The Visitor » 2008 » January

Here and There
by Wes Price

My most humble apologies to the memory of our dear friend and brother, Ramsey Wright, for not giving him credit for the poem I read at the close of my sermon last Sunday. Indeed, the poem, “Christians Not Named In Romans 16”, was written by that timeless saint and we might say, “His work doth follow him.”
The oversight was not intentional and I thank those of you who called it to my attention. That makes my use of it even more special.
———————
“Christianity Then and Now” will be the topic of Mack Lyon’s lesson on Sunday, January 27. Join him at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 27 KDFI-TV.
He writes, “That Jesus Christ is the author and finisher (the originator and perfecter) of the Christian faith, there is no doubt. That it had its beginning on the first Jewish feast day of Pentecost after the death of its Founder, is conceded. How do we recognize it in the midst of all the different faiths more than 20 centuries later?
———————
“NOBODY’S PERFECT”
How many times have you heard that said? On a human level, it’s true. On the divine level, everything is perfect, God is the ultimate in perfection.
Usually when we hear that expression it is intended to be an excuse for one’s failure.
While we may not attain perfection, that does not mean that we cannot do well. We are told to approve of what is excellent. That lets me know that while something may not be perfect, it may be excellent.
A holiday dinner may not be perfect, but it can be wonderful! In that case, “will settle for imperfection!
But, what about the church? From the divine standpoint, the church is perfect. Being made up of human beings, of course it is to that extent imperfect. There are many people who excuse
themselves from being a part of the church because of its imperfections. They should keep in mind that if it were perfect, it would immediately become imperfect the moment they become a part of it. It has been said that when you point the finger at someone else, three fingers are pointing toward you.
When Paul wrote the church at Corinth, he addressed them as saints and as the church of God. Yet, he pointed out many of their sins. He also told them how to correct them.
We have not attained perfection but all Christians should be striving in that direction.
Lewis G. Hale
———————
Sometimes
when life gets overwhelming,
I lose patience, Father.
Help me to react with a gentle spirit.
When I choose gentleness,
my circumstances and attitude improve.
Ripen the fruit of gentleness in my life.
Amen.
Light for My Path

PRAYER LIST
Jimmy Watson was dismissed from the hospital, Thursday, January 17, 2008
Doris Henry – Lennwood Nursing – Room 603.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Vlg. – Room 220.
———
Oleta Landin, Marjorie Moore, Steve Kloetzli, Marke Locke, Vertie Lee Stanley, Carol Patterson, Ann & Morris Miller, Mary Perkins, Nancy Spurgeon, Catherine Coronado, Dorothy Jackson, Urbanell Cox, Ada Couch, Sylvia & Muriel McMillion, C. B. Henry, Lucille Reid, Bonnie Hinton, Joe Benedick, Treva Traylor, Oleta Armstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Naomi Sanchez, Myrtle Brunton, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Laura Wood, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Mildred Sala, Catherine Jayroe, Faye Shuffield, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rogers, Dr. J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
Friendspeak Program – this evening at 6:00 p.m.
———-
Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, January 22 @ 10:30 a.m.
———-
You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site. Go to jeffersonblvd.org
———
VITAL SIGNS: Jan. 13
Bible Study 69
Morning Worship 95
Afternoon Worship 47
Offering $4,445.35
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. Jan. 9 38
——— NEW MEMBER TO JEFFERSON BLVD. CHURCH OF CHRIST
Mr. Royal Smith
2711 Alco
Dallas, TX 75211
(214) 330-7981
———
Please see a thank you card from Betty Conyers on the bulletin board.
———

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
I would like to tell a story that my son Jack recently sent me that really made me stop and think and touched me deeply!
It was about a young man named Bill who had just completed 4 years of college where he became a Christian and his entire wardrobe was a
T-shirt with holes in it, jeans and no shoes. Now across the street from the campus was a well dressed, very conservative church. They wanted to develop a ministry to the students but were not sure how to do it. One day Bill decided to go there. He walked in with no shoes, jeans, his t-shirt and wild hair. The service had started and so Bill walked down the aisle looking for a seat. By now, people were becoming a bit uncomfortable, but no one said anything. Bill got closer and closer to the pulpit and when he realized there were no seats, he just sat down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight and the tension in the air was thick. About that time the minister realized at the back of the church a deacon was slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon was in his eighties, had silver-gray hair and a three piece suit. A Godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walked with a cane and as he started walking toward the boy everyone was saying to them-selves, you can’t blame him for what he is about to do. How can you expect a man of his age and background to understand some college kid on the floor? It took a long time for the elderly man to reach the boy. The church was utterly silent, except for the clicking of the cane. All eyes were focused on him. You couldn’t even hear anyone breathing. The minister couldn’t even preach the sermon until the deacon did what he had to do. And now they saw the elderly man drop his cane to the floor. With great difficulty he lowered himself and sat down next to Bill, smiles, shakes his hand, and worshiped with him so he wouldn’t be alone.
Everyone choked up with emotion. When the minister regained control, he said, “what I’m about to preach you will never remember, what you have just seen you will never forget.” The moral of the story ,”Be careful how you live, you may be the only Bible some folks will ever read.”
Thanks, Jack for this touching story!
By the way folks, if you know of any one who has an opening for a sixty year old man with accounting experience and has an associate degree let me know ’cause Jack is looking for a job.
I talked to Addie Bennett on Friday and she is back home. She says she is doing pretty good and that she will be at our next Keenagers, the good Lord willing.

“What’s right isn’t always popular, and what’s popular isn’t always right!
Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

January 13, 2008

Here and There
by Wes Price

Copies of our 2008 Budget are available for distribution today. We have prepared enough for each family to have one copy. Please read it and if you have any questions, ask one of our elders. We appreciate the wonderful way you responded to last year’s budget by being more than generous with your giving. We hope you will be prospered again this year and will show your appreciation by giving generously. Paul commends us to do so in 2 Cor. 9:8 when he wrote: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”
———————
We were so pleased to have Royal Smith place his membership with us last Sunday. Others are thinking about it and we hope you will encourage them to join us in the good work here. The old Sunset church was Royal’s “home congregation” for many years, having grown up in it, so in a sense, he has come back home. We look forward to having him lead us in singing on occasion.
———————
The Brown Trail church invites us to attend the annual lectureship there on January 13 through 16. The theme of “Gleaning” is taken from studies in the minor prophets. A schedule of the sessions is posted on the bulletin board in the foyer and in the Community Room.
———————
Sunday, January 20, Mack Lyon will be speaking on “Sin, Guilt, Hell, and Salvation.” What is sin? Were we born sinners? Do we inherit the guilt of sin, and if so, whose sins? Why did God create man capable to sinning? And, if He created us sinners, or even capable of sinning, why would He punish us for sinning? These are good questions raised by a viewer. Let us see what we can learn from the Bible. Join Mack on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.
———————
Paul Lawrence will be our teacher this coming Wednesday evening as we continue our studies on The Parables of Jesus. You might want to read the Scriptures for his lesson in advance, so turn to Mark 4 and read verses 26-29. The lesson is entitled, “The Seed Growing of Itself.”
———————

Do The People Who Control Television Control You?
According to a recent report by the Lichter-Rothman group, 75% of all television programming is produced by about 700 people. A poll of their moral beliefs reveals the following:
. 86% seldom or never attend church services.
. 84% believe that government should have no laws regarding
sexual conduct.
. 55% do not believe that adultery is wrong.
It is little wonder that these 700 people are constantly attacking the
moral values taught in the Bible, and frequently ridicule the beliefs of those who follow the Bible as their guide.
Now, our question to you is this: how much do you let these people
influence the decisions you make? Specifically, do you let them dictate your choices in regard to:
. The clothes that you wear?
. The language that you use?
. Materialism (covetousness)?
. Your sexual conduct?
. Your attitude toward ’social drinking’, dancing, and other
matters of morality?
Jesus warned us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings for evil things.” Matt. 12:34,35). If we constantly take in the moral filth that is
on TV, we should not be surprised to see that it is reflected in the way we think and live. Christian, don’t let this corrupting influence threaten your soul. Begin at once to exercise great caution concerning the programs that you and your children watch on TV. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
The Beacon
Electronic Edition

—————

PRAYER LIST
Doris Henry – Lennwood Nursing – Room 602A.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Vlg. – Room 220.
———
Oleta Landin, Marjorie Moore, Steve Kloetzli, Marke Locke, Vertie Lee Stanley, Carol Patterson, Ann & Morris Miller, Mary Perkins, Nancy Spurgeon, Catherine Coronado, Dorothy Jackson, Urbanell Cox, Ada Couch, Sylvia & Muriel McMillion, C. B. Henry, Lucille Reid, Bonnie Hinton, Joe Benedick, Treva Traylor, Oleta Armstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Naomi Sanchez, Myrtle Brunton, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Laura Wood, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Mildred Sala, Catherine Jayroe, Faye Shuffield, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rogers, Dr. J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
Friendspeak Program – this evening at 6:00 p.m.
———-
Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, January 15 @ 10:30 a.m.
———-
You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site. Go to jeffersonblvd.org
———
VITAL SIGNS: Jan. 6
Bible Study 68
Morning Worship 96
Afternoon Worship 55
Offering $4,389.00
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. 2 38
————–

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

This first column in 2008 I want to thank Rita for putting up with me this past year in deciphering and typing the articles I turn in, because I know I crowd the words together sometimes, and our editor Bro. Wes for having to decide what should go in and what not! Thank all of you for your kind words, also. It has been my great pleasure to visit with you through this column these past years, and years to come if my health prevails and the Good Lord willing!
Have you ever noticed that when some folks are out ill, it seems to really effect the whole congregation, such as our Betty Conyers. She seems to get around to everyone with her beautiful smile and always some words of encouragement to brighten your day! Some folks just have a knack for making you feel better when they come by, and seem to always know the right thing to say at the time you need it most. Our preacher is that way and I guess it is contagious!
I’ve always heard the ‘ol saying that may or may not be true but it sorta goes like this. “As the preacher goes, so goes the congregation”! Have you ever been to visit another congregation, and the folks just stand around and are not friendly at all? There is no one at the door to greet you and make you feel at home and after the service you don’t have a bunch of folks there to welcome you back and tell you they hope you will come back often. This will never happen at JBCoC, because I’ve never been associated with a more loving and caring group of folks anywhere. I think it is handed down from our friendly preacher who really cares and it shows!! This is not meant to be bragging, it’s just a well known fact. You’ve heard the ‘ol saying, “The proof of the pie is in the eating”, and “if the shoe fits, wear it”, that tells it all.
We hope and pray all is well with all who can’t be with us, we love you and miss you. Hope to see the rest of you in services if you are able.
Remember ….
“Choice not chance, determines our destiny”
Semper Fidelis

(Always Faithful)

Here and There – January 6, 2008
by Wes Price

Welcome to 2008! We are pleased to report that our joy for 2007 was a complete success and we anticipate a repeat performance for 2008. Now we do not mean by the success of 2007 that it did not bring its measured amount of sorrows, problems and difficulties, but that whatever they were, with God’s help we managed to move on and enjoy the days of goodwill. God did bless us exceedingly in 2007 and we thank Him for those blessings. We thank you for your participation in the work of the Lord here at Jefferson Boulevard and we commend you for your part in making the year a good one. It would be tempting to single out special ones for their particularly good service, but that would be embarrassing to them and we cannot possibly know how others performed because much of what Christians do is not for public display but for quiet satisfaction of their own spiritual progress. I would, however, like to express a word of thanks to my fellow elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, church staff and their mates for the special satisfaction I have enjoyed in serving with you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace for the new year ahead.
———————
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE JEFFERSON BOULEVARD CHURCH OF CHRIST, INC. is scheduled for tonight following our afternoon worship service. All members of this church are encouraged to be present for this meeting. It will be brief, but will allow time for any questions that might be asked of the board of directors, who are the elders of Jefferson Boulevard church.
———————
On Sunday, January 13, Mack will be presenting a lesson on “Where Are The Dead?” Most of us are more than just curious about the whereabouts of our deceased loved ones. We are serious. Where will we go, should we die before Christ comes? Are the dead in the graves? What is “Paradise?” Are the dead there? Did they go to heaven? If so, when is the Judgment and why?
Join him on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. for this interesting lesson.
———————
We were sorry to learn of the death of Maple Graff, a long time Edgefield member, who passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2008. A private funeral service was conducted Thursday, January 3, 2008. We express our sympathy to her family in her passing.
———————
We began our new series of studies on the Parables of Jesus this past Wednesday evening and we encourage all to come join us for this continuing series as we enjoy studying the parables being taught by our teachers, including our elders. Come join us for a spiritually beneficial study in scripture.
———————
Our 2008 Budget will be ready for distribution this next week. Of special note is the fact that through the generosity of our members, we completed last year’s budget with $302 per week over the weekly budgeted figure. That enabled us to stay ahead of the financial game with an aging building which often times springs some costly surprises on us for repairs and replacements. This past year we were blessed with few of those problems. Thank you for making the work go smoothly when we can depend on you for keeping your pledges to the Lord for your weekly giving. It was obvious this past week that you took my suggestion about making up past weeks giving when you look at the contribution for Sunday, December 20.
———————
New Year
1.Face the New Year with the Old Book.
2.Face the New Needs with the Old Promises.
3.Face the New Problems with the Old Gospel.
4.Face the New Life with the Old Remedies.
Leaves of Gold

PRAYER LIST
Doris Henry – Lennwood Nursing – Room 602A.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Vlg. – Room 220.
———
Oleta Landin, Marjorie Moore, Steve Kloetzli, Marke Locke, Kim Harrison, Vertie Lee Stanley, Carol Patterson, Ann & Morris Miller, Mary Perkins, Nancy Spurgeon, Catherine Coronado, Dorothy Jackson, Urbanell Cox, Ada Couch, Sylvia & Muriel McMillion, C. B. Henry, Lucille Reid, Bonnie Hinton, Joe Benedick, Treva Traylor, Oleta Armstrong, Addie Bennett, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Naomi Sanchez, Myrtle Brunton, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Laura Wood, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Mildred Sala, Catherine Jayroe, Faye Shuffield, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rogers, Dr. J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
The “Friendspeak” Program will resume at 6:00 p.m. today following the afternoon worship service.
———-
Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes will resume Tuesday, January 8 @ 10:30 a.m.
———-
VITAL SIGNS: Dec. 30
Bible Study 73
Morning Worship 88
Afternoon Worship 48
Offering $8,844.00
Budget $3,561.00
Wed. Dec.26 46
———
The Financial Statement for November, the January, 2008 Calendar, a new House to House/Heart to Heart, a new Power for Today, and a Daily Bible Reading Schedule are on the table in the foyer.
———
Steve Kloetzli’s zip code is 75060.
———
You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site. Go to jeffersonblvd.org
———
SYMPATHY
We would like to offer our love & sympathy to the family & friends of Maple Graff, a long time member of Edgefield, who passed away January 2, 2008. Her private funeral service was held Thursday, January 3rd.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, January 5th for Harold Allspaw, step-dad to the brother of Jimmy Mooney. We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Harold Allspaw.

Reflections by Jack Armstrong
While sitting here reflecting back on 2007 it makes me sad to think of some of the things that took place. Loosing some of our dear loved ones, is foremost in our thoughts, and the splitting up of some of our fine churches is the second most tragic happening. The Lord’s church is one body and when one branch of the body is hurting, it hurts us all. If we could all just learn to sit down and talk about our differences of opinion, and work things out according to the scriptures, it would solve a lot of the problems. Humility and Patience not Ego & Power.
This past Wednesday evening we had a wonderful song fest lead by Bro. Jacob and some meaningful comments by Bro. Wes and some beautiful prayers lead by some of our men. If you are missing our mid-week services, you are missing a great time of fellowship and learning, and just good old down-to-earth closeness. With my new ailment, we’ve had to miss a few times, and it disrupts our whole week. Seems to me like Wednesday evening services are more laid back and a good chance to rejuvenate us for the rest of the week.
Under our new way of handing out our Visitor on Sunday and not going over to the Post Office to mail it out, I wasn’t sure we would be printing the Visitor the last two weeks of the year, but thought I would get one in just in case. Rita is now mailing out the Visitor to all those folks that I have been sending them to and I want to thank all of you who have been helping me out with the postage and envelopes for mailing. I will miss adding my little personal notes at the bottom of my column. It’s been great visiting with you each week but we’ll let you know what’s going on in Reflections. Bro. Wes does all the important stuff and mine is just sideline stuff that happens.
We were so sorry to hear about Steve Kloetzli’s broken heel and hope and pray his healing is quick. We understand he will need to be off of it for five weeks. Oleta and I went out to see Doris Henry on Friday a.m. and after we got home we learned from Rita she had a fall and is in Methodist Hospital. Let’s for sure keep these folks and all our others in our prayers. We also need to keep the caregivers in our prayers because it is hard on them, too.
Hope all is well with our shut-ins and all who can’t be with us, we love you and miss you.

Remember What ‘ol Bro. George Bailey says…
“When Duty Becomes Desire”
Semper Fidelis
(Always Faithful)