The next three Sundays are promising to be very significant and beneficial for the spiritual life and growth of Central with both our "Back to Bible School" drive and upcoming Gospel Meeting beginning on September 17. I want to lovingly encourage and challenge you to begin this Sunday a new habit of attending Bible class regularly. It is absolutely imperative that we grow spiritually. Being in Bible class is one way that you create spiritual growth in your life. (1 Pt. 2:2) We have some outstanding teachers and classes for all ages. No one is either too young or too old to be in our Bible classes.

It was the distinguished educator, Francis Wayland Parker who after he had just concluded one of his lectures, a woman came to him and asked, "How early can I begin the education of my child?" He then inquired of her, "When will your child be born?" "Born," she gasped, "Why, he is already five years old." "My goodness, woman," he said, "Don't stand here talking to me. Hurry home. You have already lost the best five years."

Friends, it is in our Bible classes on Sundays and Wednesdays that our children can learn so much. The sermons preached in the pulpit are usually more geared toward adult minds, though, surprisingly, children often are among the most attentive listeners. These classes for our children should have the enthusiastic support, concern and prayer of every member.

Parents, consider very soberly the words found in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." One writer has said, "This proverb stresses parental duty and opportunity. One must not neglect the formative years - the years when children's lives can be greatly influenced and shaped. The neglect of parental training at this time cannot be made up in any other way. So seize the moment. Teach, discipline and set an example "in the way he should go." Such training brings good results as the child matures, "and when he is old, he will not depart from it." That's the rule rather than the exception. Both wisdom and experience testify to this fact."

The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:4 (NIV), "Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." He later on wrote that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (i.e., training) in righteousness….." (2 Timothy 3:16) Did you see the connection between training up a child in the Lord and the role that Scripture can have in accomplishing this purpose?

Now, when it comes to adults, we all need to set the example for the children. We all desire for children to grow up to be spiritually good and useful in service for the Lord. But how meaningful can such concern for the children be when the adults do not attend Bible classes designed for them? It is like a parent who urges his child to eat vegetables - "because they're good for you" - but will not touch them! How about it? Let's all be here and support our Bible classes this Sunday!

Dwyane Dennis...Acts (First floor of annex - across from Library)

Robert Prater...Basic Training for Spiritual Warfare (Upstairs in the annex)

Bob Perry...Spiritual Dynamics: Models for Growth (Fellowship room)

Robert Perry...Bible Survey (Auditorium)

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of John Hamilton. John was the brother-in-law of Sarah Smith and the son-in-law of Emma Wilson. Robert Prater conducted funeral services in our building this past Saturday morning.

You are invited to join the Spencer Church of Christ in expressing gratitude to Dr. Clyde & Lillian Muse for their untiring years of service promoting Christ and His church on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10. Details are on the foyer bulletin board.

Emma White has been discharged from Midwest Regional Medical Center following knee replacement surgery and is now recuperating at her son's home in Shawnee.

Grace Lofties's sister and former member, Betty Kilgore has done well following her surgery at Baptist Medical Center last week. It was thought to be a surgery for cancer, but it turned out there was no malignancy.