The Visitor » 2009 » September

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
Our dear friend and brother, Grady Theobalt, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning this past week. I cannot tell you how much I esteemed his friendship. We played golf together, built bookcases for the church library and cabinets for the kitchen together, and shared many delightful moments together, and we worshiped in this church together. I felt close to his entire family and only eternity will tell how much good he and his loving wife Iva Mae did in raising a fine son and wonderful daughter. I’m like Will Rogers who said “I never met a man I didn’t like,” but there are those special ones who have crossed my path who made a very profound impression for good in my life. I thank God for the privilege of being close to this simple but wonderful Christian gentleman.

His memorial service will be conducted in our building Wednesday morning, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the DFW Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be at Laurelland Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
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We were surprised Sunday morning with the announcement of the moving of Felix and Rosa Gonzales to the Colony. They will be missed. I have known this family since my early days at the Sunset church in the early 70’s. They are moving to be close to their son David. Their new address is Evergreen at Morning Star Active Senior Living, 6245 Morning Star Drive, The Colony, TX 75056. I know they will love hearing from you as soon as they get relocated. Keep them in your prayers.
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We also learned this week that Bill and Shelley Tyson will be moving to Tyler in the very near future. Bill has taken a job with a company and he will be working out of Tyler. We wish them the very best in his new job and their new home. We’ll share their address in Tyler as soon as we have it. Keep them in your prayers for this new adventure in their life.

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Following our afternoon worship service, we will be having a pizza supper for all of our World Bible School workers in our Fellowship Hall. If you have not become a part of this good program, now is the time to join us. All are invited to join us if you are interested in helping with the program.

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On Sunday morning, October 4, IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary. Mack writes, “We are especially excited about this program as it is the 30th anniversary program. Do you realize that not many programs viewed as widely as SEARCH have this long history? But, “This is the Lord’s doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Ps. 118:23). We are planning for another 30 years. Join us!

You can view this program on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.
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Buried Alive
On the Oregon Trail, at least some of the emigrants who died en route to Oregon were buried alive. The reason why was because the survivors were in a hurry. For many years, cholera ravaged the emigrants along the Oregon Trail. Whoever caught it was dead – no cure or treatment existed. Usually, the infected emigrant died in 24 hours or less. If an entire wagon train stopped for an elaborate funeral, it would slow their progress. Too many delays meant the pioneers might not get to Oregon before winter – and then every one might perish. So, on most wagon trains, the burials became shorter and shorter as more and more people died. Some even abandoned the terminally sick by the side of the Trail, where they eventually died alone. The more humane wagon companies elected a “watcher” to wait with the person while the wagons forged ahead. It wouldn’t take long for the watcher to catch up. Many watchers were in such a hurry that they started digging the grave long before the infected companion was dead.

PRAYER LIST
Edna Faye Johnston – Methodist Central – CCU #16 Eugenia Talbott had cataract surgery Friday. Shelley Tyson fell and broke a rib. Continue to keep Rick Ramsey in your prayers as his chemo treatments are on-going. —————
James Schoolfield, Agnes Nelson, Stan Brown, Ruby Faas, Lula Murray, Fran Womelsdorff, Mary Taylor, Pat Mercer, Rita Harrison, David Calvert, Dorothy Mooney, Arline & Vernon Swanson, Teresa Bersano, Treva Traylor, Marie Works, Evelyn Dillon, Faelyn Watson, Magdalena Gonzalez, Gloria Garcia, Nancy Spurgeon, Bill Hinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Holly Lee, Urbanelle Cox, Ed Horn, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Geraldine Hurley, Dr. “J” Coats, Nancy Ramsey – daughter of Jean LaPine; Ida Smith -sister of Jennie Wright, and Jennie Wright.
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The new Power for Today & the October Calendar are on the table in the foyer.
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Ladies & Men’s Bible Classes – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
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Correction to Directory – Phone Number for Jerri Locke: 214-941—0224
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VITAL SIGNS: September 20, 2009
Bible Study 54 Offering $3,082.50

Morning Worship 93 Budget $3,410.46

Afternoon Worship 52 Wed. Evening Bible Study 09/16 38
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SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Grady Theobalt, who passed away Wednesday morning at his daughter Val’s home. Funeral services will be here at the building Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Laurel Land funeral home. Burial will be at the National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. I believe we all can say it was a blessing to have known & worshiped with such a wonderful Christian man as Grady Theobalt and he will be missed.
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REFLECTIONS by Jack Armstrong
We received some great news on 9/15. I talked to Rick Ramsey and he told me that after taking his chemo treatments that he didn’t get sick and feels he is getting stronger. He was able to attend church service on 9/13/09 and also attended the Men’s Bible class. We pray that he and Stan Brown will continue to have good things go their way and that the Good Lord will continue to keep them in His loving care.

There are some folks here at the JBCoC that do lots of things that a lot of you don’t hear about. Did you know that our Mamie Maarschalk sends bulletins out to tolks that are unable to attend church service on Sunday? I think she sends out 10 or so each week. We were unable to be there on 9/13 and lo and behold there was our bulletin right on schedule as she had promised me.

When we’ve had to miss church service for a couple of weeks I sorta lose track on what’s going on so please bare with me and we’ll try to improve as we get back into the swing of things.

Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful ===================================================
(continued Buried Alive)

Needless to say, watching your own grave being dug was probably quite disturbing. If you happened to linger too long, well, no one is for sure, but evidence strongly suggests that some were accidentally buried before they took their final breath.

That is disturbing isn’t it? Yet, what is even more disturbing is that this very thing is happening today. There are many sick and diseased Christians that will soon wither away and die. They are spiritually diseased by the sins of the world (2 Peter 2:20-21). Their only hope is that some other healthy Christian will have enough compassion to see them nursed back to health (James 5:19-20). Too often, sick Christians are left for their own burial. Their brothers and sisters in Christ are caring very little for their lost souls, they might assume that the church has already dug their grave. How does this happen? The same way it did on the Oregon Trail: we can become too busy to stop and help the sin-filled souls along the way. We have programs that must be accomplished; we have fellowship opportunities, worship assemblies, and fun activities. “If somebody falls off the wagon, they do so at their own peril.” Brethren, this ought not to be!

Perhaps this morning, it would do us all well to think of some people who has fallen away from the faith and decide what kind of effort we can put forth to help them – and I certainly do not mean digging their grave for them. I’m talking about helping them out of Satan’s grasp and helping them catch up with the rest of the wagon trail. (Jude 23)

From House to House

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
Shades of Lloyd Lee! We remember with fondness the frequency with which he prayed for rain and how often his prayers were answered with an abundance. Of course it isn’t true, but I’d like to think that perhaps Lloyd put in a special word to the Lord on our behalf from that side of eternity and we were overwhelmed with a deluge. Thank you, Lloyd, but most of all THANK GOD! For his giving us an abundance of water, and also those of our fellow Texans in the areas of the state more in need of water than our own. Yes, Thank God for His bountiful blessings, He still makes His rain to fall on the just and the unjust, hoping that His goodness might lead the unjust to repentance. ————
A special word of thanks to Tom Duvall and Royal Smith who conducted the annual 9/11 Memorial Day on last Friday. I understand that 18 were present and I thank you for coming. I hope we won’t ever take that day lightly and remember the tremendous sacrifice that was made when our national enemies caught us with our guard down. Let us never forget! My wife and I traveled to Quitman on Friday last (9-11) to attend the funeral for W. T. Hughes so that we could encourage his widow, Ruth. They were members here prior to our merge with Edgefield. W. T. and Ruth moved to Quitman in 1999 and became active members of the church there. It was a joy to hear their minister tell that W. T. engaged himself in the work of that congregation. We thank God for the privilege of representing this chuirch at his funeral. Their preacher, Del Ussery, reminded me that he had attended a gospel meeting at Sunset years ago, coming with W. T. and Ruth. It was a meeting conducted by Dan Manuel.
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Alma Faye and I went to Ft. Worth on Wednesday to visit with Ruby Faas, who is not on Hospice Care, Sue Lawrence and Henrietta Pummill.

Please keep Ruby in your prayers that she will continue to meet the burden of living with a body that’s as she put it “wearing out.” She made a special effort to ask us to give all of you her warmest greeting.

What a joy to visit with Sue and Henrietta. They are both doing well at the present time and of course they too, send their love and affection to all.

We are glad that Jacob and Joyce are safely back with us now after their wonderful trip to Alaska. We are so glad that they had a great time and we did miss having them with us. Joyce is continuing to have some testing done, so let’s keep her in our prayers.

Thanks to Royal Smith who did our song leading in Jacob’s absence, along with numerous other leading in our worship services. He keeps us inspired by his wonderful attitude and his sweet spirit. Lord, please keep Royal Smith in good health.

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Join Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders for the lesson Sunday morning on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m. Their lesson will be “The Church Jesus Built.” This might be a lesson you will want some of your friends or relatives to see so they can learn something about the New Testament Church.

When “church” is mentioned, some people think of a building down the street. Others think of an institution with headquarters and officials. Others think of the denomination they grew up attending. Most Americans think you can be a good Christian and not be a member of any church. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

JOIN THEM AND SEE WHAT IT HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE CHURCH!
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PRAYER LIST
Edna Faye Johnston – Methodist Central – Room 4169.

Ruby Faas is now under HOSPICE Care and sends her love to the congregation.

Lula Murray is home after having a Pacemaker implanted.

Rick Ramsey continues chemo treatments.

Stan Brown, son of Charlie & Nadine Brown, had laser treatment on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this past week.

Fran Womelsdorff is home after a brief stay in the hospital.
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James Schoolfield, Agnes Nelson, Mary Taylor, Pat Mercer, Grady Theobalt, Rita Harrison, David Calvert,, Dorothy Mooney, Arline & Vernon Swanson, Teresa Bersano, Treva Traylor, Marie Works, Evelyn Dillon, Faelyn Watson, Magdalena Gonzalez, Gloria Garcia, Nancy Spurgeon, Bill Hinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Holly Lee, Urbanelle Cox, Ed Horn, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Ruby Faas, Geraldine Hurley, Dr. “J” Coats, Nancy Ramsey – daughter of Jean LaPine; Ida Smith -sister of Jennie Wright, and Jennie Wright.

Ladies & Men’s Bible Classes

Tuesday, September 22 at 10:30 a.m.

ALL ARE WELCOME
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VITAL SIGNS: September 13, 2009
Bible Study 54 Offering $3,690.50 Morning Worship 76 Budget $3,410.46

Afternoon Worship 41

Wed. Evening Svc. 09/09 36

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SYMPATHY
We want to offer our love and sympathy to Naomi Sanchez. Her niece’s husband, Daniel M. Subea passed away last week.
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The address for Ruth Hughes is:436 Country Road 2130 Quitman, TX 75780
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Correction for directory: Phone Number for Naomi Sanchez – 214-377-7173.
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Current address for

Rita Harrison 1511 N. Walnut Grove Rd. Midlothian, TX 76065 Phone Number: 214-577-6516 (SEND MAIL TO P.O.BOX) C/O Kim Harrison Rita Harrison P. O. Box 634 Midlothian, TX 76065 ————
1 Thessalonians 5:17 PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
Permit me to revisit the fellowship breakfast on Saturday a week ago. We had 33 present for the fellowship and I’m particularly indebted to Vernon Percival for his delicious gravy (not unlike our dear friend Grady Theobalt’s) and for those who assisted in getting things set up, including Mary Ruth Percival, Alma Faye Price, Ann Tomaszewski, Jo Morris, Betty Conyers, Dan and Eugenia Talbott, and Ben and Richard Perkins. Thanks for your great help. I couldn’t have done it without you. Our thanks to Becky Martinez for the delicious burritos she prepared and shared with us. They were delicious.

Then we followed that by a host of helping hands loading up a vast assortment of things to deliver to the recycle people at Mountainview College. It helped get rid of a lot of junk and at the same time put it where it could be used again in some other fashion. Thanks for all your help, guys.
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My wife and I had the privilege of visiting with Mary Taylor last week and she sends her warmest greetings to all of the Jefferson Boulevard church. She is doing wonderfully well and is very contented with her residence. As you might imagine, she misses being with all of us, but realizes that she is in the best place close to her daughter. By the way, her room number is now 407 instead of 410. Her complete address is in the new directory.

Speaking of which, please take one of the new directories for your personal use. At the present time, we would like to limit each family to one copy until we are su that all have received at least one. Let us know if there are unusual circumstances where a second one might be helpful.

It was called to my attention this week, that we had D. “J” Coats birthday down as being on September 1. That date is actually the anniversary date for Dr. J and his wife. His birthday is actually on January 9. Change your calendar to reflect this so you won’t miss his birthday in January.
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Our special congratulations to our dear friend Karl Jones who will be celebrating his 25th year as preacher for the Burleson Church of Christ. They are having a special reception for him this coming Sunday following their evening worship services. Karl is the kind of preacher we all like to say is our friend. Way to go, Karl.
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And last but by no means least, we had the privilege of helping Jacob celebrate his 80th birthday on Saturday afternoon. His daughter, Jerri, pulled off a giant celebration at the Hitt Auditorium in Methodist Hospital with lots of delicious food and some great birthday cake. A large host of friends and relatives came to congratulate him. And all this is to be followed by a sort of continued celebration as Jacob and Joyce left on Saturday for a wonderful cruise to Alaska. They will be gone for a week. Remember to keep them in your prayers.
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Sunday, September 13, IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY will be present a lesson on “ I Am Bound for the Promised Land.” Join Mack and Phil at 7:00 a.m. On Channel 27, KDFI-TV.
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PRAYER LIST
James Schoolfield – is improving.

Pat Mercer is home after an overnight stay at Methodist Central.

Rick Ramsey – Began chemo treatments this past Friday and is now home.

Stan Brown, son of Charlie & Nadine Brown, will begin treatments September 15.

Remember Jacob and Joyce as they travel to Alaska and then back home. What a fun and exciting trip.
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Grady Theobalt, David Calvert, W. H. Hughes, Rita Harrison, Arline & Vernon Swanson, Teresa Bersano, Lula Murray, Treva Traylor, Marie Works, Evelyn Dillon, Faelyn Watson, Magdalena Gonzalez, Gloria Garcia, Nancy Spurgeon, Bill Hinton, Lois Rodriquez, Augustina Vasquez, Holly Lee, Urbanelle Cox, Ed Horn, Edna Faye Johnston, Mary Catherine Jayroe, Vertie Lee Stanley, Billie Morgan, Ruby Faas, Geraldine Hurley, Dr. “J” Coats, Nancy Ramsey – daughter of Jean LaPine; Ida Smith -sister of Jennie Wright, and Jennie Wright.
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VITAL SIGNS: August 30, 2009
Bible Study 58 Offering $6,459.00
Morning Worship 85 Budget $3,410.46
Afternoon Worship 48 Wed., 8/26 32

Please add to your new directory the phone number for
Addie Bennett. 972-937-1970.
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Please add to your new directory the new room number for Mary Taylor. Room No. 407.

“REFLECTIONS” by Jack Armstrong
Oleta and I had a very special event take place on August 29, 2009. We went to celebrate the birthday of our sweet little Great, Great, Granddaughter, Mariah, who turned 1 year old and really enjoyed all the cake, carrying on and even the singing of “Happy Birthday”. Her granny, Angie (our daughter) put a big slice of birthday cake in front of her and let her dive in. She grabbed it with both hands and had it all over her pretty little face. Guess you’ll have to have one to know how very special Great, Greats are in your life. I never dreamed it would happen.

We also had another special occasion on August 29. We had a great church family breakfast over at the JBCoC, and as usual our fine preacher outdid himself on a fine breakfast and a great time of fellowship . Vernon came through with some great 40 weight gravy and the sausage and bacon was great. Also we had some great little tortillo rolls furnished by Sister Martinez. They really hit the spot.

We were sorry to miss Jacob’s birthday celebration, but as you all know, grandkids and kids come first. We sure hope he had a fine party, because it couldn’t happen to a finer fellow.

We are told that all of us twilighters need to get our regular flu shots as soon as possible and be ready to get the H1N1 flu shots when they get here around mid October.

Seems as though there is always some kind of new thing coming around each year to cause concern about our health. When we were all younger I guess we just didn’t pay much attention to all that stuff, you think?

This retirement stuff is about to get me down. Every time I see one of those old yellow buses go by the house (and we have 2 on our street each day) I feel like I should be on board doing my thing. I know Alma Faye and Ann Tomaszewski did it a lot longer than I did on my little job but the retirement part doesn’t seem to bother them. Those little ones could drive you nuts at times, but you sure miss them when they are not around, especially the little “special Ed’ youngsters.

Thanks to all that participated in getting the new directory to us.

We’ll see you next time the Good Lord willing. Have a good one.

Remember…
“What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular.”
Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)