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Reasons to Leave Your Church by Pastor James Collins
“And upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18b
“Why didn’t you wear a tie to church today, you pinheaded nitwit?” Lois asked me with a frown on her face. Lois Steam (not her real name) is a woman in our church who complains about everything. Two weeks ago, Lois stomped up to me after church and I could tell she was upset. She continued, “I absolutely hated that song we sang today. What’s with all the handclapping? This is a church, not a disco.” This is a worship service, not a funeral, I thought.
As Lois continued her verbal assault, I never said a word. But I thought things that weren’t very pastor-like. Pray for me.
“Why don’t we go back to singing more from the red hymnals? If Jesus sang from the red hymnal, why can’t we?”
I think you’re wrong. Everybody knows that Jesus sang from the blue hymnal.
“Why didn’t you come check on me after my surgery last week?”
I’m not sure if having an ingrown toenail removed is a surgery worthy of a pastoral visit.
“You need to change your voice. I can’t stand your accent.”
Yes ma’am. I will try to have that done by next Sunday.
“This church isn’t meeting my needs. I might just move my membership.”
Don’t let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you.
At some point, you have probably felt like Lois. You feel unhappy at your church and think that you should leave. As a public service, I have put together a list of reasons to leave your church.
- Your gifts and talents are not celebrated. If you are asked to help in the nursery when you clearly belong on stage, then you need to leave.
- Your pet issues are not being addressed from the pulpit. If your pastor isn’t constantly addressing an issue that you saw on Facebook and got all worked up over, then you need to leave.
- You are annoyed with the people. Overly friendly greeters. Young hipsters. Crotchety seniors. Confused Millennials. Noisy children. Lost sinners. People who want…help. Surely God wouldn’t want you to stick it out with people like that. If you have those kinds of people, your church is probably beyond hope. Time to move on. Your next church, I’m sure will be perfect…
Of course, I am speaking with my tongue in my cheek. Church is not about you. It’s all about Jesus and sharing His message and love. A great church is built on these four things.
The Book – the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God.
The Blood – the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Birth – the new birth.
The Blessed Hope – the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The point is: If you are looking for a church, find out what stand they take on the Book, the Blood, the Birth, and the Blessed Hope. Or if they take any stand at all. If they don’t believe in these four foundations, saturate that place with your absence. Then find a church that does.
Remember, it’s not about you. It’s all about Jesus.
He will build His church, with all kinds of people.
People like you.
People like me.
Even people like Lois.
James Collins is the pastor of First Southern Baptist Church. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or at the website thepointis.net.
KanVet Helps Vets Find Careers
Kelly Administration Launches KanVet Site to Help Veterans Find Careers in Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of the new KANSASWORKS KanVet website. The new site provides access to State of Kansas veteran-specific resources and benefits on a one-stop, convenient webpage.
“Kansas veterans contribute significantly to their communities, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Growing up in a military family, I know firsthand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make to keep us safe. We are proud to help Kansas veterans find careers in our state.”
Resources available to veterans on the site include, but are not limited to:
- Employment resources
- Veteran and family assistance
- Education resources
- Mental health support
In addition to veterans’ resources, the KanVet site also allows employers to take the Hire a Veteran Pledge to publicly show their commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. This serves as a further demonstration of the state of Kansas’ commitment to providing support for veterans, as well as signifying the desire for veterans to remain in Kansas after their service.
“Ensuring that veterans can easily find careers in Kansas benefits both the servicemembers and the businesses in our state,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This is a group of high-quality leaders who are ready to work, and they come equipped with all of the skills employers are looking for. Keeping incredible people in our state and supplying Kansas companies with a qualified, dedicated workforce is a win for everyone involved.”
The site is live and can be viewed at kanvet.org.
Chamber Of Commerce Calendar of Events
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 10
Obituary of Clinton A. Patton
Clinton Alex Patton, age 73, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas died Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born July 20, 1946, in Lackey, Kentucky, the son of Clint Patton and Gladys Ratcliff Patton.
Clinton graduated from Garfield High School in 1963.
He married Sharon Frost on April 15, 1965 in Hamilton, Ohio.
He worked as a driver for the Railway Crew Express.
He enjoyed watching sporting events especially, Kentucky Wildcat basketball, Cincinnati Reds baseball, and the Florida State Seminoles football teams.
He loved spending time with family especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Survivors include his wife Sharon of the home; two daughters, Theresa Patton, of Ft. Scott, and Ronni Folden, of Eldorado, Kansas; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; three brothers Robert, Elmer, and Otis Patton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and several brothers and sisters.
There was cremation.
Burial will take place at a later date at a cemetery in Kentucky.
Memorial are suggested to the Clinton Patton Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Stephen P. Farley
Stephen Patrick Farley, age 65, a resident of Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, July 6th, 2020, at Medical Lodge nursing home in Ft. Scott, KS, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on February 23rd, 1955 in Kansas City, MO. Stephen was born Steven Brown, one of seven children, to Francis “Bud” Brown and Agnes “Rose” Murphy. Steven was adopted by John Daniel “Danny” and Mary Helen “Helen” Farley of Brashear, MO. His name was changed to Stephen “Steve” Patrick Farley.
Steve attended High School at Adair County RII, where he graduated in 1973. After graduation, Steve proudly served in the US Navy and later in the National Guard.
Steve’s true love was farming and that is where he returned after his time in the service.
Steve married Amy Miller in 1980 and from that marriage, was blessed with four children.
Recently Steve was able to locate some of his birth family and over the last few years, he was able to connect and build a relationship with one brother and multiple nieces and nephews.
Steve enjoyed farming, helping others, fishing, and most of all being with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his four children, John and wife Tara Farley of Ft. Scott, KS; Kevin and wife Ashley Farley of Paola, KS; LuAnne and husband Todd Granere of Iola, KS; and son Ralph Farley of Kansas City, KS. Seven grandchildren, Teryn Farley, Lakyn Farley, Colin Farley, Jyler Granere, Gavin Granere, Bodhi Farley ,and Charlee Granere; ex-wife Amy Free of Osawatomie, KS; multiple nieces and nephews and several members of his birth family.
There was a cremation. Burial will take place in the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott at a later date, as well as a memorial service with family and friends.
Applications for New Commodities Accepted Beginning July 13
Additional Commodities Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Applications for New Commodities Accepted Beginning July 13
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2020 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made other adjustments to the program based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting through Aug. 28, 2020, applications for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.
“During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA have stood with our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of,” said Secretary Perdue. “When we announced this program earlier this year, we asked for public input and received a good response. After reviewing the comments received and analyzing our USDA Market News data, we are adding new commodities, as well as making updates to the program for existing eligible commodities. This is an example of government working for the people – we asked for input and we updated the program based on the comments we received.”
USDA collected comments and supporting data for consideration of additional commodities through June 22, 2020.
Changes to CFAP include:
- Adding the following commodities: alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.
- Expanding for seven currently eligible commodities – apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro – CARES Act funding for sales losses because USDA found these commodities had a 5 percent or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for marketing adjustments.
- Determining that peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment under the CARES Act sales loss category.
- Correcting payment rates for apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms, papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro.
Additional details can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap.
Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP program:
- Using an online portal, accessible at farmers.gov/cfap, allows producers with secure USDA login credentials—known as eAuthentication—to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center. New commodities will be available in the system on July 13, 2020.
- Completing the application form using our CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center. An updated version with the new commodities will be available on the website on July 13, 2020.
- Downloading the AD-3114 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.
USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local service centers when calling to discuss the CFAP application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.
Getting Help from FSA
New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.
All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors may also be required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Payments For Dairy Producers
May Margin Triggers Dairy Margin Coverage Program Payment
Income-over-feed margin for May triggers third payment for 2020
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the May 2020 income over feed cost margin was $5.37 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
“This payment comes at a critical time for many dairy producers,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “DMC has proved to be a worthwhile risk management tool, providing dairy producers with much- needed financial support when markets are most volatile.”
To date, FSA has issued more than $176 million in program benefits to dairy producers who purchased DMC coverage for 2020.
Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Over 13,000 operations enrolled in the program for the 2020 calendar year.
Although DMC enrollment for 2020 coverage has closed, signup for 2021 coverage will begin October 13 and will run through December 11, 2020.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors may also be required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
For more information, visit farmers.gov DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Housing For COVID 19 Cases
Update on Non-Congregate Housing for COVID-19 Response
Facilities also used for Kansans who work in congregate settings
The Kansas Department for Children and Families continues to operate non-congregate housing facilities across the state to host individuals currently working in, exposed to, or living in congregate settings, COVID-19 positive, exposed or high-risk individuals. DCF is currently managing sites in Dodge City, Emporia, Gardner, Leavenworth, Liberal, and Manhattan. The agency previously managed sites in Garden City and Junction City. Those facilities have since been closed.
Shelters are established to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain operations within critical and essential businesses or services. A request for non-congregate sheltering may be made to the state by a county emergency manager. In addition, the local or state health officer may make a recommendation for a non-congregate shelter if an identified need exists. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management in cooperation with counties, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Department for Children and Families contracts with local hotels to establish the sites. Contracts to date have been for entire hotel facilities with no other guests present.
Not all residents are in the facility due to illness. Some may live in congregate settings, or work in congregate settings or at essential locations and be concerned about returning home due to exposure risk for COVID-19.
Examples include:
- Individuals unable to quarantine at home due to a high-risk person at home
- Individuals who work in a congregate setting
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Adults over 65 years of age
- Comorbidities
- Chronic lung disease
- Moderate to severe asthma
- Serious heart conditions
- Cancer treatments
- Unable to financially cover independent quarantine
- Or other health issues
Individuals are not required to stay in the facility, however if they leave, the county health officer is notified.
The Department for Children and Families manages the day-to-day operations of each site. Responsibilities include making sure residents receive meals and laundry service, as well as ensuring the facility is cleaned daily and receives a deep cleaning before returning the hotel to normal operations.
The first non-congregate sites were opened in April and sites were added as counties asked for support. Each site will remain open if there is a continued need in the community. Additional sites also may be opened as counties address the continued spread of COVID-19.
Due to HIPAA laws, the exact locations of each site are not made public to protect the privacy of Kansas residents. There is currently a total of 43 people staying in non-congregate housing.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 9
Obituary of Verlee Logue
Verlee Ann Logue, age 82, resident of Ashland, MO, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Ashland Villa, Ashland, MO.
She was born April 6, 1938, in Shelby County, IA, the daughter of Adolph and Celma Rassamen Breining.
She married Veral Dean Sorensen in 1955. They later divorced. She married Edwin Logue on December 31, 1977, in Atlantic, IA.
Ed preceded her in death on June 26, 2005.
Verlee ran the KOA Campground in Ft. Scott. She later worked at Best Western Inn.
She greatly enjoyed visiting with people traveling and getting reacquainted when they returned. She loved flowers, dogs, kids, and relaxing at the lake. She watched her hummingbird feeders and wren houses every day. Verlee relished her time visiting with friends.
Survivors include five sons, Kendall Logue, Ft. Scott; Winn Logue, Kimballton, IA; Dale Sorensen, Portsmith, IA; Randy Sorensen, Irwin, IA; and Scott Sorensen, Centralia, MO; two daughters, Terri Jensen, Kimballton, IA; and Laurie Uehling, Harrisburg, MO.; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband Ed, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Breining; a sister, Velma “Tootie” Book; and her parents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, July 10th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
A private family burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Memorials as suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.