Dan Brown's best selling novel and now blockbuster movie, The Da Vinci Code has raised numerous questions about the Jesus of Scriptures, about Mary Magdalene, about the formation of the Bible, about the authenticity of the Gospels, and about the historical claims of Christianity. Though Brown's book is merely a novel, it engages one of America's favorite pastimes - speculating in conspiracy theories, and has provoked widespread discussion about the Christian faith.

Josh Hardin wrote in the May 2006 issue of Think magazine, a publication put out by members of the church, "Rather than destroy the foundations of Christianity, the success of The Da Vinci Code has placed a rare opportunity before us. People who normally might be closed-minded about discussing Christianity now have questions that require answers, and yet they are unsure where to find them. It is our duty as Christians to know the arguments and evidence that proves the truth of Christianity, not just to refute The Da Vinci Code, but so that we may have an unshakeable foundation for our faith and so we will always be able to give a true answer in the face of any claim. (1 Pet. 3:15)"

Friends, I believe we need to view developments like these are teaching moments. (Eph. 5:15-16) Yet I also agree whole heartily with what Bobby Key, a gospel preacher wrote, "The Bible supplies us with evidence, but evidence constitutes proof only when the mind is open and honestly considers the evidence."

So on Sunday evening May 28 and June 4, we'll be looking at "Deciphering the Da Vinci Code." In these lessons we'll examine the evidence for the Bible and Christianity and also look at some of the controversial claims of Brown's book. This will be a wonderful opportunity to invite friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to visit and ultimately learn the saving truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which sets men free. (Jn. 8:31-32,36)

AM - What It Means To Be a Christian

PM - Deciphering the Da Vinci Code, part 1

We rejoice with Chris Nipper in his decision to be baptized into Christ last Monday evening. He was baptized by Bob Stephens as family and friends were present to witness. Chris is one of this years graduating seniors and he has made a wise decision to start his new life as a Christian. He is the son of Brian & Dena Nipper and grandson of Betty & Dave Emery.

We are delighted to have Barney and Jo Sneed as members of our congregation. They recently moved to Shawnee from Yukon and have already become acquainted with a number of us. They live at 1818 E. MacArthur, and their phone number is 878-9340. We rejoiced when they placed membership on Wednesday of last week. If you've not already met them, you'll want to do so right away. You'll be glad you did.

We extend our sympathy to the family of Margie Christesen, a former member at Central, who passed away on Saturday, May 20. Robert Prater directed services on Tuesday at Little Cemetery.

There will be a Ladies Day at Wellston on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The day will feature Nellie Caldwell from Chandler, Patricia or Jeri Fuchs from Davenport, Judy Hurst from Stroud, Bonnie Hutton from Prague, and Colleen Hendrix from Wellston. Refreshments will be served during registration from 9 to 9:30 a.m. There will be a salad luncheon at noon.

To My Christian Family,

Thanks for all the prayers, visits, cards & calls and the love showed to me during my recent surgery. I am doing real good, I think. Thanks again, Your Sister in Christ, Doris Phillips

02 Leoh Roberts - 91!

03 Emily Perry

03 Lisa Webb

04 Alexis Norwood

04 Phyllis Scheidt

08 Kyle Parman

09 Terry Banta

09 Alice Rice

12 LaDonna Vanlandingham

12 Emma Wilson

13 Denise Beard

14 Earl Finch

15 Nancy Harber

15 Kenton McGalliard

15 Jeff Todd

17 June Lowe

19 Mary Kelly

20 Arthur Epperson

20 Alvie Vanlandingham - 104 !!!!

21 Arlene Riley

21 Darlene Todd

22 Bertha Ann Young

24 Tracy Gettle

25 Cathy Harmon

27 Irene Coffman

27 Joe Magee

28 Frank Romberg

29 Pam Baskin

29 Brittany Harmon

29 Arik Parman

30 Zane Qualls

30 Debbie Taffe

01 Jim & Linda Carpenter - 38^th

01 Harold & Clydean Decker - 39^th

04 Jim & Cathy Pettyjohn - 47^th

05 Scott & Tamara Perry - 13^th

05 Bill & Cathy Rose - 8^th

06 Glendon & Juanita Combs - 60^th!

07 Ben & Alice Salter - 37^th

16 Chris & Karen Hilditch - 28^th

18 Smiley & Nancy Irelan - 40^th

21 Kenneth & Sarah Epley - 53^rd

23 Dwyane & Marcia Dennis - 47^th

25 Floyd & Juanita Davis - 56^th

25 Ed & Rachel O'Neal - 4^th

We express our very best wishes to those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in June. We especially honor A.L. Vanlandingham on his 104^th birthday and Leoh Roberts on her 91^st. We also extend our best to Glendon & Juanita Combs on reaching their 60^th Wedding Anniversary and Smiley and Nancy Irelan on reaching the 40^th.