with Robert Prater

Salvation is a gift not a bargain. A bargain is when you pay less than full price for a wanted or needed item. But you still pay. A gift is free to you. It usually costs the giver something. Our salvation cost heaven much. "For god so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Cor. 8:9) But to us, it is free. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23; see also 3:24; 5:15-17)

The right response to a gift is to say, "Thank you" or otherwise commonly known as the "magic words." I remember coming to church as a child and frequently coming to one man who was our "candy man" (seems every congregation has such a person) and he'd ask us to say those "magic words." But not only do children need to say "Thank you" for candy, we need to express gratitude for God's gift. One gospel preacher wrote, "You can either try to achieve a life or you can receive a life. One makes you upset that it's not good enough, and the other makes you grateful for what you've been given."

Gratitude is not a set of circumstances but a condition of the heart. The story is told about a man name Jack Hinton, who was on a short-term mission trip. He was leading worship at a leper colony on the island of Tobago. There was time for one more song, so he asked if anyone had a request. A woman who had been facing away from the pulpit turned around. "It was the most hideous face I had ever seen," Hinton said. "The woman's nose and ears were entirely gone. The disease had destroyed her lips as well."

She lifted a fingerless hand to the air and asked, "Can we sing Count Your Many Blessings?" Overcome with emotion, Hinton left the service. He was followed by a missionary team member who said, "Jack, I guess you'll never be able to sing that song again." "Yes I will," he replied, "but I'll never sing it the same way." Have you received the gift of God? Are you saying the "magic words?" "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15)

Last Sunday Robby and Kacy Kinsey expressed their desire to identify and to work and worship with the Central congregation. They have been visiting with us for several months now and come to us from the Highland Church of Christ in Tecumseh. Their address is 24653 Hwy 177, Tecumseh OK 74873. Their phone number is 598-0123. Please meet and give this fine Christian couple a warm Central welcome into our church family.

Former Central minister, Dale Ward, 62 departed this life in Franklin, Tennessee on Tuesday of last week. Funeral services were conducted the following Friday evening at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ in Nashville. Brother Ward served this congregation from 1976 to 1979. He did a good work and initiated the Bible Call ministry while he was here. For most of the years since leaving Central he was associated with World Christian Broadcasting. To his wife, Pat and children, we extend our loving sympathy.

We extend our sympathy to Robert Perry in the loss of his uncle, Lawrence McGee. He departed this life on Monday of last week in Amarillo, and funeral services were conducted on Wednesday. Brother McGee was a former member and elder at Central.

The coat give away is Saturday, December 2. We are in need of sizes 12 month through 18. Adults, XLG thru 3X along with caps, gloves, and blankets. Please remember - no clothing, shoes or toys.

There will be a fall party fellowship for all those in Robert Prater's Sunday morning Young Adult/Families class on Sunday, October 29 after the evening worship service in the fellowship room. Please bring a bag of candy and finger foods. See Denise Beard for more details and info.

Lola Duvall and Teresa Story are now living together at a new address for both of them - 2202 North Union, Shawnee, OK 74804. Teresa's phone number remains the same.

The church office is missing some of the older copies of the Gospel Guide. December 13, 1942 and December 6, 1942; December 21, 1944; From November 7, 1952 - June 10, 1954; January 1, 1946 - February 27, 1946; March 9, 1969 - April 10, 1969. If you have any of the above, may we borrow to make a copy of it. Any old membership directories or church related material of historical significance you would be willing to part with or loan to us to copy, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much for the beautiful plant. Love,

I would like to express to you my deepest gratitude for your prayers on behalf of my son, Mickey, during and following his recent knee surgery. He is doing very well for which we are most thankful. Kathryn Shields

Sarah Smith returned home on Saturday of last week after back surgery on the preceding day.

Mary Fleming was admitted to ICU at Unity Health Center on Friday of last week after spending most of the day in ER. She is now home and enjoys visitors.

Bettie Boswell returned to Colonial Estates on Saturday of last week, but remains very ill.

Sue Riedel's daughter, Vicki Williams was discharged briefly from the hospital in Duncan but had to make an emergency return. Sue's sister, Trixie Forehand is also quite ill in Tulsa.

Melba Boston continues to appreciate your prayers.

Don Allen McNutt has been discharged from the hospital and is now living with his father and stepmother.

Congratulations to Austin Beard! Austin was chosen to be the Junior Class King for homecoming week at Shawnee High school. Also, congratulations to Austin and Jason Perry for the great effort in the win Friday night.

The LTC sign up sheets will be out Sunday in the youth house. Anyone from 3^rd to 12^th is encouraged to be a part of this incredible event. The sign up sheets will be out until Thanksgiving weekend. If you have any questions or would be interested in helping with LTC come talk to me or Janet.