with Robert Prater

Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful beginning in our "Back to Bible School" drive this past Sunday. And we beat our first Sunday goal by having 163 present for Sunday school! We are truly building up an excitement with this effort. Bible classes are a wonderful opportunity to study, grow and draw closer to one another in Christian fellowship. If you have not been attending Bible classes regularly, please consider this a wonderful time to begin this faith building habit. Friends, it will truly take all of us working together to reach the next two Sunday goals in our Bible School drive. Please continue to make a special effort to encourage others to attend and plan on being here yourself.

Our Gospel Meeting with Kent Allen on September 17-20 is another special outreach opportunity. The year's theme is "Families Under Pressure." This topic will speak to the hearts and lives of many people today. The success of our Gospel Meeting is in your hands. Your invitation is the key. This is why we have brochures, posters, and yard signs out for you to take and put up, mail or better, hand deliver to those you intend to invite - family, friends, neighbors and co-workers! Don't wait, ask them right now. No one likes to think that they were a last minute decision.

Contagious! Andrew could not keep the excitement to himself, so he first found his brother Peter and said, "We have found the Messiah!" Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus. (John 1:38-42) At Jesus' invitation Andrew came and saw. Jesus asked Philip to "Follow Me." Philip did, but he found Nathanael and shared his excitement about Jesus of Nazareth. When Nathanael asked, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?", Philip simply said, "Come and see." Someone may throw cold water on your invitation, but simply encourage that person to find out for himself.

Jesus talked to a woman at the well about her life. She perceived that he was a prophet and left her pot to tell everyone in town about Jesus. A large crowd came out to hear what He had to say. (John 4:27-30, 39-42) When Peter came to Cornelius' house, he found that Cornelius had assembled many people. (Acts 10:27)

When Paul kept the jailer from killing himself, the jailer was ready to hear the truth. But the jailer was not alone. Though it was midnight his whole household heard Paul preach the wonderful gospel. Believing what Paul preached, the jailer and his whole household were baptized. (Acts 10:25-34)

How contagious are you with your faith? Will people catch your zeal and excitement about Jesus? How will your faith affect those around you? Does the salt and light in your life make a difference to anyone around you? (Matt. 5:13 - 16) Does anyone know you are a Christian? Does your life proclaim that the Lord matters to you? Does anyone want the Christian life you have? Let's be "contagious Christians!"

Last Sunday evening Jennifer Addington was baptized into Christ for the remission of her sins. She has been attending Central for several months now. She is going to need our love and support as she continues to grow in her new relationship with the Lord. If you have not met Jennifer yet, please take time to introduce yourself and make every effort to welcome her into God's family.

Please be keeping our upcoming Gospel Meeting with Kent Allen on September 17-20 in your thoughts and prayers. The theme for the meeting is "Families Under Pressure." There are plenty of attractive color brochures, posters and yard signs still available on the table in the foyer to help you promote and invite others. Please be praying for the success of this meeting and plan now to attend each night. Keep in mind that all teen and adult classes will meet together on the 17^th, and there will also be a potluck luncheon for the entire congregation following the Sunday morning service that day.

Robert Prater will be speaking in a Gospel Meeting at the Grand Street Church of Christ in Okmulgee on October 1 - 4. They are planning on doing some local door knocking in the community to encourage people to attend on Saturday, September 30. If you would be interested in helping work in this outreach effort on that day please see Robert for more information.

We extend our congratulations to Louise Dixson and Don Bross who were recently united in marriage and will be making their home in Guthrie. Their address is 5350 W. Camp Road, Guthrie, OK 73044. The new telephone number is 260-1771.

Terry Banta has moved to 621 W. Midland, Shawnee, OK 74804. Please make a note of his new address in your directory.

Betty Boswell has moved to room 52 at Shawnee Colonial Estates. Please note this also in your directory.

Erma Dean Farris was taken to ER after church services this past Sunday evening. When The Gospel Guide was prepared, she remained in Unity Health Center, room 314.
Terry Banta's friend, Dee Carr, was also in Unity Health Center, room 201.
Fred Phillips and Melba Boston remain in need of our prayers as they continue their struggle with cancer.
It was good to see Nancy Irelan in services on Sunday after her surgery a couple of weeks ago.

Christian Friends, Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers when my special aunt, Pat McKey, passed away. You are all a great comfort when things like this happen. That's what Christian Love is all about.