It is hard to believe that there now remains only two months of this year left. We know our year is winding down. Time is getting short for any goals or aspirations held for 2005. In just a few weeks we'll be saying, "It's over." Let's be reminded of the virtue of finishing well. Paul said, "I have finished the course." (2 Tim. 4:7) Before our minds begin to be consumed with a coming new year and its opportunities, we must give attention to all that is before us now; all of our obligations and opportunities, all of our duties and privileges that we have today.

The apostle Paul speaks of one of the greatest spiritual blessings we have as Christians when he tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing." But, what exactly does he mean by that? Are we to take this literally and to always pray no matter what we are doing regardless of anything that is going on around us? That would be tough to do. Let me use an illustration that might help us understand this. There is a way to communicate with the computer and Internet called Instant Messaging or IM. This means that you can communicate with anyone on the Internet that has the same program while they are online. It's like a telephone connected all the time, but instead of talking, you type. When you do IM someone a window pops up on their screen which allows you to talk to them. The great thing about doing this is that you can work on other things on your computer at the same time. There are times when the phone rings, someone comes into the office or when you just don't have anything to say at the moment. Yet, the window remains active and open, even though no communication is going on. But, because it's open and connected, whenever you return or decide to say something again, it's easy to pick up where you left off.

Praying continually is a lot like that. We need to live in such a way that our lines with God are always open and available. It's like waking up in the morning and saying, "Dear God" and then just before going to bed saying, "Amen." Praying continually is about living a life ready for prayer. There will never be a time or place that we can't resume communication with our Father. He is always "online." He is always "connected." He is ready to listen. Friends, continue to make prayer a priority and let's always be ready to "take it to the Lord in prayer."

We extend our best wishes to Darlene and Jeff Todd on the birth of a new son, Jesse Wayne Todd on Thursday, October 27 at 11:01 p.m. Jesse weighed seven pounds, 13 ½ ounces and was 20 ½ inches long. He is the brother of Hannah and the grandson of Burl and Barbara Vanlandingham and Betty and Jack Rye. Geraldine Outlaw and Alvie Vanlandingham are great grandparents. All are well.

(Central sent large contributions to two churches in Louisiana and to Ocean Springs, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Ocean Springs is where Dwyane and Marcia's daughter and son-in-law worship.)

Dear Friends, August 29, 2005, will never be forgotten in the history of the entire Gulf Coast, but amid the difficulties it brought to our community, we have found many blessings. The love that our brothers and sisters in Christ have shown us stands chief among those blessings.

Hurricane Katrina affected our entire church family on some level. Specifically, 19 of our families had at least several feet of water rush through their homes, destroying possessions and memories along the way. Seven other families had flood waters enter their homes, destroying furniture and requiring them to rip out sheet rock, flooring, and baseboards. In addition, several other families faced damage to roofs, trees, and fences. Sadly, most of the financial blows we received will not be offset by insurance or governmental assistance.

We have been amazed, however, to see our needs met quickly, generously, and with love by our Christian brothers and sisters all over this country, and in some instances, from around the world! Our deepest emotions have been stirred by this outpouring of love, even more so than any emotions that came with the suffering caused by the storm.

We want to communicate to everyone that gave that every dollar we've received so far has gone toward restoring homes of our members. It has been given to specific members in some instances, it has purchased new air-conditioning units, and it will go toward flooring and cabinets and paint and roofs and everything else necessary to get the lives of our members back to normal. It is our hope that we will have more money than we need when all is said and done, but to this point, all the money has been directed toward restoring the lives of the 26 plus families here that were upset by the storm. If there is more, it will be passed on to other families in need.

The words "thank you" seems so inadequate to describe the way we feel when we consider what you have done for us. More than money, you have given your hearts, and in doing so, you have given us hope. We thank you for that from the bottom of our hearts.

In Christian love, Al Sturgeon, Preaching Minister

The children of the late Doris Whittern wish to express their gratitude for all the many kindnesses shown to their mother during her long illness. They especially wish to express their appreciation for those who attended the service and for the flowers.

Verna Nell Young was admitted to Unity Health Center on Friday. She is in room 318.

Marlene Wadkins is now in rehabilitation in room 613 at Baptist Medical Center.

Ruth Autrey had knee replacement surgery on October 25^th and is now in room 306 at Unity Health Center South for rehabilitation.

Phyllis Heald has been transferred to Solara Hospital, room 220. She is still on a ventilator.

Zane Qualls is scheduled to have his shoulder surgery on Thursday of this week in California.

Sue Riedel's son-in-law, Gary Burlison, is now at home.

It was good seeing Melba Boston and Lillie Smith able to be back in worship Sunday.

Harvey Moore received a good report on his recent tests in Houston.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Melba Boston, Betti Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Mary Gaines, Jack Gettle (Tracy Gettle's dad), Geneva Green, Phyllis Heald, Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Mary Martin, Mike Martin (Jim & Cathy Pettyjohn's son-in-law) Don Allen McNutt, Harvey Moore, Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Millie Riley, Sarah Smith, Mary Sorensen, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Marlene Wadkins, 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