January 3, 2010
Volume XXIX - Number 1

I Almost . . . Made a Difference Today
Tim Orbison

I almost cleaned out my attic today. It is such a mess. I've been putting it off until warmer weather. I almost started sorting out the stuff that needs to be thrown away from the stuff I need to keep. I almost moved it around to get some of it ready for a garage sale in the spring.

While I was almost cleaning out my attic, I thought about some of the people I have not talked to in a long time. I almost got out my address book to call them. But they may not be home or perhaps are busy. Maybe it would be better to write them a letter. So I almost wrote them a letter instead.

While I was almost cleaning out my attic and almost writing letters, I thought that there are several folks at church that are sick. I wondered if they would like some cookies or a cake, or maybe just someone to stop by and say "hello." So I almost went to the kitchen to fix them something and I almost went to visit them. It made me feel so good inside to think about their faces smiling as I walked in their door with a plate of goodies. In fact, I almost smiled just thinking about it.

While I was almost doing those things, I looked out my window and saw a neighbor who does not go to church and needs the gospel. He seems like a really nice guy. I almost called him to invite him to go with me to church this weekend.

While I was almost doing those things, I almost sat down and read my Bible. I had to move it off the kitchen counter where it was sitting. As I carried it to the other room I almost just sat right down that minute to spend time in the word of God.

When I got to the church building the other day I noticed the weeds that have grown up during the cold weather months. We need to clean up so that others get a good impression when they come to worship. I almost called a couple of friends to see if they would like to spend a couple of hours cleaning up a little. It almost looks better already. Well, not really.

There are a lot of good things that we almost do in life. It does not matter what we plan, intend or almost do. What matters is what we actually do, not almost do.

King Agrippa was almost convinced to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). I wonder how many believers are almost faithful and will be almost saved?

The immortal words of Philip P. Bliss sing on:

"Almost" persuaded, harvest is past!
"Almost" persuaded, doom comes at last!
"Almost" cannot avail;
"Almost" is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail,
"Almost," but lost!

When it comes to doing for others,
some folks stop at nothing.



New Bible Classes
Today marks the beginning of a new quarter and features two new Adult Bible Classes. One meets in the Auditorium and is being taught by Jackie Stearsman (books are available) and the other will meet in classroom #3 and is being taught by Bob Bauer. The latter is a parenting class for young parents. Note that there will be NO class meeting in Assembly Room "B" this quarter. There is also a new Kindergarten class meeting in classroom #10.

SELECTION OF DIRECTORS
To comply with state regulations and our corporate by-laws, an annual meeting and selection of directors/ officers must be conducted each year. This will be done immediately following the morning worship service January 31, 2010. Current officers are:

Bob Faneuf (president);
Bill Norton (secretary);
Bob Bauer (vice- president).

Nominations will be accepted until the annual meeting and may also be made from the floor at the meeting. However, the nominees willingness to accept must be presented to the president prior to the meeting. A final slate of nominees will be presented at the meeting.

Daily Bible Reading
If you use a computer - it is easy - to be a daily Bible reader. Just go to our web-site: www.orangestreetcofc.com and click on the "Read Today's Text" link in the right hand column. Do that every day and you will read the entire Bible in one year.

A Thought for the New Year
The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury it's own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!

. . . Edward Powell

TODAY'S SERMONS

AM: "The Greatness of Jesus"
(Matthew 13:13-17)
Guest Speaker: Addo Adela

PM: "Report on the Lord's Church in Ghana"
(Mark 16:16)
Guest Speaker: Addo Adela

PRAYER LIST

Micky Bell, Heidi West, Barbara Deel,
George Cook, Patricia Ratliff,
Juanita Murphy, Evelyn Haiflich,
Lucy Blackman, Wanda Greene,
Ralph Gentry, Teresa Phillips,
Lynda Waters, Chris Eberling,
Haskel DeBord, Luther Pendergrass,
Minnie Lee Stout, Jonathon DeWalt,
Riley Parker, Vivian Bently, Zach Mathis

– Shut Ins –
Pansy Sims, Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
John Baker, Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –

Mona Howard (Springlake),
Jim Huggins (A,dale Oaks)