Saturday, October 18, 2025

Branson Trip

November 13-15, 2025

Thursday, Friday, Saturday,

Grand Oaks Hotel, Branson, MO

Grand Oaks Hotel (moderate) has interior corridors, elevators, a deluxe breakfast, a fitness center, an indoor pool with two hot tubs, and a zero-entry outdoor pool. All of the rooms at the Grand Oaks Hotel have microwaves and refrigerators. Grand Oaks Hotel has meeting rooms. Grand Oaks Hotel is located just off Highway 76 behind Ripley's Super Fun Zone. It is within walking distance of Ripley's Super Fun Zone, McDonald's, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and Wal-Mart (up a hill). www.grandoakshotel.net/

Nov. 13                 Thursday

7:30 am                Leaving the church building
12:30 pm             Arriving at Lambert's Café, Ozark, MO for lunch
3:00 pm                Arriving individually – check into the hotel
                                Free time with dinner on your own
6:30 pm               Depart for Sight & Sound Theatre
7:30 pm               David Show
10:15 pm             Return to hotel

Nov 14                  Friday

Deluxe breakfast (eggs, sausage or bacon, biscuits & gravy, waffles, cereal, pastries, fruits, beverages)

Morning free time and lunch on your own

1:15 pm               Depart for Clay Cooper Theatre
2:00 pm               Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show
4:30 pm               Return to hotel
5:15 pm               Depart for Grand Country Buffet
5:30 pm               Dinner at Grand Country Buffet
6:45 pm               Depart for Grand Shanghai Theatre
7:30 pm               Texas Tenors Christmas Show
9:45 pm               Return to hotel

Nov. 15                 Saturday
                                Deluxe breakfast (see above)
                                Depart for home

Rates for shows and lodging:

# in Room	Cost per person
Single	$469.00 / person
Double	$325.00 / person
Triple	$279.00 / person
Quad	$259.00 / person

At least 1/2 is due by August 5, 2025

The remainder is due by September 6, 2025

If you have questions, please call Kevin or Katie Rayner at the church office at 405-341-3353

Transportation (Being updated as I get information)

Many people drive their cars and carpool with others.

Shows

David Show (Sight and Sound Theatre): Master Poet. Fearless Warrior. Anointed King. The production focuses on the biblical story of David and Goliath. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David's ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Experience one of the most legendary Bible stories as it comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals in this brand-new original stage production.
Clay Cooper's Country Express Show: Clay and his cast of 25 incredible entertainers show their versatility while performing all styles of music, including country, rock n roll, gospel, and patriotic. The singing, dancing, and hysterical comedy will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Clay and his gang guarantee a family-friendly show that is great for all ages! Clay Cooper's Country Express is MORE than country! In November and December, Clay Cooper's Country Express features an Ozark Mountain Christmas Celebration that has become a "MUST SEE" in Branson. The first half features highlights from our regular season show, and the second half is all Christmas!

"The Texas Tenors Show - Deep in the Heart of Christmas," is a sensational Branson show designed to bring out that feeling of a traditional family Christmas. Everyone loves to hear them any time of year; singing everything from country ballads to opera's favorite arias, but something about the amazing vocals displayed by "The Texas Tenors," with that incredible harmony, that sounds extra fabulous during the holidays! The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent. In 2019, they were honored to be included among the top 50 acts in the world and the only vocal group from the United States invited to compete on NBC's prime time series "America's Got Talent: The Champions." There's truly no place like Branson for the holidays, and no show with quite the same appeal as "The Texas Tenors - Deep in the Heart of Christmas!"

WE HAVE A GROUP FOR TEXTING IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED FOR COMMUNICATION PURPOSES.

Friday, October 10, 2025

Why Seniors With Hearing Loss Today Are Lucky

https://youtube.com/shorts/olZv8FJREoQ?si=2BckLXCpPrSIR_i-

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Evaluating your Medicare coverage for the year

https://youtu.be/twjtkE_qjnc

To ensure you have enough coverage, it’s a good idea to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter during Medicare Open Enrollment. Your letter details updates in your current Medicare plan that will take effect in the new year, including coverage, costs, drug formulary and the network status of your hospitals and pharmacy. Plus, learn how Walgreens Find Rx Coverage can help you find a plan that’s right for you. To learn more, visit Walgreens.com/Medicare

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Medicare scam reportedly targets Oklahoma seniors with fake enrollment postcards

Oklahoma seniors are being warned about a new scam involving fake Medicare enrollment postcards.

Ray Walker with the Oklahoma Insurance Department talked about how the agency learned of the scam, and what people should do if they share their personal information.

The fraudulent postcards, which appear official, are being circulated via mail and target individuals at or near the age of 65. The postcards invite recipients to schedule a Medicare enrollment phone call, even if they never requested one. Those who call the listed number are asked to provide sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and Medicare IDs, which could be used for fraudulent purposes.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department has clarified that these postcards are not from Medicare or its department.

Seniors are advised not to contact the number on the fake enrollment postcards and to refrain from sharing any personal information. Suspicious mailings should be reported to the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program.

Contact the in-state toll-free number, 800-763-2828, or email MAP@oid.ok.gov.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Widow Warriors

A group of widows who love one another and build strength together.

Belinda Cowdrey thoughts to fellow widows.

Do you feel lost, all alone, even in a crowd, like no one truly understands how you feel or how difficult this journey is?

Then I ask you to join me in a new ministry here at Edmond Church called Widow Warriors. It will be a two-part ministry for Widows by Widows.

Once a month, we will meet as a support group. We will also have a social part that will meet once a week for various activities.

Our first meeting will be Sunday, August 10th at 6:15 pm in the parlor after the SMFM meal and devotional. Thursday, August 14th will be our first social meet up at 4:00 in Fellowship 1.

Back in April of 2025, Belinda attended a Christian Widows Conference in Denton, TX. It was a pure leap of faith as I knew no one there. While there I found so much peace. Surrounded by 45 other widows in various stages of their new journey. I finally found a place where I felt accepted, loved and understood. A lot of the focus was on how much God loves us and cares for us. God has put it on my heart to help other Widows I come in contact with. I am praying through this new ministry that we can find the peace amongst ourselves. Even if you have been widowed for a while consider joining us as your experiences would be invaluable to those newer on this journey. Together we are better!

======

The following is a fuller description is in a letter to widows.

Hello. My name is Belinda Cowdrey. I am a member of the Edmond Church of Christ and attend the Upwards class. I am excited to tell you about a new ministry that is being started and would like to invite you to participate. It will be a two-part ministry. Support group portion will meet on the 2^nd Sunday of the Month and social group will meet weekly on Thursdays.

On August 10^th at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor, Widow Warriors support group will meet for the first time. This will be right after the Sunday Night for the Master Meal and Devotional. Snacks and water will be provided. On August 14^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Fellowship Room 1, Room number 131 will be the first social group meeting. We will be having a potluck that day.

I feel that since I became a Widow myself last year that God has put it on my heart to help out my fellow Sisters in this new journey that we face after losing our husbands. It can be a very lonely journey as most people do not understand things that we go through.

I attended a Widow’s Retreat in Denton, TX back in April. It was a pure leap of faith on my part as I knew no one there. God brought it to my attention through a Grief Support Group that I was following on Facebook. I had been looking for a group locally but did not find anything that would work for me. I cannot describe how much peace I received for those 3 days. Being surrounded by others who had lost their husbands too was so comforting to me. It was at a peaceful retreat center that had lodging and a cafeteria. Several times I walked down to the crosses at the edge of the water and poured my heart out to the Lord. I would like to try to bring that peace to you also through this group. We need to be in community with those who can truly understand one another. Galatians 6:2

I am enclosing a Get to Know Me Questionaire that I request you file out before our first meeting if you would like to participate. You can either bring it that night or get it to me in advance by taking a picture of it filled out and texting it to me at 815-262-5553.

Even though I am starting this group, it is not MY group. I am just the facilitator. It will be OUR group. I have lots of ideas but that does not mean we have to follow them. I want us ALL to feel like it is OUR group and have your input be heard.

Since we are a new group, I request that you do not invite anybody outside of our church family at this time. Once we get things going, I believe it can be great outreach opportunity for us to invite others we know who are struggling too and help them to see a Christian way to grief from those who have hope of heaven. The goal is to open it up to all starting in January.

I would like to put together a directory of us for only us. When filling out your form, be sure to mark whether you are willing to have your information shared amongst us.

I really would like to make this a safe space for us ALL. Unless someone gives you permission to share their information, please keep it within this group.

I look forward to getting to know you all and “Bearing one another’s burdens”. You do not need to do this journey alone. We’re better together.

In Christian Love,

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Caregiving Quotes

Quotes to spark your thinking, and then my link to many more quotes on caregiving.

20 Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers

Caring for someone else is one of the most selfless acts any of us can make, whether it be for a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger. From an extended hand to a kind smile, the smallest show of support can make an immeasurable difference to those who need it most.

As caregivers, however, we also must look inward and be aware of our own needs. Self-sacrifice is what makes looking after others such an admirable task, but that doesn’t mean anyone should put their own lives or well-being on hold in the process. The healthier and happier the caregiver, the more love, attention, and energy they have to give.

For those who can afford to do so, stepping up to better the lives of others is a beautiful and rewarding act of kindness.

Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. --Amy Leigh Mercree
Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. --Maya Angelou
Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible. --Tia Walker
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. --Leo Buscaglia
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. --Charles Dickens
Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy. --John Hoeven
We rise by lifting others. --Robert Ingersoll
Doctors diagnose, nurses heal, and caregivers make sense of it all. --Brett H. Lewis
Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give them yours. --Zig Ziglar
The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others. --Eda LeShan
The happiest people are those who do the most for others. The most miserable are those who do the least. --Booker T. Washington
If you’re someone people count on, particularly in the difficult moments, that’s the sign of a life lived honorably. --Rachel Maddow
My caregiver mantra is to remember: The only control you have is over the changes you choose to make. --Nancy L. Kriseman
It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. --Mother Teresa
Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. --Eleanor Brown
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. --Sam Levenson
We’re all just walking each other home. --Ram Dass
Offering care means being a companion, not a superior. --Judy Cornish
They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. --Carl W. Buechner
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. --Mahatma Gandhi