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38th Street Church of Christ 3904 38th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44718 330-492-5523 Fax: 330-493-7119 |
| The Messenger On Line November 30, 2008 |
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Greetings to everyone on this last Sunday of November. Believe it or not, we are down to the final thirty-one days of the year 2008. And, there are just four more Sundays remaining in this calendar year. We’re glad you’re here today, and encourage you to attend the assemblies and Bible classes for the remainder of this year, and, then, to start the new year right by resolving to be present whenever you can in 2009.
If you are a visitor here today, we want to extend to you a special welcome, and invite you to join the 38th Street family for worship and study whenever you can.
Kathy and I are away today, on a scheduled trip, and plan to worship at the church of Christ in Boston, Ohio, Kathy’s home congregation and the first place I delivered a sermon, in 1977. We will return later today, and look forward to seeing you at the Wednesday Bible class time.
My sincere thanks to Earl for all of his help (some on very short notice) preaching and teaching while my voice was weak, and for taking the lesson at today’s morning assembly. Also, thanks to Tom Walton for teaching my Bible class this morning. I look forward to being back in the pulpit, and in class, on December 7th.
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As we enter the month of December, let me note a change in our schedule of services for the week of December 21st. Since Christmas Eve falls on that Wednesday, we will meet for Bible study on Tuesday, December 23rd. The assembly time remains the same as always, 7:00 P.M.
We will continue to remind you of this change for that one week as the time grows nearer. The elders recognize the importance of Bible study and, thus, have made this change to accommodate the many families who get together on Christmas Eve each year.
Earl had a great lesson on evangelism, and the Christian’s responsibility for the growth of the Lord’s body, last Sunday morning. As a follow-up to that lesson, read this article and consider again what our role is in the life, and advancement of the church, God’s kingdom on Earth.
I’ll see you Wednesday, and God bless.
-- LANCE
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“Do Not Be Discouraged”
How easy it would be to become discouraged about the prospects for successful evangelism in today’s cultural climate! Church growth has been slow or static for some time now. Our nation is well into a “post Christian” mentality.
At first sight, evangelism might seem futile. We might be inclined to throw up our hands, retreat into our church buildings, and proclaim “What’s the use? Nobody is interested anymore! It’s a waste of time,” or “It won’t work!” Before we become too despondent, however, let me suggest three considerations which indicate that the situation may not be so bleak.
First, we should note that the more a society degenerates, the more it needs the gospel; and the greater becomes our responsibility to fulfill that need. The gospel is still the only antidote for the ills of the world. The gospel is still the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). In a day like today the church should not back-off. Rather, in the face of an increased need, it should rise all the more to the evangelistic challenge.
Second, we should be encouraged in meeting that challenge by recognizing that decadent nations have been changed by the gospel before. It would be difficult to find a more reprobate society than the one described by Paul in Romans 1:21-32. All the hallmarks of corruption and immorality are there, and yet many of that wayward generation became Christians, and that society was vastly influenced for good by the gospel. In I Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul said: “. . . do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Third, people today still have the same spiritual needs that are characteristic of all mankind through the ages. In fact, some of these needs have actually been exacerbated by the spiritual deprivation noted earlier. Many in our nation are suffering emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. They have been scarred by the battering of a permissive culture. They are ensnared by the ravages of drug abuse, divorce, sexual promiscuity and perversion, and the perverted values depicted in the media.
There is a whole generation of lost souls out there wallowing in a profound spiritual vacuum. They need a relationship with God. They are looking for peace of mind, love, joy, hope, genuine values, a cause really worth giving their lives for, participation with a loving and accepting fellowship, moral and emotional support, stability in their lives, and an apprehension of the real truth. This is the generation in which we have been called to minister. These are the ones from whom growth will come – if we take the initiative. Just as the market would be wide-open to a seller of food in a famine, so the opportunities for the church in a society such as this are literally without limit. If this is not an open door for the church, then I don’t know what would be.
We have what these lost souls so desperately need. Let’s go and minister to them.
-- Copied
Family Matters
Prayer List: Faye Webster, one of our shut-in members, was scheduled for cataract surgery this past Tuesday, November 25th. Carla Duffield, Carl Earley’s daughter, is also to have another in a series of joint replacement surgeries, at the Cleveland Clinic, on Tuesday of this week, December 2nd. This will be a hip replacement and bone graft and will be the third such operation Carla has had since April of this year. We must also pray for a number of individuals who are dealing with cancer at the present time. John McAllister, the father of Melissa Burfield, did have surgery on his prostate in the week before this last. All went well, and he is at home recovering after the removal of three polyps from the gland. He lives in Indiana. Karen Morgan, a recently-restored member of the 38th Street family, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Frank Briceland, a cousin of Shirley Cain, has been told he has cancer of the liver, and Miriam Rodriguez, a lady instrumental in the school we help to support in Brazil, has developed bone cancer. Remember Ron Litman (at The Regency), Marge Block (at The Landing), Bill Hartman, Loretta’s son, who had recent back surgery, and Betty Hamilton, in North Carolina (Alzheimer’s disease). Pray for our Shut-Ins, for others at home and ill, for Linda Perine and Brenda Garvin, who came at the evening invitation this past Sunday evening, those in the military, and the leadership and ministries of the 38th Street church.
Deaths: We offer our sincere condolences to two families who have had deaths recently.
Delilah, “Dee”, Young passed away at Aultman Hospital on Sunday morning, November 23rd. She had long battled physical problems (diabetes and heart) and was aged 90 (as of November 11th of this year). She and her husband, Irvin (“Bud”) had been baptized into Christ on May 15th of this year, after studies with Earl Ash and Harry Rose. To Bud and his family we offer our sympathy. An hour of calling and a cemetery service for Delilah was yesterday.
Also, Dale Hendershot, a nephew of Esther Miller, died and was remembered at a service in Barnesville, Ohio, on Wednesday of this past week. To Esther and that family, we also extend our sympathy.
THANK YOU!! Dear Family, Just a big “THANK YOU” to all that helped to make our “Holiday Dinner” a big success! We served about 190 people, with the help of Joan and Nicole Cook, Diane Gardiner, Dorothy Sefert, and Jamella McNeill, our cooks. Wonderful job! Thanks go to some special people who also gave of their time: Bob & Judy Franks, Chuck & Hope Camarata, Clyde Burfield, Brian and Cathy Heid, Terry & Carol Pyles, Sandy Evans, Ruth Smith, Nina Witter, Barb Nutter, Ned & Louise Taggart, Carol Dimitro, Kathy Lindenberger, Ona McKelvey, and Kathy Kruger.
Also, thanks to those who donated food and who stayed to help clean up!
Help Needed: Scott and Tiffany Craddock are looking for ladies to help with the care of their daughter, Kaci, especially all day on Fridays. If you are interested in helping this family, contact the office.
Power For Today: If you would like to renew your subscription for next year, let Kathy Kruger know. The cost is $7.80 for the year and must be received before the order is processed. The deadline for ordering has been extended to December 7th.
Young-In-Heart: Will meet this Thursday, Dec. 4th at 10:30 A.M.
Firewood Available: Wes Wyatt has a large amount of firewood available for anyone who might want it for this coming winter season. If you are interested in obtaining some of this wood, contact Wes.
Free To A Good Home: Norval Cole has a sofa and a love seat he would like to give away. If you know of someone who needs these, contact Norval.
CD Available: The messages given on Sunday, October 26th, 2008, are now available on CD. These messages are “The Eternal Choice” and “Questions About Christ.” Both of these are on one CD audio disc, and can be duplicated as requested. If you would like one of these, please email Dale DeLong at videodj2008@aol.com. Your CD can be custom printed with either your name, or the name of the intended recipient of the CD, on it if you choose to provide that information. Other messages will be available soon. Dale DeLong.
2009 Contribution Envelopes: The envelopes are now on the table in the foyer. Please put your name beside the number of the box you take.
S.C.C.A. NEWS: *We have preschool openings for children ages 3 and 4, half day or full day, 2-3 days a week. Please call 330-454-3737. * Save your General Mills Box Tops and Tyson Labels and send them to the school. We receive $0.10 for the Box Tops and $0.24 for the Tyson labels. * Do you need colored copies made? SCCA can make your copies for you for $0.35 a copy. This is less than ½ price of most places. Let us know if we can help. * SCCA is planning a big “Parking Lot Sale” in the spring. Consider collecting items to donate for our sale.
“Worship Time”: It’s time again to sign up for “hosting” worship time for our little ones. There is a sign up sheet posted on the east-wing bulletin board. Please consider signing up for a month in 2009!
A Note From The Camaratas: On Sunday, December 14th, the teens are invited to participate in a “Teen Day” held here at the building from 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM. We will be baking and packaging cookies, playing games, eating, and caroling. Sign up on the “Teen Board” if you are planning to attend.
Lads To Leaders
All students should be working on “Know the Books”. You can see Eugene Fox or Earl Ash when you are ready to complete this required event. This must be completed by Sunday, January 4th!
** Please return your completed convention packet to Earl Ash as soon as possible!
Puppet Theatre: Puppet practice will be the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 4:30 PM.
Song Leading and Songs of Praise immediately following the evening service every 2nd Sunday of the month.
See Earl Ash or Heather Lindenberger if you need assistance with your speeches.
LOCK-IN
We will be hosting a “Lock-In” on Friday, January 2nd, 2009. Planned events include a devotional time, games, movies, food, and fun. Please bring a 2 liter bottle of pop and a snack to share. Plan now to attend and to bring a friend. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Teen Board. We must have medical / permission slips for everyone that attends this event.
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TODAY’S SERMONS
A.M. - “Revive Us Again!”
(II Timothy 3:13-17)
P.M. – DEVOTIONAL
(Those reading for lessons during the worship service are asked to use the “New King James Version”, as it corresponds to the pew Bibles and the projections on the screen.
Privileged To Serve TODAY
November 30, 2008
9:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.
Opening Prayer Richard Dimit
Song Leader Art Hopkins
Prayer Tom Walton
Read Mark Daverio DEVOTIONAL
Reading II Tim. 3:13-17
Closing Harry Kindall
Communion: Eugene Fox Offering: John Oberlin
Serving Communion:
1. Jerry Cain 5. Steve Moser
2. Harry Rose 6. Matt Moser
3. Ethan Ash 7. Frank Kruger, III
4. Mike Moss 8. Frank Kruger, Jr.
For The Record (11/23/08)
A.M. Worship – 213 Wed. Bible Study – 76
Bible Study – 133
P.M. Worship - 200 Contrib. - $4372.41
“Go into all the world and
preach the gospel . . .”
Mark 16:15
Privileged To Serve
December 7, 2008
9:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M.
Opening Prayer Tom Walton
Song Leader S. Lindenberger Art Hopkins
Prayer Chuck Camarata Ethan Ash
Read Jim Jacobs Ethan Shrake
Reading Luke 17:11-19 Rev. 3:20-22
Closing Brian Heid Harry Kindall
Communion: B. McFadden Offering: Jim Ladson
Serving Communion:
1. Clyde Burfield, Jr. 5. Frank Kruger, III
2. Steve Franks 6. Jason Heid
3. Ron Franks 7. Jon Heid
4. Bill Gadow 8. Josh Heid
GREETERS
Nov. 30th :
A.M. – Harry & Leila Kindall; Gertie Turner & Bill Hootman
P.M. – Bob & Sue Hughes; Mark & Georgia Daverio
Dec. 7 & 21:
A.M. – Chuck & Hope Camarata; Gertie Turner & Bill Hootman
P.M. – Sharon Fox & Rose Varn; Terry & Carol Pyles