Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.” Let’s begin the new year by remembering that we don’t have to figure everything out by ourselves. God is with us, and God will be with us every step of the way. Again and again, this is affirmed in the scriptures. In Deuteronomy 31:8 we read, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Whatever God is doing in your life, he isn’t finished yet, so pray each day, ask God’s help, and be hopeful. “Come, let us praise the Lord! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us. …He is our God; we are the people he cares for; the flock for which he provides. Listen today to what he says.” Psalm 95: 1, 7. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

According to Spotify, while 75% of people enjoy Christmas music, 17% of Americans do not. However, I suspect some of those who are not fans may like the song, from the Charlie Brown Christmas Album: Christmas Time Is Here. Wikipedia describes the al-bum as “an unorthodox mix of traditional Christmas music and jazz.” more

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” This week we celebrate the love that came down at Christmas. A prayer….We pray, O God, that you will come to us and enter our hearts so we may be renewed by you and by the story—that in the dark of night, you revealed your love for the world in a tiny child. Though the world was full of brokenness and strife, love came down at Christmas. Help us hear your truth and receive your love, dear God. Comfort your people—the hungry, the sick, the struggling, the lonely. Bless us with your grace; through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. May God bless you! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The fourth Sunday of Advent, coinciding with Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, presents a unique blend of anticipation and celebration within the Christian calendar. This confluence of observances offers a rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and meanings, deeply entrenched in the Christian faith yet varying across denominations and cultures. more

We live in a world today that is ruled by subjective reasoning and most certainly the “feelings” of people. more

The name Jack Dempsey has become synonymous with the golden age of boxing, a time when the sport was etched deeply into the cultural consciousness of America and heroes were made in the squared circle. Dempsey's rise from humble beginnings to heavyweight stardom is a tale of grit, determination, and explosive power. Yet, among the storied chapters of his career, one day stands out: December 16, 1918, when Dempsey knocked out Carl Morris in 14 seconds in a heavyweight bout in New Orleans, a record that would echo through the annals of boxing history. more

In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Lady Zizzers have proven their mettle in a series of games against Ozark, concluding with an impressive 2-1 record. The Varsity team clinched a nail-biting victory with a final score of 40-36, thanks to a standout performance by top scorer Allyssa Joyner, who poured in 17 points, followed by Olivia Lawson's solid 10-point contribution. The victory bolsters their season record to 3-2. more

The community of West Plains is set to witness the return of former MSU-WP Grizzlies Head Basketball Coach Tom Barr, as he takes the helm of the upcoming Holiday Shooting and Defensive Basketball Camps. Scheduled for December 27, 28, and 29, the camps are designed to provide focused training and skill development for young basketball enthusiasts. more

Each year thousands of people who are not typical ballet fans watch the Nutcracker, the most popular ballet in the US. It was first performed in 1892. Maria Tallchief’s performance in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 1954 helped turn the Nutcracker into the annual Christmas blockbuster it is today. According to Wikipedia, major ballet companies in the US generate about 40% of their annual ticket revenue from performances of this famous ballet alone. more

Christmas is a time of joy. Yes, it can be festive and fun, but it also can be difficult for those who are grieving, those whose lives are broken, those who carry heavy burdens. In Luke 2:10 we read that the angel told the shepherds that Jesus’ birth was “good news of great joy for all the people.” more

The third Sunday of Advent, known in many Christian traditions as "Gaudete Sunday," holds a special place in the liturgical calendar. This day is marked by a shift in the tone of Advent, from a more somber, reflective mood to one of joy and anticipation. The name "Gaudete" itself comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," reflecting this change in spirit. more

Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a STAR out of Jacob, and a SCEPTER shall rise out of Israel... more

The Bible tells us that Jesus was born in the worst of times. In Luke 1:5 we read that he was born “in the days of Herod the king…” who was a ruthless tyrant. The Roman emperor Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) was oppressive. Let’s remember that the words to the shepherds are for us, too… “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy to all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11. That means in the face of all the uncertainties of life, we need not fear, for in the baby of Bethlehem we have discovered a God who is loving, gracious, and forgiving. In him we have life, eternal life, and so we have hope. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs & Mtn. View. more

First-lady Roselynn Carter passed away on November 19, 2023. Her death and thinking about her family’s contributions to our country prompted me to think of their legacy. Whether or not you agree with her husband’s politics, the Carters lived honorable lives and set an amazing example by their unselfish service. When I write about any elected official I always point out I am trying not to be political but simply sharing something which I believe can inspire each of us, regardless of our political affiliation. more

As the second Sunday of Advent arrives, it brings with it a deep and multifaceted significance, resonating through centuries of Christian tradition. This day, occurring on the second of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, holds a special place in the hearts of many believers worldwide. It is a time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation, marking a pivotal point in the Advent season. more

The twenty-third Psalm is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. Part of what makes the ancient psalm so moving is that it was written by David, who had been a shepherd before he became a king. It beautifully pictures God caring for us like shepherds care for their sheep. Here is the psalm: more

This time of year, even with its celebrations, is for some people a time of sadness. There has been great sickness, grief, or loss in their lives. Twinkling Christmas lights are not enough to lift the darkness. The truth of scripture speaks to this. In John 1:5 we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is the light of the world, and his coming into our lives brings light. How? He forgives the guilty and comforts the grieving. He welcomes the stranger and heals the broken. The light of Christ streams into our lives as we know the saving grace of God. Jesus was born into this world so that we might know that we are God’s loved and cherished children. Today Christ wants to shine his light into our hearts. May we pray the words of the hymn, “O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. more

The New Testament opens with four distinct yet intertwined accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These texts, while centered on the same individual, present different perspectives, themes, and audiences, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and purposes of their authors. more

The First Presbyterian Church of West Plains continues to offer a unique way for community members to seek spiritual support, especially for those who might feel uncomfortable entering a church. Their innovative 'prayer wall,' a concept that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a steadfast symbol of the church's commitment to serving the broader community's spiritual needs. more