The Elders
Franklin Camp

There is a growing disregard for elders in the brotherhood. This is symptomatic of our day where human wisdom is substituted for divine revelation. I want to say something on the other side.

I APPRECIATE ELDERS because this is God's plan (1 Tim. 3:1-7). 1 cannot be faithful to the Bible and disregard elders.

I APPRECIATE ELDERS because of the responsibility they accept. No men have a greater responsibility than elders. They are responsible for carrying the gospel to every creature (Matt.28:18-20). They must watch after souls. They will have to give an account of the souls that are under their oversight.

I APPRECIATE ELDERS because of the time they give to the Lord's work. While others are free to use their time in various ways, elders must use much of their time in fulfilling their duties. There are meetings where time must be given to planning the work, dealing with problems, and many other things. I appreciate the man who is willing to take the time to do the work of an elder.

I APPRECIATE ELDERS because they work with the least encouragement of any people I know. I have often wondered how long I would continue to preach if I received criticism as elders do with so little encouragement. Few people in any congregation think about saying a word to encourage the elders. I appreciate men who will give years in helping the church to grow, struggle with its problems, accept the criticism, receive little or no encouragement, and continue to work.

I APPRECIATE ELDERS because of their families. First, they have done a good job in training their children and in building a stable marriage. My hat is off to the man who has a family that makes it possible for him to serve as an elder. Time that might be spent with his family is often used in doing the work of the Lord. ❦

It’s Girls
Congratulations to Jenny and Kevin Allen on the birth of their twin daughters, Allison Leigh (5 lbs, 11oz) and Bethany Ann (6 lbs, 7 oz). The sisters were born on Thursday evening (12/5/02), at the University Community Hospital in Tampa. Babies, mother, father, little brother (Robert), and grandparents (Carl & Nancy Chambers) were all doing well at last word.

Next Sunday
Don’t forget that the annual Senior Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for next Sunday at noon, following the morning worship. Everyone is invited to participate in honoring our senior members and non-seniors are asked to bring a covered dish.

Our hearts go out in sympathy to Bob and Shirley Bauer in the loss of Shirley’s aunt in Ohio this past week. Shirley has stayed in Ohio to help care for her mother who has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Keep the family in your prayers during this stressful time.

Sign-Up Lists
Please take a moment to check the bulletin board in the foyer and be sure that you are signed-up for the scheduled duties for the coming year. Everyone needs to participate in the various jobs that need to be done. If you have any problems or need more information - see Carl Chambers.
NOTE LADIES: There is also a sign-up sheet for the ladies who wish to participate in the “Ladies Day” that has been scheduled for here at Orange Street early next year.

Man's days on earth are limited. There will come a time when our lives will have dwindled to only a few days. We do not know exactly when those few days will come, so wouldn't it be good to life today as if it were the last.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Jan 18-19, 2003 - Springhead coC, Plant City
50^th Homecoming Celebration

• Jan 20-23, 2003 - Fla. School of Preaching
28th Annual Lecturship.
"Do You Understand Fellowship"
Complete schedules are posted online

• Feb 15, 2003 - Sebring Parkway coC
Ladies’ Day - “Keeping Your Balance”