The Visitor » 2008 » April

Here and There
by Wes Price

Our thanks to James Schoolfield for his fine lesson on Wednesday night on the Rich Fool. If you missed it, you missed a good lesson.
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I had a lovely telephone visit with David and Edris Peeler this past week. He is now at home and doing much better. I know they would love to hear from you, either by card or telephone. Their address is Town Village North, Apt. 1116, 12271 Coit Road, Dallas, TX 75251.
The telephone number is 972-233-5158.
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We were glad to hear the report on Evelyn Dillon on Thursday. She was moved to Presbyterian Village. But that did not prove to be the final move. She had a very difficult night and persuaded her daughter to move her back to her home. She is there now and has help during the day. I know she would love to hear from you for a bit of encouragement.
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So far, I have not had any objections to the selection of our work day being on June 7. We will begin with a hearty breakfast and then spend the remainder of the morning doing some much needed chores around and in our building. I am preparing a list of “To Do” items and if you have spotted something that needs attention, let me know and I will add it to the list. Please be aware that this does not reflect in any way on Alletha Lee and Dan Talbott for the work they do. We could not be happier about their work, but there are some details that go beyond the scope of their responsibility and that’s what we will attend to on the morning of June 7.
Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and if Grady Theobalt is able, we will have his delicious 40 weight gravy to go with our biscuits and eggs.
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Mack Lyon’s lesson on Sunday morning, May 4th, will be “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”
He writes, “We mention it every program, but it has been awhile since we devoted one entire program to the study of how to be saved. A prominent television preacher (probably in the top three) was heard to do it recently, but how he misled the people. We are interested only in what the Bible says about it.
Mack’s program airs on Channel 27, KDFI-TV, at 7:00 a.m.

Prayer List
Evelyn Dillon is home.
Jimmy Mooney – Charlton Methodist – Room 331 East.
Sandra Jones is now home.
Jack Armstrong received a good report from his CAT Scan.
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Ada Couch, Oleta Landin, Royal Smith, Catherine Coronado, Arline Swanson, Fran Womelsdorff, Doris Henry, Forrest Smith, Rick Ramsey, Morris Miller, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Mary Perkins, Treva Traylor, Urbanell Cox, Bonnie Hinton, Carolyn Glidewell, Oleta Armstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Naomi Sanchez, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Catherine Jayroe, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rodgers, Dr J & Dorothy Coats, Carol Patterson, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Myrtle Brunton.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, April 22 @ 10:30 a.m.
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Chg. of Addr: Lucille Reid – Mill Run Apartments.
2732 W. Colorado Blvd. Apt # 141 Dallas,TX 75211
Phone: 214-467-7118
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: APR. 20
Bible Study 71
Morning Worship 97
Afternoon Worship 53
Offering $3,238.00
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. APR. 16 38
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The May Calendar is on the table in the foyer.
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Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

I was sitting and wondering what to write about in my column this week and it dawned on me, what about mentioning some folks who we haven’t talked about in a while. The first two who come to mine were Bill Hinton and Fay Hartsell. I guess the idea came to me when I saw Bill walking down the aisle last Lord’s Day taking part in our communion service and thinking how many times has this fine old Christian done this in his many years of service, and what an influence Fay has had on her children by the way she lives her life, and remembering several years ago how I thought we had lost her when she took a wrong turn and went head first down the stairs to our basement. I have never been so startled since and thank the Lord we still have her around for her influence for good!
Two others who are always there mid way down on the west side are Lillian Rowland and Oleta Landin. Then there’s Agnes Nelson always right there beside Bro. Paul. Mary Perkins and Edna Faye Johnston always there with words of encouragement for all. Patrick and Wanda Maloy right there with Fay. These are all old standbys, who because of health reasons, may not be there for all services but are there when able.
We would like to thank Jimmy Mooney and Terry Crossland for working on our back table and doing such a good job, and once again thank our old stand-by Kerry Cox for the good job he does in keeping the outside looking so nice and for helping out with the communion trays. Then there is Jimmy Morris who does so many things, like helping Charlie and David sort out the collection each Lord’s Day and all the other things he does.
Sometimes we get carried away in talking about the obvious things folks do we forget to mention some old faithfuls who do their thing behind the scenes, like all those mentioned and also Charlie and Nadine Brown and Vernon and
Mary Ruth.
It was good to see Stan Brown Sunday evening, April 13. Along with Charlie and Nadine we are all really proud of Stan for the fine Elder he has turned out to be, and for the example he sets for all! (I’ve known him and worked with him since he was just a pup).
We’ve checked with the Elders and got the OK to have a party to celebrate our preacher’s 45th year of preaching on July 1st (actually on Sunday June 29) also to celebrate his birthday. That’s a long time to preach God’s Word and we are so proud of him. He started preaching July 1, 1963.
Mary Russell sent us a check to help defray the cost of our out of town bulletins we send to our out of town members. Dear Mary, we thank you and all who have sent in checks to help with the cost. We love you and miss you sorely!
Well, folks guess that’s it for now, and it’s been great visiting with you. We pray all is better for our shut-ins and our sick. We love you and miss you.
Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Here and There
by Wes Price
Our thanks to Ken Ratcliff for his excellent lesson last Sunday morning. We always are challenged to think deeply as we listen to him preach from some of the more difficult texts of the Bible. We look forward to he and Eugenia’s next visit.
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I met with stiff resistance over the selection of May 24, as our next work day, so I’m easy to please. Let’s move it to Saturday, June 7.
Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and we’ll begin our work day. We will conclude the work by 12:00 noon, so you will still have time for other Saturday activities.
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Edgefield folks will remember who Rachel Suzanne Winters is, the granddaughter of Jim and Colleen McFarland. We received an invitation to attend her graduation from Oklahoma State University on May 3. You might want to drop her a card congratulating her on this great achievement. Her address is:
Rachel Suzanne Winters
% Richard Winters
14111 Old 99 Hwy
Konawa, OK 74849
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Join Mack Lyon on Sunday morning, April 27, for his lesson on
“The King Who Made Israel to Sin.”
God fulfilled His promise to Abraham to make of his descendants a great nation. They became the world super power of that day. However, there was a king who led a rebellion and “made Israel to sin.” Who was he and what has that to do with us?
Join Mack at 7:00 a.m. on channel 27, KDFI-TV.
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We have been enjoying our studies on the parables of Christ. This coming Wednesday evening, James Schoolfield will be bringing us a message on the Rich Young Fool. The story is found in LK. 12:13-21. Read it and be prepared for a good study in this message of Jesus. Ask yourself this question as you study. “What is there in this passage that applies to me?” I’m not talking about whether you are rich or not, or whether you are a fool or not. Look for a more contemporary meaning. You will be surprised at what you can learn if you think about all the implications of this young man.

Prayer List
Evelyn Dillon – Charlton Methodist – Room 320 West
Royal Smith had day surgery Tuesday.
Jimmy Mooney – Charlton Methodist – Room 331
Sandra Jones, daughter-in-law of Helen Jones, is in a Tyler Hospital.
Charles Hoffman is home under Hospice Care.
Addie Bennett is recuperating at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Waxahachie for about a week.
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Ada Couch, Oleta Landin, Catherine Coronado, Arline Swanson, Doris Henry, Forrest Smith, Rick Ramsey, Morris Miller, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Mary Perkins, Treva Traylor, Urbanell Cox, Bonnie Hinton, Carolyn Glidwell, Oleta Arnstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Naomi Sanchez, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Catherine Jayroe, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rodgers, Dr J & Dorothy Coats, Carol Patterson, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Myrtle Brunton.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, April 22 @ 10:30 a.m.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: APR. 13
Bible Study 72
Morning Worship 94
Afternoon Worship 55
Offering $4,429.50
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. APR. 9 36
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Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
Sometimes when I sit and reflect on all the things that have taken place here at the JBCoC in the last l7 years it’s just mind boggling. Wes and Alma Faye came in 1991 and several of us from Mt. View church came in 1992. Then in 2001 our dear friends from the Edgefield congregation came to join us and that was a happy day for all! Several of us have lost our mates, many have passed away, moved away and now we are back to around 100 of the finest, and most loving bunch of folks we’ve ever had the pleasure of worshiping with!
I have been around for quite a while, and I want you to know that this past Sunday evening Bro. Royal Smith led one of the sweetest most heart felt prayers I believe I’ve ever heard. You could tell he was talking directly to the Lord. This fine Christian is an inspiration to us all. He can stand up there and lead our singing, never opening a book because of his bad eyesight, and sing verse after verse from memory and to me that’s such a rare blessing. It reminds me of another wonderful ‘ol soldier of God, who could do the same thing when preaching God’s Word, and you know who I’m talking about, Bro. Ramsey Wright, who used to stand up before us with that old Bible over his heart and preach such beautiful meaningful sermons. Bro. Royal and Ramsey to me are love personified. I know when Ramsey Wright got up to Heaven St. Peter probably told him “come on in Bro. Ramsey, we’ve been expecting you”!
I can remember another man or two who also have or had the same kind of dedication. One was my old Granddad, Robert Nickle, who always put the Lord first in whatever he did. What a legacy that is for anyone, to be remembered like that. My Granddad started me off on my Christian journey, and if all works out right Bro. Wes will be there for the windup, but I hope not in the near future. I learned a lot from all of these fine men but like Jo Morris said, “when you get to a certain age there just isn’t much room left to retain all that comes our way. The old storage area is full.” I also know many fine women who have had a strong influence on my life but I can only list a few and at the top of that list is my wonderful wife, Oleta, my dear friends of many years, Maurine Fleming and Helen Jones, and all the ladies right here at the JBCoC!
We were holding our Men’s Bible Class last Tuesday in the hall next to the Fellowship Room where the ladies were meeting and we heard them singing, and what a beautiful sound it was. We just couldn’t make it without all these wonderful Christian ladies who are so dedicated and helpful to us all!
It has been great visiting with you. Hope all is better for all of you who can’t be with us. We love you and miss you.

Remember Our Goal …
“When Duty Becomes Desire”

Semper Fidelis

(Always Faithful)

Here and There
by Wes Price
Thank you for your generous comments on my sermon last week on the story of Esther. Her courage in the face of possible disaster ought to serve as an example to us when our faith is challenged. Although God’s name is no where mentioned in that book, His presence is woven in every detail. Mordecai’s comment to her ought to be remembered long after the details of the story are forgotten. It speaks of our submission to the providence of God. “Who knows but what you have come into the kingdom for just such a time as this.”
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This morning we are privileged to have Ann Taylor’s brother-in-law, Ken Ratcliff, here to speak for us. We always profit by his messages.
We extend our congratulations to him on his 50th anniversary of his graduating from the SMU Law School, the purpose which brings he and Eugenia to our fair city.
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The new issue of House to House is available in the foyer. Please
remember that you have a responsibility, not just take one for your own reading, but as a means of sowing seed among your friends, family and acquaintances. It is discouraging to find a large number of these still remaining from quarter to quarter. While you might not be able to do anything else in the kingdom, you can make these available to others and help spread the news about the church of Christ. Think about it.
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Roger Jackson recently moved his mother to a new nursing facility in Cedar Hill. Her name is Dorothy Jackson and her new address is Crestview Court, 224 W. Pleasant Run Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, Room 202B. I know she would appreciate having a card from you and perhaps even a personal visit. I know also, that Roger would be pleased.
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I received a card recently from Rick Ramsey expressing his thanks for the thoughts and prayers on his behalf following his recent surgery. He is still recuperating nicely and we hope that he and Rhonda can make a visit soon to see us and express their thanks in person.
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“Sincerity Is A Virtue,” will be brother Mack Lyon’s next lesson on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, April 20.
He writes, “Sincerity is fundamental to every virtue of religion. It is
absolutely essential to a right relationship with God, to building interpersonal relationships in the family, in business, at school or anywhere else, and it is indispensable to peace within.
Join him for that lesson and invite others to view it as well.
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It’s about time we had a “spring cleanup” here at the building. We have set aside, Saturday, May 24. We will cook up a delicious breakfast to be served at 8:00 a.m. and then spend the remainder of the morning working in and around the building. Just because we have Alletha Lee and Dan Talbott on the payroll for certain responsibilities, we still have plenty to do that is above their assigned duties. So MEN AND WOMEN, plan on joining us for a good breakfast and on getting some good work done.
It might be helpful to me, if you will make suggestions about projects that you might have noted needs attention.
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GOOD STORY – WRONG APPLICATION
The use of parables was one of the favorite ways in which Jesus did his teaching. People tend to remember a story better than they do statistics and cold hard facts. There is a danger. We may remember the interesting story and forget the application. Or, we may make a wrong application.
I recently read a popular book by a popular writer in which he teaches that men are saved simply by believing. In fact, he stated that after one is saved by believing he should then repent of his sins, confess his faith in Christ and then be baptized.
He stressed that salvation is a gift. That is true. We do not pay any part in our salvation. However, the writer failed to recognize that while we do not earn salvation, there are things to be done in order to receive the gift.
The writer illustrated his point by telling of a time when he was in another country doing mission work. His father became gravely ill. He had no money to buy a plane ticket. He learned that a company was giving away free tickets. Too good to be true! There must be some catch! No, it was true. However, to receive the free ticket, one had to take a duffel bag full of mail to be delivered at one’s destination. He gladly did as required. He arrived in time to see his father die
Does that illustrate receiving a gift without doing anything? The writer obviously did not realize he illustrated the opposite of what he meant to do. Would he have received the free ticket if he refused to take the duffel bag? No. It did not earn the ticket but it was required in order to receive the free ticket. A gift may have strings attached.
In the same way, our obedience to the gospel does not earn our salvation, but it is required! Faith does not earn salvation. Repentance and baptism do not earn salvation but are required.
Lewis G. Hale

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Prayer List
Royal Smith will have a procedure April 15.
Forrest Smith, brother of Rita Harrison, is improving.
Addie Bennett, former member of Jefferson Blvd., had surgery Friday.
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Ada Couch, Oleta Landin, Catherine Coronado, Arline Swanson, Doris Henry, Evelyn Dillon, Susan Walden, granddaughter of Evelyn Dillon, Forrest Smith, Rick Ramsey, Charles Hoffman, Morris Miller, Kathy Fitzgerald, daughter of Martha Kirk, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Mary Perkins, Treva Traylor, Lucille Reid, Urbanell Cox, Bonnie Hinton, Carolyn Glidwell, Oleta Arnstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Naomi Sanchez, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Catherine Jayroe, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rodgers, Dr J & Dorothy Coats, Carol Patterson, Lula Murray, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Myrtle Brunton, Dorothy Mooney.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, April 15 @ 10:30 a.m.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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VITAL SIGNS: APR. 6
Bible Study 77
Morning Worship 102
Afternoon Worship 57
Offering $4,371.50
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. APR. 2 45
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Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

This week we lost a good friend over in Duncanville, who probably was known by some of you, Wes Jasperson. He started the Ben Franklin store on Main Street. He passed away on 4/2/08 after a short illness. He was a fine man and loved by all who knew him, and set a fine example for all who were around him. He and his wife, Ann helped many young folks get started in life by giving them jobs at their store, and encouraged them to go to school to improve their educations.
Speaking of young people, we have a couple here at the JBCoC who really brighten things up for us, Grace Locke and Haleigh Kloetzli. Wish we had a whole pew of them, but due to the age of our bunch guess we’ll just have to rely on our grandkids visits.
I was over getting my ears lowered at the barber shop the other day and Frank (my barber) and I started talking about age, and he said “I want to tell you about a fellow who comes all the way from Oak Cliff to get his hair cut and still drives his own car and is sharp as a tack.” When he said that I knew who he was talking about, and asked him if the fellow was Paul Lawrence, and he said it was. He had told me he thought the man was 97 years old and has a sister who is almost 100 and that was a dead give away.
Just to show you that people really do see the way we live and are influenced by it. Paul didn’t even realize how he was affecting Frank but he was, because he had just told me that the man had to be a Christian by the way he talked and acted. That’s why we have to always be careful what we say and do so they will know we belong to the Lord, and want to join us in his work!
We think we are really doing something just to be in class, and sometimes even find reasons not to do that. Sorry Wes! We’ll try harder.
Well, folks it’s been good visiting with you and we’ll see you next time the Good Lord willing. Hope all is better for all our sick and shut-ins, we love you and miss you!
Remember ….
“When Duty Becomes Desire

(Semper Fidelis) – Always Faithful

Here and There
by Wes Price

May I share a bit of the after-glow from Grady Theobalt’s 85th birthday party? His family did him a great honor with that beautiful celebration and added a special touch in inviting Joe and Sharon Hancock to be present so Joe could entertain the guests with some of Grady’s favorite country-western music. And not to be out done by that, a great number of our church folk showed up for the celebration. To Grady’s kids, I say “Hey, that’s a great way to show your father how much you love him.”
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Perhaps you have noticed the change in the way our men have been serving at the Lord’s Table. Instead of six, we now have four men at the front with the other two serving at the rear of the auditorium. After a couple of weeks, it is now running smoothly and I believe that it has helped with a smoother flow of serving the trays. The Sunday evening service is now just using one to serve at the table.
My fellow elders and I want to express our gratitude to all the men who serve in this ministry. You do a great job in a most vital area of worship. We thank those who have been working as coordinators as well. We realize that many of the men are called upon to do double duty because we have so few who will serve. Thanks for all your good work.
And thanks too, to those of you who continue to serve as part of our security system. Most of the time it is done without anyone even realizing that it is. While we do have security cameras on all our parking areas, the men who periodically patrol the parking lot help insure that those who might be tempted to break into our automobiles ought to take a second look. Someone might be watching. Thanks guys, for your good work.
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This Tuesday, April 8, the Ladies’ Bible Class with meet in the Fellowship Hall and the Men’s Bible Class will meet in Room 3.
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Sunday morning, April 13, Mack Lyon’s lesson will be “Give Us A Standard.” The morality of the nation in these times is well defined
in a statement by Paul Begala, a White House staffer a decade or so ago. He said, “Define and create the reality you want.” We very badly need a standard of right and wrong. Where can we find it?
His program can be seen on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. each week.
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CHRISTIAN BRICKS
By Bea Seymour

Christians are like bricks,
Together they are strong;
Scattered here and there,
They do not last long.

Love is the mortar,
That makes them stand.
Faith is the framework,
Throughout the land.

A grain of sand,
A piece of clay,
Molded together,
A brick some day.

And, so we go,
From day to day,
Teaching our neighbors,
The Gospel way.

Prayer List

Royal Smith will have a procedure April 15.
Forrest Smith, Rita Harrison’s brother, is in critical condition.
Addie Bennett, former member of Jefferson Blvd., will have surgery – April 10 at Baylor-Dallas.
Lou Barnett had cataract surgery Thursday.
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Ada Couch, Oleta Landin, Catherine Coronado, Arline Swanson, Doris Henry, Evelyn Dillon, Susan Walden, granddaughter of Evelyn Dillon, Rick Ramsey,Charles Hoffman, Morris Miller, Kathy Fitzgerald, daughter of Martha Kirk, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Mary Perkins, Treva Traylor, Lucille Reid, Urbanell Cox, Bonnie Hinton, Carolyn Glidwell, Oleta Armstrong, Jennie Wright, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, John & Lillian Rowland, Ida Smith, Nell Tubbs, Naomi Sanchez, Holly Lee, Weldon Siler, Catherine Jayroe, Geraldine Hurley, Oleta Rodgers, Dr J & Dorothy Coats, Carol Patterson, Lula Murray, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Myrtle Brunton, Dorothy Mooney.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Bible classes Tuesday, April 8 @ 10:30 a.m. The ladies will meet in the Fellowship Hall and the men will meet in Room 3.
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You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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SYMPATHY
We want to offer our love and sympathy to Lula Murray in the death of her nephew.
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VITAL SIGNS: Mar. 30
Bible Study 74
Morning Worship 97
Afternoon Worship 55
Offering $3,443.14
Budget $3,410.46
Wed. Mar. 26 44

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

Sometimes I think I know what the apostle Paul felt when he asked the Lord to help him with the thorn in his side. Of course we don’t know what his problem really was. Some think it was bad eye sight, some think his inability to speak well, but what ever it was he was able to get the job done for the Lord. Now, not that I am ever thinking about comparing my self to that wonderful old Christian, it’s just that this new ailment that has recently taken over my life has become a real hindrance to my well being, such as not being able to sleep well at night, embarrassing coughing in public and a shortness of breath when overdoing my everyday chores. I know several of my brethren who have emphysema and still seem to live normal lives, so maybe in time I will learn to cope with it.
I want to get out and tell everyone I know that still smokes, and any one else who will listen to me to quit the nasty, expensive habit before they wind up in my shape!
Oleta and I didn’t get to stay for the pancake supper on 3/23/08 because I had to get home and take a treatment, but I talked to Maurine on Monday and she said it went fine, and we had a good number to stay for it.
Bro. Wes brought us a very fine lesson on 3/23/08 talking about the importance, and the meaning of our communion service each first day of the week. After all, this is our main reason for coming together on the First day of the week just as Jesus did when he instituted the service on the night he was betrayed.
We are all pleased in the new way we have cut down on man power for the communion service. Seems as though it runs smoothly and in an orderly and reverent manner just as it always has. The men on Sunday evening do a very good job of using one man to handle things.
After spring break all of my kids on the bus had to tell us all about their time off and their Easter egg hunts. It’s kinda sad in our family. We only have one little one left for such things, and she is growing up fast. Every now and then Oleta (Granny) and I get to go out to her school and have lunch with her on grandparents day, and we sure do love it. Little Sydney is the pride of our lives.
It was so good to have our daughter Cindy, and granddaughter Laura with us on Easter, but we missed our son-in-law Scott who went to be with his mom.
We sure were glad to hear that Rick Ramsey’s surgery went well and he’s already up and around. I talked with Lewis Hinton and he said Bonnie is still in lots of pain. We sure do want to keep this fine family in our prayers.
We pray things are better for all of our shut-ins, and all who can’t be with us for the services, we love you and miss you.
Remember ….
“Of all the things you wear, expression is the most important!”
Semper Fidelis
(Always Faithful)