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December 3, 2014
THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN
Point 1 from the “7 Thoughtful Ways to Raise
Non-Materialistic Children” was to Practice What You
Preach. We cannot give something we so not have; if
we are materialistic, so will our kids be.
2. Spend Time with Your Children
LEGACY SUNDAY
DECEMBER 14
Sunday, December 14, we
will celebrate our legacy of faith
by remembering our loved ones
(family, friends, former
members) who have passed on.
Poinsettias in memory of loved
ones will grace the front
podium as a display of our
legacy of faith. Wednesday
night, December 3, is the
deadline for contributing names & money for the Legacy
of Faith memorial poinsettias. There will be envelopes for
you memorial(s) Wednesday night in each foyer and adult
classrooms.
Do you find yourself giving gifts to your children to
make up for lack of personal attention? Reality check:
they won’t. Ever. You are, instead, sending the message
that you think stuff is more important than a close
relationship with them. One of my favorite but most
haunting songs I know is, “Cats In The Cradle,” Harry
Chapin’s classic. Parents we need to let these lyrics
resonate deeply in our souls. They are a vivid reminder
that once the child rearing years are gone, we will never
CENTRAL’S HOLIDAY PARTY
get them back. “And the cat's in the cradle and the silver
AND PROGRAM
spoon, little boy blue and the man on the moon. When you
Our Holiday Party will be Sunday night, December
comin' home dad? I don't know when, but we'll get together
14th,
immediately following our evening services in the
then son (or daughter), you know we'll have a good time
Lee
Street
Building. Everyone should bring finger foods
then.”
3. Rein in Your Christmas Spending
Somehow, someway, many parents missed the
memo: “Christmas is not a license to overly indulge
your children.” No matter how you justify it,
overspending (going into debt) on your children just
because it is Christmas is not good. Celebrate the true
spirit of Christmas with your children instead of piling
up stuff for them. Show them that Jesus is really the
reason for the season.
4. Help Them Prioritize Their Own Money
and dessert. Drinks will be provided. After our meal the
children of Central ages 2 years old—5th grade will present
their Holiday Play.
Building for the Future on the Legacy
of our Past!
The general plan was presented two weeks ago. “The
Plans” were displayed on large poster boards in our three
foyers last Sunday. What? A modernization and upgrade
to our facilities including large restrooms, spacious foyers,
state-of-the-art classrooms for youth and new flooring in a
large portion of our building spaces! Enlarged and
enhanced spaces prepared for generations to come!
We are building for the future. The faith we have
confessed for over a century prompts these major improvements. We are standing on the shoulders of great men
and women of the past as we attempt to envision what the
future holds. Central Avenue is committed to that faith,
our historic past, and belief that the best is yet to come!
As your children become old enough to have their
own money, help them prioritize that money. A very
simple three part plan is to give some, save some, and
spend some. If you emphasize giving, you will be
helping your child develop a heart for others. Because
giving is the opposite of materialism, you need to
constantly demonstrate a giving spirit and teach them
Continued on page 2 column 2
the same.
Page 2
Herald of Encouragement
BUILDING OUR DREAMS
Building for the Future cont......
By John Klimko, Jr
But, the costs are great. It will take the
cooperative support of every member of the
Body. We are not just purchasing “brick
and mortar”, but we are contributing together to build a better platform for children yet unborn. It is not a matter of just
Upcoming Schedule
Many of our members have asked “renovating the facilities”, but it is support
about our schedule of meeting times as of our commitment to change to meet the
we approach the end of the year. There needs of a changing world!
Our goal is simple: to embellish our methods and
will be no classes meeting here at the
means to bring souls to salvation!
church building on December 24th or
Two-hundred and eighty-two (282)
st
th
December 31 . On the 24 , all families
family units are listed in our current
are asked to have a devotional period at
contact directory. About one hundred
their home as they also enjoy this time
ninety (190) of these family units are
together. On the 31st, our elders have
present for worship on any given Lord’s
asked that our Spiritual Enrichment
Day. Our goal will be reached from these
Groups schedule a time to meet
numbers. This will be the last physical
together.
improvements some will see due to
————————————————————
advanced years. Yet, others are literally
Bible Reading Marathon
Green team – 50.00%
Blue team – 41.75%
Red team – 64.52%
FAITH AVENUE
“I see Him, but not now; I behold
Him, but not near. A star will come out
of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of
Israel.” Numbers 24:17.
We continue to be so thankful for
our teachers! We are blessed to have
Debbie Wisenbaker, Mark and Brooke
Starr, and Dan Farnam teaching our
K-5th grade children on Wednesday
nights! Mrs. Debbie teaches our kindergarten class, Mr. Mark and Mrs. Brooke
teach our first and second graders, and
Mr. Dan teaches our third, fourth, and
fifth graders. Thank you so much to all
of our teachers who give so much of
their time and energy to teach our
precious children!
Our two year olds through fifth
grade will meet in Lee Street this
Wednesday night, December 3, and
next Wednesday night, December 10.
We will have our Bible lesson and sing
our songs for the Holiday Play. Please
have your children here at 7:00!
Our Holiday Play will be Sunday
night, December 14, at 7:00. Please
check with Mrs. Becky Herring if you
do not know what your child needs to
wear for the play. We will have a dress
Continued in next column
carrying the future in their bosoms as
young families. Some are, thru the grace of
God, financially sound! Others are struggling just to pay their bills. Several enjoy
the peace of mind having substantial funds
“laid up for many years”!
Next Sunday, December 14th, we are
asking every family to make a covenant
with the future by committing to give as
you are able. Commitment cards will be
handed out. We will not call for any names
or signatures, this is a commitment
between you and God. We are asking for
every family to pray and plan to commit
to give a certain amount over the next
three years! We will be counting the cards
and totaling up the amounts committed. It
is our prayer and hope that at least 190
families make this commitment to the
future.
————————————————————
FAITH AVENUE CONT…..
rehearsal on Saturday morning, December
13, from 10:00 until 12:00. Please add
this to your December calendar!
Our new rotation is entitled: “The Wise
Still Seek Him.” Our new memory verse is:
“Arise; shine, for your light has come.”
Isaiah 60:1. This is the memory verse for
our two year olds through fifth grade.
We are looking forward to Sunday!
VISITATION
Thanks to all who encourage others
through the visitation ministry. The
visitation team for this Sunday,
December 7, is listed below. Please
pick up assignments from the folder
on the table in the office hall foyer
near the Large Auditorium.
M/M Barry Bennett
M/M Jerry DeLoach
Mrs. Frances Draper
M/M Graham Fiveash
M/M Bob Green
Mrs. Lilla Kate Hart
M/M G. R. Holton
M/M Ted Hundley
M/M John Klimko
M/M J. C. McMullen
M/M Jerry McMullen, Sr.
Miss Betty Yale
WEDDING
Sarah Katherine Clarke
and
Hunter Drake Kussman,
Together with their parents
request the honor of your presence
as they are united as
Husband and Wife
December 20, 2014
Two O'Clock in the afternoon
The Register Victorian Manor
9556 GA Hwy 135
Naylor, GA 31641
Reception to follow
Please RSVP by text or phone call
to Heather Clarke at (229) 563-9802.
Page 3
NURSING HOMES
HERITAGE HOUSE:
Irene Brown, Jackie Mathis
PRESBYTERIAN HOME:
Melba Webb
FELLOWSHIP HOME:
Sylvia Higgins, Joyce Paine,
Jeanne Jarvis, Sherolyn Ellenberg,
Jane Little, George Clayton
LAKEHAVEN:
Frances Copeland
WILDEWOOD DOWNS
COLUMBIA, S.C.:
Phoebie Slocum
CRESTWOOD:
Linda Jones
ALPHARETTA:
Gordon & Elaine Teffeteller
BAPTIST VILLAGE:
Stella Laurene Taylor
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
SGMC: (Rehab) Thomas Williams
CENTRAL MEMBERS:
Anne S. Dasher, Fannie Dasher, Clarence
DeLoach, Marilyn Ellis, Karen Evans,
Carolyn Force, Glenn Geren, Susan Hampton, Peggy Herring, Allen & Mildred Lancaster, Laura McCall, Ashley McLeod, Charlie
(Hawke) Parrish, George Ann Thomas, Leo &
Mary Nell Wells, Ronnie West, Lloyd
Williams, Jenny Wisenbaker
FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Abbie Barfield, Delores Britt, Tim
Brogdon, Allison Bryan Carter, John Crum,
Wanda DeWeese, Joe & Harriette Gray,
Laura Johnson Griggs, Stacey McDowell, Jimmy Jackson, Bob Morris, Ray Norvell, Sr.,
Steve & Sandi Parrish, Wayne Shear, Earl
Tipton, Donnie Tomlinson, Pat Vann, Mitch
Walker, Thomas Williams, Larry Youmans
WITH SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to the
family of, Sergey Bzenyuk who passed
away Monday, November 24, in Ukraine.
He was the father of Masha and Dasha
Bzenyuk.
PLACED MEMEBERSHIP
Jamie Whitson expressed his desire to
place membership at Central Sunday,
November 30. His address is: 3589 Club
Vilas Dr., Valdosta, GA., 31602 Phone:
42-544-0168.
SOUP KITCHEN
The Soup Kitchen at Central is
scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. If
you would like to be a part of this
ministry to our community please be at
the building by 11:00 am.
FEEDING THE FLOCK
Our next Feeding The Flock will be
Wednesday, December 10th. The menu:
Baked Cheesy Spaghetti, Tossed Salad,
Apple Sauce, Garlic Bread, Banana
Pudding and Key Lime Pie. Please sign
up on your attendance card this Sunday,
December 7th, how many your family
plan to attend.
BIRTHDAYS
December 6: Penny Bell
Randy Cooper
Chris Cunningham
Sis Force
Brittlyn Parker
December 7: Winston Bridges
Lydia Brown
Reagan Carter
John McLeod
December 8: Sara Jackson
December 9: Faye Clifton
Karen Evans
December 10: Carl Brinson
December 11: Shana Thomas
December 12: Jim Watts
MILITARY: William Harp, James
McMullen,III, Skyler Pittman, Benjamin
Starling, Johnny Tucker, Alnozo WalkerPotts, Nick Walker-Potts
DAILY PRAYER LIST
December 4: Nick, Wendy, Caroline &
Collier Copeland
December 5: Raymond & Linda Copeland
December 6: Richard Copeland
December 7: Orrie & Francine Coppage
December 8: Bubba & Lauren Croft
December 9: Frank & Kathleen Culpepper
December 10: Chris & Ashli Cunningham
& Case Moore
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Troy & Andrea Spradlin
(Paraguay, South America)
Avenida Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo
Avenida Sacramento 650
C/Eapana-Asuncion, Paraguay
Hone address:
Casilla de Correo 13092
Shopping del Sol
Asuncion, Paraguay
Phone: (595) 0981-630-88886
E-Mail: [email protected]
AT A GLANCE
December 6: Soup Kitchen
December 5,6,7: GCS Centennial
Celebration
December 10: Feeding The Flock
December 14: Central’s Holiday Party
December 28: Old Hymns & Carols
Singing-6:00 pm
Men’s Prayer Group:
Tuesdays at 7 am in the Annex
Ladies Bible Class:
Tuesdays, 10:30 am in the Connector
Christian Student Center:
Devotional, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Page 4
Herald of Encouragement
Central Avenue Church of Christ
304 East Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601-5704
ELDERS: Homer Anderson, Kevin Boyd, Byron Brown, Jerry
DeLoach, G.R. Holton, Bill Malone, Leon Weeks
MINISTERS: Bryan Jarvis, John Klimko, Jr.
DEACONS: Jay Barfield, Donny Bryan, Jeremy Colson,
Richard Hamlen, Anthony Herring, Ted Hundley, Pendleton Little, Jerry McMullen, Sr., Matt Malone, Chris Prine,
John Stephenson, Clyde Tomlinson, Phillip Walker
Church Office:
Leigh Carter...........................................................Secretary
Gail DeLoach…………................................................Bulletin
Phone: (229) 242-6115........................Fax:(229) 242-6116
Visit Central on the Web.......................www.cacoc.com
THE SHEPHERDS VOICE
MISSIONS: Paraguay, New Zealand, Ukraine, China, Malawi, India,
Preaching the Gospel (TV)
Central Avenue Church of Christ Family Gatherings
Sunday Bible Class...……………………………...………...…………….….9:30am
Worship.………………..….…………………..………………………..….....10:30am
Evening Worship……………………..……………………….…………….…6:00pm
Wednesday Bible Class.……………………………………………..……….7:00pm
For the Record: November 30, 2014
Bible Classes
AM Worship
PM Worship
303
427
148
SEG 3rd Sunday
Mid-week PM
Budget
Contribution
Over Budget
Our church building is on our minds! We hope all
of you are as excited and enthusiastic about the plans
for improving it as we are. The building is not the
church, of course; the people are the church. But the
building matters. It provides a safe, comfortable and
convenient place for the church to gather for
worship, for Bible instruction, for fellowship, and for
service to the surrounding community. We must have
a building for the continued functioning of the
congregation.
Thanks to God’s blessings and to the provisions
made by those who have preceded us, we do have a
building. However, it has deteriorated with time. It
desperately needs a facelift! The appearance of the
building matters because it reflects to the surrounding
community the importance the people in the church
attach to the work of the church and to the worship of
God. If our building looks decrepit, outsiders logically
conclude that we don’t really care much about our
church. On the other hand, a beautiful place, such as
the memorial garden will be, will bless the entire
surrounding area.
In addition, for comfort and safety we need more
and larger restrooms, better overflow seating, and better provisions for handicapped access. We must have
adequate provisions to accommodate new
technologies and the flexibility to change configurations as new technologies become available. We
especially need a better area for an expanded teen
program. Teenagers inviting their friends to partici-
148
$12,450
$12,641
$191
pate in youth group activities has always been one of
the church’s most fruitful outreach activities. We need
to provide an attractive and functional facility to which
our teenagers will be glad to bring their friends.
The elders appreciate your very positive responses to
our presentation of plans to upgrade the building and
your suggestions. We hope to implement as many of
them as we can. The work has begun. However, as it
progresses, there will be some challenges.
A good many years ago, when my wife and I told our
friends that we were going to build a new house, one of
them commented, “Well, if that doesn’t bring on a divorce, nothing will!” We built the house; but our marriage survived and grew stronger because we loved each
other in spite of the disagreements, discouragement,
and delays that came with building. Our church family
must use the same quality to survive the difficulties that
will arise during our church building upgrades.
Difficulties will come! The removal of some parts of
the present buildings will reveal problems that we
didn’t know about, and correcting those will add cost
and slow down the work. There will be differences of
opinion about some choices. We will not be able to
accomplish everything that everyone wants. Those
difficulties need not destroy the unity of our congregation! With the help of God’s Spirit, we will continue to
love each other in spite of these things; and our church
family will be stronger than ever.
-hla