AM I WORTH IT? We read in Luke 22:19-20, 'And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'' The Lord Jesus would soon give His body over to those who would abuse it, even to the shedding of blood and death. In other words, Jesus chose to give His body to many cruelties. He gave His back to the smiters and His cheeks or face to those who spit on Him, and slapped Him, and plucked His beard (Isaiah 50:6). He gave His brow to the crown of thorns and the beating as 'they (repeatedly) struck Him on the head with a reed' (Mark 15:17-19). He gave His hands and His feet to be pierced by nails (Psalm 22:16). He gave His mouth to unimaginable thirst as stated in Psalm 22:15, 'My tongue clings to My jaws.' He gave His bones to be out of joint and His muscles to cramping from dehydration (Psalm 22:14). He gave His body to the shame of hanging naked before the multitudes, as well as His mom, her sister, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). And, even though He was the sinless Lamb of God, He gave His mind and emotions to the scorn, and mocking, and contempt of sinners (Psalm 22:68). From His head, to His feet, to His heart, Jesus willingly suffered - for me. But the question is, 'How could He love someone like me to that degree?' What was it that kept Him on that cross through it all? The answer is found in Hebrews 12:2 where we see Jesus described as, 'the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Jesus rejoiced through it all knowing that His resurrection would provide eternal life to all who trusted Him (John 3:15). No, I'm NOT worth it! That's why it's called grace!

Each March, Ameri-Corps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs dedicate time to celebrate millions of members and volunteers from across the nation who have chosen to raise their hands to help when needed. On March 22, Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion program staff expressed their gratitude to the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in Rooks and Phillips counties.

Phone: 785-994-6370 (home) or 785-476-5206 (cell) I believe March went out like a lion with the wild wind, and Tuesday morning, the ground was covered with an inch or so of snow that soon melted. I did some planting one day and did some much-needed watering.

Nienstedt, Rita Nienstedt, Kim Nienstedt, Marshall Nienstedt, Robyn Whitaker (holding Hannah Dickson), Aimee Nienstedt Dickson, Dalton Whitaker, and Jason Dickson. Middle row, from left: Sutton Whitaker, Richard Nienstedt, Wells Whitaker, and Jonah Dickson; in front, from left: Hoyt Whitaker, and Beau Nienstedt. Richard served as Stockton’s City Manager from March 1983 to December 1989. It didn’t take long for the Nienstedts to begin enjoying some “retirement time.” Richard and Rita left Monday, April 3, to vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Texarkana.

Come in and check us out!!! New books for adults are: • “Spare” by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex • “Never Give an Inch” by Mike Pompeo • “Gunmetal Gray” by Mark Greaney • “Storm Watch” by C J Box • “I Will Find You” by Harlan Coben • “The Sister Effect” by Susan Mallery • “Booked for Trouble”( Lighthouse #2) by Eva Gates • “Reading Up a Storm” (Lighthouse #3) by Eva Gates • “Something Read, Something Dead” (Lighthouse #5) by Eva Gates • “Deadly Ever After”.

(The Stockton Sentinel received this article from Dr. Ernest Evans, a professor of political science and criminal justice studies at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He writes a weekly column for the Leavenworth Times. His latest column, published on March 15th, 2023, was on former Stockton Mayor Kim Thomas. We hope you enjoy it.)

The regular monthly meeting of the Crossroads Quilt Guild was held on Monday, March 20th, 2023, at Stitch and Chatter, with 14 members present. Hostesses were Elaine Hrabe, Betty Bedore, and Bertha McGann.

The commissioners started their morning meeting on Tuesday, March 21st, with their weekly reports. Commissioner Kayla Hilbrink stated it had been a quiet week. She looked into when surrounding counties have their meetings, with most of them holding the sessions during the day. She is also processing concerns and checking into suggestions people voiced at the last meeting.

Don Cunningham: (Last Thursday when told to stay warm): “I could do that if you had a ticket to Hawaii!”.

The Youth/Disabled spring turkey hunting season begins on Saturday, April 1st, and runs through Thursday, April 13th. Archery season starts on Tuesday, April 4th, and runs through Wednesday, April 12th. Anyone with a spring turkey permit or game tag may hunt during this season using a longbow, recurve bow, crossbow, or compound bow.