Church Directory

Something to Think About by Jim Johnson

We have looked at grids in the past and considered the chaos a grid failure might cause. However, today we are going to think about the very real grid of community relations. On the news, various large cities in our nation are undergoing a violent upheaval caused by thugs, thieves and arsonists. This disrespect for other’s property is almost unbelievable, except, there it is right on the television. While only the very worst of activities make it to the national news, there it is for all to see there seems to be no mitigating factors. On top of the revolting disruptions, along comes a virus which inspires high level politicians to make decisions without consult or affirmation by we the people resulting in the theft (literally) of their livelihoods to appease the bureaucrats. Remember we the people had no vote over shutting down. Most of the doctors (MD and PhD) parading on national TV are not practicing physicians who treat patients but are members of the various government bureaucracies who are supposed to answer to we the people through our president and congress.

Now come these ignorant bureaucrats, clamoring for destruction of our economy by demanding we isolate at home preparing for starvation and debt beyond imagination. Absolutely gutless fools quivering in a corner. We the people did not elect a paid government employee (bureaucrat/minister) to form a “more perfect union.” As far as I am concerned, as a devout believer in the free markets, the “Executive Service” bureaucrats are there because they cannot find employment in the capitalist world. Further their statistics are held as gospel, especially when touted by the “if it bleeds, it leads” gang in the medias. I hear no arguments, zero from within the government. But, others, who more expert at statistics, find big holes in their generalist comments. So, think about the blasts from the media. All we hear is cases and death. Where are the recoveries and life? Where is the objective data on the viability of masking? Are masks and abandoning our neighbors and communities the real solution for everybody? Maybe if one bothered to study the John Hopkins data with population density in mind, there might be variable solutions depending whether or not one lives in a hostile desert, literally, like New York City or whether one inhabits the out-lands of chiggers and ticks with the fresh, clean air and friendly neighbors. Yes, our air may be packed with intoxicating aroma de skunk and densely packed with pollen, but the Wuhan virus is missing. Indeed, only 22 cases in Dade after six months. But, where is the data on recoveries? So why the lock down “suggestions” of months ago. It. Is certainly is thought provoking. Wait! If we are shut down, who is paying taxes to support our community “grid”? We need to pay taxes to pay our educators who help our youth learn.

Very much something to think about.

Lest You Forget by Frank Berry

Is it just me? Or am I the only person who stands around looking for something I already hold in my hand? Should I be embarrassed? Probably not! A man named K.W. Acord once told me: “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” I’m going to add, “Going blind ain’t either!”

Don’t blink. You might miss a bumble bee bumping its tail on a flower - Grider Branch 1948. Little boys never blink. They see God’s complete cadre of stars! All His wonderful works!

Don’t you wish you were back in first grade? Looking at your teacher? Remember her? The prim! The proper! The tall young lady who taught little boys and girls how to color? Yes! Even little boys who did not know how to tie shoes! She often bent down to tie mine. Miss Joyce Davis - 1948.

God remembers us all. He sees our faces clearly. He knows when one is missing.

My fourth grade sister taught me to tie my shoes (probably after prompting by Miss Joyce Davis). “It’s easy!” Wanda had said. “A turn here. A loop there. A tight hard pull. And then you are all done!” And it was easy! After about one year! Have you ever watched a newly taught child tie his shoelaces? Meticulous little slips, aborted tries - redos, restarts, eye rolls. Then finally it’s all done. Limp loops. Complete. God’s own handiwork! It does get better! With time!

Father taught me to sharpen corn knives - scythes into true edges. But if not careful one might cut a thumb causing a little sting. And a drop of blood to appear. Any man can have a temper, Father said. Whether stings or not, however, he must learn to dampen his temper while his stinging thumbs are licked!

Mother taught mildness only. And goodly so. She was God’s true angel. I tried her mildness. But my temper was sometimes stronger.

My older brothers taught me to be tossed high into the air - to fall into streams of water, even to float swiftly away in a heavy winter coat while walking to bring cows home to be milked - Grider Branch - 1946 (They jumped in - rescued me!). And now for the dumbest thing I have ever written: “Lest you forget! Always remember!” If long dead parents and grandparents could walk into our times, they would think we were living in the age of miracles. These singing electronic devices seen in people’s faces. Talking telephones! Flu shots! Men to the moon and back! Already! And Mars next! “Now let’s see? Where is Mars?”

“Ain’t I Smart Miss Creasy?” My oldest sister, Laura Frances (Dovie), began a Berry family tradition in an early school year. She became an accomplished speller, and one day after spelling the winning word again in a spelling bee her teacher, Miss Creasy, complimented her.

“What a grand little speller you are, Laura Frances. You are always correct!” Dovie’s eyes gleamed. She smiled brightly. As she stood there with her one and only dress on, a dress that was washed nightly and hung behind the stove to dry for school the next day, she replied: “Ain’t I smart Miss Creasy? Ain’t I?” Smart is as smart does, of course it is. This is true no matter what. But call it what you may, call it what you will, any way you size it smart is good. Mother was so proud of Dovie, she was amused, too, with her. So was Father. These words stayed in our family until I started school 22 years later. They hovered - were bandied - repeated - over and over again. “Ain’t I smart Miss Creasy? Ain’t I?”

Laughter would ring in Dovie’s house. “Miss Creasy! Miss Creasy! Didn’t I do good!”

Her words will always be around us. Of course, they will. We will always remember our Dovie, our Laura Frances. Truly so. “Ain’t I smart! Miss Creasy? Ain’t I?”

Laura Frances Berry Bennett (Dovie). March 14, 1920 - June 4, 2001

Antioch Pilgrim News By Lesia Jones

On Friday, Kim started cutting hay so we know what the weekend is going to be.

Paisley was not feeling so good and ended up running a fever over the weekend. Cutler is trying to cut some more teeth and he was not the happiest. By Tuesday when I talked to Abby, both kids were feeling good enough you could hear them screaming at each other. She asked me if I wanted them. Boy, am I glad those days are over. Ha! Sorry, Abby. That is what we have to go through to get those precious grandchildren that never do anything wrong. Saturday morning, Kelbey called and said Jasper wanted MiMi pancakes, so here they came. We had a good breakfast. Kim was back in the hay field and then he went to a club hunt at Ash Grove. Sunday, Kim met a man about a dog in Mt. Vernon that morning. He was tired after a late night hunt. I ran out to mom’s and did some things for her. Stopped by Kelbey’s for a few minutes and then on to check on Bill Jones and back home again. We went to Mt. Vernon for supper to our favorite Mexican place and they changed their hours and was closing when we got there. So, we went to the other one downtown.

Deepest sympathy to the families of Aunt Lucille Vandegrift of Everton. There was never a harder worker and drive than her. She loved her flowers and always had beautiful ones. I am so sorry Lucille Franklin has not been feeling herself. Mom keeps close tabs on her. My grandchildren, Wade and Chloe Jones, are enjoying weekends at the lake. They know summer is coming to an end. School has started and I just wonder how long it will be till a break out in the school? Our Little Stran the Man started his first day of school at Greenfield on Tuesday. Pre-K. Paula Rook was standing at the door and he just marched right in and he told his mom Kelbey that he was going to be just fine. She said that was so sad. Growing up.

Our thoughts and prayers with all who are suffering with health issues at this time along with those suffering a loss. May God comfort them and help them through these difficult times. Have faith.

Kim had a hunter come in from Knoxsville, Tennessee, to hunt with on Tuesday night. They got in around 3:30 a.m. and he headed for home around 9 a.m. the next morning. I have a sign in my kitchen that says Bed and Breakfast. That is what it is. We had never met this man before, but one of Kim hunting buddies in Illinois wanted Kim to meet and hunt with him, and he did.

Wednesday on my way to work, there were several C.U. Lineman doing a job by the prison. I just lost it thinking of my Dustin taking a call when he could to make sure he provided for his family and how he loved his lineman co-workers and how they loved him. A C.U. truck can bring tears to my eyes. Yes, this covid virus is everywhere. We are all going to have it before it is over. People just won’t stay home even if they have it. Nobody likes to follow rules anymore and they are putting other people’s health at risk. Thursday, I took off work so I could work outside at my house. I came in and had a good visit with Wilma Mallory by phone. Then Kim and I went and got Wade and Chloe Jones and went out to supper in Lamar. We had a good visit. Chloe’s volleyball season is getting ready to start and Wade has football. Then, there is basketball for both of them. We’re ready for sports to cheer them on.

With school underway and all the political things going on, let’s go back to basic things of life. God bless our teachers.

Getting to the Point

By Jean (Mincey) Mausehund

Word came this past week that Tony Gripka of Pierce City died earlier this month. Mr. Gripka was the father of Tom Gripka who was pastor of King’s Point Baptist Church in the 1980s.

Plans are being considered to use the parsonage as a youth center and pastoral office. Alisha Anderson, Jordan Spain, Brian Mincey, Elmer Lowrance, and I spent a morning at the parsonage cleaning rooms and seeing what repairs may be necessary. With a little more work, the idea may become a reality.

The King’s Point annual cookout and bonfire is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, at the Josh and Jordan Spain home. Eric learned a lesson about how friendly Missouri people are when enjoying a meal at the Burger Shack in Miller. The writer for the Vedette from Miller, Mrs. Logan, stopped at our table and said something to him. He was a little startled, but it gave us a chance to explain that people in the area have no problem speaking to strangers. He, of course, had learned the slogan “danger stranger” back in Delaware. Now he has to learn that may not apply in Miller, Lockwood, and other small town but to learn to be alert when alone. As I write this, the Miller Fall Festival is underway. At least the weather seems to be cooperating with a little rain to settle the dust and falling doing hours before or after the events on Thursday and the forecast for Friday looks dry. However, Saturday may be a wash out and cause mixed emotions as the rain is really needed. The Lion’s Club was happy that a carnival was arranged for the festival and craft and other booths may be a good addition. At the business meeting, the members decided to support the backpack program for Miller Schools and discussed helping other schools in the area. After checking with the schools, the church may be able to help students from around the area. Another school related activity is the “Teacher Appreciation Baskets” done in the fall and spring. The question was raised about whether this could be done; so, again someone will check with the schools. The third community service activity of providing Christmas gifts for a family was discussed. Also mentioned was the shoe box program. Both of these will be decided at the October business meeting.

Be in the know wherever you go!

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