The Bread Has Been Broken

These are the lyrics to a great new song for worship:

The Bread Has Been Broken
Joe Beck, Wendy Wills

Come to the table and worship the Savior

Taste what forgiveness is for

His mercy will lead us, the grace of God feed us

Making us hungry for more

His body was given for you and for me

Look on the Cross and believe.

The Bread has been broken

Our eyes have been opened

Oh come, Lord, restore and renew

The Word has been spoken

So humble and broken

We do all in remembrance of You

The Bread has been broken

and all those who know Him

Believe without touching the scars

His death reconciled us,

we live sanctified to

Become what we already are

To Him who loves us and freed us to love

Be glory and honor and praise

All in remembrance of You

In remembrance His body was given for you and for me

Look on the cross and believe

The Bread has been broken

Our eyes have been opened

Oh come, Lord, restore and renew

The Word has been spoken

So humble and broken

We do all in remembrance of You

Oh, all in remembrance of You.

Oh, Jesus

©2005 Willow Branch Music (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management) Rick Cua Music (Admin. by Rick Cua Entertainment) Schparkenmusik (Admin. by Rick Cua Entertainment) Yada Yada Yada Music Hootie Hoo MuAll rights reserved. International copyright secured.CCLI song #4481160

Elders Meeting Minutes

Minutes-Elders Meeting, Central Church, Aug 29, 2007
David Carriger presiding.

We discussed our pulpit minister situation and agreed (again) thatwe are more than pleased with Evan and that if HE wishes to continue we arehappy with him in his current role. He has helped us in a very special wayand we are grateful. Also, many, many members have really "stepped up" inthe last months and met the myriad of needs a congregation our size has.This has been a tremendous encouragement to us.

We are pleased with the quick progress and energy of Nathan in theYouth Minister role. He has initiated a calendar with many good activitiesfor our youth and "hit the ground running."

We all agreed that VBS this year was very well-run and a greatbenefit to our young families and the whole congregation. We commend themany who were needed to make it a success.

Several confidential matters were discussed at length.

Closing prayer -Roger Hamm with mention of many hurting sheep andsick ones.

Respectfully submitted, Jerry Myers

Watch Out for Car Salesmen and Preachers

This story was sent to me recently:

Bob and I happened to show up for coffee at the same time every morning. He sold used cars. Along with other locals, we had enjoyed this routine for over a decade. Another of the dozen or so who gathered for the day's caffeine jump-start was Ken. He was a moody man in his late 40s. Everyone knew everyone and we regularly Howdy and How are ya'd one another. The coffee version of Cheers is duplicated across America as an important thread of society.One morning grouchy Ken announced for all to hear, as Bob I were perched to his far right at the end of the counter, There are two kinds of people I can't stand: car salesmen and preachers. Whoops! I may be slow, but I think I just got busted. I looked at Bob and whispered, That's the first time I've ever heard that. How about you?, and we both smiled. I had studied Ken for some time. I really liked the man, but he seemed to live on irritability's edge.

A few days later we were the only two in for coffee; Ken sitting in the center of the row along the counter and me at my usual residence at the end of the horseshoe. It occurred to me what was eating at him. His misery dangled from his sleeves. As I moved over beside him, he muttered some acknowledgement of my presence. I said, Ken, I know what's wrong with you. Oh, yeah? What? I've figured it out. You are afraid to die. There was slight pause and then, covering his face with both hands, Ken gushed into tears. He bawled like a baby.Ken poured out his heart informing me of severe heart abnormalities and, indeed, he was scared. We had a lengthy conversation as I assured him I understood. He simply needed someone to listen; whether it be a car salesman or a preacher.

Two weeks later a sixteen year old boy called my house. Are you Mr. Rush? inquired the young man. Yes. Well, I'm calling because my dad's name is Ken and he just died of a heart attack. The other day he came home from coffee and told my mom that if anything ever happened to him, he met this preacher at the coffee shop that he really liked and he wanted to do his funeral. Would you help us? I gladly assisted the family and officiated at Ken's funeral.

Each of us possesses embedded fears. Most revolve around impending death. Everyone needs someone to care. Advice may not be sought as much as a compassionate ear. We live in wonderful; yet, complex times. Ultimately, even the most boisterous against their perception of religion are afraid to die. Unfortunately, they've sawed off all the God-limbs. Ken wasn't mistaken. Car salesmen and preachers are an odd sort. But don't let us keep you from researching the authentic hope found in the man named Jesus. We men may mislead. He can be trusted.

How's Your Coffee Today?

A group of alumni, well established in their careers, decided to visit an esteemed university professor, now elderly and retired. During their visit conversation evolved into complaints about stress in their work and lives. The professor offered his guests coffee. The professor returned from the kitchen with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, and crystal. Some were plain looking and others were fancy. The professor urged the group to help themselves to the coffee. When all held a cup of coffee the professor observed, "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups have been used while the plain and cheap ones remain.

While it is understandable for you to want only the best for yourselves, that demonstrates the source of your problems and stress." "Be assured," he continued, "that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases a fancy cup simply is more exclusive and may obscure what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup. But you consciously went for the best cups... and then you began eyeing each other's cups." "Now consider this: Life is the coffee.
Your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools that hold and contain life. The type of cup one has does not define, nor change the quality of life a person lives. Some times, by concentrating primarily on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." God brews the coffee, not the cups... Enjoy your coffee! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Spend time with God over your coffee.

Leadership

Calvin Miller wrote in The Empowered Leader the following:

"Please remember that great leaders are not those who have worked their way up to personal confidence. Nor do they see themselves as God's ready achievers in this world. Spiritual leaders only appear to be giants to others. To themselves they are in desperate need of God."

Craig's New Home

These are pictures of Craig's new home in New York City.

Quote of the Day

Whether famous or common, the Spirit of God will work from the hearts of men and women who will trust Him over themselves.

Fishing Update

I have had a few ask me about my fishing escapades this summer. I picked up a new hobby around Father's Day when my boys gave me a fishing pole and gift certificate at Debbie's Bait Shop in Quenemo.

I wanted to catch catfish for our annual "4th of July Family Day" so I started the process this summer. Our neighbor had been providing us with catfish fillets but being the "strong male food provider who wants to do it all by himself" felt like I could provide the fish.

It has been an enjoyable and successful summer. I usually go out in late evenings once a week and maybe early Saturday morning before breakfast. I have caught several good size catfish and have really enjoyed the quiet, peaceful experience. My brother and niece also join me on Saturday mornings. After fishing we always head for Green Acres for breakfast.

I have read a lot about catfish and fishing this summer, but hate to admit it, I have my own way of doing things.

Many times we have that same mindset when it comes to those things God demands of us. We do what we want to do not what he tells us we must do. It's that selfishness and self-centeredness that we constantly battle.

Leaving Your Youngest Behind

We returned late last night (flight delay) after our trip to New York City to take Craig to FIT. We had a great time in New York City staying with Jeff and Santhi.

We enjoyed our time with Craig Saturday and Sunday before telling him goodbye late Sunday afternoon after Church. He is busy with orientation and getting acclimated with college life in a big city.

Tough to leave your youngest in the big city, but I know God will keep him safe and he will be a blessing to a city that needs a smile and a kind word.

More later.................

New York City

Please keep us in your prayers as we leave for New York City early tomorrow morning. Craig is very excited to start school at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan next week.

Mom and Dad are excited for him but nervous about leaving our "baby boy" in the Big Apple!

Remember our college kids and parents as they are traveling this weekend.

Back to School Prayer Night (Part 2)

The Back to School Prayer Night was well attended last night. Thanks to Scott and Angie for getting things organized and all those who participated.

These were my thoughts last night as I challenged our young people and Central Family:

At Central we have placed a high value on our children. We believe as a Church family we have a responsibility to pray for, teach and nurture our children, and to equip parents with the Christian principles to raise their children to become Christians themselves who can truly make a difference in their world.

That is very difficult in the world in which we live. Our kids are bombarded by all segments of society. It’s worse today than ever before.

Nine years ago, Evan had a dream for a Back to School Prayer Night for the Central Church. A time to pray for our young people, teachers and staff as they head back to school for the new year.

Since then we have come together as a Church family to pray for the new school year. To encourage our kids and teachers/staff and challenge them to live Godly lives in their schools.

God’s Word challenges us to do this.

I also want to challenge the Central Church this evening in 4 ways:

1. Pray for our kid’s daily
2. Support our kids throughout the year
3. Communicate with our kids and get to know them
4. Look for ways to reach out to our kids this year

This evening is really a moment of dedication, much like Hannah dedicating Samuel:
Samuel's Dedication - " 'After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord and he will live there always'. Hannah took the boy with her and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh . . . 'so now I have given him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.' And he worshiped the Lord there." (1 Samuel 1:22, 24, 28).

Jesus was dedicated to the Lord in Luke 2:
Jesus' Dedication - "When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord." (Luke 2:22)

Dedicating children to the Lord is a beautiful act symbolic of the Lord taking the children in His arms. "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these . . . and He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:14 & 16)

That’s what we are going to do in just a few moments is to ask for God’s blessing and deliverance on our kids and our school staff for this new year.

Kids your responsibility this year is to shine your lights, be that positive influence for God. You can do that by showing Christ in all that you do.

In your talk, in your actions, in your dress.

Remember what you have learned this summer about transformation. Metamorphosis. Changing into a better person, a better friend, a better Christian. We want to be the very best that we can be in everything that we do. Because we represent Jesus Christ.

So this evening kids we are dedicating you to our Lord. As you take your Light to a dark world.

May God richly bless you and protect you this new school year.

Back to School Prayer Night

One of my favorite events of the year is our annual Back to School Prayer Night. A special evening where we as a Church Family pray for our kids, teachers and staff as they return to school this week.

I hope everyone can make it out to the Gage Park Shelter House this evening at 6:00 p.m. as we pray for a successful school year.

Minutes--Elders meeting, Central Church of Christ August 8, 2007 In attendance: Max and Prisca Dauner, Twig McBroom, Rex Allen, Roger Hamm, Jerry Myers, Gary Souder
Scripture: Colossians 1 Prayer: Rex Allen \ Most of our meeting was spent with an update and Missions report from Max and Prisca Dauner on their work in Marseilles, France. They are making great strides with YOUNG people! This is so rare in the culture and religious climate that is France in 2007. One principle they use constantly is to listen and learn before they try to evangelize. They have established a credible, authentic voice for Christian teaching, even among a number of Catholic priests.

They report their son Phillipe has been named asst Chaplain at a large hospital in Marseille. They stated, "we believe God takes a long-term view of things; we realize we may not live long enough to see the fruits of our work." They are making great strides in their neighborhood (Marseille has a population of 1.5 million) and among the Muslim population.

Prisca has written 200 songs for their chorus. This chorus has been a dynamic evangelism tool, with many first-time visitors attending to hear the performances.
Max and Prisca will become foster parents to two children (ages 17 and 10) when they return home. These childrens mother is dying of cancer. They reported on their financial situation and we will be discussing this more in the weeks to come.

They request their email address be given to the congregation as an efficient way to keep in touch. The email addresses are faxbymax.net and/or max.dauner@wanadoo.fr
Twig is settling in and is grateful for the household items some have donated. Remember to invite him to dinner and continue to ask "what do you need?"

Closing prayer--Roger Hamm Respectfully submitted, Jerry Myers

New York, New York

Craig this songs for you...............

New York, New York
(Ebb-Kander)

Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it,
New York, New York

These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
And make a brand new start of it
New York, New York

I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In old New York

If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you,
New York, New York.

I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In old New York

If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you,
New York, New York.

Them

This came from Terry Rush the Senior Minister at Memorial Drive in Tulsa:

There are two kinds of sinners: both are ruined. One knows it while the other is clueless. Both, however, are wreckage in need of the blood of Jesus. Guilty, ruined, and broken are not at all what I expected to surface as of major importance in ministry. For my first few years my pulpit was more like a fox hole I used to separate me from "them". I would toss sermonic hand grenades at the guilty sort and duck as they returned heavy artillery fire throughout the remainder of the week. I knew one thing: I wasn't like "them".It was a shock to my system to realize I was, indeed, worse than "them". I was forced to park my high-horse at the rail and dismount. My judgment of "them" was not necessarily faulty. My assessment of myself was skewed. The church and I, the brotherhood and I, we were all in this quagmire together. Several things arose to importance when I encountered such a disappointing, yet necessary, discovery.
As Jesus left heaven to experience earth, I needed to leave my self-appointed perch to experience the truth about "us".

It dawned on me how desperate I was for His grace and mercy. In turn the flock was as needy to exchange the same with one another.

I began to notice the beauty of Jesus from this ugly pit. I had never noted his gentleness before.
The Word jumped out with redefined meaning.

I found myself ruined of any defense or explanation. If I am going to breathe in the church I must live; yet not I, but Jesus in me. My proud stance turned out to be a facade and it had been shattered.

Brokenness is what every young leader must experience. Otherwise, he'll live as a thorn to God's people always accusing, always surmising, always judging, always condemning; mistakenly stroking self as to assumed importance.

If you still find yourself believing the brotherhood would be stronger if it held values more like you, you are in the way of God's progress. If we are to be of anything good, it has to be because of the lively and effective rescue of Jesus and no other.

Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 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.
May "they" become "us" as "we" can do nothing apart from "Him".

Elders Meeting Minutes (August 1)

Central Church of Christ Elders meeting, Aug. 1, 2007 In attendance….Rex Allen, David Carriger, Roger Hamm, Jerry Myers, Gary Souder

Opening Prayer-Rex Allen

Scripture-David read several Psalms and was touched by the challenge of passing on faith to future generations….arent we all?

Nathan "Twig" McBroom has an apartment and will move in Thursday, July 31 and head out to camp to be with the kids…

We plan to acknowledge the support of Josh Yoho and LeAnn Valerius this Sunday AM

Back to School night Aug. 16 at Big Gage shelter house…

Carl Wheeler has done a super job of organizing Sunday night speakers; this was a reminder of the blessing of having so many talented ones who can fill in in a quality way

Pulpit Minister discussion…we have several interesting applicants, but we 5 are 150% satisfied with Evan and his sermons and the current situation and are NOT going to rush into just hiring someone to say we have a pulpit minister….we have one!!

We will compensate Steven McClelland for all his help this summer.

The Coffeyville Church was very grateful for our congregation generosity of 3265.00. We talked about our unintentional negligence in contacting members with sporadic attendance and pledge to do better. We drafted a statement and will have it read publicly Sunday AM and ask the congregation to forgive us.

Commendations to the Vitts and Goslin families and Richard McClellan from Northside for their diligence in the prison ministry….

We are enjoying the "sticky prayer notes" of our kids posted downstairs.

We all agreed Sunday night 5th Sunday singing was uplifting with praise to Him….


Discussion about "hurting sheep" and there are so many!


Closing Prayer-Gary Souder 10:30PM



Respectfully submitted, Jerry Myers

Change

Randy Harris a Bible Professor at Abilene Christian University recently spoke about reaching the lost and used Jesus as the example of how to reach out in a changing culture of today.

He wrote: First of all we must go where the lost are or in other words, Be There.
Second, be a good listener, really trying to understand others, Be Open.
Third, we have to keep re-understanding the Bible as it applies to changing culture, Be Relevant. And fourth, dare not let what the generations wants determine what our message will be, Be Faithful.

Today people are not much rejecting Jesus Christ as they are Christianity.

My earlier generation had most things worked out and every interpretation was “gospel.” Along came the Boomers and they shook it up. They were moderns. Reason was still powerful with them. Now we have an oncoming culture that plays down reason. I still believe the different cultures and generations have much to learn from each other.

But are there convictions that cannot change to court the oncoming generation? Did Jesus say anything that is not open to negotiation? Are there principles that if surrendered, we no longer have the good news? Is there anything that if we surrender it, we are not only surrendering “Christianity” but also Jesus Christ? Is there anything that if we stand for it may not attract unbelievers, but we must stand for them regardless of the consequences?

As we seriously search to show the relevance of the message of Jesus to any time or place remember that what a generation appears to be in youth may change as it matures.

There will always be all kinds of people in any given culture.

Drawing Closer to God?

Here's what my class said:

To fully rely on him and know that he knows best no matter what.

To feel and seek His presence, grace and love and His help in all matters.

Drawing closer to God means that you accept the wisdom of God. As humans we always want to feel "in control" of circumstances, when you draw closer you realize that drawing closer means surrendering one's human will.

To read and meditate on His word.

When your prayer to God is like He is sitting next to you. When you go to sleep and can almost
literally feel his arms cradling you and stroking your hair in contrast to saying a prayer before
eating or praying quickly before asking him to help you through a meeting you're walking into at that moment.

Focused on what you do while talking to God.

Drawing closer to God means letting go of fear and frustration of this tiny world and taking Him at His word that He will provide. It means waking everyday, and doing the best that can be done in an effort to see His will, follow His direction, and know that what seems a trial now may be what is necessary to be who He needs me to be in His future plans

To feel His arms around me holding me ever closer as a friend would hold and comfort me / cry with me / laugh with me / cherish time with me as I would with my family and friends. I love to see in my mind's eye a picture of Jesus as he laughs with and comforts people.

For me to draw closer to God on a daily basis I have to consciously think about the blessings he gives me daily. From protection to provision he is the one I have to acknowledge and be thankful for.

I'm grateful we can all take time to draw closer to Him and thank him for our inheritance he extends to each of us.

Welcome Nathan

Central would like to welcome our new youth minister Nathan (Twig) McBroom.

May God bless his work!

Church Phones

Church Phones

A man in Topeka , Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the minister he asked about the phone and the sign.

The minister answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if you pay the price you can talk directly to God. The man thanked the minister and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle , Dallas , St. Louis , Chicago , Milwaukee ,and around the United States , he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each minister.

Finally, he arrived in Oklahoma , upon entering a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time,the sign read "Calls: 35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the minister, "Minister, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"

The minister, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Oklahoma now...... It's a local call."

Ever Lose Something?

Last Tuesday evening after 56 holes of golf, Bubbas ribs and a walk around Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Debbie and I returned to our motel room. I began to clean my golf clubs and realized something just wasn’t right. I was missing a special golf club. My pitching wedge was gone. Life was over as I saw it. I couldn’t golf anymore this week without my wedge. What was I going to do?

Just then, I realized where it was. It was 12 miles away setting on the 9th green at Carroll County Country Club. I forgot to pick it up after pitching on to the green.

My heart started to race. I had Debbie try to call the clubhouse. No answer. They were closed. I decided to drive back to see if I could find it.

The drive seemed forever as I drove into Berryville. When I got there around 9:00 p.m. no cars were in the parking lot. I saw a woman coming out of the swimming pool area and asked her if she knew if anyone else was around, she said they had just left. I went out to the 9th green, no club. Then I decided to go around back to the first tee box….guess what I found? My pitching wedge.

Celebration!!!

Maybe I understand Luke 15 a little better after that incident. Something that was valuable to me was lost and I found it.

The widow who lost her coin, looked all over and celebrated after finding it. The sheep that wandered off and was located once again. The son that decided he could have a better life elsewhere and then found out maybe life at home wasn't bad after all. In all these situations celebration occurred. What was lost was found.

At Central we need to rejoice when brothers and sisters come home. We need to be diligent in searching for them and drawing them back to our Savior.

The Church

Growing up as a “Navy Brat” and moving every year to two years all across the United States I was able to see the Church in a variety of different ways. I saw a Church in California that was very informal. A Church that was by far the most evangelistic than any place I have been. Church didn’t take place in the regular building settings all the time. Some evenings we would meet at the park or on the beach and have services. We would have Monday night Bible Classes at a variety of locations around the city because of the drive many had to make. A vibrant bus ministry reaching across all ethnic backgrounds. The community that it created was one that I believe is described in Acts 2: 42-47.

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Souls were being saved daily because of the encouragement and relationships being built from those small group studies. The Church grew not only in numbers but also spiritually.

Then the East Coast was our next stop. A very reserved and extremely fearful church. One that was not accepting to those needing a Savior. One that was more concerned with “getting it right” than reaching out to those that needed to hear God’s word. They were fearful of their own spirituality. Not strong enough in Bible knowledge to truly understand the Great Commission and responsibilities that we have being a Child of God.

Then the Mid-West. Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. My favorite area of the country. A Church that is truly trying to reach out and build relationships with people. A Church that wants to seek God in every aspect of their lives. A Church that practices First Century Christianity.

I have worshipped all over the country at large Churches of Christ with 2000 members to a small country Church with 50. I enjoy the bond that we have in Christ with my brothers and sisters. I didn’t agree with all their practices, procedures but knew their hearts were truly centered on Christ and his mission…to seek and save the lost.

At Central that is our main goal. We want to practice our ABC’s Daily. Accepting those that need a Savior (Romans 15). Building relationships with those inside the Church as well as building relationships with those outside the Church that need Jesus. Then we are committed to serve others in our daily lives. Jesus gave us the greatest example of a servant (Philippians 2).