I had the opportunity last week during Spring Break to eat the best beef sandwich in the world....at Arthur Bryant's. Great bbq.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thought for the Day
"When enthusiasm is inspired by reason; controlled by caution; sound in theory; practical in application; reflects confidence; spreads good cheer; raises morale; inspires associates; arouses loyalty; and laughs at adversity, it is beyond price."
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Columbus Church of Christ
Debbie and I had a great time on Sunday worshipping with the members of the Columbus Church of Christ. They were very encouraging to us.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Columbus
Columbus
The Cherokee County Courthouse in Columbus.
Yes Craig, there is a McDonald's!
One of the most important business establishments in Columbus the Daylight Donut Shop.
More pics to come.....................
Friday, March 13, 2009
Spring Break
We plan on visiting Columbus this weekend and attend Church. We are excited about being able to worship in the community that we will live and work in. We have not had that opportunity for 22 years. We will also look at housing possibilities and we might just have to check out the Columbus Country Club if it's warm.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Craig's Big News
In all the wedding arrangements and my new job announcement, I forgot to tell our friends about Craig's big news. Craig was accepted into the Bachelor's program at FIT in New York City as well as he received a job promotion at Ug-Australia. He will be an assistant manager at the New York City Upper West Side store that just opened He is excited. He will stay in New York City this summer and work, and yes.....he wants to find his own apartment instead of living in the on campus apartments.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thought for the Day
The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. ~John Buchan
Monday, March 09, 2009
A Tough Letter to Write
March 8, 2009
Members of the Central Church of Christ Family:
It is with sadness and a very heavy heart that I resign as an Elder of the Central Church of Christ effective today.
I have accepted a new position, beginning July 1, as the Superintendent of Schools in Columbus, Kansas, just outside of Joplin, Missouri.
This is a professional move, as well as a family move, that will allow us to be about 90 minutes from our parents in Broken Arrow.
I have enjoyed serving the Central Family the past five years as an Elder and serving with Rex, Gary, Bill, Roger and Jerry. They are men who are truly committed to you and to Christ and His teachings.
My family has appreciated the support and prayers on our behalf and will continue to pray for you and the leadership here at Central.
God has blessed Central greatly throughout the years, and I know He even has greater blessings for the future.
Debbie and I are looking forward to our future and our new ministry in the community of Columbus and with the members of the Columbus Church of Christ. But we leave a family here that we care about very deeply and will miss very much.
May God continue to bless the Central Church as you reach out to a lost world in need of a Savior.
In Christian Love,
David and Debbie Carriger
Members of the Central Church of Christ Family:
It is with sadness and a very heavy heart that I resign as an Elder of the Central Church of Christ effective today.
I have accepted a new position, beginning July 1, as the Superintendent of Schools in Columbus, Kansas, just outside of Joplin, Missouri.
This is a professional move, as well as a family move, that will allow us to be about 90 minutes from our parents in Broken Arrow.
I have enjoyed serving the Central Family the past five years as an Elder and serving with Rex, Gary, Bill, Roger and Jerry. They are men who are truly committed to you and to Christ and His teachings.
My family has appreciated the support and prayers on our behalf and will continue to pray for you and the leadership here at Central.
God has blessed Central greatly throughout the years, and I know He even has greater blessings for the future.
Debbie and I are looking forward to our future and our new ministry in the community of Columbus and with the members of the Columbus Church of Christ. But we leave a family here that we care about very deeply and will miss very much.
May God continue to bless the Central Church as you reach out to a lost world in need of a Savior.
In Christian Love,
David and Debbie Carriger
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wedding Pictures
The Church was beautiful.
A very traditional ceremony with many family stories
The Happy Couple!
Hey............How about the cake?
The proud Mom being escorted out by Craig
Brian and Debbie
The Beautiful Bride
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
The Smell Around Us
This came from Mike Cope's blog..............Powerful insight.
Love these insightful words from Eugene Peterson:
“Every society finds ways to shut its eyes, put fingers in its ears, and by the extravagant use of deodorants and garbage trucks to get rid of the smell of decay, uncleanness, stench, and squalor. We put our sick in hospitals, our elderly in nursing homes, our poor in slums, and our garbage in landfills. We are never entirely successful in keeping them out of sight and smell and sound, but we do our best.”
One of the things Jesus taught us was how to see. We can’t close our eyes; we must be able to see those around us.
Cataracts form so easily. They cloud our eyes; they made us near-sighted; they can even blind us. Christian formation involves a removal of those cataracts so that we can focus on God’s world.
Keep your eyes open today.
Love these insightful words from Eugene Peterson:
“Every society finds ways to shut its eyes, put fingers in its ears, and by the extravagant use of deodorants and garbage trucks to get rid of the smell of decay, uncleanness, stench, and squalor. We put our sick in hospitals, our elderly in nursing homes, our poor in slums, and our garbage in landfills. We are never entirely successful in keeping them out of sight and smell and sound, but we do our best.”
One of the things Jesus taught us was how to see. We can’t close our eyes; we must be able to see those around us.
Cataracts form so easily. They cloud our eyes; they made us near-sighted; they can even blind us. Christian formation involves a removal of those cataracts so that we can focus on God’s world.
Keep your eyes open today.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Vision
At Central We Practice Our ABC’s Daily
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving
Emerson once said that "People only see what they are prepared to see."
May God prepare us to see what He wants us to see.
Proverbs says, "Without a vision the people perish." The Apostle Paul was unable to proceed in his ministry until he had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him. Peter had a vision that "God shows no partiality” and it changed his life. In this post-modern world, the most vital churches are those that can clearly articulate how God is calling them into the future.
Most organizations, companies and businesses develop mission or purpose statements to give direction for their employees. Those organizational leaders wish to instill in their employees the reasons and purpose of the company. This is what we believe in, and this is what we wish to accomplish.
How about the Church? This is actually a very simple concept that only becomes complicated when the vision Jesus gave is blocked by human philosophies and convoluted formulas. Most people do not realize that Jesus has given us the vision for the church in clear, concise, and in an easy to understand format. Look at Jesus’ vision for the church in Matthew 28:18-20:
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
So there is a true vision for the church and there is nothing wrong with applying methods that can relate to the current time in which we live. We can use music, programs, methods and many tools and resources. As long as our sights can remain on the target of fulfilling the God-given vision of fulfilling ALL of the great commission, we are effectively serving the Lord in our ministries.
Anything that can be brought into the line of sight while we remain focused on the command given to the church by Jesus without drifting from our goal of hitting the target is most likely beneficial to the church. Jesus is the one who gave the church the vision and He alone is our Shepherd. If the elders and congregation are following Him, we will fulfill our ministry.
In the very near future the Central Eldership will challenge the congregation in six ways as we continue to serve Him and our community in 2009. It is our prayer to take and live the Great Commission each and every day.
Accepting Christ
Building Relationships
Committed to Serving
Emerson once said that "People only see what they are prepared to see."
May God prepare us to see what He wants us to see.
Proverbs says, "Without a vision the people perish." The Apostle Paul was unable to proceed in his ministry until he had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him. Peter had a vision that "God shows no partiality” and it changed his life. In this post-modern world, the most vital churches are those that can clearly articulate how God is calling them into the future.
Most organizations, companies and businesses develop mission or purpose statements to give direction for their employees. Those organizational leaders wish to instill in their employees the reasons and purpose of the company. This is what we believe in, and this is what we wish to accomplish.
How about the Church? This is actually a very simple concept that only becomes complicated when the vision Jesus gave is blocked by human philosophies and convoluted formulas. Most people do not realize that Jesus has given us the vision for the church in clear, concise, and in an easy to understand format. Look at Jesus’ vision for the church in Matthew 28:18-20:
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
So there is a true vision for the church and there is nothing wrong with applying methods that can relate to the current time in which we live. We can use music, programs, methods and many tools and resources. As long as our sights can remain on the target of fulfilling the God-given vision of fulfilling ALL of the great commission, we are effectively serving the Lord in our ministries.
Anything that can be brought into the line of sight while we remain focused on the command given to the church by Jesus without drifting from our goal of hitting the target is most likely beneficial to the church. Jesus is the one who gave the church the vision and He alone is our Shepherd. If the elders and congregation are following Him, we will fulfill our ministry.
In the very near future the Central Eldership will challenge the congregation in six ways as we continue to serve Him and our community in 2009. It is our prayer to take and live the Great Commission each and every day.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Osage City Fire
When we pulled into Osage City last night the downtown was on fire. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles everywhere. We went by my district office to see if there was any damage. Just a little smoke but everything was fine. We are a storage facility for many on Market Street this morning that had to protect items from the fire.
Firefighters from neighboring areas help battle downtown fire
By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, March 02, 2009
OSAGE CITY — Vickie Buenger and her family were watching the Kansas-Missouri basketball game on television Sunday afternoon when they heard sirens from a fire truck go past their home, then stop about a block to the west.
"We're nosy," Buenger said, "so we looked outside to see what was going on."
Buenger said some smoke was visible from the 500 block of Market Street in Osage City's historic business district. The smoke appeared to be coming from behind a turn-of-the-century building that housed Mink Photography, 531 Market St., and the Ramblin Rose gift store, 529 Market St.
Buenger said the fire seemed small at first but quickly escalated, engulfing the two-story red-brick building in flames.
The blaze, which began about 2 p.m., was the biggest Buenger can recall in Osage City. Longtime residents said the biggest fire in town before Sunday is believed to have occurred nearly 100 years ago.
Osage County Fire District 2 was first on the scene. Mutual aid calls were answered by fire departments from Lyndon, Scranton, Melvern, Burlingame, Carbondale, Mission Township and the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, the latter two of which brought aerial trucks that sprayed water down onto the fire from platforms that extended high into the air.
Osage County Fire District 2 Chief Dan Romine said the blaze started in the rear, or south side, of the building, then moved to its upper floor. The fire spread in part, he said, because of the way the building was constructed.
"There were multiple ceilings and voids, and we weren't able to contain the fire," Romine said. "We were able to save the buildings on both sides of it. They have a little smoke and water damage, but we were able to save them."
The business to the east is Osage Hardware, 533 Market St., and on the west is the Osage County Herald-Chronicle newspaper, 527 Market St.
As additional fire trucks rolled into town Sunday afternoon, dozens of Osage City residents gathered on nearby blocks in temperatures of about 20 degrees.
Jason Croucher, 25, a member of the city council in Osage City, was among those who came to the scene.
He estimated about 50 people, including himself, helped move merchandise out of several businesses along the south side of the 500 block of Market Street, where the fire occurred. The items were placed on the sidewalk on the north side of the street.
Croucher said many items from the Ramblin Rose store were brought out of the building before the fire spread. He also said the computer server and archived newspapers were taken out of the Osage County Herald-Chronicle as a precaution.
Additional items were taken out of two drugstores, a furniture store and a Radio Shack on the south side of the 500 block of Market Street.
"I'm so, so proud of the people of Osage City," Croucher said of the town of around 3,000 residents, located about 35 miles southwest of Topeka. "People really pitched in. I'm awfully proud of them."
Fire crews were on the scene late into the night Sunday, battling hot spots and flame flare-ups in an effort to contain the blaze to the building of origin.
Authorities said an apartment was located above the Ramblin Rose store, and all items inside it were destroyed. No injuries had been reported in connection with the fire by 9 p.m. Sunday.
However, responders were called about 8 p.m. to a car-pedestrian accident that was reported at 5th and Market Street, just west of the fire scene. Authorities said late Sunday they had no reports of serious injuries in connection with the accident.
Investigators with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office are to be at the scene early today to begin sifting through the debris in an attempt to determine the cause of the blaze, which by Sunday night was undetermined. An estimated dollar loss wasn't immediately available.
Firefighters from neighboring areas help battle downtown fire
By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, March 02, 2009
OSAGE CITY — Vickie Buenger and her family were watching the Kansas-Missouri basketball game on television Sunday afternoon when they heard sirens from a fire truck go past their home, then stop about a block to the west.
"We're nosy," Buenger said, "so we looked outside to see what was going on."
Buenger said some smoke was visible from the 500 block of Market Street in Osage City's historic business district. The smoke appeared to be coming from behind a turn-of-the-century building that housed Mink Photography, 531 Market St., and the Ramblin Rose gift store, 529 Market St.
Buenger said the fire seemed small at first but quickly escalated, engulfing the two-story red-brick building in flames.
The blaze, which began about 2 p.m., was the biggest Buenger can recall in Osage City. Longtime residents said the biggest fire in town before Sunday is believed to have occurred nearly 100 years ago.
Osage County Fire District 2 was first on the scene. Mutual aid calls were answered by fire departments from Lyndon, Scranton, Melvern, Burlingame, Carbondale, Mission Township and the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, the latter two of which brought aerial trucks that sprayed water down onto the fire from platforms that extended high into the air.
Osage County Fire District 2 Chief Dan Romine said the blaze started in the rear, or south side, of the building, then moved to its upper floor. The fire spread in part, he said, because of the way the building was constructed.
"There were multiple ceilings and voids, and we weren't able to contain the fire," Romine said. "We were able to save the buildings on both sides of it. They have a little smoke and water damage, but we were able to save them."
The business to the east is Osage Hardware, 533 Market St., and on the west is the Osage County Herald-Chronicle newspaper, 527 Market St.
As additional fire trucks rolled into town Sunday afternoon, dozens of Osage City residents gathered on nearby blocks in temperatures of about 20 degrees.
Jason Croucher, 25, a member of the city council in Osage City, was among those who came to the scene.
He estimated about 50 people, including himself, helped move merchandise out of several businesses along the south side of the 500 block of Market Street, where the fire occurred. The items were placed on the sidewalk on the north side of the street.
Croucher said many items from the Ramblin Rose store were brought out of the building before the fire spread. He also said the computer server and archived newspapers were taken out of the Osage County Herald-Chronicle as a precaution.
Additional items were taken out of two drugstores, a furniture store and a Radio Shack on the south side of the 500 block of Market Street.
"I'm so, so proud of the people of Osage City," Croucher said of the town of around 3,000 residents, located about 35 miles southwest of Topeka. "People really pitched in. I'm awfully proud of them."
Fire crews were on the scene late into the night Sunday, battling hot spots and flame flare-ups in an effort to contain the blaze to the building of origin.
Authorities said an apartment was located above the Ramblin Rose store, and all items inside it were destroyed. No injuries had been reported in connection with the fire by 9 p.m. Sunday.
However, responders were called about 8 p.m. to a car-pedestrian accident that was reported at 5th and Market Street, just west of the fire scene. Authorities said late Sunday they had no reports of serious injuries in connection with the accident.
Investigators with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office are to be at the scene early today to begin sifting through the debris in an attempt to determine the cause of the blaze, which by Sunday night was undetermined. An estimated dollar loss wasn't immediately available.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wedding Day
As the father of the groom I am full of emotions this morning. For one, I will be doing the ceremony. Second, I hope I don't start crying. Third, it just doesn't seem possible that our little baby boy is old enough to be getting married.
We are so excited to have Allison as a member of our crazy Carriger family. She is a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold and a love for God.
So Brian.....here is my advice to you as you take Allison to be your wife:
Cherish this beautiful gift God has given you. Love her with all your heart. Thank God daily for this special gift and ask him to help you be the best husband and friend that you can be to her each and every moment.
Remember Matthew 22: Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
May God walk with both of you as you keep Him first in your lives.
We are so excited to have Allison as a member of our crazy Carriger family. She is a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold and a love for God.
So Brian.....here is my advice to you as you take Allison to be your wife:
Cherish this beautiful gift God has given you. Love her with all your heart. Thank God daily for this special gift and ask him to help you be the best husband and friend that you can be to her each and every moment.
Remember Matthew 22: Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
May God walk with both of you as you keep Him first in your lives.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rehearsal Pics
Brian, Adam and Vernon
The Bride to be fixing the decorations
The Mother of the Bride visiting with the wedding planners.
Uncle Mike and Brian
Brian, Allison, Mark and Laura
One Last Time
“Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts…
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.
The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips…
Last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip…
Last time when you had a binky stuck inside your mouth…
The last time that you crawled across the floor of this old house.
Last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold,
Last time when you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from the past.
Would I have held you longer if I’d known they were the last?
Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade…
Last at bat in Little League, last colored paper made.
Last time that I tucked you in for one last midday nap…
Last time when you wore your beat-up Green Bay Packers cap.
The last dark night you slipped in bed and slept between us two,
When last I read to you of God or Horton Hears a Who!
Last that that I smelled your hair and prayed after your shower…
Last time that we held devotions in the evening hours.
Last piano lesson, and last soccer goal you kicked…
The last few weeks of middle school, last flowers that you picked.
Last time that you needed me for rides from here to there…
The last time that you spent the night with that old tattered bear.
Last time that I helped you with a math or spelling test,
Last time when I shouted that your room was still a mess.
Time and life moved quicker, taking pieces of your past.
Would I have stretched the moments if I’d known they were the last?
I watched you grow and never noticed seasons as they passed.
I wish I could’ve frozen time to hold on to your lasts.
For come tomorrow morning life will never be the same,
You’ll pledge forever to your girl and she will take your name.
And I will watch you, knowing God has blessed you with this day.
I never would have wanted, Son, to somehow make you stay.
They say a son’s a son until he takes for him a wife.
You’re grown-up now; it’s time to go and start your brand-new life.
One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss…
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how quickly childhood sped past.
Would I have held on longer if I’d known it was your last?”
First smiles and teeth and baby steps,
a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.
The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips…
Last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip…
Last time when you had a binky stuck inside your mouth…
The last time that you crawled across the floor of this old house.
Last time when you ran to me, still small enough to hold,
Last time when you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from the past.
Would I have held you longer if I’d known they were the last?
Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade…
Last at bat in Little League, last colored paper made.
Last time that I tucked you in for one last midday nap…
Last time when you wore your beat-up Green Bay Packers cap.
The last dark night you slipped in bed and slept between us two,
When last I read to you of God or Horton Hears a Who!
Last that that I smelled your hair and prayed after your shower…
Last time that we held devotions in the evening hours.
Last piano lesson, and last soccer goal you kicked…
The last few weeks of middle school, last flowers that you picked.
Last time that you needed me for rides from here to there…
The last time that you spent the night with that old tattered bear.
Last time that I helped you with a math or spelling test,
Last time when I shouted that your room was still a mess.
Time and life moved quicker, taking pieces of your past.
Would I have stretched the moments if I’d known they were the last?
I watched you grow and never noticed seasons as they passed.
I wish I could’ve frozen time to hold on to your lasts.
For come tomorrow morning life will never be the same,
You’ll pledge forever to your girl and she will take your name.
And I will watch you, knowing God has blessed you with this day.
I never would have wanted, Son, to somehow make you stay.
They say a son’s a son until he takes for him a wife.
You’re grown-up now; it’s time to go and start your brand-new life.
One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss…
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how quickly childhood sped past.
Would I have held on longer if I’d known it was your last?”
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Texas
Had to take a picture of the new sign on the Kansas Turnpike. the Flint Hills are beautiful all four seasons.
I did take a picture of Texas when we crossed the border as sunset of the Flags of Texas
Guess what I got to do? It was GREAT!
Thought for the Day
People are always asking couples whose marriages have endured at least a quarter of a century for their secret for success. Actually, it is no secret at all. I am a forgiving woman. Long ago, I forgave my husband for not being Paul Newman.
-- Erma Bombeck
-- Erma Bombeck
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Craig
Craig is a busy guy in NYC. He is a full time student at FIT, serves on the Executive Board (Student Government) and works full time at Ug. Looks like the Executive Board is a tough job!
Craig, we will see you in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
5 Days to Go
Only 5 days to go before the big "shot gun wedding in Texas". We all are looking forward to the big day.
I did take a look at the weather forecast and it calls for 75 degree sunshine. So, I have been thinking how can I help best with the wedding plans, be supportive and prep with all the arrangements that need to be completed? I believe it starts by taking out my Cobra driver and hit some golf balls at the golf course across the street from the hotel we will be staying at.
I seriously doubt I will be given that opportunity.
I did take a look at the weather forecast and it calls for 75 degree sunshine. So, I have been thinking how can I help best with the wedding plans, be supportive and prep with all the arrangements that need to be completed? I believe it starts by taking out my Cobra driver and hit some golf balls at the golf course across the street from the hotel we will be staying at.
I seriously doubt I will be given that opportunity.
Monday, February 23, 2009
God Leading Us to a New Beginning
We have been blessed to live in Osage City for the past 17 years. It has been our home. It's where we raised our boys and it's where we have great friends that we love.
The Central Church in Topeka is our family. We have been so blessed ministering to the Young Professionals Class and getting to Shepherd with Gary, Roger, Jerry, Rex and Bill.
Late Friday night, I accepted the position as the new superintendent for USD 493 Columbus, Kansas, effective July 1. It's a district double the size of Osage City located about 20 minutes from Joplin, Missouri. It's only 10 minutes from God's Country-Oklahoma.
We have felt God's hand in all the decision making process and believe God has led us to serve in a special way in Columbus.
We will miss so many, but understand that God has new plans for us.
We would appreciate your prayers in the transition and as Osage City looks for a new superintendent of schools.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore run, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corin 9:24-27)
"make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
The Central Church in Topeka is our family. We have been so blessed ministering to the Young Professionals Class and getting to Shepherd with Gary, Roger, Jerry, Rex and Bill.
Late Friday night, I accepted the position as the new superintendent for USD 493 Columbus, Kansas, effective July 1. It's a district double the size of Osage City located about 20 minutes from Joplin, Missouri. It's only 10 minutes from God's Country-Oklahoma.
We have felt God's hand in all the decision making process and believe God has led us to serve in a special way in Columbus.
We will miss so many, but understand that God has new plans for us.
We would appreciate your prayers in the transition and as Osage City looks for a new superintendent of schools.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore run, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corin 9:24-27)
"make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Do Not Fear
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. "For I am the LORD your God, The Holy one of Israel, your Savior;
Isaiah 43:1-3
Isaiah 43:1-3
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New Contemporary Songs I Want My Boys to Fall in Love With
New contemporary songs I want my boys to fall in love with...............
1. Faithful Love
2. Blessed Jesus
3. You Are My All in All
4. As the Deer
5. Jesus, Your My Firm Foundation
6. Ancient Words
7. How Beautiful
8. Thank You
9. Blessed Be Your Name
10. How Great is Our God
11. These Are the Days of Elijah
12. In Christ Alone
13. Beautiful One
14. Here is My Heart
15. I Stand in Awe
16. Thomas Song
17. Still
18. We Shall Assemble
19. His Grace Still Amazes Me
20. Wonderful, Merciful Savior
1. Faithful Love
2. Blessed Jesus
3. You Are My All in All
4. As the Deer
5. Jesus, Your My Firm Foundation
6. Ancient Words
7. How Beautiful
8. Thank You
9. Blessed Be Your Name
10. How Great is Our God
11. These Are the Days of Elijah
12. In Christ Alone
13. Beautiful One
14. Here is My Heart
15. I Stand in Awe
16. Thomas Song
17. Still
18. We Shall Assemble
19. His Grace Still Amazes Me
20. Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hymns I Want My Boys to Know
In addition to the countless fresh contemporary songs of praise that are sure to lodge themselves into the hearts of my boys, Here's a start to my list of proven hymns I want my boys to know, and thus be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ by...
1. Nearer, Still Nearer
2. My Jesus, I Love Thee
3. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
4. Jesus, Thy Name I Love
5. Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
6. On Zion's Glorious Summit
7. The New Song
8. Wonderful Story of Love
9. I Know Whom I Have Believed
10. Be Still My Soul
1. Nearer, Still Nearer
2. My Jesus, I Love Thee
3. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
4. Jesus, Thy Name I Love
5. Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
6. On Zion's Glorious Summit
7. The New Song
8. Wonderful Story of Love
9. I Know Whom I Have Believed
10. Be Still My Soul
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thought for the Day
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Philippians 4:11
Would our country be in so much economic trouble if we practiced this life style?
Philippians 4:11
Would our country be in so much economic trouble if we practiced this life style?
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Carriger Family Weekend
The day started with a trip to our favorite BBQ joint in Kansas City. We even celebrated my Mom's Birthday with a cake!
Next stop was Park University where my nephew Chris plays volleyball for the Hannibal-Lagrange College. They got beat by the #3 powerhouse in NAIA Volleyball ark University Pirates. We enjoyed watching him play.
This was a family shot after the volleyball match. It was great having my brother Steve visit from Chicago.
Then it was off to the Oklahoma-KU Women's Basketball Game. The #2 Sooners won. It was fun sitting with the Sooner Nation!
On Sunday, Brian went to church with us and then we spent the day discussing wedding arrangements as we are only 13 days away. Allison called us from Texas as she celebrated with another wedding shower today.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13th Facts
Here are 13 more facts about the infamous day, courtesy of Fernsler and some of our own research:
1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.
2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.
3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.
4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.
5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).
6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.
7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.
8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.
9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."
11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.
12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.
13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.
1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.
2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.
3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.
4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.
5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).
6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.
7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.
8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.
9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."
11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.
12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.
13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Oklahoma Women's Basketball
My family does our annual pilgrimage to see the OU Women play at the University of Kansas on Saturday. The Sooners are undefeated in the Big 12 and ranked #2 in the Nation. The Paris twins are having great years. Can't wait to see Whitney Hand (picture) the freshman guard play. My mom loves coming up for the annual Kansas game.
Before watching the 7:00 game we head to Park University in Kansas City to watch my nephew Chris play college volleyball. He is a freshman hitter/setter for Hannibal Grange College. We will have a big Carriger family group at both games on Saturday. Should be a great family day!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Quote for the Day
"A pessimist is one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Declining Numbers in the Church of Christ
The progressive side of the church often has an attitude that conservative churches are dragging down the church from the inside out. You hear things about how out of touch they are and how they are fighting battles that are at least 100 years old and the like. I may have even said something similar to that at some time or another. The point in this post is this - It is easy to point fingers at the other end of the theological spectrum and say someone else is to blame. It is also very easy for either side (isn’t that crazy terminology that we have taken sides within the church of Christ?) to build straw men and rip them to pieces with ease and vigor. Progressives are not the only ones who build straw men and point fingers. I have read plenty of that from the conservative side of the CofC as well. When conservatives and progressives do these things what ends up happening is that neither side takes ownership of any of the problem because they are themselves like the Pharisee in the temple who is thanking God that he is not like that tax collector over there.
So conservative churches are not the only problem. Progressive churches are not the only problem either. We are all, individually the problem. We all share in the problem. We also all have to be a part of the solution. We have to be even handed in our assessment of what is going on and take ownership of our own responsibility in our decline. So if you are on the progressive end of the Church of Christ spectrum (which is still very conservative compared to most of the Christian world) don’t think you are blame free because you aren’t legalistic and because you aren’t fighting theological battles from 100 years ago. Instead, be proactive in understanding your own biases and what areas you need to improve to help God’s church grow over the next decade. Again, they are not the enemy. If you are on the conservative side, don’t spend your time analyzing and assessing the words of the progressives just looking for an inconsistency or mistake. Instead, both sides need to see what FRUITS their life and ministry are producing. If it is producing FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, whether conservative or progressive, then both sides of the aisle need to rejoice with the other and recognize that God is at work.
We can toss around stereotypes all day long but nothing is going to happen until we figure out that we aren’t going to change each other. The only person who can change your mind and your actions is you. So take some time to decide whether or not your life and ministry has been what God desires for it to be and don’t worry so much about what everyone else is doing. And be careful when you start labeling people as conservative or progressive or many other labels we have used. Once we start doing that we again play into being ineffectual.
Just in case I have now offended every single person who read this let me remind you that Jesus sides with me in the need to look at our own problems first and foremost. Jesus said in Matthew 7 - “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Matt Dabbs
So conservative churches are not the only problem. Progressive churches are not the only problem either. We are all, individually the problem. We all share in the problem. We also all have to be a part of the solution. We have to be even handed in our assessment of what is going on and take ownership of our own responsibility in our decline. So if you are on the progressive end of the Church of Christ spectrum (which is still very conservative compared to most of the Christian world) don’t think you are blame free because you aren’t legalistic and because you aren’t fighting theological battles from 100 years ago. Instead, be proactive in understanding your own biases and what areas you need to improve to help God’s church grow over the next decade. Again, they are not the enemy. If you are on the conservative side, don’t spend your time analyzing and assessing the words of the progressives just looking for an inconsistency or mistake. Instead, both sides need to see what FRUITS their life and ministry are producing. If it is producing FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, whether conservative or progressive, then both sides of the aisle need to rejoice with the other and recognize that God is at work.
We can toss around stereotypes all day long but nothing is going to happen until we figure out that we aren’t going to change each other. The only person who can change your mind and your actions is you. So take some time to decide whether or not your life and ministry has been what God desires for it to be and don’t worry so much about what everyone else is doing. And be careful when you start labeling people as conservative or progressive or many other labels we have used. Once we start doing that we again play into being ineffectual.
Just in case I have now offended every single person who read this let me remind you that Jesus sides with me in the need to look at our own problems first and foremost. Jesus said in Matthew 7 - “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Matt Dabbs
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Which Road Should I Take?
I am really struggling with a decision in my life right now. It is so difficult to know what to do. Ever been presented an option and you had to decide what the correct path might be? It can be difficult.
I remember what Roger Hamm shared with us at an elder’s meeting about 2 years ago. If you keep God first and seek Him in all your decisions, either route you take, he will be right there with you.
In this time of economic uncertainty and tough times it’s great to know we have someone that is on the journey right next to us.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
A Prophet's Prayer
We do a better job of imagining what worship will
look like in heaven than what it might be like
in church, Lord. We like the idea of crowns being cast
before you. Of a numberless choir singing Holy! Holy! Holy!
We are not even all that uncomfortable with
a trumpet or two in that setting. Or bowing
down, come to think of it, since everyone
else will be doing it, too.
It’s church that stumps us.
Contrary to our strongest resolve, we too often file into the
worship center wondering
What are we in for today?
And will we sing any songs I know?
Will it be so loud I can’t think?
Will I hear anything that makes any sense at all?
These fears leave someone else—anyone else—in charge of what we
receive. And what we contribute.
Deliver back to us, Lord, a voice—a loud prophet’s
voice—that calls us to enter your presence as
your church with awe. With reverence. With
anticipation. With wonder. Make bold our own
voice to cry Today we want to hear a word
from the Lord! Today we want to practice
abandon in adoring you. So maybe heaven
won’t come as such a shock.
Prayer from a Church Web Site
look like in heaven than what it might be like
in church, Lord. We like the idea of crowns being cast
before you. Of a numberless choir singing Holy! Holy! Holy!
We are not even all that uncomfortable with
a trumpet or two in that setting. Or bowing
down, come to think of it, since everyone
else will be doing it, too.
It’s church that stumps us.
Contrary to our strongest resolve, we too often file into the
worship center wondering
What are we in for today?
And will we sing any songs I know?
Will it be so loud I can’t think?
Will I hear anything that makes any sense at all?
These fears leave someone else—anyone else—in charge of what we
receive. And what we contribute.
Deliver back to us, Lord, a voice—a loud prophet’s
voice—that calls us to enter your presence as
your church with awe. With reverence. With
anticipation. With wonder. Make bold our own
voice to cry Today we want to hear a word
from the Lord! Today we want to practice
abandon in adoring you. So maybe heaven
won’t come as such a shock.
Prayer from a Church Web Site
Friday, January 30, 2009
Encouraged
Talking about being encouraged.....I was on Sunday evening. The Young Professional guys did a great job leading our thoughts about our Faithful God. I appreciated the personal stories that were shared with us and powerful scriptures and songs. These guys have unbelievable hearts centered on God and spiritual things. I'm blessed that they let me "hang out" with them!
Keep up the great work guys.
Keep up the great work guys.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thought for the Day
Be not angry that you cannot make others as you want them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
—Thomas à Kempis
—Thomas à Kempis
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tough Times Ahead
I will be out of town at a state conference in Wichita the next 3 days. School finance will be the central discussion item as we look ahead to the future.
It doesn't look good for children's services as well as education the next few years.
It doesn't look good for children's services as well as education the next few years.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What is a Church of Christ?
FOUR CONGREGATIONS with a cappella and instrumental Sunday worship services are excluded from 2009 directory
By Erik Tryggestad The Christian Chronicle
Each edition of Churches of Christ in the United States contains a chart of congregations with the largest weekly attendance. In the 2009 version of the directory, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City and the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, share that position. Both reported a weekly attendance of about 2,200.Conspicuously absent from the new directory is the congregation that has occupied the top spot on the list since 2000 — the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas.
In the past six months, the Richland Hills church averaged between 4,100 and 4,200 people combined in its three weekend services, executive minister Mike Washburn said. But the Texas church was one of 21 congregations omitted from the latest edition of the directory for using instrumental music in at least one Sunday morning service, said Carl Royster, the volume’s compiler.“The one unifying constant that defines whether or not such a congregation is included in this document is the practice of a cappella worship services,” Royster wrote in the directory’s introduction.
‘SADDENED AND DISAPPOINTED’
In the past, compilers have excluded congregations as they broke ties with Churches of Christ. In 2003 the Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, then with about 3,500 members, added instrumental worship services and dropped “of Christ” from its name. The church was excluded from the next directory, published in 2006.But Richland Hills’ elders have not broken ties with Churches of Christ, nor did they ask to be excluded from the 2009 directory, Washburn said.“From a church standpoint, we’re saddened and disappointed,” Washburn said of Richland Hills’ removal from the book. “We strongly feel like we are a part of Churches of Christ and continue a strong love for — and commitment to — excellent a cappella worship.“However, we are a part of a huge movement in our fellowship who do not believe a cappella worship is the sole way of defining who Churches of Christ are,” Washburn said.In 2007 Richland Hills added an instrumental worship service on Saturday nights. A few months ago the church added instruments to one of its two Sunday morning services. The church’s 9 a.m. worship remains a cappella, and on a recent Sunday 2,347 people attended that service, Washburn said. Like Richland Hills, three of the other 20 churches excluded from the directory have instrumental and a cappella services: the Farmers Branch church in Dallas, the Jenks, Okla., church and the Redwood church in Redwood City, Calif. The other 17 are entirely instrumental.Many of the entirely-instrumental churches have cut ties with Churches of Christ, Royster said.That doesn’t necessarily mean the 12,629 churches listed in the directory are entirely a cappella. The Quail Springs church in Oklahoma City, for example, added an instrumental Sunday morning service last year, but is listed in the 2009 directory. So are churches that sponsor instrumental events on weekdays or added instruments after the reporting period. “Instrumental congregations are not knowingly included in the data, but it is impossible to guarantee that one cannot be found,” according to the directory’s introduction. “Therefore, it is suggested that, as needs arise, the reader use the information provided in Churches of Christ in the United States to contact a congregation in order to learn more details about it.”
WHY NO ‘INSTRUMENTAL’ LABEL?
Instrumental worship is not the only issue on which Churches of Christ differ. Since its beginning the directory has denoted subgroups within the fellowship, including churches that use one cup in communion or practice mutual edification and oppose the use of paid ministers.When asked why the 2009 directory didn’t simply adopt an “instrumental” designation instead of excluding churches, Royster said that doing so would compromise the accuracy of the publication as a statistical record of a cappella churches.The directory’s original compiler, Mac Lynn, began gathering information from Churches of Christ three decades ago. At the time two other branches of the Restoration Movement — the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ, both of which use instruments — had directories. But there was no comprehensive directory for the movement’s third branch — a cappella Churches of Christ. “The most recent issue of a cappella churches going instrumental was not an issue at the time,” said Lynn, who turned compilation duties over to Nashville, Tenn.-based 21st Century Christian after the 2003 edition and is no longer officially involved with the publication. Including churches with instruments is problematic because “the directory has always been a list of a cappella congregations,” Lynn said. “The exclusion of instrumental churches has not been on theological grounds.”When a cappella churches add instruments, they resemble the instrumental churches of the Restoration Movement, which have separate directories. “What’s happened is you’ve got a few churches in no man’s land,” Lynn said.
DIRECTORY NOT ‘OFFICIAL LIST’
Washburn said he’s concerned that church members will see Richland Hills’ exclusion as a sign that the church has broken ties with its fellowship. That’s not the case, he said, noting his congregation’s involvement with a cappella churches, ministries and schools associated with Churches of Christ.“We have great love for the people in our heritage,” he said. “We want to be a part of this fellowship.”Royster said that readers should use the directory as a simple resource, not a theological document denoting which churches are — and which aren’t — in the brotherhood.“This publication has never been intended to be any kind of an ‘official list of authorized congregations,’” he said. “I am saddened when I hear of people attempting to use it as such.”
Largest congregations by attendance, according to the 2009 edition of Churches of Christ in the United States.
1. (tie) Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,667
Rank 2006: 21.
(tie) Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,000
Rank 2006: 3
3. The Family of God at Woodmont Hills
Attendance 2009: 1,750
Members 2009: 1,550
Rank 2006: 4
4. Madison Church of Christ, Madison, Tenn.
Attendance 2009: 1,740
Members 2009: 3,102
Rank 2006: 5
5. Saturn Road Church of Christ, Garland, Texas
Attendance 2009: 1,731
Members 2009: 1,707
Rank 2006: 6
By Erik Tryggestad The Christian Chronicle
Each edition of Churches of Christ in the United States contains a chart of congregations with the largest weekly attendance. In the 2009 version of the directory, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City and the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, share that position. Both reported a weekly attendance of about 2,200.Conspicuously absent from the new directory is the congregation that has occupied the top spot on the list since 2000 — the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas.
In the past six months, the Richland Hills church averaged between 4,100 and 4,200 people combined in its three weekend services, executive minister Mike Washburn said. But the Texas church was one of 21 congregations omitted from the latest edition of the directory for using instrumental music in at least one Sunday morning service, said Carl Royster, the volume’s compiler.“The one unifying constant that defines whether or not such a congregation is included in this document is the practice of a cappella worship services,” Royster wrote in the directory’s introduction.
‘SADDENED AND DISAPPOINTED’
In the past, compilers have excluded congregations as they broke ties with Churches of Christ. In 2003 the Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, then with about 3,500 members, added instrumental worship services and dropped “of Christ” from its name. The church was excluded from the next directory, published in 2006.But Richland Hills’ elders have not broken ties with Churches of Christ, nor did they ask to be excluded from the 2009 directory, Washburn said.“From a church standpoint, we’re saddened and disappointed,” Washburn said of Richland Hills’ removal from the book. “We strongly feel like we are a part of Churches of Christ and continue a strong love for — and commitment to — excellent a cappella worship.“However, we are a part of a huge movement in our fellowship who do not believe a cappella worship is the sole way of defining who Churches of Christ are,” Washburn said.In 2007 Richland Hills added an instrumental worship service on Saturday nights. A few months ago the church added instruments to one of its two Sunday morning services. The church’s 9 a.m. worship remains a cappella, and on a recent Sunday 2,347 people attended that service, Washburn said. Like Richland Hills, three of the other 20 churches excluded from the directory have instrumental and a cappella services: the Farmers Branch church in Dallas, the Jenks, Okla., church and the Redwood church in Redwood City, Calif. The other 17 are entirely instrumental.Many of the entirely-instrumental churches have cut ties with Churches of Christ, Royster said.That doesn’t necessarily mean the 12,629 churches listed in the directory are entirely a cappella. The Quail Springs church in Oklahoma City, for example, added an instrumental Sunday morning service last year, but is listed in the 2009 directory. So are churches that sponsor instrumental events on weekdays or added instruments after the reporting period. “Instrumental congregations are not knowingly included in the data, but it is impossible to guarantee that one cannot be found,” according to the directory’s introduction. “Therefore, it is suggested that, as needs arise, the reader use the information provided in Churches of Christ in the United States to contact a congregation in order to learn more details about it.”
WHY NO ‘INSTRUMENTAL’ LABEL?
Instrumental worship is not the only issue on which Churches of Christ differ. Since its beginning the directory has denoted subgroups within the fellowship, including churches that use one cup in communion or practice mutual edification and oppose the use of paid ministers.When asked why the 2009 directory didn’t simply adopt an “instrumental” designation instead of excluding churches, Royster said that doing so would compromise the accuracy of the publication as a statistical record of a cappella churches.The directory’s original compiler, Mac Lynn, began gathering information from Churches of Christ three decades ago. At the time two other branches of the Restoration Movement — the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ, both of which use instruments — had directories. But there was no comprehensive directory for the movement’s third branch — a cappella Churches of Christ. “The most recent issue of a cappella churches going instrumental was not an issue at the time,” said Lynn, who turned compilation duties over to Nashville, Tenn.-based 21st Century Christian after the 2003 edition and is no longer officially involved with the publication. Including churches with instruments is problematic because “the directory has always been a list of a cappella congregations,” Lynn said. “The exclusion of instrumental churches has not been on theological grounds.”When a cappella churches add instruments, they resemble the instrumental churches of the Restoration Movement, which have separate directories. “What’s happened is you’ve got a few churches in no man’s land,” Lynn said.
DIRECTORY NOT ‘OFFICIAL LIST’
Washburn said he’s concerned that church members will see Richland Hills’ exclusion as a sign that the church has broken ties with its fellowship. That’s not the case, he said, noting his congregation’s involvement with a cappella churches, ministries and schools associated with Churches of Christ.“We have great love for the people in our heritage,” he said. “We want to be a part of this fellowship.”Royster said that readers should use the directory as a simple resource, not a theological document denoting which churches are — and which aren’t — in the brotherhood.“This publication has never been intended to be any kind of an ‘official list of authorized congregations,’” he said. “I am saddened when I hear of people attempting to use it as such.”
Largest congregations by attendance, according to the 2009 edition of Churches of Christ in the United States.
1. (tie) Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,667
Rank 2006: 21.
(tie) Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,000
Rank 2006: 3
3. The Family of God at Woodmont Hills
Attendance 2009: 1,750
Members 2009: 1,550
Rank 2006: 4
4. Madison Church of Christ, Madison, Tenn.
Attendance 2009: 1,740
Members 2009: 3,102
Rank 2006: 5
5. Saturn Road Church of Christ, Garland, Texas
Attendance 2009: 1,731
Members 2009: 1,707
Rank 2006: 6
Monday, January 26, 2009
Still
I always like to share new worship music that I really enjoy. This new song Still is one of those new classics.....................
Still
Hide me now,
under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Lyrics of still by Reuben Morgan
Still
Hide me now,
under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Lyrics of still by Reuben Morgan
Friday, January 23, 2009
100th Anniversary Dates Set
The 100th Anniversary Celebration for the Central Church of Christ in Topeka, Kansas, will take place April 25 & 26, 2009. If you know of a former member, or you are a former member, please contact the Church office for further details: 1250 SW College,Topeka, Kansas 66604.
(785) 233-6157 or centcofc@swbell.net
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Former York College Professor Passes Away
Former Professor Passes Jim L. Brock, 1949 - 2009
The York College community is saddened by the sudden passing of alumnus and former YC faculty member, Jim "JB" Brock. JB passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (Jan. 15) after being hospitalized only the day before. JB was a long-time housing administrator at Pepperdine University, serving the university for more than twenty years. He was 59.
"JB made everyone he met feel like they were special… and that's because he was the special one," said Mark Davis, Seaver College Dean of Student Affairs. "He put people first, and as a result he made us a stronger and more loving community."
JB graduated from York College in 1969, majoring in speech and drama. He was president of the Sigma Tau social club and performed in many of the theatre productions while at YC, including Merchant of Venice where he was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Prince of Arragon.
He returned to campus to head the communications department and direct the YC theatre productions (1977-1982). He sponsored Soul Concern, taught speech, and directed the forensics team in his seven years on the faculty. He also helped to direct Songfest and was a co-sponsor of Sigma Tau.
JB began his career at Pepperdine in 1984 in the Seaver College Career Development Center. He went on to serve as Director of Residential Life, Associate Dean of Students in Student Affairs, and Director of Housing
The York College community is saddened by the sudden passing of alumnus and former YC faculty member, Jim "JB" Brock. JB passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (Jan. 15) after being hospitalized only the day before. JB was a long-time housing administrator at Pepperdine University, serving the university for more than twenty years. He was 59.
"JB made everyone he met feel like they were special… and that's because he was the special one," said Mark Davis, Seaver College Dean of Student Affairs. "He put people first, and as a result he made us a stronger and more loving community."
JB graduated from York College in 1969, majoring in speech and drama. He was president of the Sigma Tau social club and performed in many of the theatre productions while at YC, including Merchant of Venice where he was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Prince of Arragon.
He returned to campus to head the communications department and direct the YC theatre productions (1977-1982). He sponsored Soul Concern, taught speech, and directed the forensics team in his seven years on the faculty. He also helped to direct Songfest and was a co-sponsor of Sigma Tau.
JB began his career at Pepperdine in 1984 in the Seaver College Career Development Center. He went on to serve as Director of Residential Life, Associate Dean of Students in Student Affairs, and Director of Housing
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mabrey Miller Goes Home
Dr. Mabrey L. Miller passed away at his home in York in the late evening hours, Sunday, January 18. Longtime member of the YC faculty and elder at the East Hill Church of Christ in York, "Doc" will be missed terribly by the college community.
He and Madge have been a part of the YC family for more than fifty years. Mabrey was among the first faculty members in 1956 when the college reopened. He would assume a number of duties through the years including teaching math, Dean of Students, Academic Dean, and Bible professor. Raising six children and serving the congregation at East Hill went hand in hand with his work on campus.
The 2005 academic year was dedicated to Madge and Mabrey for their Kingdom work and the 50 years of leadership they provided York College. Click here to read the tribute that was written at that time of their love for this place and its people.
Mabrey hired me for my first teaching and coaching job on a cold, late April night at Chances R Restaurant in York in 1985. After graduating from Newman University in December of 1984 he was recruiting me to come back to be a part of the faculty. It didn't take much pleading just a big bear hug from one of my all-time Heroes of Faith. Mabrey encouraged me to go into administration and always shared with me his insights on being a Christian leader. Mabrey, you will always be Mr. York College and your spirit will live on in the lives of hundreds of students you touched the past 50 years. Enjoy your eternal reward!
Funeral arrangements have been made for Saturday (Jan. 23) at 2:00 p.m. at the East Hill Church of Christ in York.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Barack Obama
Craig has been looking forward to this day for sometime. Best wishes to our new president and may he seek God's wisdom as he leads our nation.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Practical Atheist
In our Young Professional Class this month we are examining a study called Practical Atheist. Its a unusual title, but a very needed study in today's world. A practical atheist is someone who believes in God, but lives as if He doesn't exist. All of us at times don't actually live the life that a follower of God should live.
In our first week, we examined that many of us believe in God, but we don't fear Him like we should.
In 2 Timothy 3 it states..... There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…
How easy it is to believe in God but live an entirely different self centered life style.
When you believe in God and when you truly fear Him you will want to do two specific things. One is you will want to serve him wholeheartedly without any conditions.
The example that comes to my mind is the individual that we are studying on Sunday mornings during our assembly time......Abraham. He believed in God and he served Him without any conditions. He believed in His God with all his heart that he would even sacrifice His own son. God saw this faith in action in Genesis 22
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Genesis 22:12.
In our first week, we examined that many of us believe in God, but we don't fear Him like we should.
In 2 Timothy 3 it states..... There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…
How easy it is to believe in God but live an entirely different self centered life style.
When you believe in God and when you truly fear Him you will want to do two specific things. One is you will want to serve him wholeheartedly without any conditions.
The example that comes to my mind is the individual that we are studying on Sunday mornings during our assembly time......Abraham. He believed in God and he served Him without any conditions. He believed in His God with all his heart that he would even sacrifice His own son. God saw this faith in action in Genesis 22
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Genesis 22:12.
The second thing that will happen when we fear God is we will be forever ruined.
Isaiah is a great example of a man that was ruined because he actually saw God in all His glory. When we allow God to change us and as we see Him we are ruined.
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Isaiah 6:5
True obedience is found in the love we have for our God and the love that is showered upon us each day. When we believe in Him and when we fear Him, the blessings continue to flow continually.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Warm Weather
Most of my friends and family know that I hate winter! I love 100 degree days where you sweat and the sun beats down. 1 degree and a wind chill of minus 20 is not for me.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pray for our Kansas Leaders
Please be in prayer for our Kansas leaders as they begin the 2009 Legislative session this week. Many serious decisions and discussions will take place in this building during the next five months.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Growing Church Even When We Have Differences
In Acts 8, we see Saul persecuting the Church in Jerusalem. It’s a very interesting series of verses that describe an important event that led the churches expansion to take place throughout the world. Was this positive or negative for the early church?
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
If you lived during this trying and difficult time, you might think, “how could this ever be a positive thing?” If you were running for your life because you were being persecuted for worshipping a God who had sent his only Son to live among the people and then died for all humanity and then arose……the political leaders were looking for ways to stop this church expanding in any possible way.
Three thousand years later I believe it was the turning point in the history of the church. It allowed the church to move and grow in different ways among the many cultures of the time. The church grew and prospered.
One of the reasons some churches experience peace and productivity today is because the shepherds allow those who are unhappy about issues to move on without disturbance. They don’t chase after nor cater to dislikes for it is clear they can’t please everybody. They don’t carry ill-will toward any for not preferring the way we do things, but they gently refuse to hold court night after night in effort to appease the disgruntled. They strongly believe those special ones leaving are called to do so by God to bless, richly bless, other congregations. The spreading of believers has always been a mark of God’s move in the early church. Why is it we applaud the results of Acts 2 likeness among us, but criticize Acts 8 likeness among us as if some strange thing was happening? His ways have always been higher than ours and always will be.
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
If you lived during this trying and difficult time, you might think, “how could this ever be a positive thing?” If you were running for your life because you were being persecuted for worshipping a God who had sent his only Son to live among the people and then died for all humanity and then arose……the political leaders were looking for ways to stop this church expanding in any possible way.
Three thousand years later I believe it was the turning point in the history of the church. It allowed the church to move and grow in different ways among the many cultures of the time. The church grew and prospered.
One of the reasons some churches experience peace and productivity today is because the shepherds allow those who are unhappy about issues to move on without disturbance. They don’t chase after nor cater to dislikes for it is clear they can’t please everybody. They don’t carry ill-will toward any for not preferring the way we do things, but they gently refuse to hold court night after night in effort to appease the disgruntled. They strongly believe those special ones leaving are called to do so by God to bless, richly bless, other congregations. The spreading of believers has always been a mark of God’s move in the early church. Why is it we applaud the results of Acts 2 likeness among us, but criticize Acts 8 likeness among us as if some strange thing was happening? His ways have always been higher than ours and always will be.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Make A Difference
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a little boy, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The little boy paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the little boy replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" Discouraged he began to walk away. Suddenly the little boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one." The man looked at the little boy inquisitively and thought about what he had said and had done. Inspired, he joined the little boy in throwing the starfish back into the ocean.
This is such a great story. There is so MUCH truth in this story! It is so easy to focus on reaching the masses (which is important). The problem is that we can get discouraged and we can forget the power of just reaching one person at a time - making a difference in one person at a time. We can make a difference in our neighbour's life. We can make a difference in our child's teacher's life. We can make a difference in the homeless man's life. We can make a difference in the grocery store clerk's life. We can make a difference in our child's life. We can make a difference in a friend's life. All we have to do is focus on the one and making a difference in their life. We need to show one person at a time that they are valuable and loved by an almighty and loving God .
Are you willing to make a difference for one?
This is such a great story. There is so MUCH truth in this story! It is so easy to focus on reaching the masses (which is important). The problem is that we can get discouraged and we can forget the power of just reaching one person at a time - making a difference in one person at a time. We can make a difference in our neighbour's life. We can make a difference in our child's teacher's life. We can make a difference in the homeless man's life. We can make a difference in the grocery store clerk's life. We can make a difference in our child's life. We can make a difference in a friend's life. All we have to do is focus on the one and making a difference in their life. We need to show one person at a time that they are valuable and loved by an almighty and loving God .
Are you willing to make a difference for one?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Engagement Announcement
Jim and Jacque Carroll of Burleson, Texas, announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their daughter, Allison Elaine, to Brian Lee Carriger, son of David and Debbie Carriger of Osage City. Allison is a graduate of Burleson High School ('04) and Oklahoma Christian University with a degree in early childhood education. Brian is a graduate of Osage City High School ('04) and Oklahoma Christian University. Brian resides in Garnett and is a deputy with the Anderson County Sheriff's Department. A Feb. 28, 2009, wedding in Ft. Worth, Texas, is planned. A reception in Kansas will honor the couple at a later date.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Good Eggshells
I really enjoyed the following article from Terry Rush that was sent to me. Has many great reminders.............
My flaws are many, several, and numerous. Worse yet, God knows more of them than even I am aware of. Walking on eggshells is usually a negative connotation. But there is one positive one, at least, where all need to tread very carefully. We must perpetually guard against our own pride. The good eggshells are being terribly careful not to slip onto the trail of pride. I fear my gear of operation is usually set there.
Pride ruins all of us. I suppose it is mankind's true nemesis as pride insists upon hitching a ride to every event. Two guys were praying. One was tickled to death--- possibly died in it---that he was not as bad as the other while they both prayed. The other knew his counterpart wasn't lying. He was bad. Yet, God justified the humble one and would not do the same for the one full of self-satisfaction.Have you ever been proud you are Church of Christ and not Baptist? Have you ever been proud you are not like those in the certain-kind-of Church of Christ? Have you ever thanked God you aren't as dumb and foolish and ridiculous as others? We see this trait as a terrible mistake in political government. The audacity that others are fools when we are not finds politicians in need of a good dose of eggshell walking. The same mistake is made in the church....any brand.I guess this pride thing will be a burden for me all the way to my grave. But I don't want it to be. We must be alert to the sting of this villain who insists upon driving our lives. And should you be one who is proud that you aren't proud, you too need good eggshells.
Pride: a real problem for believers. Walk more carefully.
Terry Rush
My flaws are many, several, and numerous. Worse yet, God knows more of them than even I am aware of. Walking on eggshells is usually a negative connotation. But there is one positive one, at least, where all need to tread very carefully. We must perpetually guard against our own pride. The good eggshells are being terribly careful not to slip onto the trail of pride. I fear my gear of operation is usually set there.
Pride ruins all of us. I suppose it is mankind's true nemesis as pride insists upon hitching a ride to every event. Two guys were praying. One was tickled to death--- possibly died in it---that he was not as bad as the other while they both prayed. The other knew his counterpart wasn't lying. He was bad. Yet, God justified the humble one and would not do the same for the one full of self-satisfaction.Have you ever been proud you are Church of Christ and not Baptist? Have you ever been proud you are not like those in the certain-kind-of Church of Christ? Have you ever thanked God you aren't as dumb and foolish and ridiculous as others? We see this trait as a terrible mistake in political government. The audacity that others are fools when we are not finds politicians in need of a good dose of eggshell walking. The same mistake is made in the church....any brand.I guess this pride thing will be a burden for me all the way to my grave. But I don't want it to be. We must be alert to the sting of this villain who insists upon driving our lives. And should you be one who is proud that you aren't proud, you too need good eggshells.
Pride: a real problem for believers. Walk more carefully.
Terry Rush
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Special Request
A Letter from Max Lucado
Dear Friends,
I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.
He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him. The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)
For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president.
Good things happen when people pray.
A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”
Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Warmly,
Max Lucado
Dear Friends,
I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.
He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him. The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)
For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president.
Good things happen when people pray.
A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”
Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Warmly,
Max Lucado
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Craig Back to NYC
Craig returned to his home away from home yesterday. Not a bad view Craig from your apartment!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Craig Returns to the Big Apple
Craig returns to NYC today. He will work all month at Ug Australia and start second semester classes on January 26. Sure was nice having our little boy home for three weeks!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Welcome: Roger Hamm
Worship Leaders: Craig Carriger and David Carriger
Reading of the Word: Kevin Johnston
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Jesus You’re my Firm Foundation
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
718 We Shall Assemble
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:33-37
324 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (Verse 1 and 2 Only)
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8a
344 Low in the Grave He Lay (Verses 1-3 then Chorus)
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss Children
Scripture: 1 John 4:14-16
286 Wonderful Story of Love (Verse 1 Only)
18 Faithful Love
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 790 Lord, Take Control (Sing Twice)
Announcements
Scripture: Psalm 143:9-12
693 Heart of a Servant
694 Servant Song
Closing Prayer
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Welcome: Roger Hamm
Worship Leaders: Craig Carriger and David Carriger
Reading of the Word: Kevin Johnston
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Jesus You’re my Firm Foundation
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
718 We Shall Assemble
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:33-37
324 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (Verse 1 and 2 Only)
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8a
344 Low in the Grave He Lay (Verses 1-3 then Chorus)
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss Children
Scripture: 1 John 4:14-16
286 Wonderful Story of Love (Verse 1 Only)
18 Faithful Love
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 790 Lord, Take Control (Sing Twice)
Announcements
Scripture: Psalm 143:9-12
693 Heart of a Servant
694 Servant Song
Closing Prayer
Friday, January 02, 2009
A Thought for Today
Bless all who guide youth’s footsteps,
as they seek the light of truth.
That through them
You may be revealed in all your plenitude;
For only when youth’s quest shall be at length fulfilled in You,
Shall they know inner harmony such as earth cannot give.
Oh, Wisdom of all ages, speak through all who would proclaim
The glory of your kingdom!
Be, O Lord, the way through which
Each morning’s verdant promise may be splendidly fulfilled.
As You, Yourself shall fashion in human hearts.
Margaret Roese
as they seek the light of truth.
That through them
You may be revealed in all your plenitude;
For only when youth’s quest shall be at length fulfilled in You,
Shall they know inner harmony such as earth cannot give.
Oh, Wisdom of all ages, speak through all who would proclaim
The glory of your kingdom!
Be, O Lord, the way through which
Each morning’s verdant promise may be splendidly fulfilled.
As You, Yourself shall fashion in human hearts.
Margaret Roese
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
Just One Request
Dear Master
for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing—
I do not ask to understand
The way Thou leadest me,
But this I ask:
Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
I want to know
Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be—
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
--Unknown Author
Just One Request
Dear Master
for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing—
I do not ask to understand
The way Thou leadest me,
But this I ask:
Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
I want to know
Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be—
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
--Unknown Author
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We survived the Glenwood Canyon bike trail. It was unreal. Left at 10:30 drove into town at 3:45 . We hiked up a mountain, 1/2 mile st...
