Central Youth

Central is going through a transition with our youth ministry this fall. Currently with out a full time youth minister, Scott and Angie Smith is leading the ministry and involving parents and other members to carry on our youth program.

We appreciate so many volunteering to host devotionals, supervise service projects and transport students to activities.

It shows that we have a family that really cares about our young people. Be in prayer for Scott and Angie Smith and the rest of our volunteers as they reach out to our kids.

For more information on Central Youth Ministries go to the Central Web Site and click on other links (http://www.cofccentral-topeka.org/)

Safety?

I don’t watch much television, but the other night I watched a movie made in 2004 that was a pretty good movie called ‘The Village’. It was a movie that really had a positive message behind it.

'The Village' depicts the thrilling tale of an isolated town confronting the astonishing truth that lies just outside its borders. At first glance, this village seems picture perfect, but this close-knit community lives with the frightening knowledge that creatures reside in the surrounding woods. The evil and foreboding force is so unnerving that none dare venture beyond the borders of the village and into the woods. But when curious, headstrong Lucius Hunt plans to step beyond the boundaries of the town and into the unknown, his bold move threatens to forever change the future of the village.

When I was watching this movie I thought about churches of today that do not venture beyond the old deterring walls of their church buildings and try to reach the lost souls in their hurting communities.

Do we hide where it’s safe or do we just not care?

What would happen if we got out into our neighborhoods and met the people where they lived? Could we be a light to a dark world?

The key is venturing out into the unknown, trusting that God will lead us and take care of us as we care for the lost and hurting.

A Special Teacher

Mary Landreth was my mentor. She was a special teacher that I had as an education major at Kansas Newman College (Newman University) in 1982. She was the Chairman of the Education Department and took me under her wings for three years and tried to teach me everything she could about the field of education and how to reach students at all ability levels.

The reason I love her so is, still today, she encourages me and often calls me on the first day of school to check in with me and make sure that I still remember the important things that she taught me over 20 years ago. Items such as: compassion, preparation, love for kids, punctuality, patience and most of all, passing on the love of education to others.

Often when I go through Wichita, I stop and see my dear friend and give her that special hug and thank you for passing on her special gift that I hope I can pass on to others. The love of learning and helping kids reach their full potential academically as well as in their personal lives.

I enjoy our discussions about God, and though we have religious differences, we communicate about our love for the churches that we belong to and about a God that we love and serve.

Thank you Mary, for reminding me daily about the importance of education in the lives of children.

What A Storm

You never know what might happen in life. You leave for an ordinary weekend trip to move your son in to his apartment at Oklahoma Christian, when you get back the town looks like a war zone after a storm on Friday night.

Bad thing was, Craig was at home during the storm. He called to update us several times on Friday evening. I'm glad God was protecting him during the 70 mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall.

Considerable damage to the community as well as our place. But we will recover.

Storms of life can happen at anytime. We never brace ourselves for the what if? We tread along and then all of a sudden smack! Why are we surprised? I am thankful for a Father that watches down on His children daily. I am very thankful God watched down on Craig.

Faith

Faith

Faith isn't anything you can see;
It isn't anything you can touch.
But you can feel it in your heart.
Faith is what keeps you trying
When others would have given up.
It keeps you believing in
The goodness of others
And helps you find it.

Faith is trusting in a power
Greater than yourself
And knowing that whatever happens,
This power will carry you through anything.
It is believing in yourself
And having courage
To stand up for what you believe in.

Faith is: Peace in the midst of a storm,
Determination in the midst
Of adversity,
And safety in the midst of trouble.
For nothing can touch a soul
That is protected by faith.

Knowing God

Determination
Concentration
Poise
Patience
Consistency

When I think about these character traits I think about golfer Tiger Woods.

He looks like a machine.

If you look at his eyes—the determination and the concentration on the task. He is always in that "competitive zone" that only a few of the greatest athletes have ever experienced.

Poise, the pressure of hitting the 10 foot putts. He is always in control. The consistency of always being up their in the top ten of every tournament. Number 1 money winner, golfer and probably the best to ever play the game.

How does he do it week after week after week?

Great talent, but it takes practice, practice, practice.

If we want to be a Child of God it takes practice.

Tiger Woods knows golf. Do we know who God is?

How does God feel about certain things that we do on a daily basis? Do we care?
We need to fix our eyes on Him. We must get into the Word and truly get to know the God of the universe. We must trust Him during our ups and downs that we will experience in life. It will take a lot of faith on our part.

In Colossians 3 He gives us some rules for holy living:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Letthe peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

If we are to be the God’s chosen people we need to understand who God is and what he expects of his children.

It will take determination, concentration, consistent living and poise and patience to live an effective Christian life as we serve God and others.

Tiger plays to win millions. We worship and serve our God for even a greater reward…..eternity with Him!

My Deliverer

My Deliverer - Rich Mullins (The Jesus Record)

Joseph took his wife and her child and they went to Africa
To escape the rage of a deadly king
There along the banks of the Nile, Jesus listened to the song
That the captive children used to sing
They were singing
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
Through a dry and thirsty land, water from the Kenyon heights
Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart
There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry
For the healing that would flow from His own scars
The world was singing
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise - He has written it upon the sky
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
I will never doubt His promise though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
He will never break His promise though the stars should break faith with the sky
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming - my Deliverer is standing by
My Deliverer is coming

(c)1998 - Liturgy Legacy Music / Word Music / ASCAP / White Plastic Bag Music / SESAC

Gods Presence

But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

One of the most remarkable and exciting things about honest and sincere praise is taught here: praise will bring the presence of God.

Although God is everywhere all the time, there is a distinct demonstration of His power and purpose, of His rule, which enters the environment of our praise. Here is the cure for our times when we feel alone, deserted, or depressed. Praise!

Let this truth create faith and trust, and lead us to deliverance from disappointment, torment, or bondage. However simply, compose your song and testimony of God’s goodness in your life.

The result: God enters! His presence will live (take up residence) in our lives. The Hebrew word translated “inhabit” means “to sit down, to remain, to settle, or marry.” In other words, God does not merely visit us when we praise Him, but His presence abides with us and we partner with Him in a growing relationship.

Today, let us invite God’s presence into our immediate situation. He wants to come and abide where we are right now!

School Begins

Another school year started for us in Osage City on Friday. I always enjoy the first day after weeks of preparation kids are excited to get back to see friends and meet their new teachers.

Every year, I try to make my way by the kindergarten classroom each first day. That area is always one that provides many emotional moments. Usually eager kids and crying moms. Moms letting go of their little ones and understanding they have grown up and are about to learn valuable life lessons.

Friday I saw another site. A middle school parent crying when she let off her middle school daughter. Usually I see middle school parents "jump for joy" when school begins. It was a touching moment. My middle school principal assured the parent she will be fine, will take good care of her.

I remember how tough it was three years ago when Debbie and I left Brian at Oklahoma Christian. Tears, prayers and a long sad 4 hour trip home.

Saw the following comment on a blog yesterday that talked about their little boy going to kindergarten for the first time:

"Well, my little boy started kindergarten today. He was born just yesterday. I swear he was. Now he’s in school, spending a large chunk of his day away from his mother. I’m not sure how he’s doing right now, but his mom’s doing ok, but only as long as she doesn’t think about him. I’ve been spending a large chunk of my day away from the boys for years now and so his absence isn’t what’s bothering me today. It’s that this is the first major milestone in his life. There will be many others and today I’m realizing that they’re coming sooner than I’d like".

Milestones. We all have them. Appreciate them. Celebrate them. Enjoy them. That is the journey of life. Just as my two boys will celebrate milestones as Brian graduates next August from OC and Craig graduates from high school in May. Life will change at the Carriger household but usher in a new phase of life for our family.

I now know how the middle school mom felt on Friday...............

Back to School Challenge

A new school year.

For some it's a beginning. Kindergarten.
Moms are you ready?

For some it's an end. Graduation from High School or College.

For the majority of the kids this is an exciting time of the year.

Time for many new things to occur:

New Back to School Clothes/Shoes/Book Bags
New beginnings.
New Teachers.
New Classmates.
New Friendships.
A New School.

I want to encourage you this year to take advantage of the many new opportunities that will be coming your way as you start school.

With all of the new fun things that you will be experiencing there will be some things that won't be much fun.

Getting up Early.
Homework.
Tests.
Peer Pressure.
Bullying.

All the new and not so good things are part of life's experiences. I want you to have a great school experience this year, so with this in mind, I want you to remember 3 things that I want you to be good at, as you start the 2006-07 school year:

3 Things to Be Good At This School Year:

1. Be a Good Student

I believe it is our responsibility to be the very best at whatever we are suppose to do in life. Kids it's your responsibility right now to learn, grow and mature and become the very best academic student you can be. How do you do this? Study. Do your homework. Get good grades. Do your very best in school. Get along with others. At Osage City we live by a motto: Hard Work, Respect and Responsibility. These are very Biblical concepts as each individual strives to do their very best and become the very best that they can be.


2. Be a Good Friend

The one thing that saddens me the most at school is watching a student eat their lunch by themselves. Or they stand on the playground all alone. The loner. Not a good feeling. Not something anyone wants to experience. My challenge to you kids is to seek out those kids this year that need a friend. Look for ways to include them in the group. Just talk with them. Invite them over to play after school. When you do this, you will impact a persons life forever.

When I was growing up, my dad was in the Navy. We moved about every year. Went to almost 20 different schools. Tough to make friends. But the best memories I have are those kids that went out of their way to include me.

Be a good friend this school year.


3. Be a Good Christian

This is the most important item. Do what's right, not what the cool thing is. Peer pressure will be very difficult at times. Kids you are living in some very difficult times. Toughest yet:

This year you are going to be tempted in several ways:

Cheating
Lying
Deception

Older Students:

Drinking
Smoking
Drugs
Sex

Remember who you are and whose you are.

You belong to Jesus Christ.

He can sustain you, he can take care of you if you fix your eyes on Him, and you can experience a great school year.

In Hebrews Chapter 12:

NIV Translation

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Message Translation:

Do you see what this means all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed that exhilarating finish in and with God he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Keep your eyes fixed on Him, you will need that adrenaline in your souls as you live for Jesus each day.

How Do We Remain Faithful This School Year:

1. Be Involved in the Central Youth Group (Support System)
2. Be in Bible Class and Worship
3. Talk to God Often
4. Parents/Central Members will Pray for you and Support You this Year

This will be a year of exciting opportunities in your life.

In May, what will you remember? Will it be the good stuff: Being a good student, a good friend, a good Christian? Or will it be things that you wish you wouldn't of done or things and opportunities that you didn't take advantage of.

Kids we want to make a commitment to you this evening as a Family. We are here for you this year. Any time, any hour we are here to serve you. Good and bad. We want to help you this school year become the very best that you can become as a person, but more so as you follow Jesus Christ.

Lets Pray....

Father:

Bless our kids this new school year. Help them as they begin school. Watch over them and protect them. Help them to make wise decisions. They will experience many challenges, allow them to use the training that they have received from your Word to make Godly decisions on matters that could impact their lives and souls.

We love our kids. We love you. Bless all of us as we support our kids this new school year.
In Jesus Name:

Amen


Back to School Prayer Night Challenge
Gage Park Shelter House-Topeka, Kansas
August 16, 2006
David Carriger

Old-New Part 2

George Barna has written,
“If a church studies its market, devises intelligent plans, and implements those plans faithfully, it should see an increase in the number of visitors, new members, and people who accept Christ as their Savior.”

A more modest claim comes from a writer who suggests that appealing to "felt needs" can be (in his words) "a `tutor' to lead people to Christ."

Whatever happened to the tutor called the Bible? Have we lost confidence in the Gospel? I am afraid the answer for many Churches today is yes.

Preaching the Good News is a must in our society today. Many are being led astray with flashy worship services and temporarily “feel good” worship. We need to understand the needs of people today but keep preaching the TRUE Word every opportunity we get.

I am thankful for the Central Church and it’s love for the Bible, those Ancient Words that we sang about last night. May we never grow tired of hearing the actual words of our Father.

Who Will Throw the First Stone?

Then each went to his own house, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them," Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the e1ders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, " Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin anymore."
(John 8:1-11)

This story has always amazed me.

Here is Jesus, confronted with a dilemma. If he says, "Don't stone her," he breaks the Law; if he says, "Stone her," then he is abandoning his own teaching. They keep urging him, "What is your answer?" He leans over and starts writing in the sand with his finger. How long this went on we don't know, but everybody was getting restless. What was he writing? What was he doing? We don’t really know. Maybe he was simply passing the time of day, somewhat as students bored at school drawing in their notebooks.

His accusers were not about to let him out of the trap that they had so carefully fashioned. So they kept urging him, "Master, what is the solution to this difficult case?" At last he straightened up, looked around at those zealots of the Law and said, "Let the man who has no sin on his conscience throw the first stone." Then he bent down and continued to write in the sand.

Notice that he did not challenge their right to carry out the Law; he simply insisted on a condition: "Go ahead and throw stones provided you don't have any sin on your own conscience." They got the message very quickly, One by one they began to leave.
I need this lesson daily. We live in a world of hurting people. I pray Father, that I have a heart for forgiveness and a heart that wishes to help those desperately seeking help and guidance. Because I need it daily myself.

What a Sunday

God blessed the Central Family with two new sisters on Sunday. Congratulations to Brandi and Lindsay on your decision to make Christ the Lord of your life!

Over 300 in attendance on Sunday morning as Evan challenged us to to allow God to take control of our lives.

Great things are happening at Central. May God continue to bless us as we keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him!

Continue to pray for each other.

Old-New?

Study: Women like tech toys more than shoes
By Edward C. Baig,
USA TODAY
Tue Aug 1, 11:04 AM ET

NEW YORK - Is a plasma TV a girl's new best friend?
An Oxygen Network survey released Tuesday found that more than three out of four women said they'd choose the TV over a diamond solitaire necklace. Women preferred a top-of-the-line cellphone to designer shoes by a similar margin. And a little white iPod narrowly trumped a little black dress.

These are among the results of the Girls Gone Wired survey by market researcher TRU for Oxygen. TRU surveyed 1,400 women and 700 men 15 to 49 years old to compare tech attitudes among the sexes.

The findings suggest advertisers need to address a broad audience and not talk down to women. Advertisers are best served communicating lifestyle benefits of tech products by showing what's useful about them, rather than focusing on specifications, Oxygen says.

"There have been some missed opportunities to market consumer electronics to women," says Steve Koenig, senior manager of industry analysis for the Consumer Electronics Association, whose research reveals only subtle differences between the sexes in their attitudes toward technology.

Reading this article made me think about how we have tried to sell Jesus to the world. Are we using 1950 methods in a 2006 technological society? Are we using contemporary practices to meet the culture of today, or are we using programs and methods from 50-60 years a go?

To Be Continued…………………

Minister Search

Continue to pray for our search process!

The Central Church of Christ in Topeka, Kansas is prayerfully seeking a full-time pulpit minister. The Central Church is a congregation of approximately 300 members and is led by six elders and twelve deacons. The candidate we seek should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Biblical Studies or Ministry. He will need to be highly outgoing and personable, and most importantly, possess a demonstrated focus and involvement in and for evangelism. He should seek excellence and creativity in sermons and the classroom setting. The candidate should be willing to serve as a team member with our current staff and leadership. Salary will commensurate with education and experience. If interested, please send a letter of application and resume to:
Central Church of Christ,
Attn: Search Committee,
1250 SW College Ave.
Topeka, Kansas, 66604.

Or Email same to:
centcofc@swbell.net

Mission Statement

Found this Mission Statement the other day for a Church:

“As God has loved us, we will meet people on common ground and journey together to the higher ground of life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We beg for prayers that we will lovingly respond to the opportunities that are being presented to us.

A Mess Everywhere

You know what happens when you live in a house built in the 1920's and have a water line break in the concrete foundation? You have a mess everywhere.

The kitchen has been in a state of remodeling and mess for the past couple of weeks. Deb is taking it great! Hang in there.

Ministry is messy also. Any time you get involved in the lives of people it can be messy. Being a servant means helping in a variety of ways. Some of those can be messy.

Jesus was a great example of a servant of who humbled himself and gave the ultimate price........His Life!

Spiritual Provisions

Thanks Debbie for the following guest blog:

On the dresser in my bedroom stands a picture that has occupied the same spot, no matter where we lived, for twenty-five years the 25th of this month. It is one of our wedding pictures. In the lower right-hand corner is a scripture on a small card that I picked up early in our marriage. The scripture is found in Jeremiah, “for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…”

One of my favorite things to reflect on is how the Lord has provided for me spiritually. At the beginning of Matthew it lists Jesus’ lineage. In my study Bible, before the chapter begins, it has some questions to think about while reading. One question is, ‘God put Joseph in a long heritage to prepare for His work in Joseph’s time. What has God done in your heritage?’ I am a ‘margin-writer’ and wrote my answer down, ‘God was working His plan for me while I was very young. He was laying the groundwork to take our family away from denominationalism to His perfect will.’ The next question was ‘When did the Spirit begin to work in your life?’ My answer, ‘from the beginning of my life.’

Now an explanation of all of this…my dad died when I was barely three. My mom remarried, and the man she married did not go to church with us. We were Baptists. When I was in high school, both my grandfathers passed away and my dad decided it was time for him to go to church. He had some ‘Church of Christ’ background and we immediately started attending the Church of Christ. Our entire family was baptized within two year period.

All of that changed the whole course of my life. I would not be the person I am today if that one tragedy in my life had not happened. I would not have known the truth, I would not have met and married the Godly man that came into my life because of this change.

God had a plan. Romans 8:28 says, “and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” My mom had always said that ‘if Dad ever decides to go to church, we will go where he wants to go, as a family.’ She always believed that Dad was the head of the family. She set the perfect example for me.

Am I sad about the tragedy that happened when I was so young…yes…but it is bittersweet. God had a plan. At the time, who could have ever seen what would happen down the road? Who could have known how the Lord was working in our lives? There had to be a passage of time for me to be able to reflect on my life and see how the Lord has worked His wonderful tapestry in my life.

Reflect on your life…what has God done for you to bring you where you are today?

Debbie Carriger

Jesus Help Me!

"JESUS HELP ME. I don't think we're going to get out of this thing. I'm going to have to go out on faith."

It was the voice of Todd Beamer, the passenger who led the charge against the terrorists who had hijacked the United Flight that crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside. In an article titled "The Real Story of Flight Ninety-Three," Newsweek reveals, from the cockpit voice recorder, that "Todd had cried out more than once to his Savior." After passengers were herded to the back of the jet, Beamer prayed the Lord's prayer and the Twenty-Third Psalm just before he called out, "Are you ready, guys? Let's roll." Beamer's faith in Jesus has become known the world over.

As Flight 93 hurtled towards destruction, Todd Beamer could not have known, that his quiet prayers would ultimately be heard by millions, andthat the story of his last acts on earth, would be a witness to his Lord that he loved and served as a lasting example of true heroism.

That's Why We Praise Him

That's Why We Praise Him
Words and Music by Tommy Walker

He came to live,
live a perfect life,
He came to be
the Living Word, our Light.
He came to die
so we'd be reconciled,
He came to rise
to show His pow'r and might.

And that's why we praise Him,
That's why we sing.
That's why we offer Him
our everything.
That's why we bow down
and worship this King,'
Cause He gave His everything,
'Cause He gave His everything.

He came to live,
live again in us,
He came to be
our conquering King and friend.
He came to heal
and show the lost ones His love,
He came to go
prepare a place for us.

And that's why we praise Him,
That's why we sing.
That's why we offer Him
our everything.
That's why we bow down
and worship this King,
'Cause He gave His everything,
'Cause He gave His everything.