Hymn Three (Unsung)

Thinking about it—not often enough—I forget You.
Though vast (the vastest), always there (the most always there),
I obsess instead
on a conflated mass of endless incidents, a slew
of distractions, and me, ambivalent me, with my Sunday stare
and already dead

attention span. All of this is to say, I know better, but…
I’ve thought You up white-bearded before
robed in light,
a diadem of universes blinding, even in a glut
of dreams, these earthly eyes, and more—
Your might

and mercy mixed as a different kind of father. Still, You may
be all mist and presence. Ineffable bone-deep feeling.
Whichever way
I choose to see and say I know, You merit time. Stay
near me, God, even when I don’t stop another day’s reeling
for one simple, honest hymn today.

Michael P. Carriger

Emotional Blog

I appreciated the positive e-mail comments yesterday from the blog on emotions and worship. Sounds like many in the Church have struggled with this subject for many years.

I often think about the early Church in Acts 2. What was worship like? Just starting out. New, vibrant, fresh, reflective, uplifting, encouraging and powerful because of the resurrection of Christ? I bet they didn't make announcements! I would imagine it was very emotional.

I want a Church where we can be expressive in our worship to our Father. Where hurting people can experience the touch of the Savior. Where those that are happy and thankful can praise God for the positive things happening in their lives.


"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together."
Psalm 34:1-3

Emotions

Being raised in the Church of Christ, I was always brought up in a Church that rarely ever showed emotion during the corporate worship time (except at youth rallies).

Although the lively, expressive worship of the ancient Hebrew culture may look outwardly different in many respects from our worship today, there is no indication in Scripture that we should check our emotions at the door when we gather to worship God.

But what should that emotional expression look like? When do our emotions cease being an evidence of a worshiping heart and start becoming a hindrance or distraction? Also, what is the line between wholehearted worship and worshiping our emotions? These are important questions for the people of God. Because we desire to do everything for God's glory, we must seek to understand how our emotions should function in corporate worship.

I am not advocating that everyone has to lift their hands and clap to the songs in worship but I do believe that we might have lost a part of our worship experience that God deserves because we have been so concerned that we might be worshipping like a denomination and have held back the emotional side of us as human beings that God deserves from us in our worship.

When we sing the song “Nearer Still Nearer” it brings tears to my eyes. Thinking about those words to that old 1898 hymn allows me to draw closer to the Creator of the Universe because of His love for me he gave His only Son at Calvary. The tears flow when I think of those words and the Holy God that will shelter me from all harm.We must acknowledge that emotional engagement with God in worship is not an issue of temperament, but obedience to His Word.

Half-hearted worship is no worship at all. Whether we consider ourselves outgoing, reclusive, or somewhere in between, God is to be desired above all things. As we encounter the truth about God in a fresh way, we are to respond accordingly, whether it be in delight, peace, awe, or comfort. These are all natural responses that flow from a genuine relationship with the living God. Emotional expression is not a matter of self, but of mutual edification. Although biblical worship can involve a wide range of emotional responses, we are guided and restrained by the scriptural injunction to behave toward other Christians only in ways that build them up: "Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19).

My understanding is that in showing love to my brother, I am showing love to God. Our knowledge of God and His grace is meant to inspire a greater passion for Him. Likewise, the experience of joy as we worship God provokes a thirst to know Him better.

No two individuals are affected the same in worship. We all come from different backgrounds, races, parts of the world, and even come to worship with different “baggage” and trials. We all will respond differently in our worship to God based on our emotional being.

We need to remember to love our God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. For the wonders of creation, for the miracle of the new birth, for the sacrifice of His only Son in our place, for the peace of His sovereign care, for the blessing of His Word -- for all these and infinitely more, God deserves our highest, purest, and strongest emotions.

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

Elders Meeting Minutes (October 11 and 12)

Shepherds meeting notes for October 12, 2006.

A time of prayer. Your shepherds spent most of their time re-assessing how best to achieve the works (goals) that Christ has set out for all of us. Christ's goals for us don't change.so our discussion centered on what is the best way, knowing our resources, strengths and areas to improve, to accomplish our A B C's here at Central. More to come.

Without a doubt your shepherd's best assets are their wives. So we took time to just listen to them and heard from their perspective their thoughts for fully engaging the Central body to be unified in achieving our goals. We felt that was time well spent.so if you have comments on how the Central body can do better, remember, we will always have time to listen. Keep your shepherds in your prayers; we're praying for you.


October 11, 2006 shepherds meeting notes.

Your shepherds took the full meeting time to pray for the Central family in very specific ways and raising members up by name.

This is a brief summary of those prayers.

a.. Jerry - for the wonderful families and members that call Central their family. Also for the families and individuals that have challenges as they just try to do the right thing. He asked that the Father help us all in a special way.

b.. Bill - for the children and young people as they have so many distractions as they try to grow spiritually.

c.. Rex - for the sick, hurting, shut-ins and aging members (so many by name).

d.. Roger - for the active, working members at Central that just get it done.day after day, week after week. He prayed that the workers would not tire and would be encouraged to do more and more. Also for those who are not actively engaged, that they will want to do better and for unity of the church of Christ in Topeka.

e.. Gary - for wisdom, discernment and insight for the shepherds and that God will guide us in His direction.

Please be praying for us as we discuss direction for the Central body.

Worship Music Today

In my lifetime, I have been blessed to see the church go through some much needed changes in the aspect of music style in worship. The contemporary music change in the Church of Christ today, I believe, has encouraged our younger generation to stay within the fellowship. Music is everything with our young people today. It is the fabric of their society. Just talk to teens today, all aspects of their lives are wrapped up in music. From I-Pods to CD's to you name it, music plays an important part in their lives.

How about worship music? I believe God teaches us to sing and make melody in our hearts as He wants desperately for us to give Him our hearts in the corporate worship setting. I am thankful that we have had some leaders in the church today that have written new worship songs that have focused on God and less on ourselves.

Many of the songs written 50 years ago emphasize us instead of God. Go through the older songbooks and see the changes that have taken place.

One of my hobbies is collecting old hymnbooks. As I go through the pages of many older books, I see songs that were written about us and not about God.

Not all new songs are Biblical either. As worship leaders and as worshippers, we need to examine the words of many of the songs that we sing to our Father.

Worship is the highlight of my week. I can't wait to be with my brothers and sisters and have the opportunity as a family to worship our God. I pray that our worship this Sunday will be an opportunity to praise the Creator of the Universe and give Him all glory that He is due. As Josh leads us in worship, sing with all your heart and think about the great blessings He has given all of us as children of His.

Psalm 100
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations"

Hymn Two (Unsung)

Hymn Two (Unsung)

October again. Sunflowers cease their brash yellowing show.
Oaks and ashes flicker modestly in cool winds, whipping through town.
Sumac is coming red.
Each Monday more fields turn under—stubble and muted furrows
pressed low to morning skies. The morning heaves with no sound
save our own prayer, whispered, said.

Like the mid-day tolling of an unseen bell, O LORD,
like soft patter of drops on a dry, acrid window,
my meaty heart tightens.
Like roiling clouds, an autumn squall, the grey scud roar,
like the hidden twilight on horizon peeking, trying to grow,
to brim and brighten

another day before another night, First Artist, Fall Creator,
You animate dead flesh, breathe spirit into a tired night-mind.
In me, sunflower and sumac meet.
You wed them in pure autumn union always greater.
Morning forgotten. Day, now through. Even night falling behind—In color and contrast, shape and line, I, Your living landscape, complete.

Michael P. Carriger

1st Century Church or a 1st Century Jesus

I attended a discussion on leadership at the Zoe Conference on Saturday for Elders presented by Dr. John York, a Bible Professor, at Libscomb University. It was very informative and made me think about direction and purpose not only for my personal life, but the Central Family.

One session centered on working with the body and individuals of your church in situations such as divorce, sexual orientation issues, addictions and other deep personal issues.

Dealing with these subjects over the years, many elderships across the country have made decisions and judgments based on the judicial method. Going to the Bible or examining past practice (traditions). Many individuals searching for Christ never believed they had a chance because of past issues in their personal lives. They believed they could never receive the grace and forgiveness that could be found in Christ.

Another ingredient, in any decision-making process, is the need to examine the individual's circumstances. When you look at the relational side of an individual, you begin to realize that the situation might warrant further review and discussion on what might be best for the individual or individuals involved other than just condemnation and throwing the erring brother or sister out in the cold. Did Jesus practice this method? He looked at the individual in light of God’s Word and told them “to go and sin no more”.

I am thankful that I work with an eldership that looks at the individual and tries to help them in all ways possible to understand the situation and the sin in their lives and allow God to change and work on their hearts.

An elder in our discussion group made a comment that I have been constantly thinking about the past two days, “I don’t want to be the Church of the 1st Century, I want to be Jesus of the 1st Century”.

We need to ask ourselves what Jesus would do in situations. What would he do to help individuals battle sin and despair and allow them to rebuild their lives and begin life a new.

He took the time to become involved in people’s lives.

As Evan would say, "ministry in messy."

Zoe Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a great weekend in Nashville. Many things running through our minds after being challenged this past weekend by some of the greatest religious minds of the brotherhood. It was great to see so many York friends and Kevin and Iris Riggs from the group Hallal at the Worship weekend.

Otter Creek was a great worship experience on Sunday. A capacity crowd of about 1,500 filled their auditorium. Great singing and we heard great preaching from my former YC Professor
Dr. Tim Woodroff, minister at Otter Creek.

Carl and I will be sharing blogs in the coming days on the weekend events.

For now a little rest would be nice.

Zoe Conference Update #2

Last night was another incredible worship time. When you have tears flowing down your cheeks because you don’t deserve to be in the presence of the Creator of the Universe you know that it has been a very special time.

As I look back on the weekend, I am thankful for Gods love. That He believed in me enough to offer a sacrifice that one day I can actually be in His presence around the throne worshipping at his feet.

After last night, it’s hard to put into words the feelings and thoughts that I have. I will be sharing some of the lectures, highlights and worship experiences in my blog the next few weeks to describe what we experienced in Nashville.

We will worship at Otter Creek this morning and head back later on today. Please pray for us as we fly back to Kansas.

Zoe Conference Update

Amazing evening of praise!

The Zoe Conference is again a blessing for all those in attendance.

About 1,500 worshipped last night for over 4 hours. Felt like 30 minutes.

Please keep us in your prayers as we head back on Sunday evening.

Zoe Conference

We leave today for the 10th Annual Zoe Look to the Hills Worship Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 2006 Look to the Hills Conference theme this year is Closer.

The theme of being Closer to God is the desire of our hearts and the longing of our souls. The intimacy we seek in many inappropriate places can in truth only be found in the God of heaven and earth.

Please be praying for Carl, Josh, Sharron, Rob and I as we travel and as we seek ways to enhance our congregational worship time.

I am looking forward to three days of worship with about 2,000 people from all over the country.

Elders Meeting Minutes (October 4, 2006)

As an additional communication tool between the Shepherds and the Central congregation, we will be distributing minutes from our weekly Elders' Meetings. We hope to keep the Central Family informed of information items that might be of interest in ministry here at Central. Minutes will also be posted on the following web site: http://worshipreflections.blogspot.com/

October 4, 2006

Elder of the Month: Roger Hamm.

Roger led us in prayer.

Items Discussed:

a.. Your shepherds took time to review some preliminary cost estimates for the current proposed building project. The estimates were higher than anticipated and the building committee will want to take another look at the project. Several options were discussed for funding the new facility. You should know that your shepherds are carefully trying to balance "stepping out on faith" with what we can realistically afford. We feel servicing a large debt load is not wise stewardship.

b.. Your shepherds are confident the mission works supported by the Central Church of Christ are worthy of our continued support. The following missions will be receiving the same level of funding for 2007: Barry Bergsten (Prison Ministry); Emporia State University Student Center; Max Dauner (France); Niranjana Rao Mathi (India); Paul Kee; Predisan; Raja Sekhar Mathi (India); Russel Bell (India); Search of the Lords Way; Tallgrass Christian Camp; and World Bible School.

c.. Addition line items will be budgeted for our members who want to go on mission trips. Historically, Central has been able to help its members, usually $500 per person, with the cost of worthy mission trips. $6,400 will be set aside for such trips.

d.. Central family - you should know, Mike Wright has offered to help with any Bible studies you set-up. Thanks Mike!

e.. Your shepherds are planning a work session on Thursday, October 12 to discuss 2007 plans as well as 5-10 year direction. Please pray for your shepherds in this effort.

f.. Men's retreat at Tallgrass coming Oct. 20-21. Encourage all men to attend.

g.. David has been networking with youth ministers in the region as we try to get a feeling for which direction we want to take in our minister search.

Prayer for Hurting/Sick Members and Families.

The Elders spent time in prayer (led by Rex) for individual family members that are hurting physically, as well as spiritually.

Meeting concluded at 10:30 p.m.

Hymn One (Unsung)

I am very excited to be sharing with the Central Family each Wednesday a series of prayers, hymns and psalms from my brother Mike Carriger. Mike is an English Teacher/Chairman of the English Department at Lawrence High School, teaches college classes and is a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Lawrence. Mike is only a few months away from receiving his PhD in English from the University of Kansas. Mike will be sharing his inner feelings with us in a variety of modern day psalms.

Hymn One (Unsung)

We glimpse an awful depth. A flim-flam drudge and worry
empty us, past many yesterdays through which we fought, coasted.
Now vacant with a hollow moan—
cars lurch in ant rows. Coffee brews. Din. Red eyes press the screen flicker and hurry
nearer icons, streaming dreams, lists to-do, messages sent, deleted, re-posted.
It’s in our bones,

spreading. LORD, it’s spreading. Arbitrary mechanical progressions—the tick,
the thought, the think, already thought, gained, never-gained—the tock.
Man’s aged-old panic, a life lost.
Some creek once fished. A bike splayed on a front yard—the click,
The freezer’s slice of wedding cake. The dusty veil and lace under bed—the clock.
Hope, regret, fond memory at a cost.

On You, LORD, we lock our eyes. We set our soul’s sweet time.
With finely-tuned precision we simply say take us when,
by and by, You
want, see fit. This rock still spins ever-shaky, warbling, sublime.
We rarely sense the crisis-moment’s jilt, lunge, and creak. It’s then, for service, we ask more days, maybe a few.

Michael P. Carriger

What Is Happening in our Society?

What in happening in our society?

What in the world is going on? It seems that when it rains, it pours. School shootings (Colorado/Wisconsin/Pennsylvania), cop shootings, terrorism, bizarre sexual assault cases...What in the world is going on? Why do tragedies seem to occur all at once?

The most civilized country in all the world has serious problems.

The only way to fix it.......is to place God back in our culture society and way of life.

Mentor

Mentors I have so many special individuals that have shaped my philosophy of life and my faith.

My years at York College were some of the greatest moments in my life. It was a time where, as I look back, some of the greatest thinkers in the Churches of Christ of today were actually just starting their teaching careers and I benefited greatly hearing these individuals on a daily basis. Men like Tim Woodruff (Minister at the Otter Creek Church in Nashville), Mike Westerfield (President of Rochester College), Dennis Lynn (Past President of Cascade College), and James Hinkle (Minister and Counselor in Dickson, TN) just to name a few.

James Hinkle was my Bible professor at York College. James was a great teacher. He was full of energy and excitement. He wrote his own textbooks for his Bible courses. He made God's Word so easy to understand, but so exciting that you never wanted to miss a class. We always sang the same song to start out his class "Come we that love the Lord" and then we prayed. James was always interested in his students. He always took time to listen to concerns and build relationships.

When I returned to York to teach in 1995, I really began to get to know James and his family. James and I always had hit it off because he loved basketball. When I was playing for York he was always one of my biggest supporters. When I returned to York he helped me in many ways as I coached the girl’s programs. He was always there helping in any way possible.

But the most enjoyable time we spent together was what was called "Noon League". This was where the teachers and staff played basketball at lunchtime every weekday. I loved that time of the day. You really get to know people when you’re throwing elbows at former teachers and are also on the receiving end. Sometimes it got so heated (playing with these Bible Profs) we would have to stop and pray and ask God to give us patience and not retaliate against each other. James loved to play. He always played at 100%. He was a good player who was fast and you hated playing against him when he guarded you. He had ways to keep you from getting the ball and you always ended up with scratches and blood pouring from some body part. I liked his aggressive style.

Today, James is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor at the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, Tennessee.

James, thank you for making such an impact on my life. You and your family were so kind to Debbie and I just starting out in our married life. Thank you for your Godly teaching, preaching and example that you have been to so many people. You were one of my early mentors that shared a message about Christ that has changed my life. May God continue to bless you and your family in your important ministry.

Order of Worship-October 1

Order of Worship
Sunday, October 1, 2006

Announcements-Roger Hamm

Worship Leader-David Carriger

144 O Worship the King

153 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down

66 Doxology

77 Glorify Thy Name

Prayer

Scripture: John 3:14-17

337 Hallelujah! What a Savior

Communion

Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

538 My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Message-Evan Burdan

Invitation: 567 Restore My Soul

Announcements-Roger Hamm

Closing Prayer

Byron Nelson Dies at 94

Legendary golfer Byron Nelson, a faithful church member, dies at 94

By Bobby Ross Jr.The Christian Chronicle

Legendary golfer Byron Nelson, a lifelong Church of Christ member known as much for his gentlemanly conduct as his 52 PGA Tour victories, died Tuesday at age 94.

Nelson died at his Roanoke, Texas, home, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Richland Hills church.

"We've lost a great man," Abilene Christian University President Royce Money said of Nelson, a former ACU trustee who long supported the university's golf program. "Byron Nelson was a wonderful Christian example whose life had a profound and lasting impact on everyone he met."

Nicknamed “Lord Byron,” Nelson established one of the most enduring records in sports when he won 11 straight tournaments — and a total of 18 — in his remarkable 1945 season.

In an interview with The Christian Chronicle at his home last year, Nelson discussed his commitment to attending services every Sunday and Wednesday night, using a scooter to maneuver his way through the crowd.“I wouldn’t know what to do without being at church,” Nelson, a member of the Richland Hills church, told the Chronicle. “The good Lord blesses me every day.”For Nelson – who is survived by his second wife, Peggy – The Streak more than six decades ago always seemed less important than what he accomplished afterward.For 39 years, he hosted the EDS Byron Nelson Championship, his namesake PGA Tour event. In recent years, the tournament at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas generated more money for charity than any other PGA tournament.In all, it has raised more than $82 million for Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers, which provide education and mental health services for thousands of Dallas area children and their families.“It has become the best thing that has ever happened to me in golf, better than winning the Masters or U.S. Open or 11 in a row,” Nelson wrote in his 1993 autobiography, “How I Played the Game.”The reason: “Because it helps people.”

For those who knew Nelson, that attitude epitomized how he approached life.In the Chronicle story last year, Richland Hills preaching minister Rick Atchley said Nelson played Santa Claus in the church Christmas program and taught a class for teenagers.But Atchley said his favorite memory came soon after Nelson placed membership there.“I heard someone calling my name with great eagerness,” Atchley said. “I turned around, and there was Byron, about 90 at the time, walking between the pews on two canes as fast as he could get to me.“When I asked what the rush was, he said he just wanted me to know how blessed he was by the sermon. That’s pure Byron — not impressed with himself, but letting you know that he is impressed with you.”

When the Hilltop church started in Roanoke several years ago, it had no baptistery. So, when a young couple accepted Nelson’s offer to baptize them, he called a nearby congregation in Justin.“He does not have good knees, but I have seen him take people and baptize them when he didn’t feel terribly good,” James Vinzant, minister of the Alliance church in Justin, said last year. “But he did it because he loves the Lord so much and he loves the church so much.”

Nelson’s Church of Christ roots ran deep.His mother, Madge Allen Nelson, who lived to be 98, was a Bible student and teacher. Raised a Baptist, she became a Church of Christ member at age 18. His Presbyterian father, John Byron Nelson Sr., was baptized in a Church of Christ soon after meeting the golfer’s mother. Byron Sr., who died at 77, later served as an elder at the Roanoke church. Nelson was born Feb. 4, 1912, on his family’s cotton farm near Waxahachie, Texas. By age 11, his family moved to Fort Worth, where a bout with typhoid fever dropped his weight from 124 pounds to 65. Somehow, he survived, but his high fever left him unable to have children.Soon after his baptism at age 12, he started caddying at Glen Garden Country Club. By age 14, he beat another future legend — Ben Hogan — to win the Caddie Championship.Eight years later, while working as a golf pro in Texarkana, Texas, he met a tiny brunette with pretty brown eyes during Sunday school at the Walnut Street church. Louise Shofner, the daughter of longtime church elder D.A. Shofner, would become his wife of 50 years. In his early years, Nelson made barely enough to live. In 1936, he earned $750 by winning the Metropolitan Open. But during the tournament, he couldn’t afford to eat in the clubhouse. Instead, he sat outside, eating a hot dog and drinking a Coke.After that tournament, Nelson was offered $500 to endorse a cigarette called 20 Grand. Never a smoker, he resisted the offer. But needing the money, he finally agreed.“I didn’t realize (that) it meant so much,” he told the Chronicle. “In about a month after the ads broke, I got the worst mail I’ve ever gotten, from Sunday school teachers, from school teachers. ... Well, I was just mortified.”When the cigarette company refused to take back its money, he said, “I toughed it out and I prayed about that more than any one thing. That shows what God will do for you. I promised him that I would never do anything like that again.”

While he played on Sundays, Nelson said he always found a way to attend church services, either in the morning or at night. “People say, ‘How in the world did you go to church?’ And my answer to that is, you can do things that you feel you need to do.”

When Louise died in 1985 after suffering two severe strokes, Nelson was devastated. But soon afterward, he said, God blessed him with a second wife. He had first met Peggy Simmons — 33 years his junior — at a charity golf tournament in 1981.Several years ago, a golf fan looking for Nelson’s ranch near Fort Worth stopped at the Roanoke Church of Christ and asked if the “janitor” knew how to get there. Much to the fan’s surprise, the man sweeping the church floor smiled and replied, “Yes, that’s where I live.”Last year, that story drew a chuckle from the 93-year-old Nelson, relaxing at his ranch house below a framed needlepoint of his winning 1937 Masters scorecard, parakeets chirping in his living room as cattle grazed outside his window.“A small church like that, the members take care of it,” he said simply.

Sept. 26, 2006

Elders Meeting Minutes (September 27)

As an additional communication tool between the Shepherds and the Central congregation, we will be distributing minutes from our weekly Elders’ Meetings. We hope to keep the Central Family informed of information items that might be of interest in ministry here at Central. Minutes will also be posted on the following web site: http://worshipreflections.blogspot.com/


September 27, 2006

Elder of the Month: David Carriger

Roger Hamm led us in prayer.

Items Discussed:

Considerable time was spent examining and discussing the Mission work supported by the Central Church of Christ. Budget figures were discussed for the 2007 fiscal year.

Mission Support currently has a budget of $24,080 for 2006.

Current Mission support goes to the following: Barry Bergsten (Prison Ministry); Emporia State University Student Center; Max Dauner (France); Niranjana Rao Mathi (India); Paul Kee; Predisan; Raja Sekhar Mathi (India); Russel Bell (India); Search of the Lords Way; Student Mission Trips; Tallgrass Christian Camp; and World Bible School.

Discussion on possible additions of new mission efforts in Africa.

Elders had a good visit with Peter Manuel from Cape Town on Monday evening at the Lonard’s.

Elders wish to encourage our missionary efforts locally and also worldwide.

Discussion of a World Map being displayed at Central with our WBS and Mission efforts displayed.

Elders discussed the importance of our local mission efforts (Central Youth Ministries).

Discussion of a possible job description for an Involvement Minister.

Elders discussed goals and objectives for 2007. An Elders’ planning/work session will take place on Thursday, October 12 to discuss 2007 plans as well as 5-10 year direction.

Gary Souder led a prayer for God’s direction.

Need a volunteer to take over the laundry ministry. Cleaning of baptistery garments and kitchens towels. If anyone can help with this ministry contact Ruthann Souder.

Men’s Retreat discussed. Encourage all men to attend.

A pager has been given to the Elders for encouragement.

Rex Allen gave a report on a possible series of lessons focusing on “The Family Under Attack”.

Roger Hamm discussed the Children’s Ministry 2x2 Program that will be undergoing change in the near future.

Gary Souder discussed the Senior Saints meeting held on Sunday. Good meeting with many possible service projects and fellowship opportunities for the near future.

Gary Souder informed the group that the Drielings are moving on October 28 and will need some help.

David Carriger gave a brief Youth Committee report on upcoming activities. The York College Night was successful. Discussion on support for Youth in Action was discussed.

Prayer for Hurting/Sick Members and Families

The Elders spent time in prayer (led by Jerry Myers) for individual family members that are hurting physically, as well as spiritually.

Meeting concluded at 10:40 p.m.

Worship 24-7

As believers, we are all familiar with the word worship. We are called to worship in a worship service. We are worshipping when we are singing hymns together. We worship Him together in song. Yet, where does worship take place? Is it in a building? Hopefully. But, is this the only place? Is worship synonymous with Sunday mornings?

These are questions that I have wondered throughout my Christian life. Upon reflecting on the Word of God, and the meaning of worship in my own life, I have come to realize that the Scriptural meaning of worship is very different than what I once believed.

In John 4:24 we see that the act of worship is from our spirit. We are told to worship in spirit and in truth. John says that worshippers that worship in spirit and in truth ' are the kind of worshippers that the Father seeks'. Worship of the Almighty God is personal and expressed in many different ways. During his most trying time on Earth, Jesus was worshipping. Jesus worshipped by quoting Scripture in times of trial (John 4: 10). How often do we think of trials as an opportunity for worship? Quite rarely, I daresay. Paul told us to long for suffering (1 Peter 4:13). In times of trial we are taught to worship.

In worship we recognize what Jesus recognized in the desert, what Job recognized during his persecution, and what David recognized in his time of repentance. They knew that the Omnipotence, Omnipresence of Almighty God is UNCHANGING. We must recognize that it is not one's changing circumstances that should determine a heart attitude of worship. It is in times of suffering, as well as in times of blessings, that we are called to worship. The very passing of time signifies change. Yet, God is unchanging. Even though everything else is changing, He is not. Knowing this gives my heart a reason for worship!!

As I look at what Scripture has to say about worship, it is clear that worship is not just something that takes place on Sunday morning. Each day we are given new opportunities to worship the Lord with our lives and hearts.

How much richer our lives will be when we realize that worship is a daily heart attitude, and not just a congregational event. We can worship the Lord with every moment of our lives: be it while we are singing praises in the shower, or, quoting His promises throughout our busy day.

Focusing on the character and love of God will surely give each of us an unceasing motive for worship!

Kristene Diggins

Worshippers of the Cross (Part 3)

As Christians we have a daily victory because of the Cross. So many in our world are looking for true happiness, contentment in worldly ways.

Victory is only found through Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-58

55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

As Christians we have victory. Faith is the victory. The cross gave us victory.

Worshippers of the Cross (Part 2)

Why is the cross hated by several in the world today? Why do they hate the worshippers of the cross (Christians)? Three basic reasons:

1. It’s because of the Power that is found there.

See the Son of God died there to save a world from sin. He took all the filth, burdens and guilt on his back so we could be free from death and destruction. Only Jesus and his Father has that kind of power. Man likes to be powerful. In control. But if you wish to belong to Christ you have to give up that power and rely on him.

Colossians 2 talks about that power:

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

2. The Commitment That Must Be Made There

Jesus committed everything. He gave His life and we must also. Scares people to give up everything, to give up self.

Recent Newsweek poll was a little surprising. Americans and religion:
92% believe there is a God.
6% do not believe there is a God
2% said they didn’t know if God existed.

Atheism is not the problem in our society. The problem is with the 92% that believe there is a God, the majority do not have a relationship with Him. They have not made a commitment to accept His teaching and commit to live a Biblical lifestyle. God is not present in their lives.

Think about commitment in our society today?

Marriage
Family
Jobs
Respect for Authority
Respect for Self

Many just don’t want to make those types of commitments that must be made in their daily lives.

1 Peter 4:12-19 talks about the price of that commitment:

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

3. Because it’s the only Hope the World Has

Hope is not found in a job. Not found in stuff. It can only be found in the Cross of our Lord and Savior.

People for the most part put their hope in themselves. They think that is what will carry them through life.

Thousands dieing each hour with no hope. Because they refuse to give up their self centered attitude and accept the cross as the only hope that man has.

I am so glad He was willing to die for us, to take our sins and nail them to the cross. I am thankful for the power and hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Worshippers of the Cross

Latest News: Al Qaeda militants in Iraq vowed war on "worshippers of the cross" and protesters burned a papal effigy on Monday over Pope Benedict's comments on Islam, while Western churchmen and statesmen tried to calm passions. The statement by an umbrella group led by Iraq's branch of al Qaeda came after the Pontiff said on Sunday he was deeply sorry Muslims had been offended by his use of a medieval quotation on Islam and holy war.

I was intrigued by the statement that they vowe "war on the worshippers of the cross". Are those of us that have a relationship with Christ included in that militant statement?

As Christians we don't worship the cross but we do worship the one who died on the cross. The one who preached peace, love, forgiveness, kindness, humility, trust and mercy, He is the One that I want to proclaim the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Strange, the one who preached peace as well as his followers who try to be peaceful being singled out. Why are men so afraid of Jesus? Why are they afraid of his followers?

This will be our theme for 4th Sunday Praise. Hope to see you Sunday Night at Central!

Elders Meeting Minutes (September 20)

Elders Meeting Minutes

As an additional communication tool between the Shepherds and the Central congregation, we will be distributing minutes from our weekly Elders’ Meetings on a trial basis during the month of September. We hope to keep the Central Family informed of information items that might be of interest in ministry here at Central. Please give us feedback if you feel this is something that you would like to see continue on a regular weekly basis. Minutes will also be posted on the following web site: http://worshipreflections.blogspot.com/

September 20, 2006

Elder of the Month: David Carriger

Diana Carriger (representing the Building Committee) visited with the Elders about possible building plans for the future Burlingame property. Several questions were asked about building in phases and total square feet. Diana will visit with the architect and then visit once again with the Elders.

Gary Souder led us in prayer for God’s Direction.

Other Items Discussed:

Appreciated Mario Tobias speaking on Sunday evening. He would like to return once again and visit with the Eldership about “Hawks for Christ”.

A report was given on the Youth/Children’s Leadership Ministry Meeting held on Sunday afternoon.

The York College Marriage Enrichment Seminar will be held on September 29-30. Several from Central will be attending. Vans will be taken to the seminar that weekend.

Rob and Sharon Easterling are interested in developing the Church Library for the congregation. They will be making a formal presentation to the eldership at a future date. Would like to see some money set aside in the 2007 budget for expansion of this needed ministry.

The Elders appreciate the amount of time and hard work the Search Committee performed over the past several months.

Men’s Retreat at Tallgrass will be held October 20-21. Kurt is working on a brochure to send out. Mike Farrar is the coordinator of this event.

Bill Carriger discussed the possibility of a High School retreat at Tallgrass in October. Will be visiting with Chris Stewart from Southwest to coordinate dates and time.

The 5th Sunday Singing on October 29 will be held at Tallgrass. Singing will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the Open House beginning at 3:00 p.m.

The storage unit is currently at Tallgrass.

Mission work was discussed. Appreciate receiving the good news of work in India and France on a regular basis. It was decided to send $200 to help with the storm damage in India.

Encourage members to participate in the Monday 4 the Master Program.

Prayer for Hurting/Sick Members and Families

The Elders spent time in prayer (led by Rex Allen) for individual family members that are hurting physically, as well as spiritually.

Meeting concluded at 9:40 p.m.

A Nugget

If you can start the day without caffeine; if you can get going without pep pills; if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles; if you can eat the same food every day, and seem happy about it; if you understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time; if you can take criticism and blame without resentment; if you can ignore a friends limited education and never correct him, if you can conquer stress without medical help--then you're probably the family dog.

I Can See

I first noticed that my vision was getting worse when I hit 30 years old and I couldn’t focus very well at stoplights.

I remember driving in Wichita and I thought that stoplight sure is fuzzy. Didn’t really think that I needed glasses.

I made an appointment with an eye doctor and he told me the bad news, I needed glasses for my driving.

Our eyes are such special parts of our body.

Jo Pigg has struggled with her eyesight for a number of years. She has seen countless doctors trying to find ways that her sight might be restored. Even taking special injections so her eyes might improve.

Debbie and I know an older lady named Edna a member of the Church in Osage City that is blind. Amazing what she can do without any sight.

I have had several blind students who have graduated and went on to be great college students and very successful in life.

Sight amazes me. I could never imagine not being able to see a morning sunrise or a sunset over the ocean. Or being able to see Debbie’s beautiful face or the day when my little boys were born.
Being able to see is one of the greatest blessings we have.

I have thought about the story in John 9 for the past few days. About Jesus healing a blind man.

John 9
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.

11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

12"Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.

Great story of a man that Jesus blessed with a great miracle.

What’s sad about the story is the aftermath. What happens next? His friends who should be very excited instead take him to the Pharisees.

13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."

16Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.

17Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."

18The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19"Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"

20"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. 23That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

24A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner."

25He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

26Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

27He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

28Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."

30The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

34To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.

This man just received the greatest gift one could ever imagine receiving sight. And no one was excited for him. They were too concerned about the petty issues revolving around the miracle.

Jesus now hears about what has happened.

35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."

37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."

38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"

41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

Sight: For those that can’t see so important. But there is something much worse than being physically blind, and that is spiritual blindness. When people are spiritually blind they do not believe in Jesus or obey him. They have no relationship with Jesus. Those individuals are outside of Christ and can not share in the blessings that he can give us inside a relationship with him. But when people trust in Jesus to save them, they are given "spiritual eyes" to see God’s will for their lives. They are able to see and understand things about the world and about God that other people do not see and understand. Psalm 119:18 says, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." We must ask God for help for us to understand his ways more clearly. The good news is that God promises spiritual sight to those that ask for it!

We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Hearthstone/Saturday 4 Savior/ Misc.

The ministry that has now gone on at Hearthstone for the past 8 years has been such a blessing to so many that live at that facility.

Our young people have blessed many residents over the years.

Last night over 35 from Central sang old and new hymns with the residents from Hearthstone led by our young men. I appreciate their servant hearts and willingness to lead praises to our Heavenly Father. Girls you are also a vital part of the ministry.


Thanks to the group that came out on Saturday evening for the Fall Saturday 4 the Savior. Carl and Mike did a great job reminding us about Jesus.


It's easy to just come and worship on Sunday morning. I want to encourage everyone to become a part of the body at Central. So many people have stepped up in so many different capacities in this transition period. God is being glorified and individuals are growing in God's Word. Individuals are praying about new ministries that they can begin or become involved in. Members are looking for ways to reach out. Central is exciting and I hope you become part of that excitement.


Be in prayer for Scott and Angie Smith as they work with our young people and Kathy Hamm as she leads the children's ministry. Encourage these servants daily!


May God continue to bless the work on the corner of Huntoon and College!

Saturday 4 the Savior

"Give Me Jesus" is the theme for our Fall "Saturday 4 the Savior" devotional this Saturday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m. Carl Wheeler will lead us in our worship and my brother Mike Carriger from Ottawa will be the speaker.

Don't forget to bring homemade icecream and desserts.

Give Me Jesus

In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.

O, when I am alone,
O, when I am alone,
O, when I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

From depths of sin I cry,
From depths of sin I cry,
From depths of sin I cry,
Give me Jesus.

O, when I come to die,
O, when I come to die,
O, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.

Copyright © 2002 by Majestic Eagle Publishing Co. Admin. by The Copyright Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Published by Worship Today Music Service 1 866-859-7622

Dennis Hogue

I met Dennis in 1982 when Debbie and I had just placed membership at the Emporia Ave. Church of Christ in Wichita, Kansas. I was a junior in college playing basketball for Newman University and had practice on several Sunday evenings and couldn’t attend evening services, but Debbie would always go by herself. Debbie visited with a Deacon at Emporia Ave. named Dennis Hogue one Sunday evening (without my knowledge) and told him that I led singing and could you ask David to lead some time. Debbie knew that I probably would not volunteer.

Dennis asked me the very next Sunday to lead the am worship. He hadn’t heard me, he didn’t know me that well. We had just moved from York College about three weeks earlier. I couldn't believe he had faith in this 20 year old rookie with his 300 member congregation on a Sunday morning.

That began a special relationship that I have had with a man who has been a very special spiritual mentor in my life. Dennis Hogue served the Emporia Ave. Church as the Worship deacon when we arrived in 1982. His family was a great blessing to that church. Dennis was a great worship leader. Not only did he have a great voice, but he had a great heart for worship. He always asked, “ what can we do to enhance our worship to God? What can we do to connect with God even more?” Dennis became my mentor. I watched him and listened to him in class settings and in worship opportunities to find out how to become a better worship leader. It was simple....you had to have a heart to worship God individually before you could ever lead a congregation in worship.

Dennis and his family moved to the Central Church in Wichita after we left Wichita and moved to Conway Springs. He has served that congregation as an Elder ever since. Dennis is battling brain cancer. He needs our prayers.

This man has been very special to me. He has been very special to God. He has been a catalyst for the cause of Christ in Wichita for over 30 years. Thank you Dennis for being that "giant of faith" in my life. You have given me more than I could ever describe. You trusted me. You had faith in me. You saw something that was in me that needed to be brought out. Thank you brother for being my mentor. I love you!

Gladys Dunn

Gladys Dunn was new in town and decided to visit the church nearest her. She liked the pretty auditorium, sincere prayers and the singing, but the sermon just went on and on. Worse, it wasn’t interesting or even relevant. Finally, it was over. After the service she turned to a sleepy-looking man next to her, extended her hand and said, “I’m Gladys Dunn.” He replied, “You and me both.”

9-11

“We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us, whatever our ethnic, religious, or political background may be. The Bible says that He's the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles. No matter how hard we try, words simply cannot express the horror, the shock, and the revulsion we all feel over what took place in this nation on Tuesday morning. September eleven will go down in our history as a day to remember.”

Dr. Billy Graham (9-11 Memorial Service)

Order of Worship-September 10, 2006

Order of Worship
Sunday, September 10, 2006

Welcome

103 He Has Made Me Glad

577 We Bow Down

578 We Will Glorify

Prayer

Scripture: John 6 verses 33 and 35.

286 Wonderful Story of Love (1st Verse Only)

18 Faithful Love

376 He Paid A Debt (1st Verse Only)

Lords Supper

Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

705 A Common Love (Twice)

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 791 On Bended Knee I Come

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Elders Meeting Minutes (September 6)

September 6, 2006

Elder of the Month: David Carriger
Scripture: Romans 12:4-11
Prayer: Rex Allen

The Elders have been discussing and praying for the past several weeks about the future direction of the Central Church. The transition period between ministers has been a positive and growing experience for the Central Family. Individual members have taken on additional responsibilities in all aspects of ministry. A unified feeling of working together for the cause of Christ is evident here at Central.

The Elders visited with and discussed ministry plans and possibilities with Evan Burdan. The Elders have received very positive comments on Evan’s preaching and wish to continue the format of Evan preaching on Sunday mornings through the remainder of 2006. The Elders discussed with Evan his possible future roles in ministry here at Central.

Before Evan left the meeting, Gary Souder led us in prayer as we asked God to continue to bless Evan as he continues to preach God’s Word to the Central Church.

After much discussion the past few weeks, it was decided to ask Carl Wheeler (Search Committee Member) to contact the current applicants and inform them that at the present time Central will not be aggressively seeking a pulpit minister until after the first of the year. We are looking at possibly changing the ministry position to an Involvement Minister with a job description to be finalized by the end of the year. Also, those that might be interested in the Involvement Minister position are asked to re-apply.

Other Items Discussed:

Discussion on Goals and Objectives for the Central Church to be completed by January 1, 2007 and presented to the congregation.

Discussion on Elders/Deacons Meeting to be held on Tuesday evening.

Update on Youth Ministry. Appreciate the work that Scott and Angie Smith are doing.

Update on the Marriage Enrichment Seminar at York College (several from Central will be attending)

Discussion on Tallgrass Christian Camp. The storage container that is currently at the Burlingame property will be moved to Tallgrass.

The Children’s Ministry program is off and running for the fall quarter. Appreciate Kathy Hamm’s leadership and her committee that continues to work hard serving the needs of our kids. Appreciate the efforts of Angie Smith and Cheryl Newton during the VBS Celebration last Wednesday night.

Discussion on possibly running vans to pick up kids for Bible Class. More discussion at the Elders/Deacons meeting.

The Senior Scholarship program has been well received.

Discussion needed on Benevolence issues for September.

Jim Glass will be teaching Jerry Myers class this coming Sunday.

Elders visited the Burlingame property Saturday morning to look at the house and garage that was recently purchased.

Prayer for Hurting/Sick Members and Families

The Elders spent time in prayer (led by Roger Hamm) for individual family members that are hurting physically, as well as spiritually.

Meeting concluded at 10:30 p.m.

Communication Tool

As an additional communication tool between the Shepherds and the Central congregation, we will be including minutes from our weekly Elders’ Meetings in the News and Notes on a trial basis during the month of September. We hope to keep the Central Family informed of information items that might be of interest in ministry here at Central. Please give us feedback if you feel this is something that you would like to see continue on a regular weekly basis. We will also post the minutes on this blog each week.

Continue to pray for your Central Shepherds!

Plain, Simple, Clear

Sometimes when people communicate, it doesn’t always come across the way they meant it. For instance, check out these ads/headlines that are supposed to be true.

Lawyer says client is not that guilty.

Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay $7-$9 per hour.

Then you have times where you have to guess at what happened, or you would like to know the rest of the story. For instance, look at these ads:

Nordic Track $300, hardly used, call Chubbie.

Snow Blower for Sale: Only used on snowy days.

Free Puppies: Part German Shepherd Part Dog.

2 Wire Mesh Butchering Gloves, 1 five finger, 1 three finger, Pair $15

Aren’t you glad God is clear and does not make us guess what the rest of the story is. He says clearly, things like; "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Plain. Simple. Clear.

Rich Dolan

Medical Mission Trip

About 4 weeks ago Bill and Diana Carriger invited Craig to help with a Medical Mission Trip this February to Guana, South America. Debbie and I are excited and proud of him that he has decided to go and help with this important ministry.

Below is a letter Craig has written asking for your prayers as well as finicial support for this trip:

August 29, 2006

Dear Family & Friends,

God has given me the opportunity to go on a short-term medical mission trip to Guyana, South America, with VOSH (Volunteer Optometry Services for Humanity) on February 10-19, 2007. This team is affiliated with the churches of Christ. The team I will be working with will serve the poorest of the poor with spiritual and physical health care. Our team will provide free optometry medical care and free eyeglasses to many patients as we minister in Jesus' name.

I am writing to ask you to prayerfully consider joining our team through your support. First, please partner with me in praying for the people we will be serving, for my health and effectiveness as a team member, and for the many details of this mission trip.

Second, please consider supporting me financially for this outreach. The cost of this
ten-day trip is $2000. If you would like to join the team in this way, please make your check payable to Central Church of Christ, and put a note with it that has my name on it and VOSH Guyana Trip. It can be mailed to Central Church of Christ, 1250 SW College Ave., Topeka, Kansas, 66604.

Thank you for praying about being a vital part of the mission team.


Sincerely,

Craig Carriger

Sunday

Order of Worship
Sunday, September 3, 2006

Welcome

147 I Stand Amazed (Verse 1 and 4)
96 I Stand in Awe
100 Holy Ground

Prayer

Scripture: Zechariah 12:10;13:1 (#368 in the book)

325 Boundless Love (Refrain Only)
364 Come Share the Lord

Communion
Contribution

2x2 Class Dismissal

290 Shine Jesus Shine

Message (Evan Burdan)

Invitation 768 Jesus Let Us Come To Know You

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Football Season Begins

Friday Night Lights!

Everyone in small town across America during the fall turns out at the local high school football games. Beautiful fall weather, hot dogs, pop corn, the band, cheerleaders....it starts out exciting. Great expectations for a winning season. And then what happens? About 1/2 of the teams fall quickly because of losing seasons. The high expectations and goals that were set are quickly a thing of the past.

The Christian life is much like that. We have those high emotional lifts that really encourage us and then smack! A discouraging situation, an unkind word, it can change so quickly.

I enjoy the love that is shown at Central. Keep it up, plus as Roger always says, "do it more and more". We need to encourage each other daily. Building each other up. We know will have difficult times in our lives and for our Church family but we ought to be the happiest and most loving people on the face of the earth...........because we have a Savior that gave everything because we couldn't.

Enjoy the opening games tonight. And remember stay positive.....It's a long season!

Central Youth

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

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

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

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

Safety?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Special Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

What A Storm

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

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

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

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

Faith

Faith

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

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

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

Knowing God

Determination
Concentration
Poise
Patience
Consistency

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

He looks like a machine.

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

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

How does he do it week after week after week?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Deliverer

My Deliverer - Rich Mullins (The Jesus Record)

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

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

Gods Presence

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

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

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

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

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

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

School Begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to School Challenge

A new school year.

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

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

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

Time for many new things to occur:

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

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

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

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

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

3 Things to Be Good At This School Year:

1. Be a Good Student

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


2. Be a Good Friend

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

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

Be a good friend this school year.


3. Be a Good Christian

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

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

Cheating
Lying
Deception

Older Students:

Drinking
Smoking
Drugs
Sex

Remember who you are and whose you are.

You belong to Jesus Christ.

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

In Hebrews Chapter 12:

NIV Translation

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

The Message Translation:

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

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

How Do We Remain Faithful This School Year:

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

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

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

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

Lets Pray....

Father:

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

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

Amen


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

Old-New Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

Who Will Throw the First Stone?

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

This story has always amazed me.

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

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

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

What a Sunday

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

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

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

Continue to pray for each other.

Old-New?

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Be Continued…………………

Minister Search

Continue to pray for our search process!

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

Or Email same to:
centcofc@swbell.net

Mission Statement

Found this Mission Statement the other day for a Church:

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

A Mess Everywhere

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Provisions

Thanks Debbie for the following guest blog:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debbie Carriger

Jesus Help Me!

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

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

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

That's Why We Praise Him

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

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

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

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

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