Justin is in Grad school.

God's Blessings to all.  M. Schlomer

Freedom! Let the stars and stripes forever remain a symbol of a free and mighty nation built on faith and truth and love.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34

“Today pray for inspiration and guidance for the leaders of our cities, states and nation.”  Helen Steiner Rice

July

August

September

We extend our sympathies to the family of Jake Cornine, who passed away on Friday July 2.  Jake was a life-long resident of our community and will be missed.

Please continue to keep the following folks in your prayers:  Eddie Walk, Karen Chamberlin, Mida Robb, AP Reid, Wanda Marcum, and Kay Tevis. 

Section O

By M. Goode

The next session meeting will be held on August 5 at 7 p.m. in Wear Hall.

The Glenn family held a reunion the weekend of June 25, 26th and 27th. On Sunday, June 27, many of the group attended our regular worship service and participated. It was good to have a large group in church again!

Erby May had a fall and was taken to the hospital again this month, but is now home at her apartment in Otterville.

Albert Kreisel, is doing about the same at the nursing home in Versailles.  He seems to spend more time sleeping now than he did several months ago.

Martha Lu Young has been having testing on her heart.

Carrie Castle, who fell and broke her hip several weeks ago may be coming home from the nursing home in Tipton soon.

Sue Sponcler has been improving quite a lot, but still is in need of prayers because of one continuing problem.

Rick Miller, has made improvement again this month and plans to be home to enjoy the July 4^th holiday and then return to the nursing home in California, MO for a couple more weeks.

He had a seizure a few weeks ago, but has had no more episodes. Plans are for him to return to his home permanently in a couple more weeks.  He continues to take Chemo-therapy for his Hodgkin’s Disease.

Please remember all of these folks in your prayers.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Lula Mae Aldrich who passed away in mid-July.

We have all been urged to give blood whenever possible as so many of our people have had a need for it in the past few months.  Of course it is always needed anytime you can give!  Many can no longer give for one reason or another, so we really need those who are able to consider giving that gift!

P. W. met at Wear Hall on Tuesday, June 15 at 1 p.m. with 5 present, Rev. Pat, Johnnie Mae Kreisel, Martha Lu Young, Marilyn Meyer and Rita Henson.  Rev. Pat opened us in prayer with special prayers for Lula Mae and her family.  We recited our P.W. Purpose.  Rita led us in lesson #7 God’s Concern for Justice: The Cities of Refuge.  Johnnie Mae served us a delicious cherry cake.

Treasurer $1017.94 with $701 for the Heifer Project and $85 for the Birthday Offering leaving $231.94.

Cards were sent to 15 different persons.  We will send invites to other women to attend P. W. this month.

Caring Hands – Martha Lu gave strawberry’s to three people.

Old Business: Festival of Sharing – Pat passed out a few to church members but will get 25 more to hand out.  We will ask for Health Care Kits and Paaper Goods Kits.  We will encourage the congregation to do what they can for the Festival.

Correspondence: PET sent a Thank You for $250 we sent in honor of Janice Sue Glenn.

IMA World Health – Newsletter

The Bridge Newsletter

Coyote Herald Newsletter

Marilyn read from the Mission Book.  Next month we will meet on July 20^th and Martha Lu will have the lesson.  Sue Sponcler will be hostess and Rita will read from the Mission Yearbook.

A YEAR ROUND GARDEN

First plant four rows of peas:

Prayer

Perseverance

Politeness

Purity

Next plant three rows of squash:

Squash gossip

Squash faultfinding

Squash indifference

Then, five rows of Lettuce:

Let us be faithful

Let us be unselfish

Let us be truthful

Let us love one another

Let us follow Christ

Finally, no garden is complete without turnips:

Turn up for church

Turn up with a smile

Turn up with new ideas

Turn up with determination.to make everything count for something good and wonderful.

(read at P. W. by Rita Henson)

July

August

September

Section R

The VBS was truly a “Baobab Blast”!  Betty Lou Dotson-Kreisel did an excellent job as Director and everyone else pitched in and helped make it a week for those attending to remember.

Several ladies from Tri-County Ministries attended the Synod of Mid-America Presbyterian Women’s Gathering at South Minster church in Kansas City recently.  They attended workshops, worship and heard the Mission Committee presentation by our own Rev. Pat Roller.  Rev Pat outlined the new “Mission – in- a –weekend” project that is being made available in the Synod.  The first weekend Mission will be in John Calvin Presbytery in Springfield – working at the girl’s shelter there. Projects will be worked on in each of the six Presbyteries in the Synod.  Watch for those projects as they are developed.   If you are interested in a weekend mission trip, just ask Rita Henson, Sharon Greer, Betty Romig, Georgia Reid, or Rev. Roller and they can tell you all about it and how to get involved.  Rita, Sharon and Betty also attended the Bible Study workshop held at Village Presbyterian Church the next day.

I came across the following and I would like to share it with you: “EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM NOAH’S ARK”

1.   Don’t miss the boat.

2.   Remember that we are all in the same boat.

3.   Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.

4.   Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

5.   Don’t listen to critics: just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6.   Build your future on high ground.

7.   For safety sake, travel in pairs.

8.   Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

9.   When you’re stressed, float awhile.

10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

Anyone passing by Range Line Church the week of June 7-11 could hardly believe their eyes – there was an eight foot Giraffe standing on either side of the front doors, holding a banner announcing

Vacation Bible School.  The theme was “Baobab Blast - God’s Great Get-together” with an African setting.  The theme was carried out completely with a Baobab tree, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, cheetah, jungle backdrop, songs and crafts that added to the theme.  Each day the children had story time at the Baobab tree, and then went to the other areas for lessons that went along with the thought for the day.

Those attending were: Elijah, Kendall & Hayleigh Marlin, Monty & Marissa Cornine, Mason & Morgan Locke, Blaine Kreisel, Aubrey Smith, Brianna & Kasey Eling, Allison Ballenger, Valerie Meyer, Cade & Cole Hudson, Maverick & Rim March, Trenton & Dallas Hammond, Rylan Chamberlin, Johnathan & Matthew Slaughter, Mattie Greene, Emily Gregory, Kaitlyn McQueen, Allison Barnes, Jade Bales, Annissa & Aylissa Shirman, Cole Cornine, Austyn White, and  Debbie Clark.  Helpers were: Jalen Bales, Cameron Bales, Tiffany Eling, Megan Locke, Janelle Locke, Taylor Slaughter, Courtney March, and Shaina Chamberlin.  Photographers - Hanna Gregory & Ali Chamberlin.

Teachers: Vicky Saylor, Stacey Marlin, Kim Hudson, Becky Barnes, Matthew Locke, Rev. Pat Roller, Ellie Ballenger, Becky Reid, Caitlin Alexander, Betty Jane Reid and Georgia Reid. Refreshments – Joan Alexander, members for the congregation and parents.

After a full morning of lessons and practice everyone was treated to a lunch of Pizza, chips, veggies, cookies and Kool-Aid.        About 75 attended the closing program on Sunday morning and enjoyed seeing the many things the children had done during the week.  The weeks offering and Sunday morning offering was $396.24 and will be divided between a “Goat” for Heifer International and the Agape Fellowship in Columbia.

A special “Thank You” is extended to Betty Lou for directing the activities and the Parents of the community who allowed their children to attend VBS at Range Line Presbyterian Church – we were truly blessed to work with your children.

July

August

September

Some of us have been engaged recently in a light hearted banter about the weather and praying about the weather.  Actually, I was offered a “medal” if I would pray for a week without rain.  I prayed, no rain came—but then there was no medal either (just teasing).  These conversations started me to thinking about the nature of prayer.

Several things prayer is NOT included:

·      It is not a wish list.

·      It is not a way to manipulate God.

·      It is not a way out of trouble.

·      It is not a means of not doing what we are called to do.

Too often we pray only when we are experiencing some great problem or danger or we want something badly.  This gives all our prayer a bad name and gives people a bad experience of prayer.  If we use prayer only in these ways, it is true our prayers are not likely to be answered in ways we want.

But, then what is prayer?  In its simplest form, prayer is conversation with God.  It is thanksgiving for God’s goodness and love.  It is responding to God’s intimate involvement in our lives. 

In prayer as in any other conversation, we are aware of the other person (God), we share of ourselves, we turn toward the one with whom we speak, we bridge the gap between us, and we listen for God’s response.  Prayer is a two way street: we talk and then we listen.

A prayerless life is an unfruitful life!  Watch for how God responds to your prayers.  God always does!

As with last year’s Newsletter, next month we will ask the writers to send us information for both July and August news in order to take the month of August off.  Summer is always busy and we very much appreciate all those who contribute to making this newsletter a success.  Please announce this in your churches and spread the word. 

Newsletter editors Sharon & JR Greer

Section L

The Sunday School youth tended the soda and drinks table during the church’s first annual yard sale.  They took in a respectable $20.35 for sales (and donations), which brings the total of their mission fund to $135.40.  The proceeds for this year will go to the Festival of Sharing to purchase goats for Nepal.

Thanks to Allison and Aaron (and their parents) for helping at the table, and everyone who supported them financially.

Enjoy the summer, looks like it is here.

Longwood P.W. met on Wed. May 12^th with Edrie, there were six of us there, It was nice to have Pearl back with us.

Rev. Pat had our Bible study, lesson #6 from Josuha. This is the story of Rahab and the Gibeonites. They are signs of hope for all who are lost and outcast.

Some of us attended the PW Birthday program at Range Line, all enjoyed the afternoon and fellowship. There are only 2 projects this year. The first is for the Kindergarten and Childcare Center, Primary School Development in Kirkuk, Iraq. This provides high quality education to children, teaching basic skills in a loving environment. It is operated under Christian principles of love, peace, tolerance and non-violence. Requests for enrollment far exceed the current capacity, they have long waiting lists.

The other project is for Peace Presbyterian Church, R.I.S.E.

Reach-Improve-Strengthen-Empower, project. This is a small church in a diverse community, and provides services specifically to children, youth and adults during a transitional period. This will expand the number of people that can be served.

Reports were heard, we voted for part of our mission offering for the Birthday offering.

We had a discussion about lunch menu for the yard sale at church. Sharon did the shopping, and now that it is over, thanks to all who baked pies, made cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, brownies. The food did very well, and we made $355.55, had some nice donations. It was a nice break from looking around at items for sale, to come inside and get some goodies. Also thanks to all who helped in the kitchen.

With Rev. Pat’s suggestion we agreed to meet and eat out with Anna Jane for her birthday. There were nine of us to meet with her, and although it tired her out she enjoyed the day. We ate at Perkins, so could sit as long as we wanted. Thanks to Rev. Pat for the nice day for all.

Next meeting, June 9^th with Edrie, and we will have lesson #7.

God bless all and a good summer for all of us.

Margaret

“If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, at attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.”

From Faith, Hope and Love devotional book.

June

July

Please continue to keep the following folks in your prayers: 

Eddie Walk, Karen Chamberlin, Mida Robb, AP Reid, Wanda Marcum, and Kay Tevis. 

Thanks to everyone who helped with our first yard sale:  Vendors were Butch & Shirley McMackin, Wayne & Judy Moore, Mandy Reno, Georgia Reid, Becky Barnes, Ellie Ballenger, and J. R. Greer.  The Sunday School drink table was attended by Aaron Reno and Allison Barnes, in hopes of being able to provide funding for another goat to Nepal.  Food court was provided by the women of the church, mainly Marj Haley and Sharon Greer, with the help of Margaret Schlomer and Marsha Scheese.  Lots of great pies and sandwiches—thanks, ladies. 

Thanks again to everyone.  Hope for a better turnout next year.

Thanks to the church for allowing the Cemetery Association to hold an annual meeting on May 23, in the church fellowship hall.  We had good attendance, lots of discussion and many good suggestions.  We will continue to hold this on the Sunday afternoon before Memorial Weekend (2 Sundays before Memorial Day) unless there is a major conflict.  Hope to see you there.

J. R. Greer, president of the L.C. Association

Section O

By M. Goode

Welcome to John and Monica Harris who officially joined our church recently.  They have been a part of our congregation for quite some time.   We are so happy they made the decision to join with us in that official way at this time!

Save Best Choice Labels for the Presbyterian Women!!!  Every little bit helps.  They can be given to any of the members.

We have all been urged to give blood whenever possible as so many of our people have had a need for it in the past few months.  Of course it is always needed anytime you can give!  Many can no longer give for one reason or another, so we really need those who are able to consider giving that gift!

The next session meeting will be held on August 5 at 7 p.m. in Wear Hall. The July meeting has been cancelled.

Lula Mae Aldrich is back at Tipton Manor after a stay at the hospital in Warrensburg.  She is not doing very well. 

Walter Dowdy recently had a stent put into his heart and is doing well now.   Zetta has been doing pretty well recently. 

Erby May recently spent some time at the hospital in Sedalia after a fall, but was able to return to her apartment in Otterville again afterward.

Jack Deuschle has recently learned that his cancer has returned.  He is not doing very well.

Gary Jones is feeling better from his heart problems.

Rev. Pat seems to be feeling better.

Rick Miller who was formerly a member of our church has met with serious health problems.  He had back surgery about 6 weeks ago which left him nearly paralyzed and also found he has Hodgkin’s disease.  He is having rehabilitation at the California Care Center and has made some improvement.  He is also taking chemotherapy for the cancer.

Little Hunter Hagerman, 20 months, son of Cory and Bobbi Jo Phillips Hagerman recently survived a bout with E. coli, a very serious infection.  He was entered in Children’s Mercy Hospital after a short time at Bothwell Hospital.  He is thought to be coming home in the near future in pretty good shape after a very rough time. 

Please remember all of these folks in your prayers.

Our sympathy goes to the Willard Walje family on his death a few weeks ago.  Some from our church helped with food for the family.  He was laid to rest at New Lebanon Cemetery.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Chris Ehlers on the birth of their son, Jordon.  Johnnie and Connie Ehlers are the grandparents and Holly and Jonathon are the siblings!

Presbyterian Women met at Wear Hall on May 18th at 1:00 p.m. with 5 members present.  They were Rev. Pat, Johnnie Mae Kreisel, Martha Lu Young, Marilyn Meyer and Rita Henson.  Martha Lu led Lesson 6 - Outsiders Become Insiders, Rahab and the Gibeonites. She also furnished the group with a delicious cake and iced tea.

The treasurer, Marilyn, reported $917.30 as the balance with $668 being for the Heifer Project.  That leaves a balance of $199.30 belonging to the group.   $250 has been given to Martha Lu in order to send for the PET in Sue Glenn’s name. 

Caring Hands food gifts or other help have been given to seven or eight persons last month.  Some were Sue Sponcler, Lula Mae Aldrich, Johnnie Mae Kreisel.  Some sent food to the Walje family funeral dinner.

There were 15 cards sent by Johnnie Mae.  She will send cards to other women in the community to invite them to attend Presbyterian Women.

Marilyn showed the Birthday Offering Video and the women were encouraged to give their offerings. 

It was reported that the group now has 750 Best Choice Labels, but more are needed before they can be sent in.

New Business - Festival of Sharing was discussed and it was reported that the new books to hand out will soon be available.  The congregation is encouraged to do whatever they can.  Paper products are always a good kit to ask for or to help with.

Rita read about Seminary dealing with Rural Life Ministry.

Next month the meeting will be on June 15 at 1:00 at Wear Hall.  Rita will lead the lesson and Johnnie Mae will serve as hostess.  Marilyn will read from the Mission Book.

Westminster group met on May 20th at Wear Hall with only six persons attending due to other activities in the community.  Janet and Gary Jones was hostess and served fried chicken!  There was more than enough to go around for such a small group this month!!!!!!!! Those present were Jim and Martha Lu Young, Rita Henson and her mother from California and Janet and Gary.  The next meeting will be on July 17^th at 6:30.

The Rick Miller family is planning a surprise 40^th Anniversary celebration at Wear Hall on June 19^th.  It was all planned before Rick’s illness, but plans are to bring him and continue with the surprise.  They were able to get him into a car and take him for a ride last week.  The celebration is planned for the afternoon on that Sat.   If you want to know the time, please call Mary Goode at 660-366-4355.  Everyone is invited to share this celebration with Rick and Naomi who were married at our church forty years ago.

June

July

Section R

Greetings from the Jungles of Africa!  That is what Range Line Presbyterian Church looks like this week as we host Vacation Bible School.  The theme uses animals from the jungle to teach the children about God’s Great Get-together.  On Monday there were 29 students and 15 helpers (maybe more) and we truly had a “BOABAB BLAST”.

Everyone was greeted by two very large Giraffe’s and introduced to plans for the week.  The week will end with a full day on Friday (pizza lunch and games).  The students will gather on Sunday, June 13^th to present the closing program at 8:30 am, so we hope you will come and enjoy “God’s Great Get-together”.  We are blessed to have so many children (and parents) in the community who look forward each year to attending VBS.  Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives—we are truly blessed.  It would be great to have you become a part of our Church Family.

Thanks to the Longwood congregation for inviting us to be a part of their “Yard Sale” recently.  It was a great day weather-wise, and we did a little business.  We learned a lot for the next one!!!

Congratulations to Quentin Johnson for being named Salutatorian of the 2010 graduating class – that honor represents a lot of hard work—way to go Quentin !

Again, it is good to recognize Cole Alexander, Britney Bales and Quentin Johnson as they completed their High School work and are now ready for College.  Cole will attend State Fair Community College where he will use the “Leo Birk Scholarship”; Britney will travel to Southeast Missouri State on a scholarship, and Quentin will go to the University of Missouri in Columbia.  We wish each of you much success as you take this next step in your life.

The last Honor Roll for the 2009-10 school year has been released and included the following students from this area: Cole Alexander, Britney Bales, Quentin Johnson, Emily Reid and Shaina Chamberlin.

Now that School is out for the summer many of the students are busy playing baseball and softball. If you would like to support them check the schedule of games at the Houstonia Elementary school ball field, there are games almost every night.  Good luck and have fun this summer!!

The Deacons are planning to send “Care snacks” to service persons.  They need names of men and women from the area who would enjoy getting a package from home.  If you have names, contact Betty Jane Reid at 879-4484, so they can be included.

Plans are underway for an Ice Cream supper the last Sunday evening in August.  We will have more about that later – so watch for the date.

Wedding bells have been ringing in the community recently.  Early in the year Becky Reid and William Sclocum were married and more recently Betty Lou Dotson and Carl Kreisel were married.  Congratulations to both couples and we ask God’s blessing on each of them and their new families.

Bud and Joan Alexander were honored by their children on Sunday, June 6^th for their 60^th wedding anniversary.  The family gathered for worship and then a dinner in their honor.  Congratulations.  It was so good to have so many at Church.

June

July