The Visitor » 2009 » January

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YOU

“There’s a Gospel according to Matthew;
To Mark and to Luke and John, too.
There’s another that many are reading —-
The Gospel according to you.

All teachings we find in the Bible
Are but facts we believe to be true.
You must live them to make them the Gospel —
The Gospel according to you.

Every day you are writing your Gospel;
In this life you may never know who
May be helped or hindered by reading
The Gospel according to you.

Many read not the Words of the Bible;
I will tell you what some of them do –
They are reading the book you are writing;
The Gospel according to you.

There’s power in the minister’s preaching;
So you say, I believe this is true;
But the thing that may tell the most on others
Is the Gospel according to you.

God help you to Christ to be faithful,
And to live all His teachings so true,
So that all may be seeing His Spirit
In the Gospel according to you.”
— Author Unknown

Charloise Lu Hufstedler Jones
September 25. 1922 – January 22, 2009
Charloise (Baby) Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, passed away January 22, 2009. Born Charloise Lu Hufstedler on September 25, 1922, in Rockspring, Texas. She was a proud longtime resident of Oak Cliff. She graduated in 1940 from Sunset High School where she was Pep Squad captain. At North Agricultural College (now UTA), she met and married Ancil A. Jones. While husband Ancil served overseas in the Army Air Corps during WWII, Baby worked as a secretary at North American in Fort Worth. As a volunteer she supported PTA, LACE, Scouting and breat cancer research. She was a charter member of Edgefield Church of Christ, which later merged with Sunset, becoming Jefferson Boulevard. Her faith was strong and she demonstrated this in her compassion for others. She cared for people who needed help. In her 80’s, Baby enjoyed the wonderful programs available for senior citizens at local centers. Through friends she discovered the joy of line dancing. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Ancil A. Jones and her sisters, Laverne Lawrence and Florine Hamilton. Mrs. Jones is survived by her children, Joetta Scarborough and hustand, Tom, of Hitchcock, Texas, Bobby Jones and wife, Mary, of Duncanville, Texas, Dwight Jones of Rhome, Texas, and Keven Jones of Garland, Texas; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; as well as many nephews, nieces, family, and friends. Throughout life, she never met a stranger. We at Jefferson Boulevard Church of Christ will miss seeing Baby in her usual pew on Sunday morning and sitting on the front seat on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. We will miss her wonderful smile and sense of humor. Baby had a wonderful life that included loving her family and friends and very important loving and serving the Lord.
Baby, we will see you again in the sweet by and by.

Prayer List
David Calvert is here with us today.
Wes Price is slowly improving.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Village – Room 121.
Urbanelle Cox – Charlton Meth Rehab- 3020 W. Wheatland, RM 123Dallas 75237
Catherine Coronado – UT Southwestern Med. Ctr. – Room 702. She had a
defibulator implanted Friday & may be home Sat. or Sun.
Bill Hinton – DeSoto Nursing & Rehab 1101 N. Hampton Road, DeSoto, 75115
Mary Dunn is home.
———-
Grady Theobalt, Mary Ruth Percival, Mary Jean Calvert, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law; Marie Works, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson, Henrietta Pummill,Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Larry Reynolds, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Doris Henry,Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon, VertieLee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
SYMPATHY
We want to offer our love and sympathy to Grady Theobalt, his son Ricky, and the rest of the family. Grady’s daughter-in-law, and Ricky’s wife, Elaine passed away. Her funeral was Thursday. Our hearts go out to the family.
———-
Schedule for Sunday, February 8, 2009:
George Bailey will conduct Wes’ Bible Class and preach Sunday morning.
David Tarbett of the White Rock congregation will preach the afternoon
service.
———-
The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, 02/04/09 @ 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: Jan 25
Bible Study 54 Offering $ 2,741.50
Morning Worship 85 Budget $ 3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 41 Wed. Jan. 28 26
———–
Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’s Way Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth In Love: Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
Reflecting back on things that happened last year, I personally think one of the best thiings that happened at the JBCoC was the arrival of Rick and Rhonda Ramsey back in our fold! These two are very special to us all, and especially to me since I had the privilege of teaching their kids in my Bible class at Mountain View CoC and worshipping with Rick and Rhonda for many years and in a way seeing them grow up in the church. We were about to put Rick in as one of our Deacon’s just before things split up, and I think he would make a fine Deacon now, especially since we are overworking Charlie and Vernon.
Oleta and I went out on 1/24/09 and had lunch and a wonderful visit with Wes & Alma Faye and he is coming along just fine, and believe it or not he’s taking it pretty easy, of course, in her sweet, gentle way Alma Faye will insist he take it easy! Joyce and Jacob went out the day before and I think took them some chicken and Oleta and I took Bar-B-Que. If any of you go out for a visit you will know what not to take. We were able to visit some of their kids while there and learned that grand- daughter, Katherine has earned a musical scholarship and some more awards for her wonderful musical talent. She must take after her grandmother.
We were all saddened to hear about our dear, Baby Jones going to her reward on January 22, 2009. Once again our loss will be Heaven’s gain. She was dear to us all and will be sorely missed by all. We all know Bro. Wes and Alma Faye will miss Baby as she was very special to them.
Steve Iverson did a great job filling in for Bro. Wes in his Bible class and our A.M. worship service. We wish him well as he goes to Austin to learn more about World Bible School. Maybe Trish can come with Steve next time.
Oleta and I received some bad news last week. Josh ran out of insurance after all of his surgeries and they won’t pay for the Prosthesis he needs to walk again. If any of you know of any organization that helps out along these lines, please let us know. We understand if has to be fitted within 90 days or he will have to go through another operation.
It was so good to see Muriel and Sylvia McMillion on 1/18/09. They said Carmen is at Grace Presbyterian Village and doing better. It was also good to see Steve, Robin and the girls with Charlie & Nadine. The twins have turned into beautiful young ladies.
It is also very good to see the grandchildren of Rosalba and Raul Morales with us lately, and I told them we would sure like to see them make a habit of being with us. The more young folks, the better!
We had around 95 present on 1/18/09, and that’s good considering all of our folks missing for one reason or another. David Calvert is doing better, but still cannot take care of Mary Jean. Jo Morris continues to help with Mary Jean. Jo is always helping someone somewhere. What a wonderful example she is for all.
REMEMBER
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

Here and There by Wes Price will resume when Wes returns from back surgery. Let us all pray that he has a speedy recuperation period.
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THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Everyone loves a mystery; at least, there’s a saying to that effect. Certainly many people enjoy mysteries, as is evidenced in the number of novels written in that genre, television programs that employ this technique to keep our interest, and of course all the movies that depend on keeping certain details vague or unknown until the end. Perhaps the appeal of the mystery theme is the suspense it creates, of our desire to solve and understand that which is unknown.

The word mystery is used in the New Testament, as well, but in quite a different sense than the popular usage today. A mystery in Scripture is that which was once unknown, but now has been fully revealed. The term generally applies to the gospel, for it was once unknown to people, but has now been fully revealed through Jesus. The fulfillment of God’s purposes for our salvation and how it was all to be accomplished is seen in His death on the cross, the shedding of His blood, foreshadowed in all the animal sacrifices in times past. The assurance we have that this mystery of salvation is fulfilled in Christ, is given in His resurrection from death, the power of God testifying that He truly is His Son. Of this Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith – to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).

Because of what God has accomplished through Christ, another mystery has been revealed, how everyone is welcome into God’s family in Christ. “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6). God desires all to come to the obedience of faith (Rom. 1:5), to repentance and salvation (2 Pet. 3:9). The opportunity is available to all; we decide whether to accept and obey, or not.

I suppose there are still some mysteries left today, but they have been created by humanity, not God. Why do so many alter the clear message of Scripture to something else, keeping salvation from taking place? Why do some just ignore it all together? Why do those who have obeyed the gospel not live for it? These are mysteries that come from sin, not from the will of God. We should keep the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Tim. 3:9). By living faithfully for God, the greatest mystery of all will one day be revealed, when faith becomes sight, and we live in the presence of our Lord for all eternity!
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16).

Robert Johnson
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(continued from “Reflections” by Jack Armstrong)
and that you will have a complete recovery. It’s our fervent prayer that 2009 will bring much better health and circumstanes for all of our shut-ins, those in the nursing homes and the rehab centers.
See ya next time, the Good Lord willing, and may he keep you in His loving arms.
Remember Our Goal…
When Duty Becomes Desire”
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THANK YOU
Thank you for the prayers, visits, cards, gifts, and love that was hown while Wes was in the hospital. Wes and his wife appreciate it so much.
Love,
Wes and Alma Faye Price

The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Be With You All

Prayer List
Wes Price went home this past Thursday. Wes said to continue praying for them and cards can be mailed to their home.
David Calvert – Methodist Central – Room 6030.
Grady Theobalt’s daughter-in-law has been moved to a nursing home and is under Hospice Care.
Carmen McMillion – Grace Presbyterian Village – Room 121.
Urbanelle Cox – Charlton Meth Rehab- 3020 W. Wheatland, RM 123 Dallas 75237
Catherine Coronado is home.
Bill Hinton – DeSoto Nursing & Rehab 1101 N. Hampton Road, DeSoto, 75115
———-
Mary Dunn, Mary Ruth Percival, Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law; Marie Works, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Grady Theobalt, Doris Henry, Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez,Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
SYMPATHY
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the unexpected death of Charloise (Baby) Jones. We offer our love and sympathy to her family. Baby was a wonderful Christian lady that enjoyed life to the fullest. She will be missed by all as she was loved so much. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
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Schedule for Sunday, February 1, 2009:
Roger Owens will conduct Wes’ Bible Class and preach both services.
———-
The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, 02/03/09 @ 10:30 a.m.
———-
You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
———-
VITAL SIGNS: Jan 18
Bible Study 48 Offering $ 2,918.00
Morning Worship 98 Budget $ 3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 44 Wed. Jan. 14 40
———–
Church of Christ Area-Wide Programs
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52
“In Search of the Lord’s Way Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV) Channel 27
“The Truth In Love: Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV) Channel 52

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

If you don’t mind we would like to veer off a little in our column and talk about our 44th president, and how he must feel just before being sworn in as the first African American President of the United States of America. We know some are happy and others are not too pleased, but we should all come together and do what we can to help out in any way we can, to get our grand country back on it’s feet and in good working order again. We as Christians should set the example and show the world that we are going to accept things as they are, and do the best we can to help him to turn things around, and pray that the new regime will take the Good Lord into their conferences and rule according to His will! President Elect Obama is making a good start to my way of thinking by taking the ‘ol train to town as Abraham Lincoln did.
Oleta and I went to see Bro. Wes and David Calvert on Friday, 1/16/09. They both seemed to be holding their own. Wes’ operation went well and he was in his usual good spirits. David was also upbeat. It is our fervent prayer they will both be up and around real soon. It was good the Thompson sisters could take care of Mary Jean for a while and now Jo Morris is staying with Mary Jean while David is down. Let’s not forget to keep Alma Faye in our prayers as she takes care of our preacher. Let’s all remember when we go by for a visit to keep it short and not linger too long.
Our grandson, Josh is hanging in there, and seems to be doing well. He has a good attitudeand thanks all of you for your prayers and cards of encouragement. We love you all for caring.
Please remember our dear friend, Jean LaPine and her daughter, Nancy Ramsey in your prayers as Nancy is fighting cancer.
It is so good to see Mildred Head amongst us once again. She was sorely missed.
Bro. Lewis G. Hale had a great article in the 1/11/09 Visitor, “The Joy of Service.” If you didn’t read it, go back and do so because it is an eye opener. He told the story about a city boy asking a farm boy “What time do you go to work?” The farm boy replied, “I do not go to work, I wake up surrounded by it”! We may not realize it but we too wake up each morning surrounded by work which needs to be done!
We pray things are going well for Ed Horn and Mary Taylor in their new place of abode. We miss you two and love you! The same goes for Bill Hinton, and we pray he will be back with us real soon.
I want to say that we miss those who have jobs that sometimes require Sunday work, such as our fireman, Rick Ramsey. Also, Lesa Houston’s temporary job includes Sundays. She will soon be through with it and back with us.
We wish Bro. Wes pain free days and a speedy recovery and for Alma Faye we pray she can get some much needed rest, relaxation and peace of mind. David we pray your health problem will be a one time thing, and by now you are back with us. Jean LaPine and Nancy Ramsey we pray the chemo will do the job,

Here and There by Wes Price will resume when Wes returns from back surgery. Let us all pray that he has a speedy recuperation period.

THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS
by Robert Johnson
In 536 B.C. Cyrus, king of Persia, issued a proclamation that profoundly affected the Jewish people. This proclamation allowed the Jews, who had been taken captive to Babylon earlier by Nebuchadnezzar, to return to Jerusalem. Over 40,000 people responded. When they reach their destination, one of the first things they determined to do was rebuild the temple.
When the foundation for the temple was laid, many wept with a loud voice. They perceived this temple to be insignificant, compared to the one Solomon built earlier (Ezra 3:12). All the things they would do in the coming years would be viewed as small and unimportant. To this attitude God responded, “For who has despised the day of small things?”
(Zech. 4:10). When the work is for God, nothing is inconsequential; every- thing has a place in His plan.
Our lives are spent mainly in tending to small duties. We have a normal routine we follow most days. Few of us will be called by the governor or president, or do that which society would consider great. Even so, such a life is nothing to despise! A great life consists in doing small things well every day. The importance of prayer, phone calls, cards, visits, meals, etc., is significant when we do them for the Lord. How many lives have you touched, sick strengthened, and weak cheered, through prayer? How many people have you encouraged through a visit, card, or call? How many have been blessed by a meal you offered? How many have the hope of salvation because of your influence, persistence, and love, in reaching out to them with the gospel?
Jesus, said, “And whoever gives to one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42). A body of the Lord’s people, doing what they can in service to Him, will find together they can be of great value to the Master. It is through Him that “..all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase which is from God” (Col. 2:19).
Don’t underestimate the importance of what you do for the Lord, great or small! Nothing is insignificant when done for the glory of God. With the New Year we can all resolve to put God first in all we do, to make sure what we do is done with excellence, to please God. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory”
(1 Cor. 10:31). Despise not the day of small things.

“I JUST WANT TO BE WITH YOU”
The preacher was in his study, deeply engrossed in his work. There wa a knock on the door and, not wishing to be disturbed he called out, “Who is this and what do you want?” The door opened slightly and the voice of his little son called back, “Father, I don’t want anything; I just want to be with you.”
Most of us need to examine anew what we are really seeking in our religious faith and service. Perhaps it will help us to think upon that which God seeks in us.
Jesus commented upon this matter in his conversation with a Samaritan woman. He said to her;
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth,
for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. “(John 4:23)
These words tell us that God desires to commune – His spirit with our spirit. He wants to have an intimate association with our spirit, just as friends draw close to each other in the pleasures of company and conversation. He wants to speak with us through His word and He wants to hear our songs and prayers as they flow from our hearts. Simply stated, He wants to be with us!
Is our desire to be with Him the driving force behind all of our religious devotions? He has promised to meet with us when we gather in His name and He has promised to be our companion when we labor in His cause. (Matt. 18::20; 28:19, 20) Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, do our hearts “burn within us” when we think of being with Him? (Luke 24:32)
The next time you prepare to meet with others in worship, say to yourself, “I don’t want anything, I just want to be with Him!” This unselfish, loving spirit will make any soul yearn for those blessed occasions when we can “be with Him” on earth. How this readies that same soul to be united with Christ in the Father’s house forevermore! (John 17:24)
Hershel Dyer (1997)

Prayer List
Wes Price – Baylor Hospital – Room 611 – 6th floor Truett Bldg. He is doing well after back surgery.
David Calvert – Methodist Central – CCU – Blood clot in his left lung.
Tom Dipprey’s brother-in-law has inoperable lung cancer.
Grady Theobalt’s daughter-in-law is in critical condition.
Mary Dunn went home with her daughter to recuperate.
Mary Ruth Percival did well after her eye surgery.
Carmen McMillion – Methodist Central – Room 7020 – She has pneumonia.
Urbanelle Cox – She has been moved to a Rehab facility near Charlton Methodist.
Catherine Coronado – New Room # 1722 – U.T. S. Western Medical Ctr.
Bill Hinton – DeSoto Nursing & Rehab
———-
Marie Works, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney,Ada Couch, Eula Matthews, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Grady Theobalt, Doris Henry, Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
Schedule for Sunday, January 25, 2009:
Cy Stafford will conduct Bible Class in the auditorium and preach at the
Morning Worship service.
Spencer Ross will preach at the Afternoon Worship service.
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The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tues., 01/20/09 @ 10:30 a.m.
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Mary Taylor has been moved to Victoria Gardens in Allen, TX – the correct phone number is 972-727-5850.
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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: Jan 11
Bible Study 61 Offering $ 3,587.39
Morning Worship 90 Budget $ 3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 50 Wed. Jan. 7 38
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CHURCH OF CHRIST AREA-WIDE PROGRAMS
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
“The Truth In Love” Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
”In Search of the Lord’s Way” Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV)
“Church of Christ Hour-Heaven 97” Sundays 7:30 a.m. 970 AM (Radio)

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong

Oleta and I want to wish one and all a very happy and healthy new year, and it’s our fervent prayer that our beloved Preacher will have a successful surgery on his back and a speedy, pain free recovery following the surgery and that Alma Faye will get some rest and relief after it’s all over, and that she will please call on us for help when she needs it!
These two are the links that hold this bunch together and when they are not at the helm things are just not the same. We just don’t realize what all they do until they are not there to do it!
It’s also our prayer for this new year that our sick and shut-ins will get much better, and we will all get more chances to get out and visit them more often, as Charlie and Nadine, and Vernon and Mary Ruth, and many more of you do!
While we are praying let’s also include all those who have lost their jobs and that they will all find work soon. I can just imagine what a helpless feeling it must be to have your income cut off all of a sudden. We should also pray that our new leaders will take the Lord into their conferences and rule us according to His will, and that prayers will remain in our schools and the Lord will always remain in our Pledge of Allegiance! That the Ten Commandments may be displayed wherever it’s deemed necessary at our Court Hourses or wherever and that “In God We Trust” will always be on our walls and displayed on our money!
Please continue to keep our grandson, Josh in your prayers that he will have a speedy recovery. Thanks to all of you that have already done so and we feel that without a doubt he has done as good as he has because of the prayers. We love you all dearly and are so fortunate to have you as our dear friends and brothers and sisters in Christ!
We enjoyed David Nelson’s lesson on January 4 and appreciate all of our missionaries so much. Just think what a sacrifice they all make to stay away so long in foreign environments and away from their families to preach God’s Word. When I think of Cy & Stephanie, Brian and Jacqueline Bost and lots of others who have been gone so many years. What true love for the Lord and much dedication they have. Makes me ashamed to ever complain about anything because we all have it so good over here in the ‘ol U.S.A.
Well folks, guess I’d better sign off. See ya next time the Good Lord willing, and may he keep you all in his loving arms.

REMEMBER….
Our Goal… “When Duty Becomes Desire”

Here and There
by Wes Price

We welcome Kevin Rhodes to our Sunday morning worship service this morning as our visiting speaker. He is the director of the World Bible School in Austin, Texas and is here to acknowledge the gift of Alpha Armstrong to that great evangelistic effort. He will be presenting a challenge for us about World Bible School during the Bible class hour with all of us meeting in the auditorium and then he will present a gospel message on World Evangelism at the worship hour.
He will tell us about our joint involvement with Steve Iverson who will be going to Austin next week to receive some training from WBS to take back to Estherville, Iowa to help in the work there. Steve will be with you on Sunday morning, January 18, to preach at the morning hour. Steve will be on his way to Austin for his training session. Please join me in praying for great success as Steve continues to spread the gospel in the community of Estherville.
———————
I’m looking forward to speaking to you at the 5:00 p. m. service as we wrap up our extended series of lessons on Faith. This will be my final time to speak to you before my surgery on Wednesday of this week. Again, thank you for all your encouragement and prayers. I could not have waited this out without your help.
———————
I have arranged for guest speakers during my absence and they will be announced each week in the bulletin to their time to speak. If you are curious about who they are, you can take a look at the schedule posted on the back of the office door in the church office. Again, I ask that you be present for all the services to help encourage our guest speakers.
———————
On Sunday morning, January 18, Mack Lyon will be speaking on “The Christian Mother,” on Channel 27, KDFW-TV at 7:00 a.m.
What does the Christian wife and mother have to contribute to the spiritual life and welfare of her family? The role of women has changed one-hundred-eighty degrees in my lifetime. The worldly wise woman now marches to a different drum beat than that of the Christian wife and mother. What is mother’s role in the Biblical Family?

New Address for Ed Horn (effective 1/15/09)
Ed Horn (Adolphus E. Horn)
Harrison House
6400 Jack Finney Blvd., Room 112
Greenville, TX 75402
Phone # will be the same # he has now at Briarcliff – 903-450-1179
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THE JOY OF SERVICE
Many people will never know the joy of service because they want to be on the receiving end, always. Jesus taught that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. Evidently many people do not trust Jesus on this one.
Jesus also taught “He that would be greatest among you, let him become the servant of all.” Some seem to think that greatness is conferred rather than achieved. It is not.
Have you ever heard this complaint in the church, “No one ever asks me to do anything”? Have you ever volunteered? Why do you have to be asked?
There is work on every hand. We give each new member an activity sheet which lists dozens of ways in which some people can serve. In fact, we periodically ask all members to fill out a new one.
I am reminded of a story about a city boy asking a farm boy “What time do you go to work?”
The farm boy replied, “I do not go to work. I wake up surrounded by it.”
You may not be aware of it but you, too, awake each day surrounded by work which needs to be done. If you can do nothing but pray for others as they work, do that. Maybe a phone call to some discouraged soul. Maybe write a note of encouragement to someone having a tough time. Even people confined at home can do something.
1 Corinthians the 12th chapter teaches that every member of the body is necessary. Once you discover the joy of service, your life will never be the same again.
Lewis G. Hale

Prayer List
Urbanelle Cox – Methodist Central – Room 9034 – Recovering from hip surgery after a fall and is doing well.
Catherine Coronado – New Room # 1722 – U.T. S. Western Medical Center.
Bill Hinton – DeSoto Nursing & Rehab
Alletha Lee did well with the cataract surgery on 1/06/09.
Lula Murray’s son had back surgery Thursday.
———-
Baby Jones, Marie Works, Bill Hinton, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson,
Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Eula Matthews, Dorothy Jackson, Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Grady Theobalt, Doris Henry, Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon, Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Bea Dipprey, Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick, Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
———-
The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, 01/13/09 @ 10:30 a.m.
———-
You are invited to see our weekly bulletin on the church’s web site at
jeffersonblvd.org
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Vital Signs: January 4, 2009 Offering $5,142.50 Budget $3,410.46

Bible Study 68 Morning Worship NC Afternoon Worship 45

Wednesday, 12/31/08 48
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Please add Mildred Head to your January Birthday List. Mildred’s
birthday is January 30th. Her address is 3068 Cliff Creek Dallas, TX
75233 Phone # 214-331-6974. Let’s all send a birthday card.
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Mary Taylor has been moved to a nursing home. The address is:
Victoria Gardens 310 S. Jupiter Road Room 410-A Allen, TX 75074
Phone Number for Victoria Gardens – 972-396-8696
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CHURCH OF CHRIST AREA-WIDE PROGRAMS
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
“The Truth In Love” Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
”In Search of the Lord’s Way” Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV)
“Church of Christ Hour-Heaven 97” Sundays 7:30 a.m. 970 AM (Radio)
“Main Street Church of Christ Sun. 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.1630 AM (Radio)
Repeat Broadcast: 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
GBN”Dish Network 9407 11:00-12 noon daily. Also on Direct TV @ 7:00 a.m.
“Good-News Network” (24 hurs a day) www.good-news-network.org (Internet)

Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
I had already written my column for this week when another thought hit me. We would like to start 2009 off by pleading with folks who still puff on those old 5 or 6 dollars a pack cigarettes to call it quits this year. Even if you only smoke one pack a day it costs $140.00 or $150.00 a month, and it you smoke two packs or 3 packs it just doubles or triples. The reason I know all this is because I smoked an old pipe for many years, and cigarettes my earlier years. Not only is it an expensive, nasty smelly habit, but you could very easily wind up like me with about only half of your breathing capacity caused by Emphysema. Just ask Pat Maloy or Bro. Bell, and they will tell you that stuff is a rough ‘ol go!
I think New Year resolutions were made to be broken, but this is one to take very seriously! When you stop just drop the money you save in the offering each Lord’s Day and you will be helping out in two ways.
I used to tell folks, “there is nothing to quitting, I’ve done it a hundred times”, but with the good Lord’s help I laid it down and never smoked again and that has been fifteen (15) years ago. You and your clothes, your car, and your house smell so much better after a while.
One other resolution we could learn to live with would be to resolve to attend all the church services we are able to attend. If only we could fulfill these two we would really improve our lives!
I noticed on our January church calendar that we have several birthdays in January. Dan Talbott 5th, Faye Shuffield 6th, Steve Browning 27th, Lois Rodriquez 28th, Dr. “J” Coats and Tom Conyers 9th, Lucille Reid and Betty Thornton 24th, James Schoolfield 28th . Happy Birthday to all of you!!
We also want to wish Happy Anniversaries to David & Mary Nelson on January 19th, and Ben & Betty Choate which was December 31st , and hope you all have many more!
We enjoyed the lesson that Bro. Karl Jones preached on 12/28/08. He used the epic, Wizard of Oz as a topic to draw his lesson from, and the lesson was great as they all are from this fine preacher, but what else could we expect from a man who had two mentors as he did in our own Helen Jones and Maurine Fleming, who I have learned much from over the years also!
We are going to miss our fine preacher while he is out recuperating, but look forward to the ones coming to fill in for him. Joe Hancock, Karl Jones, Cy Stafford, Spencer Ross. Now if that is not a fine line up of fine preachers I don’t know what is! Since the time for Bro. Wes to go in and have his procedure is drawing nigh, we want to let him know this bunch and many, many more are keeping him in their daily prayers and wish him a painless operation and a speedy recovery time with lots of patience! It’s like I told Oleta this week, things are going to feel strange without Wes around seeing that all goes well!
Josh, our grandson, thanks all of you for your prayers and good thoughts for him!
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking”!
Our Goal… “When Duty Becomes Desire”
Via Bro. George Bailey

Here and There
by Wes Price

Happy New Year! We hope you and yours enjoyed happy visits with family, either here or away and are now back with us ready to help us launch this new year. My wife and I want to express our grateful thanks for being among you as those who serve. It is our life and it brings us great satisfaction. While there are lots of sad things we all are called upon to embrace, they are more than made by the delightful way in which we can share our lives together for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for His church.
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We are glad that David and Mary Nelson are with us today and we will have the opportunity to hear him preach.
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Over 50 came to our Wednesday evening New Year’s Eve celebration and enjoyed a delicious meal. Our special thanks to Betty Conyers, Eugenia Talbott, Jo Morris, Ann Tomaszewski and others for their serving and clean-up. Then we had our closing service for 2008, focusing our attention on the book of Colossians and the supremacy of Christ, who is our Savior, Mentor, Example, Intercessor and our Elder Brother. If you missed being with us, you might want to read that short epistle as you begin this new year.
We also commend you to continue your daily Bible reading habit. If you need a schedule, there are some provided in the foyer.
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It won’t seem much like a new year’s gift, but I’m looking forward to getting the surgery behind me on January 15th and getting my strength back. May I ask this special favor of all Jefferson Boulevard church members. We have a host of good speakers liined up to preach and teach in my absence, so please help by being present at all the services to encourage these visiting preachers. It will help us keep our momentum as we begin this new year.
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Join Mack Lyon January 11, on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. to hear his message on “The Christian Father.” He writes, “The father is the head of the Biblical family. The Christian father loves his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. The responsibilities of spiritual leadership fall on the father’s shoulders. What are those responsibilities, and how does the father of the household exercise that leadership? Join Mack and hear his answer to this significant question.
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NIBBLING AT RELIGION
Carlyle Marney said it: “The institutional monstrosity we have
named church is too filled with people who nibble at religion.”

Did he call my name? Does that apply to me…

When attendance at the worship hour is decided on the
basis of convenience?

When good works are postponed due to a desire for
ease and comfort?

When I substitute Bible reading for Christian service?

When I give only token amounts from my salary to the
preaching of the Gospel, and meeting the needs
of the poor and suffering?

When prayer becomes a private wish list?

When ‘church’ becomes a business opportunity?

I leave it to you to supply additional questions. I’m tired
of self condemnation.

My Bible tells me of first century Christians who denies themselves,
took up the cross and followed Jesus. They gave liberally out of their
poverty; suffered beatings and imprisonments; were spoken against and
stoned; were persecuted from town to town yet continued to preach.
They left occupations, and even fathers and mothers to follow Christ.
They did not nibble at religion!
John Gipson

Prayer List
Catherine Coronado – U.T. S. Western Medical Center, Room 732.
Marie Works is sick at home with back problems and a kidney infection.
Nancy Ramsey, daughter of Jean Lapine, will have a biopsy.
Alletha Lee will have cataract surgery on her right eye Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009.
Remember others with health problems
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Bill Hinton, Ed Horn, Estell Lee, Vernon Swanson, Henrietta Pummill, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Taylor, Wanda & Patrick Maloy, Larry Reynolds, Pat Reeves,Jimmy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney, Ada Couch, Eula Matthews, Dorothy Jackson,Tommy & Treva Traylor, Jack & Oleta Armstrong, Grady Theobalt, Doris Henry,Roger Schrum, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Angie Sabedra, Nancy Spurgeon,Carmen McMillion, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Urbanelle Cox, Bea Dipprey,Ruby Faas, Lois Rodriquez, Weldon Siler, Holly Lee, Ida Smith, Joe Benedick,Marjorie Moore, Geraldine Hurley, Dr.J & Dorothy Coats.
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The Tuesday Morning Bible Classes will meet Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009
at 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: Dec. 28
Bible Study 60 Offering $2,985.39
Morning Worship 85 Budget $3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 40 Wed. Dec 24. 36
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The New Address for Alletha Lee is:
900 Sharp #14 Camden, AR 71701
New Phone # 870-837-2435
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CHURCH OF CHRIST AREA-WIDE PROGRAMS
“Let’s Do It Christ’s Way” Sundays 6:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
“The Truth In Love” Sundays 7:30 a.m. KFWD (TV)
”In Search of the Lord’s Way” Sundays 7:00 a.m. KDFI (TV)
“Church of Christ Hour-Heaven 97” Sundays 7:30 a.m. 970 AM (Radio)
“Main Street Church of Christ Sun. 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.1630 AM (Radio)
Repeat Broadcast: 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
GBN”Dish Network 9407 11:00-12 noon daily. Also on Direct TV @ 7:00 a.m.
“Good-News Network” (24 hurs a day) www.good-news-network.org (Internet)
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Reflections
by Jack Armstrong
This past Christmas Eve was a very good one for my Oleta and me. We took a trip over to see our grandsons, Josh and Jason ,and took them a little something to try and make their holiday a little brighter, and after we left them, we were the ones feeling much better. We told them how proud we were for them, because of the way they have handled the terrible situation they are in caused by the horrible accident, and Josh loosing his leg. Cody who lives with them (Jason has raised him since he was a young’un) built a ramp leading up to their apartment to make it easier for Josh to get to the bus stop in his wheel chair to go to Baylor Hospital for treatment.
If any one would like to drop them a line of encouragement, the address is: 3933 Inwood Road, Apartment 1025, Dallas, TX 75209. Josh & Jason Armstrong and Cody. Sorry for getting personal in our church paper, but some have asked.
Back to Christmas eve, Oleta and I had dinner with Wes & Alma Faye
followed by a wonderful service, and season of prayer and wonderful fellowship over at the JBCoC . We sang a few songs, Bro. Wes read to us, and all the men led some meaningful prayers. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas eve.
Last Sunday evening, 12/21/08, we had to stay home from church service because of my breathing problem, when we got a pleasant surprise. Some of our neighbors, a couple of houses east of us, rang our doorbell and asked if they could come in and sing a few Christmas Carols for us. The night was cold, but that couple and their two fine sons were out singing carols. They are connected somehow to the Lingustic Center out on Camp Wisdom Road and are very dedicated to their beliefs. They also brought us a plate of homemade cookies and delicious candy.
We pray you are all having a great holiday season and that the new year will bring you good health, and that all of our folks who are out of work will find jobs. Lets also pray for all who are less fortunate than we are and for all of our dear shut-ins, and all those in the nursing homes and rehab centers.
It was so good to see Jimmy Schoolfield Wednesday evening. What a fine young man those Schoolfields raised and we wish he were back here with us.
To those of you that have been receiving the Visitor from me, we will get back to it after the holidays. We sorta got distracted for awhile.
Let us all remember to keep Wes & Alma Faye in our prayers, that his operation on January 15, 2009 will be a great success, and the rehab wil not be too stressful, and that the problem with Alma Faye’s heart will be corrected soon.
We just have to add a word about Jerri’s two precious little daughters, Grace, and Annabel. They were passing out Christmas cards with their picture inside on Wednesday evening and Oleta and I just can’t get over how they have both picked up our language and ways in the short time they have been here. Jerri is one good teacher and mother!
REMEMBER
“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be
changed until it is faced!”