OU-Boise State

One of the most beautiful places to spend a Saturday afternoon during the fall at the University of Oklahoma watching the Sooners play football.

Good luck Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl!

What Makes A Great Summer

Continuing the summer theme. Ever think about what you like to do during the Hot Summer Months?

My Favorite Summer Things

1. Golf Trips with My Best Friend-Debbie
2. Family Vacations (They nickname me Clark)
3. Ending a Fiscal Year (July) with $
4. Beautiful Sunrises
5. Gardens (Fresh Vegetables)
6. Cook Outs
7. Homemade icecream
8. Spending time with Family
9. Fireworks
10. Morning runs

My Favorite Summer Things Growing Up

1. Church Camp (Palomar Mountain in California)
2. Church Canoe Trips on the Illinois River in Oklahoma
3. Youth Devotionals on the Beach in San Diego
4. Mission Trips to Apple Valley, Minnesota
5. Family Vacations
6. Visiting all my grandparents
7. No School
8. Water Parks
9. Summer League Basketball
10. A Quck Trip Coolie

Top Religious Newsmakers of 2006

Top newsmaker of 2006: Amish who modeled forgiveness after the schoolhouse murders.

Other top newsmakers:
• Pope Benedict XVI, who quieted Muslims after unintentionally angering them.
• Dan Brown and Ron Howard, author and director of the controversial "The Da Vinci Code."
• Ted Haggard, Evangelical leader who admitted to sexual immorality.
• Frank Page, surprise winner of the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention.
• Katharine Jefferts Schori, first woman presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Dreaming of Golf

One of our favorite spots in all the world. Table Creek number 6. I can't wait for our annual July golf trip to Nebraska City.

Only 6 months until summer!

The Christmas Story

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

--Matthew 1:18 - 2:23 New International Version

Christmas Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, December 24, 2006

Announcements/Welcome Jerry Myers
Worship Leader David Carriger
Message Evan Burdan

Scripture: (Page 1000)

1018 Joy to the World (Verses 1, 2 and 4)
286 Wonderful Story of Love (Verse 1 Only)
997 O Come, All Ye Faithful (Verse 1 Only)

Prayer

Scripture: (Page 339) Luke 1:30-32a

387 Tell Me the Story of Jesus (Verse 1 Only)
377 He Still Came
382 Why Did My Savior Come to Earth (Verse 1 Only)

Communion
Contribution

During Contribution: 781 Thank You, Lord

167 Hosanna
59 He Is Exalted

Message “Expecting the Unexpected Messiah”

Invitation: Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Announcements

Closing Prayer

The Most Memorable Christmas

That special Christmas gift. What was it for you? For me it was that 10 speed bike in 1972. My brother and I got up at 3:00 a.m. and met the rest of our friends and rode around the neighborhood. It was a great bike. But you know what? It's gone, its history. That special gift it just a distant memory.

More than anything, God wants you to be with Him. The God who designed your world, the God who placed you on the planet, simply wants you home with Him. And to bring you home, He offers you the ultimate gift…the gift of salvation.

The gift that He wants to give all of us is more than we could ever imagine.

It’s the gift of a lifetime.

A gift that lasts forever.

It’s a gift for all people that wish to accept it.

The gift was born in a manger.

A Christmas Prayer

Dear God,
As I look through my gift shopping list,
I hold up to you each person listed on it.
Slowly, one by one,
I ask that the fire of your abundant love burn within each of them.
I pray that the gift I find for each person will bring joy into that life.
But, help me to keep a balance this season, Lord.
Let me keep my buying in perspective, not to spend more than I need to or can afford.
Let me not give in to the pressures of this world and not equate love with money spent.
Let me always remember the many, many people who have so much less in material things. Help me to buy wisely, so that my choices will not burden those in other countries who are so deeply affected by this country's economy.
And finally, loving God, help me to find time in the frantic moments of each day to become centered on you.
Walking through a store, riding on the bus, hurrying down a street: let each of these times be moments when I can remember your incredible love for me and rejoice in it.
Amen

Hymn Twelve (Unsung)

December at dusk, dinner downed and blessed, I slip on
shoes and sidle down the walk to taut drawn tangles of
cords. Two outlets take
five plugs. Pop. Twinkle lights blaze, early darkness gone
like a genesis word spoken for the kick, but fake—
electric joy and peace and love,

and the soul of man is barely sparked by my small town
deed. Next door inflates snowmen. Their eves glow blue.
A stray cat plays
in empty bushes, pawing green circuits. I wait. No sound.
In brittle oak limbs above, yellow stars are nesting anew—
God’s display.

With chest heaves, a catch, a sudden shake, I
choke down another day. Bless my tomorrow
now today is through.
I will thank You for the present sent. I vow no sorrow,
no sideways looks or rolling eyes or sarcastic words (a few)—all thankful without a sigh.

Michael P. Carriger

The Missional Church (Part 2)

This post comes from Wade Hodges, Minister of the Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa....

Missions is the new worship.

That’s what a friend said to me the other day. I think he said he’d heard it from someone else. Since what this phrase meant to its originator is lost to us, I’m going to engage in some postmodern meaning making and tell you what it means to me.

In the last two decades, as non-denominational community churches have flourished and as denominational loyalty has given way to consumerism, church hoppers and shoppers have usually been attracted to the churches with the best worship “event.” This event would include both the music and the teaching. Both have proven to be essential to growing a large church.
Now I see things changing. Missions is becoming the new worship. What I think this means is that those in search of a new church are placing just as high a priority on the “missions” segment of a church’s life as they are on the worship event. It’s not enough to have good worship anymore, you’ve also got have a dynamic missions program. By “missions program” I don’t mean simply having a bulletin board in the lobby featuring all the foreign missionaries your church supports. It’s much more than that.

It starts locally. Have you adopted a local elementary school? Does your student ministry regularly volunteer at a soup kitchen? Have you built any Habitat houses? Are you collecting coats for the poor this winter? How many of your people went to New Orleans to help out in the aftermath of Katrina?

While traditional foreign missions is still important, it’s not enough to be sending money over to an American who is trying to plant a church in Kenya. You also have to demonstrate participation in some of the more trendy mission/social justice projects. Have you adopted a village in Africa? What are you doing to address the global AIDS crisis? How many water wells have you drilled?

It doesn’t matter how good your band is or how inspired the preaching is, if you can’t demonstrate some of the above mission activity, then church hoppers and shoppers aren’t going to take you seriously.

In our American consumer church culture, missions is the new worship.

The Greatest Gift

Friday I felt like Jesus feeding the 5000.

Debbie and I hosted our annual Christmas Open House for my faculty and staff on Friday. We cook each year for all the district employees and several community people that drop by. We enjoy the weeklong cooking odyssey and Deb tries out her new recipes on others before springing them on her toughest critic….me. The annual event, now going on 9 years, is a special part of the holiday season in our community.

I have taken up a new hobby the last couple of years….cooking. I have had a great teacher…..Debbie. She's the best in the world!

It is our gift to those that I work with on a daily basis.

Jesus gave us a gift that keeps on giving day after day after day. Forgiveness, redemption, mercy, love, hope, joy, peace, and salvation.

This holiday season, stop for a moment in all the crowded malls, busy workplaces, final exams and even stressful family situations and appreciate the gift of the Savior!

Order of Worship (December 17)

Welcome
Worship Leader: Josh Yoho

"You are Worthy of My Praise"
77 Glorify Thy Name
412 Jesus, Hold My Hand
779 I Love You, Lord

Prayer

341 Rabboni

Communion

47 Holy, Holy, Holy
100 Holy Ground
155 Highest Place

Message: Evan Burdan

Invitation- Closer

Announcements

Closing Song- 881 "Mansions over the Hilltop

Elders Meeting/Elders-Deacons Meeting Minutes

Central Church of Christ
Elders-Meeting Minutes
12-13-06

Coordinating elder: Gary Souder
Minute recorder: Rex Allen
Scripture reading:
Opening prayer: Rex Allen

Review of E&D meeting:
Mention was made of the good work that Ed McKinley has done of getting the budget power point together. It was noted that Ed McCoy is the man behind the scenes working with our finances without much fan fare.

Jerry suggested we use one of the local restaurants for the estate planning class.
Gary stated that the folks that looked at the building last week have not gotten back with him yet. They have been invited to come worship with us some Sunday morning.

Hearthstone devotional/communion
Gene Robinson contacted the church on behalf of his mother Lucille Rosenlund. There seems to have been a breakdown in the devotionals on Sunday afternoons at the Hearthstone facility and he would like us to look into what we can to help his mother with communion on each Lord Day.

Lessons/speakers:
Praise was expressed for all the work and planning that Carl and David do on a weekly basis so that we can all enjoy a meaningful worship experience.

Finalize evening services Dec. 24th and Dec. 31st
Bill Carriger and Gary Souder along with Scott and Sam Souder are to conduct the devotional service Sunday at 4:00 pm. The theme of: IS IT REALLY JUST A CHILDRENS STORY will be used.
Dec 31st will begin with special praise and worship and then those that want to stay and usher in the New Year can do that with others with snacks and games.

Individual items:

Roger stated that Russel Bell had a great lesson Sunday evening.

Gary read a letter from Justin Dauner stating that he is working with the church in France and also continuing to his preaching studies and would appreciate any help we can give him. It was decided to help him with the same amount that we helped his brother Philippe with. $2500 will be sent on a one-time basis for now.

Jim Glass is working on a grant for education for one of our members and is fairly confident that he will be successful.

Roger reported that the children’s computer room in the elementary bible department is up and running for the children to use after church services. It has been used by several already and is available for more to start using it.

Jerry reported that the young married couples would like to start a class of their own. The possibility of expanding one the rooms upstairs to accommodate them was given the green light.
Cindy Dreiling is to use the building for home school testing for three days in a few weeks

Sheep business:
Concerns and ways to encourage those that have wandered away were discussed and each elder is to take a more active role in contacting delinquent members.

Prayer concerns:

Closing prayer: Bill Carriger

Adjourned 9:45 pm





Central Church of Christ
Elders-Deacons-Ministers Meeting Minutes
12-12-06

Coordinating elder: Gary Souder
Minute recorder: Rex Allen
Scripture reading: Galatians 4:4-5
Opening prayer: Ed McKinley
Present: Rex Allen, Bill Carriger, David Carriger, Roger Hamm, Jerry Myers, Gary Souder, Ed McKinley, Bryan Phillips, Evan Burdan, Carl Wheeler

Treasurer’s report: Ed McCoy
a. Assets 171,060.49 Average Contribution 6608.86

Review of November minutes:

Deacons report:
The remodeling of the office house basement restroom was discussed. Security issues of locking the back door were talked about. Egress window has been looked into for the basement.
David Carriger suggested we install an additional light in the back yard and do some grading and filling to prevent the mud problem in the back yard.

Elder building fund proposal:
Bill Carriger brought up the elders proposal that we build into the budget the payment for an ultimate building loan of one million dollars. A twenty-year loan would result in a weekly payment of aprox. $2000 per week. This proposal will get us used to this amount and then when the building does sell we will have some additional funds in the building fund plus we will be able to show the bank our track record of being able to fund the payment. Bryan Phillips stated that we would need to have this track record for any bank to consider loaning us money when we actually need to finalize the loan. In addition we will use the amount we normally be paying our staff positions to fund the building fund as well until we find someone to fill those positions.

The building committee visited a church building in Overbrook. The ones that went said they were impressed at what they have built for 1.2 million. The auditorium seats over 700 and there was a basement under a lot of the auditorium as well as a partial second story. Everyone was glad to hear of what can be built with members helping in the work and looking at different building materials.

Youth Search committee update:
David Carriger stated that the youth committee has begun to look for potential candidates for the position of youth minister. University bulletin boards will be used plus word of mouth to several contacts. May 1 is the target date to have a youth minister secured.

Benevolence update: Ron Bruening (no report)

Old Business: Finalize 2007 budget (Ed McKinley)
Ed brought the power point of the rough draft budget he and others have been working on. Line item by line item was discussed and finalized. No mission work will be cut and we anticipate continuing to be involved in local benevolence. To fund the entire budget including the $2000 per week for the building fund and the empty staff positions will require a weekly amount of 7,702.42. The budget will be presented to the entire congregation on Jan. 7. Also in early January there will be a building committee report given.

New Business: Honor to whom honor is due
Poinsettias will be delivered to the building Wednesday 12-13-06. Members are encouraged to let these flowers remind them to write notes to members who have brightened up their life this past year.

Individual items:
Evan told us that Nick Gribnaw is getting married Feb 3rd in Oklahoma. Evan is to do the ceremony.

Evan has been asked to speak at a church function in Dallas in April.

Jerry Myers reminded us that we need to call more of the sheep that have not been with us for a while.

Rex told us that Tina Drew is moving Dec. 30th and would like some help.

Ed McKinley asked us to keep Eddie Vaughn in our prayers as she makes new adjustments.

Steve Toillion sent the message to us that when we have a bring a friend day that we might want to take that friend home with us or out to eat rather than have a function at the building.
Jerry Myers suggested that Carl and Bryan put together an estate planning class during the first quarter of the year.

Bryan expressed his optimism that there is a workable plan to finance the new building when our old building does sell.

Carl will be teaching this quarter on the book of Leviticus. Need speakers for Sunday nights for the first quarter.

Tanglewoold property in Missouri will be looked into to sell.

Closing prayer: Roger Hamm

Meeting adjourned at 10:15

Hymn Eleven (Unsung)

Somewhere, sometime, we flip eyes to a threshing floor,
drop chaff stubble under shaky foot—chaff stubble crushed
by oxen
hooves. The floor worn smooth, our hearts irrevocably sore,
and once sibilant voices now hushed
in penitent awe. Then

we reckon blessings. The Great Good Granter delivers our
daily bread, though toil sweat is always needed.
What today
we lack, we receive. Yesterday’s stores seem to sour.
When wants arise, conflicts brew, commands go unheeded,
we lose His way,

and the floor remains, waiting the coming rumble.
Gravity is God’s law. So is the sudden fall.
Like Uzzah with hands out
and up, we no-think reach to catch another man’s bumble,
the tragic tumble of good intent misdeed. Scrawledin our song voices warbles our winnowing doubts.

Michael P. Carriger

Membership versus Missional Churches

What type of Church are we?

Membership Mentality

Entitlement
Maintenance
Inward Focus
Resistance to Change
Tension Under the Surface


Mission Mentality

Outward Focus
Impatience for Traditional Practices
Are We Advancing God’s Kingdom?
Leadership Doesn’t Care About Complaints if God’s Kingdom is Advancing
Flexibility
High Expectations to Serve
High Leadership Expectations
Equip Members not to be a Country Club (Exclusive)


Are we comfortable??

85% of churches in America are at a plateau.

Big difference in just doing Church and being the 1st Century Church.

Christmas at Central

Next Sunday when you arrive at the building there will be a poinsettia placed in the auditorium to honor each family at Central. We want each family to take one home with them following the morning service on Dec 24th. You are the church and we want each one of you to know we honor and respect you for your contributions to the church family this past year. We would like each of you, if you feel like someone has blessed your family or our church family this year, to let this poinsettia remind you of that. Then write a note to that person or persons letting them know how you feel about them. In addition to this if you want to let that person or persons know that you are contributing in their honor to either Central Building Fund, Tallgrass Camp, or Christian Family Services simply let them know your intention and forward your contribution to the church office for distribution to whatever fund you would like. Whether you contribute or not is entirely up to you, but we would really appreciate you taking the time to write one or more notes to the ones you feel like honoring. Enjoy your family poinsettia and be assured that God and the Central family are honored by your work and service this past year and years past.

A reminder that morning services on December 24 will be at the regular time 10:15 a.m. An evening devotional will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Elders Meeting Minutes (December 6)

Central Church of Christ Elders Meeting 12-6-06
Present: Rex Allen Bill Carriger David Carriger Roger Hamm Jerry Myers Gary Souder

Meeting opened with presentation by Mark Barone about the work that has been accomplished this past year with Richard Brandow coming twice a month. All agreed it has been beneficial to have Richard's expertise available not only on regular visits to Topeka from Kansas City but to have him take phone calls in Kansas City and offer help over the phone. The compensation will stay the same for now with some possibility of an increase in the future.
Prayer with Mark led by Gary Souder.

Elders to meet with Dave and Braunice Jamieson Thursday night about placing membership at Central. They already have been a great asset to Central and we look forward to serving with them in the future. Dave is a manager at the Target distribution center and Braunice is a homemaker. They have two daughters, Tess (4) and Grace (6). Dave and Braunice have been very active in the work and worship at their congregation in California.

Steve Sofro met Gary Souder and two people Wednesday afternoon to look the Central building with the hope of moving a Spanish-speaking group of 160 members from a temporary worship facility to a building of their own. Steve is to follow up with an additional contact with them Thursday.

Jerry and Ron Bruening have discussed helping several families with holiday meals. Ron has been working with several individuals concerning financial assistance.

Discussed a time to visit with the Danny and Robin Packer family about placing membership.

Reclaiming sheep and shepherding calls report.

DeLeons have concerns for an Oklahoma family.

Date set to meet with Rob and Sharon Easterling about developing our library. Dec 20th was the date that was agreed upon. David is to contact them.

The young professional class taught by David Carriger is adopting a family for Christmas.

An "honor to whom honor is due" project to be announced Sunday. This will give the congregation an opportunity to honor one or more individuals that have been an inspiration to others.

It was noted that we still need to visit with Edward Zirkle concerning becoming a part of the Central family.

Discussion was held about a funding plan for the new building to be presented to the deacons next Tuesday evening.

Closing prayer: David Carriger

Adjourned 10:15

Top 10 Greatest TV Quotes

The Top 10 greatest TV quotes and catchphrases chosen by TV Land are;
1. Heeere's Johnny! (Ed McMahon, The Tonight Show)
2. One small step for man ... (Neil Armstrong)
3. You're fired! (Donald Trump, The Apprentice)
4. Baby, you're the greatest. (Ralph Kramden, The Honeymooners)
5. Ask not what your country can do for you ... (John F. Kennedy)
6. D'oh! (Homer Simpson, The Simpsons)
7. Where's the beef? (Wendy's)
8. Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis? (Arnold Drummond, Diff'rent Strokes)
9. Yabba dabba do! (Fred Flintstone, The Flintstones)
10. I'm not a crook (Richard Nixon)

I have one I would like to add for the Central Church. God is good.......All the time!

Hymn Ten (Unsung)

My ambition sparks little want for greenback
dollars, makes no plans for future White House runs.
I never
even dream of dreaming up fame, running with a rat pack,
my own entourage, glistening glitter gold in Las Vegas fun.
Like them kings, ever-

marching on Old Testament lands to conquer, there’s always more
thick walls, more rabid armies to stare down in some blind
prejudice and
bottomless hunger that are never sated. That’s never been the core
of my five, ten, twenty year plan. Since childhood, God’s mind
is what I have wanted, and

I’m thinking that alone might now be a sin. Not for unique compassion.
Not for infinite mercy, or grace, or ultimate authorship of
beginning with the just the right word.
Selfish at a crossroads in alchemy thoughts, I fashion
a new self with all mysteries made known, including love.My fire burns for answers He has blurred.

Michael P. Carriger

Is Church Important?

Strange how life has so many up’s and down’s. Sunday when I left the house for worship, I did not feel the greatest. Battling a cold. Deb too. But when I got to our young professional/college class and worship I started feeling better and better. The love and concern shown for people at Central is tremendous. Debbie and I are so blessed to be a part of your lives and hear your faith stories and pray for your needs and concerns on a daily basis.

What do people do that are not connected with a Church Family?

Well, that’s part of what my school community has been dealing with the past two days. A husband and wife were shot to death Sunday morning at around 11:00 a.m. Looks like a murder-suicide. They leave four elementary age children behind. We continue to counsel with students and staff through this tragedy. My thought when I heard about this early Monday morning was, “wonder if they had been in church on Sunday, if this would have happened?”

May God help those little ones as they begin the healing process without a mom and dad.

Shooting

Yesterday morning when the Central Church was worshipping a shooting took place in the small town in which we live that took the lives of two people. This morning four kids are without a mother and a father.

Be praying for these four kids and the school personnel that will be working with staff and students today as this community faces this tragedy.

Order of Worship

Sunday, December 3, 2006


Welcome

60 He Is Exalted

These Are the Days of Elijah

144 O Worship the King (Verses 1 and 3)

Prayer

Scripture Page 217

454 Rock of Ages (Verse 1 Only)

383 Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross (Verse 1 Only)

375 Oh the Depth and the Riches (Verses 1 and 3)

Communion

Contribution

860 There Is A Habitation

870 Beyond This Land of Parting

Message (Evan Burdan)

Invitation: Almost Persuaded

Announcements

Closing Prayer

I Cannot Do This Alone

O God, early in the morning
I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely,
but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart,
but with you there is help;
I am restless,
but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness,
but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Amen.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Hymn Nine (Unsung)

What is Your hand, O LORD? How vast a shadow do
You throw? Is the night Your sideways sweep,
palm down? I
hear You are multitudinous and all-mighty too.
Enemies have crumbled, crest-fallen, pushed to weep
with lost eye,

hand or heart in front of You. Your hand, O LORD,
sends the gentle breeze, the violent whirlwinds,
simply when
You move. Those currents, chilled or sultry, like a sword
cut us through all year round, remind us of sins
and then

leave of us to stand until a promised return. Did
Your hand touch Adam’s? Did Your hand
grip Eve’s shoulder
after apple-eating, during lesson-giving? Bid
me long life—Your will be done—Make warm the land
You offer, though man grows ever colder.

Michael P. Carriger

Neat Freak

I admit it…….I am a neat freak. I like cleaning the house. Debbie appreciates that. My office is usually spotless and organized. I tend to place things in their proper place. I like routines. I tend to like schedules. Evan, do I have a problem??

I really enjoy a clean spotless house but sometimes I really feel dirty. I can wash my hands with every type of soap made by man, but I still feel dirty.

Sin can do that to a person. Sin can make you feel dirty, worthless and disgusting. But I found a great cleansing agent. Jesus. He takes all my filth and makes me clean. He makes me cleaner than clean. His blood purifies my heart and allows me to be white as snow.

That’s better than any cleaning product on the market.

I would recommend Him to you today!

The Joy of the Redeemed

Isaiah 35

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,
he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.
9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there,

10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving........

Debbie
My Boys
Mom-Dad
My Brothers and their Families
The Central Family
My Health
My Job
The Sunrise I get to experience each day with my best friend
The Central Young Professional/College Class
Golf
Evan's Preaching
Three great building principals
The Three Wright Kids we get to sit with each Sunday (as well as Mom-Dad)
God's Love
The Cross
Basketball
Craigs Musical Talent (Except for his top 100 I-Pod Music)

A tough week as we mourn with Dale and Mark. As we cry with and pray for Sandy and Eddie Vaughn............

Thanksgiving, yes, but with heavy hearts.

Dear God: Help those hurting hearts today on a day of Thanksgiving, it's tough to say thank you but we know you are the Almighty Infinite Father who can satisfy our souls and touch us with your love. Grant peace to Dale, Mark, Sandy and the Stickney Family today.

In Jesus Name,
AMEN.

Hymn Eight (Unsung)

Mine eyes have studied the little black river slice and cut
canyon walls. I have known depths well-past
bottomless. The pit.
Endless down, below sheer crags that jut
and loom, lie rocks more time-smoothed than most. The last
ice age fit-

froze them where they sit. Leaning over, catching myself again,
I remember the climb—a sudden scrabble panic grab,
loose foot,
fear, scrambling bursts up and out, then the clear spin
of light air and open view, scrapes, scars, and scabs.
Primordial soot

gone from eyes, mountains rise, far horizon. Leave for another
day or night when the Mountain-Maker finally calls.
Wherever
now, wherever when—pit, plain, summit, or other—
I thank You for my place, the aching ups and falls
forever and ever.

Michael P. Carriger

Small Groups

One of the highlights of my spiritual walks at Central is the time I spend once a month in our Young Professional-College Small Group Fellowship and Devotional time.

What a blessing this group of young adults has been to Debbie and me. We cherish the time we spend in prayer, study, worship and fellowship. We have laughed together and we have cried tears of joy and tears of sorrow.

We have seen this group grow spirtually the past two years as we try to reach out and as we develop a loving relationship with each other and with our God.

Thanks to all our hosts that have invited this great group of young adults over as they draw closer to God and each other.

May God bless this group of faith walkers in their journey towards a deeper relationship with Christ!

More Heroes of Faith

About once a month, I try to reflect on an individual or individuals that I appreciated growing up that challenged me in my faith and has been an encouragement in my Christian walk.

This month I want to highlight elders.

What an awesome responsibility it is to be a Shepherd of the Lord’s Church. I never knew what these men and their families had to deal with until I was selected to serve the Central Church four years ago.

I appreciated men like Bill Nagel, Leon Stitt, Frank Boyle, Eldon Howell, Lloyd Lamirand, Bill Rhodes, Mabrey Miller, Elmer Baker, and Leon Shoemaker who sacrificed their time and gave me encouragement and taught me how to be a faithful Christian husband, a loving father and future leader.

These men challenged me and instructed me in God’s teachings.

Today I appreciate serving with five of the finest Christian men that I have ever met. I appreciate Rex, Bill, Roger, Jerry and Gary so much. Each one brings different personalities, and perspectives to the Eldership. We are blessed to have these men!

Who will be included on my list twenty years from now? We need to be “grooming” and “preparing” our younger men for this responsibility. The Eldership of the future will be even more stressful and vital with the problems that the Church will be experiencing as Satan attacks from all sides.

Order of Worship (Sunday, November 19)

Welcome

103 He Has Made Me Glad

797 Lord, We Come Before Thee Now (Verse 1 and 4)

63 I Will Call Upon the Lord

Prayer

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-26

376 He Paid A Debt (1st Verse Only)

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Lords Supper

Contribution

Dismiss to Children’s Worship Time

162 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (Verse 1 and 4)

167 Hosanna

239 In Moments like These

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 683 I Am Mine No More

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Elders-Deacons Meeting (November 14)

Attendees: Ed McKinley, Mike Farrar, Scott Smith, Gary Souder, Roger Hamm, Jerry Myers, Ron Bruening, Rex Allen, Evan "Sad Texan" Burdan, Kurt Johnston, David Shinn, Joe Todd, Steve Toillion, Scott Smith

Opening Prayer-David Shinn
Scripture- John 1:16.."For from the fullness of His grace have we received one blessing after another."
Treasurer's Report- Ed McCoy (avg. Sunday offering 6,570.83)

Old Business- a) Joe Todd looking into replacing ceiling tiles in auditorium-very expensive; will pursue other suppliers b) Elders challenged Deacons to look for members to help them with their assignments to involve more people/avoid burnout New Business-Roundtable a) Ed McKinley- comprehensive review of proposed 2007 budget; some discussion/changes. We were gratified by the generosity of the whole congregation! b) Mike Farrar asked about plans to finance the new building. c) Scott Smith gave Youth update..Feels strongly we should have a Youth Minister as the first staff person hired. Will work with David Carriger to seek best candidates. d) Ron asks that the Deak of the Week sit in the back foyer during service for security reasons. His efforts in benevolence are noted. e) Steve T showed pictures of the house at 4236 Burlingame for us to think about future use. Thanks to Dean Lonard for mowing lot.

Several items were referred to the deacons for their next meeting. They will decide best action and tell elders their plans. Elders challenged the deacons to help us in 3 areas 1) involvement of the whole congregation, 2) local evangelism and 3) re-claiming some members who are not fully involved.

Closing Prayer-Roger Hamm

Hymn Seven (Unsung)

Rarely do You leave me at a loss for words.
Midwestern wit kicks in and my not-so dusty books
always hold thoughts
centuries saved, cherished, projected. Like flitting birds
darting across sudden blue sky, I always find, when I look,
a perfect idea sought,

the familiar twisted to strange. This morning though, I choke
down an odd roar wanting to warble ugly. I
indeed have reckoned if
it is just as lucky to die as live. I’ve asked why
more than children. Yet, I cannot grasp the little body broken,
the delicate body stiff

when only three years is all her eyes had to blink.
A sweet girl now whispers to You, tugs on what hems
You may
drag down golden avenues. Our empty hearts sink
into platitudes, life’s lessons, amazing grace, forgiven sins
and more muted raging about Your ways.

Michael P. Carriger

Teaching

Ever thought what you might want to do when you grow up? I have been thinking about it for some time. I decided that I wanted to be a teacher at the end of my sophomore year in college. I loved history, I wanted to coach, and I loved being around kids so what better thing to do with my life.

It feels like a million years ago that I had my first classroom in Wichita. In 1986, I taught 35 kids 6 hours a day freshman social studies. On my 7th hour I rested! I would catch my breath and begin planning for basketball and tennis practice after school. Those were the days!

I miss those days. Days where I felt I made a difference because I taught kids not just about American History or Geography but lessons about life. Lessons on how to treat people, how to work as a team, how to problem solve different situations.

If you are deciding what you would like to do as a career, if you love kids and feel like you have the ability to motivate and teach kids, I encourage you to look at a career in teaching. We need good teachers who wish to help mold the new generation of learners. We need good teachers who are not intimidated easily and wish to take a stand and teach what is right and what is wrong in our nations classrooms.

I love what John Wooden says about education……."They ask me why I teach, where could I find such splendid company."

Education is Important!

If you are a school employee....Happy American Education Week!

I shared this with my teaching staff last week:

Mrs. Merv Grazinski of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, purchased a brand new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, (from an OU football game), having driven onto the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's' seat to go into the back and make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the RV left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not advising her in the owner's' manual that she couldn't actually do this. The jury awarded her $1,750,000 plus a new motor home. The company actually changed their manuals on the basis of this suit (Being from Oklahoma I believe this story 100%).

As we educate our students in the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic we teach other basic skills as well. We teach problem solving skills on a daily basis. It might of helped Mrs. Grazinski.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving break coming up, and please, if you do drive south into Oklahoma please watch out for recreational vehicles, you never know who might be driving.

Elders Meeting Minutes (November 8)

Elder?s Meeting
11-8-06

Present: Rex Allen, Bill Carriger, Roger Hamm, Gary Souder

Opening prayer: Gary Souder

Meeting with Evan Burdan

Discussion on the following:
1. Need for possible small groups one Sunday evening each month.
2. Ways to meet the spiritual needs of the whole congregation while trying to increase our outreach in the community.

It was noted that we presently have the following each month:
1. 4th Sunday Evening Praise and Prayer
2. A group going to Hearthstone on the 3rd Sunday
3. A group of young professionals meeting once each month for food, fellowship, and Bible study in a different home each month

The advantages of having one Sunday evening each month for those who want to meet in homes that evening were discussed.

Regardless of what develops, it was firmly stated there would always be a group meeting at the building to facilitate those that are working in the mornings and those that simply enjoy the fellowship and Bible lessons in that format.

The elders want to complete the long-range goal/vision plans for the congregation and tailor the format for the work and worship around those plans.

Time was devoted to prayer before Evan was dismissed.

Praise and thanks were extended to Evan for the great work he is doing in bringing lessons from God?s Word each Sunday.

Discussion on Christmas Day and evening service:
We will meet as usual Sunday morning. Sunday evening we will meet at 4:00 pm for praise and devotional thoughts. Communion for those that can?t be there Sunday morning will be in the auditorium.

Benevolent needs were discussed and action taken.

A visitor recently had some questions about our worship and activities. We talked about how we can meet with that individual to answer his questions. Sunday evening after services was recommended.

Rex reported that the building committee would be meeting next week with the architect to go over further plans. They have been meeting for several weeks and will have more info for the congregation soon.

Roger will be out of town Sunday. Jerry Myers will be the elder of the day.

Closing prayer: Roger Hamm

Meeting adjourned at 10:15

Quote for the Day

“Nearly all men can stand adversity,
But if you want to test a man’s character,
Give him power”

Abraham Lincoln

Hymn Six (Unsung)

What whispered hopes still smolder for a calmer world—no insurgency
by us or the other them—all famine, foreign and domestic, fed—
diseases done—
the poor brought up from gutter shack, back alley
life—these hopes lie not in forked-tongue men, alive or dead.
No election won

can turn back apple-eating, re-plant Eden, dam the flood.
No tv spot, sticker, button, mass-mailer or yard sign can call
us brothers, sisters, one,
and make it so. I am tired, sick and tired, of mud,
hate-polished, flung, slung. There is nothing in government halls
worth the truth—fully spun.

Let hanging chads fall where they may.
Let touch-screen databases be hacked, corrupted.
As a future full-resident,
Joe Citizen of Heaven, here is what I have to say,
let those with ears hear undisrupted,I’m voting Christ for President.

Michael P. Carriger

Is the Election Over Yet?

My position is very political, but I must avoid being political in most instances. Doesn’t make much sense.

Living and working in a small community, the Superintendent of Schools is always asked their political opinions about candidates and issues. The hard part is placing my endorsement on a certain candidate or certain platform.

Unfortunately, at times, my opinion and decisions influence many individuals and candidates seeking political office and even some elections. I have to really make a conscious effort to understand candidate’s views and personal issues.

On the other hand, my two boys are outwardly “political animals”. They love to debate and discuss the issues. Many times I have to remind them to be careful what you say and do because it could impact me personally.

So on this Election Day who are you going to vote for?

Who are you going to support?

Will they have the moral principles to be leaders or will they just point fingers and bring fear to the average American citizen?

Remember that the Scribes and Pharisees looked “holy and just” but did not have the heart that really mattered.

He Knows My Name

Ever just watch people? I enjoy just sitting in a crowded shopping mall or airport just watching people. So many stories. So many challenging lives. People that are happy. People that are sorrowful. Many differing emotions and situations.

While I was at the airport a couple of weeks ago, I saw a father and his son. The father was placing his 10 year old boy on an airplane by himself to fly him back to his mother for the week. The boy looked very sad. The boy never said a word as the dad kissed his son on the head and sent him on his way. Immediately as the boy got on the plane, the dad got on his cell phone to tell his ex-wife that the boy was on the plane. As the dad walked away the boy turned and looked at his dad. I might never forget that look the boy gave his father as he walked away being left alone to board a plane with 150 strangers.

I was thinking, our Father never walks away from us. He holds our hand and is always as close as we need Him to be.

I am thankful that I have a Father that knows my name. I am thankful that my Father wants to have a relationship with me.


He Knows My Name (I Have A Maker) - Paul Baloche

I have a maker
He formed my heart,
before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

I have a father,
he calls me his own
He'll never leave me,
no matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He hears me when I call

Alton Howard

A week ago today one of my favorite Giants of the Faith, Alton Howard passed away. He was known for his hymnal, "Songs of Faith and Praise" widely used in countless churches (Central). Having founded Howard Publishing and being involved in various ministries (especially at the White's Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, Louisiana), he was known as a champion of singing and worship.

I met Mr. Howard at the Tulsa Workshop several years ago and loved hearing his stories about the changes in church music. Thank you Alton, for bringing new worship music to the Churches of Christ. It allowed a new generation to connect with their Heavenly Father.

Closer to You

Ever have an empty feeling?

Ever feel broken, no good, not worth anything?

Ever feel so dry in your spiritual walk that you can’t see or feel God’s loving touch?

I have recently. I have felt complete exhaustion and complete uselessness for about the past six months. With job and family responsibilities, and even church demands.

My body and mind is worn-out, I’m tired. Busyness has worn me out. I have felt empty spiritually. I have felt God was so far and I didn’t know how to reconnect like I should.

As a school superintendent my life is a blur. I go from one meeting to the next, one activity to the next leaving the house at 6:30 a.m. and usually getting back around 10:00 p.m. each evening. Life flies by, what have I accomplished? If it wasn’t for a palm pilot, I don’t know if I could get through life.

Carl invited me to attend the Zoe Worship Conference about 6 months ago. I kept looking for ways to say no, I’m too busy. There’s no way I can be gone from the school district during that weekend.

I believe God was telling me that I needed to attend this worship weekend and get reconnected with Him once again. We needed quiet time with each other. He needed me but I desperately needed Him. I didn’t just need to go through the motions but really worship him with all my heart. I needed to spend time reflecting on what He has done for me and praise Him for it.

I am thankful that God was active and working on my heart that weekend. I needed that time alone with Him to look back and say thank you for loving me; thank you for all the blessings you give me that I don’t appreciate each day; thank you for my family; thank you for your church (especially the Central Family); but most of all, thank you for your Son that gave me the opportunity to have a relationship with You.

This coming Sunday, November 5, we will have an opportunity to worship, as a family, the Creator of the Universe. What a great opportunity that will be.

We must acknowledge our brokenness and bring it to God to be fully healed. Hiding what is broken, or trying to just let it heal itself, will usually only make what is broken, heal improperly. If it’s sin, confess it. If it’s failure, admit it. If it is weakness, acknowledge it. Then ask the Great Physician for help and healing.

When God heals you can offer yourself back to God to be used by Him in His work. Like the boy who brought the loaves and fishes, what we offer may not seem like enough to meet the demand. But when it is offered to the Father, he makes it more than sufficient. He takes what is broken and makes it strongest in the broken places. If you are feeling tired, worn-out, empty or broken, what better place to come for healing than the throne of the living God.

See you Sunday as we draw “Closer” to God!

Elders Meeting Minutes (November 1)

Scripture-John 1:16??From the fullness of His (Jesus) grace we receive one blessing after another.? Praise the Lord!

Prayer-focusing on reclaiming our own sheep-Gary Souder

Old Business-recap of last Sunday service/Tallgrass open house

New business-
a) review notes from planning session, Oct. 12?re-commit to action
b) divide list of members in need of contact re. needs/commitment
c) discussion of Evan sermon direction for Nov-Dec
d) round-table discussion of Sunday, Nov. 5 format; continued support of the Search
program; youth minister candidate

Much discussion of special needs of the sheep, benevolent concerns and meeting needs?.

David Carriger-closing prayer focusing on the hurting sheep.

Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Myers

Hymn Five (Unsung)

Hymn Five (Unsung)

You’ve let me wander staggering, lonely in the crowd.
A thousand faces blur like watercolors on
thin paper. Voices fall
into other voices. I am less a something today—not proud
not gloating, hardly my father’s son, most ambition gone
left to crawl and bawl

and brawl with skeletal dreams of what I still can be,
I think. For Lazarus, You made another day.
Bring the sun up for me.
When another breath seems too troubling, too far away,
inhale and rattle the cosmos to the farthest
star. Give me rest.

Breathe for us both. At three a.m. in the half-light,
the pillow wet, the blankets balled up, all fears rushing,
please appear.
Like that valley years ago, show Your quiet might,
throw muscle onto bone. Churn blood, anxieties hushing.
Tonight, Dream-Restorer, draw near.

Michael P. Carriger

Closer

The theme for the 10th annual Zoe Conference was Closer. How to draw closer to our Father in a world of busyness and turmoil. The following song (Carl introduced at 4th Sunday Praise) was used as the theme for the weekend...

Closer

I am weak but You are strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
as I walk, O Lord,
close to You

Through this world of toils and snares,
If I falter, Lord who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but You, O Lord,
none but You.

Closer,
Closer,
Closer to You.
Closer,
Closer,
Closer to You.

When my feeble life is o're,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me to that peaceful shore.
Let it be, O Lord,
close to You.

Closer,
Closer,
Closer to You.
Closer,
Closer,
Closer to You.

Words Traditional
Randy Gill 2006

My Hope Is In You Lord

My heart is aching today for a colleague of mine that I really enjoy working with. She told me and several others that her husband left her last week for a woman 17 years younger. She found out the affair had being going on for over a year.

What do you say?

I think my eyes probably said what my heart was thinking. Tears. My eyes couldn’t holdback the emotion that I was feeling for this individual as she shared her story of a painful situation. She felt no longer wanted or loved.

I’m glad we have a God that will never leave us nor forsake us. He will always be there.

Psalm 42

"AS THE hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.
My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?

These things I [earnestly] remember and pour myself out within me: how I went slowly before the throng and led them in procession to the house of God [like a bandmaster before his band, timing the steps to the sound of music and the chant of song], with the voice of shouting and praise, a throng keeping festival.

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.

O my God, my life is cast down upon me [and I find the burden more than I can bear]; therefore will I [earnestly] remember You from the land of the Jordan [River] and the [summits of Mount] Hermon, from the little mountain Mizar.

[Roaring] deep calls to [roaring] deep at the thunder of Your waterspouts; all Your breakers and Your rolling waves have gone over me.

Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

I will say to God my Rock, Why have You forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

As with a sword [crushing] in my bones, my enemies taunt and reproach me, while they say continually to me, Where is your God?

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God."

Life in Perspective

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?""It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked." Oh Yeah" said the son. "So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. The son answered, "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them. With this the boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don't have. What is one's person's worthless object is another's prize possession. It is all based on one's perspective.

Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for all the bounty we have, instead of worrying about wanting more.

Hymn Four (Unsung)

Rarely, I shake a spear or rattle a honed saber. I
have yet to trench the moat around my suburban home
or throw up bastions in bricks.
My patience stretches long like prairie skies.
I have turned 490 cheeks, chosen not to lob stones,
though bones do break from sticks

and words can still cut deep and crush. In the dark street
my neighbors rumble and boom, clatter and yell.
Morning looms—
no respectful cut-off for them. They hate me
as themselves, uncaring, violent. I know full well
my ire is brimming. I fume.

I wish for Your sudden wrath most nights—
one single sizzling death bolt firing down
from a cloudless
sky. Their house in ruins. All noise stopped. A sight
like a just holocaust in a quiet Kansas town.In those moments, give me sense.

Michael P. Carriger

Look Out, Here Comes the Gen-X Church

I enjoyed reading Evans blog yesterday on Gen-X and the way we do church today. It is obvious that the new generation has some very different ideas about “how to do church”. I am glad they do. If we are to meet the needs of people in the world today, we must change the way we are delivering the message to a generation that cares less about structure and tradition and are more concerned about small groups, informal fellowships, relationship development and the truth of God’s Word.

This generation of 18-35 year-olds meets in coffee shops, warehouses, fast food restaurants, industrial complexes, parks and other convenient places. Church buildings are not one of the most favorite places for Gen-X’ers to meet. It’s a turn off to the majority of Gen-X individuals seeking Christ. Most of them are not associated with denominations because they feel that traditional churches don't have much to offer.

Generation X is the largest the world has ever seen, with a population of approximately 2 billion, including 80 million in the United States. "The young people of today, in 10 years or less, will be the society of the nations. That's why it’s so important to look at current ministry design and implement new outreach strategies that will highlight this groups strengths and needs.

What will we do at Central to help the Gen-X group feel like they are a part of the body?

Everybody Needs Jesus

A patron of our community visited with me last week about the random school shootings across the United States. She has concerns about the troubles of society. How can a man after twenty years of anger and hostility decide to take out all his frustrations on innocent little girls by shooting them one by one in the head?

Evan talked a few weeks ago about that aspect of inner peace that can only be found in Christ.

Would that individual that decided to shoot the Amish girls acted any different if Christ was that inner peace in his life? Would that man that shot and sexually assaulted the girls in Colorado acted differently if he had enjoyed living a Christian life? Would the boy have shot the principal in Wisconsin if he had been active in a youth group with other Christian young people?

I would say we wouldn’t be discussing these evil acts if they would have found Jesus.

We cannot keep our schools 100% safe. We can’t make our shopping malls, airplanes, and skyscrapers 100% safe in a world that has been impacted by Satan and worldly lusts and desires.

All we can do is keep preaching the Good News about Jesus and the true peace He offers all those that accept Him as Lord of their lives.

Order of Worship (October 22)

Order of Worship
Sunday, October 22, 2006

Announcements

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belongs wisdom and might.
All: He changes times and seasons, he removes kings and sets up kings;
Leader: He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those with understanding;
All: He reveals deep and mysterious things;
Leader: He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
All: To you, O God, we give thanks and praise.
Leader: Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever.


27 Blessed Be Your Name

72 Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty

24 Blessed Be the Name of the Lord (twice)

39 Awesome Power

Prayer

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

“For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; 24and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me”

335 In Memory of the Savior’s Love

366 By Christ Redeemed

Communion

Contribution

781 Thank You, Lord (During Contribution)

Dismiss 2x2 Class

Lord Take Control Medley
789 Father
790 Lord Take Control
791 On Bended Knee

Message: Evan Burdan

Invitation: 792 My Eyes Are Dry (twice)

Closing Announcements

Closing Prayer

Call to Worship

As we enter into worship, put away the pressures of the world that ask us to perform, to take up masks, to put on brave fronts.

Silence the voices that ask you to be perfect.

This is a community of compassion and welcoming. You do not have to do anything to earn the love contained within these walls.

You do not have to be braver, smarter, stronger, better than you are in this moment to belong here, with us.

You only have to bring the gift of your self, no matter how able; your seeking mind, no matter how busy; your heart, no matter how broken.

Bring all that you are, and all that you love, to this hour together.

Let us worship together.

Erika Hewitt

Elders/Deacons Meeting Minutes (October 17)

Central Church of Christ
Shepherds/Deacons Meeting Minutes
10-17-07

Present:
Rex Allen, Evan Burdan, Steve Shatto
Roger Hamm, Mike Farrar, Joe Todd
Gary Souder, Kurt Johnston, Steve Toillion
Bryan Phillips, Carl Wheeler

Presiding: Roger Reading Titus 2:11-15
Opening prayer: Steve T

Treasurer’s report: Ed McCoy
Average contribution for the year: 6,534.77
Total Assets: 134,276.54

Steve T. suggested we consider separating the building fund from the maintenance work that will be done to the new church property.

Bryan to check on the tax consequences of renting the acquired house for a short period of time.

Joe summarized the deacons meeting last month. They mainly talked about budget items for 2007

Steve T. gave an update on the building committees work. The cost of a dream structure at the new property is over 11 million dollars. Alternative building plans are being looked into that will cut the cost dramatically.

Roger brought up some concerns over too many people giving spontaneous announcements. All agreed that we need to have some guidelines concerning content and frequency of announcements.

Steve T suggested that we change the calendar structure in our News & Notes and bulletin to reflect one continuous calendar rather than individual group calendars.

Kurt expressed some concerns over the rush of serving communion from the back. He felt we need to take time to focus on what we doing and not hurry people who are being served.

Carl said he and the worship committee are working on an interesting service for November 1st when Evan will be out of town.

Joe has a ceiling contractor coming in a few days to fix the ceiling tile in the auditorium. Joe has been picking up people for sometime now and has agreed to expand his route to accommodate an additional family for a while.

Rex reported on the program change for the Search Program. It has been moved to Channel 43 (Fox) on Sunday mornings at 7:30am because of a scheduling problem with WIBW.
Rex brought up the fact that it would probably be better to lead more than one verse for the invitation song.

Roger gave us to summary of the direction the children’s ministry is going and some proposed physical improvements being considered for the nursery.

Gary commended Joe and Mark Cox for the recent carpet laying in one of our classrooms. Comments were made about how so many do so many things behind the scenes that most people don’t know about. Case in point the new paint work in the 2X2 room by Wayne Brown and Ken & Cherie’ Burkhart. It is now a happy room.

Anthony Drieling family needs some help moving next Thursday. 10-26-06

Sharon Easterling is going to do some library work in our building and eventually link our resources to our web site.

Closing prayer: Carl Wheeler

Hymn Three (Unsung)

Thinking about it—not often enough—I forget You.
Though vast (the vastest), always there (the most always there),
I obsess instead
on a conflated mass of endless incidents, a slew
of distractions, and me, ambivalent me, with my Sunday stare
and already dead

attention span. All of this is to say, I know better, but…
I’ve thought You up white-bearded before
robed in light,
a diadem of universes blinding, even in a glut
of dreams, these earthly eyes, and more—
Your might

and mercy mixed as a different kind of father. Still, You may
be all mist and presence. Ineffable bone-deep feeling.
Whichever way
I choose to see and say I know, You merit time. Stay
near me, God, even when I don’t stop another day’s reeling
for one simple, honest hymn today.

Michael P. Carriger

Emotional Blog

I appreciated the positive e-mail comments yesterday from the blog on emotions and worship. Sounds like many in the Church have struggled with this subject for many years.

I often think about the early Church in Acts 2. What was worship like? Just starting out. New, vibrant, fresh, reflective, uplifting, encouraging and powerful because of the resurrection of Christ? I bet they didn't make announcements! I would imagine it was very emotional.

I want a Church where we can be expressive in our worship to our Father. Where hurting people can experience the touch of the Savior. Where those that are happy and thankful can praise God for the positive things happening in their lives.


"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."
Psalm 34:1-3

Emotions

Being raised in the Church of Christ, I was always brought up in a Church that rarely ever showed emotion during the corporate worship time (except at youth rallies).

Although the lively, expressive worship of the ancient Hebrew culture may look outwardly different in many respects from our worship today, there is no indication in Scripture that we should check our emotions at the door when we gather to worship God.

But what should that emotional expression look like? When do our emotions cease being an evidence of a worshiping heart and start becoming a hindrance or distraction? Also, what is the line between wholehearted worship and worshiping our emotions? These are important questions for the people of God. Because we desire to do everything for God's glory, we must seek to understand how our emotions should function in corporate worship.

I am not advocating that everyone has to lift their hands and clap to the songs in worship but I do believe that we might have lost a part of our worship experience that God deserves because we have been so concerned that we might be worshipping like a denomination and have held back the emotional side of us as human beings that God deserves from us in our worship.

When we sing the song “Nearer Still Nearer” it brings tears to my eyes. Thinking about those words to that old 1898 hymn allows me to draw closer to the Creator of the Universe because of His love for me he gave His only Son at Calvary. The tears flow when I think of those words and the Holy God that will shelter me from all harm.We must acknowledge that emotional engagement with God in worship is not an issue of temperament, but obedience to His Word.

Half-hearted worship is no worship at all. Whether we consider ourselves outgoing, reclusive, or somewhere in between, God is to be desired above all things. As we encounter the truth about God in a fresh way, we are to respond accordingly, whether it be in delight, peace, awe, or comfort. These are all natural responses that flow from a genuine relationship with the living God. Emotional expression is not a matter of self, but of mutual edification. Although biblical worship can involve a wide range of emotional responses, we are guided and restrained by the scriptural injunction to behave toward other Christians only in ways that build them up: "Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19).

My understanding is that in showing love to my brother, I am showing love to God. Our knowledge of God and His grace is meant to inspire a greater passion for Him. Likewise, the experience of joy as we worship God provokes a thirst to know Him better.

No two individuals are affected the same in worship. We all come from different backgrounds, races, parts of the world, and even come to worship with different “baggage” and trials. We all will respond differently in our worship to God based on our emotional being.

We need to remember to love our God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. For the wonders of creation, for the miracle of the new birth, for the sacrifice of His only Son in our place, for the peace of His sovereign care, for the blessing of His Word -- for all these and infinitely more, God deserves our highest, purest, and strongest emotions.

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

Elders Meeting Minutes (October 11 and 12)

Shepherds meeting notes for October 12, 2006.

A time of prayer. Your shepherds spent most of their time re-assessing how best to achieve the works (goals) that Christ has set out for all of us. Christ's goals for us don't change.so our discussion centered on what is the best way, knowing our resources, strengths and areas to improve, to accomplish our A B C's here at Central. More to come.

Without a doubt your shepherd's best assets are their wives. So we took time to just listen to them and heard from their perspective their thoughts for fully engaging the Central body to be unified in achieving our goals. We felt that was time well spent.so if you have comments on how the Central body can do better, remember, we will always have time to listen. Keep your shepherds in your prayers; we're praying for you.


October 11, 2006 shepherds meeting notes.

Your shepherds took the full meeting time to pray for the Central family in very specific ways and raising members up by name.

This is a brief summary of those prayers.

a.. Jerry - for the wonderful families and members that call Central their family. Also for the families and individuals that have challenges as they just try to do the right thing. He asked that the Father help us all in a special way.

b.. Bill - for the children and young people as they have so many distractions as they try to grow spiritually.

c.. Rex - for the sick, hurting, shut-ins and aging members (so many by name).

d.. Roger - for the active, working members at Central that just get it done.day after day, week after week. He prayed that the workers would not tire and would be encouraged to do more and more. Also for those who are not actively engaged, that they will want to do better and for unity of the church of Christ in Topeka.

e.. Gary - for wisdom, discernment and insight for the shepherds and that God will guide us in His direction.

Please be praying for us as we discuss direction for the Central body.

Worship Music Today

In my lifetime, I have been blessed to see the church go through some much needed changes in the aspect of music style in worship. The contemporary music change in the Church of Christ today, I believe, has encouraged our younger generation to stay within the fellowship. Music is everything with our young people today. It is the fabric of their society. Just talk to teens today, all aspects of their lives are wrapped up in music. From I-Pods to CD's to you name it, music plays an important part in their lives.

How about worship music? I believe God teaches us to sing and make melody in our hearts as He wants desperately for us to give Him our hearts in the corporate worship setting. I am thankful that we have had some leaders in the church today that have written new worship songs that have focused on God and less on ourselves.

Many of the songs written 50 years ago emphasize us instead of God. Go through the older songbooks and see the changes that have taken place.

One of my hobbies is collecting old hymnbooks. As I go through the pages of many older books, I see songs that were written about us and not about God.

Not all new songs are Biblical either. As worship leaders and as worshippers, we need to examine the words of many of the songs that we sing to our Father.

Worship is the highlight of my week. I can't wait to be with my brothers and sisters and have the opportunity as a family to worship our God. I pray that our worship this Sunday will be an opportunity to praise the Creator of the Universe and give Him all glory that He is due. As Josh leads us in worship, sing with all your heart and think about the great blessings He has given all of us as children of His.

Psalm 100
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations"

Hymn Two (Unsung)

Hymn Two (Unsung)

October again. Sunflowers cease their brash yellowing show.
Oaks and ashes flicker modestly in cool winds, whipping through town.
Sumac is coming red.
Each Monday more fields turn under—stubble and muted furrows
pressed low to morning skies. The morning heaves with no sound
save our own prayer, whispered, said.

Like the mid-day tolling of an unseen bell, O LORD,
like soft patter of drops on a dry, acrid window,
my meaty heart tightens.
Like roiling clouds, an autumn squall, the grey scud roar,
like the hidden twilight on horizon peeking, trying to grow,
to brim and brighten

another day before another night, First Artist, Fall Creator,
You animate dead flesh, breathe spirit into a tired night-mind.
In me, sunflower and sumac meet.
You wed them in pure autumn union always greater.
Morning forgotten. Day, now through. Even night falling behind—In color and contrast, shape and line, I, Your living landscape, complete.

Michael P. Carriger

1st Century Church or a 1st Century Jesus

I attended a discussion on leadership at the Zoe Conference on Saturday for Elders presented by Dr. John York, a Bible Professor, at Libscomb University. It was very informative and made me think about direction and purpose not only for my personal life, but the Central Family.

One session centered on working with the body and individuals of your church in situations such as divorce, sexual orientation issues, addictions and other deep personal issues.

Dealing with these subjects over the years, many elderships across the country have made decisions and judgments based on the judicial method. Going to the Bible or examining past practice (traditions). Many individuals searching for Christ never believed they had a chance because of past issues in their personal lives. They believed they could never receive the grace and forgiveness that could be found in Christ.

Another ingredient, in any decision-making process, is the need to examine the individual's circumstances. When you look at the relational side of an individual, you begin to realize that the situation might warrant further review and discussion on what might be best for the individual or individuals involved other than just condemnation and throwing the erring brother or sister out in the cold. Did Jesus practice this method? He looked at the individual in light of God’s Word and told them “to go and sin no more”.

I am thankful that I work with an eldership that looks at the individual and tries to help them in all ways possible to understand the situation and the sin in their lives and allow God to change and work on their hearts.

An elder in our discussion group made a comment that I have been constantly thinking about the past two days, “I don’t want to be the Church of the 1st Century, I want to be Jesus of the 1st Century”.

We need to ask ourselves what Jesus would do in situations. What would he do to help individuals battle sin and despair and allow them to rebuild their lives and begin life a new.

He took the time to become involved in people’s lives.

As Evan would say, "ministry in messy."

Zoe Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a great weekend in Nashville. Many things running through our minds after being challenged this past weekend by some of the greatest religious minds of the brotherhood. It was great to see so many York friends and Kevin and Iris Riggs from the group Hallal at the Worship weekend.

Otter Creek was a great worship experience on Sunday. A capacity crowd of about 1,500 filled their auditorium. Great singing and we heard great preaching from my former YC Professor
Dr. Tim Woodroff, minister at Otter Creek.

Carl and I will be sharing blogs in the coming days on the weekend events.

For now a little rest would be nice.

Zoe Conference Update #2

Last night was another incredible worship time. When you have tears flowing down your cheeks because you don’t deserve to be in the presence of the Creator of the Universe you know that it has been a very special time.

As I look back on the weekend, I am thankful for Gods love. That He believed in me enough to offer a sacrifice that one day I can actually be in His presence around the throne worshipping at his feet.

After last night, it’s hard to put into words the feelings and thoughts that I have. I will be sharing some of the lectures, highlights and worship experiences in my blog the next few weeks to describe what we experienced in Nashville.

We will worship at Otter Creek this morning and head back later on today. Please pray for us as we fly back to Kansas.

Zoe Conference Update

Amazing evening of praise!

The Zoe Conference is again a blessing for all those in attendance.

About 1,500 worshipped last night for over 4 hours. Felt like 30 minutes.

Please keep us in your prayers as we head back on Sunday evening.

Zoe Conference

We leave today for the 10th Annual Zoe Look to the Hills Worship Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 2006 Look to the Hills Conference theme this year is Closer.

The theme of being Closer to God is the desire of our hearts and the longing of our souls. The intimacy we seek in many inappropriate places can in truth only be found in the God of heaven and earth.

Please be praying for Carl, Josh, Sharron, Rob and I as we travel and as we seek ways to enhance our congregational worship time.

I am looking forward to three days of worship with about 2,000 people from all over the country.

Elders Meeting Minutes (October 4, 2006)

As an additional communication tool between the Shepherds and the Central congregation, we will be distributing minutes from our weekly Elders' Meetings. We hope to keep the Central Family informed of information items that might be of interest in ministry here at Central. Minutes will also be posted on the following web site: http://worshipreflections.blogspot.com/

October 4, 2006

Elder of the Month: Roger Hamm.

Roger led us in prayer.

Items Discussed:

a.. Your shepherds took time to review some preliminary cost estimates for the current proposed building project. The estimates were higher than anticipated and the building committee will want to take another look at the project. Several options were discussed for funding the new facility. You should know that your shepherds are carefully trying to balance "stepping out on faith" with what we can realistically afford. We feel servicing a large debt load is not wise stewardship.

b.. Your shepherds are confident the mission works supported by the Central Church of Christ are worthy of our continued support. The following missions will be receiving the same level of funding for 2007: Barry Bergsten (Prison Ministry); Emporia State University Student Center; Max Dauner (France); Niranjana Rao Mathi (India); Paul Kee; Predisan; Raja Sekhar Mathi (India); Russel Bell (India); Search of the Lords Way; Tallgrass Christian Camp; and World Bible School.

c.. Addition line items will be budgeted for our members who want to go on mission trips. Historically, Central has been able to help its members, usually $500 per person, with the cost of worthy mission trips. $6,400 will be set aside for such trips.

d.. Central family - you should know, Mike Wright has offered to help with any Bible studies you set-up. Thanks Mike!

e.. Your shepherds are planning a work session on Thursday, October 12 to discuss 2007 plans as well as 5-10 year direction. Please pray for your shepherds in this effort.

f.. Men's retreat at Tallgrass coming Oct. 20-21. Encourage all men to attend.

g.. David has been networking with youth ministers in the region as we try to get a feeling for which direction we want to take in our minister search.

Prayer for Hurting/Sick Members and Families.

The Elders spent time in prayer (led by Rex) for individual family members that are hurting physically, as well as spiritually.

Meeting concluded at 10:30 p.m.

Hymn One (Unsung)

I am very excited to be sharing with the Central Family each Wednesday a series of prayers, hymns and psalms from my brother Mike Carriger. Mike is an English Teacher/Chairman of the English Department at Lawrence High School, teaches college classes and is a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Lawrence. Mike is only a few months away from receiving his PhD in English from the University of Kansas. Mike will be sharing his inner feelings with us in a variety of modern day psalms.

Hymn One (Unsung)

We glimpse an awful depth. A flim-flam drudge and worry
empty us, past many yesterdays through which we fought, coasted.
Now vacant with a hollow moan—
cars lurch in ant rows. Coffee brews. Din. Red eyes press the screen flicker and hurry
nearer icons, streaming dreams, lists to-do, messages sent, deleted, re-posted.
It’s in our bones,

spreading. LORD, it’s spreading. Arbitrary mechanical progressions—the tick,
the thought, the think, already thought, gained, never-gained—the tock.
Man’s aged-old panic, a life lost.
Some creek once fished. A bike splayed on a front yard—the click,
The freezer’s slice of wedding cake. The dusty veil and lace under bed—the clock.
Hope, regret, fond memory at a cost.

On You, LORD, we lock our eyes. We set our soul’s sweet time.
With finely-tuned precision we simply say take us when,
by and by, You
want, see fit. This rock still spins ever-shaky, warbling, sublime.
We rarely sense the crisis-moment’s jilt, lunge, and creak. It’s then, for service, we ask more days, maybe a few.

Michael P. Carriger

What Is Happening in our Society?

What in happening in our society?

What in the world is going on? It seems that when it rains, it pours. School shootings (Colorado/Wisconsin/Pennsylvania), cop shootings, terrorism, bizarre sexual assault cases...What in the world is going on? Why do tragedies seem to occur all at once?

The most civilized country in all the world has serious problems.

The only way to fix it.......is to place God back in our culture society and way of life.

Mentor

Mentors I have so many special individuals that have shaped my philosophy of life and my faith.

My years at York College were some of the greatest moments in my life. It was a time where, as I look back, some of the greatest thinkers in the Churches of Christ of today were actually just starting their teaching careers and I benefited greatly hearing these individuals on a daily basis. Men like Tim Woodruff (Minister at the Otter Creek Church in Nashville), Mike Westerfield (President of Rochester College), Dennis Lynn (Past President of Cascade College), and James Hinkle (Minister and Counselor in Dickson, TN) just to name a few.

James Hinkle was my Bible professor at York College. James was a great teacher. He was full of energy and excitement. He wrote his own textbooks for his Bible courses. He made God's Word so easy to understand, but so exciting that you never wanted to miss a class. We always sang the same song to start out his class "Come we that love the Lord" and then we prayed. James was always interested in his students. He always took time to listen to concerns and build relationships.

When I returned to York to teach in 1995, I really began to get to know James and his family. James and I always had hit it off because he loved basketball. When I was playing for York he was always one of my biggest supporters. When I returned to York he helped me in many ways as I coached the girl’s programs. He was always there helping in any way possible.

But the most enjoyable time we spent together was what was called "Noon League". This was where the teachers and staff played basketball at lunchtime every weekday. I loved that time of the day. You really get to know people when you’re throwing elbows at former teachers and are also on the receiving end. Sometimes it got so heated (playing with these Bible Profs) we would have to stop and pray and ask God to give us patience and not retaliate against each other. James loved to play. He always played at 100%. He was a good player who was fast and you hated playing against him when he guarded you. He had ways to keep you from getting the ball and you always ended up with scratches and blood pouring from some body part. I liked his aggressive style.

Today, James is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor at the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, Tennessee.

James, thank you for making such an impact on my life. You and your family were so kind to Debbie and I just starting out in our married life. Thank you for your Godly teaching, preaching and example that you have been to so many people. You were one of my early mentors that shared a message about Christ that has changed my life. May God continue to bless you and your family in your important ministry.

Order of Worship-October 1

Order of Worship
Sunday, October 1, 2006

Announcements-Roger Hamm

Worship Leader-David Carriger

144 O Worship the King

153 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down

66 Doxology

77 Glorify Thy Name

Prayer

Scripture: John 3:14-17

337 Hallelujah! What a Savior

Communion

Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

538 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Message-Evan Burdan

Invitation: 567 Restore My Soul

Announcements-Roger Hamm

Closing Prayer

Byron Nelson Dies at 94

Legendary golfer Byron Nelson, a faithful church member, dies at 94

By Bobby Ross Jr.The Christian Chronicle

Legendary golfer Byron Nelson, a lifelong Church of Christ member known as much for his gentlemanly conduct as his 52 PGA Tour victories, died Tuesday at age 94.

Nelson died at his Roanoke, Texas, home, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Richland Hills church.

"We've lost a great man," Abilene Christian University President Royce Money said of Nelson, a former ACU trustee who long supported the university's golf program. "Byron Nelson was a wonderful Christian example whose life had a profound and lasting impact on everyone he met."

Nicknamed “Lord Byron,” Nelson established one of the most enduring records in sports when he won 11 straight tournaments — and a total of 18 — in his remarkable 1945 season.

In an interview with The Christian Chronicle at his home last year, Nelson discussed his commitment to attending services every Sunday and Wednesday night, using a scooter to maneuver his way through the crowd.“I wouldn’t know what to do without being at church,” Nelson, a member of the Richland Hills church, told the Chronicle. “The good Lord blesses me every day.”For Nelson – who is survived by his second wife, Peggy – The Streak more than six decades ago always seemed less important than what he accomplished afterward.For 39 years, he hosted the EDS Byron Nelson Championship, his namesake PGA Tour event. In recent years, the tournament at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas generated more money for charity than any other PGA tournament.In all, it has raised more than $82 million for Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, which provide education and mental health services for thousands of Dallas area children and their families.“It has become the best thing that has ever happened to me in golf, better than winning the Masters or U.S. Open or 11 in a row,” Nelson wrote in his 1993 autobiography, “How I Played the Game.”The reason: “Because it helps people.”

For those who knew Nelson, that attitude epitomized how he approached life.In the Chronicle story last year, Richland Hills preaching minister Rick Atchley said Nelson played Santa Claus in the church Christmas program and taught a class for teenagers.But Atchley said his favorite memory came soon after Nelson placed membership there.“I heard someone calling my name with great eagerness,” Atchley said. “I turned around, and there was Byron, about 90 at the time, walking between the pews on two canes as fast as he could get to me.“When I asked what the rush was, he said he just wanted me to know how blessed he was by the sermon. That’s pure Byron — not impressed with himself, but letting you know that he is impressed with you.”

When the Hilltop church started in Roanoke several years ago, it had no baptistery. So, when a young couple accepted Nelson’s offer to baptize them, he called a nearby congregation in Justin.“He does not have good knees, but I have seen him take people and baptize them when he didn’t feel terribly good,” James Vinzant, minister of the Alliance church in Justin, said last year. “But he did it because he loves the Lord so much and he loves the church so much.”

Nelson’s Church of Christ roots ran deep.His mother, Madge Allen Nelson, who lived to be 98, was a Bible student and teacher. Raised a Baptist, she became a Church of Christ member at age 18. His Presbyterian father, John Byron Nelson Sr., was baptized in a Church of Christ soon after meeting the golfer’s mother. Byron Sr., who died at 77, later served as an elder at the Roanoke church. Nelson was born Feb. 4, 1912, on his family’s cotton farm near Waxahachie, Texas. By age 11, his family moved to Fort Worth, where a bout with typhoid fever dropped his weight from 124 pounds to 65. Somehow, he survived, but his high fever left him unable to have children.Soon after his baptism at age 12, he started caddying at Glen Garden Country Club. By age 14, he beat another future legend — Ben Hogan — to win the Caddie Championship.Eight years later, while working as a golf pro in Texarkana, Texas, he met a tiny brunette with pretty brown eyes during Sunday school at the Walnut Street church. Louise Shofner, the daughter of longtime church elder D.A. Shofner, would become his wife of 50 years. In his early years, Nelson made barely enough to live. In 1936, he earned $750 by winning the Metropolitan Open. But during the tournament, he couldn’t afford to eat in the clubhouse. Instead, he sat outside, eating a hot dog and drinking a Coke.After that tournament, Nelson was offered $500 to endorse a cigarette called 20 Grand. Never a smoker, he resisted the offer. But needing the money, he finally agreed.“I didn’t realize (that) it meant so much,” he told the Chronicle. “In about a month after the ads broke, I got the worst mail I’ve ever gotten, from Sunday school teachers, from school teachers. ... Well, I was just mortified.”When the cigarette company refused to take back its money, he said, “I toughed it out and I prayed about that more than any one thing. That shows what God will do for you. I promised him that I would never do anything like that again.”

While he played on Sundays, Nelson said he always found a way to attend church services, either in the morning or at night. “People say, ‘How in the world did you go to church?’ And my answer to that is, you can do things that you feel you need to do.”

When Louise died in 1985 after suffering two severe strokes, Nelson was devastated. But soon afterward, he said, God blessed him with a second wife. He had first met Peggy Simmons — 33 years his junior — at a charity golf tournament in 1981.Several years ago, a golf fan looking for Nelson’s ranch near Fort Worth stopped at the Roanoke Church of Christ and asked if the “janitor” knew how to get there. Much to the fan’s surprise, the man sweeping the church floor smiled and replied, “Yes, that’s where I live.”Last year, that story drew a chuckle from the 93-year-old Nelson, relaxing at his ranch house below a framed needlepoint of his winning 1937 Masters scorecard, parakeets chirping in his living room as cattle grazed outside his window.“A small church like that, the members take care of it,” he said simply.

Sept. 26, 2006