8 minute read
FaITh Fall events / Transitions
FaITh “Well done, good and faithful servants!”
–from Matthew 25:23
Reverend Copeland Retiring from De Soto Baptist
Reverend Richard Copeland
and Mary Etta shown at right have been strong pillars in the community since 1967 when they came to De Soto. Now they cross a milestone of 55 years of service, shepherding and ministering to De Soto Baptist Church and the community. “I had begun to think about retirement in 2019, just before COVID, but wanted to see the church through this,” explained Richard.“We navigated through that challenging time, adapted and appreciated everyone’s help.” “Earlier this year, my friend Fred Jones, a deacon, was talking about the church’s strengths and weaknesses, and that I had been dragging my feet about retirement,” shared Richard. “God spoke to me through this.” In February 2022, I made the announcement of my retirement at the church’s business meeting. God also spoke clearly in1967, when Richard was 27 years old. At that time they were involved in campus ministry in Pittsburg. “We were so excited, but it just was not it,” Richard explained. They were pastors of two open country churches near Wellsville and Ottawa, both bigger than De Soto. They reluctantly visited De Soto, after a regional minister said, “Don’t say no until you look it over.” Ironically, both sets of parents said, “Do not go to De Soto.” Both Richard and Mary Etta came away saying, “They need a minister.” They have felt reaffirmed through the years in staying here, and found they wanted to stay. “I have felt more like a chaplain to the community,” said Reverend Copeland.
continued on page 34
8655 Copeland Way | 913-585-1026
www.desotobaptistchurch.com 11 am Sunday Services
both in-person and online 9:45 am Sunday School for all ages
Men’s & Women’s Bible Study
2nd & 4th Mondays check our church website/facebook for updates Enjoy live performances by local musicians, freshly-brewed coffee and delicious desserts during an entertaining evening. The coffeehouse fundraiser will benefit Bless my Home Ministry which provides furnishings and household goods to those transitioning out of homelessness.
https://blessmyhome.org
Harvest Ridge Covenant Church will host the event.
Saturday, October 22 7 pm to 9 pm 22015 Midland Drive, Shawnee.
Pastor Jeff Prothro returns to Asbury Methodist, Reverend Young Je Kim joins De Soto UMC
After eight years serving De Soto United Methodist Church, Pastor Jeff Prothro has returned to Asbury Methodist Church in Prairie Village, as senior pastor. Prior to coming to De Soto UMC, Pastor Jeff was an associate pastor at Asbury Methodist. “I was blessed to have worked and served with so many great people,” shared Pastor Jeff. “Our congregation helped me grow, and we did a lot of great stuff together. I was happy to serve as pastor.” He felt more of a presence was created in the community for all ages. “The biggest thing was keeping that communal feel for people worshipping during COVID, as it was a challenging time for all,” recalled Pastor Jeff. He is thankful for the many opportunities at De Soto UMC that helped build community–providing space for the Blessing Box Eagle Scout Project, annual election dinner, trunkn-treat, bierocks and working with local schools Starside and LTMS, sponsoring “Girls on the Run.” “The new pastor, Young Je Kim, will keep things rollin’ and he will do a great job,” said Pastor Jeff, who served as a mentor to Young Je during his ordination. continued on page 34
trunk ‘n treat Community Events
Families are invited to bring their children to any and all of these fun gatherings. Check church websites for additional information.
Reach Church De Soto www.reachdesoto.com
33085 West 83rd Street, De Soto
Saturday, October 29 from 5 pm-7 pm Harvest Ridge Covenant Church www.harvestridge.org
22015 Midland Drive, Shawnee
Sunday, October 30 from 4 pm-6 pm De Soto united Methodist Church www.desotoumc.com
Held in the TriCentury Parking Lot at 33485 Lexington Avenue
Sunday, October 30 from 3 pm-5 pm
See Fall Events page 13 for Election Day Dinner 5:30 pm to 7 pm
8655 Copeland Way, De Soto
Sunday, October 30 beginning at 5 pm
DE SOtO DAyS
continued from page 32 When the Copelands first came, the upstairs did not exist. There was only the downstairs area where 50-75 people fit in the area between the furnace room and the kitchen. There was no organ, but there was an upright piano from the downtown Baptist Theological Seminary. When the upper church was built, the seminary gave their pews for the sanctuary so the church would have them for Lana Pinkleton’s wedding. Many updates were made over the years. “It is hard to pick out highlights...I enjoyed every day, being with people, and welcomed into families doing weddings and funerals,” Reverend Richard said about his congregation and the community he cared for. Over the span of his ministry, there were over 1,000 baptisms, 646 weddings and 715 funerals. “All the youth trips with the youth choir were special, and one trip especially with a ‘golf ball incident,’” he recollected. “What was really the highlight though, is when you see a person’s life changed with the presence of God in their lives,” said Reverend Richard, emphasizing how meaningful that is. This past month, he has been preaching on favorite hymns and Scripture. He also had Christmas in July–where he did his tradition of portraying a Biblical character in costume. One of his favorite times, the Sunday before Christmas, he would preach as a Biblical character in first person to emulate their feelings. They were just common people–Roman soldier, Joseph, 14 characters in total–that he would tie into Christmas throughout the years. “The Holy Spirit always provides a message. He has never let me down,” stated Reverend Copeland. And we trust that when Reverend Richard Copeland preaches his fairwell sermon on Sunday, August 28, God’s Holy Spirit will give him a message of encouragement for all as we all navigate this big transition together. Sunday, August 28 will mark his retirement after 55 years of service to De Soto Baptist Church, the congregation and the community of De Soto. All are invited to this celebration. Richard and Mary Etta will enter a new phase of life–remaining in the area, where much of their family also resides. This September, at the American Baptist Church Central Region Gathering, Richard will be a speaker. He will have many years of wisdom to share.
–Rose M. Burgweger, Interview with Richard and Mary Etta at De Soto Baptist Church
“For us, the last 55 years here in De Soto have been memorable and a true blessing. We have an incredible feeling of gratitude for each and every person who has crossed our paths and for the countless experiences which have made our lives meaningful. This community was a great place to raise a family, and will continue to be a great place to live out the rest of our lives!” –Richard and Mary Etta Copeland
continued from page 32 Reverend Young Je Kim came from the Virginia area, where the Great Plains Conference had loaned him to a local church for a period of one year. Prior to that, he served in Nebraska. The following is an introduction from Reverend Kim: Hello! I originally came from South Korea and served churches in South Korea, New Jersey, Nebraska and Virginia before I came to De Soto. Now, I am so happy to be called a Kansan! In ministry, I am passionate about inspirational worship, healthy families in faith, hospitality for those beginning their new faith journey, growth of next generations, care of former generations, and listening to people to learn about them. God has led me to learn and grow at Hyupsung University, South Korea for my Bachelor of Theology; Methodist Theological Seminary, South Korea for Master of Theology; Drew Theological Seminary, New Jersey for my Master of Divinity; and currently Daybreak University, California in a Marriage and Family Therapist course. I am blessed to be called a husband and a dad. My wife and I have been married since 2006 and have two daughters. When I am not in the role as a pastor, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, walking, playing board games and watching movies together. Welcome Reverend Young Je Kim to Kansas!
light of the World lutheran Church in De Soto
The church has been meeting the first and third Sundays of each month at 6:45 pm in the De Soto Senior Center for Bible study and fellowship. Pastor Bert and Renae Tegtmeier came to the area when Bert retired from full-time ministry, having served as a Lutheran pastor for 40 years. They are working with a group of Christians in the De Soto / Eudora communities to help start a Lutheran Church. For more information, email norbert.tegtmeier1953@gmail.com
or call 620-343-4371.
Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Pastor Copeland’s 55 years of dedicated service at De Soto Baptist Church serving as a leader, shepherd and friend within our community. Sunday, August 28, 2022 De Soto Baptist Church 8655 Copeland Way, De Soto 11 am Sanctuary Worship & Sermon 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm Reception lower level after church service Refreshments will be served
RSVP Linda Lane 12oakslane@gmail.com
