Category Archives: Church news
Uniontown Baptist Church Food Baskets: A Community Collaboration
The First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown has been distributing food baskets at Christmas time for many years,” said Marci Williams, chairperson of the mission board at the church.
“We get our suggestions (for those who might need extra food) from church and community members and the (USD 235) school,” she said.
“Church members donate food,” she said. “(And) Ruritan ( a local community service group) donates $500 to the mission board to purchase groceries.”
And the local school organizes a food drive.
“The students, staff, and W.B.E. families are very supportive and generous,” Jenny Covey, a member of the mission board said. “The sixth-grade class has been organizing a food drive since before I started teaching in Uniontown more than 18 years ago.”
“This is a great way to teach students about giving,” Covey said.
“Our church gets together a few days before Christmas to pack and deliver the boxes,” Williams said. “This year each family received a turkey, sausage, eggs, bread, bag of potatoes, apple juice, sugar, and apples. In addition, the boxes are filled to the brim.”
Construction on New Catholic Church and Rectory Has Started
The area south and west of St. Mary’s Catholic School is a hub of construction.
The August 2022 lightning-strike fire at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church destroyed the structure.
“Fr. Yancey Burgess, the pastor, said the destruction was too great to repair the old church,” according to a news article in https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/new-church-planned-for-fort-scott/. “The engineers have said it would be cost prohibitive to try to rebuild it because the church would lose its ‘grandfather’ status and would have to meet modern building codes.”
Simpson Construction Services, Wichita, is the general contractor for the new church building and has two employees on site, Howard Thome, superintendent, and Tyler Fox, field engineer.
The new church site is located at 702 Eddy, in approximately the same spot as the old one.
Fox said there are approximately 26 sub-contractors from start to finish on the project.
Construction began in November 2023.
“The church will be a little over 7,000 square feet,” Fox said. “The owner occupancy is expected to be November 2024.”
On December 5, R2 Concrete Construction, Fort Scott, was pouring the footings.
“We had to go down to bedrock,” Thome said. “We put in a lean concrete to bring it up to bedding. The footing is on top, so should be stable.”
“We should pour the slab in the next couple of weeks,” Fox said. “Then start erecting steel in late January.”
The project is being funded partly through insurance because the church was struck by lightning in August 2022, according to Bo Casper, a church member and also a sub-contractor on the rectory building.
Above 95 percent of the original stained glass windows was saved from the fire/water damage and will be reinstalled in the new church, according to Mark McCoy, who is on the parish building committee.
It is also being funded by a capital campaign that the church parish is doing, McCoy said.
The church will be ADA-accessible with a zero-entry to the church.
The cost of the church rebuild is approximately $6.5 million, McCoy said.
To view a prior story about the fire:
Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage
The church was built in 1872, according to https://www.mqaftscott.com/history/
“The church was one of those founded by Italian-born Fr. Paul M. Ponziglione who helped establish many churches after he arrived in 1851 at the Osage Mission in Kansas” according to the article https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/new-church-planned-for-fort-scott/“Because of the Fort Scott fire, St. Francis Church in St. Paul is now the oldest church in the diocese.”
Church Rectory
Casper Enterprises, a local company, was working on the church rectory, at 720 Holbrook, west of the new church building on December 5.
Bo Casper said the crew started the framing in November (2023 )of the 1,634 square foot home the church’s priest will live in. It will have three bedrooms, two baths, a large garage and a saferoom.
The rectory should be completed by the end of February 2024 “If the weather cooperates,” Casper said.
The lot where the rectory is being built belonged to the church.
The rectory was torn down and the site moved “because the church was totaled and had to be ADA compliant and needed more parking spaces,” Casper said. “We had to gain footage and tear down the rectory. It was just as old as the church. Bats were coming in through the chimney area. It was a three-story high brick building.”
The new rectory will have a brick facade and regular siding on the rear and sides of the building, Casper said.
The concrete has been poured at the rectory, and the three-man crew is currently framing, which will be done by the end of the week, Casper said.
The cost of the rectory is approximately $325,000, McCoy said.
Fundraiser Dinner: Rebuilding Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church
Life Chain: October 1
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, the Life Chain will be held at the Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church, located at 1818 S. Main on South 69 Highway.
Life Chain is an annual public witness for life through peaceful prayer that takes place on the first Sunday in October.
Pro-Life Kansans from all across the state will gather in their communities on this day.
This Life Chain, part of the National LIfe Chain, is the largest prayerful, pro-life, public witness in the world. More than 1,500 cities across the United States and Canada are expected to participate.
The event will begin at 1:30 with a memorial service for those babies lost through abortion.
At 1:50, participants will prayerfully line up along Highway 69 to make a peaceful but powerful stance for the preborn.
The public is invited to attend.
New Methodist Church Administrative Executive: Kristin Bishop
Kristin Bishop, 43, is the new First United Methodist Church Administrative Executive.
“My new role is a combination things – covering duties typical of office manager, treasurer, membership, and volunteer coordination – a little bit of everything to help the congregation live out our mission to know, grow in, serve, and share Christ,” she said.
Bishop is a 1998 Graduate of Fort Scott High School, a 2000 graduate of Fort Scott Community College, and a 2003 Pittsburg State University graduate with a bachelor’s of science in Family and Consumer Sciences.
She has worked at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, New Generation Child Care and Preschool, BIDS & DIBS, USD 234, USD 235, and Big Sugar Lumber.
Her new job is a joy.
“I enjoy working in this environment,” she said. “The church, the sermons, and interacting with church members and community volunteers. It is a peaceful and productive place to be.”
“It is a blessing to work in this beautiful church building,” Bishop said. “I love the way the light shines through the stained glass windows and the intricate details that went into the design of this church a century and a half ago.”
“I find Pastor Christopher’s Sunday morning sermons to be engaging and thought-provoking,” she said. “There is always a takeaway from the sermon and a melody from the beautiful music to begin each week. I also enjoy working with members of the church and community volunteers alike. They walk into the church with kindness in their hearts and a mission in mind. They selflessly share their gifts, talents, and time. It’s inspiring!”
Kristin is married to Will Bishop, and they have two sons Winston (7) and Linden (6).
She enjoys reading, road trips, good coffee, and conversation in her spare time.
About The Church
Christopher Eshelman is the pastor of First United Methodist Church, Pat Harry is the organist and choir director, Sara Schnichels is the nursery coordinator, and Robert Wilson is the custodian.
Sunday school groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and Worship is at 10:30 a.m.
The church’s annual Christmas Candlelight Service will feature communion and real candles again this year, at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Outreach ministries of First United Methodist:
- Feeding Families in His Name is a free weekly meal that averages about 500 served a week, with help from other churches.
- They provide water bottles available for homeless folks, supplied by a resident.
- There is a Shepherd’s Center program to help encourage friendship and lifelong learning among older adults that features a variety of speakers: The 2024 schedule is coming soon!
- Community events such as the Chuck Crain concert coming up on October 8th at 6 pm.
- Trunk or Treat for Halloween
- First Annual Nativity Festival, with displays of Nativities and Creche from around the world on Dec 1st and 2nd,
- The church hosts community meetings for K-State Extension, Pioneer Kiwanis, various sewing groups, a support group for Grieving Mothers starting later this month, and CORE Community beginning in November.
- Beginning the last Friday of October, the church will offer a soup lunch for freewill donations as a fundraiser.
For more information view its Facebook page or website www.firstumcfortscott.org!
Contact Information: info@firstumc.
Blessing Closet Open at Uniontown Baptist Church
The Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC)has started a new service to their community.
“FMBC is a generous supporter of missions and we strive to
find opportunities to assist those in our community and beyond,” said Mission Board Chairwoman Marci Williams. “Hebrews 13:16 says ‘And do not forget to do good and share with others, for which sacrifices God is pleased.’ The current food pantry (was) located inside the church and (was) open one evening per month and by appointment.”
The church realized this was not convenient for everyone.
Beginning on September 15, the outside pantry, named the Blessing Closet, is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“This will be located on the east side of the church in the alley and can be accessed from an outside entrance anytime night or day. We are hopeful this will benefit our community and increase our outreach efforts,” Williams said.
The church is located at 100 Fifth Street (also known as Maple Road in the county) at the intersection with Hwy. 3 on the town’s west side.
Food products such as canned goods, and boxed mixes (cake, Hamburger and Tuna Helper, etc.) will be in the closet.
In addition, the church believes there is a need to put personal care items in the Blessing Closet.
Personal care items such as deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, washcloths, and some laundry products.
“Motion lights will be located both inside and outside the closet for those who visit after dark,” she said.
The Blessing Closet is funded by our church through monthly offerings,” she said. “Many in our church have brought this project to completion.”
“Anyone in the area is welcome to utilize the Blessing Closet,” she said. “If additional assistance is needed, please contact FMBC at 620-224-7438.”
Support for Grieving Mothers Offered Through First Methodist Church
Cindy Valdez will be starting a group called Support for Grieving Mothers in and around the Bourbon County Area. The group will be meeting every Thursday from 6-7:30 in the Church Parlor at the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church at 301 South National.
The meetings will run from 9/21/23-11/16/23. This is a group for mothers who’ve lost children no matter how they were when they passed. I
If you’d like to join you’ll need to contact Cindy Valdez at 620-224-8515 or email her at freckles4624@zimbracloud.com
The Missourians in Concert at First Southern Baptist Church on Sept. 9
The Missourians In His Service will be at First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S Main, on September 9th at 6:00 P.M. at the Church. Come one, come all. Free will offering will be taken.
Tight harmonies, upbeat concerts, soul touching songs & the love of Jesus Christ is what The Missourians are best known for. For over thirty years they have been spreading the message of Jesus Christ through song.
During that time they have recorded 18 albums and 2 videos including their latest release “Say Amen”.
The Group based out of Joplin Missouri, is comprised of talented vocalists who have a true desire of spreading the good news to people of all ages and locations.
In 2018 the guys received the honor of being voted the
“FOUR STATES FINEST” in two categories.
Whether it’s a rural church or city auditorium The Missourians have one purpose…to share the love of Jesus through music.
The Missourians have shared the stage with such greats as Gold City, Brian Free & Assurance, Legacy Five, Ivan Parker, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and many others.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see The Missourians LIVE in concert .
www.themissourians.com
Carpenters for Christ Youth Carpentry Workshop
Carpenters for Christ Youth Carpentry
Workshop
Location: First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S Main St
August 7 th , 8 th & 9 th
10am till 11:30am
Ages: 6 th thru 8 th Grade (Boys & Girls)
Enrollment Limited to 15 youth
(Call 620-223-2986 to reserve a spot)
Workshop will include: Snacks, a Bible Lesson, and a Carpentry
Training Session
*Youth that attend at least 2 sessions will receive a free t-shirt
(t-shirts will be ordered after the end of the 2 nd workshop)
Family Crusade at First Southern Baptist Church Aug. 6-9
FAMILY CRUSADE
FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH
AUGUST 6th thru 9th
Evangelist Tricky Ricky Henson
Illusionist/Ventriloquist (Randy)
Sunday 10:50 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Monday & Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY FUN NIGHT 6:00 p.m.
Bounce House/Slide/Snow Cones
First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S Main, Fort Scott
620-223-2986
Pastor Joel Crippen
A Local Church’s Mission Continues Years After Closing
The First Christian Church of Fort Scott closed its doors in January 2016 after 145 years of supporting and ministering to families in the Bourbon County area. The church was located most of those years at the corner of 1st and Judson.
Founded in 1871 and once one of the largest congregations in the area, First Christian Church faced an aging, declining membership with waning attendance and finally the retirement of the minister.
The Board of Trustees decided the best action would be to preserve the resources that remained and discontinue worship services. The group recognized the money was provided from Bourbon County citizens and should remain in Bourbon County to provide good works for its citizens.
After selling the church building as well as the parsonage and liquidating assets, the Board of Trustees was determined to locate the best use of their church’s remaining $250,000.
Following serious investigation and much discussion, the Trustees voted to establish an endowed fund with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF).
The earnings of this fund, managed by FSACF, are used annually through grants for worthy projects and efforts to organizations in the Bourbon County area. The principal amount of approximately $250,000 is left untouched and will continue to generate financial grants into perpetuity.
In 2022, grants through this Endowed Fund were made to a Riverfront Authority Labyrinth in honor of Allen Warren; Methodist Church Feeding Families Program; Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries; USD 234 Preschool Center Community Involvement; USD 234 Healthy Snacks Program and (along with other area Churches) the purchase of a used vehicle to support Afghan families who had moved to our community.
This First Christian Church Endowed Fund should generate $12,000 to $20,000 each year to be used to support worthwhile endeavors in Fort Scott and Bourbon County for many, many years to come.
If you would like to contribute to the First Christian Church of Fort Scott Charitable Endowment Fund or would like information about how an organization, individuals or families can establish their own endowed fund through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, go to www.fsacf.com for more information.