The Visitor » 2008 » February » 08

Here and There
by Wes Price

February 10, 2008
Jack Armstrong continued our present studies in the parables of Jesus last Wednesday evening with an excellent lesson. We will observe our usual second Wednesday singing this coming Wednesday evening, so come and join us as we expand our knowledge of new songs to use in our worship services.
The following Wednesday evening, February 20, Vernon Percival will bring our lesson on the Parable of the Two Debtors found recorded in Luke 7:36-50.
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We were saddened to learn of the death of Lois Rodriquez’s son, Jerry. A private service was conducted for him on Thursday. Please find opportunity to express your sympathy to her and her famly.
We also extend our sincerest sympathy to Billie Morgan in the passing of her sister, Nancy Skinner, this past week. She lived in Savannah, Georgia.
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Remember that today at 4:00 p.m. we will conduct our sessions for those who participate in “Friendspeak.” This will allow us to invite them to join us for the worship service and so enhance their compre-
hension of the English language. Please welcome any of those who choose to accept our invitation to worship with us.
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“Jesus’ Story of the Prodigal Son,” will be Mack Lyon’s topic for this message on Sunday morning, February 17.
Jesus Christ is known as “the master teacher.” One reason is His skillful use of parables. One of his best known and without doubt His most loved parable is the one that is commonly known as “The Story of the Prodigal Son.” What does it teach?
Join Mack on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. On Feb. 17.
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Elders, don’t forget the Elders’ Meeting set for Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
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IS BIBLE CLASS REQUIRED?
How do you view your performance as a child of God, a member of the church of our Lord? Do you look on it as an onerous chore, an unpleasant duty that you cannot avoid? Or, do you view your involvement in church activities as a joy, something that is an opportunity?
Unfortunately, too many people practice marginal Christianity. They live as close to the edge as possible and feel comfortable with that just so long as they do not fall over the edge.
Instead of doing as little as possible, barely getting under the wire, how much better off we would be if we would do as Jesus taught and go that unrequired second mile!
If the leaders of this church decided that we would no longer have Bible classes and we would all just come together for the general assembly as we now do after our classes are over, would they have the right to do that? I think it would be most unwise but not unscriptural.
Bible classes are arranged for our good, to edify us, to encourage greater contact with each other, better fellowship. If we respect and accept the leadership of our elders, I believe that those of us who are able will participate in our Bible school program. Our elders are not dictatorial church bosses but they are shepherds of the flock of God, 1 Peter 5:1-3. Jesus said that a good shepherd goes before the sheep and the sheep hear his voice and follow him. They do not drive, they lead the sheep.
Do you hear the voice of our shepherds? Do you follow where they lead? You should prayerfully consider your relationship to our shepherds (elders) with reference to our Bible classes. This is one of the ways they feed the sheep.
Lewis G Hale

Prayer List
Jimmy Watson is home and improving, and may be with us today.
Fran Womelsdorf’s sister, Ann is home, and Morris is better at this time.
Several others are still out with winter ailments.

Doris & C.B. Henry, Carmen McMillion, Oleta Landin, Marjorie Moore, Steve Kloetzli, Vertie Lee Stanley, Carol Patterson, Mary Perkins, Nancy Spurgeon, Catherine Coronado, Urbanell Cox, Sylvia & Muriel McMillion, 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 is now at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. This is to encourage the students to visit our worship service at 5:00 p.m.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, February 12 @ 10:30 a.m.
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Please add to your February Calendar – the Anniversary of Esequiel & Julia Hernandez, February 15th. Congratulations, Esequiel & Julia.
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The correct phone number for Lula Murray is 214-623-0020.
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SYMPATHY
We want to offer our love and sympathy to Billie Morgan, Beth Whitaker, and family. Billie’s sister, Nancy Skinner, of Savannah, Ga. passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
We want to offer our love and sympathy to Lois Rodriquez in the death of her son, Jerry. The private service was Thursday, February 7.
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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: Feb. 3
Bible Study 65
Morning Worship 86
Afternoon Worship 47
Offering $4,485.60
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. Jan. 30 40

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
Well folks, it sure is good to be back in the swing of things. We were only off for a short while but it seemed like forever.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship on Sunday evening after services, and had some great soup, chili and delicious “goodies.” We had 55+ to stay for the festivities. Some of our “FriendSpeak” folks joined our get-together and it was so good to see them. That ‘ol preacher of ours sure knows how to throw a party.
I would like to take a line or two to say what a great job our men are doing in their talks before our most important part of our worship, the “Communion Service”. The talks are both informative and heart warming preparing our minds for what is about to transpire; pay tribute to the most important person in our lives, our Lord and Savior, who gave all for us.
I know you must have noticed that we have two fellows now with us at the JBCoC who are constantly helping out in one way or another, whether it’s teaching, serving at the Lord’s Table, leading prayer, reading scripture before the lesson or whatever. I won’t mention their names for fear of embarrassing them, but they are related to a sweet gal I refer to time and again as “Ma Perkins”. What a wonderful addition they are to the JBCoC.
We were so happy to see our Rita Wood back on 1/27/08. When that gal is out we all miss her a bunch. Bro. Wes even had to finish up our bulletin, and I might add did a bang up job of it. In the 16+ years I’ve know him I’ve found out he can do just about anything, now if he could only break par in golf. Plus all that, he’s a pretty fair ‘ol country preacher, who can hold his own with the best of them. I firmly believe the older he gets the better he gets.
Faye Shuffield called me yesterday to say how much she appreciates receiving The Visitor. She said she misses all, loves you and would love to see us but is not able at this time. Look her up in the directory and give her a call. I know she would love to hear from you.
We sure hope things are going better for C.B. & Doris Henry. They have had their share of adversity in the last few months, as have Vernon & Mary Ruth Percival and they all are always in our prayers, as are all of our sick and shut-ins. We love you all.

Semper Fidelis

(Always Faithful)