The Fleeting Years
by John W. Goodwin

It seems just yesterday when whistles blew,
And sirens shrieked a mighty cheer
When merry makers jammed the midnight streets
To welcome in the glad New Year

But now the year has swiftly fled away,
And we are left with little done.
The many tasks that we had planned to do,
It seems that we have just begun.

We cannot stop the passing of the hours,
Nor to our heart hold back the day.
Just as it came, so it must soon depart,
And leave us on our weary way.

But one thing there is left for every man
Within the harvest field to do,
And grace is giv'n to carry out God's plan,
Before the old year changes to the new.

In John 12:4-8 we find the occasion when Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with ointment. Judas condemned her for what he perceived as waste. Jesus applauded her for the meaning which her act had in preparation for His death. Guy N. Woods notes, "Taught here with great emphasis is the blessedness of looking for that which is good in another, as Jesus did, rather than searching for faults as Judas did".

It is easy to be a fault finder if one wants to be. It should be just as easy to find the good in people. It is easy to find the fault in people. It is easy to hear a sermon for the express purpose of picking it apart. It is easy to read books or articles with the same intent. Some are never so comfortable as when they are setting someone else straight. In most cases, where one can find something to condemn he can also find something to commend. (see Revelation 2-3).

If one is searching for fault he can usually find it without much difficulty. Jesus was not a faultfinder, but neither did He hesitate to point out fault (sin) when He found it. To look for the good in people does not mean that one should be oblivious to error. Balance would demand that we deal with error openly and honestly and applaud the good in people when we find it. In this regard Jesus is our perfect example. ❦

We wish you a
Happy & Prosperous
2003
Resolve that this new year might produce even “less of self and more of thee.” (Hymn #206)

Each new day is an opportunity to start all over again...to cleanse our minds and hearts anew and to clarity our vision. Let us not clutter up today with the leavings of other days. Let us begin each day with a prayer to God to guide us in everything.

Elder’s Meeting
The elders have requested that we meet this afternoon (Sun.) at 4:45 for a short time so that they can inform us of their plans for the congregation in the coming year. All members are asked to attend.

2003 Duty Lists
The new Duty Lists for the year 2003 will posted next week. There are still some open slots where volunteers are needed to fulfill certain duties in the coming year. We are especially short on men to open and/or close the building during various coming months. If you are willing to take on a little more - see Carl Chambers for the specific opportunities to serve that are still available.

UPCOMING 2003 EVENTS:

• Jan 19 - Orange Street
Guest Speaker - Tim Kidwell

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

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

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

• February 21, 22 - Orange Street coC
“Marriage Seminar” w/Garry Colley -

• Mar 14, 15 - “Relay For Life”
See Wanda or Ora Lee for details