If you were in services this past Sunday you saw the nice looking colorful banners hanging in the auditorium and signs posted on the exit doors around the building. This is to help advertise our upcoming, "Back to Bible School" drive the first three Sundays of September. We were also presented with the overall goal that we are working towards in this Bible school drive. Are you planning on being ONE? Be one of 154 in Bible class on Sept. 3; be one of 173 on Sept. 10; and be one of 191 on Sept. 17.

Friends, there are few works this church does that are more significant than the Bible School program. And if you think about it, teaching is all around us. Parents teach children. That seems to be their first responsibility (Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4), along with care giving. (1 Tim. 5:8) Society must educate its youth. Employers continually educate their workers, training them in new technologies and updating their skills. Entry into the military begins with "basic training." Teaching is truly the core of life itself. So also is it in the church. We must be about teaching. Jesus said, "Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations…..teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Bible school program helps us fulfill the divine charge to teach God's Word. And the results are undeniable. Church Growth studies overwhelming show that a growing, vibrant church has a dynamic and exciting Bible school program. This shouldn't surprise us because 1 Peter 2:2 says "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby." If we are going to grow both congregationally and individually, then we're going to have to participate in the things that help create spiritual growth. Just like a child cannot grow without food neither can a Christian grow without spiritual food.

Is a large suitcase taking up room in your closet or attic and you want to get rid of it? Do you have a large suitcase you never use anymore? Well, the Mastick's are looking for them. The Medical Mission Team needs them to fill with medicines to take to Nicaragua. Over one hundred are needed for their next trip. Locks are not needed as long as they stay closed. Contact the Mastick's at 275-3984 and they will pick them up. Your continued help is appreciated.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

02 Leona Smith

05 Thomas Farris

05 Mariella Jacobs

05 Mary Martin

06 Chuck Carter

07 Janice McGalliard

07 Lori Farris

09 Burl Vanlandingham

09 Howard Vanlandingham

12 Paul Harris

12 Lois Lanier

17 Tamie Perry

17 Yuavonda Sperry

18 Larry Smith

19 Alta Carroll - 94^th

20 Ethel Fast - 93^rd

21 Mitch Harmon

22 Paige Vanlandingham

26 Marla Miller

26 Robert Prater

28 Kenneth Epley

30 Thelma Franklin

ANNIVERSARIES IN SEPTEMBER

03 Ron & Debbie Taffe - 30^th

11 Bob & Louise Perry - 24^th

14 Arthur & Noma Epperson - 33^rd

14 Frank & Rita Romberg - 38^th

16 Don & Judy Wills - 45^th

21 Gene & Dorothy Norton - 59^th

26 Zane & Linda Qualls - 25^th

We extend best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays in September. We especially congratulate Alta Carroll on her 94^th and Ethel Fast on her 93^rd. We also extend congratulations to those celebrating wedding anniversaries in September. We especially congratulate Don and Judy Wills on reaching their 45^th; Ron and Debbie Taffe on reaching their 30^th; and Zane and Linda Qualls on reaching their 25^th.

Dear Christian family, You have never failed us. You have been there with your hugs, kind expressions of love, prayers, encouragement, beautiful cards, visits, food, and much more. We shall always cherish your friendship. Thank you and may we continue a long relationship in Christ. You are special to us. In Christian love,

I cannot express how proud I am to be a member of such a warm, loving and supportive congregation. Your caring visits, thoughtful cards, and beautiful flowers were a blessing during the difficult time prior to, and after Bill's passing. The welcome food that you provided nourished my family, but it was your love that comforted my pain. The debt I owe to you cannot be repaid, and I will be forever grateful to you all!

During my recent cancer surgery, I felt truly embraced by the church. I am forever grateful for the prayers, cards, visits, and calls of concern, support, and encouragement. I deeply believe they made a difference. And the delicious meal brought by Louise Perry and Beverly Aylor was nourishing in every sense of the word. Thank you all so very much for the loving care.

Bettie Boswell has returned to Unity Health Center, room 307.

Emma White remains in Midwest Regional Hospital for therapy following knee replacement surgery.

Sarah Smith's brother-in-law, John Hamilton, has been moved from Unity Health Center to Colonial Estates #4. He is in very serious condition.

Lynn Bohannon, former E. Main member now living in Sulphur, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He and Georgia request your prayers.

It's fall and our kids have all headed back to school. Some of us may look at this with much rejoicing, while others view it with much sadness. But regardless of how we see it, we always make sure we give our kids what they need to succeed. We buy them all the school supplies for the classroom. We make sure they have the right clothes so they look cool. And we purchase all the stuff they may need for sports. We prepare our kids the best we can for success.

We need to make sure that while we're preparing our kids for school and sports that we continue to prepare their souls as well. Make sure they are where they should be when it comes to Bible class and worship. The future of the Church depends on it. Their eternal future depends on it. We have an opportunity in the next few weeks with our "Back to Bible School" Bible school drive to renew our commitment to our children's future. I want to encourage everyone to be here for Sunday school and worship the first three Sundays of September. But more than that, make it one of those things we do for our children every Sunday.

"D. L. Moody once said that at a certain meeting two and a half people
were converted to Christ. A friend asked if he meant two adults
and a child. The facts were just the opposite - two children
and an adult. When a child is led to Christ, a whole life is saved!"
Dwight L. Moody -- 8^{)