STUFF
Bill Dillon

Whenever we have company to come for a visit at our house, they a always bring bags and bags of their own stuff. Moreover, we have to move all our stuff from every nook and cranny to make room so the company can stuff all their stuff where our stuff used to be stuffed.

It seems our lives are filled with stuff – good stuff, bad stuff, little stuff, big stuff, junky stuff, your stuff, my stuff, everyone's stuff.

Jesus didn't call it stuff – He called it "things." The Lord stated that "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses" (Luke 12:15). In other words, life is more than stuff and things.

Now, whenever we leave our stuff and die, whatever happens to our stuff will not matter. We will have all the good stuff God has prepared for us.

Our hearts go out in sympathy to the family and friends of Tracy Royal, age 47, daughter of the late Talmadge and Betty Royal, who were members here at Orange Street for many years. Tracy passed away Tuesday, June 21st, from cancer. There will be no funeral nor memorial services.

Congratulations
Due to the concern surrounding the complications of his birth – we failed to run the announcement that Luke Brian Deemer was born to parents Wendy and Brian Deemer at 11:50pm on June 13th, 2005. He weighed 7lbs 9oz and was 20½ inches long. We thank everyone for the prayers and encouragement during the days following his birth, and it would seem at this time that little Luke’s problems are on the mend.

Congratulations II
We congratulate Beth Howell and family on the birth of Abigail Grace this past Wednesday evening, June 22nd, 2005. Abigail weighed in at 7 lbs 13oz , and was 20 inches long. There were some minor problems after birth – but the baby is scheduled (at last report) to come home from the hospital today (Sunday).
Please keep all of our new additions in your daily prayers as they may well be the future of the Lord’s church here in Auburndale.

Taking the Gospel to Ghana
David Stearsman is 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 is posted at www.ghanamissions.com.

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

E-Mail Updates
There is a list posted on the bulletin board in the foyer for you to correct, add or delete your e-mail address. This is an important list in that it makes it possible to contact a large portion of our membership with breaking news– almost immediately. Help us out by updating your information as soon as possible.

Wednesday Devotional
Our regular 5th Wednesday night devotional is scheduled for this coming Wednesday evening (June 29). We will meet in the auditorium instead of our regular classrooms.

Ladies’ Work Group
The Ladies’ Work group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening (Monday) in the ladies’ work room behind the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate.

Fellowship Tonight
Our monthly PM Fellowship in honor of this month’s birthdays and anniversaries is scheduled for tonight (Sunday) after the evening services in the annex. All are invited to attend.

July Calendar
The July edition of the Orange Street Activities Calendar and Men-to-Serve List is available today in the foyer. Be sure to pick-up a copy and be informed of the coming month’s activities and duty schedules.

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.

Are you an encouragement to others, or a discouragement? A part of the problem or a part of the solution? "Exhort one another day by day..." (Heb 3:13) To exhort simply means: to encourage; to arouse to action; to spur or urge on. Is your life and your example something that spurs others on to greater things in life?