Life In The Body

News and Notes for the :

Shelbyville

Church of Christ

July 25, 2010

VBS   

Well, another  VBS  is in the history books.  All who participated are to be commended on a job well done.  A lot of us left dragging and some are sore in the joints, but it is a rewarding kind of fatigue.  Though  VBS  is a lot of work, it is the most fruitful work this congregation does in the year.  It involves the active participation of more members than any other project we undertake in the year.  VBS  provided a time when we all worked well together as a team, as the one body of Christ so it was both a time of fellowship and a time of growth for all who participated.

Our  VBS  gets the name of the church out into the community more than any other annual project we do.  Jo and I put door-hangers on houses on more than 50 square blocks plus all three trailer parks.  Doris and Pete also put up door hangers in their neighborhoods.  Mitch put up poster in the stores windows around town and I put a nice big ad in the Daily Union.  All of these activities put us more in the public eye this week than during any other week of the year.  Our  VBS  let people know that we’re here and that we care about their kids. 

It is true that the attendance was down a little this year, but all the kids who came enjoyed themselves. They were excited about seeing the animals that Mindy’s friend brought. More than that, they learned some valuable life lessons.  They have had a positive experience learning about God so He has been lifted up in their minds.  They have also had a positive experience with the church. This will have a long-term affect on their attitude toward the church, toward religion in general and toward God.  As they go home telling about what they enjoyed during VBS,  the attitudes of their parents will be positively affected. 

One event like this doesn’t change the world, but they have a definite positive affect which is cumulative.  Some of the kids have attended for three years. Each positive report about the church reinforces the one before.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.   --   Albert Schweitzer

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Some people are working backstage, some are playing in the orchestra, some are on-stage singing, some are in the audience as critics, some are there to applaud.  Know who and where you are.

Heard But Not Seen

Have you ever considered how different the true and living God is from the pagan deities spoken of in the Bible? The pagan gods were seen but never heard, but the one and only true God is heard but not seen.  I believe that acknowledging this difference will help us in times of trouble.

You see, how many times do people ask the question, “Where is God?”, especially when they are suffering.  I would suggest that this is the wrong question.  The better question would be to ask, “What has God said?” And when we ask that question, we’ll find comfort and understanding.  What comfort and understanding can come from a god who can be seen, but cannot speak to us? Oh, how those pagan deities stand in stark contrast with the God of heaven!

Next time you’re tempted to ask, “Where is God?”, remember that’s not how God has chosen to reveal Himself.  Instead, ask, “What has God said?”, and it’s in His Word that you will find comfort and understanding.  Give it some thought.                                    ( Unknown – via Sower )

Singing Tonight

As is our custom for the fourth Sunday evening of each month, we will have our regular singing service this evening.  Please come and bring a friend.  We need all the voices we can muster.  For a small group we do very well, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE WITH US !

Bible Review Quiz Next Week  

Last week was very enjoyable contest in which the ladies really showed up the guys.  Most of them got on the board and we had another first time winner, Gloria.  However the men will have a chance to redeem themselves next Sunday evening when we review Ephesians 4.  If you want to be competitive, I would advise you to start studying now. 

Special Thanks

The ladies who prepare the food don’t get much attention when we do projects like the VBS, but I want to make a special point of thanking them.  An army marches on its stomach.  We couldn’t have done it without that which you ladies provided and served.  Thanks you very much.

Dolores’ Adventure

In preparation for leading singing in the  VBS  Dolores decided to purchase a new hearing aid.  After selecting the one she wanted, they began the fitting process.  However, when they tried to remove the mold, it would not come out.  After much frustration and no small amount of pain she ended up at the hospital having surgery to remove the last portions of the mold.  She’s fine now, but what was supposed to be a routine thing turned into a real adventure.  We’ll let her tell you “the rest of the story.”

Gail

Sister Gail is rather bruised up from a recent fall, especially on her legs.  However, she says she is much improved. 

“The same fire purifies gold and consumes straw.”

( Italian proverb ) 

Prayer List :          

Our list is long, but we have no one new to add and no updates one those listed below.

Those in need of ongoing special prayer :   

Gail Boldt  :   Age related maladies, had a fall

Stella Zanders  :   Age related maladies

Shirley Gaddis :   Shirley is holding her own

John Robert Moore :   Mobility & throat issues 

Francis Reynolds :   Very painful arthritis, etc.

Susan Bales :   ( Roseanne’s Mom ) chemotherapy

Agnes  Stevens:   ( Bob’s Mom ) Age related maladies

Vonita Stevens  :  ( Madonna’s Mom )  chemotherapy

Carolyn (Brenda’s friend) Aggressive cancer - hospice        

Todd Johnson  :   Recovering from crushed spine

Tina :  (Brenda’s friend) is waiting for a liver transplant.

Today’s Scripture Reading : 

II Tim. 2: 1-7, 10-17     

We invite you to visit our assemblies.

Visitors are always welcomed.

Schedule of Services :

            Sunday Morning :     Bible Study ….   9:30 a.m.

                                               Worship .……  10:20 a.m.

            Sunday Evening :      Worship …….   6:00 p.m.

            Wednesday :             Bible Study …..  7:00 p.m.

Ya’ll  Come !

We invite you to visit our assemblies.

Visitors are always welcomed.

Schedule of Services :

Sunday Morning : Bible Study …. 9:30 a.m.

Worship .…… 10:20 a.m.

Sunday Evening : Worship ……. 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday : Bible Study ….. 7:00 p.m.

Ya’ll Come !

We invite you to visit our assemblies.

Visitors are always welcomed.

Schedule of Services :

Sunday Morning : Bible Study …. 9:30 a.m.

Worship .…… 10:20 a.m.

Sunday Evening : Worship ……. 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday : Bible Study ….. 7:00 p.m.

Ya’ll Come !