The Visitor » 2009 » November

Here and There by Wes Price
We hope and trust that you and your family enjoyed the special blessing of this year’s remembrance of Thanksgiving Day. At the time of this writing, my wife and I are looking forward to having all our married children and their children with us. Our son will not be able to be with us. We will pray for the whole church that God will bestow His abundant blessings on you as he has upon me and my family. I still commend you to consider the most worthy expression of “Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING.”
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We are having a good response for reservations for our holiday party on December 12. Please be sure your name is on the reservation list, even if you don’t have the funds available now, make your plans to be there. Don’t forget, it’s Saturday afternoon, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall.
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Join IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY on Sunday morning, December 4, when Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders will present a lesson entitled, “Let’s Talk About Heaven.” The program will be on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.

Brother Mack was invited to present a lesson of this title at a church in Texas, but was unable to attend. I had a call from him this past week to thank my wife and me for the birthday card we sent him. He is now 88. I told him that he just got better as he aged. He asked that we remember his wife in our prayers. She recently underwent some painful surgery and is still having difficulties with kidney problems. So, please join in praying for both of these two dear saints.
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Once again, please don’t forget to send a bithday greeting to Ed Horn on the occasion of his 90th birthday, December 5. His address is 6400 Jack Finney Blvd., Greenville, TX 75402.

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We received a lovely greeting from Jim and Ada Couch this past week and they asked to express their appreciation for remembering them in your prayers. They miss us very much and Ada says, “Keep praying for us as well as we will keep praying for you.” God bless you both, Jim and Ada Couch.

GIFTS FROM THE HEART Here are some great gifts you can give now and throughout the coming year, and they won’t cost you a cent!!
LISTEN: Just listen..without interrupting, day- dreaming, or planning your response.

AFFECTION: Give appropriate hugs, pats on the back, and handshakes.

LAUGHTER: Clip cartoons, and share great articles and funny stories.

A WRITTEN NOTE: A simple note saying, “I love you” or “Thanks for all the help.”

A COMPLIMENT: A simple and sincere, “You look great!” or “That was a wonderful meal!”

A FAVOR: Every day, go out of your way to do something kind for someone.

SOLITUDE: There is a time when one may want nothing better than to have time alone.

A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION: The easiest way to feel good is to make others feel good.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
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PRAYER LIST
Rita Harrison spent a night in Methodist Central after a nasty fall but no bones are broken and she is now home.
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Remember all on the prayer list: R. C. Bell; Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Urbanelle Cox; Ruby Faas; Gloria Garcia; Magdalena Gonzalez; Bill Hinton; Lewis Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Jean LaPine, Nancy Lindley; Pat Mercer; Dorothy Mooney; Billie Morgan; Agnes Nelson; Mary Ruth Percival, Rick & Rhonda Ramsey; Lois Rodriquez; Cookie Rowe, Nancy Spurgeon; Mary Taylor; Treva Traylor; Augustina Vasquez; Fran Womelsdorff, Marie Works.
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VITAL SIGNS: November 22, 2009 Bible Study 59 Offering $5,088.00 Morning Worship 85 Budget 3,410.46 Afternoon Worship 39 Wed. Eve. Bible Study 11/18 35
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LADIES’ & MEN’S BIBLE LASSES WILL RESUME DEC. 1
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REMEMBER – Make your reservations for the holiday party that is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Cost will be $12.00 per person. You can give your reservation to Ann Schoolfield, Rita Wood, Wes or Alma Faye.
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New address for Jack & Olea Armstrong 231 Van Rowe Duncanville, TX 75116 Phone Number Remains the Same

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Reflections – by Jack Armstrong
No, I haven’t quit the column, just took a couple of weeks off. Thank you for asking. Oleta and I are in the process of moving just 3 houses up the street from 215 to 231 Van Rowe Ave. here in Duncanville and I sure do realize that I’m no “spring chicken” anymore. We are just leasing where we are now and are buying a house from a friend who just lost her husband about three years ago, so it made her and Oleta feel good about the whole situation, since she said she felt like we were just camping out where we are now! We went over to Jaynes Funeral Home on 11/18/09 to see Jean LaPine on the eve of her daughter, Nancy’s funeral and I think most of Cedar Hill Church’s congrega-tion was there to pay their respects to Jean and Carol and their family, plus lots of folks from other congregations. Oleta and I commented to each other, how wonderful it is to have a church family around in times like this. I just don’t know what we would do if we didn’t have ours. When the “chips or down,” they are always right there for you! My son, Larry has a friend who has an aunt Ina who I have been sending our Visitor to and she told Larry she just loves to read it, and see all the love our congregation radiates to one another. So you see it’s not just us that sees this but other folks see it also. She is 93 but is still as sharp as she can be, and we all love her very much (even though I’ve never met her in person) we feel very close to her. We are all looking forward to our annual Christmas get-together on December 12, and I’m sure Wes will have some good entertainment for us. It’s good to visit with you again and it’s our prayer all of our sick are doing much better and thank the sweet Lord for Rick Ramsey’s last report of remission. Please keep Jean LaPine in your prayers for comfort in this hard time for her, as well as all of our dear ones who’ve lost loved ones! Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
Well, the holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving will be with us this week and then only a few short shopping days until the gift-giving season of Christmas. As we announced last Sunday, our church Holiday Party will be on Saturday, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. The menu remains the same as last year as does the price per plate, $12. If you can’t attend, maybe you can sponsor someone else who might not be able to afford the price. Please feel free to do so. We are still working on the entertainment and we’ll let you know when we have it set. The most important thing to remember, is be there and invite your friends to be your guests. We always enjoy having a host of friends to join us and we anticipate a good number this year as well.

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Some new items on the foyer table include the 1010 pocket calendars and the new edition of the ACTION, newsletter for World Bible School. Please help us to distribute the calendars by taking several. Use your imagination about how you can share them.
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Sunday morning, November 29, IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY, will feature a lesson on “TEACH US TO PRAY.”

Our Lord was a praying man. His disciples knew that. Once when they saw Him praying, they asked Him to teach them to pray. Like those 1st Century disciples, some of His 21st Century disciples don’t know how to pray, and some are not praying people. So…LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY.

Join Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders for a good lesson on prayer on Channel 27, KDFI-TV at 7:00 a.m.
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Please don’t forget to send a birthday greeting to Ed Horn on the occasion of his 90th birthday, December 5. His address is 6400 Jack Finney Blvd., Greenville, TX 75402. For those who can make it, friends are planning a party for him on that day, Saturday, December 5th, at the nursing home where he lives. It will begin at 4:00 p.m.
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The church office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and there will be no Bible classes for the men and women on Tuesday, November 24th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, December 1. ============================================
PRAYER LIST
Lula Murray has been dismissed from the hospital.
SYMPATHY
We want to offer our sympathy and prayers for Elaine Birkhead’s son-in-law, Steve and his family. His mother, Theresa Chennault passed away.
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Remember all the others on the prayer list: R. C. Bell; Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Urbanelle Cox; Ruby Faas; Gloria Garcia; Magdalena Gonzalez; Rita Harrison; Bill Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Jean LaPine, Nancy Lindley; Pat Mercer; Cindy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney; Billie Morgan; Agnes Nelson; Mary Ruth Percival, Rick & Rhonda Ramsey; Lois Rodriquez; Cookie Rowe, Nancy Spurgeon; Mary Taylor; Treva Traylor; Augustina Vasquez; Fran Womelsdorff, Marie Works.
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VITAL SIGNS:

February 15, 2009

Offering: $2,966,99

Budget: $3,410.46

Morning Worship 83

Afternoon Worship 39

Wednesday Evening Bible Study, 11/11/09 37

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Please find below the address of the nephew of Betty Thornton that is stationed in Afghanistan.
LCPL Mutranowski, David N.

7TH ESB, Unit 42210

FPO AP 96427-2210

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LADIES’ & MEN’S BIBLE CLASSES

NO CLASS TUESDAY, NOV. 24
CLASSES WILL RESUME December 1.
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I Need a Guide
A. M. Burton
How often have you been somewhere and known nothing of your surroundings, wishing there could be someone to guide you through all the interesting places? Tour-guides are extremely valuable people when you want and need them. The Greek word which is translated “guide”, “leader”, and sometimes “teacher”, means someone “to lead on a way” or “to show the way”. In the majority of the cases in the Old Testament the “guide” is God. For instance, Exodus 13:21 states that “the Lord went before them (Israel) by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire…” There are numerous petitions asking God’s guidance and seeking His protective care. We all know the 23rd Psalm where we pray “He leads me beside still waters…He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23-2b-3b) Again in Psalm 31:3 David prays, “Yea thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me…” In the New Testament this word is used in much the same way in the sense of “leader”, “escort”, and “guide”. Jesus called the Pharisees blind guides in Matt. 23:16,24. These people made out like they were spiritual guides to the spiritually blind while they themselves could not see God’s truth for their own traditions. The Lord warned that not only would they miss the right way, but they would lead astray those who trusted in their teachings. Writing in Romans 2 he questioned, “if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness…will you not teach yourself?” (Rom. 2:19,21) The great apostle went on to charge them with the same sins with which they were condemning others. And so the prophetic words of Jesus keep on being fulfilled when people do not study God’s Word with truth and diligence. “And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:13-14) Christians must seek guidance from God through His Word by His Holy Spirit. John recorded, “when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:13) “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John14:26) If you seek guidance, seek the Word and the Spirit.
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REMEMBER – Make your reservation for the holiday party that is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. In our Fellowship Hall. Cost will be $12.00 per person. You can give your reservation to Ann Schoolfield, Rita Wood, Wes or Alma Faye.

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
We are thankful that the men who have led our prayers in recent days have been kind enough to remember the tragedy at Fort Hood in the death of 13 soldiers and the wounding of scores of others. It couldn’t have occurred at a more incovenient time, just prior to our national celebration of Veterans Day. While we must leave the reasons why this tragedy occurred to others, we dare not forget that these men and women who serve in our military are gravely affected by this event. We want to continue to remember them in our prayers as we express our gratitude to our Veterans for their brave service to our country. God Bless The USA!
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We are pleased this morning to welcome Paul Delgado back to be our guest speaker at the morning worship assembly. As you remember, he is a student at the Brown Trail School of Preaching, preparing himself to serve the church as a minister of the gospel. We are grateful to have these fine young men come preach for us and teach in our Bible classes to broaden their experience and provide a small gratuity to assist them in their financial support.
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And speaking of the Brown Trail School of Preaching, let me tell you about a very interesting seminar they are sponsoring scheduled for November 20-22 at the Brown Trail church building. The speaker is Matt Vega who is a gospel preacher and also a lawyer, teaching law at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. A schedule of events and topics will be posted on the bulletin boards in the foyer and in the Community Room. I believe you will be spiritually blessed by attending these lectures.
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I mentioned last week that our own Jack Armstrong
was to be honored along with a number of other veterans for being recipients of the Purple Heart. Perhaps you noticed that this event did not escape the attention of our Dallas Morning News paper on Monday and Jack was one of the honorees interviewed. You’ll love his quote in the newspaper. It’s posted on the bulletin board in the Community Room. Way to go Jack!
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I continue to be amazed and even appreciative for those of you who find time to attend the memorial services of our loving members who pass away. This past week was no exception. By your presence, you made the service warmer and more loving. I know that Connie Ashley was deeply moved by your presence. And a word of thanks again to our Memorial Dinner servers, Betty Conyers and her husband Tom, Louise Gerner and Rhonda Ramsey. I made it a point of reminding Connie that now she would be free to be in attendance at our worship services. I know you will encourage her to do the same when you have opportunity.
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Hear Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders on Sunday, November 22, with a special program entitled, “Be Thankful,” a very appropriate and timely message just prior to our national holiday Thanksgiving. Join them at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 27, KDFI-TV.
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PRAYER LIST
Lula Murray – St. Paul Hospital – Room 701. Rick Ramsey received good news this past week. At this time he is cancer free. How wonderful and prayers do help. George Locke is recovering from heart surgery, and has been dismissed from the hosptial to his nephew’s home. Elaine Birkhead is scheduled for Day Surgery November 19 at Pine Creek Surgical Facility on Harry Hines,Dallas. Cookie Rowe is having serious health problems and will have tests. Jo Morris is scheduled for a consultation with the doctor on November 23. R. C. Bell continues to improve. Jim McMillion, cousin of Sylvia & Muriel, is having multiple health problems.
Remember all the others on the prayer list: Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Urbanelle Cox; Ruby Faas; Gloria Garcia; Magdalena Gonzalez; Rita Harrison; Bill Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Nancy Lindley; Bob Marks; Pat Mercer; Cindy Mooney, Dorothy Mooney; Billie Morgan; Agnes Nelson; Mary Ruth Percival, Nancy Ramsey, daughter of Jean LaPine; Rick & Rhonda Ramsey; Lois Rodriquez; Nancy Spurgeon; Mary Taylor; Treva Traylor; Augustina Vasquez; Fran Womelsdorff, Marie Works.
VITAL SIGNS: November 8, 2009 Bible Study 56 Offering ,772.50 Morning Worship 84 Budget $3,410.46 Afternoon Worship 43 Wed. Eve. Bible Study 11/04 38
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CORRECTION FOR THE DIRECTORY !! Addie Bennett – zip code is 75165. Please make correction in your directory.

MEDINA CHILDREN’S HOME: The Grocery truck will be here the week of Nov. 16-20, 2009. Needed items:
Liquid Laundry Soap and/or Sweet Cereal. ============================================== Hilltop Haven – New Phone # 1-866-992-4111
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Every Christian to be a Watchman! Bible Thought: “Be aware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15)
THE VERB “beware” is used in the New Testament 31 times. That in itself shows that there is constant danger in living the Christian life. The prophet Ezekiel warns of the same danger mentioned here. God’s people were in danger of being over run by physical enemies because of their sins. God informs the prophet He is calling Ezekiel to the task of warning people. They needed to repent and return their commitment to God. The same spiritual danger is confronting every child of God. It is true that false teachers often present themselves as being very faithful to God and His Word, but– as Jesus Himself said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Each of us must be on guard lest we be led astray by what may sound good and appealing, but we must constantly be aware of what is being said. We must carefully study what is being said in light of the written word of God which is only found in the Bible. – 21st Century Christian

HERE AND THERE
by Wes Price
This afternoon from 2:00 to 3:30, my wife and I have been invited to join in a celebration for wounded veterans who were Purple Heart recipients. Our own Jack Armstrong is among the many who will be honored for their valiant service to our nation as members of the military. The event will be held at the Civic Center in Grapevine which is located at 300 S. Main St. in Grapevine. My wife and I plan on being among the guests to help express our nation’s gratitude for these fine veterans.

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We were saddened this week at the passing of Vertie Lee Stanley. Her memorial service is scheduled for tomorrow morning at the Laurelland Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. We urge you if at all possible to join us for that service. Jacob Locke will be leading us in congregational singing, so we need all who can possibly make it to be present. Family visitation for Vertie Lee will be this afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Laurelland Funeral Home.
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All World Bible School teachers are urged to be present for the worship service this afternoon. We will hold a brief meeting following the worship service to explain the procedure for mailing lessons to students in Sierre Leone. The meeting will be brief, so please try to be present so we can get back in the loop of sending lessons to foreign students.

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Our nation will be remembering all our military veterans this coming Wednesday, November 11. Several special events will be taking place around our city, so if you can, please join with us in paying tribute to our fallen heroes. A special pre-Veterans Day celebration was held at the Waxahachie Civic Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. It is always one of the finest tributes that I have ever had the privilege of attending. Wish all of you could have been with us.
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We announced on Wednesday evening that brother R. C. Bell was in the Veterans Hospital. We learned that he is suffering from a severe bladder infection and at last report was doing much better. Please add him to your prayer list.

We would also like to ask you to remember Elaine Birkhead who will be having Day Surgery on Thursday, November 19 at Methodist hospital.
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Join IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY on Sunday morning November 15 at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 27, KDFI-TV.
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In Need of Our Prayers
All of the men & women in our military and most especially the injured and the families of the deceased that were killed in the tragedy at Ft. Hood, Killeen, Texas

George Locke, brother of Jacob Locke,came through open heart surgery and is doing well.

R.C. Bell – Veterans Hospital

David Calvert is having severe problems with nosebleeds and ask for our prayers.

Elaine Birkhead will have day surgery, November 19, at Methodist Hospital.

Pete asks for continuing prayers on his behalf.

Remember all the others on the prayer list: Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Urbanelle Cox; Ruby Faas; Gloria Garcia; Magdalena Gonzalez; Rita Harrison; Bill Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Nancy Lindley; Bob Marks; Pat Mercer; Dorothy Mooney; Billie Morgan; Lula Murray; Agnes Nelson; Mary Ruth Percival, Nancy Ramsey, daughter of Jean LaPine; Rick & Rhonda Ramsey; Lois Rodriquez; Nancy Spurgeon; Mary Taylor; Treva Traylor; Augustina Vasquez; Fran Womelsdorff, Marie Works. ————-

SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Vertie Lee Stanley. Her funeral will be Monday, November 9 at 10:00 A.M., with family visitation this afternoon from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., both at the Laurelland Funeral Home.
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VITAL SIGNS: November 1, 2009 Bible Study 51 Offering $3,780.00 Morning Worship 81 Budget $ 3,410.46 Afternoon Worship 52 Wed. Eve. Bible Study 10/28 38
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CORRECTION FOR THE DIRECTORY !! Birthday for Miguel Cuevas is November 16 Please make correction in your directory.

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MEDINA CHILDREN’S HOME: The Grocery truck will be here the week of Nov. 16-20, 2009. Needed items:
Liquid Laundry Soap and/or Sweet Cereal.

REFLECTIONS

by Jack Armstrong
We had to say goodbye to another of our dear Christian sisters on October 23, 2009, as Edna Faye Johnston went to her long sought reward, to be with our Lord. Our hearts go out to David in his loss, but he can be assured he did every thing possible for his mom he loved so much. We will all miss her, and her beautiful sweet gentleness and smile, but we know she is in a far better place now. We also want to give Bro. Wes our heartfelt thanks for bidding her farewell in such a wonderful, sweet manner as he did. I’ve said many times before, he, knows just the right thing to say at just the right time.

Oleta and I have missed being with you the last week or so, and she wants to thank you for all the beautiful birthday cards and calls. You all are the best and we love you all.

This past Saturday, 10/31/09, we had a wonderful breakfast get together and all had a chance to get all the old records shredded, thanks to our thoughtful preacher who came up with the idea and put it in motion.

Vernon made some good ‘ol Navy gravy (40 weight) and the sausage, bacon and eggs were just great, and we want to thank all the guys that prepared the food, and the gals who cleaned up our mess, and the swell little girls of the Locke clan that picked things up from the tables. They are just adorable and so smart, they must take after Joyce, you think?

Before I sign off I want to tell you about a fellow, Terry Crossland, who takes a bus over in “Big D” and comes all the way over to JBCoC to worship with us, and to help out our fine coordinators by serving at the back table with Jimmy Mooney. There are a couple of other fellows who do lots of things behind the scenes, like going up that long flight of stairs each Sunday morning with Charlie Brown to sort out our collection and put it in order. They are Jimmy Morris and David Calvert, and there is Rodolfo Gonzalez who is always there to help. Kerry Cox keeps our patio swept and also helps at the back with the communion trays and picks up all the visitor cards.

Folks, if you get a chance, please give Addie Bennett a call or go out to see her. I know it would cheer her up to hear from you or see you in person.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)