The Classics

I wish to make a confession. I love to be scared. I love roller coasters, I love haunted houses and I love the classic horror movies. This is the season for a good old classic this week. Here are some of the older classics I love to watch with a good chili dog, Frito's and a diet coke..............

My Top 5 Horror Classics

1. Halloween
2. Night of the Living Dead (Black and White Version)
3. Frankenstein
4. Dracula

5. The Creature From the Black Lagoon

November Sunday Morning Study

Young Professional-College Class
November Series
“30 Days to Live”

What if you learned you had just 30 days to live? How would your life be different? Is it possible to make the most of every day, right now? Join us for "30 Days to Live," as we examine life-changing situations. Once you hear what God’s Word says, you'll never look at life the same.

The Woodpecker Must Go

Technology in 1992

I was sitting in a district technology meeting last week and was thinking to myself how far we have come with technology since I began in Osage City 16 years ago.

I remember the day in 1992 when my computer teacher came to my office when I was the high school principal and told me about a new type of information source called the Internet. She thought it might be nice to have one dial up line for the high school. We would have a monthly charge of $150 just for the one computer. After listening to her proposal and checking out some of the information I decided to take the proposal to my superintendent. At first he said no and thought it was a fad, but a few days later allowed us to try it out for three months.

16 years later; 2 T-1 lines, wireless internet, 500 computers, laptops, Smart Boards, projectors, video, portable labs, palms, textbooks on line, classes on-line, clickers, and at least a $1,000,000 we have come along way.

How about church? Have we progressed as much as the school systems, business and society when it comes to reaching those outside of Christ using new technology and strategies? Or are we using the same old-fashioned ways that we always have in evangelism?

If we don’t make major changes we are not going to be able to accomplish what Christ expects of his church.

We are not living in a flannel graph society any longer.

Are You Thankful?

Dear Church Family:

With this being the beginning of the season of the year to which we pay special attention for being thankful, would you please consider the following question?"What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?"

If you could email me your answer by Wednesday of this week (10/24), your message will appear in our November Bulletin along with your name. I will be looking for 20-30 comments.

Please include your children by asking them for what they are thankful and their name will also appear along with their statement.

The November Central Bulletin in which this will appear will be mailed next week to most of the Central church family plus people who have lived here but have moved away and still want to stay connected with Central happenings.

Looking to hear from you by Wednesday.

Blessings / ra

David

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:3-7).

Have you noticed one of the major themes running through David’s writings? He paints a picture of utter trial and turmoil in his life, yet maintains an internal compass that always points to “true north.” Whereas most of us look for happiness based on external circumstances in our lives, David has discovered a deeper joy grounded in his inner self. Most of us strive for happiness that’s external and temporary. David teaches us to drive towards a place of deeper well-being, where we develop trust and hope in God that extends beyond our external realities.

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, October 21, 2007

Welcome: Rex Allen

Worship Leader: David Carriger

451 Assurance Medley

452
453
454

Prayer:

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-29

365 How Beautiful

478 Nearer, Still Nearer


Lords Supper

Contribution

749 The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 790 Lord, Take Control


Announcements

459 Faith is the Victory


Closing Prayer

At the Cross

Alas! and did my Savior bleed

And did my Sov’reign die?

Would He devote that sacred head

For sinners such as I?

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away,

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—

And bathed in its own blood—

While the firm mark of wrath divine,

His soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done

He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide

And shut his glories in,

When Christ, the mighty Maker died,

For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face

While His dear cross appears,

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay

The debt of love I owe:

Here, Lord, I give myself away,

’Tis all that I can do.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Jesus, keep me near the cross,

There a precious fountain

Free to all, a healing stream

Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross,

Be my glory ever;

Till my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,

Love and mercy found me;

There the bright and morning star

Sheds its beams around me.

In the cross, in the cross,

Be my glory ever;

Till my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,

Bring its scenes before me;

Help me walk from day to day,

With its shadows o’er me.

In the cross, in the cross,

Be my glory ever;

Till my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Beneath The Cross of Jesus

Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand,

The shadow of a mighty Rock

Within a weary land;

A home within the wilderness,

A rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat,

And the burden of the day.



Upon the cross of Jesus

Mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One

Who suffered there for me:

And from my stricken heart with tears

Two wonders I confess,

The wonders of redeeming love

And my own worthlessness.


I take, O cross, thy shadow

For my abiding-place:

I ask no other sunshine than

The sunshine of his face;

Content to let the world go by,

To know no gain nor loss;

My sinful self my only shame,

My glory, all the cross.

The Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.


Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.


See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?


Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Friday Night Lights

For the past 21 years I have attended a Friday night football game in a small Kansas community. I have had great experiences and some not so good. Traveling to the games sometimes is difficult when you battle rain, ice and snow. There have been some great memories. Deescalating upset parents why their son didn't get to play is always a great Friday night experience as a school administrator.

As I think about those 200 football contests I think about many of the kids I have watched play on the field each Friday night. The hard work and dedication they gave to be the very best that they could so the team could have success.

This year Osage City is currently 6-0 and ranked in the top 10 in Class 3A. It has been enjoyable watching this group of senior boys develop their talents and surprise many of their opponents this year. Last week I saw a determination and a confidence that I had never seen before. A belief that we are “good” we can defeat anyone. It wasn’t a cocky attitude it was a confident and powerful belief that we can be successful. It paid off as they defeated Council Grove 42-7.

Confidence. Determination. A positive attitude. Those are keys in trying to be successful in life. Even as a Christian we need to believe that our God will supply every need that we have. That we are confident that He will see us through all the situations in life. And we are to be that positive light for this dark world. The Christian life sometimes is like a football game. Someone is always trying to defeat you and beat you down. We have a God that can help us and assure the utmost victory in life. Salvation.

You Raise Me Up

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

Praising God

When you praise God, what are some of the common experiences or awareness that create the desire in you to praise God? When are you genuinely moved in your heart, your emotions, and your thoughts to declare praise to God? What specifically motivates you to do that?

Losing Weight

Ever feel determined? Want to do something that you know you can do, but it will take work and effort?

April 22 I decided I was going to lose some weight. I got on the scales and it told me it was time to shed about 15 pounds.

No more ice cream, dr. pepper or seconds at meals.

I was determined from that day to lose those pounds.

It was hard work but in less than three months I did it. Since then I have kept it off by staying busy and eating smarter.

Any time we change directions and make a major life change it is a difficult task. It takes work to not resort back to those things that are easy and sometimes “delicious in life” but we know they are not good for us.

Why do we give in and ignore what’s best for us?

Because the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"

Friday Fun

I believe I found my new career after retiring from education.
Could this be a new bowl game? The Toilet Bowl?

Think About This Today

The prodigal son.

Great story.

I love it when someone opens my mind to a new idea about a story I have heard explained hundreds of times! I heard someone say the other day the story indicates that the prodigal did not actually repent--just says he came to his senses.

I have always heard that explained as repentance, but actually he just was looking at his options and chose the best one. He did return to his father, but does that indicate repentance?

Is repentance required for God to welcome us?

Hear, believe, repent, and be baptized was what I grew up understanding.

Does that hold true with this story?

I like new ideas and slants.... makes me think.

The other two parables in that chapter have the word repent in them, but this does not.

Does God's grace require repentance before it can be granted or does it cover us "no matter what?"

Otherwise what does?

He Gave Me A Song

H. Dennis Hogue

March 23, 1942 - September 30, 2007

My heart is a little empty this morning as I write this blog. I lost a mentor of mine this past Sunday morning who was one of my Heroes of Faith in my college and young professional years in Wichita. Dennis was a worship leader, teacher, elder and encourager who reminded people often about the grace and hope that could only be found in Christ.

Dennis taught me about church. The good side and not so good side of dealing with church issues and people problems. The most important thing Dennis taught me was the love for worship. When he led worship you could see his eyes crying out to His Father giving him the glory for being a great and powerful God. How fitting that Dennis would pass away on Sunday. The Lord's Day. A day set aside for worship.

Dennis you will be missed but not forgotten. You Gave Me A Song that I will never forget.

He's Near

Ever felt trampled down by the world?

I have been comforted by these words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

God reminds me...He's near.

The Beauty of Worship

Jonathan Wilson writes,

"The reason we can casually assert and agree that Israel's worship is word centered and image (beauty) rejecting is because these are the portions of the Old Testament we skip over because we find them boring.

The care, precision, and standards of excellence recorded in those passages make it clear that God cares about the beauty of our worship. Indeed, beauty here really represents a call to excellence in our worship of God.

But this excellence must be crefully developed from an understanding of worship as a practice that embodies the aim, goal of the church, constitutes a community, seeks internal goods, and extends our conception of what beauty means for the church.

In a world obsessed with distorted notions of beauty and a church whose members are often wounded by those notions, the church must not deny the importance of beauty but must transform the meaning of beauty by the practice of it's worship."