Our love and sympathy go to the family of Ruth Pratt. Ruth departed this life on Wednesday evening, and former East Main minister, Dan Fredman, of Broken Bow conducted services Monday morning at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel. Ruth was a devoted Christian and one of the most beloved teachers for many years in the Shawnee Schools. Her illness kept her from being with us in worship for the past several years, we rejoice with her in her arrival at a better place.

Our prayers and best wishes go with Lloyd and Tess Tucker and their family who have returned to Florida. Tess is the daughter of Carol Mahnke and Lloyd is the brother of Evelyn Dunavan and Lorie Farris. The Tuckers' new address is 3908 Hall Rd., Big Pine Key, FL 33043.

How we minister in our world is very important. We often times discuss means, methods, and programs on how to bring the lost to Christ. We want to think that it is possible for everyone to be reached and follow the Lord. But it is simply not true. (See Matthew 7:13-23) While we do not like to admit it, there are those who choose not to do what the Lord asks. The sources of this end are apostasy which comes as a result of compromise or false teaching. (see 1 Tim. 4:1-6, 2 Tim. 4:1-5)

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, a young evangelist, instructed him to set in order the church at Crete by appointing elders in the local congregation. (Titus 1:5) Paul then lays out the kind of spiritual character and quality for these leaders who are to oversee and shepherd the work of the church. In the last qualification that he gives, we see why it is so important to have these spiritual men when he says these men are to "hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince those who contradict." (Titus 1:9; see also vss. 10-11)

We must always keep vigilance and be prepared for those who would lead the church astray. To fail to acknowledge that this could happen to us would be like burying our heads in the sand. While not being extreme or paranoid, all Christians, especially elders and preachers must always be prepared to caution the church to not blow with the winds of the world.

We live in an upside down world. It is easy to want to follow the beat of a drummer whose cadence does not correspond with the gospel of Christ. It is possible for us to be swayed to listen more to the world than to the Word of God. But if we do so, we will find ourselves moving further away from the center of truth and what we are all about; namely, being the church of Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 3:15)

Friends, when was the last time you told the elders here at Central just how much you appreciate their godly, spiritual, and scriptural leadership that they give this congregation? I hope it hasn't been too long. "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." (1 Timothy 5:17)

The family of Gertrude Andes sincerely appreciated the prayers, visits, flowers, and all the thoughtful deeds done while our aunt was in need. And for us, when we needed you,

In Christian love, The Andes Family

The lovely floral arrangement you sent in Ola's memory was greatly appreciated. And thank you for all your prayers, cards, and visits. Her church family in Shawnee was always special to her.

Vivian Mills - For the family of Ola Fitzwater

Irene Coffman sends thanks for the holiday fruit she received.

The Tipton Home sends appreciation and gratitude for your support of their work by supplying groceries and other needs.

Thelma Franklin is in Unity Health Center, room 205 with bronchitis and pneumonia.
Geneva Green has been moved to room 601-B at Shawnee Care Center. She had a fall last week but had no major injuries.
Ray Davis, father of Paul Harris remained in Baptist Medical Center at preparation time of the Gospel Guide. He is improved and should be in a rehabilitation facility soon.
Eddie Morris remains in guarded condition in ICU at Baptist Medical Center.
Hazel Lee Behrnes and Alta Carroll have been unable to attend services due to bronchitis.
Cecil and Brenda Hickman, daughter and son-in-law of June Sharp, request your prayers for their friend, Gene Lennox. He has cancer, and doctors have given him a month to six weeks to live.
Anita Longey, who has attended our services several times, has requested our prayers for her brother, Bryan Carrender in the Marines who is being deployed to Iraq on February 18.
Emma Wilson was dismissed from Unity Health Center late last week.
It was good to see Betty Martin able to be in services again on Sunday evening.

We had a number of kids go to the AWTG in Norman Sunday afternoon. We went to an OU Women's basketball game and back to Westside for worship. The voices of around 500 teens is really something to hear when they are praising God in song. Our lesson was "Blessed are the pure in heart", appropriate for Valentine's Day. It's so important that we keep our hearts pure before God. A pure mind, a pure body and a pure heart will help us to see God.

Don't forget Chad's ball game next Sunday. I'm not sure of the cost yet, but I am sure it will be minimal.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Betti Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Harold & Clydean Decker, Mary Gaines, Geneva Green, Dwight Harber, Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Phil Lairson (Rosie Brightwell & Ellen Childers's nephew), Betty Martin, Mary Martin, Don Allen McNutt, Aubrey Mercer, Harvey Moore, Monroe Pettyjohn, Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Horace & Leoh Roberts, Lillie Smith, Sarah Smith, Mary Sorensen, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Charles Thomas, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Doris Whittern, Emma Wilson, Carl Worley, Viola Yates, and Verna Nell Young. All these members and friends have continuing health concerns or other special circumstances. They appreciate your interest and prayers.