Family News

October 31, 2004

SHORT  BY
STUFF   DAVE SHANER

Is it possible to be just a 'Christian' in a world with so many different kinds of churches? Does it matter what the name is on the front of the church building? What did churches call themselves in the first century? The historical appeal of the churches of Christ throughout the last 150 years is/was that denominationalism among Christians is divisive and sinful. Jesus prayed in the garden for all of his followers to be one even as He and the Father were one. Most churches were started because someone disagreed with what someone was doing in their current church. Sometimes it was politically or personality related. Every group that refers to itself as Christians think of itself as following the scriptures. But even within these groups, you have people who don't believe that the scriptures are all-authoritative. In other words, even though they 'believe' the Bible, many don't see it as the ultimate rule of faith and practice. To them, other beliefs and practices are considered just as right as any other.
Any true Christian desires to be a part of Jesus' church. After all, the church is His bride and one day He is coming back to take her home to live with Him. I personally believe in the concept of undenominational Christianity. Part of the problem with maintaining an undenominational stance, however, is that it is so easy to become like what you hate. Alexander Pope said, 'Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. - Essay on Man. Is it possible that in our efforts to be undenominational, that we can endure it and then come to embrace it? We must continually go back to what scripture says in regard to who is a Christian. There is no official name for the Lord's church. It was never needed. You were either a Christian or you weren't. The same is still true today. All of the references to the Lord's church in the scripture were merely designation of who we are, not names. Sometimes they referred to themselves as the church of God, the bride of Christ, disciples of Christ, the Way, or the churches of Christ. Many of the New Testament churches had some serious problems but they were still the church. What was important was whether they had been added by God to His church. This comes through faith in Christ, repentance, and baptism. It comes in no other way. Sociologically, we feel the need to identify ourselves. After all, we need to list ourselves in the Yellow Pages. I am proud to be a part of the American tradition that refers to itself as the 'churches of Christ.' A person can not simply join 'the church of their choice' as if it were like joining a club. But let's also remember that it is not the name on the door that counts but if you are indeed a Christian according to what God's Word says not what man says.

Have a Great Week!!

Jesus said to the paralytic, 'I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home.'  - Mark 2:11

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE!!

Tonight, at 5:30 p.m., we will be having a special worship assembly. All of our LIFE GROUPS are requested to be in attendance as well as anyone who is not currently a member of a particular LIFE GROUP. The groups have been a blessing to so many, but we would like to bring them all together on the fifth Sunday of a month for a common encouragement and worship experience.

Senior Saints,
you are invited to....

Keenage Banquet 2004

'A Rain Forest Adventure'

Dalton Gardens church of Christ
Small Auditorium
Saturday, November 6th
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Please sign up on the kiosk.

Ladies Thanksgiving Tea

Ladies of all ages, you are invited to a Thanksgiving Tea at the home of Marcie Nelson on Saturday, November 13, at 12:00 p.m. Come with a spirit of thankfulness and fellowship and your favorite finger foods to share. Meet at the church building at 11:00 a.m. for car pooling. Directions to Marcie's house can be found at the kiosk.

Orphan Sunday

The Churches of Christ 2nd Annual Orphan Sunday in partnership with Lifeline of Hope is scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 14th. Many congregations will be taking up a special contribution and working together to reach a goal of one million dollars and relieve the suffering of 15,000 orphan children in many countries all over the world for an entire year.

Shepherd's Corner

Spiritual growth is about focus. Hebrews 12 says that we are to look at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. That focus is essential. People who look to circumstances for direction or inspiration find nothing to sustain them. But those who look to Jesus remain productive and growing. We have all heard coaches say, "Keep your eye on the ball". It really didn't matter if it was baseball, football, basketball, or tennis. It was always the same. Watch that ball. You can't hit the ball if you don't see it. You can't catch the ball if you don't keep your eye on it. You can't be a great athlete, no matter what sport you choose, without a great amount of focus. In the same way, keeping your eyes focused and fixed on Jesus Christ as the goal of your life will always make you a winner!

- For the Shepherds

Ladies' Craft Day!

Bring your projects and join the fun! Saturday, November 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the kitchen. You should bring your craft supplies, a lunch, a dish to share for a potluck supper, and a small craft supply item to donate as a prize for lots of drawings. There will be craft bingo, snacks, fellowship and lots of fun! If you're not a crafter, come and learn something new. Join us for all or part of this fun-filled (and productive) day. All are welcome, so bring a friend. Sign up on the kiosk.

Angels?

One day last week, Kim got a call in the office from a lady in the community asking about our benevolent outreach program. When she learned about our Sew N' Love cuddle bags she brought in ten blankets to put in them. She wouldn't leave her name or address so we have no way of personally thanking her other than by hoping she will receive one of our bulletins. Angels hmmm it makes you wonder doesn't it?

Calendar of Events

Oct. 31 - Sunday Night 5:30 p.m. - All LIFE Groups
Nov. 2 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
Nov. 2 - 10:30 a.m. - Sew N' Love Ladies Bible Class
Nov. 6 - Keenage Banquet - 6:30 p.m. - Sm. Auditorium
Nov. 13 - Ladies Thanksgiving Tea at Marcie Nelson's
Nov. 19-21 - Come Before Winter at the Rude's Cabin
Nov. 20 - Ladies Craft Day! 10 a.m. -10 p.m.

Prayer Requests

Jo Allen is still struggling at home with several illnesses. She is taking medication for a sinus infection, bronchitis and pneumonia. Keep her in your prayers.

Sandra Welch asks us to continue praying for her mother who is still in ICU since her surgery last Thursday.

Jeff Nirk has requested prayers for Joe Jovanovich, Janet Jovanovich's (Jeff's mother) husband, who is scheduled for a pacemaker replacement.

The Rohrenbach Family ask prayers for their family in Montana. They are going through a difficult time.

Betty Wilhoite is at home recovering from knee surgery and a bout with a bug.

Pray for Don Craig, Pat Riggs' brother, who is still not well.

George Parrish, Earlene's father, age 97, still needs our prayers during this time of the loss of his wife, Lorraine.

Remember to keep in your prayers: Christopher Henrikson, Daniel Moberg, & Cameron Davis are serving in Iraq.

The Kabiye Christians and the Team of Workers continue to need our prayers as they deal with circumstances much more difficult then we are used to. There are new Christians in several of the villages. Praise the Lord!

Pray for the Archers as they are away from us traveling.

Continue Praying For...... Lauren Nutt, Leona Howard, Jenny Evans, Darlene Bowsher, Kris Hanson, Kathy Hayes, Chris Timmons, Shelby Nirk, Don Pederson.

Welcome Home!

We are thrilled to have Mike Kish and Matt Rude back home for a couple of weeks before deploying oversees.

November 2nd...... John Jay, first U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice said 'Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for our rulers.' Please remember to vote next Tuesday!

Mike's Memos.....

Coming Youth Events:
*Keenage Banquet - Nov. 6
*'Come Before Winter' Retreat - Nov. 19-21
*Bible Bowl Challenge with Richland & Kennewick - Dec. 11

Victory, not despair.....

Throughout the Bible, Jesus used the phrase I Am again and again. He said I Am.....
*the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
*the Light of the World (John 8:12)
*the Good Shepherd (John 10:14)
*the Way, the Truth, & the Life (Jn.14:6)

The title, I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 14:6), is one that shouts out Jesus' authority over life and death. During his ministry, Jesus confronted death directly, and defeated it. Remember Jairus' daughter, or the only son of the widow of Nain, or Lazarus? Then, after his own crucifixion and burial, Jesus confirmed the words of John 11:25 with his own resurrection. Sometimes we misunderstand the message, or just don't have enough information.

A favorite story comes from England many years ago. The people were anxiously waiting the news from a major battle at Waterloo. They had no phones or radios. Messages were sent by semaphore signals or flags. The man on the top of Winchester Cathedral waiting for a message saw the signal, 'Wellington defeated' just as the fog rolled in. Everyone believed their great general had been beaten. Despair settled in. Later in the day, the fog lifted and the message was repeated. It was the same, but it was followed by two additional words the fog had blotted out before: 'Wellington defeated the enemy.' The despair lifted!

The same happened to Jesus' followers. Right after the crucifixion they believed all was lost. But soon the cry, 'He is risen' began to ring from homes and cities and countries. Jesus wasn't defeated, death was. Jesus wasn't defeated, sin was. Jesus wasn't the victim, he was the victor: 'I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.' (John 11:25) Remember that whenever you are discouraged. It may put everything into perspective. (article from Bruce Grice, church bulletin)

MARQUEE.......

Several have commented about the messages on our new sign, and I appreciate the fact that you are reading and enjoying them. The Marquee is also an excellent tool for touching and communicating with our community. Some of you have already been supplying me with good sayings/ quotations to display, and I am glad to have your suggestions. I can't use them all, but it gives me lots to choose from. Thanks.

C.C.S. CORNER SCHOOL NEWS

When Jesus was telling parables about the kingdom of heaven, he said, 'Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.' God has given us everything that we have. He has entrusted us with His property to use to further his kingdom. I feel like the church here does a great job of using the property that God has given us to its fullest potential. It is a rare occasion to drive past the church building and see an empty parking lot. The building is truly used for community outreach, fellowship of our church family, and educating us to grow closer to the Father. I know that at times we must compromise in order to facilitate all of our activities, but to me that seems a blessing to think that this building gets used on many days for more than twelve hours! When Jesus returns, I know that he will be more pleased to see a well-used church building than a pristine structure that has been buried in the ground for fear that something bad might happen to it. -Mrs. Nelson

Remember:
November 3rd - End of First Quarter
No school - November 11th - Staff Work Day
No school - November 14th - Parent Conferences
Half day - Nov. 24th'- 26th - Thanksgiving Break

The 9th Annual C.C.S. Craft Fair
December 4th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

If you are interested in helping with the C.C.S. craft fair or would like a booth, please contact Patty Welter at 773-8673 or Jamie Bradshaw at 682-4290. Thanks!

Christian Pumpkins

A lady recently being baptized was asked by a coworker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied, It's like being a pumpkin:

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Thank You!

Thank you for your prayers over the loss of my Aunt and step-dad. We really appreciate you. - Sandra Welch

Dave Hopkins is looking for a small apartment, one that will accepts pets. If anyone knows of one that is available please call Dave at 660-5109.

BIBLE BUILDERS MEMORY VERSES

Children's Sunday A.M. Bible Classes
For the month of Oct. - Romans 8:28

3 years - K:
'In all things, God works for the good.'

1st - 3rd Grade:
'We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.'

4th - 6th Grade:
'And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'

Family Care Ministry

This ministry is off to a good start. We appreciate everyone in the church family filling out membership cards on Sundays, the Life Groups and their leaders for making weekly contacts with all those who are absent, and our shepherds as they will be making calls on those with special needs. It feels good to be part of a family that cares.

World Bible School needs you!

If you can help mail out correspondence, grade papers or similar tasks, please see Robert Mullaly or notify the church office. Thank you!

TO SERVE November 7^th, 2004

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Sunday:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

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