to View - Central Avenue Church of Christ
Transcription
to View - Central Avenue Church of Christ
January 7, 2015 THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN “Three, two, one!” While this countdown always brings excitement and hope for the New Year to come, 1999 was different. The Year 2000 problem (also known as the Millennium Bug or simply Y2K) was a notable crisis for both digital (computer-related) and non-digital documentation and data storage situations which resulted from the practice of abbreviating a four-digit year to two digits. In computer program design, the practice of representing the year with two digits becomes problematic with logical errors arising upon "rollover" from x99 to x00. Without corrective action, it was suggested that long-working systems would break down when the "97, 98, 99, 00" ascending numbering assumption suddenly became invalid and this caused a world-wide panic. Companies and organizations checked, fixed, and upgraded their computer systems. People stockpiled food and supplies, built bunkers in the desert, and many experts called for a “doomsday” scenario. All this was driven by fear of the unknown but we know how it turned out – there were no globally significant computer failures that occurred when the clocks rolled over into 2000. Fear of the unknown is the root of all anxiety, and anxiety and fear are not from the Lord. Like with the turn from 1999 to 2000, the transition from 2014 to 2015 has many unknown variables and “doomsayers” – economically, morally and globally. But while we do not know what 2015 holds in store, God does. He is in charge, His plan is unfolding just as He wishes, so people of faith have nothing to fear. Like every year 2015 will have its highs and its lows, its joy and sorrows. But as people of faith who trust and serve the True Living God we can rest knowing the victory is won because Jesus has risen from the dead, and as he says in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." The New Earth will someday be ours! What is our call as Christians in 2015 and beyond? David shares it with us clearly in Psalms 37:3-7a … Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. NIV FAITH AVENUE “He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth, and He will be their peace.” Micah 5:4, 5. We are so excited to begin a New Year and a new rotation at Faith Avenue! We are delighted to have Mrs. Lisa Harp and Mrs. Carrie Bowling teaching in the Lord’s Way Café for this rotation! Please make sure your children are here to enjoy the story of Elijah and the widow…and homemade pancakes made from flour and oil! Thank you to all of our teachers for their hard work! Please join us this Wednesday night as we resume our regular classes at Faith Avenue. We will continue our study of Elijah. Our rotation is entitled: “Elijah and Elisha.” Our memory verse is: “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” Hebrews1:1, 2. We are looking forward to Sunday! 2015 Spiritual Enrichment Group Program Spiritual Enrichment Group (SEG) sign-up sheets are available in the Connector through Wednesday, January 14th. Participants desiring to remain in their current group may do so, but will need to indicate their desire by signing their group’s roster. Groups are available for college age, young adults, families, and singles/emptynesters. Our first SEG meetings of 2015 will occur Sunday, January 18th. For information concerning Central’s Spiritual Enrichment Group Program, contact Larry Jonas at 229 559-6922 or [email protected]. BUS DRIVER NEEDED Georgia Christian School needs a bus driver for a morning and afternoon route starting January 7th. Please send all inquires to Kent Copeland at: [email protected] or Burt Copeland at bcopeland@georgiachristian. org. Page 2 Herald of Encouragement BUILDING OUR DREAMS By John Klimko, Jr Bible Reading Marathon Green team – 31.48% Blue team – 33.98% Red team – 58.06% Pew Packers After taking a break for a couple of weeks, our “Pew Packers” program resumed this past Sunday night! Zach Parker is doing such a marvelous job of challenging and leading our children. We had 18 very eager young people on the front pew Sunday night, and they sang songs and recited Bible verses with great enthusiasm. This is a very special ministry for all children 3 years of age through 5th grade. If you have a child that has net been a part of this program, have them here at 6:00 on Sunday night! Spiritual Enrichment Groups Next Sunday, January 18th, is the date for our Spiritual Enrichment Groups to meet! We will be launching a new year for the SEG programs, and we currently have an opportunity to sign up to remain in the same SEG or to join in with a new Spiritual Enrichment Group! WITH SYMPATHY VISITATION Our sympathy is extended to the family of Houston Green, who passed away Tuesday, December 16th. Mr. Green was the cousin of Rudene Harris. A memorial service was held Saturday, December 20th. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Dora Ann Massey, who passed away Monday, December 22nd. She was the sister of Alton (Jane) Hammock. Grave side services were held December 24th in Shellman, Ga. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Bobby Morris, who passed away Wednesday, December 24th, in Oklahoma. He was the father of Kerry Morris. Funeral services were Saturday, December 27th, in Oklahoma. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Marjorie Webb Dees, who passed away Friday, January 2nd. Mrs. Dees was the sister-in-law of Marion Copeland and Miriam Fletcher. Services were Sunday, January 4th. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Juanita Herndon, who passed away January 1st in Deland Fl. She was the sister of Jack (Rachel) Hayes. Services were Wednesday, January 7th. Thanks to all who encourage others through the visitation ministry. The visitation team for this Sunday, January 11, 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 Central Avenue Church of Christ Sunday Morning Adult Classes Winter 2015 Teacher(s) Topic Location Bill Malone Guiding Your Family in a Misguided World The Seven Churches of Asia Studies in Genesis The Gospel of Luke Large Auditorium Men of the Class True Spirituality: Being a Romans 12 Christian Southwest Annex Ronnie West Life Application from the Books of the Bible Northeast Annex Larry Jonas Fleming Bell (college/young singles) The Book of Romans What Do Christians Do? Northwest Annex Office Hall Kenny Holton John Klimko Bryan Jarvis Small Auditorium Connector Southeast Annex THANK YOU NOTES The basket of flowers the church sent for my mother was just beautiful and both it and the lovely card were so appreciated. Central Avenue Church of Christ was an important part of her life and her fellowship as well as her faith nurtured there always meant so much to her. Thank you for remembering her and bringing us comfort in such a thoughtful way. The family of Margaret Hendry, Melissa Epes and Family Dear Central Family, On behalf of my entire family I want to say thank you so much for the many prayers, cards, calls and messages surrounding the passing of my father, Bobby Morris. The flowers were beautiful. Your love and encouragement are such a comfort to us all. In Christ, Kerry Morris Military Overseas Packages Because of your generosity and concern, the 2014 Military Overseas Care Package project enabled several members of the U. S. armed services currently serving in Afghanistan to Page 3 NURSING HOMES HERITAGE HOUSE: Irene Brown, Jackie Mathis, Louise Deloach(Hospice) 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 ATLANTA: (Rehab) Gordon Teffeteller ST. JOSEPH: Elaine Teffeteller CENTRAL MEMBERS: Anne S. Dasher, Fannie Dasher, Clarence DeLoach, Marilyn Ellis, Karen Evans, Carolyn Force, Glenn Geren, Allen & Mildred Lancaster, Laura McCall, Ashley McLeod, George Ann Thomas, Leo & Mary Nell Wells, Ronnie West, Lloyd Williams, Jenny Wisenbaker FRIENDS & FAMILY: Wanda Hall Arnold, Abbie Barfield, Leon Black, Delores Britt, Tim Brogdon, John Crum, Wanda DeWeese, Joe & Harriette Gray, Laura Johnson Griggs, Jimmy Jackson, Ray Norvell, Sr., Steve & Sandi Parrish, Wayne Shear, Beverly Strange, Earl Tipton, Donnie Tomlinson, Pat Vann, Mitch Walker, Thomas Williams, Larry Youmans BIRTHDAYS receive holiday greetings and seasonal items to enjoy during the holiday period. Thanks to all who supported this effort. Larry & Faye Jonas. Third Annual Old Hymns Sing Thanks to everyone who attended the Third Annual Old Hymns Sing on December 28th in Central’s Small Auditorium. Special thanks to Matt Malone for organizing the songs we sang and to Phillip & Jessica Walker, Tommy & April Herring, Cathy Copeland, Ruth Harrison, and Faye Jonas for setting up and serving the "Christmas Leftover" refreshments enjoyed after the singing hour. And, thanks to everyone who shared their holiday treats so generously. Larry Jonas. BAPTIZED Matthew McDowell was baptized Sunday, December 21, 2014. He attends Lowndes High school and is in the 12th grade. His address is: 5558 Cypress Lake Trails, Lake Park, Ga. Matthew is the son of Mike and Sherry McDowell and grandson of Ronald and Jean Bennett. January 11: Jessica Holton Margaret Lowery January 12: Ashley Greene Alexis Luke January 13: Earl Dasher Louie Flythe, SR. January 14: Grace Margaret Harp Lisa Stephenson January 15: Jessie Boyd Charles Dixon Valiree Lightsey January 16: Bailey Bridges CONGRTATULATIONS Congratulations to John Remer II and Erin Hart of Perry, FL., on the birth of a daughter, Adalynn Marie Hart, born Tuesday, December 23, 2014, weighing 6 lbs., 15 ozs. Proud great grand parents are George and Lilla Kate Hart. MILITARY: William Harp, James McMullen,III, Skyler Pittman, Benjamin Starling, Johnny Tucker, Alnozo WalkerPotts, Nick Walker-Potts DAILY PRAYER LIST January 8: Pierre Evans January 9: Marshall & Sharon Ewing January 10: Brad & Cleta Colson Eyre January 11: Joe Fanning January 12: Glen & Linda Farmer January 13: Dan, Lyndi, Randall, Alden & Park Farnam January 14: Lee, Rebecca, Autumn, Alan & Asher Reid Ferguson MISSION OF THE WEEK Gene Brzozowski (Taiwan) P. O. Box 1006 Kaohsiung, Taiwan Phone: 011-886-7-366-0101 FEEDING THE FLOCK Our next Feeding The Flock will be Wednesday, January 14th. The menu: Lasagna, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Congealed Salad, Peach Cobbler and Vanilla Ice Cream. Please indicate on your attendance card this Sunday, January 11, how many in family will attend. LOST AND FOUND If anyone has lost an item of any kind you can check in the lost and found box located in the hall by the church office or contact Leigh. AT A GLANCE January 14: Feeding The Flock January 18: Spiritual Enrichment Groups meet 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: January 4, 2015 Bible Classes AM Worship PM Worship 298 419 134 SEG 3rd Sunday Mid-week PM Budget Contribution $12,450 $15,770 Under Budget $3,320 There’s something about the start of a new year that gives us a feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. Usually at the end of one year and the beginning of another, people reflect on their lives, especially considering successes and failures throughout the year. Then they make resolutions for the coming year which, most of the time, are quickly forgotten and broken. Self-examination is necessary for Christians, not only at this time of year, but each and every day. If we find areas of our spiritual life that needs improving, we need to resolve to make changes. Such a resolution must not be abandoned and we must constantly keep it on our heart. The apostle Paul possessed this attitude and is one thing that allowed him to be successful as a disciple of the Lord. He said,"...but one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining on what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14) James 4:13-16 provides a good principle when making a resolution “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” We often plan our time and activities, both present and future as if we are somehow in control. We live in a society that is driven by achieving positive results and too often we make ourselves believe we know the correct methods in being successful in all facets of our lives. James reminds us that we are not in control of our lives. Time is not our own, and the results of our efforts are not our own. Each plan that we make should be based on “if the Lord is willing.” The following are a few biblical passages to consider in making any kind of resolutions. "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8). "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5). "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5). "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and shun evil" (Proverbs 3:57). Praying that we all have a blessed year in service to God and others. kb