The apostle Paul said in two separate passages of Scripture in the New Testament, "Give respect and honor to all to whom it is due" and "Honor your father and mother…" (Romans 13:7 and Ephesians 6:2) And who is more deserving of honor and respect than our mothers? Of course this coming Sunday our nation sets aside one very special day for Mother's Day. I am especially thankful for the strong Christian influence of my mother (and father). Abraham Lincoln was nine when his mother died. Her dying words were, "Be something Abe." He later paid the profound tribute to his mother: "All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." We all owe so much to our mothers and words are not adequate to express the depth of the love that we have for all of you who are Godly women. One writer has well said: "A Godly mother is more interested in her children's eternal life rather than in their successes in life. A Godly mother is more interested in her children's relationship with Jesus than in their popularity with the world. A Godly mother is more interested in her children's standing before God rather than their social standing with men." Isn't that so true?

Throughout the pages of the Bible, there are many examples of Godly women and mothers mentioned. Yet, I am so grateful for all the Godly, Christian woman that we continue to have before us right here at Central. There's no doubt in my mind that we have women here like Sarah, Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Dorcas, Lydia, Mary, Priscilla, Phebe and Hannah. Ladies, keep praying for us. I know we have women here who have passed on the sincere faith to their children like Lois and Eunice passed on to Timothy. (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15) Ladies, thank you for the example you've set for us. Like King Lemuel in Proverbs 31, we praise all you women who "fear the Lord." We praise you for who you are, what you stand for, and for what you've done for us. So, to my mom and every other mother, we say thanks and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! You are very special.

Thanks to all who called and came to check on us during our illness and surgery. Your prayers and encouragement were very much appreciated.

Thank you for all the telephone calls, personal messages, and cards regarding the loss of Cathy.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Betti Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Mary Gaines, Geneva Green, Dwight Harber, Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Delbert Knight (Ann Bivins & Vonda Merrill's brother) Betty Martin, Mary Martin, Don Allen McNutt, Aubrey Mercer, Harvey Moore, Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Millie Riley, 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.

CENTRAL MEMBERS & FRIENDS
IN NURSING HOMES

535 W. Federal, Shawnee, OK 74804

Emma Wilson, #82

38801 Hardesty Rd., (P.O. Box 1853)

Shawnee, OK 74802

Louise Barrett, #17

Mary Martin, #14

Millie Riley, #35

Charles Thomas, #32

1776 E. Robinson (P.O. Box 1668)

Norman, OK 73070

Carl Worley, First Floor East, #117

1705 Boren Blvd., Seminole, OK 74868

Betti Boswell, #64

1202 W. Gilmore, Shawnee, OK 74804

Harold Carothers, #108B

Geneva Green, #601B

201 W. Walnut (P. O. Box 630)

Tecumseh, OK 74873

Alice Rice, #51

Mary Sorensen, #56

Floy Turner, #49

Coming Events:

Several of the teachers in the congregation here at Central have been in the process of revamping and sorting through all the supplies in the teacher workroom. They have gathered a good supply of materials that they intend to donate to the Bell & Farrall and Wewoka congregations. Donation items will be on the tables in the Fellowship Room starting Sunday, May 8 and lasting until Saturday, May 14. Please come down to the Fellowship Room and glance at the items to make sure that you don't want anything that is yours to be donated. Anything unclaimed will be donated. Please keep in mind the best conditioned materials were kept. Thank you. For more information or questions please see Mary Gettle or Maggie Prater.