The Visitor » 2010 » September

Here and There by Wes Price

Perhaps, finally at last, we are seeing just the slightest hint of fall. With the termperature in the low nineties and the fairly sure forecast of no more 100 degree days, we can look forward to what we hope will be a long and pleasant fall. We thank God for the changing seasons, being creatures of the love of change.
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Several of us were privileged to attend the Fraud & Scam Seminar, this past week to learn how to better protect ourselves against a growing army of crooks whose only quest in life is to steal the wealth of others.

Let me suggest a few things related to us:

> Don’t carry your Social Security Card on your person

> Don’t carry your Medicare Card on your person

> Don’t give these numbers out to anyone unless you are absolutely sure it is essential to your well-being.

> Don’t give out any personal information about these numbers (SS & Medicare) and your bank account numbers. No one calling you for such information is up to any good. If you think they are legitimate, call your bank and find out before you release such information.

> Don’t throw away bank statements, invoices, statements or other financial documents unless you shred them first. You’d be astounded to learn the extent information thieves go to get their hands on such personal information.
> If you have reason to believe your identity has been stolen, report it as soon as you can by
phoning 1-877-438-4338 or 1-866-653-4261 or if you have a computer go to: FTC.gov/idtheft.gov

> If your Medicare Card is lost or stolen, report it right away by calling Social Security at 1-800-877-1213.

I hope these few suggestions will prompt you to be as careful as possible with your personal identity and the numbers by which you are identified.
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I had intended to begin again in the pulpit on Sunday, October 3, but since Roger began a three part sermon on the prodigal son this past week, I asked him to continue through October 3, with the final lesson. That will take me on then to Sunday, October 10, for my first sermon. I’m looking forward to doing it.

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PREPARE TO WORSHIP! serves as the title to the message on IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY on Sunday morning, October 3. This is the first in a series of 5 messages Phil Sanders will deliver this month about “worship.” He believes worship is an act of the heart.

Join him for each of these lessons on Sunday Mornings at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 27, KDFI-TV =================================================== IT ALL HAPPENED SO FAST

A snail crossing the road was run over by a turtle. Regaining consciousness in the emergency room, he was asked what caused the accident. “I realy can’t remember,” the snail answered. “You see, it all happened so fast.”

We laugh because turtles and snails aren’t known for their speed. However, speed is rather relative. To a snail, a turtle is probably like a gazelle.

How fast is your life moving? Doesn’t it seem like it is moving at a breakneck speed? Just yesterday, it seems, we were graduating, getting married, or expecting a baby. Today, we are at the half-way point of our careers, we have been married for 20+ years, and our children are preteens or teens. If we are not careful, we will look back one day and wonder what happened.

We need to slow down and take stock of what is really important. I believe that this is especially true when it comes to our children. I have known countless parents who looked back and wondered what happened to their children. For sure, there are no guarantees in raising children. Once children reach adulthood, they make their own choices, and they may not make the right choices, no matter how they have been taught. However, it is easy in our fast-paced world to let the years roll by without giving our children what they really need. We need to redeem the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). We need to walk wisely, not run foolishly (Colossians 4:5). There is more to raising children then putting a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food in their bellies. There is more to parenting than getting them fed and in bed. They need time and teaching (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), discipline and direction (Proverbs 19:18; Ephesians 6:1-4), affection and affirmation (Titus 2:4).

One day, how much time we spent at the office will not matter nearly as much as how much time we spent with our children. Nor, for that matter, will it compensate us as well. I have never heard a single person say, “I wish I had spent more time at the office”. However, I have heard many say, “I wish I had spent more time at home.” -Wade Webster, Southaven, MS

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PRAYER LIST
Jimmy Mooney will go to his doctor Monday to see when he will begin chemo treatments.

Rick Ramsey continues chemo treatments, and we continue to pray his cancer will soon be in remission.

Ann Schoolfield – her vision is showing slight improvement.

Sylvia McMillion had an ultra sound Friday morning. Continue to remember:

R.C. and Juanita Bell; Jim and Elaine Birkhead; Mary Dunn and her daughter, Debby Gaffney; Sharon Hancock; Rita Harrison; Ruben and Francis Jimenez’s brother-in-law has heart problems and their nephew has cancer; Mark Locke; Dorothy Mooney; Vernon and Mary Ruth Percival; Wes and Alma Faye Price; Lois Rodriquez; Sherry Sandage; Dan Sherbit; Rick Theobalt, son of Grady Theobalt; The Tyson Family, Jennie Wright.

REMEMBER ALL OTHERS ON THE PRAYER LIST
George Bailey; Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Urbanelle Cox; Carol & Pete Diamond; Tom Duvall; Ruby Faas; Doris Henry; Bill Hinton; Bob and Madeline Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Oleta Landin; Nancy Lindley; Billie Morgan; Bobby Muirhead (sister of Billie & Jean Thompson); Lula Murray; Vernon Percival; Henrietta Pummill; Mildred Sala; Nancy Spurgeon; Treva Traylor; Fran Womelsdorff; Marie Works;

Vital Signs: September 19, 2010 Bible Bible Study 53 Offering: $2,707.00 Morning Worship: 77 Budget: $2,893.27 Afternoon Worship: 44 Wed Evening, 9/15 28

Ladies and Men’s Bible Classes Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

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“Looking Forward” by Jack Armstrong

Like the old saying we’ve used before, “we don’t miss the water ’til the well runs dry” and since our sweet Mary Dunn left us we realize how very important and loved she is to us all and how much we miss her already. David & Mary Jean, Mary, and Oleta and I used to meet over at Chubby’s on Sunday night after worship and she was such a pleasure to be with. It is our prayers that Mary finds new friends right away and enjoys being near her family!

Thank you Bro. Wes for the comment in your column on Oleta and my write-up in the Southwest Now magazine. We really appreciate your kind words and the writer for her kind remarks. I guess I was proudest of the picture of our back yard and it sure did show up good. Of course, so did Oleta! If I keep on I’m going to really get in the dog house. Thanks to Alma Faye for putting the column on our bulletin board in the Community Room.

If you didn’t read the column “the Forgotten Son” in The Visitor dated 9/12/2010 you should go back and read it. It’s a thing the author pointed out about there were three sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Check it out.

We keep Rick and Jimmy in our constant prayers that the chemo treatments do their job and that both are in remission soon, and stay there. We also pray Sylvia and Muriel are doing much better and the Bells as well. We hope Dan’s test comes out good.

Rita called and told us that Shelly Tyson called on September 16th and wanted all in the congregation that could to pray at 1:30 p.m. that the judge would rule in favor of the Tysons regarding their children. Our prayers are always with them that things will get better for all of them. Sometimes we just don’t understand why things happen the way they do, but it’s like God told Paul when he asked him to remove the thorn in his side, that his Grace was sufficient! Then there was Job who had the most difficult test I’ve ever heard about but his faith brought him through.

There is a man here at the JBCoC who is one of the most generous, understanding men I believe I’ve ever known. He has his own very personal problems, yet he continues to do all his work for the church and help others at the same time. When Mary Dunn was still with us here he looked after her like family (of course she is church family) but he took time to help her in any way he could. You all have probably figured out, I’m talking about our dear friend, David Calvert. He has helped us all in one way or another and we thank him and love him for it! He is a true example of what Christianity is all about!

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Here and There by Wes Price
I don’t want to ever be so ungrateful for my progress that I forget where I’ve been and all the good will and encouragement I’ve received from this church who through your prayers to God has enabled Him to keep me moving forward toward full recovery. Thank you again and again.

With my fellow elders blessing, I will begin to do some of the preaching and teaching beginning the first Sunday in October. I will be alternating with Roger at least during that month. He will continue to preach at the afternoon service.

In the Sunday morning Bible class he is now teaching, he will be concluding his studies in the book of James in a week or so and then I will resume my role as teacher. As you remember, we were nearing the conclusion of the book of Acts whose author was Luke. It will be a great companion study for us to begin a study in that Gospel. Like all my classes, I will ask that you take time before we begin that study to sit down and read the gospel of Luke in one sitting. There is something amazing about discovery when we read through a book all at one time.

We’ll let you know when we will begin that class.

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Avon Malone is doing a marvelous job in our studies in the book of Philippians. I find myself wishing his lessons were longer, but we do try to supplement his instruction by our question and answer session following his presentation. My big disappointment is that more of you are not coming to hear some of the finest Bible teaching that you are likely to hear in your lifetime. What can I do to persuade you to join us on Wednesday evenings?

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On Sunday, September 26, Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders will present a lesson on IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY entitled, “The Future.” No man knows what the future holds except God. While opinion polls tell us what people think about the future. God’s Word clearly reveals what God will do on Judgment Day. We want to go to heaven and to help others find the way. Join the program on Channel 27, KDFI-TV on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m.

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A HUMAN SHIELD

Would you consider leaving a prized trophy or treasured car outside in the open, exposed to the elements of nature, animals, dirty-fingered kids, and inconsiderate neighbors?

Probably not. More likely you would shield it from the elements. You might make sure it has a special place in the garage or on an out-of-reach shelf. You would likely cover it with glass or polish it often, and park at the far end of the parking lot to avoid dings in your doors. You would do your best to protect your treasure.

Do your best to shield and protect your spouse from things that may be harmful to him or her. This may mean providing adequate housing and a safe car to drive. It may mean standing up against those who may be cutting your spouse down (even if they are your family). It may mean walking together in a dark parking lot or holding him or her close during a storm. Maybe it means protecting your spouse from negative aspects of yourself (i.e., mean words, irresponsible behaviors) by working hard to overcome those behaviors.

As you focus on treating your spouse like the priceless gift that he or she is, many of those negative aspects of yourself will disappear. Yes, you can control these. You probably already do when you are at work, church, or a new acquaintance’s house. But it seems the more comfortable we feel with someone, the more we let down these controls.

Don’t let comfort do away with appropriate control. All of these positive behaviors are protective in nature and will help your spouse feel treasured by you. – Mike Benson

“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” Ephesians 5:28-29

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PRAYER LIST
Rick Ramsey and Jimmy Mooney continue their chemo treatments, and we continue to pray they will be in remission.
Ann Schoolfield is having more eye problems and further tests. Dan Sherbit had heart tests and a CAT scan for possible knee surgery. Mark Locke, son of Jacob and Joyce, underwent back surgery last Wednesday. Daselle Mitchell fell Monday in her back yard, injuring her head and her knee.

There has not been a definitive closing regarding the Tyson children. We all need to continue praying. Continue to remember: R.C. and Juanita Bell; Jim and Elaine Birkhead; Mary Dunn and her daughter, Debby Gaffney; Sharon Hancock; Rita Harrison; Ruben and Francis Jimenez’s brother-in-law has heart problems and their nephew has cancer; Sylvia McMillion; Dorothy Mooney; Mary Ruth Percival; Wes and Alma Faye Price; Lois Rodriquez; Sherry Sandage; Rick Theobalt, son of Grady Theobalt; Jennie Wright.

REMEMBER ALL OTHERS ON THE PRAYER LIST
Donna Denise Allen; George Bailey; Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Perry Cotham; Urbanelle Cox; Carol & Pete Diamond; Tom Duvall; Ruby Faas; Doris Henry; Bill Hinton; Bob and Madeline Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Oleta Landin; Nancy Lindley; Billie Morgan; Bobby Muirhead (sister of Billie & Jean Thompson); Lula Murray; Vernon Percival; Henrietta Pummill; Mildred Sala; Nancy Spurgeon; Treva Traylor; Fran Womelsdorff; Marie Works;

Vital Signs: September 12, 2010 Bible Study 43 Offering: $2,394.00

Morning Worship: 70 Budget: $2,893.27

Afternoon Worship: 40 Wed. Eve. Bible Study, 9/7 – NC ———– Ladies and Men’s Bible Classes Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. ———–

New Address for Estell Lee 1520 N. Beckley Avenue, Apt. 715 Dallas, TX 75203 Phone #: 214- 377-8929 ———– Let us remember to send cards to Mary Dunn in Scottsdale, AZ. Her address is on the bulletin board.

“Looking Forward” by Jack Armstrong We had a fine get-together on September 11, 2010 to commemorate the terrible disaster 9 years ago when the Muslim planes rammed into the twin towers in New York, killing hundreds of people. Thank you Bro. Wes for all your trouble to bring this gathering each year to remember, and also thanks to Eugenia and Dan, and Rick for their part. We had 35 people to attend this year.

Folks we want to remember our Amber Gardner who is going back to Afghanistan in February for another tour of duty there. In such a short time of being here she is already dear to us all.

We had quite a few folks out on September 5, 2010, which were sorely missed. We also had one row of Roger and Linda’s kids and grandkids (triplets), and that was a great sight to see! His sermon was on “Patient Enurance,” and a good one it was.

We are surely going to miss Mary Dunn. Let’s all remember to send her a card.

Vernon and Arline Swanson were with us on Sunday, 9/12 and it was great to see them.

Let’s all remember Sharon Hancock in our prayers, as she is recovering from back surgery at home now in Hallsville.

To continue our list of what some of our dear ladies do around here to further the good work at the JBCoC… Debbie Morris has over 60 students in the World Bible Schol and many other good works, Ruth Manning could fill a page showing all the good she accomplishes, plus being our very own good will ambassador, and the same thing goes for Louise Gerner, and how many folks do you know that travel any further or are more regular than our own Agnes Nelson? What a great example she is! Betty Thornton is another that keeps everyone informed on what’s going on and helps out in the office when needed. Of course it goes without saying what Rita Wood, and Ann Schoolfield do for all of us, including helping Bro. Wes.

Mary Perkins always there with a beautiful hat and smile who is also a good influence for all, besides looking after those two sons of hers. Folks all in all I just don’t know what we would do without all of our wonderful ladies, and how important they are to the work here at the JBCoC.

Isn’t it amazing how fast Roger and Linda Owen have bcome a large part of our congregation? I don’t think I ever remember anyone fitting in and being a part of the group as they have.

That’s it for now and if the Good Lord’s Willing we’ll see you next time.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Here and There by Wes Price

Our services last Lord’s Day were great. Roger preached two excellent sermons, Jacob’s song leading was great and a great host of visitors were present to enjoy that service with us. We hope that those of you who were missing last Sunday will be pleased to make up your contribution for that Sunday. Remember, expenses keep on accumulating each week, so we need your help to carry on the work.

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Well, another of those sad occasions fell upon us this past week. Our dear, sweet Mary Dunn was moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to live near her daughter. Her new address and telephone number is on the bulletin board in the Community Room. You can help Debby in this difficult transition by dropping Mary Dunn a card or calling her on the phone. Mary will be greatly missed.

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We had a good attendance for our 9th annual observance of the 9/11 Memorial service on Saturday morning. It was a time for reflecting on events, letting the Word of God speak to our hearts and to give thanks for the preservation of our nation against a similar attack. Let’s continue to pray for our national leaders and the leaders of our armed forces who are helping keep the enemy away from our shores.
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IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY will be presenting an interesting program on Sunday morning, September 19. It is called, “IS SATAN REAL?” Should people take him seriously? Does he really lead us into temptation? Does he really want to steal our souls? Should I be afraid of Satan? What does God say in His Word about the devil and what should you and I know about him? Join Mack Lyon and Phil Sanders at 7:00 a.m. on KDFI-TV, Channel 21 for the answers to these intriguing questions.

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We are proud of Jack and Oleta Armstrong. If you have not read the newspaper article on the bulletin board in the Community Room, you will want to do so. Not only is there a lovely article about them, but pictures as well. Way to go Armstrongs.

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THE FORGOTTEN SON

Warren Wiersbe noted that there are three sons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the elder son, the younger son, and the eternal Son, Jesus Christ, who told the parable. Wiersbe provided this comparison between the younger son and the eternal Son.

Both were beloved of their father.

Both left home.

Both were lavish in their spending. The younger son wasted
his inheritance. The eternal Son was not wasteful; however,
He did feely give all that He had.

Both became poor. The younger son became poor by
making bad choices. The eternal Son became poor for our
sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Both became servants. The younger son served reluctantly.
The eternal Son willingly became a servant (Phil. 2:5-8).

Both were forsaken. Although the younger son was never
forsaken by his father, he was forsaken by the “friends” he
made in the far country. In like manner, Jesus was forsaken
by His friends (Mark 14:50) and His Father (Mark 15:33-34).
He was forsaken that we might be accepted.

Both were welcomed home again.

Wouldn’t you agree that the third son involved in this parable is the most important of all? Wade Webster, Southaven, MS

PRAYER LIST
Jimmy Mooney and Rick Ramsey continue chemo treatments, and we continue to pray they will be in remission.
Dan Sherbit had heart tests for possible surgery on his knee. Vernon and Arline Swanson are having very serious health problems and need our special prayers. Continue to remember:

R.C. and Juanita Bell; Jim and Elaine Birkhead; Mary Dunn and her daughter, Debby Gaffney; Sharon Hancock; Rita Harrison; Ruben and Francis Jimenez’s brother-in-law has heart problems and their nephew has cancer; Sylvia McMillion; Dorothy Mooney; Mary Ruth Percival; Wes and Alma Faye Price; Lois Rodriquez; Sherry Sandage; Rick Theobalt, son of Grady Theobalt; The Tyson Family; Jennie Wright.

REMEMBER ALL OTHERS ON THE PRAYER LIST
Donna Denise Allen; George Bailey; Addie Bennett; Dr. “J” Coats; Perry Cotham; Urbanelle Cox; Carol & Pete Diamond; Tom Duvall; Ruby Faas; Doris Henry; Bill Hinton; Bob and Madeline Hinton; Ed Horn; Mary Catherine Jayroe; Oleta Landin; Nancy Lindley; Billie Morgan; Bobby Muirhead (sister of Billie & Jean Thompson); Lula Murray; Vernon Percival; Henrietta Pummill; Mildred Sala; Nancy Spurgeon; Treva Traylor; Fran Womelsdorff; Marie Works;

Vital Signs: September 5, 2010 Bible Study 60 Offering: $4,425.00 Morning Worship: 75 Budget: $2,893.27 Afternoon Worship: 38 Wed. Eve. Bible Study, 9/1 – 28 ———–

Please notice the new address for Mary Dunn on the bulletin board. Mary’s daughter, Debby, took Mary to live near her in Scottsdale, Arizona. Please add them to your prayer list, for a quick adjustment to new surroundings. A card of encouragement, or call, would be appreciated.

Mrs. Mary Dunn Hazelwood Manor 8319 E. Hazelwood Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone Number 480-656-0614 The phone number for Debby Gaffney is 1-602-861-1075 =================================================== Ladies and Men’s Bible Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend.

———- Looking Forward” by Jack Armstrong In hopes that I don’t embarrass them I want to tell you about some of the kindest, unselfish ladies I’ve ever had the wonderful privilege of knowing. To start off I have known Jo Morris for many, many years and seen most of her good deeds firsthand. She taught our young ones for a lot of years, probably visited more folks in the hospitals than anyone I know (and always took along a care package), went over and cooked for and cleaned house for many who were shut-in for long periods of time and besides all that she took very good care of my dear ‘ol friend, Ollie Morris for many years.

Next on the list is my dear friend, Helen Jones who is another of those behind the scene workers who raised one of the finest preachers I have ever known, and brought her family up with the Good Lord right in the middle of their lives.

Then comes sweet Maurine Fleming who is no longer with us, but had a very strong influence on many of our lives. In her quiet unassuming way she did lots and lots of good.

Nadine Brown who does so much that lots of you don’t know about because she works behind the scene also. She and Charlie just plain keep up with everyone and prepare cards for us to contact our sick, shut-ins, and all who can’t make our services. That alone is quite a task!

Betty Conyers is next on the list, and it would take a whole page to tell all that she does for us all, and always has her fine husband, Tom, right beside her when she prepares lunches for those who have lost loved ones, and is there to help clean up after our get togethers. Makes calls to all who miss the services or out sick.

Then there is our sweet preacher’s wife, Alma Faye who is the most caring person I’ve ever known. The way she stood by Bro. Wes all this time in his illness and recovery, and still finds time to do her church work when she’s able to get away.

I can’t leave out another sweet lady who (when able) greets every one with a big ‘ol smile and makes them feel welcome, and has her list to contact folks when a mishap or funeral comes up, and that is my dear wife, Oleta, who has a strong influence on me and our family. She is one of the peace makers.

We can’t leave out Joyce Locke and Ann Schoolfield who are constantly working for all of us.

Then there is Ann Tomaszewski who is one of the most dedicated teachers of God’s Word I know. She is the epitome of Chrisitanity!

Eugenia Talbott is another who is always busy preparing things to make it nice for all. What would we do without that big ‘ol hug?

Folks this is not the end of the list, I just ran out of room, so we’ll see you next time the Good Lord Willing.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)