Service Projects
September 24, 2009
Adopt A Grandparent Program our Girls’ Night Out group & Men’s group will both be participating. We are asking all the grandparents who would like to participate in this program to please sign the list in the south foyer. This is a good opportunity for the congregation to get to know our youth.
Rake-N-Run: the Girls’ Night Out group would like to help out with some yard work. When the leaves begin to fall they would like to come to your home and help those who are not able to rake and bag their leaves. They will come, rake, bag and then leave to go on to the next yard. If you need help with your yard please sign the list in the south foyer or call the church office 928-5024.
Be on the look-out for future service projects.
Order of Worship
September 24, 2009
Sunday, 9/27
Sermon: Michael Bryan
Song Leader: Kacey Toliver
Prayers: Opening AM- Joel Owens PM-Jim Jacobs
Closing AM- Shelton PM- Billy Lucas
Lord’s Table: Jim Goldsmith, Lane Boyd, Finley Barnett, Logan Cravens, Ronie Hobbs, & George Smith
PM- Jim Goldsmith
Pick-up Cards: Tyler Jones & Kyle Owens
Worship Helpers: Russ Russell & Odell Walker
Nursing Home: Joe Neill
Being Thankful
September 24, 2009
A first grade class teacher, for the “Natural World” section of her class, had a lesson about owls. She explained to the class about how they are nocturnal, how they can swivel their heads so far in either direction that it looks like they can turn them completely around, etc. Then she described how the birds swoop down to get their prey for dinner.
Following the lesson, she asked the children to draw a picture of one of the fascinating things owls do. Looking over the pictures, she praised and applauded each child on their efforts. She was puzzled, however, by one drawing. It was of an owl with its wings neatly folded, its eyes closed and a dead mouse nearby.
“Exactly what is this showing?” she asked.
The little girl explained, “It’s just like you said ‘The owl swoops down and prays before dinner’!”
I’m fairly certain that’s not what owls do, but it certainly should describe what we as Christians do. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote about some who would forbid the eating of certain foods.
I Timothy 4:1, 3-4 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith….commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.”
We have done a good job of not giving in to those who want us to abstain from food! But have we done a good job of receiving that food with thanksgiving? I’m not asking if we bow in prayer before we eat our meals, although that’s very important. I’m just concerned that we sometimes offer those prayers out of habit, not because we are truly thankful.
You see, it’s easy for me to think that what I’m about to eat is on my plate because of what I have done — I brought home the paycheck, I went to the grocery store, I cooked it. Am I really thankful to God? By that I mean, do I fully realize and appreciate that God is responsible for what I have on my plate (as well as everything else I enjoy in my life)?
May you truly be thankful as you pray before dinner this evening. - TFTD
God bless you all and have a great week,
Michael
Young Ladies Group
September 17, 2009
Young Ladies’ of the High School class will have a group meeting each week. The first meeting is Monday (9/21) at 7:00 p.m. in the home of Angie Chaney. A meal will be provided.
Order of Worship
September 17, 2009
Sunday, 9/20
Sermon: Michael Bryan
Song Leader: Joel Owens
Prayers: Opening AM-Mark Rogers PM-Lane Boyd
Closing AM-Jimmy Ballah PM-Tim Walker
Lord’s Table: Jim Jacobs, Kelly Woolard, Logan Cravens, Jerry Russell, Jason Myers, & Ray Juarez PM-Jim Jacobs
Pick-up Cards: Tyler Jones
Worship Helpers: Cody Buczyna & Jonathan Juarez
Nursing Home: Logan Cravens
Wednesday, 9/23
Devo: Lou David Allen
Song Leader: Shelton Boyd
Prayers: Opening-Joel Owens Closing- Scott Carey
Where Are You Running To?
September 16, 2009
We have all known athletes who have done extraordinary things. I know a girl on the cross country team who has a heart for running. She runs in season. She runs out of season. Daily she runs. Recently she has encountered an injury that prevents her from running now and maybe in the future. Still she tries to run. She tried a 2 mile run recently running on one leg, limping with the other crying the whole way, but still finished. What a heart!
Are we that devoted to God? Do we run this race of life with that much zeal and passion? Do we let things get in between our relationship with God? I want to remind everyone that the battle belongs to the Lord. We will succeed if we run and do not quit no matter what, even on one leg.
Eph. 6:6 “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”
Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,”
Have a blessed week,
Michael
Dustin’s Word on the Street
September 10, 2009
Hey Everybody,
There are a lot of things in the works right now for the youth group.
The first thing that we have going on is the BBQ in Stephenville. This is the same group that we went on trek with. They are having a get together on their campus and we want to show our support. We will meet up at the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Everyone is encouraged to come. There is no cost. This is for H.S. & M. S.
Second is the nursing home. We want to start going to the nursing home about once a month. This is a time that you have to really be outward focused. If you can be there that would be awesome. If you need a ride I will be up at the church this Sunday at 8:50. The service starts at 9 A.M. Sunday morning.
Third – there is a girls group that will be starting after homecoming. We are really excited about the possibilities of this group. The girls will be meeting on Mondays. If you need any details talk to Amber Bryan or Angie Chaney. They will be the ones heading it up. Any other mothers that would like to help out, be sure to let them know.
Also in the works is Winterfest in Arlington. This will be taking place January 15-17. I know that this is a ways in the future but I think it would be good to go ahead and get this nailed down as far as the people who are interested in going.
Dustin
Announcements
September 10, 2009
Red Hat ladies - Don’t forget Lunch on Saturday at Abuelo’s at 11:30, meet at the church building and ready to leave at 11:00. Also, you may see a movie afterwards, depending on what is showing.
Thank You Notes:
- Thank you for your prayers, cards, telephone calls, support & encouragement. Christian Love, Gayle Swinney
- Merkel Church of Christ, Thank you so much for the book of love messages. We have read it over and over. It is filled with so much love and encouragement. We miss all of you so much. Thank for the prayers as we try to make a difference in the lives of children at Dublin and Goldthwaite. We love you, Ronny & Dee Dee
- T/T School would like thank everyone who has donated, they are still in need of more snacks: Finger Foods: (crackers, cereal, popcorn, pretzels), Baby Wipes, Clorox Wipes, Paper Towels, 8oz Cups (foam & plastic), & Hand Soap (in pump bottles).
ACU Lectureship is September 20-23
Elders’ meeting Sunday 4:30
Deacons’ meeting Sunday 5:00
Order of Worship
September 10, 2009
Sunday, September 13
Sermon: Michael Bryan
Song Leader: Greg Chaney
Prayers: Opening AM- Lane Boyd PM- Shelton Boyd
Closing AM- Jerry Russell PM- Jim Jacobs
Lord’s Table: Jimmy Bellah, Mark Rogers, Billy Jones, Rick Buczyna, Billy Lucas, & Jason Myers PM -Jimmy Bellah
Pick-up Cards: Tyler Jones & Kyle Owens
Worship Helpers: Odell Walker & Jonathan Juarez
Nursing Home: Logan Cravens
Wednesday, September 16
Devo: Billy Lucas
Song Leader: Joel Owens
Prayers: Opening- Jim Goldsmith Closing- Burl McCoy
Conquer Worry With Prayer
September 10, 2009
We are such a worrying people! Some of us certainly more than others. I can remember so clearly how my mother seemed to have perfected the art. I would receive a letter while away at school warning me to stay away from the water for a time because she had a bad dream. Of course it was a little difficult for me to oblige since one of my jobs was to care for the college pool as well as act as a water safety instructor. Mother was a good God-fearing woma
n, but she had a little trouble with “be not anxious.”
Mother was not in a class by herself. Many today continue to find it difficult to trust the future to God. Perhaps some of that is from lack of faith, but I believe that some stems from misunderstanding the promises.
We do not find that peace because of logic or circumstances!
So often today we hear some preacher or teacher promising wonderful things if one can only trust God. When others try trust based on earthly rewards, they are often disappointed and sometimes lose their faith in God’s control of their future. To trust in God is not a cure for all life’s troubles. Troubles may well be our lot — remember our hero was hung on a cross and many of His earliest followers lost property, were thrown in jail, or gave their lives for Jesus’ cause. Trust allows one to find peace in the midst of troubles and hope on the darkest nights.
In “Wringing Our Hands or Resting Our Hearts?” Mary Lou Redding describes her tendency to worry to a friend. Her friend replied back with the gentle tease, “Well of course! Why pray when you can worry?” Mary Lou said that caused her to reflect on what worrying says about how she approaches her daily situations in life. Her words cause me to reflect as well.
We are called to “peace which passes understanding.” That means that we do not find that peace because of logic or circumstances. Our peace is the hope we hold. And that hope comes from trusting the good and loving nature of the God who is always in control.
Rom. 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Phil. 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”- (c) 2007 Bill Sherrill
God bless you all and have a great week,
Michael
