Unity

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Psalm 133

Harmony within the family of God shows that we are dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly. When we live in community, we mirror God’s nature of community among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and his nature of love and selflessness.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:5-6

The Roman church was an extremely diverse community. It was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, former idol worshippers, prostitutes, and every type of sinner. We can imagine from our own experience how difficult it must have been for them to accept one another.

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23

Thought for the Day

At the end of the day, when I am lying in bed and I know the chances of any of our theology being exactly right are a million to one, I need to know that God has things figured out, that if my math is wrong we are still going to be okay. And wonder is that feeling we get when we let go of our silly answers, our mapped out rules that we want God to follow. I don't think there is any better worship than wonder.

Donald Miller
Blue Like Jazz

Read Your Bible and Pray Everyday, And You'll Grow, Grow, Grow!

According to a Harris poll conducted in April, the Bible remains the all-time favorite book of a majority of Americans, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. (For those who are wondering, number 2 is Gone with the Wind, followed by the Lord of the Rings trilogy.)
This news is heart-warming, but mind-troubling. For few Americans seem to read their favorite book.

Biblical illiteracy is growing, especially among the young. A 2004 Gallup survey of teens revealed that two-thirds couldn't place "Blessed are the poor in spirit" in the Sermon on the Mount, or recall what happened on the road to Damascus. An earlier poll conducted by George Barna showed an ignorance or rejection of basic Christian doctrines (such as the sinlessness of Christ) among a significant number of self-identified Christians.

Rejection

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is be outside and garden. We have grape vines that produce great purple grapes. Deb makes jelly out of them.

The story I shared with the high school and middle school class on Wednesday evening is about a individual who owns a vineyard where grapes are grown and his tenants who were greedy and violent individuals.

It’s a story about rejection.

It would make a great movie.

One of the worst feelings in the world is to be rejected by someone. We have all experienced it. Friends at school. Maybe a family member. Maybe a brother or sister in Christ who you thought was a true friend.

The Parable of the Tenants
Matthew 21:33-46 (New International Version)

33"Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. 34When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

35"The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.

38"But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' 39So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40"Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?"

41"He will bring those wretches to a wretched end," they replied, "and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."

42Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

43"Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

This parable is about rejection. The illustration of a landowner who uses his money, time, and resources to build a business of making wine is a parallel on how our Lord was received and treated.

This business was necessary and essential in that time. Others sought to take advantage and then tried to take it away. The landowner put forth efforts and sought others to care for his property. When he sent messengers to collect what was his, they rejected the messengers.

They not only rejected, they became violent, even resorting to murder to get their way and not seek his. Even though it was his vineyard, they only saw it as opportunity to get something without using their own money, labor, or efforts. They wanted for themselves what they were not wiling to strive for. When the landowner sent his son, he expected better treatment; but their true wickedness showed as they killed him, too.

The tenants represent the people whom God brought out of Egypt and slavery, and gave them a land they did not make. God sent His Law and prophets, and they beat and killed them; when God sent His Son, they were to do the same.

A messiah was promised and they killed both the messenger, John the Baptist, and Christ. They sought their own greed. They did not honor or respect the things and call of God.

We do this daily in our selfish walks of life. Rejecting the one who in turn blesses us daily and gives us that second chance.

What We Think About Matters

We are often foolish in our thinking. We allow Satan access into our minds by thinking on the wrong things. We think too often about self. Material possessions become objects of every thought. We spend time thinking about the wrong things and our actions prove it.
What if we began to spend more time thinking about God and His word? Our minds would be filled with good. Our minds would be renewed. Our minds would be prepared. Our actions/behavior would be different. Right thinking would reign.

Someone has said that wrong thoughts are like birds. You can’t keep them from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nests in your hair. We can be victorious over our enemy with God’s help. We can be ruled by good. What we think about matters!

Jay Taylor
Irving, Texas

Emma

My neice Emma played her last softball game this week. Here she shows off her medal she received..................

The TV Event of the Year!

The 4th wouldn't be the 4th without the annual Hot Dog eating Contest from Coney Island.

Lightning Rods

Some speakers are lightning rods.

By that I mean to have some men on lectureships, workshops, or invited to speak at local congregations is to cause disruption due to what radical things they might say. Such are known as lightning rods; they will attract criticism and the Lord knows that's one thing we sure don't stand for in the true church. After all, He never was involved in such reckless speakers.Or was He?

Regardless of how careful leaders of any of the above venues desire to be, they can count on one thing: God will wreck our lives on occasion. Do you really think that Jesus, Peter, James, John, and Paul were not lightning rods? Do you really believe each was tossed into prison for double parking their camels? Do you really believe they were careful not to offend their audience? Do you really believe they never ruffled feathers?

No, theirs was a much different climate than ours. We have so established the true church that we have weeded out the lightning rods. No storms allowed among some. Peaceful like cemeteries....that's our motto. By the way....where are our children going to church once they graduate from high school and get out on their own?

I know....just another blog post from a lightning rod.

Terry Rush
Memorial Drive Church of Christ-Tulsa

4th of July Week

This is a big week for the Carriger Family. Some celebrate Christmas, some birthdays, others Valentine's day......the Carriger Family tries to blow up the neighborhood each 4th of July in Osage City. My entire family descends on our place for our annual catfish fry, BBQ and fireworks extravaganza celebrating the 4th. It lasts the entire week! A lot of laughs and stories have resulted in this annual festival. Only problem....I have to work every day and can't be there until the evening hours. Tough life!

Does this Remind You of Something in the Book of Genesis?

Stick em Up

In honor of my brother who works for BP..... enjoy!

Mike's Big Catch

My brother Mike caught this nice 4 pound catfish the other day.

Manhattan Church of Christ

Great article about the congregation where Craig attends in New York City.................

Manhattan congregation reflects melting pot nature of New York City
By Bobby Ross Jr. The Christian Chronicle

NEW YORK - No fried chicken. No hamburger casserole. No Jell-O salad.The titillating smells emanating from the fourth floor of the Manhattan Church of Christ on a recent Sunday reflected a more international flavor.The menu included Korean-style scallion pancakes, English scones and cucumber sandwiches, Nigerian bean cakes and Guyanese fish cakes.At the church’s International Day, members representing two dozen nationalities donned native attire and set up displays showcasing their home countries.“One thing brings you together, and that’s the blood of Christ,” said Effiong Akpan, a Nigerian wearing a light blue robe known as an agbada. “This is exactly what God intended when he said that all nations should flow unto him.” 'BREAKING BARRIERSAlmost 83, John Rainbow couldn’t help but smile as children and adults marched into the first-floor auditorium carrying signs of their native lands.As the congregation sang “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in English and Spanish, there were plenty of “red and yellow, black and white” faces to match the words of the song.“I thank God,” Rainbow said.An African-American who made a living in his younger years singing ballads and love songs, Rainbow first came to the congregation in 1957 hoping to meet entertainer Pat Boone, then the church’s song leader.But in the church, Rainbow encountered the prejudice of that era. A white elder’s wife would change pews if a black man such as Rainbow sat down beside her. One man hurled racial slurs.However, the late Burton Coffman, the minister from 1954 to 1971, gripped Rainbow’s hand, looked him in the eye and told him to keep coming back.“Don’t let anybody drive you away,” Rainbow recalls Coffman telling him. And Rainbow didn’t.He later served 10 years as the church’s song leader and remains a faithful member. At International Day, the congregation applauded as Rainbow stood to be recognized for the barriers that he helped break down.RICH AND POORJust a short walk from Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s $13.5 million townhouse, the Upper East Side church occupies one of America’s richest ZIP codes.Yet, through a ministry called Community of Hope, the congregation welcomes homeless people into the building each Friday and the second Saturday of each month. The guests shower, eat, rest, study the Bible and watch movies at the church.“Even though it’s a very wealthy area, there’s a lot of homeless people that live in the area,” said Thomas L. Robinson, senior minister and one of five elders. “As far as breaking down barriers, that kind of barrier — the socioeconomic barrier — is at least as difficult as the racial and ethnic barriers.”Believing God calls all people unto him, the church works actively to build a community that overcomes the ethnic, socioeconomic, gender and racial barriers that divide humankind, church leaders said.The church’s two English services and separate Spanish assembly draw nearly 400 worshipers each Sunday morning. A bilingual service is conducted on the third Sunday of each month.Member Selina Law, who organized International Day, said she expects heaven to look a lot like the Manhattan church.“When people come here, it doesn’t really matter where you’re from,” said Law, a Hong Kong native. “You just feel comfortable and you fit in, and that’s a good feeling.”The congregation mixes investment bankers, lawyers and heart surgeons with taxi drivers, police officers and computer specialists. Well-known attendees include Lester Holt of NBC News and, when he’s in town, Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer.“Our overall membership includes only some 100-125 members who were raised within the Church of Christ,” said elder David Swearingen, a third-generation member from Idaho and vice president of corporate communications with Johnson & Johnson. “Virtually all of the others converted from other faiths — principally Catholics, with a few Jewish conversions, as well as Hindu, one former Muslim and several Christian denominations,” said Swearingen, a graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.Colombian-born minister Hugo Monroy, who works with New York area church planters and the Manhattan church’s Hispanic ministry, touted the blessings of diversity.“We have the opportunity to taste different foods, to hear of different ways of doing things, different ways of thinking and behaving,” said Monroy, who grew up Catholic and became an atheist before his baptism at a Church of Christ.A graduate of Abilene Christian University in Texas, he described getting to know a Jewish family who converted to Christianity and how that relationship helped him learn more about Hebrew culture. Four years ago, he started joining the Jewish family for Passover celebrations.“My wife Sandra and I have not missed one Passover since then,” Monroy said.AN OPPORTUNITY, AND A CHALLENGEChristian Francis, a 22-year-old African-American who grew up in Brooklyn, flashed a wide smile as he greeted South Korean natives Bok-Hee Meixner and Lauren Hook — both adopted as children by Americans.Francis filled his plate with kimchi — pickled cabbage with hot chili and peppers — and hugged Hook, who wore a bright pink and yellow hanbok, a traditional Korean dress. Francis, a senior biochemistry major at Abilene Christian, has attended the Manhattan church since age 6. He said the “melting pot” nature of New York City — where the Statue of Liberty still inspires hope and more than a third of the 8.2 million residents are foreign born — offers a tremendous opportunity for the church. The 43 birth nations of active Manhattan church members range from China to Cuba, Germany to Guyana, Japan to Jamaica.“I mean, you walk outside on the streets of New York and you may hear 15 languages all at once, depending on what location you’re in,” he said. In all, New Yorkers speak roughly 170 languages.At the U.S.A. display, Whitney Pettyjohn helped serve red-white-and-blue cake and “pigs in a blanket.”Pettyjohn, a white woman in her 20s, moved to the Big Apple from Oklahoma to work for a public relations company. “Especially going to my grandparents’ churches growing up — all older people, all Caucasian — I love being able to see that everyone of all shapes, all sizes, all kinds can get along as part of the church,” said Pettyjohn, an Oklahoma Christian University graduate. On Friday nights, Pettyjohn helps with the Alpha Course, a program at the church that introduces people to Christianity in a friendly, no-pressure environment.“I know a lot of churches have a problem with driving people away,” Pettyjohn said. “I feel like this congregation really pulls people to them. It’s like an attraction that you can’t explain.”In a sermon titled “From Every Tribe and Tongue and People and Nation,” based on passages in Revelation, Robinson focused on God’s vision for diversity. God, he said, made all colors and body types, communicates in all languages and understands the worship of every human culture. But in human hands, diversity too often leads to brokenness, hatred, oppression and violence, he said.“Just the fact that we’re together does not mean that we break down the barriers between us, that we make real friends or that we understand each other,” the Abilene Christian graduate preached as he urged members to heed God’s plan for renewal, peace and justice.

Communion

Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

1 Cornthians 11: verse 28

Communion is that time each week that we examine ourselves and the work of Christ in our life. Before we take of the bread and fruit of the vine we are told to examine ourselves. Communion should be a time of spiritual reflection and soul searching. Allow the Holy Spirit to take away all those hindrances and obstacles that we have placed in God's way throughout the week. Allow Jesus to minister his cleansing and healing to our spirit. Allow God to transform your thoughts, your emotions, your desires, and your actions. Let us examine ourselves and be willing to receive from God what he has for us each of us on Sunday morning.

In John chapter 2 is the story of Jesus turning the water into wine. There were six old stone jars full of water. Have you ever thought about those six stone jars? There was nothing important about them – all they did was hold plain water. But Jesus transformed that ordinary, everyday water into new wine – so good that the banquet master said it was the best of the feast. Have you ever considered how in your life Christ has taken you and changed you from water into wine? We have a new life in Christ. The old ways are forever changed and we are renewed and transformed by his presence.

As we partake of communion each first day of the week, think of all the ways Christ has changed you. A time of thanking him in worship and praise from the heart is always appropriate at communion time. Jesus has done so much for us. Let us make communion a time of remembering all that he means to us.

Thought for the Day

"Eventually all things merge into one and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."

~Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It

Worship

Harold Best, in his book, Music Through the Eyes of Faith, defines worship in the broadest sense as “acknowledging that someone or something else is greater – worth more – and by consequence, to be obeyed, feared, and adored…Worship is the sign that in giving myself completely to someone or something, I want to be mastered by it."

Worship is, at it's essence, submitting ourselves through praise and covenant to the reign of God. This is true of all elements of worship. Praise isn't worship. True praise, prayer, preaching, listening, and coming to the table all engage us in, one way or another, giving ourselves completely God to be mastered by Him.

Question: What is the most powerful element of worship for you?

A Long Week

This is going to be a long tough week of cooking, cleaning and picking up after myself. Debbie left me! Not for good. She went to Oklahoma to care for her mother who had knee replacement surgery last week. We will meet up again on Saturday at Vernon's Wedding in Augusta.

Hope Craig likes cereal............................

A Dog's Purpose from a Six-Year Old

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa,and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, andthey were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was ill and dying. I told the familywe couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform theeuthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it wouldbe good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt asthough Shane might le arn something from the experience. The next day,I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surroundedhim. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time ,that I wondered if he understood what was going on.Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without anydifficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker'sdeath, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives areshorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, pipedup, "I know why."Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth nextstunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said,"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" Thesix-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, sothey don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.

Help for Kansas Tornado Victims

How to Help Tornado Victims

Offices of the American Red Cross are accepting donations for storm victims.
In Topeka, monetary donations can be taken to the Kansas Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1221 S.W. 17th.

You Are So Good to Me

You are so good to me
You heal my broken heart
You are my Father in heaven
You ride upon the clouds
You lead me to the truth
You are the Spirit inside me
You poured out all your blood
You died upon the cross
You are my Jesus who loves me
You are beautiful my sweet, sweet, song
I will sing again
You are my strong melody
You are my dancing rhythm
You are my perfect rhyme
And I want to sing forever.

“You Are so Good to Me” by Waterdeep.

Summer Workshop

Every fourth year there is a gathering of Christ-followers from the three branches of the Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Christian Churches) to promote unity.

The past meetings have been:
1930 Washington, DC, USA
1935 Leicester England, UK
1947 Buffalo, NY, USA
1952 Melbourne, VIC, Ausralia
1955 Toronto, ONT, Canada
1960 Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
1965 San Juan, Puerto Rico
1970 Adelaide, SA, Australia
1974 Mexico City, Mexico
1980 Honolulu, Hi, USA
1984 Kingston, Jamaica
1988 Auckland, New Zealand
1992 Long Beach, CA, USA
1996 Calgary, ALB, Canada
2000 Brisbane, QLD, Australia
2004 Brighton, England, UK

This summer, the 17th meeting of the World Convention will be in Nashville — July 30-August 3.
You can find more information here or here.

Order of Worship

Welcome

2 We Praise Thee O God (Verse 1 and 2 only)

869 We’re Marching to Zion (Verse 1 only)

103 He Has Made Me Glad

96 I Stand in Awe

Prayer:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

364 Come, Share the Lord

Lords Supper

Contribution

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

We Are The Body of Christ

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 701 My Jesus I Love Thee

Announcements

711 Blest Be the Tie That Binds (Verses 1,3 and 4 only)

Closing Prayer

The Body of Christ

One heart
one spirit
One voice
to praise You
We are the body of Christ

One goal
one vision
To see You exalted
We are the body of Christ

And to this
we give our lives
To see You glorified

© 1997 ThreeFold Amen Music/Songward Music

A Verse for Today

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among any brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Shepherds

I found this picture the other day of a confident Shepherd leading his sheep. During this transition period may God be with us as He leads Central to even greater heights during the next few months.

Suggestions

Now that we have sold the building, the Elders are interested in input from members of the congregation on possible Sunday and Wednesday evening formats.

Many have been to congregations that have experienced moving and transitions. What did you do to make it a successful move? How did you do Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services?

Need input......................

What Will We Look Like............

Jerry asked the question last week at our elders meeting, "What will we look like on September 2?"

What will the Central Church of Christ look like, and become, after we leave the corner of Huntoon and College where we have worshipped for 100 years?

What did the first church look like?

The first real church was Jesus and His 12 disciples. The first church was actually a training school for those who would establish the second-generation churches after Jesus ascended back to the Father. It was Jesus showing His disciples, first hand, how to have church. They met in houses and gardens, by the sea and on boats in the sea, in the middle of the road, on hillsides and on mountaintops. They met wherever Jesus happened to be. These meetings formed their understanding of what church was supposed to be and established a pattern for the next generation of churches.

Acts 2 talks about a church family meeting together continually. Trying to live like Jesus.

I see us doing the same thing.
I see us reaching out.
I see us ministering in homes, schools, hospitals, and in the work place.
I see us celebrating new births, marriages and grieving with our family members that have struggles and difficulties.
I see an eldership that will be on their knees asking God for continued direction as they lead their flock toward an even more exciting and rewarding life that is found only in Jesus Christ.

What will we look like on September 2?

We will look like His disciples!

We Hear You

We Hear You

We hear you calling us, Lord.
On good days we hear you loud and clear.
And even on bad days the world’s siren song
never completely drowns out your voice.
We hear you asking us to
follow you
trust you
honor you.
We hear you begging us to
seek you
find you
love you.
We hear you reminding us that you alone
are worthy of our
admiration
reverence
confidence.

We hear you, Lord.
And part of us wants more than anything
to find comfort and encouragement
in your voice, and to
respond to you with the best that we
have and are.
Part of us longs for the place of rest
your call offers.
Part of us knows that life
in you
would be the very best
of all possibilities.

We hear you, Lord.
But part of us finds it hard to let go
of our own ambitions
and the solutions we have
figured out for ourselves.
Part of us demands that we keep
trusting in ourselves
or at least in what
we can see and touch.

Cut through our layers of defense, Lord. Our
defiance
arrogance
self-sufficiency
greed
and all the things in us that keep telling us
to ignore your call.

Go to work on us, Lord.
In us.
Remake us in your image
so we can love you first and best.

We hear you calling us, Lord.
Help us, please,to listen.

(Submitted Via Internet Blog)

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.

Dress Appropriatelly

The job I hated the most as a high school principal was dress code enforcement. Kids always tried to see what they could get away with wearing to school that was inappropriate. When it got warm………the shorts, tank tops, low cut shorts and sleeveless shirts came out. It was always such an enjoyable time explaining to the girls that the new low cut blouse you are wearing (just bought for $50) is not appropriate to wear to school, you will need to go home and change. After getting an ear-full from the parents on why they felt is was appropriate to wear, they were sent home to change. As a Superintendent, I don’t have to make those day-to-day decisions with students about dress any longer (unless the principals are gone) but there are times I have to talk to teachers and staff about appropriate dress. I never thought it would come to that. Our society has gone from one that covered up to one that wishes to display and flaunt. As a Christian, it’s sad to say it has come to church as well. I have been to congregations where I couldn't believe some of the revealing attire that was being worn.

I hope that all of us can re-examine our dress and what is appropriate attire this summer when we worship and in our daily living.

Remember we are the example of Christ, even in how we dress.

Thought for the Day

An optimist expects his dreams to come true;
A pessimist expects his nightmares to.

The Last Day of School

180 days later we come to the end of another school year.

Great memories.

Happy stories.

Sad stories.

Fun.

Suspense.

Tragedy.

Excellence.

Failure.

All make up the course of a school year.

Kids enjoy the summer. Be careful!

Parents I'm praying for you. Only 85 days until school begins in August.

A New Beginning

Sitting in my office on Friday morning reading Gary's e-mail that we sold the building made me think about what the church really is...

"The Church is not a physical building, but a group of believers; not a denomination, sect, or association, but a spiritual body. The Church is not an organization, but a communion, a fellowship of one body." (The Church - The Body of Christ, John MacArthur)

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus spoke firmly of His plans ... "I will build My Church; and the gates of Hell shall not overpower it."

"The Most exciting happening in history is the building of Christ's church. This church is not constructed with wood and stone, but with people who have come to trust Christ's loving forgiveness to the point of becoming His disciples.

His Church started with a few disciples who gathered together for prayer. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them, Peter preached a heart-stirring sermon and 3,000 new disciples were converted and baptized. Now the super-structure of His church began to take shape. These new disciples became participants in the greatest building project in the history of the world, They started to build Christ's Church and thus become part of the fulfillment of Jesus' promise, 'I will build My church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."

We need to remind each other during this exciting period of transition that we (Central) are the Church. And we will be his people wherever we go.

Craig Home for the Summer

Craig returns home tomorrow from New York City. Looking forward having our little boy home for the summer...............

If That Isn't Love

My favorite Dottie Rambo song........

If That Isn't Love

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

Chorus

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

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

Chorus

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

Dottie Rambo Dies in Accident

Gospel singer Dottie Joyce Rambo dies
Associated Press

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo died early Sunday when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment.
Rambo, 74, of Nashville, Tenn., died in the crash about two miles east of Mount Vernon on Interstate 44, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. Seven other people in the bus were injured, and were hospitalized in Springfield with moderate to severe injuries, the patrol said.
It was unclear if the accident, which occurred about 2 a.m., was weather-related, the patrol said. Severe storms and tornadoes hit the region about 6 p.m. Saturday, killing 14 people. Sustained winds and storms swept through the area later in the night, according to the National Weather Service.

"She was a giant in the gospel music industry," said Beckie Simmons, Rambo's agent. "Dolly Parton recorded some of her songs."

Parton sent condolences to "everyone involved in this terrible tragedy."

"I know Dottie is in heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed," Parton said in a statement. "Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and as of late my duet singing partner."

Rambo was on her way to a Mother's Day performance in North Richland Hills, Texas, according to her Web site.

Rambo was inducted to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

Rambo has had more than 2,500 published songs, including gospel classics such as "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" and the 1982 Gospel Music Association Song of the Year, "We Shall Behold Him."

Waiting

I am very impatient at times. Waiting is not one of my attributes. The Lord’s perspective is very different. He says those who wait on Him will be blessed. (Isaiah 30:18) Pausing to hear from our Father is always the wisest action we can take. That’s how we receive clear direction. As believers, we’re not to operate as the world does. We don’t determine our course by human reasoning or the example of others. Our guidance is to come from God—the one who instructs us in the way which we should go. (Psalm 32:8)

Deputy Carriger

Friday morning we traveled to Hutchinson for Brian's graduation from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.


Brian and his Grandparents.


Brian and cousin Emma.


Brian and his grandparents.

Brian and Sheriff Scot Brownrigg of Anderson County

Brian and his new 2008 Dodge Charger. Drive slow through Anderson County!

Brian and the proud Mom and Dad!

Brian and Allison.

Thursday Thought

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”
Titus 2:11-13:

A Good Evening After a Hard Day at Work

Catfish season begins in about 4 weeks. This was a 4 pound cat I caught last week at my secret fishing hole. You should have seen the 10 pounder that got away on Monday.....it made me sick!

Worship

I like what Robert Webber wrote about worship...

We need to let go of our intellectual idea of worship and realize there is more to worship than a sermon; we have to let go of our evangelistic notion of worship and reckon with the fact that worship is not primarily directed toward the sinners who need to be converted; we must let go of our entertainment expectations and remind ourselves that we are not in church to watch a Christian variety show. We have gathered together in worship to be met by God the Almighty. God, the Creator of the universe, the One who sustains our lives, our Redeemer and King, is present through proclamation and remembrance. He wants to communicate to us, to penetrate our inner self, to take up residence within us. And, as we go through the experience of meeting with him in this mystical moment of public worship, we are to respond. But response is not just singing a hymn, not just saying a creed, not just saying a prayer. Response, from the very beginning of worship to the end, must be a powerful inner experience of actually being in the presence of God. When we sing a hymn or say a confession or prayer, we are not singing or saying words, but expressing a feeling, bringing our souls, truly responding and communicating to the living and active presence of a loving and merciful God. (Worship is a Verb, by Robert Webber, pg.114)

National Teacher Appreciation Week

"The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth."--Dan Rather

Tuesday, May 6, 2008, is National Teacher Day. Thank a teacher for making our public schools great! Teachers in communities across the nation will be in the spotlight this week, as students, parents, school administrators and the general public learn how teachers are making Great Public Schools for every child.

Few other professionals touch as many people as teachers do. National Teacher Appreciation Week is a good time to learn about the contributions educators make to our community every day. We recognize them as role models.

Thank you teachers for making a difference in the lives of our young people.

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, May 4, 2008

Welcome

47 Holy, Holy, Holy (Verse 1 Only)

797 Lord, We Come Before Thee Now (Verse 1, 4)

Lord Reign in Me

Prayer

454 Rock of Ages (Verse 1 Only)

325 Boundless Love (Refrain Only)

365 How Beautiful (Verse 1 and 3 Only..NO BRIDGE)

Lords Supper

Contribution

452 Standing On the Promises (Verse 1 and 4)

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation 552 Have Thine Own Way

Announcements

Seniors Presentation

Closing Prayer

National Day of Prayer

What are you planning to do for the National Day of Prayer?

This yearly event, which has roots as far back as the Continental Congress and its call to prayer in 1775, marshals all prayer warriors to intercede for our nation.

In 1863, President Lincoln called for a national day of "humiliation, prayer and fasting" and in 1952 a joint resolution by congress, signed by President Truman, made it an annual event. In 1988 President Reagan set the day at the first Thursday of each May, which is the day we will gather this week - on May 1st.

To see the events planned nationwide, and get info on the NDP, go to the National Prayer Committee's website at http://www.ndptf.org/.

A Thought for the Day

"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposter's just the same;... then you'll be a man, my son."

Kipling

Who was Jesus?

"Jesus was short on sermons, long on conversations; short on answers, long on questions, short on abstractions and propositions, long on stories and parables; short on telling you what to think, long on challenging you to think for yourself; short on condemning the irreligious, long on confronting the religious."

Brian McLaren

ACU Changes Policy

ACU Changes Alcohol Policy

April 13, 2008
ABILENE, Tex. (BNc)-

Abilene Christian University will no longer penalize students 21 and older who drink “responsibly” off campus. The amended policy will be presented in detail in the 2008-09 handbook. Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president for Student Life and dean of students, arrived at ACU in July, 2007, and began a comprehensive study of the university’s student conduct policies and procedures, including the debated alcohol policy, according to the student newspaper The Optimist. The present policy prohibits students of any age from drinking on or off campus. “We want to embrace a strong Biblical principle,” Thompson said. “While our intent is not to encourage drinking, it is important to acknowledge that it’s not the alcohol that’s the sin - it’s the drunkenness that’s the sin. And we can’t deal with challenging our students if we’re not having the conversation. If we really want to hold them accountable in this area, there’s risk in that.” In a report by the Abilene Reporter News, Thompson stated, “In addition to all the other things listed in Scripture — things that don’t glorify God or that don’t move you into his kingdom — drunkenness is mentioned,” he said. “The last thing I want to do is to turn this into a theological debate. Drunkenness is mentioned, and those things associated with it. It’s not alcohol in and of itself.” Thompson apparently believes that allowing drinking off campus will contribute to less drunkenness and greater responsibility among students. He said the policy change will open “a window of opportunity to address it and be authentic in our approach.” Thompson promised stricter enforcement and heavier sanctions against the rules of the new policy. “[If a] 21-, 31-, 50-year-old student is seen somewhere drinking within the legal means and not in drunkenness or destruction, how do I call myself to punish or sanction them for that? And how do I know that in the first place? We’re not going to catch all that. It’s impossible to have the staff and folks to follow students where ever they go,” Thompson said. “We’d say we will rather equip you for making moral, ethical Christian and legal decisions when we don’t see you.”

http://brotherhoodnews.com/2008/04/13/acu-changes-alcohol-policy/

Cherish God's Word

If you heard the sports news last week, you probably heard an interesting story out of the University of Florida.

The University of Florida won the NCAA Football Championship in 2006. The champions receive a Waterford Crystal Trophy that is shaped like a football. A very expensive and beautiful piece of artwork

Last week it was broken. It was on a coffee table in one of the coaches offices, the table was bumped, the crystal fell to the floor and broke.

What surprises me about this story is a trophy that is so valuable, and one that should be under glass was on a coffee table in a office. No protection to keep it safe.

At the University of Oklahoma, their NCAA Championship awards are under security glass with special lighting and security cameras. Something that valuable needs to be cherished and taken care of.

Something that Christians need to do is to cherish and take care of God’s Word. In today's society we need it more than ever.

The Bible is God’s revelation to mankind. For the Christian its our daily bread, our daily guide, it shows us how to deal with every situation that will arise during the day and during our lifetime. But what do we do with this special book? Many times we lay it on a coffee table and allow it to collect dust.

I encourage you to open this book, and share it with others and see what God has in store for our lives as we drink from his Holy Words.

Cousin Jethro from Arkansas

I needed a little humor today.......................

Be Used

"Today, even amongst Christians, there can be found much of that spirit that wants to give as little as possible to the Lord, and yet to get as much as possible from Him. The prevailing thought today is of being used, as though that were the one thing that mattered. That my little rubber band should be stretched to the very limit seems all important. But this is not the Lord's mind. The Lord wants us to be used, yes; but what He is after is that we pour all we have, ourselves, to Him, and if that be all, that is enough."

Watchman Nee

The Pope

The following is a blog from Jim White, Minister of the Southwest Church of Christ in Omaha, Nebraska.

I have been somewhat bemused by the visit of the pope to the United States. I don't even think that's probably the right word. Perhaps I can use a number of others to better describe my thoughts. Amazed. Amused. Glad. Confused. I could probably come up with a few more, but right now I'm at a loss.The pomp and circumstance that has happened. Limousines, helicopters, the popemobile; Holy Father, Reverend, Supreme Shepherd; Elaborate robes, miters, kissing of the hand, and on and on. I just heard a cardinal express their extreme loyalty to this man. I haven't heard the name Jesus very much. Mother Mary, yes. Our Savior. Some. But I really haven't heard Jesus' name. When you read Paul's epistles, over and over he invokes the name of Jesus. You get the impression he really does mean it when he expresses his devotion to Jesus. I don't know. I don't see Jesus coming to this earth in the midst of this publicity. I see Him walking down the streets of New York City, not in the elaborate cathedrals of the city. I see Him talking to the poor and downtrodden, not to world leaders and those in positions of power. Perhaps I'm wrong. But I don't think so. I see Him speaking from the heart, not from a book held in front of Him. I see Him among the common people, not those wearing the fancy robes. Where do I get this? How many times die He heal and tell the recipient not to tell anyone? His popularity wavered, not declined. There is an upside to this, though. How many are at least getting a glimpse, albeit a small one, of Christianity? How many are being called to repent? Only God knows the sincerity and the value of this. I'm just praying that the world will see Jesus as He is, not the pomp that is being placed before it. I hope your day is a good one.

Order of Worship

Order of Worship
Sunday, April 20, 2008

Welcome

Step By Step

These Are the Days of Elijah

Prayer:

Scripture: Ephesians 1:6-9

I Will Sing of My Redeemer

Lords Supper

Contribution

Children 2x2 Class

Break Thou the Bread of Life

Ancient Words

Message Evan Burdan

Invitation Restore My Soul

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Praise God

Early this morning I received word from my son Brian. His future bride (Allison) was in a car accident last night in Oklahoma City. She is fine just shaken up. Her car is totalled, but Allison and the other driver were not injured.

It's in moments like this that we stop and praise God. We remember that the gift of life is precious.

I think Brian summed it up best..."all I know is that God is so amazing and forgiving. He answers prayers so fast and without him I'd be so lost."

Me too son!

What Makes Worship Great!

What makes a Sunday Worship really special?

I had an e-mail from someone a couple of weeks ago asking me why are some Sunday’s really celebratory while some are like a trip to the dentist’s office?

I believe there are three things that can make our Sunday worship experience more fulfilling for the worshippers and more pleasing to God.

One is having the right spirit and attitude to worship. What do you do to prepare for the worship that you will be giving to God on Sunday morning? Do you prepare the night before? It’s a special time. Do you prepare and contemplate what you will be experiencing as a corporate body?

Many times we hurry out the door after oversleeping and maybe we have even had a fight with the kids on the way to church. It's tough to be in a worship mood if all these distractions are on your mind.

Second, have you prayed about the worship that you will be giving to God? Have you prayed for the leaders of our worship service? Have you prayed to God to take all the distractions away so you can really worship the Living God?

Third, do you take an active part in the service? Do you sing or do you complain they are too new or too old of hymns? Do you give God the praise that He deserves?

Remember worship begins with the right frame of mind and what you give determines what you receive.

What Do You Say

In a couple of hours I am to meet with a couple I’ve never met before. Their 18 year old son drove his car into the back of a parked flatbed and died at the scene two nights ago. He was a senior to graduate in a month. This family has no church, no preacher, etc. Mercifully, they do have dear friends who attend Memorial and we have been chosen to assist this family, school, and community by conducting the funeral services. So, young leaders, what does one say at this meeting?

First, I want you to know I’ve been blessed years ago by encountering such personal tragedy. Once again God is a “Yes” as I learned something ministers needed to know: how people feel in the center of stunning loss. Therefore, I pass what I regard as important factors along to you which I learned in the center of the pit.

1. The parents will hear of my desperate sympathy.
2. Their world has been destroyed.
3. Realize they can barely hear the simplest of words as their minds and hearts have taken a direct hit and they can barely function, let alone take in information.
4. Because you know they can’t hear, don’t expect response from many things you counsel. Some matters must be discussed, but don’t gage success of the meeting on your “connection” for a part of them is not in the meeting, although their bodies are.
5. I will share with them the day will come they will be okay. Right now they can’t envision such.

It will be important to share with them how life will go for the next few months:
They will look to see if it’s their son every time they see a car like his just to make sure theirs isn’t a dream.

Every holiday during the first year will make this death arise to its fullest pain again. The second year will begin to ease.

They will resent foolish bickering/complaining over nothing they overhear in checkout lanes and at work.

It will be important for them to not blame anyone or each other for this tragedy.

Finally, I will share with them the truth that God lost his son and the lights went out in His world for three days. But the third day carries hope.

The above can sound awfully sure about myself. To the contrary, it tears me up and breaks me open. I will fumble and sob and ache (I have in just writing this blog). God will say things to them I have not planned. Words will just come out of me….and you when you hit your hour to deal with such devastation. The main thing I want you to know, which they can’t understand at the moment, is God will work. Watch for God. He will work. He promises….II Cor. 1:18-20.

Terry Rush

Thought for the Day

"The righteous man carves his name upon the Rock. The wicked man writes his remembrance in the wind. The righteous man plows furrows of earth and sows and has a harvest here which shall never be fully reaped until he enters eternity.

But as for the wicked man, he plows the sea. And though there may seem to be a shining trail behind his keel, the waves pass over it and the place that knew him shall know him no more forever."

Charles Spurgeon

Lord, Prop us Up On Our Leaning Side

A great story that was sent to me....

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side. After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this...I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time.

I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.

Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.

Committed Christians at Central

I am amazed at the various ministries going on at Central. We have a great youth program, children’s program, MOPS, Ladies Bible Class, mission efforts and other visible ministries, but we have several that are not as visible that are reaching a variety of people in our congregation as well as community.

Committed Christians who love people and love the Lord who are reaching out to those that need a “cup of water” during a very thirsty period in their lives.

I am so impressed with Central and the care and love shown for people.

It is truly a place of rescue from the hard realities of the world.

May God continue to be glorified in all our efforts.

Good Luck Lady Vols

Good Luck Mom as you cheer on Tennessee tonight in the NCAA Championship Game!

Good Luck Kansas

Order of Worship

Welcome

60 He is Exalted
227 On Zion’s Glorious Summit

Prayer

Scripture: Romans 8:35-39

286 Wonderful Story of love (Verse 1 Only)
18 Faithful Love
386 He Loves Me (Verses 1 and 3)

Communion
Contribution

2x2 Class Dismissal

524 I Know Whom I Have Believed (Verses 1,2 and 4)

Message

Invitation 116 God Will Make A Way (Sing Twice)

Announcements

Closing Prayer

Thoughts on the book of Jude

As I was listening to Mike Wright on Wednesday evening teach our class on the book of Jude, I could not help from reading the last two verses of the book of Jude over and over.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.

Jude closes the letter with a famous doxology (a brief declaration of praise to God). Jude’s doxology reminds us of God’s care and of our destiny.

Jude’s message of warning and doom might have depressed and discouraged his readers. Perhaps they thought that with so much false teaching and immorality around, very few Christians would ever reach heaven. Here he reminds them that the answer lies only in the power of God. He is able to keep you, and you aren’t able to keep yourself.

As the song states….He is Able to Make Me What He Wants Me to Be!

The Lords Prayer

A very special prayer...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR4PQ30VkBk

Thought for the Day

“To do the work carefully and well, with love and respect for the nature of my task and with due attention to its purpose, is to unite myself to God’s will in my work. In this way I become God’s instrument. God works through me.”

Thomas Merton

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