January 6, 2008


Volume XXVII - Number 1  

A Growing Church
Author unknown

An elder called on a member of the church for a social visit. The conversation turned to the work of the church. They talked of the progress that had been made and how the Lord had blessed their efforts through the past years. Yet both agreed that other things were needed.

"It seems to me," said the member, "That the church is always needing something. Every time we meet, there is a plea for more giving and more workers."

"You are right, my brother," replied the elder. "The church is always needing something. I had a little boy who needed something. One week it was shoes, another clothes, then lunch money, bus fare, spending money. I thought he asked too much. He hasn't asked for anything for years now. He quit needing anything from me. You see, he died one night. And there are times when I would give anything to hear him ask for something just once more. I realized after it was too late, how much happiness "A Growing Church" (continued from page one)

I found, even in his begging. Perhaps you have never missed the church. It has always been there when you needed it, and you have taken it for granted. Frankly I confess I did not know how little I did for my son until it was too late.

So it is with the church. As long as the church stands, it will have needs. When it quits needing something, it will be dead. A dead church cannot offer a living hope to a dying world. The church that has no needs fills none."


Too Many Hypocrites?

"I don't attend Bible study and worship because there are too many hypocrites." How often have you heard that comment?

Hypocrites are everywhere. You work with them; they live in your neighborhood; you shop where they shop. And yes it's true — there are hypocrites in the church.

But if you were drowning and the lifeguard was a hypocrite, would you refuse to let him rescue you?

If your house were on fire, would you refuse to allow a fireman to save you because he was a hypocrite?

Those who continue to reject Christ and His church because of hypocrites, will spend eternity in hell. Oh, and by the way — hell will be full of hypocrites!

Too many hypocrites in the church? Come on in, there's always room for one more!

. . . .copied




AM SERMON:
"To Whom Much Has Been Given . . ."
(Luke 12:48)
PM SERMON:
"Positive Qualifications of an Elder"
(1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

FSOP Lectureship Book
The hardcover edition of the 2008 Florida School of Preaching Lectureship book, "Do You Understand the Biblical View of Man?", is available for purchase ($16.00) in the foyer.

Youth Group Meeting
The youth group is scheduled to meet tonight after the PM service. See Matt Faneuf for more details.

Personal Work Meeting
The first personal work meeting in 2008 will be next Sunday evening (13th) following the PM worship. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the foyer.

Pantry Needs
Items still needed for the food distribution program include:

╚ Small packages of powdered milk
╚ Mac & Cheese
╚ Spaghetti and Sauce

Add To Your Calendar
The Men's Breakfast for this month will be hosted on Saturday, January 26th at 8 a.m., at the Central congregation in Haines City. This is the 4th Saturday instead of the usual 3rd Saturday of the month. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the foyer for those who plan to attend. The schedule will go back to the normal 3rd Saturday in February.

2008 Duty Schedule
The 2008 Duty Schedule is now posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

New Classes...Starting Today!
Auditorium: Jackie Stearsman – Understanding True Spirituality
Classroom 3: Eddie Hurn -- New Testament Church
Assembly B: Bob Bauer -- Ethics -- Teens and Young Adults will be in this class as well as any others who are interested.

SEE HOME PAGE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Ann Johnson, Tom Bryant,
James Huggins, Wanda Greene,
Frances Kidwell, Jane Satterfield,
Zach Mathis, Juanita Hilborn,
Cindy Chambers, Luther Pendergrass,
Steve & Gloria Jones, Wilda Cox,
Brian Green, Pete Peeples,
Pansy Sims, Brice Oliver,
Gina Dupree
– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Jason Powell,
Mattie Hughs
– In The Nursing Homes –
Robert Pearson (Tandem)