Moms and Dads are different. That, I suppose, goes without saying; but in this world which clamors for unisex equality, we often observe social pressures which tend to emasculate the males of our society. Those males are the fathers. And no matter what a nation may recommend, God intends for the fathers of humanity to be responsible for certain things, and for their children to respond to them in a certain way. Let's briefly look at how a child should treat his father.

• Honor him
"Children, ...honour thy father ...which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3). Many children actually just go through the motions of obeying their fathers, while never truly honoring or respecting them in the process. God's plan is that we honor them, even when we are grown and they are old (cf. Mark 7:9-13).

• Appreciate him
One of the ugliest human attributes discussed in the Bible is unthankfulness. From the beginning, God's plan for good fathers has been that they provide for their families. In fact, if one chooses not to do so, he has "denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8). When children do not recognize and appreciate what their fathers do to enable them to live, those offspring grow up to be evil and senseless human beings.

• Emulate and serve him.
Good fathers are worthy of emulation. "Like father, like son," is a principle that is not only true, but needful (when father is what he should be). In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus said that we should treat our enemies as does our heavenly Father, "so that you may be children of your Father ...Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." As to service, Paul said of Timothy, "ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel" (Philippians 2:22).

How do you treat your dad through the years?

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; (Proverbs 4:1)

Visitation Group
There will be NO Visitation Group meeting today as scheduled. There will be new cards for your taking, in the holder on the bulletin board.

The Pantry
Our pantry is in need of restocking. We are low on most items but especially canned meats and vegetables. Items should be non-perishable and may be left in the annex.

Baby Shower
There will be a Baby Shower for Heidi West on Friday, July 8th, at 6:30pm in the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend.

Singing Class
The monthly Wednesday evening Singing Class is scheduled for this coming Wednesday night and regular classes will meet in the auditorium. Chad Tagtow is this month’s teacher.

Taking The Gospel To Ghana
David Stearsman will be leaving for Ghana with Ted Wheeler and company on July 7th. Funds are still needed for this journey. See David or one of the elders if you would like to contribute. A complete itinerary and other info is posted at www.ghanamissions.com.

Our hearts go out in sympathy to the friends and family of Earl Wilkes who passed away last Sunday (12th) in North Alabama. Funeral services were held yesterday (Sat) in Florence, AL. Brother Wilkes was a member for many years here at Orange Street.

If profanity flavors your speech, watch out!! It is a sure sign of an inner sickness. Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Matt. 12:34) Don't give in to profanity. Speech salted by profanity is pathetic. It blatantly announces to the world a course and vulgar person.