Women in Jesus Day

In the Gospel of John, women are key characters in the narrative. Jesus' mother initiates his public ministry (ch.2); Jesus reveals his true identity to a scandalous woman (ch. 4); Jesus stands up to the religious power-brokers who want justice over mercy (ch. 8); and Jesus tells Mary and Martha "I am the Resurrection and the Life," (ch. 11).

We should not be surprised that Mary Magdalene is tending the tomb (ch. 20). She does not equate an empty tomb with resurrection. Yet, she wants to remain near Jesus, because, he is "the Lord."

Jesus comes to her as a gardener. He speaks her name and she instantly knows who stands in her midst.

Unlike the men of power (Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians), and the men concerned with reputation (disciples)--the women in Jesus' day had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Perhaps, that kind of sociological "thing" happens today.

But those are the questions we usually avoid asking.

Josh Graves

I Finally Have A Daughter!

On Saturday afternoon, near a waterfall at Turner Falls, in southern Oklahoma, I finally got the daughter that I have always wanted. Brian asked his beautiful sweetheart, Allison Carroll to be his bride. She said yes. During the past 22 years, Debbie and I have prayed for that special Christan woman to enter Brian's life. God has blessed us with a beautiful, talented Christian girl to be part of our family. Not only does she love God and Brian, but she graduates this December from Oklahoma Christian with an education degree. She wants to be an elementary teacher. Can't get any better than that. We are so happy and thankful for God's new and special blessing.

Just Before Sunday Morning

Just before Sunday morning …

His body was still resting …

His mother was still pondering ….

His disciples were still hiding …

His enemies were still gloating …

His Father was still waiting …

In just a few hours His body would be raised by the power of God …

His mother would have her questions answered …

His disciples would have their hope restored …

His enemies would be confounded …

and His Father would begin revealing His eternal purpose and promise.

But just before Sunday morning … was Peter still weeping?

If it were not for that Sunday morning … even this Sunday morning …

I would still be living in my shame … still believing that my life was over … still hiding from

friends and enemies.

But the sun did rise on that Sunday morning … the Son did rise. Thank God.



Rex Boyles

A New Restoration Movement

I don't agree with the entire article, but its something to think about.

http://www.wineskins.org/filter.asp?SID=2&fi_key=152&co_key=1535

Happy Birthday Craig

Happy Birthday to my liitle boy who is 19 years old today.

Easter

Frozen at Grand Central

And I let Craig go to New York City??????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwMj3PJDxuo

I Will Never Again Complain About Snow!

Watertown, New York had 142 inches of snow during a two week period this winter......

I See God

A sister sent this to me this past week. She was touched that she sees God at work in the Central Body. Where do you see God?

At Central:

I see God in the way people treat each other regardless of race, socioeconomic status, age, gender....

I see God in our elders who fervently pray for the flock and take the time to pray for specific individuals as the need arises...

I see God in our children's ministry through women who take the time out of their busy schedules and coordinate the classes for the children and arrange activities for them. These women are not paid a penny for their efforts and Central has one of the best children's ministries around...

I see God in our prayer pager ministry. People who receive the prayer pagers are so encouraged when they hear the pager buzz over and over again and even in the middle of the night because people are praying for them...

I see God in the forgiving spirit in the people. No one is ostracized when they fall in sin and ask for forgiveness. When a brother or sister is in sin, they are lovingly encouraged to turn away from that sin. When someone has been delinquent, people are constantly trying to encourage them back and when they do come back, they are welcomed with open arms...

I see God when someone is moving and 30 people show up with trucks and trailers to help them...

I see God when people are in the hospital. Case in point, when a sister recently was taken to the hospital on a Sunday and found out she had a brain tumor. Her and her family had not been to church regularly in a few months. When people found out at Sunday night services, many people showed up at the hospital to support the family, her husband, and to pray with them. I saw God's forgiveness, love and mercy in that situation...

I also feel God when Evan gives a sermon that pricks my heart and steps on my toes. Because of God's love, I know that I can be forgiven and God gives me chances over and over again. I do not have to feel guilty...

I could go on and on and give you countless situations where I have seen God and felt God at Central. I wanted to share that with you.

Preaching Christ

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit with two pastors trying to bring Christ to Osage County. Two men who have spent their entire lives preaching Christ trying to reach out in two completely different ways.

One is seeking those with no church background by using modern technology to preach the Good News. He knows it could cost him his position but understands this might be the only way for his congregation to survive.

The other one is seeking families who need an active youth ministry and children’s ministry programs. They are pushing 700 and have individuals driving from Johnson County to be part of a vibrant church body.

They reminded me of an important item.............the church building is the least important part of their ministry. It's the people.

Enjoy

Where is Your Treasure?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6

Money Problems-Spiritual Problems?

The number of homes facing foreclosure jumped 57 percent in January, compared to a year ago, with lenders increasingly forced to take possession of homes they couldn't unload at auctions, a mortgage research firm said this past Monday.

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics (www.nabe.com), the combined threat of subprime loan defaults and excessive indebtedness has overtaken terrorism and the Middle East as the biggest short-term threat to the U.S. economy. 32% of the survey participants cited loan defaults and excessive debt as the biggest threat, compared to only 20% citing terrorism as the biggest threat.

In 1968, consumers’ total credit debt was $8 billion (in current dollars). Now the total exceeds $880 billion.

Why are so many people having money problems in our society today?

Why has credit card debt increased billions in the last few years?

What can we do to get out of debt as individuals and as a country?

I visit, almost weekly, with people about money problems and bills they can’t take care of. I see wage garnishes come across my desk every week on employees that I know are struggling.

It’s time, as a society, to begin to live as Christ intended for us to live. A simple life.

It surprises many Christians to learn that approximately two-thirds of the parables that Christ used in teaching deal specifically with finances. Christ never said money or material things were problems. He said that they were symptoms of the real problems. He constantly warned us to guard our hearts against greed, covetousness, ego, and pride, because these are the tools that Satan uses to control and manipulate this world. "He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’ " (Luke 12:15).

So where can we start?

If parents do not operate on a budget, seldom will the children. If parents use credit readily and make buying decisions based on the ability to make monthly payments, rather than on the initial price of items purchased, so will the children. Once married and on their own, young couples attempt to duplicate in a few years what perhaps has taken their parents decades to accumulate. In order to accomplish that goal, they use credit, as they were taught. Before long, they have numerous assets, but the assets are all tied up in liabilities.

We need to teach living within our financial realm. Being content.

If Christian families truly lived by sound biblical financial principles, they would not only be lights to show the way to financial freedom for their friends and acquaintances, but their children would grow up with the knowledge of God's principles and how those principles should be used.

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, March 2, 2008

Welcome: Bill Carriger

Worship Leader: David Carriger

797 Lord We Come Before Thee Now

718 We Shall Assemble

155 Highest Place

Prayer

666 I Am Thine O Lord (Verse 1 Only)

334 Tis Midnight and on Olives Brow

Lords Supper

Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

533 I Am A Sheep

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 792 My Eyes Are Dry (Sing Twice)

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Leap Year

Leap Year has been the traditional time that women can propose marriage. In many of today's cultures, it is okay for a woman to propose marriage to a man. Society doesn't look down on such women. However, that hasn't always been the case. When the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years. That day was February 29th.

My Next Occupation

With many of my friends close to retirement, I have been contemplating that special time in my life. If you don't start to plan or prepare for that time in your life, you might have real difficulty.

In just a few years, I hope to be placing the donuts in the display cases at Dave's Daylight Donuts somewhere in the southern part of the United States.

That has been my dream for many years. Many people look at me like I'm crazy, but there are some reasons why this could be the very best job after working as an educator and administrator........

1. People are happy when they are eating donuts.
2. I wake up every morning around 3:00 a.m. anyway, why not go to work?
3. Its just me and my flour, other ingredients and fryers.
4. I can close when all the donuts are sold.
5. Golf can begin at noon each day.
6. I get to eat donuts every day.
7. No board meetings.
8. I do not have to drive the roads and decide if it's safe enough to make donuts today.
9. People love donuts
10. Debbie never has to fix me breakfast again.

A Summer Movie

In July of 1981, Debbie and I had just been married and were spending our second day of our honeymoon in beautiful Branson, Missouri at the lavish Kirkwood Motor Lodge. Being a big movie fan back in my younger years there was a movie that I had been wanting to see that summer. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was a big adventure movie that was the talk of the summer. Just across from the lavish Kirkwood Motor Lodge was the beautiful Branson Cinema (where movies cost $2.50) We decided to go watch this movie and enjoyed the action packed adventure.

This summer the fourth installment is coming. Here is a preview of the new adventure that will hit theatres this summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPTJ4v6KPrg

Thought for the Day

"A disciplined follower of Jesus is someone who discerns when laughter, gentleness, silence, healing words, or prophetic indignation is called for, and offers it promptly, effectively, and lovingly."

John Ortberg

Harding University

A big recommendation for Harding University in 1988............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFff_bV_8Jw&feature=related

Interruptions

I remember that hot sunny day playing golf in Mississippi fives years a go. Debbie and I were on a links golf course just outside of Memphis having a great time. Debbie had just teed off on a par three hole and made a great shot. I was next. I was in the middle of my swing and my cell phone goes off. I got a lot of grass on that swing.

Interruptions happen daily in our lives. Sometimes they are tough to handle. Not prepared (much like the cell phone going off) for what is about to happen. Sometimes we have prepared knowing it will happen at some point in time.

Just this past Saturday an elderly lady, who was a gracious caregiver to so many in Osage City, was killed in a car accident. Interruptions can happen at any time. The family was devastated, as well as the community.

How do we prepare for interruptions?

By fixing our eyes on the Master each day. By giving him all of our troubles, sorrows and successes in life. By being prepared if this might be our last day on this earth.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother's birthday. I know she is going to have a special birthday, because she is going to a special event tonight.

She is a very special woman who has taught me many important things in life. Her spiritual direction that she gave me has influenced my entire life. Her laughter and love of basketball has also.

I am looking forward to sharing with her this special day as we celebrate in the very best possible way.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Love,

David

P.S. Don't Forget Your Red Sweatshirt Tonight!!

Rescue the Perishing

The Times-Reporter of New Philadelphia, Ohio, reported in September 1985 a celebration at a New Orleans municipal pool. The party around the pool was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drowning at any New Orleans city pool. In honor of the occasion, two hundred people gathered, including one hundred certified lifeguards.

As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end. They tried to revive Jerome Moody, thirty-one, but it was too late. He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.

I wonder how many visitors and strangers are among us drowning in loneliness, hurt, and doubt, while we, who could help them, don’t realize it. We Christians have reason to celebrate, but our mission, as the old hymn says, is to “rescue the perishing.” And often they are right next to us.

Think It's Cold in Kansas?

Valentine's Day

The day of love is finally here. I have noticed that this special day has been so commercialized this year that it has lost a lot of its significance.

The day after Christmas the stores were packed with Valentine’s gifts. Candy, cards, perfume, flowers, teddy bears……What is a guy suppose to buy for their sweetheart?

I’ve tried it all. Debbie has appreciated all my gifts to her. The item she appreciates the most is a card with my thoughts and feelings each year and a night with no meetings or school activities.

I hope this Valentine’s Day 2008 will be one that you can share with that special person in your life and tell them how much you care and cherish their love.

Love

Love is the greatest medicine.
I ask to be healing medicine for others.
I ask my heart to expand its boundaries
and to love others as they wish to be loved.
I ask my heart to expand its boundaries
and open to my being loved
as I wish to be loved.

Julia Cameron

Love Never Fails

Though I speak with the tongues of people and of angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy,
and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
and though I have faith, so that I could remove mountains,
but have not love,
I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned,
but have not love,
it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind;
love does not envy;
love does not parade itself,
is not puffed up;
does not behave rudely,
does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
thinks no evil;
does not rejoice in iniquity,
ut rejoices in the truth;
bears all things,
elieves all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails.

I Corinthians 13: 1-8

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

I'm not sure if there has ever been a more beautiful song ever written. As we begin a week centered on LOVE there is nothing greater than the love God has for us.......

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

-George Matheson

All the Way to the Bottom

One night a man was brought into New York’s busy Bellvue Hospital. He appeared to be just another bum with a slashed throat.

He had been brought in from the Bowery, which in many cases was the last stop before the morgue. The Bowery was a synonym of filth, loneliness, cheap booze, drugs, disease, and the dead end of many a life.

He looked like all the rest. It was obvious that he had only lived to drink. His health was gone. He was cold and starving. On that icy January morning, this man who looked twice his age, was found lying in a heap, naked and bleeding from a deep gash in this throat. His forehead was badly bruised and he was semi-conscious.

A doctor was called…however, time ran out. The man died…and was sent to the morgue.

There among dozens of colorless, nameless corpses with tags on their toes, the man was identified. When they scrapped together his belongings, they found a ragged, dirty coat with 38 cents in one pocket and a scrap of paper in the other. This was all his earthly goods. Enough coins for another night in the Bowery and five words on a piece of paper; “Dear friends and gentle hearts.”

Once upon a time before his tragic death at age 38, this man
had written songs that literally made the whole world sing:

Camptown Races
Oh! Susanna!
Beautiful Dreamer
Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
Old Folks at Home
My Old Kentucky Home and over 200 more.

The bum found in the Bowery was Stephen Foster. What happened? Who knows for sure, but one thing is obvious. Sin and Satan can and will take a person to the bottom!

Services Cancelled Tonight

Services have been cancelled for tonight. Stay safe on the roads.

Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop

A Week Without E-Mail?

What would happen if I decided on March 14 not to check my e-mail for an entire week (including weekends)?

I couldn’t imagine the amount of e-mails I would have stored up. I usually receive about 100 e-mails a day as a school superintendent. Some are family related, some church related but the majority are school business.

Spring break would be a quieter period to go e-mail free for a week. Could I make it?

Many involved in business are trying to practice this once a year. A way to reduce stress and have a “quiet down period” of rest.

Debbie and I are thinking about taking a much-needed relaxing spring break trip to a warm southern state. Could I actually go e-mail free for that week?

The only bad thing…………when I get back from the trip and check my e-mail I might need another vacation.


"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."--Matthew 11:28

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, February 3, 2008

Welcome: Roger Hamm
Worship Leader: David Carriger

144 O Worship the King
96 I Stand in Awe
Doxology
Glorify Thy Name

Prayer:

454 Rock of Ages (Verse 1 only)
361 Nailed to the Cross (Verse 1 Only)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Lords Supper

Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

Jesus You’re My Firm Foundation

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 679 Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (Verse 1 and 4 Only)

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Days of Elijah

Consider Him

This is the time of the year, every basketball player is dinged a bit. They have aches and pains, ligaments that are stretched, bones that are sore, and they probably ache everywhere pretty much all of the time (KU is probably feeling it a little more this morning). It's then that they are asked to play their best.

Ministry is often the same...except that playing hurt doesn't mean playing through physical ailments (though it can)...but more through emotional or spiritual pain. Many in ministry are experts at it...that's what makes them so amazing to me. Many of them have ministered through unbelievable personal or congregational pain and thus set an example for many. Their role model was Jesus.

Hebrews 12:3 reads, "Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

It's true...much of the Christian life is lived through some sort of less-than-optimal state of being. We are to play anyway. If you are in pain today...emotional, spiritual, or physical...consider him.
Consider Him...
Consider Him...
Consider Him...And you will not grow weary or lose heart.

I Am the Blind Man

Lord, without you I am the blind man.
Sitting on the sidelines of life,
I am a beggar. Hoping someone will notice
me and toss me some spare change. Maybe enough to make
it for one more day. My hope of
anything better has long since vanished.
And I am reduced to despair.

Lord, without you I am the blind man.
I can’t see the beauty of the world.
A smile escapes my notice. A sunset
fades unseen. A friend’s need goes
unmet in my darkness. And your
bounty and beauty are wasted
on me because no light gets
into my eyes or brightens my way.

Lord, without you I am the blind man.
How did all this start? Did
my vision begin to fail when my
pride began to rule? Did my sight
dim when carelessness or
greed gained a foothold in my heart?
Have I for so long depended on
myself instead of you that darkness won the day?

Lord, without you I am the blind man.
Pass by, please, one more time
and call me to your side. I’ll tell
you, as before, that what I want—
what I need—more than anything
else is to see clearly. I want to see
your face. I want to see what is real.
I want to see you and follow, praising.

Author Unknown

Who We Are

"We are a fellowship of Christians, bound together by our mutual faith in Jesus Christ, and respect for one another. We are not limited by any denomination, not responsible to any authority but God, and not obligated to promote anyone but Christ.

We are a Bible-centered church. We are aware that we are not perfect, but we strive to please God by "fixing our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2). We believe that God expects us to demonstrate the Christian life through love, purity of life and commitment to others.

We respect the freedom of opinion of individual Christians, recognizing that there will be honest differences in all of us. We look to the Scriptures as our only doctrinal authority, and where those Scriptures are silent, we honor the wisdom of God by refusing to bind human opinions as creed."

Batsell Barrett Baxter

Happiness

Dennis Prager, author of the shrewd and perceptive "Happiness is a Serious Problem," writes,
"There is a 'secret to happiness,'" Prager writes, "and it is gratitude. All happy people are grateful, and ungrateful people cannot be happy. We tend to think that it is being unhappy that leads people to complain, but it is truer to say that it is complaining that leads to people becoming unhappy. Become grateful and you will become a much happier person."

Would They Miss Us?

It’s exciting to think about the endless possibilities of a new church building for the Central congregation. The outreach, the expanded education program, easier access for our senior saints, more parking, areas for growth. But I’m also sad about leaving the inner city area. So my question this morning, would anyone in this neighborhood miss us if we move?

See there is a growing frustration among church leaders these days. Seems as if they are believing that their churches ought to make more of a difference in the community than they do at present. So I ask the question this morning, would anyone miss us if we disappeared?

Martin Luther King Jr.

“I hope you can find some consolation from Christianity’s affirmation that death is not the end. Death is not a period that ends the great sentence of life, but a comma that punctuates it to more lofty significance. Death is not a blind alley that leads the human race into a state of nothingness, but an open door which leads man into life eternal. Let this daring faith, this great invincible surmise, be your sustaining power during these trying days.”

Martin Luther King Jr.
1963

York College Tragedy

Published Friday
January 18, 2008

York College wrestler killed in crash

BY JASON KUIPER AND ANDREW J. NELSONWORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITERS
ONAWA, IOWA - A member of the York College wrestling team was killed after a van carrying the team and its coaches rolled in the median of Interstate 29 about ten miles south of here.

The York College wrestling team, including Brock Pigorsch who is the back row, on the left. His brother Brandon is third from the left in the middle row.The school identified the victim as Brock Pigorsch, 21, of Herington, Kan. Pigorsch was a freshman physical education major. His brother was also on the wrestling team.The van was carrying 10 members and two coaches, said Sgt. Dan Schaffer of the Iowa State Patrol. The crash took place about 4:30 p.m.The team was bound for Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where it was scheduled to compete in the Red Raider Invite Saturday morning.The others in the van were taken to a Onawa hospital for treatment. Once released they will return to the college, located in York, Neb., or their homes.It is not known whether Pigorsch was wearing a seat belt.

Worship

The following are three quotes that describe worship. This one is from Israel’s worship.

"Come, let us bow down in worship,let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Psalm 95:6

This one is out of the idea in Churches of Christ in the 1950s that there are five and only five acts of worship.

"To be scriptural our Lord’s day worship must contain all of these five required items...To have less than these required five is to render the worship vain! To have more than these, is to corrupt the worship!" John Banister (1951)

Finally, this one is from a contemporary writer who follows the “Edification Model” that sees no special presence of God in the assembly but views worship as a way of filling the tank of discipleship to go on living in “daily worship.”

"You won't find any place in the New Testament where these ideas of special presence or encounter with God are part of the Christian assembly...There is no more special presence of God on Sunday morning at the church building than there is in your car Monday morning ... The idea of limited or special presence of God comes from temple traditions and cathedral thinking ... What happens in the assembly of the saints is totally up to you!" Mike Root (2000)

I Really Hate Snow!

My future January home...............

Celebrate and be Glad!

One of my favorite passages is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Every time I read the story I think about my own journeys away from God. Those moments when I foolishly decide I can do life on my own out of my selfishness and stubbornness.

Then what happens? I fall flat on my face and can’t get up. I see the error of my way and realize there is only One that can’t pick me up, clean me up, and bring me back to life.

That last verse is one that we all need to remember. Because when a brother or sister has realized where they have been and need that forgiving grace, we need to celebrate and thank God for the change of heart.

“Celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

Thought for the Day

"The grand point is not to wear the garb, nor use the brogue of religion, but to possess the life of God within, and feel and think as Jesus would have done because of that inner life. Small is the value of external religion unless it is the outcome of a life within."
--Charles Spurgeon.

Nothing in My Hand

Nothing in My Hand
A Prayer last Sunday at the Highland Oaks COC in Dallas

I wanted to bring you the best of last year, Lord.
Something beautiful.
Or holy or special.
Something that would make you smile
on me—make you proud of me.
I looked and searched for just the
right gift, but as you see
I’ve come to you again with
nothing in my hand.

I thought of collecting my tears for you, Lord,
tears for my sins.
I found plenty of sins
and a pool of tears I’d shed.
But I was caught short in my collecting
by the streams of mercy that
washed over me—taking my
tears with it, leaving me clean and with
nothing in my hand.

Maybe my energy or my zeal or
my hours of work in the
kingdom could be bundled and
wrapped into a suitable gift for
you, Lord. But my gathering
and wrapping only produced a
shabby offering—not fit for a
king and surely not valuable enough
to exchange for your forgiveness.

Everything I tried to make into a gift
for you, Lord, from the inventory of
my life, turned out to be light
as air—my goodness, my
good works, my understanding,
my care, my intentions—
all collapsed into nothing. And in
truth I found myself naked,
helpless and very much in need.

Walk with me through this
year, Lord. Show me what
is real and valuable.
Open my eyes to my need
and to your bounty
so that at year’s end
I may have the privilege
of coming to you—rescued, and with nothing in my hand.

Dealing With Difficult People

Dealing with difficult people is something each one of us will have to do so long as we live on planet earth. The world is, of course, filled with individuals who are each unique in their combination of age, health, personality, experience, upbringing, faith, and reasoning abilities.

In this sense, it will be somewhat of a challenge for anyone to relate to another. But we were called by Jesus who commanded us: "Love one another" (John 13:34, NIV). If everyone strived to love one another as our LORD commanded, there would likely be no need for a course on difficult people. The reality is that not only are people individuals but many strive to create strife and turmoil for others.

Difficult People

"I try to get along with Jim, but we always seem to be on different pages. I try to work with him, but a conflict always arises. Then I feel guilty. I don't like the tension, but I don't seem to understand how he thinks and acts or how to get along with him."

Sound familiar? We all have people in our lives that are difficult to understand, work with, or be around. We say things like, "I'm tired of his pushiness," "She's so picky,” "I can't seem to get him involved."

As long as we live, we will experience conflicts. Some persons are more difficult to get along with than others. They seem irregular to us.

Getting along with people takes effort. It means loving them when we don't feel like it and when they are not lovable.

When I look at material for our young professional class I usually look for relevant biblical topics that can be used in the stress filled daily walk that we must live each and every day. The current series that we are studying is one that I chose because it was one that I needed for the New Year. How to Deal with Difficult People is challenging. So many personalities, so many different types of people. Jesus knew just the right way to deal with so many challenging people. The critical Pharisees to his bubbling disciples.

How did he do it?

A Christian Nation?

Immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation. Patrick Henry, a leader of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death"; but in current textbooks, the context of these words is omitted.

Here is what he actually said: "An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

These sentence s have been erased from our textbooks. Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the front of his well-worn Bible: "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our creator." He was also the n chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role. On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this! : "It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: " The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools." William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools, with over 125 million copies sold, until it was stopped in 1963.

President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation." Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey: "The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free Institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. For all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology."

Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636. In the original Harvard Student Handbook, rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures: "Let every student plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies, is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

Most of what you read in this article has been erased from our textbooks. Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots.

Something to think about as we elect our next president!

OU Plays for National Championship Tonight

GO SOONERS....................

Daily Bible Reading in 2008

One blog I read offered the following eight suggestions for daily Bible reading in 2008. Writing and underlining is the key. Having some margin space in whatever Bible I'm reading...and a good pen. This can be a wonderful alternative to journaling or supplement to journaling, if you really take your time with the text.

Here are the eight suggestions:

1. Prepare the night before
2. Pray
3. Same time, same place every day
4. Keep track of what you read
5. Write in your Bible
6. Read consecutively (regular succession)
7. Use a journal
8. Respond to what you’ve read

To Die Young

This morning I drive south to one of the Carriger family cemeteries in Oklahoma to bury a cousin who I didn't know very well but have been asked to officiate the graveside service.

Tough to articulate what needs to be said about someones life when you don't really know the person as well as you needed too.

Trying to comfort a mother who lost their son is always a difficult task.

A New Year's Prayer

Holy God of Heaven and Earth,
I know that a thousand years are as a day to you, but we humans are bound up in time. As a new year is beginning, please teach me to ...
care more about people and less about money,
enjoy my work but not let it enslave me,
and laugh more easily than I did last year.
As I get ready for 2008, help me to remember things that are easy to forget ...
that it might well be my last year,
that some people are counting on me,
and that you have things for me to do.
Lord, with the things I have accumulated over the years, please let me ...
shake off the monotony of life,
try some new things in this new year,
and mend some broken fences.
And, Father of Mercies, please teach me in this new and unspoiled year to ...
lighten up and enjoy children, sunsets, reading, and long walks,
avoid quarrels and work at being a peacemaker in this world,
and start next year with fewer regrets than I bring to 2008.
May we live it for your glory!I cannot know what this year will bring, and I am grateful for that! But help me ...
eat less junk food,
exercise and take better care of my body,
and learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Above all other things, Father, I want to be your instrument for ...
easing somebody's too-heavy load,
relieving some sad person's misery,
and introducing some lost soul to Jesus.
Come what may in the year about to begin, may we live it for your glory, within your will, and to your delight.
We pray in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

by Rubel Shelly
http://www.heartlight.org

Simple Times in 2008

One of my favorite Christmas movies is one that that came out in the late 70’s that was the pilot for the Walton’s television show called The Homecoming.

I taped the movie several years ago and watch it each holiday season. The story is about a family growing up in West Virginia during the depression that is very poor waiting on their Father who works out of town to return for Christmas. The weather is turning bad and the family is very concerned if he will arrive.

I love the show and the simple way of life for the Walton’s family. They didn’t have all the stuff and luxuries that we enjoy today but they enjoyed true happiness and contentment. Their faith in God was very evident in their daily life.

Simple times. Family times. Faith in God. That sounds like a life that each of us needs as we look forward to 2008.

Happy New Year!

4 Stages of Life

You believe in Santa Claus
You don’t believe in Santa Claus
You are Santa Claus
You look like Santa Claus

Graduation

Brian and Allison at OC Graduation on December 14.

The Christmas Story

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."
--Matthew 1:18 - 2:23 New International Version

My Christmas Wish List....for Christmas Dinner

Have you made your Christmas Wish List yet? I really don't have anything that I want this Christmas except the most important part of the holidays.....dinner. Here's my list Deb..............

1. Ham
2. Scalloped Potatoes (Craig's favorite)
3. Fried Apples
4. Home made Bread (I will make the bread)
5. Green bean Casserole (Church of Christ Favorite)
6. Boiled Custard
7. Peanut Brittle
8. Carrot Cake
9. Stuffing
10. The most important item....A long winters nap!

Merry Christmas!

Order of Worship

Welcome

Joy To The World

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Silent Night, Holy Night

Prayer

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Message by Gary Souder

Reading

Invitation

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Why Did My Savior Come To Earth

Communion

Contribution

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

The Blessing of Christmas

One of my favorite comments on the holidays came in a sermon that Bob Russell preached once. He said, "It is a rare person who, when their cup overflows, can stop and give thanks without complaining about the size of the mug."

No matter how bad one's life is...they are blessed. Do you agree?

Happy Holidays!

Feeding of the Flock

Today is the day that Debbie and I enjoy. It's our Christmas Open House for USD 420. We cook and prepare for weeks and feed all of our school employees. It's a great time, but one that is a huge undertaking. I appreciate Deb's hard work in planning and preparing all the food.

I really understand how the disciples must have felt when the crowd became hungry in Matthew 14.

By the way....we did not serve my catfish!

Baby, Do You Know?

Baby, Do You Know?
by Rubel Shelly

Baby in a manger, do you know how far you traveled to be here tonight? Do you remember what you left behind? Do you realize that you created the world you are visiting? Do you know you made the universe you passed through to get here? Can you possibly have any idea tonight of the price you will pay for coming to Earth? Tiny baby, do you know that there have been rumors about your mother because of your birth? Is your sleep distrubed tonight by the knowledge that those rumors will haunt you throughout your stay among men?

Do you know what agony Joseph went through before he decided to claim you and to let you be known as "the carpenter's son"? Baby, can you tell me the identity of your real Father? Can you say his name?Do you know that your six-month-old cousin John will become a preacher, too? Are you aware that you will some day ask him to baptize you? Do you realize that he wil die by having his head cut off? Do you know that shepherds who live nearby are on their way to see you tonight? Do you chuckle that angels you knew in heaven sent them to find you? Baby, are you aware that Magi from a great distance are already traveling this way in search of you? Do you know what gifts they will present you when they arrive a few months from now?

Do you know already who will love you before they have even heard of you or seen you? Holy child, do you recognize any of these names: Anna? Peter? Herodias? James? Pilate? Do these places make you think of anything tonight: Egypt? Bethany? Jacob's well? Golgotha? Do you realize what is at stake for the entire human race with regard to your birth? Is it still in your mind that your coming signals the moment of decision for every one of us? Do you know where Jerusalem is? Can you possibly have any idea of what awaits you in that city? Do you want to go there? Are you anxious to get it over -- and go back home?

Do you know me? Are you aware that I love you? Do you know tonight that you have been born to be my savior? Does it register for you now that my life will be directed at every critical juncture by halting and imperfect attempts to do your will? Do you know that we will be together in heaven forever? Baby in Bethlehem, newborn from Mary's womb tonight, do you know who you are?

Can you possibly have any idea tonight of the price you will pay for coming to Earth?

The YP/College Christmas Party/Devo

On Sunday night, the Young Professional/College Class had our class Christmas Party and Devotional at the Souder’s. What a great time we had laughing, sharing, eating and singing. Gary and Ruthann always make the holiday party a fun and enjoyable evening.

We had a great crowd and enjoyed some good focus time on what Christmas should be all about. The Christmas story is one that is told each year but one that is forgotten very shortly after the holidays.

I pray that you will find a way to keep the story of Christmas alive each and every day. Maybe it’s by giving to someone that doesn’t have what we have. Maybe it’s giving some time or listening to the troubles and heartaches that many have during this time of the year. Maybe it’s reconciling with someone.

The aspect of joy and peace are important in the Christmas story. May God richly bless you and instill within you the blessing of the season.

A Milestone

Where does time go? Twenty-two years ago in York, Nebraska, God blessed Debbie and I with our first son, Brian. God has definitely been with Brian throughout his entire life. At the age of 12, we about lost him from an infection caused by a ruptured appendix. He still deals with health issues as a result of two surgeries and three weeks in the hospital. He was told by the doctors that he would never be able to play sports, but by his junior year in high school he was given the clearance to play the sport he loved, basketball. God then was with him as he went on to Oklahoma Christian University and met Allison and got to play JV basketball. Friday, after 3 1/2 years, Brian graduated. It was an exciting day for Brian and our family. We really didn't know if he would reach this milestone when he was 12 years old as he was lying in a hospital bed. We praise God for all that He has done in his life.

God continues to bless Brian today. Brian has always had a desire to be in law enforcement and will begin his career tomorrow as a Deputy Sheriff in Anderson County Kansas. As parents, we are so proud of his pursuit of his education, his desire to serve people in the career that he has chosen, his special girl at OC and his love for God.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

A Christmas Reflection

"It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Jesus do not run from the secular; rather we try to transform it. It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas. And we do this by being holy people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas rush…"


Andrew Greely

Ice Storm

Please be praying for the 500,000 Oklahoma residents without power. This ice storm could be one of the worst ever.

Holy Wonder

The shepherds were overwhelmed at the angel's announcement. They experienced holy wonder.

How can you engage in holy wonder? Maybe that means you stop in the middle of your shopping, sit down, and read the Christmas story. Maybe that means you gather your children around a Nativity scene each night and unwrap a different piece and talk about the role it plays in the Christmas story. Maybe that means you wake up early one morning and find a place you can watch the sun rise as you meditate on Luke 1:79.

The work of holy wonder is treasuring and pondering the fact that God invaded planet Earth on a perilous rescue mission. Amidst all the activity, stop and treasure all these things. Ponder them in your heart. Engage in some holy wonder.

Mark Mitchell

Sunday AM Services Cancelled

Because of the slick roads and sidewalks morning services have been cancelled. Evening services currently are still scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am Jesus and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember : I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Bible School Teachers

Last night, as I sat in Bible Class, I couldn’t stop thinking about how blessed we are at Central to have good Bible Teaching.

I appreciate Evan and Carl sharing their hearts and God’s Word each week. I appreciate Kathy and her ministry volunteers working with our children. Thank you Nathan for sharing the message of Christ with our teens.

Many congregations our size can’t find enough teachers to fill all the teaching positions. We are truly blessed to have many quality teachers.

Encourage them. Pray for them. Build them up.

The main component of a successful Church is the teaching ministry that takes place.

My Daily Prayer

Dear God:

So far today, I have done all right.
I have kept my mouth shut.
I have not gossiped, yelled or lost my temper.
I have not been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent.
I am glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I am getting out of bed.
From then on,
I'm probably going to need a lot of help.
Thank you.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Get Ready...Christmas is Coming

The month of December! For a school administrator, we call it the “15 longest days of the year” because of the many Christmas activities we have each day and night. Looking at my calendar, I have an activity each evening. From the traditional K-5 Christmas Program, 6-8 Holiday Concert, three holiday band concerts and a high school holiday choir concert, a jazz band holiday concert, a high school basketball tournament that is a week long, junior high basketball games, curriculum meetings, a board meeting, site council meetings and the feeding of the 125 (Debbie and I hosting and cooking for our annual Christmas Open House for our staff)…..It seems to go on and on and on. On Friday, December 21 at 3:20, when the final school bell rings, I usually then begin to get in the Christmas spirit.

I have had a tradition of working late the last day of school. I make sure all the buses get the kids home safely, teachers and staff are out of the buildings, principals are gone and custodians are locking up the facilities. After all that is done, I walk the halls at the schools and listen to the quiet.

December can be such a hectic and stressful time for people. Especially children. The kids today have so many uncertainties in their lives. Many have no idea who they will be spending Christmas with. Will it be mom who lives here or dad who lives in Kansas City? Will I get any presents this year? Dad doesn’t have a job and mom is sick and the hospital bills are piling up. Or dad is in jail and they have no idea where they will be. These are just a few of the challenges I think about during this time of year. It is difficult to be festive and cheery with those that love the holidays when you see so many that are hurting and hate this time of year.

What can we do? Prayer and giving are the magic ingredients to bless someone's life during the holidays. Here in Osage City, a small community, we have many challenges. Poverty is our biggest concern. The school, individuals, even our kids adopt families this time of year so everyone can be given a special Christmas. I am overwhelmed by the generosity that I see from our kids and staff as they pour out their hearts for families in need. Our annual high school Christmas Formal brings toys galore to kids in our community that wouldn’t receive anything under the tree if it weren’t for that special project.

Several members at Central will be in need during this season. What can we do? Pray and give. Be Christ-like and bless someone else. Adopt a family.

As I walk the halls that last day, I always thank God for giving me so many blessings. I am thankful that he has blessed me with so many physical and spiritual blessings. It’s my responsibility to give back and touch lives like Christ has done for me.

The countdown begins…………

The Hoppers

Yesterday afternoon I took Debbie to hear her favorite Southern Gospel group The Hoppers and singer Kim Hopper. It was a great three hour concert. Debbie loved the concert and got to meet her favorite singer. You probably remember her and the family if you watch the Gaither Homecoming videos. The Hoppers are famous for the song Jerusalem and Shoutin' Time. Powerful songs. They had the crowd pumped up all evening.

Big 12 Championship Saturday

Go Sooners!

Focus

For the past 6 weeks in our Young Professional/College Class we have been discussing Eternal Perspectives. Changing our focus off ourselves, and placing it on God, and the work that he has challenged us to do.

"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath."
Psalm 39:4-5

What was your ambition in life when you were younger?

What is it today?

How would you most like to be remembered?

Most of us had dreams and desires of great wealth and fame growing up. But through the "real lessons" of life have realized that “stuff” and riches do not guarantee true happiness in life. Only a life focused on Christ provides satisfaction and peace.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

As we enter the holiday season of giving, I encourage you to give and build relationships with people as well as build on your relationship with God. That is where true happiness can be found.

Quote for the Day

Remember what Casey Stengel the former NY Yankees and Met's Manager use to say (I believe its very appropriate for school administrators also):

"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided."

Have a great day!

Tulsa Workshop Update

Memorial and Garnett have enjoyed over three decades of workshop partnership. As many know, Memorial Drive is taking Garnett's workshop year for '08 to give them room to weigh their future relationship with the workshop. I count Wade Hodges as a dear friend and Garnett is like a second home to me over these many years. Garnett has reached a tough decision to step away from leading the workshop. They will remain supportive and involved as they love the event as well as we do at Memorial. Wade gives the most concise explanation for their decision: The consensus here is that on the leadership level there simply isn't the passion for and commitment to the workshop that is needed to design and execute a quality program. We love the workshop. We support the workshop's vision and mission. But we feel like its time for our church to direct it's energy in other directions.

The Memorial leadership has been in prayer knowing such a possibility loomed. We had many options, including whether it is time for the workshop to cease. The future of the workshop is headed in the following directions:

It will continue until we read from God the event is no longer a needed venue.
Memorial has three highly qualified ministers in Shane Coffman, Jason Thornton, and Bobby Smith.

I will train the three in the details of workshop preparation and execution. Eventually they will take the even years as was Garnett's pattern. This will give me a much-needed break.
We four work in the same office so mutual availability for training is quite simple. While we experience complete partnership, we have differing approaches to the same work. This will give the program a good and new perspective.

I felt it important that we find those to lead who have strong hearts for evangelism while possessing such leadership strength they would not think exactly as I. We need younger minds to protect the workshop from burrowing into my rut.

I must applaud Wade and Garnett. It takes great courage to step away from what has been any famous and effective ministry when the leadership senses the call from God to do so. It's easier to cave to the pressure of rote pattern as well as fear over potential rumor. They weighed, they prayed, they concluded and they acted. It was time for them to step back. That is courageous leadership. How many ministries now burden congregations because the time had long come to pull the plug, but lazy leadership couldn't endure the pressures of such?

Garnett will remain a partner in assisting with the workshop as are increasingly more area congregations coming on board over the years. The Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop is a desperate mission lodged in our hearts. We at Memorial sweat bullets over its direction. It takes us two years to prepare for one workshop. This means I have been working on 2008 and 2009's workshops for the entire 2007 season. I love it!

Garnett and Memorial remain positive, sweet friends. We need them. They need us. Our admiration remains mutual. Today I find it time to be sharing these decisions so you can be praying for our congregations to do God's work the most effective way possible.
Thanks to many of you for years/decades of support.

Terry Rush

God Weeps

"When God looks at our world, God weeps. God weeps because the lust for power has entrapped and corrupted the human spirit. Instead of gratitude there is resentment, instead of praise there is criticism, instead of forgiveness there is revenge, instead of healing there is wounding, instead of compassion there is competition, instead of cooperation there is violence, and instead of love there is immense fear.

God weeps when God looks at our beautiful planet and sees thousands of maimed bodies lying on the battlefields, lonely children roaming the streets of big cities, prisoners locked behind bars and thick walls, mentally ill men and women wasting their time in the wards of large institutions, and millions of people dying from starvation and neglect. God weeps because God knows the agony and anguish we have brought upon ourselves by wanting to take our destiny in our own hands and lord it over others.”

- Henri Nouwen

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I'm Thankful for:

• my beautiful wife


• two great boys that have great dreams and goals


• that Jesus loved me enough that He still died for me


• my job (Some days)


• my three principals that I work with about 15 hours a day


• the Central church


• mom and dad


• my fishing buddy and brother


• Soft pretzels


• my new hobby.........fishing


• golf


• the YP Gang at Central


• the Central Elders


• Growing up in California


• Peace

Willow Creek Repents?

Why the most influential church in America now says "We made a mistake."

Few would disagree that Willow Creek Community Church has been one of the most influential churches in America over the last thirty years. Willow, through its association, has promoted a vision of church that is big, programmatic, and comprehensive. This vision has been heavily influenced by the methods of secular business. James Twitchell, in his new book Shopping for God, reports that outside Bill Hybels’ office hangs a poster that says: “What is our business? Who is our customer? What does the customer consider value?” Directly or indirectly, this philosophy of ministry—church should be a big box with programs for people at every level of spiritual maturity to consume and engage—has impacted every evangelical church in the country.

So what happens when leaders of Willow Creek stand up and say, “We made a mistake”?
Not long ago Willow released its findings from a multiple year qualitative study of its ministry. Basically, they wanted to know what programs and activities of the church were actually helping people mature spiritually and which were not. The results were published in a book, Reveal: Where Are You?, co-authored by Greg Hawkins, executive pastor of Willow Creek. Hybels called the findings “earth shaking,” “ground breaking,” and “mind blowing.”

If you’d like to get a synopsis of the research you can watch a video with Greg Hawkins here. And Bill Hybels’ reactions, recorded at last summer’s Leadership Summit, can be seen here. Both videos are worth watching in their entirety, but below are few highlights.
In the Hawkins’ video he says, “Participation is a big deal. We believe the more people participating in these sets of activities, with higher levels of frequency, it will produce disciples of Christ.” This has been Willow’s philosophy of ministry in a nutshell. The church creates programs/activities. People participate in these activities. The outcome is spiritual maturity. In a moment of stinging honesty Hawkins says, “I know it might sound crazy but that’s how we do it in churches. We measure levels of participation.”

Having put all of their eggs into the program-driven church basket you can understand their shock when the research revealed that “Increasing levels of participation in these sets of activities does NOT predict whether someone’s becoming more of a disciple of Christ. It does NOT predict whether they love God more or they love people more.”

Speaking at the Leadership Summit, Hybels summarized the findings this way:
Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.

Having spent thirty years creating and promoting a multi-million dollar organization driven by programs and measuring participation, and convincing other church leaders to do the same, you can see why Hybels called this research “the wake up call” of his adult life.

Hybels confesses:
We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.

In other words, spiritual growth doesn’t happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. And, ironically, these basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage.

Does this mark the end of Willow’s thirty years of influence over the American church? Not according to Hawkins:
Our dream is that we fundamentally change the way we do church. That we take out a clean sheet of paper and we rethink all of our old assumptions. Replace it with new insights. Insights that are informed by research and rooted in Scripture. Our dream is really to discover what God is doing and how he’s asking us to transform this planet.

A Praying Wife

Have you ever experienced several stressful work related situations in your life all at one time? It’s hard enough to deal with one crisis at a time but having to deal with five situations that all hit at once.

What do you do?

Do you quit?

Do you say I’ve had enough?

Do you go on the attack?

Or do you do what Jesus did and go to the Father?

When you give it to God he deals with it and takes care of it. All you have to do is have faith, trust, listen and wait. That’s tough for selfish individuals like myself.

I’m so thankful for a praying wife who goes to the Father on my behalf. When a serious meeting is taking place she is praying not only for me, but peace in the troubling times. What a Christ like spirit she has. But even more than that, encouraging other wives to be praying for their husbands through the situation also.

I’m blessed to have a very special gift from God.

Thank you Debbie, for giving the ultimate gift of yourself, your love and faith in our Father!

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, November 18, 2007

Announcements/Welcome

Scripture: Psalm 145:1-5

4 To God Be The Glory (verse 1 only)

781 Thank You, Lord

68 Give Thanks

Prayer

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

Communion

Contribution

533 I Am A Sheep

537 Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims

Message-Evan

Invitation: 912 Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary

Closing Announcements

These Are the Days of Elijah

Closing Prayer

Birthday 46

Today I'm finally as old as my wife.

My birthday present......................fishing with my brother Mike at our favorite quiet spot, 15 minutes from Osage City as we look at the beautiful trees and watch the deer on the hillside.

That's a great gift!

Our New Hobby

We have enjoyed our fishing moments this Fall. Still learning about catfish and enjoying every minute of it.

Family Memories

On the west side of K-15 highway, in southern Kansas, is the big city of Dexter. In Dexter sits an old, white, two story building in the downtown area that is about to fall down.

It was the old Henry’s Candy store. When I was a kid, my grandmother and grandfather would drive us down from Augusta on a Sunday afternoon after church for homemade candy. We loved it, especially at Christmas time when they made very special candies.

Today, the candy store has relocated and is on the east side of K-15 in a newer building. They still have over 100 varieties of candy and continue to give free demonstrations on Sundays.

I took Brian and Craig there on several occasions as they were younger to show them the candy store that was made special by my grandparents. Memories of the past are so important. Memories of special family times are priceless.

We have those each Sunday here at Central when we gather as a family to worship our Heavenly Father. We share our lives - some good times, some not so good - but they are precious moments when we encourage each other and make memories that will last a lifetime.

I enjoyed reading the Thanksgiving messages from many of our members here at Central in the bulletin this month. The number one message that came out throughout all the different stories was the memories and special times we have as a family here at Central.

To become a member of God’s Family is a very easy process. The problem that so many have is, it’s a change of life. It’s a commitment. It’s saying goodbye to how I once lived and allowing God to take me and use me for his will.

The story of the rich man in Mark 10:

“And as [Jesus] was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property.”

Such a sad story because this man remembered what he had in earthly possessions and couldn’t give them up. He remembered the stuff. He remembered the pleasure he received from all that he had. It was such an important part of his life that he couldn’t give all that up and follow Jesus.

I’m thankful God has given us our minds to remember the good things and not so good things in life. It helps us on a journey towards Jesus each day. It helps us remember what Christ did for us at Calvary.

American Education Week

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
November 11-17, 2007

“The future of America is written on school blackboards and in student notebooks. The quality of thought in our classrooms today will determine the quality of our lives a generation hence”

Lyndon B. Johnson

As I look at the classrooms of our state, I see quality. I see students who are eager to better themselves academically and in the activities they are involved in. I see highly qualified teachers and staff who encourage students to work to their fullest potential. They spend numerous hours inside the classroom as well as outside the classroom working with students to give them opportunities that we could of never imagined when we were in school because of the advances in technology and the information highway that is available today.

Kansas classrooms are ones of quality with increasing test scores, academic and extra curricular accomplishments as well as former students achieving great success in college and university settings. Faculty and staff work countless hours to stay abreast of the latest educational methods by continuing professional training and working on advanced college degrees.

Communities encouraging school districts to have high quality academic programs. We appreciate the continued support and working relationships between school, city and business.

As we celebrate American Education Week we want to thank each individual. Because of your determination and support we can continue to be a state that focuses on academic quality and helping our students achieve great things.

David Carriger
Superintendent
USD 420 Osage City

Veteran's Day 2007

This is a picture of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at Point Loma in San Diego, California. As I was growing up, this was my symbol of brave Americans who sacrificed everything to give me the independence that I enjoy today. I appreciate my father, grandfathers, uncles and family who served our country so we could enjoy the blessings of the United States of America.

What If?

Have you ever thought about what if? If I could start over again what would I have done differently? Would I have the same job? Would I have married the same person? Would I have gone to college or went to work right out of high school? Would I have kids? Would I live in Kansas? Would I retire as early or as late as I did?

We sometimes ask these questions in moments of sadness, stress, rejection and difficulty.

Asking these questions is common. Many great heroes of faith in God’s Word asked the same questions about their lives. David evaluated his existence, his mission and his life as his last days were nearing.

I want to challenge you this morning to do that one thing that God has placed on your heart to do that you just haven’t made time to do.

Maybe it’s something out of your “comfort zone” that you have wanted to do but you have been scared to try. Maybe its telling that neighbor about Christ or patching up a relationship that has been destroyed many months or years ago. Maybe it’s that mission trip that I have always wanted to take but just haven’t found the time.

Find the time today!

Our Greatest Need

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

NY City's Finest

Don't worry Brian wasn't arrested or hired by the New York City Police. Just a picture with the City's finest. He enjoyed his visit with Craig last month.

Psalm 56

Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.
My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.
They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.
On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.
Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise-
in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

A Monday Prayer

God,

Your servant is struggling. He needs Your protection so that he will not become disillusioned, negative, and bitter in the face of opposition. I ask that You fill Him with Your Spirit even more this week. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ooze out of him and be noticed by all he comes into contact with today, tomorrow, Sunday, and in the days and weeks to come. Such responses will only come from you, for as a human his flesh will want to lash back, exert control, and make demands. Please help him to rise above the struggles and always be Your faithful, humble servant.

Through the power of the risen Christ, Amen.

The Hurting

This came from a friend......I can't tell you how tired I am of being sad. I'm afraid I'm not bearing all that well under the heavy weight of mourning. I fear I'm becoming the phone call you dread receiving or the party guest who constantly brings the room down. I want to have a different answer when people ask me how I'm doing, but a different answer would not be an honest one.

Hurting people everywhere. Even in the pews on Sunday.

Church Attendance

I just read a report that was released in 2006 by Reuters which states that members of the Churches of Christ have the highest rate of weekly church attendance among all religious groups in the United States of America. The rankings went as follows:

Church of Christ: 68 percent
Mormon: 67 percent
Pentecostal: 65 percent
Southern Baptist: 60 percent
Nondenominational Protestant: 54 percent
Catholic: 45 percent
Methodist: 44 percent
Presbyterian: 44 percent
Lutheran: 43 percent
Episcopal: 32 percent
Jewish: 15 percent