AMONG FRIENDS
with Robert Prater

We had a wonderful Lord's Day this past Sunday. We truly shared together in some excellent worship, study, and Christian fellowship. We certainly enjoyed some outstanding lessons presented to us by our own Bob Perry. His messages helped all of us to think more seriously about our Christianity by addressing the need for spiritual renewal through the positive transformation of our minds. Thank you Bob! We also enjoyed a wonderful fellowship meal together. Ladies, once again the food was terrific. What a blessing it is to be with fellow Christians in a time of special teaching and fellowship.

It is always a pleasure and a great benefit for me to attend the Oklahoma Christian lectureships as I did earlier this week. One of the best highlights for me is always the chance to see many preachers and other friends. This year, throughout certain times of the lectureship program, they recognized some great servants in the body of Christ with the distinguished "Christian Servant Award." This was especially meaningful to me personally because one of those recipients was brother Hershel Dyer, the former and long time faithful gospel preacher for the Tenth and Rockford Church of Christ in Tulsa. This was my home congregation growing up and where my parents still attend. Brother Dyer has exemplified in his life a true servant's heart. He had a tremendous impact and influence on my life and he is one of the greatest mentors I've had in my local preaching work. And even though brother Dyer is getting on in years he still has a passion for the Lord and teaching and preaching His word.

Finally please remember the Bible Question Box in the foyer for you to submit any Bible related questions. The box will remain there until Wednesday, February 1. The questions will be answered in a series of Sunday night lessons beginning in February. Please consider making the most of this opportunity. Write down any specific Bible questions, topics, or texts in which you have an interest or concern and you would like to have addressed from the pulpit.

We extend our loving sympathy to Tracy Gettle and his family in the loss of Tracy's father, Jack Gettle. Graveside services were conducted in Resthaven Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon.

We also extend our sympathy to the family of Linda Guadiz, the daughter of the late Ruth Nevills. Linda passed away in the arms of her husband and children at Washington University Hospital in Seattle on January 18. When Linda wrote her mother's obituary in November she concluded by saying, "Rest in peace, dear Mother, till we meet again." Linda was diagnosed with acute leukemia just two and a half weeks before her death. Her sister, Martha, has written for today and until the return of Jesus Christ, "Rest In peace, dear Linda, till we meet again! Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Snuffy and Leona Smith announce the arrival of their first great grandchild. Zoey Faye Conners was born January 21 weighing eight pounds nine ounces. The grandmother is Jerilyn Smith. Parents are Brian and Jeni (Simpson) Conners of Henderson, Nevada.

There will be a Valentine's party for all adults Saturday, February 11, at 6:00 in the evening in the fellowship room. The cost is $8.00 per person. There is a signup sheet on the table in the foyer. Please pay Denise Beard or Maggie Prater by Sunday, February 5^th.

Thank you so much for the outpouring of love during my father's illness and his passing. The food and visits to the house and the dinner after the funeral were so thoughtful. We appreciate so much Dale leading the singing. My family was very touched by the love and kindness shown by our church family.

In Christian love, The Gettle Family

Dear Christian Friends, Thank you all for the visits, telephone calls, and cards that were sent to me. I appreciate every one of them. I am sorry to be so late writing this note, but I am kept pretty busy going to the hospital three times a week for physical therapy on my leg. I look forward to being back in church very soon. In Christ's love,

I want to thank the church for the Christmas gift of fruit and candy and nuts. I enjoyed it. Thank you, Nadine Collins

Dear Church Friends, Thank all of you who helped and brought me the holiday treats, and I am sorry I did not respond sooner. God bless all of you. Ethel Fast

Central Church of Christ, Late, but a double "Thank you" for the Christmas goodies. I appreciate the time and effort of those who worked and gave their time to do this for the older people of the congregation. A special thanks to John and Beverly Aylor who delivered mine. Leoh Roberts

Fay Crosby is now in Solara Hospital, room 232.

James Childers is recovering from back surgery at Bone and Joint Hospital, room 324. He will be there for some time.

Chad Beard had outpatient eye surgery on Thursday of last week and is doing well.

Sarah Smith is home from the hospital.

Dorothy Norton's sister, Becky Rushing, is home from the hospital. She is to have an epidural on Wednesday of this week to assist pain management.

Zane Qualls's mother, Elmira Qualls, is in extremely critical condition at St. Anthony Hospital, room 9613. They request your prayers.

It was good to see Ruth Autrey able to be back in worship this past Sunday.

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, 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.

01 Thelma Divine

02 Andy Stephens

02 Matt Stephens

02 Marlene Wadkins

03 Roe Honaker - 90^th ! ! !

04 Greg Beal

04 Boyd Cheney

04 Lettie Kay Curtis

06 Steve Kelly

06 Carolyn Mastick

06 Rebecca Pickard

07 Pauline Adams

07 Cathy Pettyjohn

11 Zachary Qualls

12 Ellen Childers

12 Timothy Hudgins

13 Cayla Miller

14 Dennis Taylor

19 Lynn Harmon

23 Austin Beard

23 Bob Seikel

25 Dorothy Norton

27 Lisa Carter

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

15 Jim & Janet Walling - 49^th

We extend our best wishes to all who are experiencing birthdays and anniversaries in February. We especially offer our congratulations to Roe Honaker on his 90^th birthday.

Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and receives and thus, like mercy, is twice blessed.