AMONG FRIENDS

with Robert Prater

TEN RULES FOR IMPROVING ATTITUDES IN THE CHURCH

1. Tell yourself over and over that since you are not perfect, you would not fit into a "perfect" congregation if one existed.

2. Instead of picking out the worldly members to point to, select the sincere dedicated, spiritual members, and thank God for them.

3. If you are old, treat the young with the consideration you desired as a young person. If you are young, treat adults with the respect you will want when you are mature.

4. When you are tempted to criticize others, be sure to pray earnestly for them first. This may not change them, but it will do wonders for your attitude.

5. When you see a work neglected, instead of being critical, offer to help.

6. Never blame others for your own failures. Every individual can be faithful to God in spite of the bad examples and discouraging attitudes of others.

7. Remind yourself every day that the way you can improve the world or the church is to begin with self.

8. Consciously look for the good qualities in each brother and sister in Christ; make a mental note of the good points each possesses.

9. Constantly strive to increase your circle of associates in the church. Try to do something for each.

10. Every congregation has problems. Constantly ask yourself, "Am I a part of the problem, a part of the solution, or merely a critical spectator?"

(From West End Watchman via the Olathe, Kansas Church of Christ)

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

LADIES APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

There will be a special luncheon for all ladies of the Central congregation on Sunday, April 30 immediately following the morning worship service. Please mark your calendars now. You will be contacted with more information at a later date.

NEW STUDY

An adult class taught by Chuck Carter began a study in the Book of Hebrews last Sunday morning. If you would like to study this book, you’re invited to come and be with us. We meet in the fellowship room.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Dwyane Dennis’s email address has changed to silverfox3758@sbcglobal.net Marcia Dennis’s email address has changed to mrsmadmad@sbcglobal.net By the way, Marcia isn’t mad at anyone. Those letters are her initials.

THANK YOU

Dear Christian Friends, Thank you so much for the prayers and cards in the loss of my brother. We love you, Boyd & Joann Cheney

PRAYER CONCERNS

Clovie Dossey has been in Unity Health Center room 407 for a week. She is showing some improvement. Roe Honaker was admitted to Unity Health Center, room 408, last Saturday evening with flu and pneumonia. Louise Honaker returned home from McBride Orthopedic Hospital on Saturday following knee surgery. Bertha Comb’s brother-in-law, Gene Vale, is in serious condition at Unity Health Center, room 406. Barbara Pruett’s daughter, Julie Gregory is improving at home after a major auto accident last week. Julie is the granddaughter of Alta Carroll. Kathryn Shields’s stepdaughter, Donna Marcum has recently learned that she has lymphoma. At last report she was in a Tyler, Texas hospital. Royce Peerson was discharged from Unity Health Center and is back home in Holdenville. James Childers has been discharged from McBride Orthopedic Hospital following surgery and is now in the McLoud Nursing Home. If his rehabilitation continues well, he may be able to return home soon. Ed O’Neal is now living in Colonial Estates, room 56. Please continue to remember all these in your prayers.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

"Silence is golden" is a very old adage. Someone responded, "Yes, but sometimes it is just plain yellow."

Solomon said, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." Prov. 17:28. And again, there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." Eccl. 3:7.

Someone else said, "It is better to be quiet and let people think you to be a fool than to speak and remove all doubt."

When controversies arise, silence speaks volumes. There are times when our failure to speak up aids and abets the enemy.

When David’s brothers questioned his motives, he replied, "Is there not a cause?" 1 Samuel 17:29.

There are issues of such small consequence that no reply is needed. There are others which demand attention. When false brethren went to Antioch and said, "Unless you are circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved" that was very serious. It could not pass unnoticed. Paul and others went to Jerusalem and a lengthy discussion of the matter ensued. It was settled once and for all. Acts 15.

When Christ was on trial, he was mostly silent. But, when questioned about his divine sonship, he could not deny himself (2 Tim. 2:13), so he answered. Mark 14:61-62.

There are many basic doctrines being questioned today. It is not enough to believe the right things, we need to speak up for the truth. It is still true that all is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to be silent.

Like Paul, let us say, "I believed, and therefore have I spoken." 2 Cor. 4:13.

Lewis G. Hale, Southwest, Oklahoma City

Youth News

Bob Stephens

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Courtney Baskin received her driver’s license and Austin Beard turned sixteen. Well, Austin has his license and they both have cars. Congratulations Courtney and Austin!

Over the weekend Leslie Gettle and the Shawnee girls soccer team participated in a tournament in Nobel. Leslie and the Lady Wolves won 3^rd place after winning an exciting last game Saturday evening. Way to go Les!

Remember that LTC is fast approaching! The dates are April 14 and 15. From now until then we will be working quite a bit on several things. Try your best to be at the practices on time and ready to work on bettering yourselves in service to God!

COMING EVENTS:

March 26, Sunday – Scrapbook after A.M. worship. Lunch will be provided.

LOOKING AHEAD

April 1, Ladies Day, Southwest, Ada, "Greenhouse of the Heart," Anne Coleman; see bulletin board

April 2, Daylight Saving Time begins

April 2 – 5, Gospel meeting, McLoud, Jess Whitlock

April 5, Ladies Class meets at 10:30 a.m.; monthly luncheon follows

April 27 – 30, Gospel meeting, Highland, Jim Sheerer of Chickasha

April 28, 29, "Building a Successful Stepfamily Conference, Northridge, $60 per couple or individual, Ron L. Deal, Southwest, Jonesboro, Arkansas; see bulletin board; call 275-4180 for additional details

April 30, Central ladies luncheon following morning worship

May 6, 27^th Annual Bible Teachers Workshop, "Encouraging the Encourager" (the Teacher), Eastside, Duncan; see bulletin board

"As Christians we accept one foundational truth - God -
and everything else makes sense. An atheist denies God
and has to accept incredible explanations for everything else.
It takes more faith to deny God than to believe in Him.
John MacArthur -- 8^{)