Won't You Be My Neighbor?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?Could you be mine?...

I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.
So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?
Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?

Fred Rogers wrote this song for his television show many years ago. It asks many important questions about being a neighbor. On Sunday we will have our annual Friend Day. The theme is Won't You Be My Neighbor? Be in prayer for this special day of worship as we reach out to our friends and neighbors. Our goal is 400 in worship.

A Friend Is...

A friend is...
One who sticks with you no matter what.
One who shares the burden of your heart and life.
One who shares the burdens of their own heart and life with you.
One who tells you the truth - even when you don’t want to hear it...because a real friend only desires your best.
One who laughs with you.
One who cries with you.
One who cheers you on in the race of life.
One who covers your backside in battle...while you cover theirs.
One who loves your family almost as much as you do.
One who continually points you to Jesus.
One who is not afraid to hug you.
One who lavishes love on you but is restrained with their flattering words.
One who desires to take off the masks and walk in intimacy.
One who covers you with respect and keeps secrets well.
One who takes over for you when trauma leaves you helpless.
One who ‘gets you’ and your vision and does not try to quench it.
One who helps you polish the pearls of your heart and never tramples upon them.
One who walks side by side through life, facing all the hurdles with you...holding your hand when you die.
One who is not ashamed of your past...and not ashamed to glorify God with you.
One who is proud to be seen with you.
One who comes to the rescue when rescue is required.
One that is always there with whatever you need...quiet understanding; joy; tears; understanding; faith...one who is ‘there’ like a warm fire on a cold winter’s night.

He Became One of Us

He Became One of Us
by Alan Smith

On February 15, 1921, there was a doctor who performed an appendectomy. The doctor performing the surgery was Dr. Evan Kane who over his 37-year medical career had performed nearly 4,000 appendectomies, so this surgery was not at all unusual except for two things.First of all, this was the first time that local anesthesia had ever been used in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed that local anesthesia was safer than putting a patient completely to sleep. Most of his colleagues agreed with him in principle, but they wanted to see first if it would actually work.So Dr. Kane searched for a volunteer, a patient who would be willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. It wasn't easy to find one. Most people are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.Finally, though, Dr. Kane found a volunteer, and on Tuesday morning,February 15th, the operation began. The patient was prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic was applied. And as Dr. Kane had done thousands of times before, he cut open the tissues and removed the appendix. The patient had only minor discomfort and recovered quickly, dismissed two days later.Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a bravevolunteer, Dr. Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was an alternative, even a preferred alternative.But I said there were two facts that made this surgery unusual. I've told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second unusual thing was the patient -- the patient was Dr. Kane. You see, in order to prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.As unbelievable as that may seem, it is insignificant compared with what Jesus Christ did for us. The Great Physician voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us -- to suffer our pains and feel our fears. Why? So that when you hurt, you will know that you have someone who understands -- your Great Physician -- and you will have confidence to go to him for healing."Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same....For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:14a,18)

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

Psalm 93

Psalm 93

1The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

Unity of the Body

I know God stretched me growing up.

Growing up on the west coast as a “Beach Kid” I enjoyed the lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere that Southern California had to offer. Growing up in the church on the west coast was very different from the church of the mid-west. Devotionals and worship services on the beach, bus ministries that brought in hundreds of inner city San Diego and LA kids on Wednesday nights, no ties, bible study groups that met in homes, more spontaneous worship services where members discussed personal situations that they were encountering in their lives. Having to adjust as a church community with many different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

Then we moved to Oklahoma. A more conservative church and lifestyle. One that I now appreciate more and more. Coat and tie required. Deep bible study and lessons directly focused on God’s Word. Large churches of over 1,000 members very common. Took a little while to get use to the more solemn quiet worship style.

Then I went off to college. York was a little of both. Worship was exciting. Great singing. Emphasis was on praising our Heavenly Father. Small groups were important. Bible study was mandatory. Some of the best people in the world were my teachers: Mabrey Miller, James Hinkle, Tim Woodruff, Mike Cravens. Great men that inspired me as a Christian and showed me what the church could become if we would all work together.

I appreciate the body of Christ. From the “L” Street Church in San Diego to the East Hill Church in York, Nebraska to the Central Church in Topeka. I pray that we will truly become one body. A unified group of believers that focus on each other’s needs. When we have disagreements we don’t talk down about each other, but we love each other and respect our differences and truly appreciate our brothers and sisters for the good they are accomplishing for the Gospel of Christ.

I like the following song that Keith Lancaster wrote about being a united body. It’s my prayer for every church:

Let's Get Together
Words and music: Keith Lancaster, Bill Spencer, and Rodney Britt © 1985 Anthony K. Music (ASCAP)

There are too many Christians
Who don't talk to each other
They're not acting like brothers
They're not loving at all
They' refuse confrontation
They choose gossip and slander
For solutions meander
Well they're in for a fall
We can't keep going on like this every day
Hear what I say

Chorus:
Let's get together
Let's stop the fighting
Let's start uniting
Let's get together
Let's stop the fighting
Let's start uniting

There're too many people
Who don't know the Savior
They see our behavior is not what is should be
So let's get together
No more fussing and fighting
We need love and uniting
To be one family
We can't keep going on like this every day
Hear what I say

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
It's time we stop the fighting
And start giving our love to each other
Oh don't you know that they're never gonna see how we're lovin' our Lord
Unless we're givin' our love to each other

Repeat Chorus

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

"I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23

"And over all these virtues put love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14

Central News

A great day at Central on Sunday as Sarah was baptized into Christ. What a blessing to see an individual give their life to the King of Kings! She will be an encouragement and blessing to all of us at Central.

Leadership Training for Christ kicked off last night for students in grades 3-12. If you were unable to attend the meeting, please see Robert, Debbie or Chris to get more information. Many contribute their time to help our young people as coaches, sponsors and event coordinators. Last year we had close to 100 individuals from Central involved in LTC. If you would like to help with LTC please volunteer for this great ministry.

On one of my favorite web sites this morning I saw the following story about time and schedules:

Have you seen the cartoon of the two little girls at the bus stop, chatting as they hold their personal planners? One says: "Okay, I'll move ballet back an hour, reschedule, gymnastics, and cancel piano . . . you shift your violin lesson to Thursday and skip soccer practice . . . that gives us from 3:15 to 3:45 on Wednesday the 16th to play."

Sad that our lives have been dictated by palm pilots, personnal planners and schedules. The technology and information age has forced our society to run at a rapid pace throughot the day where we don’t have any time to just slow down and talk and visit with friends, neighbors and sometimes even our own families.

Jesus had time to stop and visit with people. In his fast paced life he took the time to meet the needs of others.

On Sunday, October 2, Central will be celebrating Friend Day. A day set aside to invite a friend to worship. Spend some time this week praying for an individual that you would like to invite to worship and class on that day. Then take the time and slow down and visit with that person and allow our enthusiasm and the power of god in our lives to tell them about the great family at the Central Church.

Be in prayer for Friend Day as well as be praying for our friends. Our goal in worship is 400.
May God be glorified in our efforts!

Order of Worship

Order of Worship

Sunday, September 18, 2005


Announcements

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-3

47 Holy, Holy, Holy (Verse 1 and 4 Only)
100 Holy Ground

Prayer

271 Son of Man
176 Lamb of God

Communion
Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

227 On Zion’s Glorious Summit

Message

Invitation 273 More Precious than Silver (Sing Twice)
276 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Chorus Only)

Closing Announcements

528 I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Verse 1 and 4 Only)

Closing Prayer

God Will Make a Way

The following words have meant very much to me the past few years as I sometimes walk the lonely, lonely road of life. The belief and faith I have in the One who can heal and give me peace means more than anything to me. He can make a way!

God Will Make A Way
Words and music by Don Moen
Proverbs 3:6"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. "

God will make a way,Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today.

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

Think Before You Speak

Think Before You Speak
by Alan Smith

One of my favorite quiz shows of all time is "Family Feud." One of the joys of watching it is seeing what people will say when they don't have very long to think. These are some actual answers from contestants who have appeared on the quiz show "Family Feud":

Name a song with "moon" in the title — Blue suede moon
Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers — A horse
Name something that floats in the bath — Water
Name something you wear on the beach — A deck chair
Name something red — My cardigan
Name a famous cowboy — Buck Rogers
Name a number you have to memorize — 7
Name something you do before going to bed — Sleep
Name something you put on walls — Roofs
Name something in the garden that's green — Shed
Name something that flies that doesn't have an engine — A bicycle with wings
Name something you might be allergic to — Skiing
Name a famous bridge — The bridge over troubled waters
Name an animal you might see at the zoo — A dog
Name a sign of the zodiac — April
Name a non-living object with legs — Plant
Name a domestic animal — Leopard
Name a part of the body beginning with 'N' — Knee
Name a way of cooking fish — Cod

You know what the problem is!The answers sound ridiculous, but you know what the problem is: giving an answer in the pressure of the moment and trying to be the first one to blurt out an answer. Yes, we all know that sometimes, the mouth begins to speak before the brain has had time to completely process the question and the answer.

When you speak (or email) without taking time to think, the things that come out of your mouth (or your computer) can be pretty funny. They can also be quite damaging. That's why James warned us: So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Just a reminder to pause for a moment before you speak (or email) to someone today. You just might save yourself some embarrassment and someone else a lot of hurt feelings.


HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is edited by Phil Ware and Paul Lee. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. PO Box 7044, Abilene, TX, USA 79608. Copyright © 1996-2005. Heartlight is supported by Westover Hills Church, Southern Hills Church, and loving Christians from around the world.

Ancient of Days

There are some great new praise and worship songs that have been written the past few years. One of my favorites is Ancient of Days that talks about the God of all Creation. A powerful song about the God of the universe that deserves all praise this beautiful day. May God be your Ancient of Days!


Ancient of Days
by Gary Sadler

blessing and honor,
glory and power
be unto the Ancient of Days
from every nation,
all of creation
bow before the Ancient of Days

every tongue in heaven and earth
shall declare Your glory
every knee shall bow at Your throne in worship
You will be exalted, o God,
and Your kingdom shall not pass away
o Ancient of Days

Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
sing unto the Ancient of Days
for none can compare to Your matchless worth
sing unto the Ancient of Days

A Powerful Sunday

What a great day at Central yesterday. Powerful worship led by Carl and Jim, great bible study and over $12,000 contributed for the relief efforts in the Gulf Coast area. I am sure more funds will be contributed over the next few weeks to help in this great cause.

Last night Central had three services taking place. The regular worship service at Central, the service taking place out at Tall Grass Christian Camp, and the Young Professional Devotional at the Kelly’s. We had 19 at Herb and Alberta’s last night for our monthly YP devotional and fellowship. We want to thank Herb and Alberta for a great time and for the wonderful hospitality. They are great servants and such an encouragement to all of us at Central.

Hebrews 10:24“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”

Face to Face Ministry

The stories that will be written about Katrina will be numerous. Stories of survival, but stories of death and destruction.

We had our first contact yesterday from the authorities that our school district will be getting two students from the Louisiana area. Our Osage City students have been very generous trying to find ways to help. At the football game last Friday night kids were going around seeking donations. Class challenges are occurring. A group of students collecting food items in the relief effort. And now our kids will have the experience to minister “face to face” with kids that were actually involved in this terrible tragedy. Be praying for the children. Many don’t want to leave the Astro Dome in Houston because it’s better than what they lived in. They now have food, clothes and someone that actually cares about them.

Faculty and students at Oklahoma Christian University participated in a special contribution of $75,000 last Sunday at the Memorial Road Church of Christ. Many Central College students participated in this special time of giving. I appreciate their hearts! I look forward to our special contribution on Sunday as we give to those in dire need.

These verses have touched my heart the past week……….

"If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard."
Proverbs 21:13

"Be generous and share your food with the poor. You will be blessed for it."
Proverbs 22:9"

"A good person knows the rights of the poor, but wicked people cannot understand such things."
Proverbs 29:7

"Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9

It Is Well With My Soul

One of my favorite hymns of the 1800’s is “It is Well With My Soul”. A powerful song of hope and peace.

This hymn was writ­ten af­ter two ma­jor trau­mas in Horatio Gates Spafford [1873] life. The first was the great Chi­ca­go Fire of Oc­to­ber 1871, which ru­ined him fi­nan­cial­ly (he had been a weal­thy bus­i­ness­man). Short­ly af­ter, while cross­ing the At­lan­tic, all four of Spaf­ford’s daugh­ters died in a col­li­sion with an­o­ther ship. Spaf­ford’s wife Anna sur­vived and sent him the now fa­mous tel­e­gram, “Saved alone.” Sev­er­al weeks lat­er, as Spaf­ford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daugh­ters died, the Ho­ly Spir­it in­spired these words. They speak to the eter­nal hope that all be­liev­ers have, no mat­ter what pain and grief be­fall them on earth.

“It is Well With My Soul”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

More News on Katrina Relief

The Long Beach church building in Mississippi

BREAKING NEWS

Church members begin to assess losses from Katrina

By Erik TryggestadThe Christian Chronicle
September 01, 2005
Long Beach, Miss., church's facility severely damaged by hurricane

Roger Mills was preaching for a church in Homestead, Fla., when Hurricane Andrew made landfall on Aug. 24, 1992. The storm ripped apart the church’s meeting place before it moved into the Gulf of Mexico, eventually striking Louisiana.Nearly 13 years later Mills watched as another hurricane, Katrina, followed a similar path, dumping water on southern Florida before it slammed into the Gulf coast, threatening the church in Biloxi, Miss., where he currently ministers.The church building on Rodenburg Road may have escaped the fate suffered by many structures in Katrina’s path, Mills said Wednesday afternoon from a hotel room in Birmingham, Ala. A church member who was able to get a call through to Mills reported that only the roof appeared to be damaged.Not so for the church of Christ in nearby Long Beach. Lee Hodges, whose brother, Mark, is the congregation's minister, said that the Long Beach building was severely damaged by the storm. "While the building was not flattened (as earlier reports said), it is likely beyond use," Hodges told the Chronicle Thursday afternoon.Mills said that many of his church’s 85 or so members evacuated before Katrina roared ashore Monday morning. He and other church members were trying to account for them — especially those living in Biloxi’s nursing homes.Dwight Lawson, a member of the Clearview Church of Christ in Texas, said that he planned to load up a truck with supplies and volunteers and head into the affected area this weekend. If they can’t make it all the way to Biloxi, they’ll do what they can where they are, he said.As church members begin the rebuilding process, Mills hopes that the Rodenburg church, if intact, can serve as a staging area for relief efforts in southern Mississippi.Watching disaster strike — in 1992 and 2005 — it seemed like "everything's falling apart," Mills said. But as he and other church members plan to respond to Katrina, "everything's falling into place."Churches across the nation are loading trucks with supplies and preparing to head into the flooded regions in Katrina’s wake:• Workers with White’s Ferry Road Relief Ministries, West Monroe, La., plan to survey the affected areas by airplane this weekend and meet with churches to establish relief centers.• Rapha International, a relief ministry supported by churches of Christ, is shipping medical supplies and equipment to southern Louisiana, Executive Director Ray Hughes said. “U.S. aid is not our normal mission, but we have received too many requests from people around the country to ignore,” Hughes said. “We just can not refuse such a huge challenge and opportunity to serve.”• Relief agencies and church members plan to meet Friday at the South Baton Rouge, La., church to coordinate relief efforts. The church has transformed its Christian Student Center into a hurricane relief center, housing 50 refugees from the storm in its gym, according to the church’s Web site, www.sbrcc.org.• Members of the Centralia, Ill., church plan to use a large, white truck with the words “Fill Me Up” painted on the side to receive relief supplies. Volunteers will drive the truck to the University Church of Christ in Shreveport, La. Church members there will assist in distributing the supplies to affected areas. Centralia member Bill Amason is encouraging other churches to do the same.“Even small congregations can help,” Amason said. “If they don't have enough supplies to fill a truck, then a van will do. The main thing is that we plan to have a centralized staging center that can specifically serve the need of the refugee centers.”• The Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City, is working with WFR Relief, collecting funds and relief supplies that volunteers will deliver Sept. 8, said Community Outreach Minister Micah Hobbs. Church member Drew Barnett planned to leave Oklahoma City at 4 a.m. Thursday to deliver relief supplies to friends and family members in Gulfport, Miss.As churches and ministries begin relief efforts, church members from around the globe are offering prayers and words of encouragement.“We are stunned at the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Mississippi and other places in the United States,” said Abraham Cojo Monney, a minister in the West African country of Ghana. “All we can do is to go to our knees and pray to our father in heaven that he sheds his mercies again for the people.”

Special Hurricane Relief Contribution

As announced yesterday the Central Church of Christ sent $5,000 this past week to help with the hurricane relief. The Central congregation will have a special contribution next Sunday to help with further needs.

The following article comes from the Church of Christ Disaster Relief agency in Nashville:


HURRICANE KATRINA TAKES LIVES & DESTROYS HOMES & BUSINESSES

Churches of Christ Disaster Relief has already sent five trucks, loaded with food, etc.to various congregations north of New Orleans and other cities. These initial efforts are to help the victims, who have fled the flood waters and are staying in other cities near by. We are waiting until we are allowed to go into the areas that are flooded with our semi trucks with food, water, baby supplies, & other needed items. More information will be posted as we make progress. Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Pascagoula, & other cities in MS, New Orleans, LA, Mobile & Gulf Shores, AL, Pensacola, FL, & many other cities have been contacted and help is on the way. Please keep posted to our web site for more details. Details of losses suffered and aid given will be updated periodically. Our many thanks to all of our volunteers and donors, who have helped us to help so many others.

Anyone wishing to donate may send their donations to the following: Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, 410 Allied Drive, Nashville, TN 37211.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, thoughts, and donations!

Finding and Following God's Will

Have you ever asked…
What if I’m not sure what to do?
What can the Bible tell me today?
If the going gets tough, did I make a wrong turn?
What if I missed God’s plan?

I have started reading a new book called Finding and Following God’s Will by Jane Kise. Excellent book that asks some key questions about discovering God’s will for my life. The book takes scripture and real life stories to show how God’s Word can be our road map to a wonderful life of service and ministry.

God is very present in the lives of His people today. He guides us through his Word, through circumstances, through prayer, through people and through the many gifts that he blesses us with.

I appreciated our young people Sunday night giving their summer reports on how God touched their lives. God is ever present, wanting to lead us through the many roads of life, if….we let Him!

Sunday a Day of Hope

This Sunday will be a special day of worship at Central. The Elders have decided to center our thoughts, prayers and worship on the aspect of Hope in our lives. With the hurricane and the many people searching for something to hold on to what better time than to share with our Father the concerns of his people and the search for the real Hope that we need today to make since of this natural disaster.

Be in prayer as we plan for this special day!

Order of Worship
Sunday, September 4, 2005

Announcements
Prayer

Video/Pictures of Hurricane Damaged Area (I Need Thee Every Hour)

Worship led by Josh Yoho
Song (You Are My All in All)
Song (These Are the Days of Elijah)
Song (Father God)

Prayer (Howard Dodd)

“Hope Through the Screams”-Romans 8
Jim DuBose

Song (Thomas Song)

Communion (Steve)
Contribution (Steve)

“Hope for the People”
Jim DuBose

Song (Great is Thy Faithfulness))

“My Only Hope is You”
Jim DuBose

Invitation Song (My Hope is Built On Nothing Less)

Closing Announcements

Announcement of how we can assist next Sunday with a special contribution

Closing Prayer for Hope
by the Elders of the Congregation

Hurricane Katrina (UPDATED)

Be in prayer today for the relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

I have received several blogs from that area and many members of the Church have lost everything.

Be in prayer today for the people and the relief agencies that will be rebuilding this area in the coming months.

Those wishing to send funds directly for relief efforts here are a couple of Church organizations:

Hurricane Katrina
WFR Relief Ministries (2005 hurricane)
3201 North 7th Street
West Monroe, Louisiana
71291

Churches of ChristDisaster Relief, Inc.
410 Allied Drive
Nashville, TN 372111
1-800-541-2841

Heres the latest from the Christian Chronicle Web Site:

New Orleans Elder Appeals for Help
By Bobby Ross Jr.
The Christian Chronicle
August 30, 2005

Church of Christ disaster relief agencies making plans to help victims and seeking donations.
An elder with a New Orleans church appealed to fellow Christians on Tuesday to help those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.Fred Franke with the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ said his family escaped with two days of clothes and essential papers."We, like God's people of old, are in exile, away from our home. Money has already run out for some of our number ... and is running out for others as we speak," Franke said in an e-mail from a Destin, Fla., hotel. Franke said famillies could be allowed back in New Orleans to check their homes in about a week, but then might be forced to leave for a month or two because of a lack of electricity and water."Where many of us had an income or a business that generated an income, many now have none," he wrote. "We absolutely will need help and assistance from every corridor throughout the building of Christ!!"John Dobbs, preaching minister at the Central church, Pascagoula, Miss., wrote on his blog Tuesday that he's almost certain that the hurricane claimed his home."I might entertain some notions of rescuing some items of interest, but between hurricane force winds, rising flood waters, looters and other potentials I haven't even considered, there is nothing left," Dobbs wrote from a public library in Cleveland, Miss., about 350 miles north of Pascagoula. But Dobbs said he was thankful to be with his wife's family. "I am thankful not to be trapped in an attic in New Orleans watching water rise," he wrote. "I'm thankful that I have my loved ones around me. My children are safe. We just have no home."David Hicks, minister of the Carrollton Avenue church, said he evacuated with his family to Anniston, Ala."I have no way of assessing the damage," Hicks said in an e-mail Tuesday. "I doubt that our church building and our home have been seriously damaged. However, we have members all across the city and beyond so I am without doubt that there has been some serious damage to some of the homes of our members."About 120 miles west of New Orleans, members of the Riverside church, Lafayette, La., are opening their homes to as many as a dozen hurricane victims each.“Our community has been inundated with long-term refugees because they can't go home and the hotels are full,” said minister Paul Jones, whose 300-member church is about 120 miles west of New Orleans.Disaster relief agencies associated with the Churches of Christ remained busy Tuesday making plans to send food and supplies to the hardest-hit areas.Joe L. Dudney, executive director of Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort Inc. in Nashville, Tenn., said his agency could distribute items to seven or eight locations from New Orleans to Mobile, Ala.But the biggest challenge Tuesday was finding a route for the ministry's tractor-trailers to get to the ravaged areas.“I've got a truck loaded. In fact, I've got two loaded,” Dudney said. “As soon as I get the 'go' sign, then we're going to start moving. But there's no use in us moving if you've got nowhere to go when you get there.”Don Yelton, director of WFR Relief Ministries of the White's Ferry Road church, West Monroe, La., appealed to church members to send donations to help victims. Yelton said the ministry was working to identify where to send help.“Hurricane Katrina has devastated six states,” Yelton said on the ministry Web site. “It is being billed by the TV news as the most costly with an estimated $9 billion worth of damage and deaths unknown.“Please help us find the churches who need our help and send a contribution if you are able,” he added. “Pray for the people for sure.”In Lafayette, Jones said he expected at least eight hurricane victims to stay with his family Tuesday night. “If I need to, I'll sleep in my office,” he said.Besides opening their homes, members are serving a nightly meal in the fellowship hall and preparing it to house as many people as will fit, the minister said.Jones described the needs as “overwhelming” and the damage east and south of Lafayette as “devastating.” And rising waters in New Orleans could make the situation even worse, he said.“There's a lot of tears and heartache, anxiousness,” he said of the people forced to flee their homes. “There's some anger; just not knowing when they can go back to see the damage is a big problem.”But for the church, the opportunity to help is a blessing, he said.“We've just got such wonderful hearts in this church to help people,” he said. “We want to do whatever we can to help. It just seems overwhelming to us at this point.”

If That Isn't Love

I woke up this morning to the words of one of my all-time most favorite songs dancing around in my head. The song describes the love that Christ has for us. If that Isn't Love. Thank you Lord, for your unfailing love!


If That Isn't Love

He left the splendor of heaven, Knowing His destiny, Was the lonely hill of Golgatha, There to lay down His life for me.

Chorus

If that isn't love; The ocean is dry, There's no stars in the sky, And the sparrow can't fly. If that isn't love; Then heaven's a myth, There's no feeling like this, If that isn't love!

Even in death He remembered, The thief hanging by His side; There He spoke with love and compassion, Then He took him to paradise.

Chorus

If that isn't love; The ocean is dry, There's no stars in the sky, And the sparrow can't fly. If that isn't love; Then heaven's a myth, There's no feeling like this, If that isn't love!

Written by Dottie Rambo

John 3:16

John 3:16
by unknown author.

In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay." The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered.He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16....I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it." She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16. .. ... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

Author Unknown

John 3:16:For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Throw Away the Bones...

Religious Wars are occurring in many churches today. When people disagree, not about doctrine, but over personal opinions and issues, sometimes individuals are attacked, scarred and ridiculed for life.

In the wonderful Blog World, currently, several faithful ministers and brotherhood churches are being attacked based on opinion, nothing about doctrinal beliefs.

A minister friend of mine sent me the following statement recently:

"Some of what we read, and see, and discuss is like eating fish. We need to eat the meat, and throw away the bones."

Maybe we should all be treating each other more that way. Let's eat the meat of brotherly love and kindness and throw out the bones of contention, hatred, and idleness that make useless hurtful discussions part of Christianity.

I am thankful of the peace, joy and love we share at Central. May we all be an encouragement in our daily walk.

Life Without Worship

Many times individuals visiting Central comment on the quality of the singing during worship. Many times we take worship for granted. But worship can change lives. Worship can bring individuals to the CROSS!

"Life without worship is terribly incomplete. It is of the fuller life that the congregation sings. It witnesses, perhaps without knowing it, to a higher reality, a mystery of salvation, a perspective beyond the limits of this life, a glory that is divine. Inside the walls of the church the singing may have been viewed as routine; outside those walls it can strike the depths of an unfulfilled searching soul. What we need as insiders is a vision of the staggering privilege, and the unlimited possibilities, of divine worship".
-John Vriend

A Plan for My Life

The Young Professional Class will begin a study this fall on “God’s Plan for My Life”. God does have a plan for all of us. He wants all of us to join Him in an eternal kingdom of peace and joy.

Peter Tanksley wrote:

If we could see God’s Grand Design
As it wisely unfolds,
Then we could face life day to day
And take the licks and blows.
If we could know God’s plan for us--
Christians always knew it--
Then we’d not flee our post of duty,
But gladly stick to it.
If we have known God’s love in Christ--
If we know his love never fails--
Then that is enough to make us sing,
“We don’t need small details.”
God, help us as we read Thy Word
To look beyond the strife,
To view the Grand Design of Love
Which you’ve planned for our life.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

A Special Moment

My heart was touched last night as 39 young people and sponsors worshipped with the residents at Hearthstone. The Tabitha Class started this monthly service about 5 years ago and it has grown larger each year. Last night was a very special time.

We received word that a special Central Sister was placed at Hearthstone on Saturday. She was having difficulty adjusting and felt lonely and depressed. You would have been so proud of our young people. At the end of the service they got in a circle, held hands and lifted her up to our Father in song by singing A Common Love. The tears rolled from my eyes as well as my heart. That is the community that Jim was speaking about on Sunday morning. A community of believers, that truly care about all members of the body. Thanks Gary for giving us the information so our young people could minister. Robert and Natasha thanks for your leadership of the Central youth group. God has blessed our young people by sending you here.

May God Richly Bless our efforts this week in ministry!

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, August 21, 2005

Welcome

Scripture 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

452 Standing on the Promises (Verse 1 Only)

457 How Firm a Foundation

Jesus, You’re My Firm Foundation

Prayer

Scripture Psalm 117:1-2

18 Faithful Love

How Deep the Fathers Love

Communion
Contribution

Sing during contribution: 790 Lord, Take Control (twice)

2x2 dismissed

513 I Will Sing of My Redeemer (Verse 1 and 3)

Message-Jim DuBose

Invitation: On Bended Knee I Come

Announcements

609 I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord

Closing Prayer

Special Servant Recognition

MOPS Special Announcement

MOPS

The MOPS ministry that started at Central a couple of years ago will begin a new fall session this September.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children. MOPS also encourages and supports moms through resources such as books, the daily MOMSense Radio program, and the MOPS to Mom Connection.

This Sunday after our closing prayer MOPS will have a special announcement for moms interested in being part of this special ministry.

See Shannon Wright for more information.

A Great God

God is very much active in the lives of his people today. Yesterday we attended worship at Quail Springs in Oklahoma City and heard a modern day story of how God was working in a Christian community. When a family was at their lowest level God worked through a church to be a blessing at the right moment in time.

As I was listening to the story I was thinking about Central. How God has worked through the Central Church to bless the lives of so many over the years.

The Family of God at Central has been a great blessing and continues to help and minister within the Central Family as well as to the Topeka Community and around the world in mission efforts in India, France, South Africa and other places.

What can I do this week to minister and allow God to work in the lives of people? God’s love and grace can help so many difficult situations that we feel we can’t deal with and allow us to hand them over to the One that can. He can provide that calm and inner peace that we so desperately need.

“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom” 2 Timothy 4:18

Worship Priorities

What is the most important aspect of worship? Is it singing? Is it giving, communion, scripture, or preaching of Gods Word?

Visiting with members at Central music and prayer usually head the list as elements that we enjoy in worship.

Bamma church research indicates that prayer was the number one most listed element of worship. Listed below are other items from that recent research study:

Necessary elements of worship according to Pastors and parishioners (2002)
*prayer: which nine out of ten pastors and parishioners said was very important to facilitate effective worship.
*communion: mentioned by two-thirds of each group.
*giving money: mentioned by slightly more than half of both groups.
*a "turn and greet" experience: mentioned by half of each group.
*having time for quiet reflection during the service was deemed very important by two-thirds of all adults compared to one-third of pastors who deemed it very important. (2002)
*More than four out of five pastors (84%) said music is very important to facilitate effective worship. However, barely half of the congregants (55%) agreed. (2002)

In assessing the ranking of the ten worship elements studied, pastors rated music second only to prayer, and tied with the sermon, in importance. Congregants, however, rated music in a tie for fifth place, following prayer, the sermon, communion, and a time for reflection. (2002)

All aspects of worship are important. The quality of our worship needs to be a focus in our assemblies. We are talking, praising and honoring the God of all creation! He deserves very best.

Ever Feel Far from God?

Ever feel far from God? The following article came from Campus Ministries on how we can form a better relationship and devotional life with our Heavenly Father. It was written for young people but can be used to even help us “old folks” along our Christian walk.

I Don't Feel Close to God

My devotion time used to be really intense, but now it has simmered down. At times, I feel like God isn't there. And even when I do have my time with God, there doesn't seem to be any passion in it. What should I do?

I want to encourage you to try something I call the 90-Day Experiment. Challenge yourself to spend five minutes a day with God for the next 90 days. When you complete the experiment, I can't promise you'll burn with passion for God every morning. But I do think such a disciplined approach will help you recover a devotion time you won't want to miss.

Exactly what you do during those five minutes is up to you, but here are some ideas to help get you started. A good youth-oriented devotional book may help you break out of some boring patterns. Ask your youth minister for one of the many excellent devotionals out there. Or maybe you are a person who does better if you journal and write out your prayers to God. That's fine. You might try singing praise songs as part of your daily routine. You could even read through the New Testament. Yeah, it might sound overwhelming, but it only takes two or three chapters a day to do it in 90 days.

What I'm saying is this: If what you're doing now isn't working, try something different. Mix things up. Be creative. Sure, it will still require incredible discipline to accomplish the 90-Day Experiment no matter what you do. But breaking out of your old devotional rut will give you the motivation you need to get going again. And I guarantee it will be worth it.

Nineteen years ago, I was feeling just like you, so I challenged myself to the 90-Day Experiment. I've never stopped, and I've never regretted it. Of course, I've missed some days along the way, but that time with God has made a huge difference in my relationship with him.

I've read it takes three weeks to form a habit, and three more weeks to solidify that habit as a lifelong practice. If you successfully complete the 90-Day Experiment, chances are you'll develop a routine with lasting significance. Go for it. Take the challenge. You'll be glad you did.

John's Tale of the Prince of Peace

While large crowds of parents and kids gathered last night (July 16) at bookstores across Wichita awaiting the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the largest crowd may have been at the Northside Church of Christ in north Wichita. The entire congregation turns out every year for a gala party themed around a book of the Bible. This year’s party was to celebrate the release of John’s Tale of the Prince of Peace. Every one attending dressed up as their favorite characters from previous book releases. The crowd joined in friendly competition with Bible Jeopardy and other games to find the most knowledgeable fans. The really hard-core fans participated in a “lightning round” quiz over general Bible knowledge. After all the festivities, parents and kids settled down in the auditorium for a reading of this year’s thriller—John's Tale of the Prince of Peace. It took a little over two hours for the reading, but everyone was on the edge of their seats. When asked how he liked staying up all night to hear about a book of the Bible, a ten-year–old boy said, “It’s really cool. Harry Potter is over 600 pages. The New Testament is only about 500, so my family reads through it once every year. This year’s book was extra neat, because it’s about Jesus. Plus, it’s full of all kinds of exciting miracles, and healings, and demons, and even kind of scary stuff.” As he locked the doors at the end of the party, Steve Tandy, Northside Minister told this reporter, “Sure we’ve got some members who get a kick out of secular books like Harry Potter, but, we realize what’s really important for our kids to read and study. We just love God’s Word around here!”

Associated Press Story
Wichita, Kansas
July 17, 2005

Isabella Grace Andrews

Prayers have been lifted up to our Heavenly Father the past few weeks for little Isabella Grace Andrews. Last night we received word she lost her battle and passed away. The Young Professional Group had just prayed for Isabella and the family as we met for our monthly devotional. We prayed for healing. We prayed for comfort and peace for the family. Instead God had another purpose. He wanted little Isabella now. Last night, her loving Heavenly Father was holding Isabella.

We long for that day to see our God. We long to be held by the one who can wipe all tears away and give us an eternal peace.

Isabella knows that peace and comfort.
May God bless and comfort the Andrews Family.

Saturday 4 the Savior

Remember the old tent meetings from the past? Great singing. Great fellowship. On Saturday, August 6, Central will host Saturday 4 the Savior at our new property on Burlingame Road. The theme will center around the Old Tent Meeting with emphasis on the old great songs that we grew up singing. Food and fellowship will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a cook-out and watermelon. Bring your lawn chairs as well as food to share. We will supply the hotdogs and the watermelon.

No Child Left Behind

Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Back to School Prayer Night Challenge

August is an exciting time for kids as well as for parents. School is about to begin. Parents are buying their kids school supplies, kids are trying on new shoes, they are excited and anticipating another school year. Teachers are excited as well as stressed. They are busy preparing their classrooms for the new students they will have in a couple of weeks.

In January of 2002, President Bush signed a new education law that has changed education more than ever in the past 25 years.

The law is called No Child Left Behind.

This law is for accountability in education.

In Kansas, educators are responsible for the children in each of our schools. The goal is that by the year 2014 each student is proficient in reading, math, science and social studies. If students do not become proficient schools and educators will be held accountable.

In Osage City we have made huge gains in reaching our at-risk students. We have spent several thousands of dollars on programs to help students reach their utmost potential academically.

As we start a new school year we will be pouring all of our efforts into reaching each one of our kids once again. It’s a constant struggle with some but one we are determined to win.

We as educators and parents have certain responsibilities for our kids. But kids you have responsibilities this coming school year also:

1. Work hard (If you want to be successful this school year, work hard)
2. Do your very best (Turn your work in/Study/Be prepared)
3. Be Responsible (When given a task complete it)
4. Respect Others (Treat others kindly-Luke 6:31)

Ever thought about No Child Left Behind as a Christian.

I have the past few weeks.

We have spent billions on education trying to help each student become the very best academically but what are we doing to help No Child be Left Behind spiritually?

Adults these are our responsibilities this school year for our kids here at Central:

1. Pray for our kids (Daily-Our kids face many temptations each day)
2. Watch out for our kids (Danger-help them)
3. Be examples for our kids (Show our kids how to live a Christian life)
4. Encourage our kids (Letters/calls/cards)

The key is accountability. Loving our kids so much that we will help them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We want each one to be a faithful follower of Christ.

Kids here are your responsibilities:

1. Keep God first this school year (Busy with school, activities)
2. Share your faith (Friends)
3. Attend worship, bible class and youth activities (Stay faithful)
4. Pray Daily (Relationship/Talk to your Father)

My prayer for you students as well as teachers and staff is to have the very best school year. Always giving your best in the classroom but most importantly to God.

Graduation is one of the most special events of the year. Watching students pick up their diplomas after 12 years of hard work. Many times I think about the situations they have been gone through and how they managed to overcome, to achieve this special recognition, being a high school graduate.

My degrees are important to me.

But more than diplomas, more than college degrees, being a faithful follower of God is the greatest thing you could ever do in your life.

I challenge our kids to have a great school year. Use the talents God has blessed you with at school as well as here at Central.

Remember we love you, we are here as a family to help you as you begin this new year.

Just One Voice

Just One Voice
by Jim Schinnerer

It was an ordinary Wednesday night. I dropped the kids off at their classes while my wife made her way to the ladies' class. I walked into the auditorium class, not really because I wanted to, but because it was the only place for me to go until we were ready to leave. I wasn't expecting to get much out of the class, but God had other plans.I don't remember what we were studying, only that we looked at the text of Matthew 27 where Jesus is before Pilate.

I started daydreaming a little, and eventually found that God had placed me in a kind of third-party observer role to the events 2000 years ago. I was watching the Jews wanting to kill Jesus and thinking, "Don't you realize who he is? Can't you see?". I thought that surely they would have chosen Jesus over Barabbas to be released. Certainly, I would have chosen Jesus.I was shocked when the crowd shouted to Pilate to crucify Jesus. Wasn't this the same crowd, with the exception of the leaders, that had welcomed him a week earlier with palm branches, shouting "Hosanna", not "Crucify him"? How could they change their minds so quickly? I would have told Pilate that the flogging was sufficient. I could feel my anger starting to rise.When Pilate asked what crime he'd committed, I thought the people would realize that he was innocent and want him released. Instead, as they shouted "crucify him" even louder, my blood started to boil. How could they want to kill God's own son, the Messiah they'd been praying and waiting for so many years, the Lamb of God that we all need?Finally, all I could think was, "Stop! Be quiet!". The crowd kept shouting. "Shut up... Shut up... Shut up!!!", I wanted to scream. Slowly, one by one, the voices stopped as though they could hear my thoughts, until I could only hear one voice shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!".

I couldn't see the man's face, but as I listened closely, I shrank back in horror and in tears when I recognized that the single voice that continued to shout was my own.

Back to School Prayer Night

I am thankful that Central decided a few years ago to have an annual Back to School Prayer Night. What better time to pray for our students, teachers and staff as we begin the new
2005-06 school year. It gives me peace, comfort and encouragement that so many prayers are going up to our Heavenly Father on the behalf of our kids, teachers, staff and schools.

Our kids today endure much more peer pressure than we ever did. With so many societal issues and problems are kids are being bombarded at every level. Keep the Central kids in your daily prayers!

I encourage you to participate in the Central Church of Christ Back to School Prayer Night on Wednesday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. We will meet at the Gage Park Shelter House for a potluck dinner, fellowship and prayer. The theme for the evening will be No Child Left Behind!

Monday Morning Misc

Guess what time it is? Three weeks away. School. I can’t believe how time flies. After a busy summer waiting for the Legislature to finally funds schools for the 2005-06 school year and a short vacation last week with the family we are busy preparing our new budget, working on negotiations and preparing buildings for the kids and staff.

I love August. It reminds me of new beginnings, and kids smiling faces, when they come to school wearing their new shoes and seeing friends that they haven’t seen all summer.

For me it is also an emotional roller coaster. I want everything to be perfect for teachers, staff, students and parents. That’s why several of us work around the clock making sure everything is taken care of so we will be ready for that first day of school.

My Monday prayer for myself and for you is that we prepare our lives spiritually more than we do for the physical aspects of this world. The Treasure Principal has been a great study and one that helps us examine our priorities.

What a great 5th Sunday singing last night! I believe that was the best singing I have heard at Central in years. Thanks Carl for organizing the evening. I appreciate so many, leading worship and using their talents God has blessed them with.

Yesterday morning we had 309 in worship. Lets continue to encourage each other and welcome all those visiting with us at Central. Many are looking for a place to call home!

May God richly bless you this week!

Camp A Success

Last night ended another session of camp for our young people at Central. It was an exciting closing ceremony with a baptism and plenty of great singing. As one of the “old guys” in the audience, I really believe the church of tomorrow is in great hands. Our young people today really want to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. Thanks to so many that had a part in making camp a success. Keep camp in your prayers. The announcement last night about the new Tallgrass Christian Camp is very exciting. Pray for Bill Carriger and the camp board and the others that will be working to bring the camp to a reality hopefully for the summer of 2006.

My Favorite Summer

Favorite Summer Things

1. Golf Trips with My Best Friend-Debbie
2. Family Vacations
3. Ending a Fiscal Year
4. Beautiful Sunrises
5. Gardens (Fresh Vegetables)
6. Cook Outs

Favorite Summer Things Growing Up

1. Church Camp (Palomar Mountain in California)
2. Church Canoe Trips on the Illinois River in Oklahoma
3. Youth Devotionals on the Beach in San Diego
4. Mission Trips to Apple Valley, Minnesota
5. Family Vacations
6. Visiting Grandma and Grandpa

Camp

This week our young people from Central are enjoying themselves at camp. We have about 100 kids and sponsors at two sites. Some of my greatest memories as a young person center on camp when I was in junior high and high school. Friendships and my relationship with God being developed were the special times I remember about camp.

Please keep our kids and sponsors in your prayers this week as they enjoy the nice break in the summer weather.

Anniversary #24

Debbie and I celebrate 24 years of marriage today. It has gone so fast. We have enjoyed each moment together. The great times as well as those difficult situations, it has been such a fulfilling life spending it with someone who loves God more than anything else. I have learned so much from this Oklahoma girl. She will never know how blessed I am to be able to spend my life with such a beautiful and caring person.

My prayer for the Central Church today is a marriage blessing. May God give to you what he has blessed me with the past 24 years. A loving wife, who is the apple of my eye and the most beautiful woman on earth. Thank you God for giving me Debbie!

We hope to celebrate by playing golf together at our favorite course in Kansas City today. Sidenote: It sure is great to have a wife that loves golf more than I do!!

Order of Worship-Sunday, July 24

Order of Worship
Sunday, July 24, 2005


Welcome

4 To God Be the Glory (Verse 1 Only)

718 We Shall Assemble (twice)

435 Come Into His Presence

Prayer

68 Give Thanks

781 Thank You

Communion
Contribution

635 Freely, Freely

Message

Invitation: 429 Oh, to Be Like Thee

Announcements

524 I Know Who I Have Believed (Verse 1 and 4)

Closing Prayer

Thankful

Give me a church that believes the Bible is actually God speaking His mind to me, where this book is preached as the infallible Word, where worship is conducted in a dignified way, where people sing songs that actually teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16) and appeal to the heart. I am so thankful for the Central Church. May God richly bless us as we practice our ABC’s Today!

The Central ABC's Daily

I do several things daily. I get up at 5:00 a.m. and run my three miles. Then I shave, shower, eat breakfast, kiss Debbie goodbye and out the door by 6:30 to start a new day at work. Then it's work related items, a lunch at my desk, a quick dinner at home with the family then back to work, meetings or school activities until late in the evening. Bed time at 10:00 p.m.

We do so many things daily. But do we practice our ABC's daily? Do we dig into God's Word and study and reflect on what He wants us to accomplish with our lives? Do we talk to Him in prayer and communicate our struggles and our words of thanks? Do we practice being a servant? Do we practice daily worship to our Heavenly Father?

Daily is difficult but it makes us better. It makes us better followers and better children of His.

May God bless you in your daily pursuits of Him!

A Man After God's Own Heart?

The Young Professional Class has been examining the Life of David the past couple of months. WhenI dig deeper and deeper into God's Word to look at this Godly Man I sometimes think how he is so much like us today. At times life is great and at other moments David messes up big time! The following article was sent to me last week about this Hero of Faith:

There are a few things that I think make David a man after God's own heart. He was far from perfect, and one of the things I love about the Bible is that the writers refuse to gloss over his character flaws. He was deeply troubled and dysfunctional. He had eight wives, 11 concubines, rebellious children, adulterated relationships all over the place.But he only had one God.Unlike most of the other kings in Israel's history, David never bent his knee to a false god. He never went over to Baal or Asherah or Dagon. When he failed (which he did often) he took his regret and his brokenness to one source: YHWH. When he was confused or afraid, he did not seek refuge in the gods of the Philistines or Moabites. He went to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. At the end of his most famous poem David wrote, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6b). Usually, we think of this line as if it refers to heaven and eternity. I'm not sure that's what David had in mind. Maybe David was an old man when he said those words, with a long, gray beard and a wrinkled face. Maybe he remembered when he was young and handsome, and that weird old man, Samuel, poured oil over him and said the mysterious words that started it all. Maybe he remembered how on that day, so many years ago, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Maybe he remembered how he decided when he was a young man -- the way young men do -- that when he was king things would be different. He'd get things right. Sometimes he did, and sometimes he didn't. But he stayed in the house of the Lord. He did not write, "I hope I will stay there" or "Maybe I'll stay there." He said, "I'm staying in the house. I'll make a mess sometimes. I'll spill stuff on the carpet and knock over lamps and break expensive things. It will be a pain having me in the house, but you're going to have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."That may be why one reason why David is known as a man after God's own heart.

My Youth Minister Judge

There have been several individuals that have made an impact on my spiritual life during my Christian Journey.

One that I want to lift up to God in prayer today is a man named Judge Morris. Judge was my Youth Minister when I moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1977. Judge was hired the same month that my family moved to BA from San Diego. I became close friends with Judge as he mentored and developed my leadership skills in the youth group. He encouraged me to lead singing, give talks, lead devotionals and participate in mission trips. He encouraged me to think about a full time position in ministry when I went to college. He encouraged me as a student and as a basketball player and always attended my games in high school. Judge was my mentor. He was the one that we all looked up too because he cared and loved us so very much.

Judge left Broken Arrow after several successful years and then became a pulpit minister in the Tulsa area before he found out he had cancer. Judge and his family returned to Broken Arrow several years ago where he worked in a variety of occupations. Judge has battled his cancer for so long. He has undergone some terrible times and had many ups and downs but whenever we went home to Broken Arrow, Judge was always there hugging on us, encouraging us and so proud of our accomplishments not only professionally but most of all spiritually. Judge has returned just recently to full time ministry as the pulpit minister at the Carbondale Church in Tulsa.

Judge will never know how much I appreciated having him as my youth minister. He helped me through the good times but also the difficult times growing up. Thank you Judge for being my Apostle Paul, for being my older brother who showed me the way to Jesus and to the heart of God. May God bless you in your continued health difficulties. Please keep Judge and his family in your prayers. May God richly bless this special servant!

Canada

Our young people head off today for their much anticipated Canada Mission Trip. They will be conducting a Vacation Bible School at Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Please keep our kids and sponsors in your prayers for safety as they travel and for a successful VBS. They will return on July 18.

Something To Look Forward To

I need a vacation! It has been a long year dealing with school finance issues, politicians, No Child Left Behind, state assessment scores, personnel issues, hiring new staff and budgets. In a couple of weeks the family is off on a much needed vacation. The boys have been working long hours, Debbie has projects going on around the house, we need time to revitalize ourselves so we can begin another school year in August. We are looking forward to some quality family time.

As Christians we have something to look forward to that is the ultimate dream vacation! An eternity with God. Heaven will be the ultimate 24-7 worship experience. I look forward to a time that I can praise our Heavenly Father and not get tired. I won't be hungry. I won't have any place to get to. No phone calls. No schedules or deadlines to meet. No need for a watch. No meetings! I look forward to the day when God's people can praise Him for an eternity.

The Central ABC's #3 Committed to Serving

A good friend of mine said something the other day that has stuck with me as I have reflected on the words. He said, "I don't like everyone I come in contact with but I do love God and will serve the people I really don't care much for because of the love I have for God".

Hard to admit but sometimes Headhunters are not the only ones that get fed up with people! Sometimes it is hard to serve others when we are busy with family obligations or work demands. Sometimes its difficult to serve when we just don't care for somebody that much.

But what would Jesus do? He washed feet. The King of Kings humbled himself and washed the disciples feet because he wanted to teach them the heart of serving others.

Jesus then paid the greatest price in giving His life for us. That is a toal commitment of serving others for an eternity.

So next time, when you are asked to help with a specific project or when someone needs assistance, will you give your time and effort to serve? What would Jesus do?

4th of July Blessings

The 4th of July has become a special family gathering for the Carriger Clan. We have enjoyed being the host for our get together the past several years. We enjoy golf, food, fireworks, worship and laughing at stories of the past as we reminisce about some great family experiences. My family refers to me as the Clark Griswold of the family (Christmas Vacation). I don’t know why, but I love for everything to be perfect for the special weekend we all enjoy.

Sometimes I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. How Martha was so busy in preparation that she forgot the most important thing enjoying the company of her special guest, Jesus.

This 4th of July enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, but don’t forget wherever you travel, spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father, thanking him for the freedom that we have and the special blessings he gives us each day in this great land called America!

Order of Worship-Sunday

Order of Worship
Sunday, July 3, 2005

Welcome

8 Let Every Heart Rejoice and Sing

238 You Are the Words and the Music (Sing Twice)

Prayer

273 More Precious Than Silver (Sing Twice)

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Communion
Contribution

Sing these songs during Contribution:

790 Lord Take Control
694 Servant Song
693 Heart of A Servant
694 Servant Song

2 By 2 Class Dismissal

666 I Am Thine O Lord (Verses 1 and 4 Only)

Message

Invitation 768 Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You

Announcements

705 A Common Love (Sing Twice)

Closing Prayer

The Central ABC's #2 Building Relationships

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
written by Peter Scholtes additional words and music by Carolyn Arends
© 1966 by F.E.L. Publications, Ltd./ASCAP (1925 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025)

This song is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our doctrine, but by our love. This was a favorite of our Broken Arrow youth group in the 70's.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love.

Love is patient, love is kind. Never boasts, not full of pride. Always hopes, always trusts. The evidence of Christ in us.
This is my commandment that you love one another that your joy may be full.

The Central ABC's #1 Accepting Christ

I appreciate Jim's lesson on Sunday about Accepting Christ. The first ABC in our new Central Mission Statement. Accepting Christ is the most important thing we can ever do in our lives. I became a Christian in 1974 when my uncle baptized me and my brother Steve on a hot Sunday afternoon in front of about 70 family members at the Augusta Church of Christ in Augusta, Kansas. What a feeling I had on that day. But with that decision brought responsibility. I have not always lived up to that commitment, but thanks be to God for the grace he gives me through Jesus, I try my best to live the way He wants me to live, trying to be a light to a dark world.

Accepting Christ means giving of one self. I appreciate the hearts of the Central Family as you give each day to help serve one another as you glorify our Heavenly Father! I encourage you to be that light, be thankful for the gift you received on that special day when you accepted Christ.

A Busy Family!

This weekend was a busy time for the Central Family. From
weddings; a member moving across town; to a time of prayer and reflection.
It was a great weekend. A weekend of worship and a time to practice our ABC's (Accepting Christ, Building Relationships, Committed to Serving). It was a weekend where many former members were back to visit. From Cherryvale, Kansas to New York City. It was a weekend to welcome back our South African Mission team from a successful campaign. It was a weekend where several braved the heat to work on Tallgrass Christian Camp. It was a weekend that saw the first baptism out at Tallgrass. The weekend also saw our teens return from Camp Zenith and our kids leave for Camp Impact. A busy family! A busy summer! Can’t wait to do it all again next weekend!

Heart of Worship-Generation X

The following article was written by Dr. Randy Gill a former Professor of Music at Pepperdine University. He is now a Worship Minister in Nashville.

Heart of Worship-Generation X
by Randy Gill

“They don’t think like we do.”

After what had felt like an endless semester, the syllabus I had prepared for Music Appreciation still looked good to me. It was the first time I had taught this particular course in twenty years and things had not gone well. I had approached the material much like I had when the class had been a campus favorite two decades before. But something had changed. I could feel it. For some reason the course just wasn’t connecting with students like it once had. I wasn’t inspiring them. I was putting them to sleep.

The organization of the material seemed fine. Things flowed logically from the fundamentals through the periods. Melody led to form. Renaissance moved easily into Baroque. It was linear and well put together. It made sense. At the end of the semester we even spent a few weeks on the music the students loved most – rock, jazz, the blues. It seemed perfect. Why wasn’t it working?

“They don’t think like we do.”

Like most teachers I had heard the experts say, “students today aren’t like they were twenty years ago.” In seminars and workshops I’d heard about the post-modern preference for “nonlinear” thinking. “Gen Xers aren’t interested in neat rows,” the journals said. “They don’t necessarily move from point A to point B. They’re interested in a holistic experience not a progression of carefully structured facts. I had listened politely. I’d even thought about making a few changes. In the end, though, it just wasn’t worth the trouble. The syllabus had worked fine before. Why wouldn’t it work again? Yet here I was, at the end of a long and frustrating semester, haunted by a familiar phrase.

“They don’t think like we do.”

Perhaps the experts were right. As much as I loved the logic and symmetry of my class, maybe it was time for a second look. So the next semester I threw the old syllabus away and started over. I tried to picture loosely connected blocks instead of a straight line. On Tuesday we’d talk about Beethoven. Thursday we’d listen to Elvis. Chronologically they had nothing in common but both were musical and social rebels.

I have to admit, at first, it felt like a stretch. We were covering the same material but it looked so disorganized. I worried about what other teachers might think hearing Bach coming through the walls one day and Jimi Hendrix the next. But eventually an amazing thing happened. The students, who had seemed so dead the semester before, came to life. They began speaking out in class. They seemed interested and glad to be there. Their test scores went up. And after a while I found that my own enthusiasm for the class was growing. Changing my paradigm had forced me to look at the subject and at music in a new way. I saw connections and relationships I’d never noticed before. I spent less time talking about the symphonies of Mozart and more time listening to them. I discovered that if my students began to love a piece of music, they were more interested in who had written it and how it was put together. It wasn’t like the Music Appreciation course I’d taken in college. It didn’t resemble the course I’d taught twenty years before. But it worked.

Think for a minute about the worship times at your church. How much do they resemble my original syllabus – linear, structured, carefully organized? Are they packed with information? Is there room for spontaneity, for mystery, for surprise? Do people leave having experienced the power and majesty of a mighty God or are the preacher’s three points the most memorable part of the service? Have we thought at all about the growing number of post-moderns sitting in our assemblies?

I grew up with the words “decently and in order.” In 1st Corinthians 14, Paul uses that expression while scolding a church whose assemblies had gotten out of hand. I was taught that Paul’s words ought to guide our worship today and I still believe that. In our efforts to be orderly, though, it is easy to create a kind of rigid, unofficial liturgy. Our “order of worship,” from opening song to closing prayer, is often so predictable that any variation is likely to upset people. What do we do, then, about this generation that doesn’t relate to the formulas and outlines of the past? Generation X has come of age. But will they come to our churches? Will our own children stay? Are we inspiring them or are we putting them to sleep? They’re looking for God. Will they find Him in our comfortable routine? It’s time those of us who are older realized.

“They don’t think like we do.”

Struggling with God in Prayer

Did you know it is okay to struggle with our Heavenly Father in prayer? Paul said of Epaphras that he “labored fervently” for them in prayer (Col. 4:12). The two words are translated from one Greek word—agonizomai—and I think you can see our word “agonize” in it. It is defined as meaning to struggle.

It may well mean that as far as we are able to see God not acting as we hoped he would. It is especially relevant when we, or our loved ones are very sick, and perhaps told that the illness is terminal.
It also is relevant when our concern is for a great cause. We have many great causes before us at Central. Are we laboring fervently, struggling, agonizing, in prayer to see them come to pass? Should we even begin prayer groups and assign them to agonize, struggle in prayer over given efforts and ministries to spread God’s Word in Topeka?

A Special Day of Recommitment

On behalf of the Central Elders I would like to thank so many for the encouraging words after our worship on Sunday morning. Many talked about recommitting and trying to be a better servant, a better husband or wife, a better father or mother a better person. It’s our prayer that we all become more committed to each other and to the Central Family. Be praying today for our congregation as we practice our ABC’s Daily!

At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily:
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving

Godly Men

One of my favorite songs that I learned several years ago at a Promise Keepers Rally was the song Godly Men.

This is my prayer for dads on this Father’s Day:

Godly Men
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
Though we know we sometimes stumble, may the promise we strive to keep,
Be to honor you with all our hearts and to worship at your feet.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men.
As we enter in this covenant, we will seek your holy face,
To become men of integrity, protected by your grace.
Lord as we enter in, we pledge to live, as godly men.
Lord help us turn from sin and begin again, as godly men...Amen!

Happy Fathers Day

My Dad has taught me so much throughout my life. I appreciate his love and encouragement that he has given me. His work ethic has challenged me to be the very best at what I have chosen to do. Thanks dad, for never doubting that I could make it. Thanks for being there "cheering me on" each step of the way.

"What Makes A Dad"

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

~Author Unknown~

A Question for Today-Recommitment

Can you identify a point in time when honest reflection caused you to really question whether you were truly committed to Christ? If you said yes, please think about who or what helped you through this transitional stage of your faith in Jesus Christ.

In a survey Christian college students were asked to tell how and why they recommitted themselves to Christ, and to describe the times they struggled with serious doubts about their faith. Below are some of the results from the survey:

*As I went forth as a new Christian I found that old friends alienated me because I wasn't interested in the same things anymore. Through my youth group, though, I found new friends to hold me accountable and remind me that God wouldn't let me fall away.
*Before I was baptized I doubted my salvation because I was doing things that weren't Christian. I prayed to God and relied on him to help me through this time.
*Being surrounded by committed Christians in my youth group made me question if I was living out a true Christian walk. After recommitting my life to Christ on a youth retreat I began to grow in Christ.
*During my parents' divorce I was unsure why I was going through all these troubles. I felt that God had abandoned me. Through talking it out with my youth minister he helped me to focus my trust on the Lord.
*For a year after becoming a Christian, there was no evidence of spiritual fruit. After a second summer at camp listening again to the sermons and the gospel, I was both comforted and recommitted by and to my faith. The next year I began to grow in Christ.
*I am still struggling with my walk with Christ.
*I asked God to become real to me. I fasted and prayed until he did.
*I had made a commitment to live for Christ the previous year in my life. Over the next year I destroyed my promise to God. Luckily God worked in my life to reconcile our relationship, and he drew me into his arms once again.
*I have doubted before, but it was because of Satan putting thoughts in my head like "A Christian could never have thought or done that." I didn't understand that I am still a sinner, even though I'm saved.
*I was at a secular college and I really was struggling and a person was brought into my life who I believe was sent by God to help me figure it all out.
*No–however I constantly question my beliefs and those of others to figure out what is really true to me. I think it is healthy to dig into your beliefs because there are a lot of people that don't know why they believe certain things.
*When I began my freshman year at college I felt that I had back-slid a lot. My life was out of control and that is when I had to ask myself if I truly believed in him. At that point everything began to change because I truly did believe in him.

Do you remember a moment in time–perhaps almost as personally significant to you as your conversion–where you would say that your commitment to Christ was especially launched or solidified? During the next few days think about your initial commitment that you made to Christ. Are you still as committed?

God Ever Talk to You?

God has been talking to me quite a bit lately. Everywhere I go He is there with the same message. When I get up at 5:00 in the morning and head out for my daily three-mile run of beautiful rural Osage City He is speaking to me. When I head to the office He is speaking to me. As I work at my desk and interact with people during the day He is there speaking the same words. You want to know what He is saying to me?

He is telling me I need to recommit. David, you need to prioritize and change some things in your life. You need to be a servant, you need to slow down and appreciate what I have given you. Do you even know what that is?

For the past several weeks, us elders have prayed and prayed about recommitting to God and to the flock at Central. We feel now its time to take the next bold step.

Please be praying for us as we communicate to you the Central Family what God has been touching our hearts with for the past several weeks. Be praying for Sunday, June 19. We are excited as the day approaches but also a little apprehensive to stand before God’s people with a new challenge and vision.

VBS Week at Central

Central looked like a Construction Zone last night as Vacation Bible School began. The theme this year is "Construction Zone-Building Character like Jesus". What better theme than to highlight how Jesus lived.

The kids were excited last night and look forward to a great week.

All of us are a work in progress as a Christian. Each day we can decide to improve or live a selfish lifestyle. It takes real commitment on our part to live like Jesus. I am so thankful we have a God that loves us and is patient as we grow into the likeness of his Son.

I appreciate the teachers, staff and others involved in VBS. The efforts that you make for our kids are ones that will last an eternity.

The Trouble with Traditions #4

Closing Prayer

There is very little in the Bible about how the assemblies are to be structured or conducted. We do have one Scripture where we are told that after Jesus and the disciples had taken the Lords Supper they sang a hymn and went out (Mark 26:30).

The Church of Christ has traditionally ended its service with a closing prayer. I feel that’s a great tradition. What better way than to send God’s people out asking for His protection and safety. But would it be wrong to end with a song or a word of encouragement?

Many times after singing “Lord Be With You Till We Meet Again” or “God Will Take Care of You” that would be a great way to end the service. Or, maybe a word of encouragement, from God’s Word, as we are challenged to be God’s Messengers during the coming week.

Rain, Rain Go Away

I truly believe I might know how Noah felt when he saw the rain falling down in Genesis Chapter 7. We have been drenched the past four weeks here in Osage County with over 15 inches of rain. Last night was the first time I can ever remember having a board meeting and having to leave our weather radio on the entire time. The alarm went off every three to four minutes. It was difficult getting home with several roads closed.

After several inches of rain it is still hard to imagine a rain that was so severe that it could destroy everything on the face of the earth. God was so displeased and disappointed with the people He created that it was the only way to get their attention.

What has God done to get your attention lately? I appreciate a brother in Christ that I look up to and always encourage me every time we get together. He reminds me that God is always performing and working in events and in lives to remind us that He is ever present and concerned about us spiritually.

So today, when the rain begins to fall and you are up to your knees in water, look around for God. He probably has a message for you!

That's Why We Praise Him

New music sometimes touches the heartstrings of people. Sometimes we sing an older song so much the meaning of the words disappear. Below is a new song that we introduced to the Central Church about a year ago at a Saturday for the Savior. My prayer is to allow these words to be our song of praise as we live for Him today!

That’s Why We Praise Him

He came to live, live a perfect life
He came to be the living Word of light
He came to die, so we'd be reconciled
He came to rise to show His power 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.

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.

Tears

I would like to share with you a blog from Neil Whitlow, (http://emergerestore.blogspot.com/2005/05/tears.html) Minister, from the Emporia Church of Christ. This is his latest blog:

Tears

Since I'm still relatively new to the area, and very new to the pulpit, I've only recently joined my community's ministerial alliance, where many of the ministers from all over the area come together to study the Bible, fellowship, and plan spiritual events for the entire community. Yesterday was only my second time participating in this group made up of 40 ministers from nearly 20 different fellowships, and both times I was met with a fair amount of incredulity both because of my age and because of the tradition from whence I come. Some of the comments include: "You're not allowed to be here, are you?" "I didn't expect to see you here." "Aren't you ashamed to be associating with us unbelievers?" (Ok, ok...lots of them asked, "How old ARE you?")This group, the LCMA (Lyon County Ministerial Alliance) , always begins by discussing the week's lectionary passage (don't know what a lectionary is? Look it up...and think about getting out of your denominational house once in a while), which this week happened to be from John 17. Jesus' prayer that "they may all be one." Each of us got to share a few thoughts about this passage. When it was my turn...I repented. I apologized on behalf of all the members of the Churches of Christ who had been hateful and divisive and exclusive and mean. I upheld these ministers' identity as believers and Christians and expressed a desire to be unified with them, lest the world not recognize that Jesus was sent from God. And guess what...I got a standing ovation...in fact the only ovation of any kind, along with many handshakes and hugs.Then an older Baptist minister was asked to close us in prayer. He prayed for our group, our churches...and for the "dear brother who has joined us today to take a stand for unity," and continued to pray for me and the Churches of Christ and since I thought I heard his voice break, I glanced up at him to see tears rolling down his cheeks. He finished and came and embraced me and told me stories of how many times he'd been told that he wasn't a Christian, how often he'd been excluded and shunned by my brethren. And as a final tear fell from his chin, he thanked me for my simple act of participation.And so I learned that we have done wrong, that we've damaged our own reputation, that we've failed to earn respect. This is important...we can't afford to be arrogant...we just need to be Christians only...not the only Christians.

Sunday Order of Worship

Welcome

2 Samuel 22:47-50

60 He Is Exalted
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord

Prayer

186 Christ, We Do All Adore Thee

Hebrews 10:19-23

18 Faithful Love

Communion
Contribution

Psalm 119:129-135

449 Thy Word
Ancient Words

Message

Invitation 924 Just As I Am

Announcements

683 I Am Mine No More

Closing Prayer

Beautiful Kids

On Sunday mornings, Debbie and I have the opportunity and the privilege of sitting by two of the most special, cutest and adorable little girls in the entire world, the Wright twins. Debbie started holding one of the girls a few months ago to help Shannon during worship. Now both sit by Deb and I as we sing and pray and commune with them each Lord’s Day. It’s a very special time of worship when the girls are sitting by us.

I often look at them and think what great Christian young ladies they will become in the near future. Mom and Dad, I know, will raise them to love God and to love others.

When I look at all our Central kids I often think about their future. What will they become? What gifts will they be able to share as Christians?

We, as adults, need to be mentors. We need to lead by example. We need to show our young kids that God is the most important part of our lives.

When you have the opportunity to hold a child, pray for them and ask God to bless them as they journey down the road of life. There will be many obstacles and tough times where they will need mom and dad and members of the Central Family to help navigate them through some difficult situations.

I look forward to the day that I can tell Ashleigh and Alyson, “I remember when I held you on my lap in worship and I prayed that God would bless you and that you would be a great Christian young lady serving the Church and serving others like your mom and dad do.”

“Father, be with our young kids this day. Watch over them and bless them. Help each of us to touch their lives in a positive way as your Word becomes part of their life. Our prayer is that each one names you their Lord and Savior, and is baptized for the forgiveness of sins. May that be our plea and hope as a family of believers”.

In Jesus Name,
AMEN.