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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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

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PRAYER LIST
Doris Henry – Lennwood Nursing – Room 602A.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Vlg. – Room 220.
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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.
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Friendspeak Program – this evening at 6:00 p.m.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, January 15 @ 10:30 a.m.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site. Go to jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: Jan. 6
Bible Study 68
Morning Worship 96
Afternoon Worship 55
Offering $4,389.00
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. 2 38
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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)