We’d like to wish all the moms in our churches a happy Mother’s Day this year.  In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve had quite a lot of information about women’s activities in the newsletters lately.  Women (and in particular, Moms) are leaders not only in our lives but also in our churches. Next Sunday on Mother’s Day give a mom a hug!                         JR

Please keep Rev. Dick Ramsey in your prayers as he has been hospitalized.  Dick is the Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.  He has requested no visitors or calls.  (You may send him an electronic card from MUP’s web site, www.mupresbytery.org .)

WOMEN’S RELAX & CRAFT WEEKEND

June 22-24

Any ladies with or without your own project Cost: $100

This is an opportunity for women to get together & spend the weekend relaxing & crafting to their hearts desire. Each lady will get a table for their craft, as well as the opportunity for a couple of crafty make & takes. Women are welcome to come for all or part of this retreat. A limited amount of supplies will be available for use.

The retreat begins at 3pm on Friday & concludes Sunday afternoon at 4pm. All meals, snacks, & drinks are included.

MOM, DAD, & ME CAMP July 13-15

Entering Grades 1—3 Cost: $90 per person

This fun filled weekend is specifically designed for children who are experiencing camp for the first time. Parents or other adult family members are welcome to come & be part of your child’s first overnight church camp experience. Together you will participate in Bible study, worship, crafts, games, & more.

Camp begins with dinner at 6pm on Friday & concludes after lunch on Sunday.

The Tri-County Specialized Ministry continues to support the Birk Memorial Fund.  As you know, this fund is a scholarship program available to graduating high school seniors who are college-bound and have actively participated in the worship of one of our three churches (Range Line, Longwood and Otterville).  The amount of the scholarship is determined by the number of candidates each year and the amount of money available that year. 

We encourage all youth to be active in church worship.  They are the future of our churches, and this fund is one way that we can support their efforts to continue their education.

Providing financial assistance for these future leaders will continue to be an important goal of the TCSM Council.  If you agree and want to help, you may send your tax deductible contributions to:

The Leo Birk Memorial Scholarship Fund

% Jim Bales, Treasurer

2100 W. Main

Sedalia, MO 65301

Thank you for your help in making this a living memorial.                       From your TCSM Council

For update info on the newsletter, your church or TCSM, see these websites::

www.rangelinepresby.org

www.tricountyministries.org

www.ottervillepres.org

www.longwoodpres.org

Pastor Bobbie asked that we add the following notices from the Sedalia Area:

If you aren't aware, Pentecost was a celebration 50 days after Passover. We have a Messianic group in Sedalia who will be holding a Pentecost service, along with the meaning. This would be a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience more of what our faith is based on.  Here are the details:

Come Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with us.

A Historical and Inspirational look at this Ancient Biblical Feast known as Pentecost.

We will celebrate God's gift of His Word and His Spirit among us.

Saturday, May 26^th, 2012 @ 6:00pm-7:30pm

Refreshments will be served after the celebration.

Smithton Youth and Community Center, 200 S. Chestnut in Smithton, MO 65350

Call for information 660-473-3334

Hosted by Beit Mayim Chayim, Home of Living Waters

Our Mission: Teaching the Truth of the Good News of Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) through the Hebraic Heritage of Biblical Faith. Paula Whiting, Teacher

The Salvation Army is currently holding training for those interested in pipe welding. Classes are free, as long as students trade their time (hour for hour) with a nonprofit. Currently they are volunteering at Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, but are open to allowing students to volunteer at other organizations.

Additionally, if you have a skill that could be translated into a job, and you are willing to volunteer your time to help train those who need jobs, please contact the Salvation Army about the SABER program.

Section L

By M. Schlomer & editors

Welcome to all who are looking for Sunday School.  We have doubled our size (now 2)!  We have a short simple lesson that follows the lectionary, and each week we have an activity.  Two weeks ago, we used dominos to learn about passing the Word of Jesus on to our friends.  Last week we cut out leaves, wrote our names on them and taped them to the Vine of Jesus.  It’s fun—come join us at 10:30 after worship!

Longwood P.W. did not meet in April due to doctor appointments for some of us.  We will meet Wed. May 9^th, in the Fellowship Hall at 1:30 P.M.  We hope all will be there, and we will study lesson #6. We still have plenty of time to finish our study book.

We had a great turn out for Easter breakfast at church and for our service, thanks to all the good cooks for making this possible, I know it was enjoyed by all of us there. The youngsters sure enjoyed the egg hunt! I think they could have hunted eggs for a good while.

Range Line hosted the annual P.W. Birthday Program on Thurs. May 3^rd.  As I had an appointment at the hospital so I couldn’t attend.  I had to get things done before treatment starts, it will be radiation. I don't know when they will start; they said they would call in about 2 weeks.  I have received so many nice cards and I want to thank all who sent them, also for the prayers, from all.  Thank you all.  Time does go by so fast, so hope this will all soon be behind me.

School will soon be out, I am sure our kids will be looking forward to summer vacation.  I am sure all will find something to keep busy; Allison will play summer league softball.

We are thankful for JR's quick recovery from the gall bladder. I am sure he is eating food now that bothered him before.  Also Debbie Brown is back to work, and we pray she is doing well.  Also we extend prayers for Mindy Reno that she is on the mend.  Also Anna Jane needs our prayers—she loves to get mail.

Farmers are working around the rain we have been getting, so we wish them good crops for this year, there is nothing we can do about the weather, but grumble at times!

Sharon will fill us in where the monies will go from our Birthday Offering, and we will take out collection up when we meet. May 5^th is Spring Gathering in Jefferson City; we hope all have a good day and fellowship with other PW members.

God Bless all,                                Margaret

Remember:

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders!” Also another good thing to remember: “Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.”

And to a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17.

Sometime before Sunday worship on May 6, our church property was hit by lightning.  If you happen to drive by, check out the lone Chinese elm tree just to the north west of our church.  We believe that it won’t survive, as it has a split from ground to about 10’ up on the trunk.  Roots all around the base are now exposed and hunks of bark are missing, much landing on the side of the church. 

What intense event that must have been.  Awesome is not adequate to describe God’s power! 

Horizons Bible Study

Sat. May 19^th, 2012

Village Presbyterian Church

Prairie Village, Ks.

Please continue to keep the following folks in your prayers: 

Margaret Schlomer

Mindy Reno

Norma (& J.W.) Bales (Range Line)

Mary Ryan (Bill Schlomer’s cousin)

May

June

As mentioned in last month’s news, the Longwood Cemetery Association will hold an annual meeting on May 20, 2012, 2:30 pm at the Longwood Presbyterian Church fellowship hall.  All interested parties are welcome to attend.  Current board members are Rick Cornine, Jeff Barnes, and J. R. Greer.  For further information, please contact J. R. Greer, 11002 N. King Rd. Marshall, MO 65340.

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.  He didn't want his mother to walk with him.  She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.

So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed. The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.

Psalm 23, Verse 6:  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

May “Shirley Goodnest” and “Marcy” be with you today and always.

Section O

By M. Goode

PW met this month at the home of Johnnie Mae Kreisel .  Present besides Johnnie Mae was Pastor Bobbie, Marilyn Meyer, Martha Lu Young, Rita Henson.  Pastor Bobbie opened the meeting with prayer.   Martha Lu acted as hostess and led the Birthday Offering program.  The goal overall PW’s is to raise $900,000 this year.  Last year there was 32 applicants to receive one of the three to receive Birthday Offering money.  The 3 chosen were:

1.    NOROC (New Opportunities for Romanian Orphaned Children) which works in Romania with abandoned and orphaned children.  They will acquire land and build a gym/activity center for roughly 400 children in Tulcea, Romania.

2.    SUTS (Solar Under The Sun) which will train teens to install solar panels in Arkansas and Haiti.

3.    Living Waters for Girls of Greater Atlanta to build a learning center and chapel to help abused girls at Peachtree, Georgia.

During the business meeting, the treasurer reported a balance of $1916.28 of which $1613 is for the Heifer Fund.  That leaves a balance of $303.28 for the group to use in other areas of need.

Martha Lu offered Mother’s Day cards for sale to help people in Africa.  Anyone interested contact her or Marilyn.

It was announced that the Church Wide Gathering is asking each person to bring at least one $20 gift card from chain stores similar to Wal-Mart.  They will be given personally to each of the field workers.

Funny church bulletin sayings were read and old photographs were viewed to see if they could recognize who they were.

Next month Marilyn will be hostess, Martha Lu will have the lesson and Johnnie Mae will read from the Mission Book.

Thank you to the Otterville Presbyterian Church for hosting the Spring Tea.   The free will offering of food and money netted the Food Pantry 176.7 lbs of food items and $124 in cash. The cash purchased another 123.5 lbs. of food for a total of 300.2 lbs of food.  Donations of food and paper goods were received from, Otterville Presbyterian Church, Otterville Baptist Church, Sedalia/Smithton Girl Scouts, Jessie & Caroyln Taylor and Linda Bell which  amounted to 398 lbs of  food. Open Door/Columbia Food Bank gave us 2044 lbs of food. With the local/tea donations of 698.2 lbs it brought our grand total to 2742.2 lbs of food received.

We served 103 people this month and had 2 new families sign up bringing our total to 77 families being served. All are reported to be under the poverty level guidelines.

The Tea would not have been possible without the help of many people. Rose Homan and her foods class at the local school prepared much of the food. The Presbyterian Women who contributed, Rita's sister, her niece, Teresa & Katelyn Young, and the Smithton Girl Scouts. Kit Thompson was a great help checking people in and making sure they were registered. We had 53 people in attendance at the Tea.

Volunteer hours this month were 80.25 hours in the Food Pantry and approximately 100 more hours were spent on the Tea.

REMEMBER TO ATTACH A NOTE TO THE ARTICLES YOU DONATE SO A RECORD CAN BE KEPT OF WHERE  OUR  DONATIONS COME FROM.  THANK  YOU!

Westminster Group met April 19^th with 11 members present.  Minutes of the last meeting were read and corrected. I n old business Rita and Jim are ordering our tickets for Stained Glass Theater. (it was determined that there is no play in May so we will be going in June—date to be determined).  There was no new business.  Gary Karchner had a couple of games for us to play, one we matched the TV cowboy with the name of his horse and the second one we matched biblical couples.  Everyone enjoyed the games and the meal. Jim and Rita will be host for next meeting which will be May 17^th.

Amy Ehlers has been under the weather for several weeks with flu, cold or allergies.  Hitting the deer when she was on her way here for Easter didn’t help matters either!  Connie Ehlers has been sick recently also.

May

June

Section R

By Georgia Reid & Jennifer Alexander

(…will return next month)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person:  Jennifer Alexander, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, 660-619-2201

From: Range Line Presbyterian Church

RE:  New Continuing Education Grant

Range Line Presbyterian Church in Houstonia, MO announces the creation of the Range Line Presbyterian Church Continuing Education Grant. The grant was established through the Range Line Presbyterian Church Education Endowment Fund which was made feasible through the benevolence of the C.C. Orear Estate and the Montgomery Memorial.

It is the church’s desire to benefit the growth and development of the community by awarding this renewable $500 grant to individuals in the greater Houstonia/Range Line Church community who are seeking education and/or training necessary to improve the quality of their life.  This education and/or training would include, but not be limited to GED/Adult Basic Education courses, technical school/junior college or university courses, dual credit classes, or continuing education units (CEUs) required by their present employer. 

The church feels it is the responsibility of the church to support and grow the community and believes this grant is one way to do that.

This grant may be renewed, with funds available, for three more years and a total award of $2,000 provided the applicant reapplies each year, shows continued progress, and demonstrates need.

Persons interested in applying need to contact Georgia Reid, Clark of Session, at 660-568-3577 or 22620 Hwy CC, Houstonia, MO  65333.  Deadline for applying is June 15.

Range Line Church has also created a new $500 renewable scholarship for a senior at Northwest High School, Hughesville, MO.  The first awarding of this scholarship will be at the Northwest Graduation Ceremonies on May 18.

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Steve Coffelt

Norma Bales

Kenny Schuber

All graduates as they advance to the next level of life

May

June

Editor’s request:

If you have concerns or have ideas to improve the content of our news letter, we’d like to hear from you.  Is it too much, is it too little? Do you like humorous stories or do you find them offensive?  Drop us a note at:

J. R. Greer

11002 N. King Rd.

Marshall, MO 65340

Or you may send an e-mail to jrgreer@iland.net

Thanks to all those who contribute.                 JR

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting, "I’ve been saved!"

I'm whispering, "I get lost!

That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I don't speak with human pride

I'm confessing that I stumble—

Needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong

I'm professing that I'm weak

And pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success

I'm admitting that I've failed

And cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I don't think I know it all

I submit to my confusion

Asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect

My flaws are all too visible

But God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartache,

Which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian"

I do not wish to judge

I have no authority...

I only know I'm loved

Used by Permission

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

(sent in by Sharon Greer)

In the middle part of my adult years, the Holy Week and Easter has become something very personal and meaningful to me.   (This “middle-part” reminds me of a statement made by my friend, the late Rev. Jim Rodda, when he jokingly said he had lived a half of a lifetime at 62.  I wish that had been true.)  It might be easy for some to become insensitive to the annual spring event, even though it’s usually accented with family and friends, feasts and snacks, and on and on.  But that’s not an option for me, as each year Easter brings that special emotion of Christ’s life and His death in an increasingly clearer message.

I sat in church this past Easter Sunday and wondered what the reasons were, that others go to church and do they hear the same thing.  Many folks probably started going to church as I did—because at least one of our parents made us go.  I don’t remember ever saying I wasn’t going, although lots of times I would have rather been doing something else.  But, again, it really wasn’t an option.  Today, I love seeing young people come to church.  It doesn’t matter what their ages are—they are in church, learning about Jesus.  Once they have experienced Jesus, they will have a better platform to make decisions later in life.  I wish all children could sit peacefully in church and hear Jesus speak to them.

Today, the rural church where I attend has a powerful force pulling me into it—as much as anything in my life.  I know my mother did the pushing, but the real force is Jesus.  I also believe there are many folks like me who desperately need this Peace of Christ that I found in our small rural church. 

I hope our churches can continue to offer this message for many years to come.  There is more in coming to church than a mother’s shove.  It is important for our church congregation to grow in numbers, but it is far more important for us to be disciples so others will want to come to church.—JR

Horizons Bible Study

Sat. May 19th, 2012

Village Presbyterian Church

Prairie Village, Ks.

Presbyterian Women's Spring Gathering

Sat. May 5, 2012

First Presbyterian Church

Jefferson City, MO

Open Door Service Center invites all volunteers and supporters to their annual banquet on Monday, April 16, 6:15 pm at Parkview Christian Church, 1405 E 16^th St., Family Life Center (entry on 16^th Street).  Please call 827-1613 to let them know if you will attend, there is no charge for the event.

Section L

Congratulations to Allison Barnes for her accomplishments at a recent math contest.  She came in 3rd in “problem solving” and 5th in algebra.  Also we want to recognize her for performing several community service hours for the National Junior High Honor Society.  She spent her time comparing our books to the actual burial sites on several graves, and found many mistakes.  We very much appreciate this work and hope we can recruit her again.  Allison, congratulations on your accomplishments and thanks for your work!

A blessed and happy Easter to all. Longwood P.W. met in the Fellowship Hall on March 14^th. As I was not there, Betty filled me in with the information. There were 6 in attendance.

Sharon had lesson #5, Greatly Honored Are Those Who Show Mercy. Jesus calls on all of us to show mercy through emotion, action and dedication. I see this when we look at the food we bring on Sunday, we know it will go to someone who is hungry.  This is being a good Samaritan.

Cards were sent to shut-ins. Easter breakfast was discussed.

This year the menu will be the breakfast casseroles, biscuits and gravy, fruit, quick breads, etc. We all know there will be plenty to eat and drink. We pray for a nice day.

I want to thank all of my church family for your thoughts and prayers while I saw Drs. had tests and finally the surgery.

Thanks for the beautiful vase filled with bright daisies, and the balloon with daisies in it.  I am doing fine, do not have much pain at all. Just an overnight stay in the hospital, had excellent care. The Dr. said it was a small cancer. I go back to see him the 12^th and see the cancer Dr. the 20^th. Will keep all up to date.

I want to thank the session for ordering the devotional book, “These Days” for each family; it doesn't take long to read the bible verse and the short message, so hope all get in the habit of reading it.

In April, as many of us have doctor appointments, we decided to postpone our PW meeting. We will keep all up to date as to what is going on. PW Spring Gathering will be May 5^th, at the Jefferson City Presbyterian Church.

Keep our school kids in your prayers, some will be taking the MAP tests; hope they do well.

Others needing prayers are Mindy Reno, Debbie Brown and hope they are soon back to good health

Until next time, God's blessings to all, Margaret

The Heavenly King: He who was born to be crucified arose from the grave to be glorified-and the birds in the trees and the flowers of spring all join in proclaiming the heavenly King.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart: I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86-12

“Today add some harmony to the song that the world is singing!”-- Helen Steiner Rice.

Please keep the following folks in your prayers: 

Debbie Brown

Margaret Schlomer

Mindy Reno

Norma (& J.W.) Bales (Range Line)

Mary Ryan (Bill Schlomer’s cousin)

April

Gary Karchner, sorry we forgot your birthday in last month’s newsletter.  –J. R.

May

The Longwood Cemetery Association will hold an annual meeting (actually it has been 2 years since our last meeting) on May 20, 2012, 2:30 pm at the Longwood Presbyterian Church fellowship hall.  Thanks go to the church session for approving our request to meet in their building.  All interested parties are welcome to attend.  Current board members are Rick Cornine, Jeff Barnes, and J. R. Greer.  For further information, please contact J. R. Greer, 11002 N. King Rd. Marshall, MO 65340, or

A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible—Psalm 23.  She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.  Little Rick was excited about the task, but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm.  After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.  On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous.  When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.  (Thanks to Judy Moore for this story)

Section O

By M. Goode

PW met on March 6^th with five members present. Rev. Bobbie Karchner opened the meeting with prayer.  Marilyn Meyer led the group in studying lesson six, “Greatly Honored Are the Pure in Heart.”  Sue Sponcler read the minutes from the February meeting.  Marilyn reported the balance in the treasury as $1,741.28.  Of that amount, the Heifer Fund balance is $1,412.00 and the remaining $329.28 belongs to PW.

Johnnie Mae Kreisel reported that she had sent 12 cards in February.  She also asked us to meet at her house for the next two months and we all agreed to do that.

Johnnie Mae hosted PW at her home on April 3.  There were four members present.  Martha Lu Young opened the meeting in prayer and then we read “Our Purpose” in unison.  Rita Henson brought homemade root beer and Martha Lu brought bunny sugar cookies. 

Johnnie Mae reported sending 6 cards and there have been two caring hands.

We discussed the possibility of having the PW’s from all three churches meeting together so it would really help Bobbi.  We have two members with several health problems and they did not think they could do that.

Rita is planning a tea on Sunday April 22.  Admission is free, but please bring food for the Food Pantry.  Reservations are needed so please call Rita, 366-4988.

Martha Lu read from the Year Book of Prayer about World Communion Sunday/Peacemaking Offering.

Our May meeting will be on the 8^th and at Johnnie Mae’s.  We will celebrate PW'S Birthday.

The championship meet of the National Acrobatic Competition was held on March 3^rd in Overland Park, KS.  14 teams attended.  Each gymnast competed in her age level. 

These Otterville girls won medals or trophies:

Megan Bremer—4^th in mini-trampoline and 5^th in compulsory routine.

Delaney Fry—Grand champion trophies in compulsory routine and mini-trampoline

Josie Neal—Grand champion in mini-trampoline and 2^nd in compulsory routine.

Kit Thompson and Addison Randall—Grand champion in synchronized acrobatics.  Kit also earned a 1^st place in mini-trampoline and 3^rd place in compulsory routine.

Congratulations girls!

Reported by Johnnie Mae Kreisel

Editors’ note:  Thanks to Johnnie Mae and girls for reporting this article. We apologize for not having this report in the March newsletter—we received it the day after printing and distribution. –J. R.

MARCH 2012 OTTERVILLE FOOD PANTRY REPORT

Danita Allen Wood, Editor of the Missouri Life Magazine, wrote "Missouri is number six in the nation in food insecurity.  Food insecurity is based on a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey and means someone in a household ate less food because they didn't have enough money or other acceptable resources for food.  Stealing or scavenging dumpsters is not acceptable; asking family for help is.  Survey questions ranged from the milder: "We worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more," to the severe, "Did you ever not eat for a whole day because there wasn't enough money for food?"  We see this play out every time we have an open day at the food pantry.  We are now required to ask if people's incomes are below the income eligibility guidelines of 125% of the federal poverty guidelines according to the chart that the Food Bank gave us for the number of people in the household.  Every family said they brought home less than what the chart said.  So, we definitely have a need in our community to help feed our friends and neighbors.

Our family count increased again this month with 9 new families added to our roster.  We now have 75 families registered with a total of 221 family members.  We received 74% of our food this month from the Food Bank/Open Door.  Otterville Presbyterian Westminster group gave us $300 to buy meat which netted us 140 pounds of ground beef.  Our church members gave us another 141.2 pounds of food/goods.  The Otterville Baptist church has embraced the Otterville Food Pantry as their mission project and gave us 171.9 pounds of food/goods this month.  They won the "Souper Bowl Contest and was awarded the Ladle Award on April 1st.  We want to thank all who participated in this food drive.  Even though we did not reach our 2000 can goal we collected 349 cans of soup and numerous other food items that we needed.  The Smithton Girl Scouts and the Sedalia Girl Scout Service Team has continued to collect food for us.  This month they collected 102.8 pounds which gave us a grand total of 572.6 pounds given by our community.

We are grateful for our dedicated volunteers who help us collect the food, sort it out, and stock the shelves.  Students are helping carry the food into the basement, sort the food, and help people carry the food to their cars.  Margot Evans continues to be our registrar.  Mary Ann Keating, Teresa Young, Lisa Cooper, and John Robertson served as guides this month.  Rick Miller is helping to pick up the food from Open Door and stock.  Jim and Rita continue to oversee the operation, buy the food with the donations received, do the paperwork, and try to keep people informed.  This month we had 76.75 volunteer hours logged by all our volunteers.

Sunday April 22nd at 3p.m. at Wear Hall we will have another Spring Tea to benefit the food pantry.  All food/ donations will be to support the food pantry.  Please call Rita at 660-366-4988 or 714-931-5453 to reserve your space.  Rose Homan's high school foods class will again help prepare the food.

We welcome any visitors to see how the food pantry works.  It is amazing to see how fast the food/goods are depleted at each opening.  The Food Bank has not been receiving as much donated food so it is a great help to have community support.  Thanks to Pat and Bob Asbury we now have a chest freezer.

Our needs continue to be canned meats, canned fruit, pasta, and pasta sauces, pasta mixes like Hamburger Helper, and peanut butter. 

Westminster met Thursday February 15 with 14 present. Pastor Bobbie opened with prayer. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. We have $307.37 in our treasury. A thank You card was read from Jim and Rita Henson thanking us for our donation to the food bank. In old business it was decided to attend the Stained Glass Theater on May 17 to see “Summer of Hope”. We will be leaving the church at 4:30 and going to Longhorn Steakhouse for supper.  Someone mentioned that Rita could order our tickets, but since she wasn’t there someone may have to take charge of that. It was reported that there were only 6 people that came to movie night. There was no new business. Martha Lu Young had the program and we shared silly headlines. Then we learned how to draw shamrocks on paper on top of our heads.  Next meeting will be April 19th with Marilyn as host. Dianna will have the program with Martha Lu as a backup. 

Our sympathy goes to the family of Melba Edwards who passed away recently.

April

May

Section R

By Georgia Reid

Spring is officially here!!!  The spring flowers have been beautiful and, of course, the dandelions and yard grass have been doing well also.  In our area the winter was unusually mild and it is hard to believe that we are into another season!!!

I just ran across a saying by Richard P. Cook, “Most of us have much trouble praying when we are in little trouble, but we have little trouble praying when  we are in much trouble.”   This is true for most of us and I wonder if we have remembered to say a special “Thank You God” for the mild winter?  We have been blessed in so many ways – weather, health, friends and family.  At this Easter time we are especially blessed that God sent his son to live and die for us. Hopefully others can see God in us.

We are praying that you will come to Range Line and worship with us Sunday morning at 8:30, we have Sunday School for all ages at 9:30, and then you have the rest of Sunday for your family.  If you live close to another Church I am sure they would welcome you as well.  Why not try it, you might like it!

The Session voted to award a scholarship to a graduating senior at Northwest High School and the necessary forms have been sent to the Counselor there.  They are now working on forms for a “Grant” to be awarded this summer – watch for qualifications in the near future.

Congratulations to Caitlyn Alexander for being chosen by the Central Missouri Electric Cooperative to go on the Youth Tour, which is a trip to Washington D.C. on June 15-22.  She is one of 80 juniors from Missouri and 1500 juniors from across the nation to tour the Nation’s capital.  She was also chosen by the American Legion Auxiliary to attend Missouri Girl’s State, which is held in Warrensburg on June 24- 30.  This promises to be a very exciting summer for Caiti – and we are so proud of you, and look forward to hearing about your travels.  Way to go!!!

NW Jr. High students took part in the Crest Ridge Math Contest recently with the following 8th grade students placing: Geometry – Hanna Gregory 7^th: Algebra – Ali Chamberlin 6^th and Math team of Ali Chamberlin & Julia Tupchiy placing 8^th.  The Northwest 8^th grade placed 4^th overall - Congratulations!!

Third quarter A and B honor roll for Northwest has been released. Those on the A honor roll are – Ali Chamberlin, Hanna Gregory,  Tori Shireman, Jessi Zimmerman, Caitlin Alexander, Mary Paige Norfleet and Shaina Chamberlin.  Those on the B honor roll are: Trey Green, Matthew Locke, Elijah Johnson and Megan Locke. Keep up the good work!!!

The school calendar is full of activities between now and the last day of school – check it often and attend as many of their activities as you can.  The High School Spring Concert is April 23^rd at 7:00 at the High School and the Elementary Spring Concert is May 14^th at 7:00 at the High School.  May 23rd is the last day for the 2011-12 school year with Senior Graduation at 7:00 on May 18th.  Baccalaureate will be at 7:00 on Sunday evening May 13^th.  The seniors have worked hard to reach their goals and we congratulate them as they graduate.

Rylan Chamberlin got 2nd at the Conference Elementary Math c contest at Lincoln.

Will Chamberlin son of Matt Chamberlin recently graduated from MU – Columbia with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He is the nephew of JR Chamberlin and grew up in this area.

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Steve Coffelt

Norma Bales

Kenny Schuber

All graduates as they advance to the next level of life

 April

May