The Central teens have been working hard preparing for LTC which will take place this weekend in Tulsa. This event is to help promote Christian leadership and service skills among young people. The teens have been busy working on Bible quiz, chorus, drama, Bible reading, puppets, song leading, sermon delivery, scrap-booking, bulletin boards and other projects. Central has always been blessed with a wonderful youth group. I am reminded of 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV; "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." These young people have been working hard exemplifying this verse. They deserve our praise and recognition. We are so thankful to all the parents, coaches and supporters of LTC who have been working so faithfully with these young people. We are also especially thankful for Bob and Janet Stephens and all their hard work in coordinating this program and all the ongoing youth work at Central. Please continue to be supportive of all of these in your prayers and in your encouragement.

Over a billon people will celebrate Easter this weekend around the world by attending a special worship service. Both the celebration of Christmas and Easter as religious "holy" days are a human invention and did not originate from God's will. (See warning in Mt. 15:7-9; Col. 2:16-23) Someone may ask us though, "Well, how do you celebrate Easter then?" The answer is that we celebrate and honor the Lord's death, burial and resurrection by assembling to worship every first day of the week, the day on which He arose. (See Mt. 28:1; Acts 20:8; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10) The fact is that neither Jesus or His inspired apostles or the early church ever established celebrating Christ's resurrection during a special time of the year. The resurrection of Christ was always emphasized on the Lord's Day and in the weekly remembrance of the Lord's Supper on every first day of the week. (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-24)

However, since Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "make the most of every opportunity" (NIV), it seems to me, this would be a good time to invite someone to worship this Sunday. Because there are indeed times when people are more receptive for an invitation to come worship. As we've already noted, nationwide, there will be more people in church on Easter than any other Sunday. People just might be more receptive to our invitation this weekend than any other. Friends, why not invite your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers to worship with you this Sunday?

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

AM - Restoring New Testament Christianity

PM - New Orleans Report

Tim McGalliard believes at the present time that due to work and personal reasons, it is best that he lighten his activities and resign as a deacon, effective immediately. Tim and Janice, and their two sons, Tad and Kenton have been an integral part of the Central family for several years. We greatly appreciate all the contributions they have made to strengthen this congregation. During Tim's work as a deacon the church has been blessed and encouraged by his valuable experience and leadership in directing our VBS and coordinating our Bible school program as well as maintaining the marquee out front of the building. He and Janice are talented and excellent Bible class teachers and will continue to teach in our Bible school and VBS program. We look forward to Tim and Janice, and Tad and Kenton continuing to worship and serve with us here at Central and being an encouragement to us in their Christian lives.

LADIES SEMINAR

AT BELL & FARRALL

The ladies at Farrall Ave. invite the Central ladies to join them on Saturday, April 22, for a seminar with Shelia Lynch from the Green Pastures congregation in Spencer. She will speak on "The Power of Love." There will be a continental breakfast and lunch. It begins at 9 a.m.

Harold Carothers now lives in room 211 at Shawnee Care Center. This is a private room.

Judy Finch had knee replacement surgery on Tuesday at Bone and Joint Hospital.

Sarah Smith had extensive tests on Tuesday at Baptist Medical Center and a possible filter placed in her back.

Joann Cheney did well with her surgery last week and returned home the next day.

Martha Chaffin's daughter, Christine Best, has been in Little Rock for many months for cancer therapy. We rejoice with them that Christine is now in remission and has returned home in Webb City, Missouri.

Bill and Diane Lawerance's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Billy (Sarah) Lawerance, will have jaw surgery on April 24.

CONTINUING PRAYER CONCERNS

Jearline Bates, Chad Beard, Virgil Beasley, Betty Bernard, Melba Boston, Bettie Boswell, Harold Carothers, James Childers, Patty Davis, (Kathryn Shield's granddaughter-in-law, (Ray Davis (Paul Harris' dad) Harold & Clydean Decker, Clovie Dossey, Bill Fleming, Mary Gaines, John & Sue Hamilton (Sarah Smith's sister & brother-in-law), Barbara Hembree (aunt of Diane Lawerance), Roe Honaker, Anna Jarvis, Earnest Johnson (Yuavonda Sperry's uncle), Carol Mahnke, Donna Marcum, (Kathryn Shield's step-daughter), Mary Martin, Mike Martin (Jim & Cathy Pettyjohn's son-in-law) Don Allen McNutt, Harvey Moore, Ed O'Neal, Niki Peltier, Polly Reece, Alice Rice, Millie Riley, Sarah Smith, Mary Sorensen, Chub & Dorothy Strickland, Floy Turner, Alvie Vanlandingham, Cody Veteto (friend of Bob & Janet Stephens), 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.

Hope to see you here Sunday!

Austin Beard took second place in shot put at a meet last week. Congrats Austin! We had a marathon day at the building this past Sunday. After morning worship we went to lunch then to drama then puppets then large chorus then worship then to scripture reading and small chorus. Whew, it was long but it was productive. I really can't say enough good about our kids. They went from one thing to the next yesterday happy as could be! What an encouragement they are. Thanks, guys and girls.

We had a date wrong in the Coming Events in last weeks bulletin. The AWTG Volleyball Tournament is Sunday, April 30. Sorry about that mix up.

"As we trust God to give us wisdom for today's decisions,
He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future."
Theodore Epp -- 8^{)