Bulletin for Sunday 02/11/2007
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AMONG FRIENDS
with Robert PraterTom Petty said it best when he sang, "You don't know how it feels to be me". Isn't it great to find someone in your life who understands exactly how you feel? It's as if that person has experienced very similar situations. They understand what you are feeling and can appreciate what you are saying and going through in life. This is an incredible blessing. This person really understands you!
The wonderful message of the gospel of Christ is that Jesus understands us. Jesus though fully God and divine in nature while in the flesh, was also fully human. (John 1:14; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 4:16) The writer to the Hebrews speaks of the Incarnation of Christ this way: "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity……" (Hebrews 2:14 NIV)
I'm thankful that my Lord never has to look down in puzzlement and wonder how it feels to be me. During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated a faultless insight into the minds of men: "But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." (John 2:24-25) On more than one occasion, He showed His keen ability to perceive even other's innermost thoughts. (Matthew 9:4; Mark 2:8; John 1:47)
Because of this truth, Jesus is in a unique position to empathize with us. The prophets foretold of Him, "Surely He has borne our grief and carried out sorrows." (Isaiah 53:4) And He followed through on this mission perfectly: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
Jesus knows what we need because He has lived as we live - "walked a mile in our shoes," as the old Native American proverb suggests. He has been hungry, thirsty, exhausted, in pain, in grief, in torment both physically and emotionally. Therefore we never have to fear that He will fail to comprehend our needs, or to address them according to His divine will. (Heb. 4:16)
This characteristic of Jesus reminds us that He is the living word of God. (John 1:1) That Word is embodied in the inspired Scriptures that Christ, through the Holy Spirit, moved godly men to write.
When we look into that Word, we discover a marvelous reality: that it, too, understands us intimately and totally: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) The apostle Paul, anticipating the day the written Word would be complete, wrote, "When that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away…For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Corinthians 13:10, 12)
Friends, we can rejoice in the comforting truth that we serve a Christ who knows and understands everything there is to know about us - every weakness, every shortcoming, every need - and loves us anyway.
--Robert-- (robprater@sbcglobal.net)
ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DINNER
This year Central is hosting the Annual Shawnee Leadership Dinner which will take place in the dining room at Gordon Cooper Technology Center on Friday evening, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. The catered meal will be $9.00 per person. All elders, deacons, ministers, and their wives are encouraged to attend.
DIRECTORY CHANGES?
Normally we do not publish a pocket size membership directory the same year when a pictorial directory is being done, but with the photographs being delayed, we thought we had better. Please check the information on your address etc in the present directory and if it needs to be updated, please call the office or send an email to let us know.
THANK YOU
To the Christians at Central, A group of your happy, smiling people invaded our yard this morning expecting to do what so many try so hard to avoid. They had come for the expressed purpose of working.
They cleared half of an acre of broken limbs and shattered trees, stacking them in a huge pile or two or three. They worked hard, fast and happily with their Christianity shining for all to see. Their examples of joy and Christian charity was beautiful to behold and receive.
The group included Bob Stephens, Scott Perry, Jason Perry, Tracy Gettle, Pam Baskin, Wade Baskin and Courtney Baskin. They worked a combined total of 24 ˝ hours.
We will be eternally grateful for their efforts and examples of brotherhood. Money can't buy what was given to us today, but maybe this small check can help buy gas for another outing or for young people activities.
In Christian love, Herbert & Jackie Ward
Chandler Road Church of Christ, Muskogee, OK
A NOTE FROM CHANDLER RD. CHURCH OF CHRIST, MUSKOGEE
The Chandler Road Church will always think of you as Paul did to the Thessalonians in 1 Th. 1:3 "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith growth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth." Words cannot express the gratitude and thanks we have for each and every one of you that came down to help us and the community in our time of need. God Bless you, you have done well.
Wes Miller, Deacon of Missions
PRAYER CONCERNS
Bob Seikel spent some time in Unity Health Center on Sunday and was dismissed on Monday.
Anna Jarvis remains in guarded condition in Colonial Estates.
Emma White is hoping to return home from Midwest Specialty Hospital later this week.
Ruth Autry has returned to her home and is progressing well.
Bill Lawerance's mother, June Lawerance, is home and doing well.
Mary Joe Fleming's grandson has been dismissed from the hospital.
Melba Boston continues to appreciate your prayers.
It was good to see Rachel O'Neal in services Sunday.
CENTENNIAL MOMENTS
In 1913 or 1914 the church started meeting at 10 a.m. on Sunday for Bible study and worship at 11 a.m. Up to this time the meeting time had been at 3 p.m. each Sunday.
(The answer to last week's quiz, Frank Burton) The name Brundage was spelled incorrectly. It should be Brundege.
~An Official Centennial Event~
Youth News
Bob Stephens
COMING YOUTH EVENTSFeb, 18, LTC scrap-booking group to meet in afternoon
March 9 & 10, Friday & Saturday - Spring Visit at OC "Spring Sing is Saturday - $12.00
LOOKING AHEAD
February 16, Valentine banquet at LaDonna's Grill in Meeker, 6:30 p.m. (The vans will leave the building by 6:00 p.m.) Following the dinner, gathering in the fellowship room for desserts and fun. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you plan on attending.
February 23, Central hosts Shawnee Area-Wide Leadership Dinner, Gordon Cooper Technology Center at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $9.00 per person.
March 11, Daylight Saving Time begins
March 14-17, Photography for new pictorial directory. Call the office and make your appointment if you have not done so.
April 15, Friends & Family Day with Bruce McLarty from Harding.
April 22 - 25, Gospel meeting at McLoud with Chuck Carter preaching
We hope to see you here Sunday!
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
LAST WEEK'S RECORD
Bible School 129 Worship Service 210 Sunday Evening 125 Wednesday Evening 118 Contribution $5,730.75
SERVING THE CONGREGATION
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Announcements: Steve Kelly Opening Prayer: George Mastick Song Director: Dwyane Dennis Scripture: Bryce Beal Sermon: Robert Prater Closing Prayer: Jim Walling SERVING AT THE LORD'S TABLE
NORTH SOUTH Geoff Root Bob Stephens Terry Lowe Tim Norton AT THE BACK OF AUDITORIUM
Glenn Watson James Reeves USHERS
Jim Pettyjohn Tim McGalliard GREETERS
Foyer: Jim & Cathy Pettyjohn Elevator: James & Joan Reeves NURSERY ATTENDANTS
Cathy Pettyjohn Barbara Vanlandingham ASSISTING OUTSIDE ELEVATOR DOOR
Buddy Truesdell PROJECTION CONTROL
Scott Perry Terry Lowe
EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
Opening Prayer: Clavin Norwood Song Director: Dwyane Dennis Scripture: Chad Beard Sermon: Robert Prater Closing Prayer: Burl Vanlandingham AT THE LORD'S TABLE
SERVING AT THE LORD'S TABLE
NORTH SOUTH Austin Beard Paul Harris
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICE
Classes for all ages
Song Leader: Clavin Norwood Scripture: CWade Baskin VAN DRIVER
Howard Vanlandingham If unable to serve during the week, notify Frank Romberg - 273-1297