SYMPATHY

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Bertha Combs in the loss of her husband Bill Combs who passed away in an Oklahoma City hospital on Tuesday of last week. Bill was an outstanding citizen in our community and had been a member of Central for many years having attended since early childhood. He is greatly missed. Bill was the brother of Pat Copeland and Glendon Combs. Funeral services were conducted at Walker Funeral Service Chapel by Robert Perry on Friday afternoon of last week.

We also express our loving sympathy to Louise Dixon in the loss of her uncle, Neal Harwell, in Checotah on May 30. Funeral services were conducted the following Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Harwell was a brother to the late Alpha Kelley.

with Robert Prater

There are many people that I need to express my appreciation in connection to Burnt Cabin. I'm grateful to the elders at Central for allowing me to be away next week directing this week of church camp. I am extremely indebted to Ann Bivins for all the incredible hard work she has done in the office over the past several months in helping with the coordination and preparation for this week of camp. She's helped me tremendously in putting together the camper booklets, registration of the applications, and so much more! And of course I am enormously thankful to all those from Central who are going as counselors and staff. Bob and Janet Stephens, Steve and Mary Kelly, Amy Kelly, Mary Gettle, Lindsey Perry, Bob Perry, Maggie Prater, Denise Beard, and Amber Curtis. These Christian people all are going the "extra mile" in sacrificing their time, energy and lives so that the kids can have this great week. I also want to thank all the parents, grandparents, and members who have greatly supported not only this week of camp, but all the ongoing work being done among our young people at Central.

Most importantly, we request your prayers on our behalf while we are away at camp. Please pray for the safety as we travel to and return back from camp. Pray for our physical well being during the week's many activities. But most of all, please continue to pray for the spiritual experience of every young person who will be at camp. This is the primary purpose and goal for this week of camp. We desire every young person to develop and grow in their faith with the Lord and in His Word.

Friends, please remember to keep in your prayers our nation in light of this week's discussion once again concerning the definition and protection of marriage. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God's plan and design for marriage is for one man and one woman. (Gen. 1-2; Mt. 19:1-9) Our God provides no other alternative. Pray for our President, our Congress, our Judges and the people and families of this nation. We need to pray that God will be longsuffering toward our country. (2 Pt. 3:9) Pray for those living in sin to not only come out of homosexuality, but all wicked and ungodly behaviors and lifestyles. (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-7) Pray for us as God's church to be ready to assist and encourage those who turn to us for help. And let's teach our children now about God's plan concerning marriage. Don't be afraid to also make your voices heard in other appropriate ways.

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

We are delighted that George and Dora (Sheets) Tate have returned to Shawnee and to see Dora in our worship once again. They live at 3031 N. Tucker, Shawnee, OK 74804. Their phone number is 878-1227. Please add this information to your directory.

To my Christian family, I want to thank all of you for your love and support showed to me during my surgery and hospital stay. Thank you so much for your powerful prayers, visits, cards, and calls. I love you all.

In Christian love, Rosie Brightwell

Lorine Watson has requested that we remember her brother, J.D. Patterson, in our prayers. He lives in Henryetta and is under Hospice care.

Norma Edgmon will have knee replacement surgery on June 19 at Baptist Medical Center.

Beverley MacMillan's surgery at Unity Health Center went well on Wednesday of last week, and she was able to go home on Thursday.

Bob Anderson will be honored on June 11 after serving 24 years of service to the Highland Church in Tecumseh. The labors of Bob and Betty have meant much to the entire area. Why not drop them a card of appreciation.

Well, it's here! Camp is next week. That means summer has officially started. Summer can be such a busy time of year. Different activities from church camp to summer football to AWTG to summer band to youth activities and drivers ed., not to mention summer jobs that can pull kids in every direction. Trying to do everything is nearly impossible. However, before you make a decision on which way you'll turn this summer, think about this - In ten years from now which decision will have made the most impact on your life? Will you be able to look back and say, "Boy, I'm glad I worked those extra ten hours at that summer job", or "Man, that extra day of weightlifting really did the trick for me". Or will you be able to say, "You know, I'm glad I spent that week at camp", or "That Saturday helping others really made a difference in my spiritual life". Think about it. I'm not saying that you won't go to heaven if you don't go to camp or you don't go to the area wides or to the workdays with the teens. I'm just saying try to build your life on the stuff that will stay with you and impact you the most. The more time you spend with kids "like you" (other Christians), the more likely you are to stay strong and the more positive encouragement you will receive as well as give to others. Just something to think about.

July 7^th, the teens will be taking a trip to Texas. We will be leaving around noon on Friday for Arlington to attend a Rangers game and then go shopping on Saturday at the Grapevine Mills Mall and returning home that evening by around 11 p.m. We will be staying at Dallas Christian College. Bob & Ann Bivins's son, Stephen, has offered to let us stay in the dorms there. The cost for the Ranger ticket is $15.00 and the lodging is $15.00. (The lodging fee may be waived, we're not sure yet. Stephen was trying to pull some strings for us on that.) Anyway, plan on $30.00 for the game and lodging plus meal money and shopping money. More details will be coming in the next couple of weeks.

"When you say that a situation or a person is hopeless,
you are slamming the door in the face of God."
Charles L. Allen -- 8^{)