May 7, 2012 – Dick and I visited with Larry and Lynn Clayton the 7th. Larry is improving, hopefully he can soon be able to get up some every day. We talked to Bob and Ella Mae Husky at the church picnic last week. They had been visiting in Tennessee…
I good morning to all our friends and neighbors. We hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend, a nice time for a cookout or a picnic. We send get well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes, our sympathy to all who…
The weather forecaster said that the Ragweed was up early this year and already showing a high pollen count. That must be why I had a sinus condition to flare up this past week and now this week too. I’m not enjoying this irritating, hacking cough that started today either. …
Good morning and how are you? I hope all the mother’s had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I certainly did. Daughter Anita came and brought me a beautiful red rose with the ferns and baby’s breath and a German Chocolate cake and a beautiful big Mother’s Day card that plays music. …
Since you weren’t there this past Sunday morning at least half our congregation tried to find you, well, at least I suppose that’s where they were because they weren’t here. We really could have used you last Sunday. I think about two-thirds of our group were missing for one reason…
“And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day and shall be my people I will dwell in the midst of thee and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee,” Zechariah 2:11. Before I visited with Joyce Strolls and Theta Porter…
As these news items are written we are really needing rain and half of the month of May is gone. It’s so dry the usual May flowers aren’t blooming as pretty. However the catalpa tree blooms are very pretty. Maxine Smith had visitors last week from Mountain Grove area. They…
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to blindness. If it goes untreated, the pressure in the eye rises and the eyeball itself starts to harden. It’s interesting that once it begins hardening, the vision begins to go. It’s like so many other things that harden. Once they do…
Sunday, May 13th, was the Fifth Sunday after Easter. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Epistle for the day, St. James 1:22, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only,” in which James stresses the need for Christian faith to be shown to the world in action…
May 7, 2012 correction Well, Delmar and I were both a little under the weather on Sunday so we neither one went to church. One day we took Delmar’s brother to Springfield to the doctor. My mom, Nora Hunsaker, has been having trouble with her ear but is feeling a…
We began with special prayer at 9:30 a.m. on Mother’s Day. We read Psalm 28 as our devotion led by Sunday School Superintendent, Brad Siler. Several prayer requests were given. We are always a very needy people. Happy birthday was sung to Pastor Neal. I am not sure how many. …
The weeks are going by so fast it’s hard to keep up. They say that it is a sign of old age. Mark Jones drove the third and fourth garde students from Plainview School to Springfield last Tuesday to the Discovery Center. I went along to help with the children,…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good week and all the mothers were truly blessed on Sunday as that was their special day. I know I sure was. The children did a good job of keeping a surprise from me by planning a cook…
There was a good attendance at Red Bank Church for Mother’s Day. The morning hymns were led by Brother Gary Lirley. Brother Jerry Huff gave the morning welcome and introduced the Sunday school lesson. Brother Les reminded everyone that our monthly Praise service would be held this Sunday evening at…
Billy Fletcher, his friends, Edgar and Sharon Stewart, joined with the Star Workers Club for lunch at the Rusty Spur in Seymour, last Tuesday. This was in recognition of Mother’s Day. Sunday, after church, Billy Fletcher, Mike and Linda Wilson, and Edgar and Sharon Stewart had Mother’s Day Dinner at…
“It was a dark and stormy night,” last night, (borrowing a phrase from Snoopy), he’s my hero. I wish he would get his book finished so I could read it. Ha! We did get a thunderstorm and rain again last night. It’s been that way for about a week now. …
It was a great Mother’s Day weekend with many things to do throughout the area. I had a great Mother’s Day, attending church with four generations of our family. After church Junior and I had a nice lunch with youngest daughter, Jeanette Evans; Nicholas and Sarah Inman, Reagan Inman and…
If you didn’t have a wonderful Mother’s Day this past Sunday, you certainly missed a good chance. With as perfect a day, weather wise, as anyone could ask for, and if you had come to church, we had lots of friends, neighbors and loved ones to make it a really…
“Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised,” Provebs 31:30. A couple of weeks ago, Thomas Clayton from Illinois was down visiting Louin and Valerie Clayton. Friday evening Gary and I went to Ava and visited his mother, Maxine Turner.…
Vegetation is certainly growing fast, and for shrubs, they require a lot of pruning at my place. Catalpa trees are full of blooms, and soon there will be fishermen getting worms off the leaves. Karen and Dave Davis were in Mountain Home last Tuesday for Dave’s doctor appointment. They came…
“But their minds were blinded…” (II Corinthians 3:14). It reminds me of some teenagers. All the talk in the world won’t deter a youth from doing what he/she has his/her mind set on. Sometimes the only thing that works is to put a foot on their head (figuratively speaking, of…
Sunday, May 6 was the Fourth Sunday after Easter. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Epistle for the day, St. James 1:17, in which St. James tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights. This can refer to…
Well, Delmar and I were both a little under the weather on Sunday so we neither one went to church. One day we took Delmar’s brother to Springfield to the doctor. My mom, Nora Hunsaker, has been having trouble with her ear but is feeling a little better, she lost…
Food Harvest items were collected as we came together on our Lord’s Day. Prayer requests were given for Jeff Dalton and his family, Eugene Eubanks, our nation, leaders and unbelievers. Doyle Humbyrd prayed this prayer. Our Sunday school lesson was from John 6, one of the seven “I am’s” of…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good and joyous weekend. We send get well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost a loved one. May God bless you in your…
Another holiday is quickly approaching. It’s called, Mother’s Day. Some of us still have our mothers with us and some of us don’t. My own mother past away some time ago. She was a very special mother. She worked hard to care for her children and other family members and…
Norma Stillings celebrated her 75th birthday, Sunday. Her sister, Anna Goos, and brother-in-law Pete came from Lee’s Summit, Saturday, to help her celebrate. Debra Bohnstedt of Springfield, Tom Stillings and Joyce Greenwood of Ozark, Stanley Stillings of Squires, and Alan Stillings of Ava joined them for lunch at Ruby Garden.…
April 30, Here we go again, another month gone by and wondering where it went. Our nice weather changed from perfect to windy, rainy and cold. It’s rained the last few days and supposed to rain all week with a chance of storms everyday. I think the nation’s had enough…
It sure was nice to get some additional rain last night. I am sorry that I have not written in awhile, life has just been to crazy! First, Congratulations to Michael and Amber Brand on the birth of their new son. I know that big brother, Tyson Brand will sure…
Let there be no doubt, summer is upon us. Our morning message was entitled, “A Hunt In A Garden of Cucumbers,” taken from our text in Isaiah 1:8. God’s directions for Israel in that time seems very applicable to our own nation today. Our turning away from Him, in much…
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15 Howard and Ella Faye Mitchell have a new great grandson, Corbin Jaxon Scott, born April 19. Parents are Clayton and Tori Scott and the grandparents…
We are surely getting rain showers this week according to the forecast. Prayers are for Agene Hawkins of Brixey area as he was taken to Baxter Co. Regional Hospital over the weekend. Our best wishes for his recover. A week ago Saturday the Gainesville First Baptist Youth group enjoyed a…
Starting at Romans 1:18 to the end of that chapter is a pretty good account of just how ugly sin can be. There’s a bit of a hint that Paul may be targeting the Jewish people. But, in verse 18, he makes it plain that he is talking about the…
Sunday, April 29, was the third Sunday after Easter; altar and vestment colors continue to be white and we also have all white altar flowers. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Gospel for the day, St.John 16:16, “Jesus said to His diciples, a little while and ye shall not…
Sunday morning service was opened with music and singing. Sister Joyce Erickson did a beautiful job on her special song. Brother Roberts brought the message from Hebrews 10:24-25, “A Message of Encouragement.” We have been busy this week with Delmar working in his garden, me being at Springfield waiting to…
We met at 9:30 a.m. for prayer. At 10 a.m., Brad Siler began our Lord’s service by standing to read the word of God from Isaiah 29. Prayer requests were given and praises shared. Brother Paul Duckworth will be coming home today and Jim Haden is home now. We give…
We welcome the rain we received this morning. I won’t have to water my flowers today. We appreciate the work on our road 536 a couple of weeks ago. It is the best we’ve ever seen it. Plainview School had their softball tournament at Skyline last week. I didn’t get…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals, and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones, may God bless you in your time of…
The Red Bank Church service began with Gary Lirley leading the congregation in hymns. Brother Jerry Huff provided the usual morning greeting. Brother Les reminded members that business meeting will be held the first Wednesday of May, and that the youth’s CiA mission meeting is, held every Wednesday evening at…
Norma Stillings had a nice surprise when she got a phone call from a cousin last Wednesday afternoon. Bill and Shirley Saunders of Irving, Texas had driven to Ava to try to find the graves of her grandmother, Lucy Brown Brixey, and great grandmother, Mary Davidson Brown Fannon, who are…
4-23-12. Hello to all the readers of the Douglas County Herald. I hope all is well with you. Everything’s about the same here. It’s been chilly and getting down to freezing and frosting some nights. I don’t know how much longer the plants will tolerate it. The campground is reopened…
We are blessed by the testimony of one that many have been praying for, for a long time, who has accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Which made the day all the more beautiful in which to praise the Lord last Sunday. Our morning message was taken from the…
What a chilly time Friday night and Saturday morning. I got in a hurry to have my propane heater pilot lights turned off, when it was warm, in early April. So electric heaters are in use now. This cool spell could be our blackberry “squall,” as they are now starting…
FOOD!!! The 5th Sunday Feed at Sweden Church is this coming Sunday, April 29th, immediately following the morning church service. It’s not necessary to bring a covered dish. There will be plenty of food to go around. It would be a good time to come and check out the progress…
Sunday, April 22 was the Second Sunday after Easter, also known in the Anglican tradition as Good Shepherd Sunday from the Epistle reading for the day, St. John 10:11, “Jesus said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.: Bishop Hartley based his sermon…
Sunday morning service was opened with the Praise Team doing a wonderful job leading the congregation in Praise songs. Brother Roberts brought the message from Galatians 5:1-2, “Breaking Free.” Sunday evening was our 4th Sunday singing. We had several congregational songs then several special songs. Especially the one that was…
After we read our devotional from Revelations 22, prayer requests were given for Corby Lux, Eugene Banks, Palmer Pellham, Paul Duckworth, the unsaved, our military and those in nursing homes. Van Menzies prayed this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Stan Humbyrd. He will be the big 50 on Wednesday,…
What pretty weather we’re having here in the Ozarks, being a little cool at night, hope no one lost any garden plants. Norma Cross, Kenny and Seth Hunt, visited with Dick and Pauline Richards, one day last week. Kelly Thompson, Kinsey, Kailey and Kyle, Jay, Brook and Autum Groth, had…
UPCOMING EVENTS: April 25- 7 p.m. attend Hartville FWB Church for the Gold City concert; April 28- Men’s Rally in Ozark, Mo. At 10:30 a.m. with Bro. Fred Warner the speaker; April 29- cake and punch for Nicole Sellars after evening services; May 3- 7:00 a.m. Men’s breakfast; May 12-…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good weekned. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. May God bless you in your time of sorrow. Our…
The weather has finally warmed up. The sunshine felt good to me while I was outside in my garden picking ripe strawberries. Only a few of them were ripe enough to pick. I have to watch close for them to ripen because something else is always helping me eat them.…
Billy Fletcher had lunch with the Needle and Thimble Quilt Club, Wednesday at the Rusty Spur in Seymour. Carl and Joan Fletcher stopped by for a visit with Billy, Saturday. Billy visited his Aunt Jean Daugherty, Saturday evening. Billy and his friend, Carol Riggs, went out for dinner at Fred…
4-16-12. Such terribly bad weather all over the U.S.A. I hope all of you are safe. We didn’t get any bad storms right here, thank God, but a lot of wind the last few days. It blew a big dead limb out of one of the cedar trees here in…
Our weekend began with the 147th annual meeting of the Missouri Association of General Baptist, down at Piland Youth Camp. The meeting went well with opening services on Friday evening and business session on Saturday. Throughout the course of the meetings we heard four messages from the gospel all on…
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. And the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance,” Psalms 33:12. Monday John and Zamber Little and Wyatt and Liviya Wharton were at Ralph and Dana Brazeal’s. Wednesday, Gary and I visited with Rayford and Freda Clayton at Longrun.…
The ground is surely soaked with the heavy rain we received Sunday afternoon and night. Grass grows fast now and lawn mowing keeps us busy. Livestock benefits from the green pastures for sure. Maxine Smith visited Sharon Smith Sunday afternoon when it was raining so hard. Tammy Childress visited her…
Acts 1:4-5 was the text of the sermon. In it the resurrected Jesus is telling the apostles to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the promise of the Father which is the Holy Spirit. It was shortly after this that Jesus ascended to heaven. The apostles went to Jerusalem (they…
Sunday, April 15 was the first Sunday after Easter. Altar colors continue to be white and we had white altarflowers as well. In the absence of Bishop Hartley, who was away performing confirmations at one of our sister churches, instead of Holy Communion we held the morning prayer service led…
Sunday morning service was opened with music then prayer requests and prayer. Margaret Rosseau sang a special. Brother Roberts brought the message from I Thessalonions 4:16-17, “The Second Coming of Christ.” Sunday evening service was opened with prayer then congregational hymns. Brother Randy and Sister Venita Brummet sang a special.…
Several attended the White River Association’s 130th Session. We thank God for a great time in the Lord. We read Psalm 122 as our devotional with Brother Brad Siler as our Sunday School Superintendent. Prayer requests were shared for Peggy Miller, Paul Duckworth, Jim Evans, Pat Dobbs, a little one,…
5-16-2012. We received a little over an inch of much needed rain Sunday. Tuesday the 10th of April, Norma Cross, Kenny Hunt, Dick and I drove to Huntsville, Arkansas. Bill and Sue Johnson and Georgia Sanders from Claremore, Oklahoma and Pete and Sandra Jenkins from Fayetteville, Arkansas met at the…
A good morning to our readers. We hope everyone had a great weekend. Some rain, but no storms that I know of around here. On Sunday afternoon Pastor Tom came and shared with us the word of God from Psalms, chapter 119 and verse 169-176. The group enjoyed a sing-a-long…
Hello everyone. Well, it didn’t rain on Easter Sunday, at least not in our area, but we did get a good rain on the following Sunday. I guess the belief that whatever the weather happens to be on Easter Sunday will be followed by the same for the next seven…
4-9-12. Good morning and it is a very good morning and yesterday couldn’t have been any nicer for Easter if it tried. We came home from East Moline yesterday. We had beautiful traveling weather too. We went to the Cities Friday morning. As usual Walt let me out at Silvis…
What a gloriously beautiful Sunday morning we had this last Lord’s day. After Sunday school songs of praise by the choir, our morning message was the Charge To Preach given by Paul in II Timothy 4:1-5. In this passage we are told to, “reprove, rebuke,” those among us who are…
It was a beautiful Easter day for families to get together and those traveling. Earnestine Gaddy had her daughters and families with her over Easter weekend and they all attended church at Lilly Ridge The Friendly Neighbors Extension Club met April 1st for their monthly meeting. Present were Alice Hurley,…
Only Noah and his family survived the flood. (Genesis 6) The prince of this world (John 12:31) had reeked enough havoc since Adam that God was fed up. About 800 years later, Job comes along. He is an upright man who revered God and abstained from evil (Job 1:1). Satan…
Holy week at St. Francis began on Thursday, April 5 with the Maundy Thursday communion service. The day takes its name from the Latin mandatum or mandate as Jesus mandated the communion service as a sacrament at the Last Supper. Then on Good Friday, April 6, we held the Good…
Easter Sunday service opened with fellowship time then prayer requests and prayer. The Praise Team did an awesome job of leading us in praise songs. Brother Roberts brought the message from Luke 24: 1-8, “Why Do We Treat Jesus as if He is Still Dead? He’s Alive!” Attending Walnut Grove…
We read our devotional from Psalm 31 on Resurrection Sunday. Prayer requests were given and Frances Humbyrd led us in this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Sonya Hodges and Harold Menzies. Happy anniversary was sung to Danny and Connie Johnson. It will be 42 years on Tuesday, April 10th.…
Lots of people are out working in yards and gardens. Grass is a little early this year I think, but the weather is great. Dick stopped to see Helen Dobbins Wednesday, but I think he spent more time with Ronnie. They always have a lot to talk about. Norma Cross…
Easter Breakfast at Sunday School today. During the morning service, we had beautiful Easter songs led my Mike Housley. The Choir special Led by Tammi Housely was a beautiful Easter Medley of songs. Special by Lois Carter’s son-in-law Jamie and special by Stanley Jones. A special reading by Kaden Bruce. …
A good rainy morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good Easter Sunday. The weather was great for an egg hunt and a cook out. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals, and the nursing homes. May you be up and…
Greetings from Red Bank. Wasn’t the weather beautiful for this Easter Sunday? Usually, the weather on that day is wet and somewhat blustery. There is an old saying that if it rains on Easter Sunday, it will rain on the following seven Sundays. It usually happens that way too. I…
Norma Stillings and several other volunteers for the Long-term Care Ombudsman Agency attended a meeting and had lunch with staff members at the Southwest Center for Independent Living (SCIL) in Springfield, Monday. The two organizations made presentations and asked questions on how they serve people with disabilities. The goal of…
4-2-12. Well, a good morning to everyone and a beautiful morning it is. A little breezy, but that’s okay. We had a nice weekend too. Walt mowed the grass again. It sure looks pretty. We will go to the cemetery this afternoon and mow Jeff’s grave and put new flowers…
Our Ressurection Sunday began with a wonderful Sunday school lesson about the visit of “certain women” to the empty tomb where Jesus was laid. Their discovery and the subsequent events which led to the discovery of the “Risen Lord.” After our Sunday school lesson we went into the choirs rendition…
“And he saith unto them, be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified, He is risen, He is not here, behold the place where they laid him,” Mark 16:6. This year was the first time I mowed grass in February and March. Thursday evening my niece, Lisa…
How the grass is growing these days! We may expect a few cooler days in April and even in May as has happended in years past. Lilly Ridge Church had its April business meeting Sunday evening after services. There are some new projects underway for improvement. Also Lilly Ridge had…
Easter is this Sunday, April 8th. Sweden Church has a sunrise service at 7 a.m. and breakfast at 8 a.m. After breakfast, some stay for Sunday school and church and others must leave. In any event, everyone is welcome to come and thank the good Lord that He has seen…
Sunday, April 1 was the Sunday next before Easter, known as Palm Sunday. In one of the most beautiful services in the Anglican tradition we began the service with the blessing of the palms in which members kneel at the altar to receive palms blessed by the priest then process…
Sunday morning was opened with hymns, prayer requests and prayer. Sister Tillie Fowler sang the beautiful special. I truly enjoy her specials. Brother Cody Prock brought the message from Matthew 25: 14-30, “Don’t waste your talents.” Brother Cody Prock brought the evening message from Matthew 24: 12-14 and Song of…
We read our devotional from St. John 8 and prayer requests were given for Eugene Eubanks, Jim Haden, John Watson, John Haskins, Fay Humbyrd, Cathy Cornett and Paula Calmer. Happy anniversary was sung to Rick and Elane Crum. I believe they will celebrate April 4th. Kevin Hodges prayed the offertory…
March 24, Sue Brown surprised her husband, Tom with a birthday party for his 70th birthday at their home in Goodhope. Meat and cheese tray, veggie dish, chips and dip, cake and ice cream were served to Ervin and Lodean Schultz, Rodney, Lisa and Kayli Brown of Seymour, Terry, Mel,…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. The weather was just great for a picnic or cookout. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and nursing homes. ‘Our sympathy to all who have lost loved…
3-28-12 Well, here I am trying to think of something good to write about again and as usual, I can’t think of much. We’re still having good weather, but there’s only so much you can write about that. It’s been really windy a lot of the time, but that’s supposed…
This past weekend was a great time to get out and look over the countryside. I really enjoyed riding around with oldest grandson, Nicholas and great granddaughter Reagan Inman. We began with a visit to Kindall Store where we enjoyed seeing Charley Brindley and Elaine Parny. A group of neighbors…
I trust your Palm Sunday service was just as glorious as ours, hopefully you were involved in worship service at another church if you couldn’t come and be with us. We did miss you, and your seat wasn’t taken by someone else. Our morning worship service began with specials from…
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head, Romans 12:20 Gary and I went to Ava Wednesday and visited his mother, Maxine Turner in the nursing home. Thursday, Gary and I went…
All the rain we received was welcome around here. Our branches were full, but didn’t stay up very long. Julian Cavalier helped their neighbor get across their road, there wasn’t any problem with four wheel drive autos. Seth Hunt spent last week with his grandma, Norma Cross, and his dad…
We had a glorious Sunday morning service. After Sunday school we were treated to special music by Ella Faye Mitchell and then by Branetta and Beverly McNese. Then came our morning message from Psalm 90:9 entitled, “As A Tale That Is Told.” Relating the tie between our lives and scripture.…
Missouri was made a state a hundred years ago and our ancestors came from Tennessee and Kentucky and from the Eastern states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois and one important asset Missouri had was the hills and rocks, with clear water as my grandfathers’ letters stated, with no malaria, as…
Easter is April 8th. Sweden Church has a sunrise service at 7 a.m. and breakfast at 8 a.m. After breakfast, some stay for Sunday school and church and others must leave. In any event, everyone is welcome to come and thank the good Lord that He has seen fit to…
Sunday, March 25 was the fifth Sunday in Lent, being the second before Easter, commonly called Passion Sunday, and in stark contrast to the joy of Rose Sunday the altar and vestment colors return to violet and the altar cross as well as the crosses in the sanctuary, nave and…
Sunday morning service was opened with the Primary class singing two songs and doing the motions with them. They did a really good job. The Praise Team then led us in songs and they had a very good harmony. I truly enjoyed hearing them sing. Brother Roberts brought the message…
Prayer requests were given for Jim Haden, John Watson, Coleen and family, revival, Randy Dalton in revival in Texas and lost loved ones. Sonya Hodges prayed this prayer. We sang with testimonies shared in between songs. A great spirit was present. Let us listen to the Spirit. Happy birthday was…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. May God bless you in your time of…
Its spring and time for spring cleaning. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past two days. I didn’t get to do much of the needed cleaning last year so I have to overcome two years of dirt and grime that stuck to all our windows and inside window coverings. …
Norma Stillings had a busy week. She attended the Douglas County Homemakers meeting where representatives of the Nubbin Ridge and Star Workers Clubs met to make plans for the DOW Spring Fling that will held April 17. Then she had lunch with the Retired Teachers at Pizza Hut. That evening…
Everyone has a dream. The dream is usually about getting married, having kids, a nice house, two cars, a good job, and so on. Whatever the dream is, most people usually get some or most of what they dream about. This is usually true, too. No matter how much of…
Sunday, March 18th, was the fourth Sunday in Lent. In the Angelican tradition, this day is rich in symbolism and is known as Rose Sunday, as well as Laetare or Rejoicing Sunday. It is something of a pre-Easter Sunday, in that the emphasis is on a lessening of the somber…
Sunday morning service was opened with songs and prayer, Brother Roberts brought the message from John 19:30, “It Is Finished.” Sunday evening was Singing and testimonies. We are sorry to hear that Brother Roberts is under the weather, but, expect him to be better really soon. Visiting Nora Edwards, while…
Some of our schools were on Spring break. I guess I was too! We began with prayer requests and several were given. Among those were John Watson, David Wilson, Colene, Jim Haden, Jeff Dalton, our nation, troops and leaders, and Randy Dalton in revival in north Missouri. Connie Johnson prayed…
We got a little rain this morning (Monday.) Hopefully we will get some more. I talked to my sister, Georgia in Oklahoma. She said it had rained there since early morning and her yard looked like a river. Dick and I visited with Helen Dobbins Tuesday. She is doing pretty…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good weekend and was safe and happy. We have had a busy week here at the village. To start with on Thursday was our monthly dinner with Heart of the Ozarks and Ava Place furnishing our meal. Our…
Last week we enjoyed a week of sunshine and now we begin our spring season with a week of rain and cloudy skies. I will be happy if a few rainy days are all we have to endure. There are tornado watches out for many of our surrounding counties. The…
3-19-12. Well, I hope everyone is getting ober their sinus infections. I think I am starting to finally, after starting the third antibiotics. The first one didn’t do it, the second one made me really, really sick and I had to quit it, but I think this third one is…
We enjoyed the beautiful sunny day the Lord blessed us with, this last Sunday and following Sunday School, we heard specials from Branetta and Beverly McNese and a quartette made up of Tom and Phyllis Bently, Lola Mayberry and myself. Our morning message was, “Self-Analysis,” from II Corinthians 13:5, where…
“Then said he, unto what is the kingdom of God like? And whereunto shall I resemble it?” Luke 13:18. Gary and I went to the Ava Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center Saturday afternoon to visit his mother, Maxine Turner, and Gary’s aunt, Barb Shortt. There has been a lot…
We surely received a down pouring of rain Sunday. The ground is now saturated, and branches and creeks are overflowing. The jonquils and daffodils are bowing their heads, many on the ground from the hard rain. National Missions was last Sunday, and donations go to help a new church in…
Once upon a time there was a tightrope walker. He was so good that he could walk across the tightrope blindfolded pushing a wheelbarrow. Pretty amazing stuff. After he accomplished this feat, on one particular performance, he asked the audience if they believed he could do it going back. “Yes!”…
Sunday, March 11 was the third Sunday in Lent. In the early church this day was known as Scrutiny Sunday because candidates for baptism were examined to determine if they were ready for baptism or confirmation which took place on Easter Sunday. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Epistle…
The Praise Team opened the Sunday morning service with some new songs and did a fine job. We are proud to see our youth working in the church. One young lady was baptized on Sunday morning. Brother Roberts brought the message from Matthew 27:26-46, “The Cross.” We had a guest…
We got two inches of much needed rain here in the holler. It sure feels like spring with all the flowering trees. I hope it doesn’t come a big freeze and kill everything. We’ve had several calls from relatives in other states, asking if we had any damages from the…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. The weather was good for the most part. Some rain off and on on Sunday, but the last two days were great. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the…
Wow! The beauty and warmth of this day was perfect to bring one out of their winter doldrums. Gary and I enjoyed working outside most of the day. The warmth of the sun really felt good. This week should be great for opening windows and allowing the fresh air to…
Sharon Cherry visited with Billy Fletcher last Friday. Saturday, Billy, his aunt, Jean Daugherty, Barbara Whittaker, and George and Donna Dale went to the home of Janet and Ray Davis to celebrate Jean’s birthday. During the past week, Norma Stillings drove her friend Paulette Walls to Springfield for a medical…
3-12-12 Dear Folks: Where does a person even start to write about all that’s going on. Just hard to take in all the storms, damages and lost lives. It is so sad, but a lot of good people are pitching in to help. I watched the Nascar race yesterday and…
This Lord’s Day started off an hour earlier and several gallons wetter. Maybe that was why we were fewer in number this week. I didn’t even have to save your seat, there were plenty. After Sunday school we were treated to a special by Miss Lori Ray and then Ella…
“And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God,” Luke 4:12. Sympathy to the families of Lula Kellog, Bonnie Reid and Ronda Prock. Paula Bentley is well enough to live at home again. Wednesday, Gary and I went to Ava to visit…
We really had a strong wind Saturday, but the sunshine was bright. Perhaps the wind was an aftermath coming from the west, where tornadoes damaged Branson and other places west of us. We can expect to have more stormy weather this month according to predictions and the almanac. It was…
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It’s in Romans 3:23. There’s likely no one who compares themselves to God or His glory. The undeniable truth is that He’s been around forever—us?—in this present state, this body is going to die. Now, back in Genesis 1:27,…
Sunday March 4th, was the second Sunday in Lent. The usual Morning Prayer Service is replaced by the chanting of the Litany or General Supplication asking for God’s mercy; altar and vestment colors are violet. This day is sometimes known as Perseverance Sunday, in which Christians should renew their dedication…
Sunday morning service was opened with prayer and good music. Kami Souder sang a beautiful song. Brother Roberts brought the message from Luke 23:32-34, “Calvary.” In the evening service, Sister Tillie Fowler sang a beautiful special. Brother Jim Lund brought a devotion then Brother Cody Prock brought the message from…
2-27-10 The March winds are coming in early this year, maybe they will go away earlier. We were in Springfield last week for Dick’s check up with his heart doctor. He got a good report. On the 17th, Kelly and DeAnn Thompson took Dick and I to Montana Mike’s in…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a great and safe weekend. We sure had some strong winds to cope with, but no damage that I know of. Again we were blessed as we only had storms all around us. Not much rain as of yet,…
Greetings. Brother Jake was on hand to lead the congregation in hymns to begin the Sunday morning services at Red Bank, and Brother Jerry gave everyone a cheery welcome. Attendance was good for Sunday school and for the worship service. Brother Les announced that the CIA youth group will have…
Albert and Doris Elliott, Lenora Burton, and Betty Jenkins visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Tom and Jewell are happy to have such good friends coming in for visits. Norma Stillings made visits and played the piano at the Heart of the Ozarks and Rocky Ridge Healthcare Centers…
Another glorious Lord’s Day. We had a great Sunday School lesson, followed by special songs by Branetta McNese, their Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Lola Mayberry and Brother Gary Martin. We then went into the morning worship service. Our morning message was based on II Timothy 2:19, “The Foundation Of God…
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” II Peter 1:21. Gary and I went to Gary’s Aunt Gerry Walker’s funeral Saturday afternoon. She was 11 months younger than Gary’s mother.…
March comes in this Thursday, but Sunday, Feb. 26, was a windy day and more like March weather! March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day and potato planting time, along with the first day of spring on March 20, according to the calendar. Happy Birthday to Dana (Davis) Taylor, who celebrated…
Lent began on Wednesday, February 22 with the usual evening prayer service replaced by the Ash Wednesday service during which we chant the Litany or General Supplication asking for God’s mercy, followed by the imposition of the ashes created by the burning of the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday,…
Sunday morning service was led by the Praise Team. They do an awesome job of leading us in praise songs. Little Miss Emma Sue Burton was welcomed by Walnut Grove Church. She was born February 22, 2012. Brother Roberts brought the message from Genesis 5:25, “What Are Your Children Inheriting?”…
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. a small group meet for special prayer as Pastor Neal tells us over and over, the Lord’s house shall be called a house of prayer. Oh, that Christians could understand this to be so. Wednesday at 7 p.m. Brother Lynn Greuter brought a torah scroll and…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. Well another month has nearly gone and a new one is here. Time sure is passing us by in a hurry. I don’t know just where the days go. We send get-well wishes to…
Good day to everyone. Today, February 29th, is a rare day only seen every four years. Because it only occurs every four years, this year is known as Leap Year. My first encounter with Leap Year was when my bus driver, Chesley Teal, told all of us riding on his…
What a glorious Lord’s Day this past Sunday was, the unseasonably warm sunny weather, people coming out to worship and the pleasure of good fellowship all topped off with plenty of gospel music. You really should have been there!! After Sunday school we were treated to a special song by…
“And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37. The past week we have had snow and rain and sunny weather. Ralph and Dana Brazeal had the granchildren, Wyatt and…
Though chilly temperatures prevail off and on, we are experiencing changing weather, sometimes almost spring-like and the Easter lilies and other species of daffodils are up and growing. Soon their yellow blooms will brighten our yards to cheer us. It was good to hear from Lanell Long last Friday. Sorry…
DaySpring has a card that starts out “There’s only one reason I’d ever send anyone a card like this…” The remainder of the card is an impassioned plea to the reader to accept Jesus Christ and live in God’s will. It’s a wonderful card that can move anyone. Of course…
Sunday, February 19 was quinquagesima or approximately 50 days before Easter and is also the Sunday next before lent. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Luke 18:31, one of the passages in which Jesus predicts his death and resurrection but the twelve “understood none…
Sunday morning service opened with prayer then two ladies were baptized. Sister Joyce Erickson sang a beautiful special. Brother Roberts brought the message from Ephesians 5:18-21, “Mutual Submission.” Evening service was opened with prayer then congregational service where we each told of a verse in the Bible that spoke to…
We met on our Lord’s Day at 9:45 for prayer followed by reading our devotional from Romans 4. Prayer requests were shared for Leoma Mackey’s family, New Vision and Mt. Tabor churches in need of pastors, Eldon Hodges, our nation, military and leaders. Juanita Menzies prayed this prayer. Happy birthday…
We are still having spring-like weather, sounds like those of us that are bothered with allergy and sinus, are in for some problems. Georgia Sanders, Norma Cross and I went to the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare to visit with Peggy Jenkins and Golda Miller. We didn’t get to see…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend. The weather wasn’t too bad, the wind was kind of strong off and on, but was bearable. Not much going on around here that I know of. Only on Thursday last week was our…
Greetings to everyone. The Sunday Church attendance was good at Red Bank this week. Brother Jake opened the morning service by leading in hymns. A hearty greeting was provided by Brother Jerry before dismissing everyone to their respective Sunday school class. After a good lesson from Colossians 2:8-23, on keeping…
Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with his brother, Billy Fletcher, Saturday evening. Jean Daugherty visited with Billy, Saturday and again Monday. I made the usual trips to Rocky Ridge at Mansfield and Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare in Ava to play the piano and visit. It is…
2-17-12 How about that Super Bowl? So exciting I couldn’t take my eyes off it. And my team winning made it even more exciting. I didn’t care for most of the ads this year. Just a few of them and what a terrible shock over Whitney Houston’s death. She was…
For all of you who didn’t come and take advantage of the reserved seating for guests in our church sancturuary this past Sunday, you sure missed a great opportunity. We celebrated a “Friend Day,” complete with several guests and everyone shared a wonderful time in the Lord’s worship services. After…
The thought of being blind makes most people shudder in fear. I remember when I was a teen, the thought occurred to me. What would I do if I couldn’t see? I couldn’t possibly imagine it. It just seemed like it was more than I could bear. In college, I…
Sunday, February 12, was our Sexagsima, or the second Sunday before Lent. Latin for sixteenth, segagesima is approximately 60 days before Easter. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, II Corinthians 11:19: “Ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.” This epistle was written around…
Sunday morning service was opened with prayer then the Praise Group led the congregation in some praise songs. Brother Roberts brought the message from Ephesians 5:22-25, “God’s Family for the Wife.” The evening service was opened with prayer then a congregational hymn then we enjoyed a movie of praise, “How…
Brad Siler, Sunday School Superintendent, began our service with prayer requests for Jim Haden, Jeff Dalton, Jim Harris’s two Uncle Don’s, Zack and Mitch. Van Menzies prayed this prayer. We read our devotional from Matthew 19. Happy birthday was sung to McCoy Humbyrd, who will be one on February 16th. …
Hope everyone enjoyed watching the snow fall today. The good thing about it is that it won’t stay on very long. My sister, Norma, called to see if I had made some snow ice cream yet. I meant to, but got busy and forgot to go out and get the…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and warm weekend. How about all the snow that we got on Monday? We hope everyone had a warm place to be. We should be thankful for a roof over our heads and the food on our…
“I’m Walking in a Winter Wonder Land,” is what I might feel like singing if I decided to venture outside my door right now. The snow has been coming down steadily all day with layers of sleet sandwiched in between. Right now there are huge, white, beautiful snow flakes falling…
Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with Billy Fletcher last week. Cliff and Debra Bohnstedt of Springfield, Tom Stillings and Joyce Greenwood of Ozark, Stanley Stillings of Squires, Alan Stillings, and Dan Stillings gathered at the home of Norma Stillings to celebrate the birthdays of Alan and Tom,…
After our Sunday school lesson we enjoyed a few congregatiional hymns and then were treated to specials by Miss Branetta McNiese, Miss Beverly McNiese and Miss Sharon Skaggs. Our morning message was entitled “What Do You Have?” taken from our text in I Kings 17:8-16. We all have something, small…
Happy Valentine’s Day this Tuesday! And our daylight hours our getting longer we can notice this February. Daylight savings time doesn’t begin until March 11th when we turn our clocks ahead one hour. We are having to adjust to colder winter weather! I had a call from a cousin, Donna…
“Great men are not always wise neither do the aged understand judgment,” Job 32:9. It’s much too hot for winter, I’m saving the wood for spring. My condolences to Kathleen Sparks family and Jim Cowart family and Joe Gaddy family. Paula Bentley is in the Ava nursing home for a…
February came in with rain showers on Friday. Many areas, especially in Kansas west, were really dry, and needed the moisture. Jonquils and other early bulbs are up, showing some early blooms, lots peeping through the leaves. Though a bit early, forsythia and japonica shrubs are budding already. Belated 70th…
Ever heard of the eternal optimist? It’s the person who sees better times ahead. The one who sees something good in all that happens. Or, how about the person who waits around for a relative to leave their inheritance to them. This one does little that is productive—just waits around…
Sunday, January 5 was Septuagesima Sunday or approximately 70 days before Easter and the third Sunday before Lent; Septuagesima is Latin for seventieth. We begin a new season in the Christian year, the pre-Lenten season, and altar and vestment colors are somber, but beautiful indigo blue, The “gesima” Sundays are…
Brother Cody Prock opened the service with prayer. Kami Souder sang the special and did a beautiful job. Brother Roberts brought the message from Joshua 24:15, “Building Courageous Families.” Sunday evening, Sister Maxine Lund brought the message from Exodus 33:1-17, ” What Is The Fire of God?” On Monday evening…
Brad Siler, our new Sunday School Superintendent, began our service with prayer requests. Several were shared and Rick Crum prayed this prayer. Happy anniversary was sung to Pastor Neal and LeaAnn Crum. Happy birthday was sung to Frances Humbyrd. Brad Siler prayed the offertory prayer as he and Stan Humbyrd…
The sun is shining so pretty down here in Peckerwood Holler this Monday morning, but it is chilly outside and that’s okay. After all it is still winter. Terry Nelson and Dick Richards decided the weather wasn’t too bad so they went to Crain, MO. to the farm machinery auction…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good and safe weekend. Sorry no news last week as there was none turned in to your reporter and I feel like you get tired of me and mine, but here we go again as no news was…
It seems like the middle of the week can slip up on me pretty quick lately. I always have a lot planned that I want to get done in one week, but here I am in the middle of this week with still plenty of things left to do. Writing…
Janice Keith, R.E. Helsley, and Freeda Holt visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Tom and Jewell do appreciate the visits from these fine people. Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with Billy Fletcher, Friday evening. Billy, Carol Riggs, Stanley Goodrich, and John Truhe had Sunday dinner…
After Sunday school we heard special songs from Ella Faye Mitchell and Branetta McNiece, who were accompanied by Lola Mayberry and Sandra Davis on piano. Our morning message this crisp Sunday morning was entitled, “Clinging To The Root of Bitterness!” taken from Hebrews 12:15, we discussed the choices we make…
The long month of January is gone after this Tuesday and February comes with some folks thinking about planting their lettuce, onions and radishes. Winter onions in my garden stayed green all winter. The elderly folks can be helped with their taxes beginning February 14, by appointment, one day per…
“We live on the other side of Easter.” Pastors often sprinkle their sermons with little sayings like this one. But, it’s also a truth—the church age did not take place until after the resurrection. It’s also interesting; too, that Jesus spoke of the church while still on this earth. It’s…
Sunday, January 29 was the fourth Sunday after epiphany and the last Sunday of this season. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Matthew 8:1, in which Jesus heals both a leper and the servant of a Roman centurion. Thus the season of showing forth…
Sunday morning service was opened with instrumental music including mandolin, fiddle, banjo, bass, guitar and piano. Claude Robertson and Cindy Smith sang a beautiful song for a special then Tillie Fowler sang a beautiful special too. Brother Robers brought the message from Romans 4:19-21, “Building Strong Families through Strong Faith.”…
It was a beautiful Lord’s Day outside and also beautiful inside our church because of his presence with us as testimonies were shared and prayer time at the altar closed our service. We received word and an obituary of our Brother, Sterlin Marsh, from the state of Washington. He entered…
This spring like weather has got a lot of us thinking about gardens. Ray Cunningham called this morning to see if we had our tomatoes out yet, he told me to tell Dick he was going into Ava, to get his plants today. On our way to town last week…
This is another beautiful, winter day that God has given us to enjoy. The temperature is very agreeable with a little moisture in the forecast. I can handle that. How about you? There have been several in our community that have been suffering from the stomach flu. It has been…
Denny Roberts, Leon Potter, and Freeda Holt visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Having good friends and a good family are blessings that Tom and Jewell enjoy. Norma Stillings was busy as usual with nursing home visits, paper work, and meetings. Being a community volunteer is almost like…
Well here it is January 30 and as usual I wonder what happened to the other 29 days. It sure has went by fast especially with me being snowed in almost half the time. But it’s been warming up enough tomelt the snow in between times so I’ve been to…
We were blessed with a beautiful, crisp but sunny fifth Sunday this last Lord’s day. Following our Sunday school class and congregational singing we heard specials from Ella Faye Mitchell, Branetta McNiece and Beverly McNiece. The morning message was “Prepare To Meet Thy God” from our text in the fourth…
“O Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good because His mercy endureth forever, “Psalms 118:1. I visited with Eddie and Linda Sears Friday night. On the 13th Linda had her right leg operated on. Linda’s aunt, Sug Norviel, from Hickory Ridge, Arkansas came up and stayed that weekend…
January weather has been unsual “up to now” as we have had many snows and ice storms in previous years. What will February bring we wonder? Paralee Rea and Robert Arnett attended the funeral service for Juanita Wren, in West Plains, Thursday of last week. Our neighborhood is saddened with…
Reminder: Our Fifth Sunday Feast is January 29, this coming Sunday. There is always room at the table for one more. Come and bring guests. New faces are welcome. “When God measures a man, He puts the tape around the heart instead of the head.” (page 6 of God’s Little…
Sunday, January 22 was the third Sunday after epiphany. The episcopal hymnal has hymns for each season of the Christian year and today we sang the epiphany hymn, “Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning,” one of the lovelies of hymns, which we only do during epiphany. Bishop…
Sunday morning began with instrumental music then prayer requests and prayer. Congregational hymns were then sung while everybody greeted each other. I sang the special this Sunday. There were several out with sickness and injuries. Brother Roberts brought the message from Psalm 127:1, “Family Under Attack.” Donna Gardner had surgery…
It was so good to have Pastor Neal back with us. The Lord truly blessed them as they were able to do all the things that they had planned. He and two other men climbed Kilimanjaro in five days and came down in two days. He showed the pictures he…
Looks like we are going to have a beautiful day this Monday morning, January 23, so thankful the storms went South, our electric was off a couple hours last night. The wind must have caused a tree to fall on a line somewhere. White River Valley Electric is really good…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend even with the cold and wind. No news turned in so will try to think of some going on on my side of the fence. Last Thursday was our monthly dinner with 19 signing…
I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather we had today. I certainly did. The prospect of having two rainy, dreary days ahead encouraged my husband and me to get outside and do some walking around our place. The ole flu bug has struck again. This time it is the stomach…
Freeda Holt visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson again last week. Although they have family around them all the time, it is nice to have a visitor. Norma Stillings drove Paulette Walls to a doctor’s appointment, Monday. They enjoyed mild temperatures and a beautiful sunlit day. On the way home…
1-17-12 – I’m sorry this won’t get there in time, but we’ve been snowed in for about a week or so and yesterday it got up warm enough to melt a lot of the snow. We just had one drift that closed the lane. Walt did some shoveling and said…
We braved the foggy morning that was not cold enough to freeze, yet was wet enough to chill you thoroughly. After Sunday school we were treated to specials songs from Branetta and Beverly McNiece. Our morning message was taken from I John 2, and an in-depth, look at the teachings…
This year 2012 had a Friday, the 13th. As February comes along with groundhog day, the 2nd, it will bring a prediction of an early spring, or maybe not so! Originating in Pennsylvania, folks there make it an annual event, and have lots of fun out of it. I recently…
The chosen scripture for today was II Corinthians 5:17-19. It’s a tall order to cover all that is contained in these three verses. Even taller, yet, is to be able to cover them and leave behind some kind of clarity. Our pastor did just that by sprinkling his sermon with…
Sunday, January 15 was the second Sunday after the Epiphany and was also the 34th anniversary of the founding of our congregation on January 15, 1978. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the meaning of this season, the Epiphany, which means a manifestation or showing forth, in this case the…
Well, we have had a week of all kinds of weather around here. Cold wind, cold temperatures, snow and warm days too. It seems confusing as to what to wear and also what you can do outdoors. We are very thankful, though, for having a warm and dry place to…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone has had a safe and good week. No news last week as there was none turned in and your reporter was out of town for a few days visiting with the girls and Jacob at the farm. Your reporter was…
Church service at Red Bank began with hymns led by Brother Gary Lirley. Brother Jerry Huff greeted members and guests before dismissing them to their respective Sunday school classes. Worship music was led by Brother Gary. Brother Les preached from Ephesians 2 to say that God is Supreme. Verse 10 makes…
Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with Billy Fletcher on the way home from the farm, Saturday. Edgar and Sharon Stewart, Dennis and Susan Fritz, and Billy met Carl and Joan Fletcher and Donald and Paulette Fletcher of Fair Grove for dinner at Ryan’s in Springfield, Sunday. It…
One week ago, January 8th, Bro. Raymond Haden filled in for me here at Oak Grove for the morning service and for the evening service, Bro. Lynn Jennings filled in for me. I was asked to speak at Macedonia General Baptist Church in Franklin, Kentucky that Sunday in conjunction with…
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 5:16. I appreciate the paper for the gift that I can use. Gary and I went to Ava Thursday and visited his mother, Maxine Turner and David,…
Here it is January 9th already so time is flying by. Before we know it, spring will be here! I’m sure we all will be looking forward to that. Our soil needs moisture a snowfall could provide so that spring gardeners can benefit! Sunday afternoon shoppers at Wal-Mart in Mountain…
There is a book called Who’s Who in The Bible. It contains thumbnail sketches of persons of interest from both the Old and New Testaments. Some of the sketches are very brief (only a paragraph) and others longer (4 pages or more). Whatever the length, the book attempts to preserve…
Sunday, January 8 was the first Sunday after epiphany which falls on January 6 and is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Altar and vestment colors continue to be white and gold. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, Romans 12:1, in which St. Paul…
Sunday morning service began with some good music from instrumentals, some congregational songs and prayer. Sister Joyce Erickson sang a beautiful special song. Brother Roberts brought the message from I Peter 5:8, “Be Resolved in 2012, To Make Each Day The Best Day of Your Life.” Brother Mahlon Schmucker brought…
Prayer requests were for Ray Lee, Zack, and Chuck and, of course, our Pastor Neal Crum, who is in Tanzania, Africa. He had called LeaAnn on Saturday. He had arrived at night. It was dark so he didn’t know what was around him, but he awoke the next morning to…
Old man winter hasn’t hit us too hard yet this winter and that suits me just fine. It sounds like we might get some snow later this week. Plainview School’s 5th and 6th grades and 3rd and 4th grades had their first basketball games Thursday night at Skyline. Both teams…
It looks as if we may have to bring out our long legged underwear again, according to the latest weather forecast. Everyone that I have talked to lately said that they really enjoyed the spring like days that we have been having. I always enjoy the holidays, but it sure…
1-9-12 Here it is “12″ already. So far I haven’t forgotten and written “11″ yet. But I haven’t written it very many times so I probably will. And here, more than a week has already gone by and what a nice winter we’ve had so far. I hope we don’t…
God got me through another year. To leave the old year is to remember lessons learned so I don’t do the bad ones again. To remember memory of loves ones, young and old and to forget the moments of my wounds. For the year to come is another adventure and…
Last week’s news Christmas time brought happiness for many folks, yet those who have health problems can’t enjoy the season and holiday as much. It is a special time through, because of the birth of baby Jesus so long ago, in a lowly place, to live in the hearts of…
Teachers have a golden opportunity to meet all kinds of students especially those that are in high school. These are the beginnings of young adults that will face tomorrow’s challenges and, for better or worse, will make decisions in the future that affect society. In the classroom students’ behaviors are…
Churches in the Anglican tradition follow the English tradition of celebrating Christmas on the Twelve Days of Christmas (as in the well-known carol) between Christmas Day and Epiphany, so our Christmas decorations and flowers were still up at St. Francis Sunday, January 1 and the Advent Wreath and candles were…
Happy New Year everyone. I hope and pray that this year brings happiness, health and prosperity to everyone. One day this week, Delmar and I visited with my brother, Vern Deatherage, my nephew, Noah Deatherage and great nephew, Chris Deatherage at the new little cabin they are building. It sure…
After our devotional reading, prayer requests were given for Joyce Wilson, Rick Crum, Wayne Grigg, Chuck, our leaders, nation, troops and others. Doyle Humbyrd prayed this prayer. Kevin Hodges and Brad Siler received our Lord’s tithes and offerings. Danny Johnson led us in songs. Pastor Neal read from Daniel 1. …
1-12-12 It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. I wish everyone a happy new year. Jim and Cherrie Goetsch from Long Grove, Iowa and their daughter, Jennifer, and her friend, Brad, from Iowa City, came down for a visit Tuesday. Jennifer and Brad went to Branson Wednesday…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope you all had a great New Year’s weekend. Some of the ladies planned a game time on New Year’s Eve at the village. There were eleven people who attended. Those who signed the quest book were Verla Hallmark, Linda Suits, Kathyrn…
Happy New Year greetings to everyone. Yes, here it is, 2012. It seems like the beginning of a new year always gives one hope for new changes in one’s life. We all have things going on in our lives that need to be changed and this is as good a…
Carl and Joan Fletcher visited with Billy Fletcher, Friday. Billy went out to Fred and Charlie Lindberg’s for dinner, New Year’s Day. Carol Riggs, Stanley Goodrich, and Henry and Lee Weller were also present. Cliff and Debra Bohnstedt of Springfield, Stanley Stillings of Squires, Tom Stillings and Joyce Greenwood of…
Again God blessed us with a beautiful weekend to enjoy his blessings and provision. This New Year started with sunshine and clear skies and several special guests for worship services. Our New Years Day morning message, A “New” Year, (how’s that for an original title), taken from our text in…
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy,” Matthew 2:10. Saturday afternoon, Christmas eve, Gary and I went to celebrate at Ernest and Dara Strong’s home. Beside their sons, Cody, Howard and Bailey there were Howard and Ella Faye Mitchell, Ralph and Dana Brazeal, Howard’s girlfriend, Amanda…
Since Sunday, December 25 was Christmas Day, there was no church that day and our Christmas service was held the day before on Christmas Eve. After the austerity of the Advent Season, when no flowers are allowed, the altar was bursting with red and white poinsettias given by church members…
Sunday morning, Christmas day, a short service was held at Walnut Grove Church with 81 in attendance. The week has been busy with lots of family and friends gathering together for visiting, gift exchanges and lots of food. I just wish that everyone in the world was as blessed as…
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and all got home safe. Dick and I stopped to visit with Helen Dobbins Tuesday and on our way home we saw where a house burned at the end of A Highway at Rome. We didn’t know the people, they bought the place from…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the ones in the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost a loved one. May God bless…
The holidays are almost over. We had a lot of activity going on around here in preparation for the Christmas celebration at church and at home. Our Christmas play went well, in spite of the fact that we very seldom had a practice with everyone in attendance. Of course, there…
Billy Fletcher attended the TOPS Christmas Dinner at Sonshine Café, Tuesday evening. Thursday, Billy’s brother, Donald Fletcher of Fair Grove brought Christmas gifts. Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc brought gifts, Thursday afternoon. Billy and his friends, Doris Holman, Carol Riggs, Stanley Goodrich and several others had Christmas dinner,…
We trust you had a glorious, Merry Christmas, with family and friends. We certainly did here at Oak Grove. Beginning with our Sunday school lesson about none other than Jesus and his birth. Progressing on after Sunday school we went into our Christmas Program; “God With Us, Emmanuel,” a musical…
“And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:21. My condolences to Otis and Sheila McFarlin on the loss of their grandson, Kenny. Monday, I was raking and burning leaves all day. I always…
Merry Christmas to everyone who reads our local news columns. The Masonic Christmas dinner at Robert Burns’ Lodge Saturday at 1:00 p.m. was well attended and enjoyed by everyone present, certainly no one went away hungry. We appreciate the Masons! I was fortunate to have my four children present. They…
As everyone knows, Christmas is on Sunday this year. Sweden Church will have singing and a service at 11 a.m. only, no Sunday school and no evening service. Come and spend an hour with us. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season. John the Baptist was one of…
Sunday, December 18 was the fourth Sunday in Advent and the last Sunday in this pre-Christmas season. All four candles on the Advent wreath were lit and our altar colors were back to royal blue. Bishop and Mrs. Hartley were at St. Joseph’s in Branson for the parish meeting there…
Sunday morning was the Christmas program put on by the teen class and an awesome job it was. We appreciate the leaders for the preperation and guidence for the program. It was a very good job. On Monday, Bevy Moore and friend, Roxand, came down and I helped them make…
As we came together on our Lord’s Day, many prayer requests were given for those grieving, but most of all those who are unsaved. Doyle Humbyrd prayed this prayer. Then he told us what a wonderful Father in Heaven we have. He wants to give good things unto his children.…
Christmas is almost here. Hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I think most churches had their Christmas programs last night, the 18th. We did at Goodhope Baptist Church. The youth did a good job, showing what Christmas is all about. Norma Cross had…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a great and safe weekend. We send get-well wishes to the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.…
R.E. Helsley, Freeda Holt, and Nora Mae Edwards were visitors in the home of Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with Billy Fletcher, Saturday morning. Billy rode to Springfield with Edgar and Sharon Stewart one day last week. They were visiting with…
12-12-11. Well here we are just 11 days until Christmas. Are you ready? I’m not. Never have been, never will be. But I guess I’ll get by. Candi and Jarred got back from their trip to Missouri yesterday, so we came on home after that. We got there in East…
This Lord’s Day was truly a blessing to many of us who had the privilege of being in his service. After Sunday school we were treated to a special by Branetta and Beverly McNiece with direction from Lola Mayberry, followed by a song from Linda Prock, accompanied by Sandra Davis…
We have had some really great specials the last two weeks: Choir-”I Never Shall Forget the Day”; Tammi Housley-”Yes, Always, He Knows What’s Best For Me”; Tammi, Virginia Housley, and Sharon Renfrow-”I was Down on My Knees”; and today Sharon Renfrow- “Oh, the Glorious Things He Has Done.” Mike Housley…
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary they wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost,” Mattew 1:20. Monday, Gary…
We can feel the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday coming up and soon there will be folks traveling home to the Ozarks. I am sorry to be losing a neighbor, Judy Breyne, who is moving into town, but hope she will be better off there since her husband…
The first few sentences help the reader decide if he/she wants to read further. This sentence and the next two have to do with food—both spiritual and physical. This Sunday, December 18 our church offers food for the spirit with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and Morning Worship at 11…
Last Weeks News – Sunday, December 4 was the second Sunday in Advent. Altar and vestment colors continue to be royal blue and the second candle on the Advent wreath is lit. In Anglican churches this day is popularly called Bible Sunday and stems from the fact that the collect,…
I woke up on Sunday morning with a cough from sinus infection, so we didn’t attend church services. The young children did a Christmas presentation and I understand they did a fine job. Next Sunday the teens class will be presenting a Christmas program at the 11:00 o’clock service. We…
The first Sunday in December a group of adults along with the children’s mission group went to the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center to sing carols and hand out gifts. At 2 p.m. Pastor Neal did a service also. The second Sunday in December at 4 p.m. we had…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend and enjoyed the Christmas parade on Saturday. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals, and the nursing homes. Hope all are well by the holidays. Our sympathy to…
Hello everyone. This is a busy time for all the churches in this community with plans to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child in full swing. At Red Bank, final play practice is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. We had a dress rehearsal Sunday night. Boy, those…
Claude Robertson was a recent visitor in the home of Tom and Jewell Johnson. Billy Fletcher rode along with Edgar and Sharon Stewart last Thursday when they drove a friend, Sue Hartgraves, to a doctor appointment in Springfield. Billy attended the Nimble Thimble Quilting Club Annual Christmas Party, Saturday evening…
12-5-11. Well, Merry Christmas! It’s coming up fast. As usual I’m not ready and won’t be right up to Christmas Day. First I’m gonna work on things for my family because I’ll have Christmas first with them. Zoie liked the Barbie doll and things I made for it so well…
Again after morning worship services this week we had a fellowship dinner followed by practice for the upcoming Christmas program. Everyone has been practicing long and hard to try to make our program special this year. The morning message was, “The Reason For The Season,” from our text in Galatians…
Winter time has arrived and there’s plenty of signs, though the calendar says winter begins on December 22. Happy 18th birthday to my grandson, Tyler Pitcock on December 8th and to my son, Lyndon, on December 14. Also happy birthday to Neoma Moody on December 14. Sunday was a busy…
Our pastor recently said that if we could see heaven and hell, we would choose heaven. There’s a fellow who claims to have spent 23 minutes in hell. In fact, that’s the title of his book. Whether or not he experienced what he said, what he does describe is not…
Sunday, December 4 was the second Sunday in Advent. Altar and vestment colors continue to be royal blue and the second candle on the Advent wreath is lit. In Anglican churches this day is popularly called Bible Sunday and stems from the fact that the collect, the prayer that introduces…
Sunday morning service was opened with the musicians playing some old hymns. Prayer requests were then taken and prayer offered then some congregational hymns were sung. Brother Roberts then introduced little miss Flicia Michelle Coble who made her arrival on November 26, 2011. She is a beautiful little girl. Brother…
12-5-11. We have a touch of winter here this morning December the 5th in Peckerwood Hollow. It looks like the snow is missing us up this time. Dick and Danny Davis went over to Crain, MO. to the farm machinery auction Tuesday. That evening Kelly, DeAnn, Kinsey, Kailey, Dick and…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good week even with the rain, snow and some places ice. We send get-well wishes to the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loves ones. May God…
As the song goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that the ground was covered with snow this morning with more coming down. Our daughter and her family are traveling from Florida to visit us during the Christmas holiday and…
Sam Frye spent Thanksgiving week visiting with family members in Davenport, Iowa and Rockford and Rochelle area of northern Illinois. His son, Rod Frye, and his sisters, Lena Sears, Hester Ranick, and Maxine Levan and members of their families live in that area. Sam said that there was about thirteen…
11-28-11. Hello friends and family and some people I don’t know. I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving. I sure did. I know I wrote this before about how we had a big dinner at Lisa’s on Saturday before and then we went to the Quad Cities and…
After Sunday school and before morning worship services this past Lord’s Day, we heard specials from Ella Faye Mitchell and Branetta Macanese. The morning message was “Those Days and These Days” from our text in Matthew 3:1-12. We studied the similarities between “Those Days and These Days,” in relation to…
As many of you are reading this, you are still recovering from the large meals that were served for Thanksgiving. This was the first year that I had to miss Thanksgiving dinner, for I had to work. It just didn’t seem like Thanksgiving. Therefore, I enjoyed lunch with some of…
“Rejoice evermore,” I Thessalonians 5:16. I drove Dara Strong back to Springfield Wednesday to the foot doctor. Ralph and Dana Brazeal had John and Zamber Little Thursday for Thanksgiving dinner. Howard and Ella Faye Mitchell came by later. Thursday evening, Honie Johnson had supper with us. Gary and I went…
November is going out with cooler and rainy weather this week. Keith and Katrina Davis had Saturday lunch at Dave and Karen Davis’ home. Gainesville Eastern Star Cahpter met this Monday evening for their regular meeting. On Thanksgiving Day Paralee Rea went to her nieces, Sue Newtons’ and Sue’s son,…
God spoke to Abraham. It’s in Genesis 12:1-2. He told him to move. Now, Abraham must have heard him because that is exactly what he did. Our sermon was taken from Hebrews 1:1-2. It starts off telling the reader that God has spoken in many different ways. He has spoken…
Sunday, November 27 was the first Sunday in Advent, the first Sunday of the church year. In the Anglican tradition Advent is a penitential season and is completely separate from the Christmas season. A penitential season means one in which Christians are to think seriously about their faith and prepare…
Sunday morning prayer requests were taken then prayer. The Praise Team did an awesome job of singing praise songs. Brother Roberts brought the morning message from Acts 12:1-16, “What Happens When A Church Prays Together.” Brother Cody Prock brought the evening devotion from Isaiah 56:1-12, about the power of prayer.…
2011 Thanksgiving holidays are in the past. Hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend. We all have so much to be thankful for. Dick and I had an unusual Thanksgiving . For years my sisters and I fixed dinner for our family and friends at the Jenkins building in…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend and enjoyed the family get-togethers that took place in different locations. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who…
The Thanksgiving holiday is over, but the state of thanksgiving in our heart and in our mind should never end. There are many things to be thankful for. If one doubts that, all one has to do is just look around. They will come to the conclusion that many others…
A week ago Saturday, Carl Fletcher of Bois D’arc, Carl Glenn Fletcher, and Donald Fletcher of Fair Grove came by for a visit with Billy Fletcher. Donald Fletcher came, Sunday, and spent the night. Monday, Edgar and Sharon Stewart took Billy to a doctor’s appointment in Springfield. Thursday, Billy, his…
11-21-11 Dear Friends: A few quick lines while I’m eating breakfast. I need to get ready so we can go to Tipton for a few reasons. We had our family Thanksgiving early because I probably won’t be here on Thanksgiving Day. We went to Lisa’s in Fruitland. Those there were…
Winter is officially here, if the temperature this last Sunday is any kind of indicator. As cold as it was outside, it was warm in the service of the Lord and we enjoyed worship services, and would have enjoyed them even more if you had been there with us, (we…
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths, ” Proverbs 3:6. Happy Birthday to Stormi Medlock on the 25th. She will be six years old. On Monday, Dana Brazael drove her sister, Dara Strong, to Springfield to have her right foot operated on to remove a…
Thanksgiving is here and it won’t be long until Christmas. Time waits for no one. Lots of visiting and traveling home for many folks along whith hopes of good weather is in order for safety. Tuesday evening, November 15, Gainesville Eastern Star members, Dorothy Mellott, Bob and Betty Arnett, Paralee…
Glory, a word that holds meaning for most everyone. For the most part, it’s a kind of being, or feeling, exalted. The quarterback is recognized as being the best when he makes passes that score touchdowns. He basks in his glory. The Wall Street investment advisor is touted as being…
Sunday, November 20 was the Sunday next before Advent and is close of the trinity season which represents the season of growth in Christian life with the help of the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. This is the longest season in the Christian year and the altar and…
Sunday morning service began with instrumental music then congregational hymns followed by prayer requests and prayer. The little ones then did a Thanksgiving presentation, which was really good. Brother Claude Robertson and Sister Cindy Smith brought the special song. Brother Roberts then had a baptizing of several new converts and…
Our devotional reading was from Isaiah 12, which we stood to read followed by singing and then Sunday school classes were held. Happy birthday was sung to Makinna Humbyrd. She is the daughter of Aaron and Jenin Humbyrd and she will be six years old. Brad Siler prayed the offertory…
The 2011 gun deer hunting season will be over Tuesday. I think most everyone around here got one or two since you could get a buck and a doe. Russ Ryan, Irene Richards grandson, from St. Louis spent Sunday until Thursday with Tony Richards. They did some hunting and he…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. We say Happy Thanksgiving to all. We hope your day is great and enjoyable with your family members who attend the gatherings and lunch which will be held by many. We send get-well wishes…
Church service began at Red Bank with hymns being led by Gary Lirley. Brother Jerry Huff then gave the morning welcome to members and guests, and dismissed them to their Sunday school classes. The Children’s Church was full of excitement because they were anxious to practice their parts for the…
Janice Keith, Lenora Burton, and Betty Jenkins were recent visitors in the home of Tom and Jewell Johnson. Of course Tom and Jewell’s sons, Larry Johnson and Lowell Johnson, and grandson, Kent Johnson were seen going in and out more than once. Norma Stillings attended the November meeting of the…
Special prayers today for: Sandy Housley’s niece, Ed Campbell’s family, Mike Housley’s best friend, Ricky Serghides moving to Arkansas, Dane Solomon family, David Housley’s friend, Kenneth Kuntz, and Mike Patterson. Bulletin Announcements: “Helping Hands Program” (collecting food and hygiene products) for the Wright Co. Children’s Home. Nov. 20-Wild Game Dinner…
The Chateau Charment (the castle in Olga) will host their first annual Christkindlmarket on Dec 2 & 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A German market held in the courtyard castle, complete with Charles Dickens Style Carolers, Saint Nick and plus food and wine tasting! Come for a fun…
And when I passed by thee and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee, when thou wast in thy blood, Live yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live,” Ezekiel 16:6. Some people use this verse to stop their nose bleed. Gary…
Fall weather has been hanging on longer than usual. Strong wind brought down lots of leaves so trees are getting bare. My maple trees shed their colorful leaves quicker than I wanted them to. Paralea Rea attended the Clark Ridge Benefit music party and so did Warren Moody, Saturday night,…
“When I was a child…, I thought as a child…” (I Corinthians 13:11). Then, it’s time to go to school to learn. “But go ye and learn…” (Matthew 9:13). The Bible is our textbook and the world is our school. “Study to show thyself approved…” (II Timothy 2:15). Our teacher…
Sunday, November 13 was the twenty-first Sunday after trinity and was olso our annual Harvest Festival in which we collect items for the Ozarks Food Harvest. The altar guild had the church beautifully decorated with autumn colors. Our altar colors are still green but for this occasion a special set…
Last weeks’s news Sunday morning service was opened with the little ones leading a praise song. They did an awesome job. The Praise Team then led some praise songs for the welcoming time. They are doing an awesome job too. Cindi Smith then had the special with a cd of…
Saturday, many hunters came by for chili, potato soup, sandwiches and pie. We had a long, but very successful day. It was a fundraiser for Brother Al Pulis and Pastor Neal’s mission trip to Africa. They are setting up a well-drilling operation. They will also visit orphanages and churches while…
I was glad to get the much needed rain last week. We had three and a quarter inches down here in Peckerwood Hollar. Our branches were running a little. Georgia Sanders has been visiting Norma Cross and other family membmers in Goodhope. While everyone was gone Friday, the 5th, we…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a great weekend. The weather is nice. Saturday was very windy, but Sunday was great. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost…
Good day to everyone. It’s a little blustery and cool out today. A good day to stay inside if one had been battling allergy problems. Ever since the leaves have been falling from the trees, I start sneezing when I stick my head out side the door. I’m hoping that…
11-14-11 – Dear faithful readers of mine. I’ll see if I can think of something worthy of writing this morning. Probably not, but I’ll give it a try. Our weather is probably about the same as everyone else’s that reads this, except I guess there is a lot of people…
This passed week was full of blessings from the Lord for all who attended the Revival meetings, Monday through Friday. Bro. John Williams did a great job of bringing us messsages from God’s word. We had lots of special singing and just a wonderful time in the Lord’s service. It…
“There shall be singns in the sun and in the moon and in the stars and upon the earth distress of nations with perplerity, the sea and the waves roaring,” Luke 21:25. Sympathy to Harlan Davis family. I will always remember him singing the song, “That Long Black Train.” Last…
We gained our lost hour of sleep as Daylight Saving Time ended Sunday. Time is flying by and the first week of November flew by so quickly. According to “Old Timers” beliefs – “if inside an acorn you find a kernel in shape of a spoon we will have to…
Glory, a word that holds meaning for most everyone. For the most part, it’s a kind of being, or feeling, exalted. The quarterback is recognized as being the best when he makes passes that score touchdowns. He basks in his glory. The Wall Street investment advisor is touted as being…
Sunday, November 6 was the twenty-first after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Matthew 22:1, the parable of the wedding feast in which “a certain king…sent forth his servants to call them that were hidden to the wedding and they would not come.”…
As always prayer needs were given. Among those were for Larry Hampton, Harold Menzies, Tammy Call, Don and Pat Dobbs, Randy Dalton in revival this week and lost loved ones. Doyle Humbyrd prayed this prayer and we stood to read our devotional from Psalm 32. Happy birthday was sung to…
The guys around here have been buzzing around getting ready for deer season this coming Saturday. Youth season opened Saturday. My nephew, Seth Hunt, who is 13 years old got an eight point buck Saturday morning. He sure was proud of it. Our hearts and prayers go out to Irene…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. A lot of rain came on Tuesday that was very much needed. The village rung with music on Sunday afternoon as the Faith Rock Church came and had a sing-a-long with us. Our hats…
We are being blessed with a nice, slow rain today. It’s just what we needed. I’m grateful that we are not experiencing earth quakes or tornado weather like they are in Oklahoma. I visited with my daughter-in-law today on the phone. I asked her if they had been affected by…
Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’arc visited with Billy Fletcher this week. Tom and Jewell Johnson are getting along quite well for a couple in their nineties. They have a lot of help from their sons, Lowell and Larry. Lowell stays with them and Larry goes in and out…
10-13-2011 – Happy Halloween! Boo! My costume consists of a pair of really long fake eyelashes that I got on clearance after Halloween last year. I don’t get any trick or treaters here where I live. I’ve been seeing a lot of people, kids and dogs in costume on television.…
Praise the Lord. He has sent us some much needed rain. This last Sunday we only held morning services because the pastor had to travel to Poplar Bluff for an associational meeting. Our morning worship opened with specials by Barnetta McNiece, Jake, Joe and Lola Mayberry, and Gary Martin, The…
As October’s bright blue skies leave us and November, the 11th month, comes along reminding us winter is on its way. A woodpile is a familiar object, and appreciated as cold days and nights come. Some folks don’t heat with wood anymore, but in the Ozarks, we are more accustomed…
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11) Jesus was indeed human on this earth. If he weren’t, this verse would not be in the Gospels. He gave his life to the service of love. That is why he comforted John the Baptist in prison. …
Sunday, October 30 was the nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. It was also the Sunday before All Saints Day and our processional hymn was the wonderful “For all the saints” by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, Ephesians 4:17, in…
Last Weeks News – Sunday morning was opened with the Praise Group doing an awesome job of leading the congregation in singing praise songs. Shelden Walker did a very fine job of playing a special on his guitar. Brother Roberts brought the message from Psalms 90:1-2 and Deuteronomy 4:35, “…
We had a great series of meetings for which we give God the glory. It was a time of revival for our church. For that we are thankful. Prayer requests were many as always for the sick, hurting, widows, lost ones, our nation and leaders. We prayed for Brother Van…
Last Weeks News – We are still having beautiful weather here in the Ozarks. I will take it as long as it continues. Dick and I had lunch with Norma Cross and Kenny one day last week. Seth was with them over the weekend. He wasn’t feeling very good. Hope…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope each and everyone had a great weekend. It was kinda busy for everyone in the village as we got ready for Halloween! We send get well wishes to the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy…
The Fall Festival event held at Red Bank Church, Saturday, was enjoyed by a lot of folks. The fried fish, the barbequed hamburgers and the hotdogs were superb. By the time all the foods brought by those that attended were set on the tables; we had a meal that one…
Carl and Joan Fletcher visited with Billy Fletcher, Saturday. Billy Fletcher, Carol Riggs, and Stanley Goodrich went out to the home of Fred and Charlie Lindberg, Sunday to attend a birthday celebration for Doris Holman. Norma Stillings visited at the Heart of the Ozarks, Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning. She…
10-24-11 – Well, here we are again. I forgot about Columbus Day so I didn’t get my letter in the mail in time for it to make the paper. The weather is still back and forth. Right now it’s forth which I like much better. It’s 48 degrees at 9:20…
From our Sunday school lesson on the beatitudes to the morning worship service we started off this past Lord’s Day well and it just got better. Dr. Sam Evans, our medical missionary to the Philippines was with us and gave a message from I Corinthians 3, encouraging us to be…
Don Stillings of Anaheim, California and his great uncle, Don Putnam, of Thousand Oaks, California came to Ava for a three day visit with family members in this area. While here, they visited with Don Stillings’s mother, Norma Stillings, brother, Dan Stillings, nephew, Alan Stillings, his dad, Stanley Stillings, and…
Upon stopping by Kindall Store this week, I could tell that it has been a busy spot in the neighborhood. Especially since so many have been coming out to look over the fall foliage. I purchased a couple of Charley Brindley’s books. Charley is the gentleman who purchased the store…
“No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there,” Isaiah 35:9. My sympathy to the Ray Tidwell family. On Monday I visited with Neil and Eileen McCoy. Tuesday evening Eddie and Linda Sears had…
Still no rain as these items are written and its very dry. Yet rain is in the forecast for this week. I haven’t heard of anyone finding wild grapes this fall. The late pear crop turned out good. They hang on the trees even after the first frosts. It still…
Even the most cynical mind will concede that ‘intelligent design’ probably was behind creation. The correct word is God but some are still tinkering with the idea that some terrestrial being zapped creation here. (It was probably from watching too many science-fiction movies in the 60s.) Mankind has been really…
Sunday, Ocotber 23 was the eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, Ist Corinthians 1:4, “I thank my God always on your behalf….” This letter was written by St. Paul around 56 A.D. and written from Ephesus to the church at Corinth.…
Sunday morning was opened with the Praise Group doing an awesome job of leading the congregation in singing praise songs. Shelden Walker did a very fine job of playing a special on his guitar. Brother Roberts brought the message from Psalms 90:1-2 and Deuteronomy 4:35, “ What God cannot do…
Among prayer requests given were Harold Menzies, Don Smith, Jeannie Cummins, our service today and this week and safety for the hayride. Sonya Hodges prayed this prayer. Our devotional reading was followed by singing and Sunday school classes were held. Brad Siler prayed the offertory prayer as he and Clay…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good and safe weekend. We send get well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. May God bless you in your time…
Last Weeks News – Hello folks. We’re getting a nice, slow rain today; which is wonderful. I hear that our first frost and hard freeze is to take place sometime this week. I’m not looking forward to that, but I’m sure we will have some more beautiful weather to enjoy…
10-17-2011 – As I drink my first cup of coffee I will see if my hand will write a few lines. It usually does what I tell it to. Not much going on around here right now. The farmers are still pickin’ and grinnin’. They’ve got most of their corn…
We trust you enjoyed the glorious Sunday morning we were blessed with this past Lord’s Day. Most of us would be happy if it stayed this way year round, interspersed with enough rain to keep everything green and growing. Miss Branetta McNiece sang and did a special with her Sunday…
Summer weather is extended into October and we are really needing some rain showers which are predicated for this week. Leaves cover the ground. Crows have been busy under my pear trees as the pears have been falling and crows are after them. Best wishes to Dorothy (Climer) Davis, of…
Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh. Nineveh was a wicked city. It’s spelled out in the book of Nahum. Some of the sins included plotting evil against the Lord, cruelty in war, prostitution, witchcraft, and exploitation. Jonah, however, was convinced to go to Nineveh and preach against their…
Sunday, October 16 was the seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, Ephesians 4:1, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called…” Paul means that his life is not…
Sunday morning service began with prayer requests and prayer. We sang some congregational hymns and greeted everyone. Venita Brummet sang a beautiful song for a special. Preston Breshears gave his testimony about the truck wreck and his injuries and the progress he has made with recovery. We had several out…
Prayer requests were given for Don, Tammy, Terri Warren, our nation, leaders and others. Peggy Miller prayed this prayer. Our devotional reading was from Psalms 71. Happy birthday was sung to Elijah Dalton and Aaron Humbyrd, who share the same day but a few years apart. Brad Siler prayed…
It looks like this almost perfect Ozarks weather might be leaving us. I was hoping it would last long enough for my zucchini to grow just a little bit more, but we can’t change mother nature. Tony and Dick Richards drove to Oxford, AR. Saturday to Townsend Supplies to check…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend and is ready for the cooler weathers coming in. We say get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved…
Hello folks. We’re getting a nice, slow rain today; which is wonderful. I hear that our first frost and hard freeze is to take place sometime this week. I’m not looking forward to that, but I’m sure we will have some more beautiful weather to enjoy before real winter weather…
10-10-11 – Good morning. As I have another cup of coffee I will visit with you a little. We’re still blessed with beautiful weather and trees are so pretty it about takes your breath away. Everywhere you look the farmers are in their field picking their corn and beans. I…
We had a glorious Sunday morning and after Sunday school enjoyed choir and congregational singing followed by special songs from Lola Mayberry, Ella Faye Mitchell and Gary Martin. Our morning message then was entitled, “What Shall I Do?” from the gospel of Luke. We found that the question is asked…
As you read this report, I have only been home for a short time from our recent trip to Plains, Ga. Twelve of us from our church traveled to Plains to hear our oldest grandson, Nicholas, sing for former President Jimmy Carter and the members of the Maranatha Baptist Church.…
This has been an exceptional week for us. We held a two day revival and a One-Day Vacation Bible School at Piland Youth Camp. A group from Macedonia General Baptist Church in Franklin, Kentucky came to join us in this revival and outreach effort, and all who attended were richly…
Last Weeks News – Pastor Neal began the morning and evening services by blowing the shofar to welcome all in the Lord’s house. October is planned to be a very busy month. We pray and ask God’s anointing on all we do. For without Him, we can do nothing. October…
Dan Stillings spent all of last week being “Tool Man Dan.” He did what he could to keep track of tools that had been borrowed for the Community Playground Project. He went early and came home late. A lot of people put in a lot of work to complete the…
Good day to everyone. It’s a little cloudy outside today. We could sure use a good rain. We had a good attendance at Red Bank Church last Sunday. Brother Jerry Huff opened the service with a greeting to everyone. The morning hymns were led by Brother Gary Lirley. Brother Jake…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. May God bless you in your time of…
Dick and Pauline Richards, Norma Cross and Kenny Hunt met J.D. and Angie Todd and Vi Twibble at Shoney’s in Ozark Wednesday the 5th to help Vi celebrate her 92nd birthday. She was the daughter of the late George and Dora Applegate. The Plainview basketball girls lost their game at…
Sunday morning service was led by the Praise group with several songs. Preyer requests and prayer followed. Brother Roberts brought the message from I Peter 5:8, “Know Our Enemy.” Sunday evening was opened with prayer and several hymns. Later was Bible trivia which the young people joined in and we…
Sunday, October 9 was the sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. We have two very nice additions to our altar as Carrie Compton has brought two large potted palms to be set on either side of the altar and they add beautiful greenery to the altar. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on…
Our preacher related a story about someone who referred to themselves as a ‘closet Christian.’ Not being familiar with such a term, I set about trying to conclude what was being meant by such a statement. A closet is a place that one keeps things. The word closet is only…
This dry earth could use a good soaking as it hasn’t rained for several weeks and some shrubs and trees are dying. Leaves are covering the ground. What a story was in Ava’s newspaper last week of a software developer and route 66 tour guide who rode through the area…
“Be not deceived, evil communiations corrupt good manners, ” I Corinthians 15:33. Sympathy to Dave Ramsey family. His wife, Jenny, died September 20 at their home. A week ago Gary and I went to the Ava nursing home to visit his mother, Maxine Turner, but she wasn’t there. She was…
Today was Pastor Appreciation Sunday. The Choir special was: “His Grace Is Sufficient.” Specials today for Pastor Appreciation were: Norman Virtue told two funny stories about a preacher skipping church to play golf and one when he went deer hunting. David Housley read a Preacher Appreciation poem to our pastor,…
I was sorry to have to miss the second annual Masquerade Ball at the Chateau Charmant in Olga. I understand from Nicholas and Sarah Inman that everything went well and that a fun time was enjoyed by those in attendance. I also understand that Whitney Keith of the Fordland Clinic…
What a glorious Lord’s Day this past Sunday was. Several of our members were debating just having Sunday school class, and maybe worship services too, out on the front steps. After a short discussion reason triumphed, the possibility of causing an accident out on the highway by so many people…
10-3-11 – Maybe some words will come to me if I think hard enough. It’s 37 degrees this morning and is supposed to be in the seventies the next few days and even 80 degrees one day. I sure do look forward to that. My furnace still isn’t working. Anita…
Billy Fletcher and Edgar and Sharon Stewart drove to Mountain Grove, Wednesday, and ate at the Hay Loft. They visited with Georgia Mae Smith and Dorman afterward. Billy and his Aunt Jean Daugherty drove to Marshfield, Saturday afternoon and had supper with Dennie and Barbara Whittaker. A notable thing that…
I have begun to see some beautiful colors appear within the timbered areas. So far most of the red and yellow leaves observed are coming from sumac, hickory and gum trees. Anyway, gazing at these colorful changes along the wooded areas made our recent trip to Springfield much more enjoyable.…
Sunday, October 2 was the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters…. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” By mammon Paul means earthly needs and desires, which must not be allowed to obsure…
Everyone knows that a day is coming that will be their last. And, presumably, most people worry about it. The worry is usually whether everything one wants to accomplish in life will be finished when the drum-roll begins. There is a passage in the Bible that speaks to this subject. …
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend. The weather was nice for a cookout or a picnic. It has been a little cool in the mornings and the grass wet from dew. Well, another month has passed us by and I…
Hope everyone is enjoying this weather as much as we are. Dick Richards went to the farm machinery auction, at Crain with Terry Nelson and Danny Davis last Tuesday. They hadn’t been over there for a while. Several people from Goodhope General Baptist Church had dinner in Ozark on the…
Sunday morning service was opened with music then prayer requests and prayer. We then sang some congregational hymns. Sister Joyce Erickson sang a beautiful and moving special. Brother Roberts brought the message from Exodus 14:11-17, “Right Perspective versus Wrong Perspectives.” The evening service was a movie about hidden secrets. It…
October came in Saturday with a bright blue sky. Sunday morning my thermometer read 37 degrees, so frost will soon be coming. It is usually here in the month of September. Since we haven’t had rain lately the tree’s leaves are falling because of dry weather and colors won’t be…
This passed Lord’s Day we were blessed before the worship service with specials from Miss Beverly McNiece, Miss Branetta McNiece, Mrs. Lola Mayberry and Ella Fay Mitchell. The morning message was “Revival Desired” from our text in Psalm 85:6, ” Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may…
9-26-11 – Things have been fairly quiet around here, I guess. A little rain off and on. The only measurable amount we’ve got so far is one-fourth of an inch. It’ raining today so I guess I’ll work on things inside this morning. We tried to fix the hole in…
Carl and Joan Fletcher visited with Billy Fletcher, Saturday. Edgar and Sharon Stewart took Billy to a medical appointment in Springfield, Monday. Norma Stillings was especially busy last week. It just happened that the Douglas County Homemakers’ semi-annual meeting, the Retired Teachers monthly meeting, the Support the Handicapped monthly meeting,…
There was a wonderful smell coming from the kitchen at Red Bank Church last Friday evening. The members of the Red Bank C.I.A., their leaders and other members that came to help, gathered together and baked loads of cookies to sell at their scheduled bake sale that took place at…
Last Weeks News – A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a great weekend and stayed dry in all the rain that we had. We sure needed it. It changed some peoples plans that they had, but there will be another day to plan again. On…
It’s hard to believe fall is here already, where has this year gone? DeAnn Thompson took me to Branson last week to see Noah the Musical. It was very entertaining. They kept it pretty close to the Bible account of the flood. They used sixty-five live animals and hundreds of…
Sunday morning service opened with the prayer requests and prayer then the praise team did a really good job of leading the congregation with a few songs of praise and worship. A few of the youth group gave some pointers about friendship. Brother Roberts gave a skit about true friendship…
Sunday, September 25 was the fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, Galatians 5:16, ” I say then, walk in the spirit, and ye shall not fullfil the lust of the flesh.” In this passage St. Paul gives practical advice on living…
Last Weeks News – “…whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25) This is the story of the blind man from birth that Jesus healed. Remember? He was hauled in front of the Pharisees and questioned. This is an example of physical blindness. In the previous verse the Pharisees…
Fall came in Friday by the calendar, bringing chilly temperatures and reminding me to get my heat turned on, namely my propane heaters. Not having them turned on, I had to use electric heaters until the first of the week. A bit of history informs us that 190 years ago,…
“Discuss your dispute with your neighbor, but don’t reveal another person’s secrets, If you do and he hears of it, he will disgrace you and your bad reputation will stick,” Proverbs 25:9-10 Jewish Bible. Monday evening, Gary and I went to Ava to the nursing home and visited with Gary’s…
Everyone is anxious for the Masquerade Ball this Saturday night (Oct. 1) that will benefit the Fordland Clinic. Tickets are still on sale and you will have a great time. They can be purchased in our neighborhood at Kindall Store or at the Fordland Clinic. It was so much fun…
This beautiful Lord’s day, we were very blessed by a special song sung by Miss Branetta McNiece and her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Lola Mayberry after opening worship service with congregational singing. We were then treated to an instrumental with Bro. Glen Dale Robertson on banjo and Bro. Bill Coats…
September 11th, well I think we made it through this day without any major disasters. I didn’t listen to much news today and of course the Sunday paper came out early with most of it dedicated to 9-11-01. Such a terrible, terrible day, even the cartoons were about it. All…
Norma Stillings attended the meeting of the Nubbin Ridge Homemakers, at the Sonshine Café, Thursday afternoon. Eva Painter was the hostess. Norma drove out to Skyline School for a meeting of the University Extension Council, Thursday evening. Norma Stillings joined with some of the Retired Teachers for lunch at the…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and great weekend. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. We hope you will be up and about real soon. Our sympathy to all who have lost…
We began our Lord’s Day service by standing and reading from Jeremiah 31. Prayer requests were given. Doyle Humbyrd prayed. Following the singing, happy birthday was sung to Josh, Israel and Jesse Dalton. Stan Humbyrd prayed the offertory prayer as he and Brad Siler received our Lord’s tithes and offerings…
Sunday, September 11 was the twelfth Sunday after trinity. Since it was also the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and Washington, Bishop Hartley included special prayers for the nation and for the lost in the attacks in his pastoral prayers. His sermon was based on…
The weather has been beautiful the last week or so, as for me the temperature could stay this way. We’ve had sadness in our family, over the passing away of our sister, Reatha Haas. Her obituary will be found in the paper. She had been in ill health for some…
Sunday morning service was opened with prayer requests and prayer then the praise team, Curly Rawlings, Shelden Walker, Melanie Breeding and Richelle Shelton, did an awesome job of leading praise songs. Brother Roberts brought the message from Hebrews 4:12, “Back To the Bible.” Sunday evening service was a short business…
It’s Hootin’ An’ Hollarin’ week already! Time waits for no one, and this year is no exception, since the third weekend of September came quickly. The “Historium” is a new attraction this year in the old McDonald store building. There will be lots of antiques on display. There have been…
“Therefore, will I also deal in fury, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them,” Ezekiel 8:18. Monday, Labor Day, my sister, Christine Clayton, and my brother, Orville Clayton, and wife,…
This Lord’s Day seems to have been the transition from summer to fall, the warm winds in the morning and the cool breeze in the evening. We were blessed at morning worship service by a special from Bro. Gary Martin. The morning message from Psalm 115, regarding in whom we…
Billy Fletcher went with Edgar and Sharon Stewart for lunch Sunday at Rusty Spurs in Seymour to celebrate Edgar’s birthday. Billy’s Aunt Jean Daugherty visited with him several times this week. Cliff and Debra Bohnstedt drove down from Springfield, Monday morning to visit with Debra’s mother, Norma Stillings. Debra prepared…
Hello again. Ahh, this cooler weather is so invigorating. It makes one feel like accomplishing more than one is, actually, physically able to do in one day. There are lots of chores that need to be done before winter sets in. I’ll have to pace myself or I’ll probably get…
Heart of the Hills Food Harvest items was collected. Prayer requests were given and LeaAnn Crum prayed this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Connie Johnson. Testimonies were shared and Martin Hodges and LeaAnn Crum did the special music. Pastor Neal prayed and read from Luke 9, the demonic son. …
Sunday, September 4 was the eleventh Sunday after trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Luke 18:9, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, which contrasts the arrogance of the Pharisee with the humility of the publican: “for everyone that exalted himself shall…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend. The card and domino players had a cookout to pass the time of day on Monday as most family members did their own thing for Labor Day. Our hats off to Ellis Stephens…
Norma Cross and I drove to Owasso, Oklahoma a couple days last week to be with our sister, Reatha Haas, who was very ill then we got word last evening that she passed away and in heaven at 6 p.m.yesterday. Sunday there will be a service in Skatook, Oklahoma before…
Sunday morning service was opened with the band playing some good old time hymns. Then congregational hymns were sung while greeting and welcoming everyone. Little Mister Lucas Hamby was introduced to everyone. I sang the special then Brother Roberts brought the message from I John 4:8, “ Greatest Work.” Those…
It is unpredictable whether “routine plans” can be carried out as I experienced last week, and spent some time in Baxter County Regional Hospital. I appreciate those helpful ones who stayed with me there for moral support and my daughter who got me home. Best wishes to Paul Breyne who…
“Ask the Lord for rain. In the season of late rain. It is the Lord who cause storms and He will provide rainstorms for them, grass in the fields for everyone,” Zecheriah 10:4. Two weekends ago Zoe Shull stayed with Ralph and Dana Brazeal. Last Monday Gary and I went…
I understand that several from our area attended the annual Seymour Apple Festival. I would have liked to have been present, however, I had to work and had to miss all of the fun. There were several from our family who ventured that way and they reported that it was…
Rock Chapel prayer requests: Tyler and Weston McIntosh, Caleb Dixon, Stanley Nehr, Jennifer Alexander, Joyce Deeds, Sandra Hawkins, the David Littrell family, Lily Gass, Max Yarber, Norman Virtue’s daughter, Sharon Renfrow, hurricane victims and families, and many unspoken requests. Upcoming Events: Men’s Fellowship Breakfast this Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7…
We begin this week by remembering two friends who were called to their eternal reward recently. First, Erma Cudney who was a longtime member of the Dogwood community. There she lived with her husband, Jim and she was extremely active in the Dogwood Church of the Nazarene for many years.…
We finished our Sunday school quarter with the book of Ruth and begin a new quarter next week, so if you were waiting to come because you didn’t want to be in the middle of a series, next Sunday we’ll start off on a whole new subject. We began morning…
As we came together on our Lord’s Day, we stood to read our devotional from Philippians 1. Prayer requests were given for Warren McKee, John & Heather Hampton, Rick Crum, who is in Oregon visiting family, Gail Adams, having surgery, our nation, leaders, military and, as always, our service today…
Sunday, August 28 was the tenth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the gospel for the day, St. Luke 19:41, in which Jesus weeps over Jerusalem: ” If thou hadst known at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace!” In this passage…
August 29th – We’ve been having some beautiful fall-like weather; even though one day got up to a heat index of 100 or more. They said we were under a heat advisory and let a lot of the schools out early. Then before the day was over the temps started…
Claude Robertson visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Great granddaughter, Kylie Loftin, also came by for a visit with Tom and Jewell. Norma Stillings got word from Chalmer Hendrix of Riverbank, California that his brother, Virgil Hendrix, had died. Several members of the Hendrix and Rogers families had…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good weekend and found a cool place to be in the heat. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. There sure seem to be a lot of sickness…
First of all I’ve got to retract something I wrote last week. It is about the Peckerwood Hollow slab. It was put in in the early 1940′s. Dick and I were in town Tuesday and we stopped for a visit with Helen Dobbins on our way home. I visited with…
I went to church at Noble on Sunday morning to help with the music. Sunday night was our singing night at Walnut Grove and we enjoyed several good specials and some good congregational songs as well. We are saddened at the news of Ronnie Fleetwood’s passing away. We are praying…
Sunday, August 14 was the eighth Sunday after trinity. Bishop Hartley was away fulfilling his duties as Bishop at our sister church in Rogers, Arkansas so instead of communion our lay leader, Tom Berthold lead us in the morning prayer service. In lieu of a sermon Bishop Hartley had left…
Until the time of Samuel, Israel was ruled by divine leadership. God had established a covenant with Moses and it was acknowledged in Exodus 24:7. God’s people had agreed to “all the LORD had said, to be obedient.” My! how times changed. In less than 400 years, the people of…
8-8-11. Well, I guess I’ll see if I can pull anything out of my jumbled up mind to write about. Walt (Bob) had a good birthday on Saturday, August 6, 2011. He got Happy Birthday calls from son, Robert, daughter, Roberta, daughter, Mona and granddaughter’s Mel and Candi. My daughter,…
You really should have been in service with us this last Lord’s Day. After our morning service, we had a fellowship dinner in celebration of my having survived another year, well you missed out if you weren’t there. And you can’t say you weren’t invited. After Sunday school and our…
Janice Keith visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson last week. Although it is not “news” you see the family there every day. Norma Stillings is still limiting her activities due to a bad cough. Even though the cough is not supposed to be infectious, it sure hangs on. Norma’s air…
Sunday morning I attended church with Jim and Maxine Lund at Noble Church. On Sunday night Brother Roberts brought the devotion from Ecclesiates 3: 1, “A New Season.” Sister Venita Brummet sang a beautiful special. Visiting Sunday evening with Toby, Jacinda and Dallee Sheppard and Shelden and Kendra Walker were…
Our yards are greener now since we got rain showers. Harry Zimmer worked in my yard Thursday. I’m hoping to get more rain so my crepe myrtle bushes will be in full bloom. It’s time of the year to fill propane gas tanks at summer prices, ahead of winter! Cindy…
Hello again on this fine rainy day. So far we are receiving a perfect slow, gentle rain. This has been a very busy month for us so far. Our daughter, Mitzi, her husband, Mark, and two of their children, Benjamin and Jessi came all the way from Texas to visit…
We began with standing to read our devotional from Romans 10. Many prayer requests were shared because people need the Lord. Among those were Jim’s friend, Brady, Chloe Wilson, Paula Calmer, Jim Huffman, Janet Dalton, our unsaved loved ones, our nation, leaders and troops. Peggy Miller prayed this prayer. Happy…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a great weekend and found a cool place to be while it was hot. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Hope you are up and about real soon.…
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches,” Jeremiah 9:23. Praise the Lord for this cooler weather and rain. I now can get back to my morning…
After Sunday school this last Sunday, we were treated to two special songs from Miss Burnetta McNiece, Miss Beverly McNiece, Miss Alley Nasif and their Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Lola Mayberry. Then Ella Fay Mitchell sang a special. Our morning message was taken mainly from Psalm 119, with our emphasis…
We stood to read our devotional from Proverbs 22. Prayer requests were given for Larry Hampton, Paula Calmer, Lane Jenkins, Earlein Owens’ family, our service today and lost loved ones. We all need the Lord. Stan Humbyrd prayed this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Danny Johnson, Jenin Humbyrd and…
8-15-11. Things have quieted down around here at last. No real bad news to report, thank goodness. We made our usual trek to the Quad Cities on Tuesday last week. We couldn’t of had nicer weather. Just beautiful all day. We didn’t get to see anyone in Illinois this time.…
Billy Fletcher, Ginny Lyon, Dennis and Susan Fritz, and Edgar and Sharon Stewart celebrated Sharon’s birthday by driving to Seymour, after church Sunday for lunch at the Rusty Spurs Café. Norma Stillings attended the Support the Handicapped Board meeting at the sheltered workshop, Tuesday evening. She visited at the Heart…
Hello again from Red Bank. It doesn’t seem possible that summer is almost over. Fall begins in one month, Sept. 23. Soon the tree leaves will begin to turn to fall colors and there will be a new fresh, spicy scent in the air. To me that is what fall…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good and safe weekend. We are very thankful for the rain that we got. It was needed very much as some yards were turning brown and the flowers looking kinda sick. We send get well wishes to all…
8-15-2011. Everyone that travels the Rome road between 76 Highway to A Highway, had a surprise this past week to find a new slab over the Peckerwood Hollow branch, the old slab finished washing out, this spring with the heavy rains. Dick Richards said he could remember him and Harvey…
Sunday, August 21 was the ninth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the epistle for the day, I Corinthians 10:1, “Brethren,I would not that ye should be ignorant…” in which he first discusses Moses and the ancient Hebrews and “the spirtiual Rock that followed them” which for…
Sunday morning service was opened with a baptism of three new converts. Sister Kami Souder sang a beautiful special. Brother Cody Prock led with an opening and prayer. Brother Roberts brought the message from Ephesians 5:25, the first in a series of Back to the Basics, “Let’s Love the Church.”…
We got enough rain showers to make the grass grow last week, though other neighborhoods got more rain than we did. Lilly Ridge Extension Club members met in the basement room of Gainesville Health Center last Thursday. Happy 40th anniversary to my niece and husband, Carol and Paul Aronis, September…
Another beautiful morning here in the Ozarks as I pen this report. There has been much activity in our neighborhood this past weekend, as many have been venturing out this way to see the Castle and enjoy the remaining weeks of summer. This past week, I enjoyed seeing dear friend,…
Today’s choir special was: “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus.” Morning Specials were by Carla Bates and Sharon Renfrow singing “Help is on the Way” and Rick and Helen singing “I Know a Man Who Can.” We had Children’s Church with teacher Sandy Housley. Upcoming Events: Women’s Conference in Hartville…
Happy 102nd birthday to Lura Simmerman. Lura has been a lifelong resident of the south side of the county and is the oldest former student of the Sherrow School. She is now a resident at the Seymour Nursing Home. Grandson Nicholas reported that she looked like she was enjoying herself…
It was very warm, okay, it was hot, outside, but we were comfortably cool during services, thanks to that air conditioning unit I mentioned last week. Ella Faye Mitchell and Gary Martin sang special songs before our morning message. The morning message was from Romans 1:16-23 “Professing themselves to be…
Prayer concerns were shared for the unsaved, Chloe Wilson, Julie Tew, the families of Lonnie Combs, Oscar Cunningham and Jim Greathouse. We always remember our nation, leaders and troops. Debbie Pitts prayed. Happy birthday was sung to Debbie Pitts and Brad Siler. Happy anniversary was sung to Aaron and Jenin…
Sunday, August 7 was the seventh Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Old Testament reading for the day, Hosea 14 “Return, O Israel to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.” In this passage the prophet exhorts the Israelites to remember…
8-1-11. Well, here I’ve been getting bad news again. Friday ngiht Frank Dee Allison called to let us know our dear friend, Harley Cox, had passed away. We had been expecting it, but we’re still sad. He was a good man and such a good sport to let me tease…
The rains came, there is a break in the temperatures, the grass is growing again, and some green beans are pushing up in the garden. We had prayed for rain and now thank God for it. We can remember some years in the past when a hot and dry August…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good weekend. The weather has been some what cooler at times along with some rain that was much needed. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. Our sympathy…
We certainly appreciate the rain that has come our way the past couple days. There were some thieves down our way last week. Mary Jones, who is in the nursing home in Ava had her house broken into and they stole her car that was setting in her carport. A…
Sunday morning service was opened with music then prayer requests and prayer. We then had some hymns and welcomed everyone. Brother Roberts brought the message from Isaiah 40: 28-31, “Spiritual Renewal.” Sunday evening we had a Bible Trivia which was fun. Brother Randy and Sister Venita Brummet sang a special.…
“Dog days of summer” are with us for a few more days, not the most comfortable time of the year! We have had some extreme heat lately, at least for our area. This is the time of the year when our good shade trees are appreciated. How nice to have…
Everyone was so thankful for the rain and the cooler temperatures for a few hours. Choir special today was “His Grace is Sufficient.” Virginia Serghides did the reading, “The Smell of Rain.” Virginia Serghides was the teacher in Children’s Church today. Prayer requests: Sandra Hawkins, Mark Swartzfigur, Joyce Washburn, Joyce…
Today we celebrated the seventh Sunday after Pentecost using the following Bible readings: Isaiah 55: 1-5, or wisdom 12-13, 16-19 Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 and the New Testament Romans 9:1-5, Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21. Our lector was Craig Carter. In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to…
Sunday, July 24 was the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Epistle for the day, I St. Peter 3:8, ” Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another…” in which St. Peter exhorts Christians to get along with one another and remember…
I wonder what it would be like to follow God around for a day? I wonder if it would be like standing in front of a class of 21 unruly eighth graders? All boys except for one; bless her heart, she has to be brave to last through this semester. …
The past week at Oak Grove has been a full, wonderful blessed one. We had Vacation Bible School, Monday through Friday with our final program on Sunday night and it was a blast, not only for the children (we adults had fun too.) The cast of characters who made it…
7-18-2011 – Last Tuesday we got up at 4:00 a.m., got ready and headed for the Quad Cities at 6:00 a.m. so we could be in Silvis, Illinois at 8:00 a.m. when the license bureau opened so Walt could renew his license. He had to get them every two years…
We stood to read our devotional reading from I Samuel 2. Prayer requests were given and praises were shared. We praised the Lord for the good rain we received. Brad Siler prayed the offertory prayer as he and Clay McFarland received our Lord’s tithes and offerings with Elane Crum doing…
Edgar and Sharon Stewart took Sue Hartgraves and Billy Fletcher to doctors appointments in Springfield, Thursday. Saturday, Billy’s cousins, Tom and Connie Knepp, of Iowa City, Iowa visited with him. Donald and Paulette Fletcher of Fair Grove and their granddaughter, Marlene Edgeman, visited with Billy, Sunday. Norma Stillings had one…
Sunday morning service opened with some good music then prayer requests and prayer. A congregational song was sung then Brother Mahlon Schmucker brought the message from John 3:16. Brother Cody Prock brought the message for the second service from II Corinthians 6:1-18, “ At the end of the day, what…
“Hear O’Lord, when I cry with my voice, have mercy also upon me and answer me,” Psalm 27:7. On the 13th, Gary took me to the Springfield airport. That afternoon I flew to Dallas, Texas were the temperature was hot in the 100′s, like it was in Missouri. When I…
We were very happy for the rain that came over the weekend. We got an inch and a quarter. Several people got two inches or more west of Goodhope. Pete Jenkins from Fayetteville, Arkansas came up Tuesday to spend the day with Norma Cross and I. We visited with Peggy…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend and stayed cool and how about the most needed rain we got in some spots. We are thankful for every drop. Some places got more than others. It rained off and on at West…
At this writing we are needing rain badly. Our lawns are drying up and shrubs that usually are blooming are in need of moisture. Crepe Myrtles are usually in full bloom and so pretty at this time. Sympathy is expressed to the Iva Russell family whose funeral was Monday at…
We had a wonderful time in worship service this last Sunday. Lola Mayberry and two beautiful young ladies, Miss Brunetta McNeice and Miss Beverely McNeice sang for us before the message. It is always a blessing to hear young voices praising the Lord. The morning message was “Killin’ Snakes” from…
I’m back to watering my garden again. The weather man said that the temperature would soar up around 100 degrees this week with not much chance of rain so I knew the moisture that my garden had accumulated would quickly evaporate. Now if I can keep those pesky tomato worms…
Sunday, July 31 was the sixth Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley was away for the weekend attending the ordination of a deacon at All Saints Anglican Church in Boaz, Alabama so at St. Francis our lay leader, Tom Berthold, had charge of the service and we did the morning prayer…
We came to the Lord’s house; what a good place to be. We stood to read our devotional from II Corinthians 7. Prayer requests were given for Melissa Dalton, today’s services, our troops, nation and the lost. Kevin Hodges prayed this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Phillip McFarlin and…
“For the rich men thereof are full of violence and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth,” Micah 6:12. Last Saturday evening the 23rd, John Little and Zamber Satterfield were married at Oak Grove Church. I pray they have a happy life together.…
Sunday morning service was opened with the Primary class performing two praise songs. Now if you don’t think these little people know how to praise the Lord, you are surely mistaken. They did a super job, even got the rest of the congregation involved with the songs. The youth praise…
Freeda Holt visited with Tom and Jewell Johnson one day last week. Donald Fletcher of Fair Grove visited with his brother, Billy Fletcher, last Wednesday. Jean Daugherty came over for a visit with Billy, Saturday. Billy attended the 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration in honor of Bill and Wanda Huffman at…
We were at the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center, Tuesday visiting. Irene Richards and Peggy Jenkins were both about the same. The residents there get such good care and it is always clean and the employees are pleasant and helpful. Our area is fortunate to have a facility like…
7-25-2011 Wow! Wow! Wow! Did we ever get lucky over the weekend. From around noon on Thursday until about noon on Sunday, we got a total of three and a fourth inches of rain here at the farm. We really needed it. I just wish some of the rest of…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a good weekend and a place to be while it is so hot. As we have been in the hundreds for a while. Be sure to check on the shut ins during this heat. We send get-well wishes to…
Having spent most of the last week either in a hospital, or on the way to or from the hospital, I was unable to get the church news letter in the paper last week. I apologize for lapse, but I assure you it was due to circumstances beyond my control.…
Each Tuesday we have special prayer time at 7 pm. Every Wednesday we have Bible study in Genesis. Each Sunday at 9:45 am we have prayer, Sunday school at 10 am and worship at 11 am. You are welcome to come to these services. As we started many prayer requests…
Exactly what is grace? To begin with, it is favor, God’s favor (Genesis 18:3). Growing in grace means that the favor of God is already there (II Timothy 1:9). It had to be there in order to grow in it. Now, how does one grow in grace? For openers, one…
7-11-11 – It’s that time of week again for me to get some things ready to mail. I woke up to thunder this morning, but it had just rained enough to dampen the sidewalk a little. It’s really dark, hot, humid and I’m hearing thunder again. We’re not supposed to…
Donald Fletcher of Fair Grove and his brother, Billy Fletcher, visited with Carl and Joan Fletcher at the farm last Wednesday. Donald came back Thursday morning early Thursday to do some yard work. Jean Daugherty visited with Billy, Thursday afternoon. Thursday evening, Carl and Joan stopped by on their way…
Greetings from Red Bank. I hope everyone is finding good ways to stay cool these past few weeks. I’m sure some of you are visiting the creeks daily or staying close to a swimming pool, but if you are like us, you are staying close to the air conditioner. I…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and happy week and fournd a cool place from all the heat. Be sure to check on the shut-ins during the extremely hot weather. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals…
It sounds like we are in for some more hot weather this week. We appreciate the air conditioner. I wonder how we ever got along without them. Dick and I put a bushel of peaches in the freezer Tuesday and went to Sparta to get some green beans and cucumbers…
Sunday morning service was opened with prayer then the Vacation Bible School children took charge of the service with songs by each group and some did scriptures. The children had a wonderful time each night last week. The teachers worked really hard and were very patient with their teaching. The…
The hot dry temperatures aren’t too enjoyable for those of us who like to be outside these summer days. Plenty of sunscreen helps from getting sunburned. Prayer is requested for Iva Russell who is seriously ill with congestive heart failure. Her children are staying close by her side. Our prayers…
Del and Fanya Scott took Fanya’s parents, Howard and Ella Faye Mitchell, to the Caney Church grounds at Brown Branch to attend a family reunion of the late Ted and Odie Mitchell family. Those from Springfield were Barbara Ellison, Connie Hill and grandson, Skyler Hill. Mike, Diana, Travis Comstock an…
We could really use some rain in this part of the country, everything is beginning to turn brown! Guess, that just comes with this time of the year. In the spring, we were complaining about all the rain we were receiving. I understand that the volleyball on Saturday was a…
Today we celebrated the fifth Sunday after Pentecost using the following Bible readings: Isaiah 44: 6-8, or Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Psalm 86:11-17, and the New Testament Romans 8:12-25, Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Our lector was Richard Sturgeon. Today we prayed for all the survivors and the victims of that terrible…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and good weekend and found a cool place while it was so hot. We had temperatures in the 100′s for a day or two. We send get-well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals…
Several from our church attended the funeral of Zella Menzies on Saturday at the Clinkingbeard Chapel. She was buried at Mt. Tabor and a meal followed at our church. Let us keep her family in our prayers. Our devotional reading was from Psalm 78 and prayer requests were given. Among…
As these news items are written, we are needing rain. Some showers were north of us. Gardeners are harvesting their vegetables this week. Lilly Ridge Club will meet at the Ozark County Health Center Thursday, July 21. Guest speaker will be presenting information about the food pantry and food harvest.…
I am proud of the showers we got last week. Some were not so lucky, we could use a lot more. It is so terribly warm. I had company the week before last, Scharleen Bricker, Donna Bricker and Kim Ragles from Mineral Wells, Texas. They spent a week at their…
Sunday, July 10, was the third Sunday after Trinity. Bishop Hartley based his sermon on the Epistle for the day, I St. Peter 5:5 “All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” in which St. Peter gives advice on how to live a Christian life…
Sunday morning service was opened with music then prayer requests and prayer, more hymns then a beautiful special by Cami Souder, accompanied by the musicians. Brother Roberts brought the message from Galatians 5:22-25, the final in a series of messages, “Fruit of the Spirit.” On Thursday evening, several from Walnut…
Carl and Joan Fletcher of Bois D’ Arc visited with Billy Fletcher, Monday afternoon. Billy’s aunt Jean Daugherty visited with him Saturday. Edgar Stewart took Billy to a doctor’s appointment Monday. Norma Stillings went to the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center a couple of times, last week and Rocky…
The word stranger is used many times throughout the Bible. God speaks of Israel being strangers in Egypt (Exodus 23:9). Angels have appeared as strangers (Hebrews 13:2). In I Peter 2:11 Peter himself speaks of the servants of God as being strangers. Flip to Psalm 119:19 and it says “I…
7-5-11. Another July 4 has come and gone. I hope everyone had a safe one. It was nice here. Usually it is about too hot on July 4th to do anything, but here it was very pleasant. We sat out in the shade and watched all the traffic coming and…
As Junior and I were riding to church on Sunday, I was reminded of how fortunate I have been to have such a special family and friends in my life. I really enjoyed seeing several of my kids on Saturday. I also enjoyed a birthday dinner with daughter, Jeanette Evans…
Today we celebrated the fourth Sunday after Pentecost using the following Bible readings: Isaiah 55:10-13, Psalm 65:1-8, 9-13, and the New Testament Romans 8:1-11, Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed…
We trust you had a glorious Independence Day holiday and hope you were in church Sunday morning giving God the thanks of His many blessings to our great nation, and the godly principles upon which it was founded. Without which, by the way not only will we be a lost…
6-27-2011. The most important thing that happened around here this past week is that Walt (Bob) Allison’s daughter, Roberta, (Berta) had a heart attack. What a shock! She’s 52 years old.It was Thursday morning at work. She was in Genisis East in Davenport. They have a special unit there for…
Norma Stillings had a big family gathering at her house Saturday evening. They celebrated Debra Bohnstedt’s birthday and a visit with Juhi Goos. Juhi who lives in New Jersey came to Missouri for a two-week visit with her grandparents, Pete and Anna Goos, and her uncle, Roger Goos, of Lee’s…
I hope everyone had a happy Fourth of July holiday. Gary and I were content with a very quiet weekend. We did, however, enjoy visiting with two of our neighbors, Pam Shell and Le Ann George. We stopped in to visit with Pam and get a report on how Bill…
A good morning to all our readers. We hope everyone had a safe and great holiday over the weekend and stayed cool. We enjoyed the showers of rain that we got. We send get well wishes to all the sick, the ones in the hospitals and the nursing homes. May…
Last weeks news – As we came together there were many prayer requests: Reggie Spurlock, who lost his home by fire, Walter Woods having surgery, Sonya Hodges, Neal Gott, Donna Witchey, Camp this week with 3rd and 4th graders. Josh Dalton prayed this prayer. Happy birthday was sung to Abby…
I hope everyone had a safe and good fourth of July. There was so many places celebrating the holiday that most everyone had a chance to see the fireworks and eat somewhere. We went to all the ball games last week. The games will all be over after this week.…
Sunday morning service opened with prayer requests and prayer then the youth praise team led us with some songs. We appreciate Richelle Shelton, Melanie Breeding, Shelden Walker, Daavela Rawlings and Curly Rawlings leading the songs each Sunday for the second service. We were especially happy to see Cheryl Hopper in…
Air conditioners are getting in full use and appreciated, these hot days and nights. In the “good old days” all we had to use was a “fan” into the night when we could finally get to sleep. As these items are written we need rain showers badly. Lots of folks…
“As for the likeness of their faces. They four, had the face of a man and the face of a lion on the right side and they four had the face of an ox on the left side, they four also had the face of an eagle,” Ezekiel 1:10. Monday…
Some folks stayed home from church Sunday because it was so hot, but next Sunday you will know you can come, even on the hottest summer days, we have one of those new fangled “air conditioning” units that keeps the whole church house nice and cool. So come on in,…
June 21, 2011 – well, we can soon kiss June 2011 goodbye. Yesterday morning I hadn’t been to sleep yet when I started hearing thunder in the distance. As usual, we had a chance for severe weather so I stayed awake and watched television for the warnings and watches. It…
Carl and Joan Fletcher visited with his brother, Billy Fletcher last Monday. Billy’s Aunt Jean Daugherty visited with him, Saturday. Sunday, Billy Fletcher and Stanley Goodrich were honored with a birthday dinner at the home of Charlie and Fred Lindberg. Carol Riggs and Doris Holman were there also. Lois Wideman…
