We are looking forward to this coming Sunday as our own Bob Perry brings to us some lessons on the theme of Spiritual Renewal: Transforming the Mind. What a wonderful opportunity and time to invite a guest to come and see what true Christianity and Bible-based spirituality has to offer them. Bob is an experienced speaker and has given many presentations to various groups nationally on educational and organizational issues as well as personal improvement and developing a spiritual purpose.

All our teens and adult classes will be combined in the auditorium for the 9:30 hour. Also remember there will be a potluck luncheon for the entire congregation following the Sunday morning service that day. And in addition to the regular Sunday assembly hours, there will be a special two hour session from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. This will be an informal and interactive session dealing with practical strategies for healthy weight control, making life improvements, and sustaining positive change. Let's all plan to be present, to learn, and to grow in our Christianity by being more spiritually focused.

If you have not been attending Bible class on Sunday mornings this would be a great time to begin anew or start back again. We need to always bear in mind the great need for each of us to be growing in our personal faith and service to the Lord. If you are not currently attending a Bible class you are missing a powerful opportunity to feed your soul and strengthen your faith. Faith comes by hearing! (Romans 10:17) Deaf ears lead to a dull and drifting faith. (Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:11)

Therefore it is crucial from the youngest to the oldest to increase our knowledge. (2 Pt. 3:18) Being in Bible class helps us understand God's Word rightly and it can create spiritual growth in our life. (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pt. 2:2) Make an extra effort and seek out a class to build your faith. I would personally invite all the young professional-adults and married couples/families to our class that meets upstairs in the annex. We are growing each week in number but more importantly striving to grow in our fellowship and involvement in the kingdom.

Friend, determine now to begin developing the habit of being here for Bible classes each week. You'll be richly blessed in doing so!

--Robert--(robprater@sbcglobal.net)

After Al Horne's visit here last week, the elders made the decision to contribute $1,000 to the library fund of Southern Africa Bible College. This has been a critical need for the college to continue to meet its requirements for accreditation.

After our morning worship service, we will have a potluck meal together. Please bring enough food for your family and a guest.

Thank you for the fruit and candy at Christmas.

Fay Crosby has moved from ICU to room 208 at Unity Health Center. She has been experiencing congestive heart failure.

Sarah Smith was admitted to Baptist Medical Center on Thursday of last week expecting to be there several days. She is in room 981 East.

James Childers is scheduled to have back surgery at Bone and Joint Hospital on Wednesday of this week.

Chuck Carter returned home from the hospital on Monday after having back surgery on Thursday.

Chad Beard is scheduled to have outpatient eye surgery at Dean McGee Eye Institute at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday of this week.

Dorothy Norton's sister, Becky Rushing, is in room 202 at Unity Health Center.

Ruby Holt's sister, Pat West, is now home.

Fay Crosby's sister, Nora Cole, has returned to her home in Drumright after spending several weeks in Baptist Hospital.

Diane Lawerance has requested that we remember her aunt, Barbara Hembree, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

Zane Qualls's mother is experiencing poor health in Stillwater, and your prayers are requested.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Melba Boston, Betti Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Fay Crosby, Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Bill Fleming, Mary Gaines, Jack Gettle (Tracy Gettle's dad), Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Carol Mahnke, 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, 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.

Youth News
Bob Stephens

Congratulations to Courtney Baskin! Courtney turned sixteen last Sunday. She will be driving the streets of Shawnee in a couple of weeks. Good luck with your test Courtney!

Guys and girls mark your calendar now for March 3 & 4. That's the time for Spring Visit (for Juniors and Seniors) and Spring Sing at Oklahoma Christian. Juniors and Seniors can register on-line to attend Spring Visit by visiting OC's Website (www.oc.edu) Spring Visit is a great opportunity for them to meet other prospective students and to learn more about the school. It starts Friday evening and concludes with Spring Sing on Saturday afternoon. The rest of us (6^th - 10^th graders) will go out to OC Saturday to visit the campus and watch Spring Sing. I'll have more info on ticket prices in the next couple of weeks. But mark your calendars now!

535 W. Federal, Shawnee, OK 74804

Betti Boswell, #81

Emma Wilson, #82

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

Shawnee, OK 74802

Louise Barrett, #17

Mary Martin, #14

Millie Riley, #35

500 N. Dawson Lane, Meeker, OK 74855

Mary Sorenson, #39

1202 W. Gilmore, Shawnee, OK 74804

Harold Carothers, #401A

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

Tecumseh, OK 74873

Fay Crosby, #2B

Alice Rice, #51

Floy Turner, #49

P. O. Box 1168, Talihina, OK 74571

Carl Worley

"Many of us are hunting spiritual mice -
while a roaring lion devours the land."
Anonymous -- 8^{)