Being An Influence

My college experience was fantastic. I had the opportunity to attend a Church of Christ school for my Associate Degree (York College); a Catholic University for my Bachelor Degree (Newman University); and a Lutheran University for my Master’s Degree (Concordia University). My post-Master’s work has been primarily at State Universities in Kansas. What I enjoyed most about my experiences is the relationships I built with people.

The discussions that I had with professors and students about my beliefs and the Bible were ones that I will never forget. I also became more aware of the differences of people and the importance that their religion has on their way of life.

I will never forget Debbie telling her boss, when she worked at Newman University in the business office, that he had something dirty on his forehead. It was Ash Wednesday. Her boss just simply said, “Debbie you’ve got a lot to learn about the Catholic religion”. What a learning experience it was. It was one that helped Debbie and I to grow even stronger in our faith as we reached out to a community of believers, but of a different religious belief. Still today many of those good people are still our close friends.

You never know what type of influence you can have and where it might be. For Debbie and me, our mission field was a 2,000 student Catholic University in the heart of Wichita.

Where is yours?

Knowing God's Will

Knowing God's Will is the Key to Everything!Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all!

God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will.

Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Elder/Deacon Meeting Minutes (February 21)

Central Church of Christ
Elder-Deacon Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2007

Scripture (David Carriger)

Opening Prayer (Ed McKinley)

Treasurer Report (Ed McCoy)
If you give a weekly or yearly cash contribution to the church and wish to include them as itemized deductions on taxes you will need to get a letter from Ed McCoy at the end of the year because of the new IRS regulations. See Ed for more information.

Review of January Minutes

Agenda Items:

1. Deacons Meeting Report

Renovation of bathroom in the basement of the house was discussed. Looking at cost.

Several other items were discussed under the ministry reports.

2. Ministry Reports

Evan Burdan (Involvement/Preaching)
Discussed his next two Sunday morning series. March-“The Family Under Attack” April-“What We Believe”. Next Deacon’s Meeting: March 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Kurt Johnston (Multi-Media)
Wireless microphones are working well. Trying to digitally record messages on Sunday. Looking at some options.

Ed McKinley (Budget)
Gave a budget update. Encouraged everyone to list items purchased so we can locate the right line item for the budget. Beginning a 5-year budget plan.

Bryan Phillips (Finance)
Recommended to continue with a CD on building fund. A safe return at this time on investment.

Steve Shatto (Senior Saints)

Scott Smith (Youth)
Need devotional sponsors on Sunday evenings after Hearthstone. Need sponsor for the Oklahoma Christian trip. Need sponsor for York College High School Days trip. Youth Minister Search discussed. Summer Interns discussed. Mission trip discussed.

Joe Todd (Buildings and Grounds)
Please check doors before leaving the building. Waterline to nursery installed. Sink and hot water heater purchased. Looking at a Spring Cleanup Day.

Carl Wheeler (Worship)
Will be looking at Sunday night speakers for March and April. Evan will write March and April Bulletin articles.

Roger Hamm (Children’s Ministry)
Teacher recruitment went well. VBS theme is Metamorphosis. Fall quarter will have some class splits because of large groups. Looking at a pre-teen ministry program. The upgrades to nursery exciting.

3. Preaching Plans/Direction: Evan Burdan will continue to preach on Sunday mornings. Carl is seeking individuals for Sunday evenings.

4. Calendar Items

5. Other Items:

Bill Carriger gave update on Tallgrass. Would like to see a microcamp day for little ones this spring.

Gary gave update on the house at the property. Heater not working. New locks installed. Gary met a youth minister candidate in Abilene last weekend. Appreciate Joe Todd picking people up for church.

Jerry gave an update on those sick and hurting.

8. Prayer Requests

Closing Prayer (Bryan Phillips)

Adjourned at: 9:10 p.m.

Elders Meeting (February 21, 2007)

All Elders were present.

Opening Prayer led by Roger.

Discussion of Mark Barone’s presentation to the Central teens and parents. Dates will be forthcoming with topic information.

Youth Minister Search continues. A couple of prospects were discussed.

We appreciate Evan’s continued Sunday morning messages. Future studies will include; The Family Under Attack and Core Teachings of the Church: What makes us unique.

Heating problems in the house on the Burlingame property discussed. New locks placed on doors.

Gary and Jerry discussed their worship experiences this past Sunday in Abilene and San Diego.

Discussion of hurting families and individuals.

Jerry led our closing prayer.

The Future of the Church

The following blog came from Mike Cope yesterday.

I’ve been thinking about writing a series called “The Future of Churches of Christ.” Whether I’ll get around to that or not — who knows? Maybe I can get Doug Foster to let me do a blog interview. His guess is probably much better than mine.

I remember two articles we had in Wineskins in the ’90s. One was by Joe Beam — one of the most requested articles we ever had. Joe talked about the growing, yet-unnamed divide in the denomination (he may not have used that language) between the “progressives” and the “conservatives.” Let’s pause here to all say we hate labels. Of course we do. But you still need some way to describe what you’re talking about. But, he said, there is also a declining middle group that doesn’t yet know which way it is leaning.

Another article — actually a series, as I recall — was by Randy Harris. He was asking if the future for Churches of Christ is hopeful. His answers, in true Randy style, were “no,” “yes,” and “maybe.”

Today the picture is fuzzier. There is still an uneasiness between many churches over issues like, “Are we the only ones faithful to God?” For some, the answer is “yes.” Others of us can’t even fathom asking the question.

But there are other ways in which diversity is manifesting itself, too. Such as these:
Are the leaders reading scripture as fundamentalists or not? (I personally think this will, fifty years from now, wind up having been the most significant question.)

How does the church understand the kingdom of God?

What does it see as its purpose?

How important are the traditions of the church in a rapidly changing world? (Do traditions hold back or do they anchor?)

We’ll look quite different in twenty years. I’m pretty sure of that. Already — and this is such a small example — people who print the official C of C directory are having to figure out how they indicate that a church considers itself a part of Churches of Christ but uses instrumental music (Richland Hills, Farmer’s Branch, . . . ).

And I purposefully didn’t include style of music as one of the central defining questions!

Should be interesting times ahead.

His Amazing Grace

Here's some food for thought. This is taken from Rhonda Lowry whose husband is the President of Lipscomb University. She is talking about grace. And within that huge topic she made this application:

We can't control grace, so we tend to stay away from it. Why don't we just stop and let it come to us?

God works out of our nothingness. Think about some times when this was the case. Three empty wombs. Nothingness. Out of the nothingness of Sarah's womb God brought his beloved nation. Out of Elizabeth's nothingness he brought the one who would prepare this nation for their Messiah. And his greatest work of all came from the virgin womb of Mary. It's all about Him. Not anything they did.

Silence and solitude are what brings us closer to God. Not our busyness for Him or our words to Him. It comes by listening to Him and spending time with Him. No Bible, no journal or pen. Just a question or two to ask Him, and then sit and listen and wait.

The way we see grace is not to love the gift but the giver. Being absolutely in love with Jesus Christ. Abiding in Him and being continually mindful of His presence in our daily ordinary lives.

Me God?

When I was a high school principal, I worked with a student for three years that I never ever could reach. He was always in some type of trouble and after several counseling sessions and disciplinary hearings he finally decided to drop out. He didn’t have much of a home life and wouldn’t accept any help that we were providing as a school.

I remember on one occasion during that three-year period, Debbie met his grandmother in the grocery store one night and asked how he was doing. The grandmother said that her grandson made the following comment to her about our relationship as student and principal, “I really think me and Mr. Carriger have a religious problem. He thinks he’s God and I don’t think he is.” I have always remembered that comment.

I saw the following comment just recently by Anne Lamott: “The biggest difference between you and God is that God doesn’t think he’s you.”

Sometimes we think we know more than God.
Sometimes we think we have all the answers.
Sometimes our body language even displays that we feel we are better than others.
Sometimes we think we are God.

When these times occur, we are usually beaten down and humbled and reminded that God is in control. God is the one that gives and takes away.

I know I don’t want God’s job. Its tough enough being a husband, father, superintendent, elder and Christian. I have a hard enough time just taking care of those responsibilities.

I need to understand the feelings of others and walk in humility as Christ describes in Philippians 2. A struggle for a selfish person.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”

Ezra's Resolutions

Ezra is a man that is often overlooked when the great leaders or heroes of the Bible are listed and studied. But looking over his life and his accomplishments, he played a huge part in keeping the remnant of God’s people faithful so Jesus the Messiah could be born in the fullness of time.

Ezra lived during the restoration period when the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. After the temple was rebuilt, Ezra went up to Jerusalem and led a spiritual renewal among the Jews that returned from the captivity. He brought them back from the sin of idolatry and the Israelites never again fell into idolatry as a nation.

Ezra’s great success came as a result of his resolutions. This is a time of resolutions. The College-Young Professional class this month is examining the resolutions we need to have, so we can grow in Christ during 2007. I believe Ezra was a great example of a man that made resolutions.

I see three goals that he adopted that can help us in our spiritual journey for the new year.

Ezra 7: 9-10

Ezra made what I call heart goals.

Ezra had set his heart. Resolutions and goals usually fail because they are not heart goals.

Here are the resolutions:

1. Ezra set his heart to study the law of the Lord

Ezra saw the importance of God’s word to help guide him in the spiritual ways not only for him but also for his people of Israel.

How about us? How much time have you devoted to the study of God’s Word so far this year? Not too late to begin now. Begin by finding ways to enhance your knowledge of God’s word. Get into the word daily and look for those passages that will help you as it helped Ezra.

2. Ezra set his heart to practice God’s Law

Not only did Ezra study, he put it in to practice. Difficult to be that committed at times, but what better people we would be for God, our families and those we come into contact with on a daily basis if we practiced the Words of God.

3. Ezra set his heart to teach God’s Law

Ezra knew he had a calling. To teach God’s law to the Israelite nation. We also have a calling a great commission to preach and to teach.

One of the goals the eldership set for 2007 was to reclaim those that have left the body. Building relationships not only with each other but also through Christ. God’s word is powerful and we have the obligation to teach his word at every single opportunity that we might have.

If each of us would set these 3 goals in our hearts in 2007, it would renew our spiritual lives, bring renewal to this body here at Central, and lead us to reclaim and convert those outside of Christ.

What is stopping us?

For me, sometimes fear, doubt, busyness, selfishness.

But God doesn’t want us to have fears, doubts, and selfishness. He wants us to have faith, hope and trust in him. He wants us to place others above ourselves. We can do that tonight. We can make the commitment that during 2007 I am going to try my very best with God’s help to live for Him and get into His word and study, practice and reach out to those outside of Christ.

God's Valentine Gift

God’s Valentine Gift

God’s Valentine gift of love to us
Was not a bunch of flowers;
It wasn’t candy, or a book
To while away the hours.

His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give
His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.

He gave us sweet salvation,
and instruction, good and true--
To love our friends and enemies
And love our Savior, too.

So as we give our Valentines,
Let’s thank our Lord and King;
The reason we have love to give
Is that He gave everything.

By Joanna Fuchs

Here Is My Heart

The words of a new song that Carl led Sunday evening have been on my mind the past couple of days.

“Here is my heart Lord, I lay it open, search every corner, cleanse every part.
Here is my heart Lord, yielded and broken.
Beautiful Lord, come and restore, here is my heart.”

God definitely wants our hearts.

Beautiful words. Sometimes these words are difficult to sing, because of the sin in our lives. He wants our hearts to be pure and open for his work in our lives.

Sometimes the words of a new song are fresh and can challenge us in our relationship with our Master!

The New Central Church Library

Just think of the books and resources that line your shelves at home. Now consider how they might affect, inspire, comfort or teach others if they were organized and housed in a church library. Rob and Sharon Easterling have taken on the task of a new library ministry at Central. Please bring your donations to the church library. Books, CD's, computer software and/or videos or DVDs should be in line with the church's spiritual goals, be up to date and be in good condition. Donations collected by February 14 will be ready for check out at the library's grand opening in March. If anyone is interested in helping with the library ministry, contact Rob and Sharon Easterling.

Check out the web site at: www.librarything.com/catalog/central

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, February 11, 2007

Welcome

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-3

144 O Worship the King

153 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down

66 Doxology

77 Glorify Thy Name

Prayer:

Scripture: John 12:23-34

271 Son of Man

324 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (Verse 1 and 4)

Lords Supper

Contribution

870 Beyond This Land of Parting

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 635 Freely, Freely

Announcements

410 He Leadeth Me (Verse 1 Only)

Closing Prayer

Elders Meeting Minutes

Elders Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2007

All Elders Present

Elders/Deacons Meeting will be moved to Thursday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.

Mark Barone from Christian Family Services will be at Central to make presentations on the following Sunday evenings: March 25 (Parents/Teens), April 22 (Teens Only). Encourage all our parents and teens to participate.

Youth Minister Search was discussed.

Discussion on our next Sunday evening message series after the "David" series.

Medical Mission Trip to Guyana was discussed.

Prayer for hurting members led by Jerry Myers.

A Friendly Church?

Common Barriers to Growth

Why some congregations don’t grow:

1. Not bringing friends to church. We pray, we ask, we pressure, we motivate, we emphasize the importance but members (including myself) still do not bring friends to church. For many, it is understood that the services are not designed for unbelievers or the people they know from work. Perhaps on occasion we need to offer at least one service designed with our un-churched friends in mind.

2. Clinging to tradition. Traditions are actually founded and rooted in success. Something becomes a tradition because it works. Because it works, we repeat it over and over again. Perhaps we understand that our purpose will never change but our methodology will be ever changing. We may need to do one of three things: Reaffirm it, Refine it, or Replace it.

3. Trying to appeal to everyone. We can’t! It just won’t work. We listen to the radio stations we enjoy. We more often listen to those stations that play the songs we like. Maybe we should define our target (the lost), and then do everything we can to hit that target with the Gospel.

4. Being program-oriented rather than process-oriented. Having many programs may look impressive, but unless there is a specific plan for helping members grow, its easy to just end up attending classes. Maybe we should develop a process that stays with people for life and helps each mature spiritually.

5. Fearing growth will ruin fellowship. Some fight growth because of fear. We need to find ways through smaller groups to grow larger as a church while growing smaller at the same time. This may be with Bible classes, small groups or ministry groups.

Change

Making changes in your life requires daily attention. Trusting in our own power, we easily get discouraged and accept failure. Each day surrender your will to God’s, acknowledge the commitment you made, and allow His Spirit to fill you. If you falter, don’t give up. Confess your failure to God and resolve to grow in this area of your life. Begin again where you are, not looking back but pressing on “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Rely on God for the strength to follow through, and you can experience victory!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2)

Super Bowl

GO BEARS!

Unique Worship Service

"U2-charist": Bono moves in mysterious ways

For Anglicans who still haven't found what they're looking for, the Church of England is staging its first "U2-charist" communion service -- replacing hymns with hit songs by the Irish supergroup.

"Rock music can be a vehicle of immense spirituality," said Bishop of Grantham Timothy Ellis, announcing plans for the unique service in the central English town of Lincoln in May.

A live band is to play U2 classics like "Beautiful Day" and "Mysterious Ways" with special singalong lyrics displayed on a giant screen. Seating for the 500-strong congregation is to be re-arranged so everyone can dance and wave their hands.

The service is to focus on the Millennium development goals -- U2's lead singer Bono is a leading promoter of the targets to alleviate world poverty.

The Joy of the Redeemed

Ever get tired of the rat race we live in? Maybe it’s the job that you feel is at a dead end.

Maybe it’s a family situation, that you have been working on for some time. Whatever you do it just doesn’t get any better.

Or maybe it’s the physical problems you are experiencing in your life. The doctors report that indicates some problems that need to be taken care of.

This world gives us bad news everyday.

From newspapers, web-mail, tv, radio, even our friends and family. We just can’t escape it.

Or can we…

About ten years ago Isaiah 35 was introduced to me in a very special way by a very special friend. It talks about the Joy of the Redeemed! When I feel the problems of this world caving in I look to these verses:

Isaiah 35

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 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.
Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
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.
"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.

I long for that place.

I long for that special place of rest.

You still can experience the Joy of the Redeemed!