Elaine Dennison from Austin, Texas (when renewing her subscription): “We love getting the paper. It’s like a letter from home.”.

Our series on the purpose of the church and growing in grace and knowledge concluded on Sunday as Pastor Matt reflected on the 12 lessons that began in the book of Acts. A history of the church as explained in Acts and other scripture gave us a look at how our church bylaws fit within what is defined in scripture.

HOPELESSNESS. Many people have been there... or at least thought that they were. That would certainly be the case of Israel back in the time of David. One of the bestknown historical events occurred about 15 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Envision an aerial view of the Valley of Elah with Israel's army entrenched along the northern hilltop ridge and the Philistine army entrenched along the southern hilltop ridge. It was a hopeless scene. Whoever would have attempted crossing the valley and scaling the opposite hill would be significantly disadvantaged and easily defeated. Instead, the Philistines sent out their best, Goliath, to challenge and belittle Israel. And he did so for 40 days, saying, 'I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together' (1 Sam. 17:10). The whole of Israel's army, including King Saul, felt nothing but hopelessness.

Phone: 785-994-6370 (home) or 785-476-5206 (cell) Evidently, Mother Nature moved howling March winds to April. Because of blowing dirt in various places north of Woodston, we took a more extended route home from Church on Sunday.

The Hobart Homemakers FCE ladies met at the Stockton Church of the Restoration on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 7 pm. (We met a week late due to the snowstorm last Monday). The meeting was called to order, and the flag salute was recited. Roll call was, 'Have you ever had to check into senior care for a family member? Seven members answered it. The minutes and treasurer's report from the last meeting were read and approved.

The Rooks County 4-H Council meeting was held at 7:30 p.m. on March 11, 2024, at the 4-H Building. President Ryan Mongeau called the meeting to order. Seventeen members answered roll call. Coy Beasley recited the 4-H Pledge, and Daylon Beasley recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Damon Muir read the minutes of the February 12 meeting, which Ryan Mongeau approved. The treasurer’s report was given.

.

.

Isaiah 53 speaks of the Messiah, Jesus, who would suffer for the sins of all the people. Such a prophecy, written nearly 700 years before the crucifixion, is astounding! Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly thinking, but God often works in unexpected ways. On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Matt read Chapter 53 of Isaiah to set the stage for his message on 5 Realities—things we know to be true. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is truth.

Come in and warm up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee. New Children’s Book are: • “Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder” by Dav Pilkey • “Who Will Make the Snow?” by Taras Prokhasko • “Trim Sets Sail” by Deborah Hopkinson • “Frog Can Hop” by Laura Gehl • “Is This A House For Hermit Crab?” by Megan McDonald • “Not Perfect” by Maya Myers • “Pete the Cat & The New Guy” by Kimberly Dean • “Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct” by Mo Willems • “The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow” by Lora Koehler • “Nobody Hugs a Cactus” by Carter Goodrich Your library staff, Chris Sander, Crystal Dunlap, Beth Hazen, & Jaxon Dunlap.