“Preach The Word!” - Even To Children
Charles C. Pugh III

J. W. McGarvey was once called the ripest Bible scholar in the world by a major newspaper in London, England. This great Bible scholar, and preacher, was reported to have said that the greatest compliment he ever received came from a little child who said to him, "Brother McGarvey, I like your preaching. I can understand you."

Some churches claim that children today are "turned off' by preaching. Thus they remove the children from worship assembly and create "junior church" or "cluster groups" in which preaching is replaced by drama, skits, puppets, etc. As a result, the assembly is divided, and the children (and adults) who attend "junior church" - "cluster groups" are not exposed to sound gospel preaching.

On the last night of one of my gospel meetings, I was handed a note which had been written by a little eleven year old girl named Rachel. The note, in part, read as follows:

"I hope you come back soon to preach again... I like listening to stories about God and Jesus. Thank you for coming to preach... I hate that you have to leave because you are a really, really good preacher. How do you remember all of the preaching? Thanks again for coming! Love, Rachel"

Poor little Rachel! Someone forgot to tell her that children are not supposed to like preaching. I'm thankful the leaders of the church, where Rachel attends - do not subscribe to the nonsense that we must cheapen the gospel and put on a show to interest youth. "Gather the people together, men, and women, and children ... that they may hear and... learn" (Deut. 31:12). Children (all children) need to hear preaching too. Let’s not rob them of the opportunity. ❦

UNITED OR UNTIED?
Author unknown

In proof reading an article for a religious paper, a fellow gospel preacher noted the following error. The sentence read: "The church was untied." Of course, it should have read, "Me church was united." What a difference between the words! Untied suggests separation - the opposite of unity! But the startling truth which impressed the preacher was this: the entire difference was because the letter "i" was out of place. The lesson is vivid— if "I" am out of place in the church program, then "I" am helping make the church "untied," not united. Each member of the Lord's church is an "I." If all the "I's" are united, we will not be untied.

Prayer Group
The prayer group that was temporarily suspended a few weeks ago - is scheduled to start meeting again this evening (Sunday) at 5:30 p.m. in classroom #3. All are encouraged to attend and participate in the prayers offered on behalf of those with health problems and other special needs.

Ghana Mission Campaigns
We thank God that several of our team of missionaries have safely returned from Ghana. Those still remaining will be returning soon.

In the meantime, David Stearsman and the group from Ghana Missions in Venice, FL, left this past Thursday for that group’s annual missionary trek. That team is usually led by Ted Wheeler, who was unable to accompany the group this year for health reasons. Ted is planning to go later.

Friday Game Night
The monthly “Game Night” is scheduled for this coming Friday evening at 6:30 (or so) in the annex. All are invited.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH?