March 23, 2008


Volume XXVII - Number 12  

Let's Call it What it Is!
Dalton Key

The past several years have produced an uneasy, unfounded shift in brotherhood terminology. Much as been written in various journals and papers, and even more has been said in countless lectures and sermons concerning "our movement" and "our fellowship," with less and less being said about the Lord's church.

Not so long ago, preachers of the gospel proudly proclaimed the beauty and singularity of the Lord's church. But times have changed, as has the language and conviction of many current preachers, editors and church leaders. It appears that now, at least in the minds of what appears to be an ever-growing segment among us, loyalty to the Lord and His blood-bought church is being blindly bartered for affiliation with either an historical, humanly-devised movement, or some undefined, nebulous, and vaguely-bounded fellowship.

It is true that we, as God's people living now in the twenty-first century, owe much to the honest and truth-seeking leaders of what has been commonly coined, "The American Restoration Movement." Good and courageous men such as Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, James O'Kelly — along with countless others of like faith and fortitude — performed a tremendous service to the world by leading men and women back to the Bible. But our roots run deeper than the American Restoration. As the church built by Jesus Christ, our history traces all the way back to the first Pentecost Day following the Lord's resurrection, that wonderful day of beginnings described in the second chapter of the book of Acts.

We are not members of a denomination founded by Alexander Campbell. Campbell never intended such. He rather sought to point men back, beyond himself, to the risen Savior. He urged men to unite in the one, non- denominational, New Testament church.

I am thankful for "our movement." I appreciate the blessing and warmth of "our fellowship." But my allegiance, loyalty, my very life, belong to the Lord and His church. Furthermore, I intend to continue calling the Lord's church, the church of Christ, what it is — THE CHURCH.

Copied from Central's Bulletin, Clearwater, FL
via River Road Reminder




AM SERMON:
"Is Belief in the Resurrection Essential?"
(Matthew 28:1-8)
PM SERMON:
"What You Should Expect From Your Eldership"
(Acts 20:28-32; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to Katrina Stearsman and her family in the passing of her maternal grandmother this past week in Indiana and to Marilee DeBord and family in the passing of her sister, Sara Campbell, this past week in Tennessee. Keep these in your prayers that may have safe travel and the peace of God during these trying times.

Baptized Into Christ
We rejoice to announce that Kathie Cardin was baptized for the remission of sins this past week. Be sure to encourage our new sister and pray for her to have the strength to run the race before her. Info will be posted when available.

New Elders
We are plaeased that three new elders have been offered for approval by the congregation. If any members have scriptural objections please see Bob Faneuf or Bill Norton in the next week or so. The new elders will be inaugerated at the end of the approval period. The men offered for the office of elder and have accepted the responsibilty are: Jackie Stearsman, Bob Bauer and Eddie Hurn. Keep the eldership and the congregation in your prayers.

Change For Ghana
The 2008 Ghana campaign is getting closer each day. We have been asked to remind you to collect your loose change so that we might be able to provide for some of the needs that will arise as the time approaches. If you have any questions, see Tammi Paye.

Pantry Needs
The food distribution program provided food for 15 families (46 individuals) this past week. Items needed to replenish the pantry stock are:

• Sliced peaches
• Pear halves
• Pork & Beans
• Black-eyed peas
• Tuna
• Peanut Butter & Jelly (mixed)
• Soup
• Corn
• Green beans

Please help as you are able.

Change Your Directory
Please change the following address in the "Extended Family" section of your directory:

Thomas and Lois Bryant
(click here)

Relay For Life Meeting
There will be a general meeting of all who are interested in helping out and/or participating in the Relay For Life (coming up in April) in Assembly Room "B" after the PM services this evening (Sunday). Please plan to attend.

 

Ann Johnson, Wanda Greene,
Heidi West, Jim Huggins,
Tom Hoffelder, John Baker,
Norm Strickland, Juanita Murphy,
Tom Bryant, Tammy Amidon,
Frances Kidwell, Juanita Hilborn,
Zach Mathis, Cindy Chambers,
Pete Peeples, Luther Pendergrass,
Wilda Cox, 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)