The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began worshiping in their Disciple Center the first Sunday after Easter while the sanctuary restoration began.  The previous restoration took place 30 years earlier.  Love offerings were accepted and there were fundraisers as they began the $100,000 project.  This project is culminated with a re-dedication of the sanctuary on August 12, 2012 followed by an all-church dinner provided by the Men’s Fellowship Group.

The board of FCC (DOC) deemed that funds were available and had faith that more funds would be forthcoming, when they voted unanimously to approve the restoration project.  Pews were moved, carpet was removed, carpet staples pulled, Mid-South Drywall began removing wallpaper and repairing ceilings and walls followed by new paint.  All the railings were gel stained followed by a sealer.  The weather-worn front doors were replaced, a new state of the art projection/sound system was installed by Shivelbine Music, pews were put back in place and the pew company replaced padding and upholstery. In the basement area, permanent sheetrock walls replaced folding walls and new carpet was laid. The last portion of the project was cleaning and dusting for the August 12 re-dedication. Many hours of love, sweat, and blood were poured into this project by the faithful members of FCC (DOC.)

All the restoration work by church members is only a tip of the iceberg in this story. The worship services on Sunday mornings never faltered because of being moved to the Disciple Center.  Attendance rates were even noted as being up and there was no “low Sunday” the week following Easter.   The worship chairs made sure there were speakers for every Sunday service.  Various members of the congregation stepped forward to speak and share the story of their faith journey, others spoke about God and His amazing grace and love and the fact that He is  with us every step of the way.  Soloists came forward to provide inspirational special music.  There has also been an increase in membership to the congregation. 

All that has been accomplished by this congregation has been made possible by the Grace of God.  Now they look forward to the future of FCC, as a new Pastor has been called.  Reverend Michael Williams and his wife, Lily, will be coming to FCC on October 1, 2012 to begin his ministry to this congregation and to the community of Dexter.  What excitement fills the air within this family of God!

Their acceptance of the calling has led to more congregation activity, as the parsonage has had carpet removed to reveal beautiful hardwood floors.  The walls and trim have fresh paint and new flooring in the bathroom.  The outside trim and garage door has new paint and the shrubbery has been trimmed. 

Members of the congregation traveled to Iowa, where Mike and Lily currently live, loaded a trailer with some of their belongings and moved it to Dexter, as Lily will be moving in prior to Mike’s pastorship, to begin her new teaching position as History Professor with Southeast Missouri State University.

The Board and congregation began this restoration and pastor search journey with faith, prayer and belief in God’s goodness.  The light can be seen at the end of the tunnel for the restoration and the light of God’s blessings can be seen in the calling of a new Pastor.

You are invited to join this loving family of God at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 224 E Stoddard in Dexter, Missouri.  Worship Services are held each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.

Submitted Story

 A few years ago after working as an employee of Bloomfield R-14 schools for twenty-eight years and having suffered a stroke (thank God I am fully recovered), I faced the "r" word: retirement. Being a widow and not having what I felt was sufficient income, I was in a position where I just didn't know what to do. I didn't have thirty years in as yet nor was I retirement age.

After much prayer and lots of advice such as I could probably be approved for disability, babysit, clean homes, etc., none of which were especially appealing to me, possibly because I am somewhat lazy. 

Mike Dumey, who was superintendent of schools at that time called me into his office one day to discuss the situation. He said to me, "Barb, why don't you go ahead and retire?  You will have time to enjoy life and do those things you have told yourself for years you would enjoy."  He showed and discussed with me figures of my retirement income, and maybe because it's what I wanted to hear, I took the plunge. 

 

I thoroughly enjoy retirement.  Contrary to some, I don't mind not having gainful employment (whatever that is.)  I live with my 92 year old mother, who can neither see nor hear, so that keeps the nurturing side of my nature busy and active. Maybe at some other time, I will write about this, because if you can imagine two women with totally opposite personalities and two "casserole queens" in the same kitchen, you can imagine the humor and in mom's case, the wisdom involved when a 69 year old child lives with her mother.

 

I have found more things to do than I dreamed possible with not enough time to do many of them. I found that you don't have to have lots of money to do some very interesting things. For instance, I love to read and study, now I have more time to do this. I can attend Grandparent's Day at Dexter schools since two of my grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great grandson are now Bearcats.

The Dexter Nutrition Center & Bloomfield Area Nutrition Center (BANC) offer great meals very reasonably priced plus fellowship, games, other activities, there are many places close by that offer beautiful scenery, many worthy organizations that need volunteers, great places to dine out, wonderful places to worship and serve God.

These are just some of the myriad of things I have found to do outside the home because I don't want to dwell on what needs to be done around the house. Now that I am retired, I can always do those things another day. I've never been a radical housekeeper; just keep things clean and reasonably organized so I can attempt to recall where I put them yesterday.

I have also tried to teach myself "computerese,” something not yet attained, but I am better with practice. I am even a member of a famous social club, Facebook, where you can communicate with family, old and new friends. There's literally a wealth of information on a computer. 

 

While retirement may involve slowing down a bit in some areas, I like to think of it as a type of renewing in our lives. It certainly doesn't mean you quit living. We can explore some of those things we had to file away while we were raising families and working inside and outside our homes.

A friend and I drove to Puxico last Tuesday and visited with a mutual friend who manages the Stoddard County Mission store; a satellite of the Dexter store. They were quite busy that day since school was about to begin. The mission also has a store in Advance, so they are serving the residents of our county well.  Of course, we went to Mel's for lunch in downtown Puxico where they serve some great comfort food; $6 per plate - warning; don't go prior to an appointment with a diet doctor unless you have strong resolve. They also serve wonderful homemade desserts; took me back to the days of Hester's Cafe in Bloomfield when Edith made the most delicious pies ever to serve her drooling customers.

There are many types of aids that we "seniors" give and receive: hearing aids, band aids, Rolaids, walking aids, medical aid, government aid, monetary aid to kids and grandkids (I received this aids info from an email.)

One of the best things we can do is to keep ourselves as physically and mentally healthy as possible so we can be enabled to serve God and others to the best of our ability. We have been taught, "To whom much is given, much is required."  We are a blessed group of seniors who live in an exciting, needy world. Thanks to all of you who live in this area for all your contributions in so many ways - keep it up. We can, should, and must do our part to change our world for the better!  Go gray!!!

 

 

Barbservations from Barb Rice

As the Freedom Trail winds through the streets of Boston, Chick-fil-A is finding that freedom doesn't come so easily in the city our forefathers.

The fast food chain of Chick-fil-A has become a favorite of many for their quality service, fresh food and incredible lemonade.  They have always been known as a strong company that has stood on their beliefs and commitments.  No matter what the sacrifice, Chick-fil-A has stood on their principles.

They have been innovative as Chick-fil-A has invented the best drive-thru ketchup packets on earth.  They have remained superior delivering a level of service that is filled with smiles, kindness and a servant's passion.  They have remained committed to their beliefs because how many times have your craved that Chick-fil-A Lemonade to find them closed on Sunday?  

This is a company that believes in something.  They have a purity and a simplicity in their business model that feels like they truly appreciate their customer base. 

They are marketing geniuses, portraying the Jersey cows encouraging the customers to "Eat Chikin Or I'll DeFriend U". 

They are charitable as the Jonesboro, Arkansas location recently offered "FREE" Chick-fil-A Sausage Biscuit sandwich WITHOUT a purchase.  Simply drive through and pick up breakfast.

The company is filled with fun for partons and employees.  The recent July promotion was to "Dress Like Me".  The rules were simple: dress up like a cow, and get a free meal.

Chic-fil-A is a unique company in many ways, but easily can be considered a good corporate citizen.  One of the most unusual commitments is to the six day work week.  This is simply unheard of in the restaurant industry.

In today's business world, it is hard to believe that a corporation would sacrifice profit of over 14% of a week's sales opportunities ... and for what?  A belief that Sunday is "A Day of Rest"!!!  Really?

But they believe in something, and when did it become a crime to have a solid core belief?  In the area of personal freedoms and respect for others, where did we lose the right to be able to say that I'm for one thing and against another? 

Much is the case with the controversy that has reared its ugly head in Boston where Mayor Thomas E. Minino has vowed to block Chick-fil-A from opening any new stores in the Boston area.  Why?  Because of a belief and a statement made by the leadership of a corporation. 

Many have put Chic-fil-A under attack for the chain president’s views against gay marriage.  Dan Cathy said the company was “guilty as charged” when it came to supporting the biblical definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

The belief of an individual that sets the tone for his entire corporation is criticized, treated as a social wrong and put down by elected officials and cartoon characters.  And all because a corporation has a little character of their own.

The Boston mayor said he doesn’t want a company that discriminates against gay and lesbians setting up shop in Boston, especially on the Freedom Trail.  Are there no freedoms that relate back to Chick-fil-A regarding where they wish to do business?

Chick-fil-A did not state that you couldn't work at their store unless you supported the biblical idea of marriage.  You can be certain that within the ranks of employees, there are some so called "sinners".  It's a basic belief and a statement made by a corporate leader.  Do they not have the right to set standards and have their own beliefs?  Have we strayed so far from the principles of the past that we remove the right to possess your own belief? 

Menino boldly added that he will not allow Chick-fil-A into Boston unless they change their policy.  Is this correct?  An elected official is now shaping the beliefs of the world with positions such as this?

It's the age old argument related to personal freedom, and the fact that everyone has a choice of lifestyles.  We all have a little sin in our lives to some degree as all humans were created with a sinful nature. 

The Chick-fil-A controversy makes you wonder if our freedom of choice is being challenged beyond the ideas of our forefathers.  How is it that a corporate entity that has proven themselves to be of high standards, fair and good stewards in our society, be taken to the wood shed for having a basic Christian belief? 

Our world is a little less perfect with the loss of Andy Griffith this past Tuesday..  Known by most of the world for his creation of a special place called Mayberry, the perfect hometown where everyone lived in harmony with one another.

This landmark television series was not real popular when it began on Oct. 3, 1960.  By the final season, the show had moved to the number one position on all networks.  Since then, the Andy Griffith Show has provided entertainment to countless millions and thrived for over 5 decades in syndication.

While many contemporary viewers cherish The Andy Griffith Show for its rural values, the reality is that the integrities, morals and religious beliefs instilled in the show could be a lesson for us all.  Each week as viewers tuned in to laugh and enjoy, there were true life lessons to be learned by watching the wonderfully diverse and original characters on Andy Griffith.
Honesty, kindness, charity, respect, love thy neighbor, a strong work ethic, and humor were always present within the under current of the weekly dialogue.  Many times, you would find that Andy's commitment to personal responsibility and community involvement were always evident.  If you watched closely, no character quality was more obvious in each weekly lesson than Andy's tolerance for situations and for others.

Tolerance is defined as a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.  Can you imagine how this applies to the relationship between Andy and his buddy Barney Fife.  Daily, the character played by the late Don Knotts, offered challenges from purchasing a used car to riot causing tickets issued to the suspicions that only Barney could dream up.

And of course, tolerance would abound in the relationship with Otis Campbell.  Otis was the harmless town drunk who carried an entitled attitude with him when he checked into his jail cell each night after a long drinking binge.  Singing, stumbling but always kind, everyone questioned Andy's leadership by allowing Otis to take advantage of everyone in this way.  Andy's ability to always seek a way to resolve a situation to the best possible outcome is found in his response about Otis:  

 
Did you ever watch the relationship between Andy and his Aunt Bea.   By some, Aunt Beatrice Taylor could be seen as one that was meddling, a little bossy and always required an extra helping of patience.  Therefore, to live with Aunt Bea would have been a challenge in and of itself.  But Andy was always kind and looking for the best outcome of others.  


Remember the episode when Aunt B produced the hazardous waste problem known as “kerosene cucumbers".  However, the situation here was filled with double trouble as Aunt Bea and Ms Clara Edwards were in a match of pride over winning the county fair's pickle contest.  Andy saved the day for both ladies by eating 16 bottles of Aunt Bea's pickles while sustaining Clara's 20-year reign as the County Pickle Champion.  Andy was able to make everyone feel good about themselves in the end.
 
One particular show had the nit-witted Gomer Pyle entering the courthouse singing the Marine Battle hymn, actually the rebirth of a new series.  You could see and feel the worry on Andy's face as Gomer enthusiastically shared about his enlistment and departure the next day.  Compassionately, Andy found a way to accompany Gomer to his first day to report for Marine bootcamp.  He cared enough to be a servant to his friends.

There was nothing more moving than the father-son relationship portrayed between Andy and Opie.  A single dad, Andy was always the dad that worked to teach the deeper lessons found in all situations to the young Opie, played by Ron Howard. Usually the lesson was about the importance of life itself as when Opie accidently shot the mother bird with his sling shot.  Andy simply opened up the lesson by opening the window of Opie's room so that he could hear the young baby birds chirp in the nest nearby .  

Oddly enough, Sheriff Andy Taylor was completely 100% surrounded by misfits.  All the characters of the show were engaged in creating problems and troubles for the always able and competent Andy Taylor to play problem solver, mediator, advisor, disciplinarian and counselor.  It was a big job as you think of the notable list of cast members.  

With 249 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy had a lot of fixes in the lives of his cast.  Even with all the work involved to keep everyone happy, Andy always seemed to maintain a positive spirit of optimism about himself and to others. Andy always delivered dignity to the drunk, integrity to the moonshiners and fairness to every bully.  He taught us to listen and evaluate carefully before we react, even if the person is your young son, Opie.

A person will find many biblical truths in the character and integrity of Andy Griffith.  He roots were deeply rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ and it reflected in the wisdoms that were shared through his show.  Having Andy in charge of Mayberry, he taught us all what we seem to have forgotten over the years. 

• Everyone has value and something to offer.  
• Everyone has something to teach us if we will just listen.
• Remember, winning is not everything, but being a good sport is always important.
• Remember, the love of family and community was, and always will be the most important lesson in life.

Andy Griffith remained a good man throughout his life and it just wasn't a show.  May he rest in peace.

Enjoy the Intro and Exit: