ARE YOU A SLEEPER?
via Bulletin Digest  

Do your eyelids become heavy when the song service is concluded and the preacher steps into the pulpit? We often joke about those who "doze off" during worship. I realize some take medication or have physical problems that make it virtually impossible to stay awake, even though they try. The rest who sleep for whatever reason will have to take it up with the Lord in the Judgment.

There are other kinds of "sleeping," though, that may reflect a more serious problem than this. One of these is what some call sleeping in, that is, sleeping so late on Sunday morning that they miss the worship altogether! I have more respect for the one who "fades out" during the worship service than the one who puts forth no effort to be there. Such absence is a slap in the face of Jesus!

Another form of sleeping is being asleep to duty. The one who suffers from this problem feels that every directive the Lord gave regarding duty is aimed at someone else! "He's not talking to me" is the philosophy. This Christian fails to realize that every saint is "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10).

Then there is sleeping on the job. Have you ever been asked to undertake an assignment by the elders, only to drag your feet or abandon the job altogether? Churches grow weak and die when members have so little interest in the Lord's work that they simply neglect the things Christ has told us to do.

Finally, disciples may be asleep to danger. Christ urges us to be "vigilant," that is, watchful, at all times. Elders are commissioned to watch for the souls of the members under their charge (Hebrews 13; Acts 20). Preachers are reminded of the necessity of watching their doctrine or teaching, as well as their lives (1 Timothy 4). All Christians are to be alert to these same dangers as they concern the individual and those about him. Closing our eyes, going to sleep, will not cause the danger to disappear.

Friends, are you a "sleeper" - one of the types mentioned above, or some other kind? There is a sleep that is good for us, and other kinds that are not! We need to know the difference.

Bob and Shirley Bauer and Jim and Janie Hall will leave for Ghana, West Africa this coming Wednesday. We need to keep them in our prayers, that they might have a safe and fruitful journey. There is a tentative itinerary posted on the Orange Street web-site and updates will be posted as they are received. It is our hope that Bob will be able to find the suitable phone lines to keep us posted by email while in Ghana.

Umbrellas
It has come to our attention that we are often in need of umbrellas when we have those sudden Florida showers that seem to pop-up just before of just after services. If you have an extra umbrella that you can donate to the cause then we will have them available when those needs arise.

Team A Meeting
Visitation Group "A" is scheduled to meet today after the morning worship service in the annex. There will be soup and sandwiches after the meeting. All members of the group and others interested in the work should attend.

Elder/Deacon Meeting
The elders have requested a meeting with the deacons this afternoon at 4:30. All of the deacons are asked to attend.

Home Devo
The regular monthly Home Devotional and Bible Study will be hosted by Ken and Natalie Hirsh this Saturday night (19th) at their new home in Winter Haven. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for those who plan to attend.

Proverb 31:10:
"Who can find a virtuous woman?
For her price is far above rubies".
Blessed is she who mends stockings and broken hearts; for her understanding is a balm to her husband and children.

Don’t Forget the Prayer Meeting in classroom #3 today at 5:30 p.m.