We express our heartfelt love and sympathy to Nora Cole, Joe and Amber Curtis, and all the family of Fay Crosby. Fay departed this life on Friday, February 3. Dwyane Dennis conducted funeral services at Cooper Funeral Chapel on Tuesday afternoon, and the interment was at Little. Fay was a faithful Christian for many years. She is deeply missed.

We also express our sympathy to former member, Jennifer Cartwright, in the recent loss of her father, Charles McMakin. He was also a cousin to Margaret and Fredith Hanifan.

February has traditionally been known as a month of love. Of course, next Tuesday, is Valentine's Day. This is a day when many people will say and give gifts to demonstrate those three special words, "I love you." In his excellent commentary on the Book of Philippians, Avon Malone wrote that Philippi was Paul's "sweetheart" church because he said to them, "I have you in my heart." (Phil. 1:7) He said, "that term may sound too sugary for some, but those who preach can appreciate it." I certainly can. Brother Malone used to say, "almost every preacher will have his Corinth, but every preacher NEEDS his Philippi." I truly believe and am grateful that we have that same special relationship here at Central.

God's Word frequently speaks about this special kind of love. It's called "agape" love. Its spiritual love that seeks the highest and greatest good of another with NO strings attached. There's an old song that says, "I want to be loved like that," and the good news is that we are! The Bible says, "God is love." (1 Jn. 4:8) God demonstrated His love by giving His one and only Son to die for us and our sins. (Jn. 3:16, Rom. 5:8)

This is "agape" love. One beautiful hymn says: "Faithful love, flowing down from the thorn-covered crown, makes me whole, saves my soul, washes whiter than snow. Faithful love calms each fear, reaches down, dries each tear, holds my hand when I can't stand on my own. Faithful love, from above, came to earth to show the Father's love. And I'll never be the same, for I've seen faithful love face to face, and Jesus is His name."

Friends may the words spoken by the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica always be yours; "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work." (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

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

AM - Am I My Brother's Keeper?

PM - Bible Question Series - Ghosts & spirits, Guardian angels, and the words written over the cross.

There will be a VBS planning meeting after the Sunday evening services on February 26 in the fellowship room. This meeting is for everyone who has volunteered to help in the past and/or is interested in helping in some way with our VBS this summer. See Robert Prater for more.

Dear Christian Family, James Childers will have surgery to re-close the incision from his back surgery tomorrow afternoon (this past Monday). We are hoping he can be released to come home on Friday. Thank you for all expressions of caring and prayers. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. We love you all. James & Ellen Childers

Carol Mahnke will meet with doctors at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston on Friday and undergo tests next week. Please keep Carol in your prayers.

Alvie Vanlandingham has been moved to a skilled nursing facility at Sunset Estates in Tecumseh where his pneumonia is improving. At 103, he's finding adjustment to a new environment to be difficult.

James Childers is hoping to return home later this week from Bone and Joint Hospital after his back surgery. He is in room 313.

Melba Boston is having a difficult time with her chemotherapy. Your prayers are appreciated.

Sue Riedel's son-in-law, Gary Burlison, had surgery on January 30 to implant a shunt to drain fluid from his head injury.

Cathy Pettyjohn's sister, Juanita Sims, had surgery last Monday morning. She is progressing well.

Leona Smith is still undergoing tests.

Zane Qualls's mother, Elmira Qualls, has been moved to Grace Living Center, 940 S.W. 84^th, Oklahoma City, OK 73139. She remains in critical condition.

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Betty Bernard, Melba Boston, Betti Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Bill Fleming, Mary Gaines, Barbara Hembree (aunt of Diane Lawerance), 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, Niki Peltier, Elmira Qualls, (Zane Qualls' mother), Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Millie Riley, Sarah Smith, Mary Sorensen, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Emma Wilson, Carl Worley, and Viola Yates All these members and friends have continuing health concerns or other special circumstances. They appreciate your interest and prayers.

We have a couple of things coming up this weekend. Saturday evening the teens will be helping to serve at the Valentine's Party at the church building and Sunday we will be going to Norman for the afternoon to watch the OU women play basketball. I'm not sure on the times for Saturday, but I will let you know when I find out. Sunday, however, we will be leaving the building after morning worship to eat lunch out then head to the Lloyd Noble Center to watch the game at 2:15. After the game we will be going to the Westside church for dinner and the AWTG. We should be home by 8:30. The only money you need to worry about is for lunch (fast food) and maybe something to snack on at the game. There's no cost for the tickets and we have 20 of them, so don't miss out on the great day.

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