On Saturday November 13, a diversified group of happy, determined people gathered in the Visitors’ Center to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Nicodemus as a National Historic Site. Nicodemus is nationally significant because it is the only remaining black settlement established by freed slaves in the United States. Among those present was Superintendent Frank Torres, Bert Frost, NPS Midwest Regional Director, Omaha Neb., past superintendents, Sherda Williams, Mark Weaver and retired NPS Ranger Felix Revello, filling in for Steve Linderer. Other persons on the discussion panels were Dr. Angela Bates; Barrie Tompkins, Clara Wooden, Former NPS Midwest Region Deputy Regional Director; LaSharon Wigfall, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, Land Regional & Community Planning from Kansas State University; Starr Woods, Project Associate, Trust for Public Lands; Jason Corzine, National Park Foundation Vice President-Resource Manager; Park Rangers LueCreasea Horn and Brendon Oats. All contributed the lively discussions.

Saturday, November 20, the C2T Ranch, southwest of Plainville on the Saline River, was the location of a well-attended program on Buffalo Soldiers and the Battle on the Saline. Ranch owner Chad Tuttle welcomed the group to a beautiful area next to the Saline River with a background of high limestone bluffs. Buffalo Soldier Barrie Thompkins recounted his life, moving from Lexington, Ky., where he worked as a farrier to Nicodemus, after meeting Angela Bates. Angela’s great-uncle was a Buffalo Soldier and she had done a great deal of research on them. She had written a script for a reenactment and encouraged Barrie to take on the role. He loved it. He formed the Buffalo Soldiers of Nicodemus and has traveled throughout the Midwest giving programs. He has appeared in movies, including Buffalo Soldiers starring Danny Glover. Sadly, most of the members are now deceased and Barrie is thinking that the Christmas Parade in Lawrence might be his final appearance. He is still riding Girl, a 31-year-old horse that began with the group.

(Last Week’s News) (The following is last week’s Woodston News. It missed our early Friday, Novembr 19th, at 5:00 p.m.

Shirlee Muir had seven family members for lunch on Thanksgiving. At 5 p.m. other family members came for the lighting of Shirlee’s Christmas decorations that her three daughters came and put up for her. Shirlee hosted a Great-Grandchildren’s Tea Party with 11 of her 14 great-grands here for the occasion. At 6 p.m., everyone enjoyed a dessert buffet. Those present were: Shaun and Whitney Fuller, Lyla and Locke, Olathe; Susan and Axel Thoman, Andale; Sharon Russ, Colwich; Sam, Paige and Maya Thoman, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Royce and Becky Muir, Kelly and Anna Muir, Andy, Amber, Brin, Damon and Hudson Muir, Verl and Ruthie Muir, Bryant and Danielle Muir, Remy, Norah and Owen, and David and Taylor Ghumm, Waylon and Wyatt, all of Stockton. On Saturday, Ben and Jenny Thoman, Conrad and Maverich of Andale came to see Shirlee, which included two more great-grandchildren. It was a very nice Thanksgiving which was enjoyed by all.

Christmas is approaching, and as we get busy with all of the worldly parts of the season, it is essential that we look at why we celebrate each year. Pastor Brian had us look this week at the conditions of Jesus’ birth and what that says about Jesus himself. To say that Jesus had a humble beginning would be an understatement. Born in a barn, with livestock and all the associated parts with that, it was hardly what one would expect for anyone, let alone the world’s Savior. In addition, the parents, Joseph and Mary, were from Nazareth. It was said by Nathanael in John 1:46, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” The town did not have a good reputation. It is not as though anyone would see anything special about the child or his parents. But despite these humble beginnings, when Jesus came, He established your worth. We have value because of how much He loves us. Our value is not dependent upon anything here on Earth, but is based on that unconditional love. Jesus is for you. He is a gift for you. There is nothing at all that you have done to deserve or earn this gift, but it is given freely nonetheless. We also know from the gospel that Jesus is for ALL of us. In Luke 2:10 the angel appears to the shepherds tending their flocks, telling them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel did not say that the child was just for the Jews, but he was for all. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given. Jesus also understands your needs today. He can sympathize with all the hurts, temptations, and burdens that you carry. Jesus lived through them during his time on earth. In Matthew 11:28 we read, "Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” That is a promise given by Jesus telling us that he knows what we go through, and there is nothing he won’t do for you. From humble beginnings to His death on the cross, Jesus understands. You have value, so much in fact that he gave up his life for it. Celebrate Christmas this season by attending church services.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. One of the major truths in Biblical Christianity centers on one part of God's very nature—His sovereignty. The extent of God's sovereignty, though, can cause some rather vigorous debate. So, what does it mean that God is sovereign? It basically means that God is the ultimate and absolute ruler over everything and therefore that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses to do. As we now approach the end of 2021 and the Christmas season, God's sovereignty is not likely on the radar of most people. However, it's actually the "Reason for the Season." The story begins back in the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden when God promised, "I will put enmity (hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Gen. 3:15). God here reveals that one day He would sovereignly cause the seed of the woman to defeat satan. Years later, God sovereignly promised through the prophet Isaiah, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isa. 7:14). God's promised Deliverer, the Seed of the woman—a virgin, whose name would be "God with us," would one day by God's sovereign design be sent to fulfill His promise. The Apostle Paul tells us, "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). This is the One who would be born in "Bethlehem" to be "Ruler of Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting" (Micah 5:2). Jesus is God's promised Deliverer, the Seed of the woman—a virgin, the Defeater of Satan, the Eternal Son. So, yes, Jesus is the "Reason for the Season" but only because God, by His sovereign choice, sent His Son into this world to take care of our sin problem. May we who know Jesus give thanks to God for the Sovereign gift of His Son!

The Hobart Homemakers FCE group met Monday, November 22, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Stockton United Methodist Church. Janie opened the meeting with the flag salute. The roll call was "Name something you are thankful for?" It was answered by six members. The minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved.

Avin W. Harper Co.

Ralph and Donna Williams hosted a family gathering on Thanksgiving Day. Guests were Dennis Ritz, Glen Elder; Roberta Ritz, Beloit; Rodney Sidner, Salina; and Jim and Linda Paley, Stockton..

Willardene Purdum: “Thanksgiving is the time to be thankful and kind. Remember to say ‘Thank You’ often!” Overheard: “This year’s Olde Tyme Christmas Parade was fantastic.” Lana Odle: “I wanted to be sure you received my e-mailed ‘Deer Ones, so you might have received it five times..