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December 19th, 1999 SHORT By STUFF DAVE SHANER This is always a great time of the year. There is laughter in the air and a spirit of giving abounds. It is one time of the year that the world sings our songs! Obviously, we would like for that song to be sung throughout the year, therefore, this is a great time to introduce a friend or neighbor to the church here. Anytime we can get others to think about Jesus Christ is reason to rejoice. If we can get them to continue it by developing a real relationship with the Lord, this is even greater! Therefore, let's take advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel with someone we know. As great as this time of the year is, it can also be one of the most depressing times of the year for many people, particularly many elderly people. Many of us do not realize that there are many who do not have someone to spend Christmas with, much less receive presents. As the kids grow up and move away, as we are able to get around a little bit less than we used to, as friends move away or are no longer around, many find themselves alone. It may even be in your own family. If you know someone in this situation, be sure to visit them or invite them over to your house for some cheer. Your act of kindness will not go unnoticed by your heavenly Father. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in the name of Jesus will not go without its reward. A gentleman was in the office this past week. He asked us for some names that he could anonymously drop off some food and gifts. He didn't want anyone to know, but just felt he needed to share with others the blessings that the Lord had so generously given to him. It reminded me of a bumper sticker I saw some time ago. It read, "Practice Reckless Random Acts of Kindness." This season and beyond as we head toward a new millennium, let's go overboard in being kind to others. Enjoy your family this Christmas but also seek to be a blessing to someone else. Christmas baskets are being distributed this week. If you know of someone in need, please let the office know. I want to say, 'Thank You" to Mallory Jaynes and the LTC Teenagers for taking the lead in collecting and distributing the baskets this year. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them. HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND GREAT WEEK!!! "For
to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be
on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6
Happy Holidays ! from the Church Staff
Among our many blessings which we count this season are also those of love, and patience which you extend to us on an ongoing basis! Thank you and we love you with the love of the Lord!
Don't Miss The Party!! December 31st, beginning, 7:00 pm, at the building. Bring your favorite snacks and games
Ski Trip Tomorrow Bus leaves promptly at 6:15 AM. If you haven't filled out the release form (everybody needs to) and the rental form, if renting, please do so TODAY. Forms are at the kiosk, or see Dave or Mike. All are invited! Dave & Kathy Shaner's annual
Christmas Open House is this afternoon, from 1:00-5:00 pm
.
Calendar Of Events Dec 19; Shaner Open House 1:00-5:00
Prayers Are Requested Janetta Rose's father, Jim had heart surgery on Friday. Continue to pray for him as he recovers. Keep the Togo team members in prayer as they prepare to leave on January 7th for a seven month stop over in France. They will attend language school at Albertville before going on to Africa. (Keep all the "grandmas" in prayer, as well!) Keep Jodi Bonthius in prayer as she undergoes tests to see why she is sick, and can't seem to get well. Monica Keough would like prayers for her niece, Nah Kuhn Horn, who at age 7, has complete loss of hearing in her right ear, and has minimal hearing in her left ear. Keep Henry and Kay Acosta in prayer as they left last week and will be gone for two months. Mike and Shari Swaim left yesterday to drive to Branson to be with Matt, Angie and families. Keep them in prayer for a safe trip. Ken Arnold found out recently that he has Alzheimers. Keep him in prayer, a note or visit would be appreciated. Keep 3 year old Gavin Richardson in prayer. He is a friend of Jeff and Susan Lanphear who has been in a coma since a car accident two weeks ago. Did Brad Allen find a job yet? Keep praying if not!
Continue Prayers *Bill Elliott, Jan Almond's brother with cancer*
Good News! A recent phone call from Jerry Welch revealed that the medication is working on his shoulder and he won't need surgery! He continues to have therapy to build up the shoulder and back muscles. As a result, he and Christine may be home sooner than planned!
Spread Christmas Cheer! For those of you who would like to send a Christmas card to Pat Irmer's brother, his address is: John M. Irmer (46531)
From Todd... Last year Todd Banducci loaned a pair of dark blue ski pants "to someone". Since, he claims that his mind is going, whoever you are who borrowed his ski pants, for last year's ski trip to Schweitzer, he would like to have them back. Please contact him at 665-9110.
Acknowledgement We are excited to announce that Jack & Dee Pierce have agreed to head up our Benevolence program beginning in January! Thank you!!!
Ladies Bible Study Ladies, please remember to complete the survey showing your interest in a mid-week Ladies' Bible Study regarding Covenant. For questions, contact Nancy Callis, 772-6411. There are extra forms at the kiosk and a box to drop them in.
India Mission Info Jim Rude recently sent a note sharing with us about the hurricane that devastated India in October. "Orissa" is just north of the area where he had worked last year. It is also very close to the Leper colony which we support. Orissa state is the area of India where Brother J.C. Bailey worked and had started churches. Jim writes "On January 13th, 2000, my two sons, David and James and I will be going to Orissa. We can each carry one extra, large suit case of clothing which we will be getting from our clothing bank here. But we would like to also bring the India brethren more. You have already done so much, so it is hard to ask, but the situation demands that I do everything I can. So if there is any way the church might join with Astoria and others, we would appreciate a welcome contribution. May the Lord bless you in all you do, Jim Rude" (Contact the church office
right away if you would like to donate clothes or money for India as Jim
will be here this Tuesday for a few days.)
It's a Boy!!! Holding off until Christmas break, after the Christmas program and right on schedule (Kathy's).....last Friday morning, Dec. 17th at 5:08 am, Thomas Jon Taylor came into the world to greet his parents, Steve and Kathy Taylor! Thomas weighed 7 lbs, 13 ozs and is 20 inches long. Mother and baby are doing fine, as is dad!
Mike's Memos BLENDED BELIEFS MAY PLEASE ME, BUT DO THEY OFFEND GOD??!! In years gone by, when one spoke of being spiritual, his listeners assumed that he was speaking about Christian spirituality. This can no longer be assumed. In the late 1980's George Barna and Gallup Polls indicated that there would soon be a spiritual revival in America. I assumed it would be a Christian resurgence; hopefully one which would transform our society. But I questioned whether they knew what they were talking about since I saw little evidence of genuine revival in the church. But the spiritual revival they were talking about took place outside the Christian arena. A tremendous upsurge of interest has occurred in such things as New Age philosophies, Far Eastern mysticism, spectacular TV personalities, transcendental meditation, mediums, crystals, and witchcraft. The "spiritual revival" is primarily a pagan one. Post modernism plays a large part with its assertion that there is no absolute truth and that we must approve all views of God. America has responded accordingly. Barna and Gallup have shown us what Americans think. According to the poll: 86% claim to be "Christian," but 72% reject the idea of absolute truth; 20 % claim to be part of the totally heretical New Age movement; (Note the 6 % overlap) 61 % reject the fact that there is a literal hell or Satan; 40 % hold a pantheistic view of God; 26 % believe in reincarnation; 26 % believe that astrology is scientific; and 56 % believe that people earn their way to heaven by being good. Now what's Christian about all that? When Christianity is blended
with anything else, it ceases to be Christianity. In our politically correct
world, people are searching for a way not to offend anyone, so they try
blending several beliefs together into a spiritual "soup" which seems reasonable
to the world. God, however is not interested in what seems reasonable to
man. He is interested in what is RIGHT, and Jesus is the only right way
to God.
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples, Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" John 8: 31, 32 Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." John 14:6
CCS Corner Christian School Destroyed: The Namawojollo Christian School was destroyed recently by a severe wind storm. It is located in Lugazi, Uganda. They are in need of Bible materials and funds to rebuild the school. If you are interested in helping contact Dan DuPey.
A Department of Education Recent Enrollment Study: The projected enrollment for Christian Education is on the rise through the year 2002. Three of the schools in our National Christian School Association announced record enrollments this year: Jackson Tennessee Christian, Central Arkansas Christian, and Dallas Christian. Campbell Soup Labels: The Coeur d'Alene Christian School needs Campbell soup labels. Please bring them to the office or drop in the marked box in the foyer. Cereal Box Tops: General Mills cereal box tops are always needed. Please bring to the office or drop in the marked box in the foyer. Thank you for your support of CCS and have
a Happy Holiday! Dan
Don't forget to keep focused on the class Dave
is teaching Sunday mornings, REACH OUT. Learn how to help our visitors
to feel more welcome.
Bulletin Want Ads For Sale Onan Generator, 3 K Watts Good Condition, $500.00 Don Wills 664-1781
TO
SERVE December 26, 1999
Contact Dave Bruner
ASAP
if you are unable to serve.
PRAYER
HOT LINE - Lynelle
Dehlbom 667-7930
Assembly Times: Sunday:
Mid-Week Studies:
Dalton Gardens
Church of Christ
Church Office
Hours:
Statistics: WEEK OF 12/12/99
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