New Life Bulletin ~ 4/14/21

HAVING LUNCH WITH PETER

“Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.” Acts 10:9b-10.

Peter was in Joppa, staying at the home of Simon, who was a tanner. It was about mealtime, so he relaxes and ends up in a “trance.” He sees something like a large sheet coming from the sky, with the four corners held up. Inside he saw all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles and birds. A voice told him to, “Get up Peter. Kill and eat.” He says, “No way Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” This happens three times. Does anybody notice that Peter refused a direct command from the Lord? If he had been obedient, what would he have killed and fried? It said all kinds of animals etc., so there must have been a clean one or two. Yet seeing them all mixed in together caused Peter to see them all as unclean and disobeys a direct command. 

Of course, we could say the sheet and its contents were just a trance-thing, not real. But in the trance, Peter is confronted with a real issue. An issue that may have been growing inside him for some time, who and what is clean and unclean before God? With whom would Peter have lunch? 

The Roman soldiers arrive from Cornelius, who stop at the gate. Perhaps, because they were asking for a favor, they are sure to show respect by not entering without being invited. When Peter comes down and hears their request for him to go see Cornelius, he invites them in to be his guests. Which is a little weird, because it was not his house, it was Simon’s.

It seems the Romans spent the night there, and the next day Peter and some of the “brothers” from Joppa accompany the soldiers to Caesarea. Peter enters this gentile house filled with a bunch of gentiles, and says that they know a Jew, under the law, should not be in a gentile home, or even associate with them. However, God had told him not to call any man (person) impure or unclean.

Now, the thrust of the story is to get to the inclusion of the gentiles in the gospel. But let us ask a question: How hard was it for him to actually go?  What we do know, from his comment to Cornelius, he was stepping outside of Jewish law in so doing. Regardless of his quick response, he had reservations, based more on the interpretation of the law, than the law itself. Peter readily admits that he is doing something he was taught not to do, and from how he says it, he had something in the law to back it up. Yet he sidesteps all that. Why? Well, there is the trance. How did he know it wasn’t just a bad dream? The arrival of the Roman soldiers helped with that. 

Peter’s dilemma was not near as great as was Paul’s. For Peter, the relationship between Jews and gentiles was historically vague. For Paul, when he declared that circumcision was nothing he was in violation of a centuries-old God- ordained, covenant. In Genesis 17, after saying that circumcision was an “everlasting covenant” to be kept for all generations to come, it says in v. 13, “My covenant in your flesh (circumcision) is to be an everlasting covenant.” When did God or Jesus change that? Where in scripture is the authority for that change? Paul was commissioned to be the apostle to the gentiles. Fine with the Jews, as long as they kept God’s covenant of circumcision.  It was in the Law, said the Judaizing Christians. 

Both Peter and Paul were dealing with the “unclean”, the outsider, the ones not “God-approved.” We may say that the change they made in their attitude and teaching came, somehow, directly from God, but history has not limited such events to trances and a blinding light. It happens every time someone says, “Do not call unclean what God has made clean.”

In our own time we have seen it. Africans were seen as slaves, and not equal (unclean like a gentile) and scripture was used to prove that. I remember a man back in the early 60s, a good Christian man, who said he could share the Lord’s Supper with blacks, but not at the table in his home. Where did he get that? From his understanding of the Bible. 

When did God send a sheet or a blinding light to tell significant people that this view of the unclean (blacks) was wrong? I believe such people were as inspired by God as was Peter and Paul. “Do not call unclean what God has made clean.”

In I Timothy 2:15, after several statements about women, Paul clearly says, “But women will be saved through childbearing…” The statement by Paul would seem to carry a literal interpretation. 

In Titus 2:4 women are told to “be busy at home…” It was taught from that passage that a woman should not work outside the home or have a career, especially in fields held by men.  Did it take a sheet from heaven or a blinding light to reveal that was an Ungodly view? No.  

In I Cor. 7:40 Paul gives advice to widows about remarriage, and he says, “I think that I too have the Spirit of God,” relating to his advice. In the seventh Chapter v25 he says he has “no command from the Lord” but says he feels his judgement is “trustworthy.” Why does he say that? Because, under the current situation (v26) he believes, it is the right thing to do.

When did Isaiah (who was under the Law) have a trance or see a blinding light when he subverted the Law of Moses concerning eunuchs? (Isaiah 56:1-8)

In II Cor. 3:6 Paul he is a “minister of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The “letter” is seen as referring to the Old Law. But the New Testament can be used as a “killer” when it does not include those “unclean” that God has made clean.

It is the Spirit of God that moves anyone to seek justice and mercy, regardless of a scripture that says otherwise in its historical or cultural context. Otherwise, we “quench” the Spirit of God.   I Thess 5:19.

             Keith Wagner

THOSE TO SERVE IN APRIL 

Announcements: Judy McWhorter

Ushers: Mark McRoy / Holly Wagner

Singing: 18 & 25 Del Bolin   

Scripture: 18 & 25 Connie Crites  

Communion: 18 & 25 Mike Branch

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

23- Maggie Foy 25 – Delmas Bolin

CONCERNS: Friend of Susan Jordan, Lebreska Whitaker is recovering from a bilateral mastectomy. Nick Hodges one of Holly’s CF friends had COVID, he is now worried about more damage to his lungs. Friend of Mark McRoy, Mr. Calesta Saunders is paralyzed from waist down from a spinal stroke.  Susan Jordan’s parents, Kerry and Sula Hay, as Kerry is recovering from heart procedure. Angela Cavalier is still recovering from knee surgery. Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s sister Jan and brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, he is now home.  Megan Downing’s aunt Stacey Smith with ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother Bonnie Beaver has stage 4 ovarian cancer. Megan’s grandfather Judd Beaver who has Parkinson’s. Erma’s sister, Lorretta, has serious health issues and is awaiting an oncology treatment plan.   Alan Beach is doing well and is working full-time, while continuing Immunotherapy treatments at UVAthrough April, keep him and Joni in your prayers. Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, stage three cancer. Please keep the whole family in prayer.

Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son Joe Griffith both are having health issues.  Teryn’s Mother, Brenda Windham cancer. Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phelgar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time. 

ALSO REMEMBER:  Martha Albert, Ruby Crosen, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Tim Elder.

MINISTER’S REPORT

Hello all, I just wanted to keep you updated on some things that I am working on outside of what you see on Sundays. If you would like to join in any of these action items please reach out, I would love the help, encouragement, and most of all fellowship in this ministry.

            *Men’s Tailgate – Will be on April 24^th., Nobleman’s Tailgate at LakeSide Baptist. 

            *Chicken and Bibles – Thank you to all that came out to help with this event on Saturday 4/10/21.  We handed out 89 bibles. We feel that this was a successful event planting God’s word    out into our community. 

            *Movie Night – I am working through the logistics of setting up a weekly movie night for the summer in a grassy area next to fellowship hall.

 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

        Please join us for the study of “The Acts of God in the Book of Acts. At 9:30 am, in person or online with YOUTUBE.  

ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMONS

         We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Join the Zoom Meeting on the

 Matthew at 7pm. Meeting ID:873 6718 6931 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367186931 

CHURCH WORK DATE

      We are planning an outside workday on Saturday May 15^th from 9:00 to 12:00 to clean up around the building.   Volunteers needed!!!

 RESCUE MISSION TRAINING

       Susan is working with Natalie Kline from the Roanoke Rescue Mission in their Agape After Care Program to set up training.  A date has not been confirmed yet. Please contact the office if you are interested in attending the training. 

 OFFERING

      Cash and checks made payable to Roanoke Church of Christ can be dropped off at the office, dropped in the basket at the entry door, or checks mailed to 2606 Brandon Avenue, SW; Roanoke, VA 24015.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we continue to pause some activities. There will be no Ronald McDonald House ministry. However, donations are still needed for care bags for those who have hospitalized family members.

New Life Bulletin ~ 4/4/21

In the last bulletin, written in 2013, the premise was that human beings understand and “hear” God within the historical and current thinking in which they live. For example, the human body has not basically changed over the centuries, but our understanding of it has changed dramatically. The same is true of the natural world. For example, in Psalm 12l:6, in a psalm about the protection of God, it says, ” . . . the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.” The belief was that these objects in the sky could do harm, therefore, the psalmist assures his readers that God will protect them from the sun and moon’s harm. While God was seen as the one who “hung” the moon and the sun, and most of the psalms are poetry, God was still understood by their perception of what they believed about the sun and moon.

             The earth was understood to be flat, therefore the idea that human beings could build a tower to go and visit God was seen as possible, even though most of the Jewish rabbi’s saw it as a metaphor about man’s arrogance. If the tower were built, as the story goes, God would somehow be invaded, so the different languages came about to abort this attempt. There are still people who believe if the world spoke one language, it would be a danger to God.

            There was also the belief in a multiplicity of gods in the “heavens.” The commandment not to “have any other gods before me,” implies the belief in other gods. And, one might ask why God did not say, “There is just one God, I am. There are no others, no matter what you may think.”

             Did the commandment not to have, or put, any other god before the God of Israel mean the God of Israel had to be considered superior to the others, they believed existed? There are still people who believe there are “rulers” in the heavenly places who compete with God.

             The belief was, that up there above the “bright blue” was the place where God lived. Over time a better understanding of the universe caused humans to replace the idea of a city above the clouds, with other, more, shall I say, “universal” ideas of the afterlife. But in ancient times in dreams and “visions”, angels (messengers) from God would naturally come down, even on a staircase, as in Jacob’s case. From where else could they come? Not from below. That was considered dark and evil. It was where the dead went. We still bury people in the ground, but few believe there is a place (hades or hell) somewhere in the earth, as I once did.

            God was seen as the one who caused all-natural events.  So strong is this idea that natural disasters are called “Acts of God” by insurance companies. Go to the internet and article after article says God controls the weather. And there is an abundance of Old Testament scripture and Jesus quieting the storm to infer that.  

            I know this is a tough subject, and I certainly leave room for the mystery that is God. But when I read those passages in Deuteronomy and other places that say if the people do what God wants, they will have good weather, and if they don’t they will have bad, I have a real problem with that, knowing what we have learned about what causes weather conditions.  “I think of the people in Texas who froze in a winter storm, or in Alabama, who died in a tornado, or in Nashville who died in near record-breaking floods, and I wonder if they are asking what they did to deserve God’s wrath? What do we do with the knowledge we have from the meteorological fields of science? Is warning people of God’s weather-wrath a sin? What if the ones God was after escape because they were warned? Of course, if you believe God was after them with a tornado, you will also believe that God would make traffic, or a tree block their way and finally get them.

             One entry said God had to be in control of the weather, because God was in control of everything. My immediate response was that God seems to have no control over those “rebellious angels, the “satan”, and sinners in general. It seems the moment God gave humans free will the idea of control went out the window. I think we would also say that God wanted it that way, and once free will was set in motion it was not about to be changed. Could that not also be true about the laws of creation? God is said to have hung the sun and the moon, which is not literally true. But, having been “hung” they will hang until some cosmic event might cause otherwise. Likewise, the atmospheric conditions which surround the earth, varied as they may be, are set in place.

            The weather was understood and explained with the understanding of God at the time of the Bible. To tell them the earth was round, spinning in space, not resting on anything, would have been completely beyond any imaginable understanding in that period of their human development.

             But we still have “The Lord said.” What do we do with that? Question: Would God tell a person something the person had no way of understanding? “No way” being the key words. Does God not speak in ways that can be related to the need and understanding at the time? You see, it is one thing to say, “God said” and to say “God spoke through the prophets.” Which is what it says in Luke 1:70, Matt. 13:35, Acts 3:21 and Hebrews l:1, among others. It can be seen that when God speaks through a person, the words that come out are always framed by the understanding of God at that time. Why? Because anything else would be beyond comprehension. For that reason, the Messianic prophesies have in them promises that only have meaning to an agrarian society, such as is found in Isaiah I l:6-9 &. Micah 4:l-5.

 To me this means we will continue to see and understand the wonder of God better each moment we live.

            Keith Wagner

THOSE TO SERVE IN MARCH

Announcements: Judy McWhorter

Ushers: Mark McRoy / Holly Wagner

Singing:  4– Karen Branch, 11^_Wayne Flora, 18 & 25 Del Bolin   

Scripture: 4- Debbie McRoy,

 11, 18, 25 Connie Crites  

Communion:  4,18,25 Mike Branch

11 -Keith Wagner

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

13 – Lucas Downing   15 – Ruby Crosen

23- Maggie Foy 25 – Delmas Bolin

CONCERNS: Friend of Susan Jordan, Lebreska Whitaker is recovering from a bilateral mastectomy. Nick Hodges one of Holly’s CF friends had COVID, he is now worried about more damage to his lungs. Friend of Mark McRoy, Mr. Calesta Saunders is paralyzed from waist down from a spinal stroke.  Susan Jordan’s parents, Kerry and Sula Hay, as Kerry is recovering from heart procedure. Angela Cavalier is recovering from knee surgery.  Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s sister Jan and brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, he is now home.  Megan Downing’s aunt Stacey Smith with ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother Bonnie Beaver has stage 4 ovarian cancer. Megan’s grandfather Judd Beaver who has Parkinson’s. Erma’s sister, Lorretta, has serious health issues and is awaiting an oncology treatment plan.   

 Alan Beach is doing well and is working full-time, while continuing Immunotherapy treatments at UVAthrough April, keep him and Joni in your prayers.Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, stage three cancer. Please keep the whole family in prayer.

Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son Joe Griffith both are having health issues.  Teryn’s Mother, Brenda Windham cancer. Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phelgar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time. 

ALSO REMEMBER:  Martha Albert, Ruby Crosen, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Tim Elder.

MINISTER’S REPORT

Hello all,
I just wanted to keep you updated on some things that I am working on outside of what you see on Sundays. If you would like to join in any of these action items please reach out, I would love the help, encouragement, and most of all fellowship in this ministry.

CIA – This past week I had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. Gayle Davidson the pastor with Westhampton Christian Church down the road. She introduced me to; Congregations in Action, an area group of folks from different churches that gathered together to serve school aged kids in the immediate area. Please keep posted for ways to be involved with this great group of people.

Chicken and Bibles – Is a go!!! Through two donations as well as a generous partnership with Chick-Fil-A and the Gideons we look to distribute close to 200 bibles and chicken sandwiches on Saturday April 10th from 11:30-12:30 both in our parking lot as well as in the apartment complex next door.

Book Stand – We will be setting up a take a book stand for the front of the church by the sidewalk in hopes of sharing bibles and other Christ centered literature to the community.

Movie Night – I am working through the logistics of setting up a weekly movie night for the summer in grassy area next to fellowship hall.

The Church building– We have had multiple masons come to look at the pointing issues between the bricks. We are about to start checking references and moving ahead with some deferred maintenance projects as well as rebuilding the wall by the handicap entrance.

* We are looking to approve a plan to cost effectively repair the baptismal.

* I have also spoken to a mill worker to reconstruct some of the rotten wood at the base of the columns.

* Next up is reaching out to roofers to investigate some of the issues that are making themselves obvious.

* We should have a new sign out front in the near future as the one we have is deteriorating.

* We had an energy audit of the building and in doing so we were supplied free of charge LED light bulbs for all the screw in fixtures, although the savings of this will be minimal.

Now Of course we are looking to be good stewards of God’s resources so the vetting of contractors and exploring all options does take a bit.

 GIDEONS’ CHICK-FIL-A  OUTREACH

        We are partnering with Gideons and Chick-fil-A to give out chicken sandwiches and bibles to our neighbors on Saturday, April 10^th from 11:30 to 12:30. Please come help!

 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

        Please join us for the study of  “The Acts of God in the Book of  Acts. At 9:30 am, in person or online with YOUTUBE.  

Please invite family and friends to Celebrate Easter with us this Sunday!

ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMONS

         We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

        Join the Zoom Meeting on the

 Matthew at 7pm. Meeting ID:873 6718 6931 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367186931 

CHURCH WORK

      We are planning a Saturday outside workday soon now that spring is upon us more information to follow. 

 RESCUE MISSION TRAINING

       Please prayerfully consider serving with the Roanoke Rescue Mission in their Agape After Care Program as outlined by Ms. Natalie Kline. Contact the office if you are interested in attending the training.  We need a few more church members to qualify for the training.

New Life Bulletin ~ 3/18/21 From the time I began to pay attention to preachers, teachers, and the Bible, I have struggled with the difference between the concept of God in the Old Testament compared to the teaching of Jesus in the New. The God of the Old Testament had no qualms about destroying men, women, children, and herds of animals.           I also found it easy for some folks to approach this difference by simply saying that God can do whatever God wants, whenever and to whomever and use whatever means available.  There are places in the Old Testament that would seem to support that. But let’s leave God for a moment and approach this from another angle, i.e., the human body.           At some point in time (“In the beginning”) a flesh and blood thing was called “human.” Well, that wasn’t the word, but a distinction was made between this creature and the others. What did the first humans know about what made existence (life) possible? My journey down this road may be a little rocky, but bear with me. They knew without breath there was no life, so it was called “the breath of life.” At some point they realized if the blood ran out due to injury, life was gone. So, blood was now added to life. Then, that strange sound in the chest told them when it was silent, life was gone. So now what we call the heart was part of life. How long did this understanding take? We don’t know. What we do know is that the human body did not change in what produced life. It was the same body, but it was being understood better. Each step in understanding produced the next step on which a continuing knowledge was built.           Think about those throughout history who would fall into the “doctor” category. Step by step they learned by observation and trial and error what treatments for pain and sickness would work. Imagine the moment when the actual process of human reproduction was discovered. Centuries of believing the “seed” was all that was needed gave way to a better understanding of reproduction. And, not without those who refused to believe it at the time. Same body, different understanding. At some point the brain was discovered as an important part of life. In recent years, the term “brain dead” has become the final determination of life’s end. You may have been taught in school about the great controversy when a doctor said there were germs and the hands needed to be washed before treating the person.           The basic human body did not change, but the understanding of how it functioned did. Where would we be if we still understood the body as it was in ancient times? The history of medicine tells us that those who dared to discard the accepted ways were nearly always seen as wicked and dangerous. Imagine the first time someone cut into a body to perform surgery? Now we have genes, DNA, and the genome. As long as human beings exist, the body will not fundamentally change. What changes is our understanding of it.           Is that not also true with God? The book of Job challenges the centuries old belief that bad things do not happen to good people. That was how God was understood. It can be seen in the Old Testament writings as well as in the New. (See Luke 13:1-5) All acts of nature were seen as God.           God’s “voice” was also heard through the ears of how God was understood at the time. Just as the early doctors understood the human body one development at a time, so also those who “heard” the voice God continued to grow in their knowledge of God.                   So, does that mean the Bible is outdated?  No. The foundation of the Bible from the beginning to the end is based on the great and eternal principle of loving God and one’s neighbor as oneself. In Jesus we have the highest standard of moral and ethical teaching and behavior. And, just as the original principle has not changed, the understanding of it has. Therefore, Jesus could say, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, (by teachers of God) but I say to you.” Maybe that’s why Jesus is called “The Great Physician.”  Keith Wagner   THOSE TO SERVE IN MARCH Announcements: Connie Crites Ushers: Leena Bolin / Mike Branch Singing: Del Bolin  21st, 28th   Scripture: Susan Jordan Communion: Keith Wagner  MARCH BIRTHDAYS 29- James Downing 31- Erma Williams   CONGRATULATIONS Maggie Foy has been accepted to UVA. She will start in the fall. Way to go!  Congrats Maggie!!!  CONGRATULATIONS             Melanie Beaver Thompson was sworn in on 3/17/21 as a practicing lawyer in the state of West Virginia. Congrats Melanie!!!!  CONCERNS: Nick Hodges, one of Holly’s CF friends, had COVID. He is now worried about more damage to his lungs. A friend of Mark McRoy, Mr. Calesta Saunders, is paralyzed from the waist down from a spinal stroke.  Susan Jordan’s father, Kerry Hay, is back in the hospital due to low BP.  Angela Cavalier is recovering from knee surgery.  Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, who is now home.  Megan Downing’s aunt, Stacey Smith, is having ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother, Bonnie Beaver, who has stage 4 ovarian cancer. Megan’s grandfather, Judd Beaver, is currently in the hospital for testing.   Alan Beach is doing well and is working full-time, while continuing immunotherapy treatments at UVA through April. Please keep him and Joni in your prayers.  Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie, continues to have health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, has stage three cancer. Please keep the whole family in prayer. Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son, Joe Griffith. Both are having health issues.  Teryn’s mother, Brenda Windham, has cancer.  Continue to pray for Martha Albert who is back in Alabama for a while.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phlegar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time.  ALSO REMEMBER:  Martha Albert, Ruby Crosin, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, and Tim Elder.  GIDEONS   The Gideons will be presenting their ministry this Sunday 3/21. They partner with local churches to help distribute bibles in over 200 countries.           GIDEONS’ CHICK-FIL-A  OUTREACH We are partnering with the Gideons and Chick-fil-A to give out chicken sandwiches and bibles to our neighbors on Saturday, April 10th.  We are looking for church volunteers to help with this event.  Please let Brian know or call the office if you can help.  SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS           Del Bolin is leading the class on the study of “The Acts of God in the Book of Acts”. Please join us Sunday mornings at 9:30am in person or on YouTube Live.            CHURCH WORK          We are planning a Saturday outside workday soon now that spring is upon us. ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMONS        We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link is below: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA    RESCUE MISSION TRAINING Please prayerfully consider serving with the Roanoke Rescue Mission in their Agape After Care Program as outlined by Mrs. Natalie Kline. Susan Jordan will send an email with more information regarding this program. Contact the office if you are interested in attending a training session (a half day).  We need a few more church members to qualify for the training. Please notify Brian or Joanne as soon as possible, so we can set up this training. OFFICE HOURS      Brian Mileti’s office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Cell phone #(540) 521-2112. Please call before coming to the office.      WEDNESDAY NIGHT We are studying the gospel of Matthew via Zoom conferencing at 7:00pm.  This is an interactive session that can be joined by computer or phone call. Join the Zoom Meeting by going to this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367186931 Meeting ID:873 6718 6931 One tap Mobile.  No Passcode.                    THANK YOU      We received a thank you card from Joni & Alan Beach thanking the congregation for encouragement and prayers for this past year. The card is on the foyer table.   BUDGET DISCUSSION      We will be sending out a separate email with a copy of the 2021 budget for you to review.  We will be having a budget discussion on Sunday April 11th after church.  EASTER SERVICE POSTCARDS     Easter Service invitation cards will be in the foyer.  Please pick up a few to pass out to friends and family. OFFERING Cash and checks made payable to Roanoke Church of Christ can be dropped off at the office, dropped in the basket at the entry door, or checks mailed to 2606 Brandon Avenue, SW; Roanoke, VA 24015. NEW FACEBOOK PAGE Have you checked out our new Facebook page, Church of Christ-Roanoke? It was published recently. ‘Like’ the page and start sharing content to your page. Events and content will now be easier to share. The “old” Facebook group will continue to be used for private announcements, concerns, prayer requests.

Keith Wagner, March 7, 2021

ROANOKE CHURCH OF CHRIST “NEW LIFE” BULLETIN”

You may have heard a Gideon tell story about a person who picks up a Gideon Bible while in some distress, reads it and accepts Christ as their personal Savior. It’s a story that proclaims the power of the Bible. Or, you may have heard about a person who reads the Bible for the first time, and having done so, knows what they need to know to become a Christian.  In other Words it’s simple. Yes, as a start.  However, where that start takes the person is another matter.

We’ve all heard someone say, “The Bible says what it means and means what it says.” Or, the bible says it, I believe it, that settles it!” No questions just do what it says, and you’d be saved. Anyone who read what it said and didn’t arrive at the same meaning as you, were wrong. There can only be one right meaning. But what if what it said was not what it meant? What if the meaning of the word in one time meant something different in another time? Even better, what if the story (parable) was understood differently by those who heard it and those who would read it centuries later?

Think of how hard it is to convince people that the “talent” as in the parable of the talents, has nothing to do with using one’s natural ability. But that the word “talent” is a translated word for a sum of money.  It is about what one thinks of God, not how one uses God-given ability. “Does anyone believe God is like a harsh man, reaping where you do not sow, and gathering where you did not sow seed”? Matt 25:24.

As I look deeper into the historical and culture meaning of things in the Bible. I am convinced, that while there is enough to start one on the journey of Christianity, help is needed to grow in wisdom and understanding. Hence the meaning of “disciple” or “learner” or more to our understanding, “student.”

It is easy to say if we just love God and our neighbor as ourselves, we have fulfilled the law and the prophets. But when the lawyer asked Jesus who was his neighbor, it was legitimate question. It was a question disgusted in the synagogue each time that scroll was read.  (By the way, during the synagogue service when there was a reading of scripture, there was then a discussion about it.) All sides would be examined. They did not say it said what it meant and meant what it said.

Take for example the “neighbor” question. Certainly, the law of Moses had said the neighbor should be loved. But did that mean the inhabitants of Jericho, and the other cities wiped out by the Israelites?  “Neighbor,” at the time the law was given had a more narrow definition than it did after Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan. James and John had just suggested letting them call down fire on the Samaritans who had just tossed Jesus and them out of their city. (Lk 9:54)

Today, while still struggling with who the neighbor is, because of Jesus and the meaning of the gospel as seen in the life of Paul and the church, we know it means anyone, especially those in need.

Let’s look at another one. When Jesus was preaching the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:17 ff, he said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” What did he mean? The answer is generally that Jesus kept the Law in every way, every way. But, for example, we see him not keeping it when it came touching lepers and other unclean people. So what do we do with that? We try to understand it as it was understood by those who heard Jesus say it.

To do that we have to dig into Jewish culture at the time. This can be done with the blessing of the internet. If you really want to understand Jewish thinking, go to A. J. Levine, a New Testament and Jewish scholar at Vanderbilt. You don’t have to agree with her to learn from her. She is among a number of scholars who have studied the history of Jewish thought. Here’s what they say about Matthew 5:17ff. In the synagogue and other places of teaching and learning, when a participant has misrepresented the Law in some way in the eyes of another, he would say, “You are destroying (or abolishing) the Law!” When a participant said something, which highlighted the intent of the Law in another’s eyes, the person would say, “What you have said fulfills the Law!”

 So it would be possible for those discussing the Law to have different views as to what it meant. The word “fulfill” had nothing to do with literally keeping every aspect of the Law, but whether the listener believed it was, or was not “fulfilling” the intent of the Law. Therefore, Jesus is not saying he will keep every part of the Law, but that what he does fulfills the intent of the Law.

 Why is something like that important? Because in knowing what the original intent of the words were, keeps the reader from formulating a twisted understanding about how Jesus could keep the Law while seeming to break it. It also answers the question of when he fulfilled it. It was not nailed to the cross when he died. It was fulfilled in the way he lived it.

When someone says Jesus broke the law, someone else hurries to say he didn’t, because of the Matthew passage. What Jesus was saying, and they understood, even if they didn’t agree, was that his actions fulfilled the intent of the Law.

The Jews didn’t have one solid understanding of the Law. They read it, and then reasoned about how to apply it. Adultery and divorce were problems. They agreed on that. But they argued about what constituted a valid reason for divorce. 

The same was true of the Sabbath. They knew it was to be kept, but how? So they made a list of things that could or could not be done on the Sabbath. Those items became the Law. If we say Jesus never broke the Law, only the interpretation of the Law, we miss the point. The interpretation is the Law, i.e., the “fulfillment” of the Law It may always mean what it says, but for it to do that, we need help in understanding what it actually means.

Keith

THOSE TO SERVE IN MARCH

Announcements: Connie Crites

Ushers: Leena Bolin / Mike Branch

Singing: Karen Branch 7th

 Del Bolin 14^th, 21^st, 28^th  

Scripture: Susan Jordan

Communion: Keith Wagner

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

3-Vivian Dugan

5- Bonnie Blessing

12-Buster McRoy

29- James Downing

31- Erma Williams

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES         

10- Alan & Joni

 CONCERNS: Friend of Mark McRoy, Mr. Calesta Saunders is paralyzed from waist down from a spinal stroke. Pray for Erma’s sister Lorretta. She has had multiple surgeries.  Susan Jordan’s father, Kerry Hay, recovering from heart procedure. Angela Cavalier will have knee surgery in March.  Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, he is recovering at Raleigh Court Rehab.  Megan Downing’s aunt Stacey Smith with ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother Bonnie Beaver has stage 4 ovarian cancer and surgery is being scheduled.   Alan Beach will be continuing treatment at UVA keep him and Joni in your prayers. Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, stage three cancer. Please keep whole family in prayer.

Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son Joe Griffith both are having health issues.  Teryn’s Mother, Brenda Windham cancer, continue to pray for Martha Albert who is in Alabama for a while.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phelgar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time. 

ALSO REMEMBER: Rhonda McRoy,  Martha Albert, Holly Wagner, Andressa Mileti, Ruby Crosin, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Tim Elder.

FOOD PANTRY PARTICIPANTS REQUESTING PRAYERS: Mary Ann Cook knee problems, Albert Cook health issues has no energy, Betty Otey requesting general prayers for well-being and health.

 WEDNESDAY NIGHT ~ We are Studying the gospel of Matthew via web conferencing at 7pm. This is an interactive session   that can be joined by computer or phone call.
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367186931

   Meeting ID: 873 6718 6931
   One tap mobile

   No Passcode: 

CONGRATULATIONS ~ Maggie Foy has been accepted to UVA. She will start in the Fall. No major yet. Congratulations Maggie!          

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ~ We are continuing our Sunday school class at 9:30am. Del Bolin will be leading the class on the study of “The Acts of God in the Book of Acts. The class we continue in the auditorium under the COVID guidelines.

ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMONS

We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA

RESCUE MISSION TRAINING ~ Please prayerfully consider serving with the Roanoke Rescue Mission in their Agape After Care Program as outlined by Ms. Natalie Kline. Contact the office if you are interested in attending the training.

OFFICE HOURS ~ Brian Mileti’s office hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Cell phone # (540) 521-2112

Please call before coming to the office.

CHURCH WORKDAY ~ We are planning a Saturday outside workday soon. Will let you know date & time.      

FEBRUARY 21, 2021

(By Sean Dietrich)

I had a dream. It was a vivid dream. It was sunny. I was in my childhood Sunday school classroom, alone. It was like nothing had changed.

The paned windows were slung open. It was a magnificent day outside. The daylight was so bright it hurt your heart. The sound of starlings came from the trees.

It was your typical church classroom. There was a flannel board, with paper Bible-story characters stuck to the felt. I stood to examine the storytelling board for old time’s sake.

Apparently, some kids had taken Sharpies to the cutout characters because Paul and Silas were defaced. Paul was smoking a cigarette, and Silas had a tattoo of a woman on his forearm. The kid responsible for this would be sentenced to hard time mowing the church lawn until he was forty.

My attention moved from the classroom when I heard a sound. A melodic noise coming from the other room. People singing. I knew this song. I can still remember the words.

“O there’s sunshine,
“Sunshine in my soul,
“Blessed sunshine,
“Blessed sunshine in my soul…”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard this standard. Heck. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that many people in one room, singing, smiling, exchanging germs.

But in my dream, it was olden times. I wandered into the tiny sanctuary. The sight made my insides turn to Jello. Just seeing those recognizable faces, the battered pews, the towhead children holding hymnals.

I saw the whole gang. There was elderly Mister Dan, balding, with a crown of white fuzz around his head. He was red faced, because he was bad to drink.

And old Miss Eleanor, wearing her weird hat. I think they buried her in that hat.

And look! There’s my cousin! He’s so young! Look at him, standing next to my aunt. And who is that standing beside… Wait! That’s me! There I am! I’m 5 years old, wearing khakis and a button down. Was I really that little?

On the platform was our music minister, waving arms back and forth, keeping time. His elderly wife, Miss Lydia behind the Mason & Hamlin piano, swaying like Ronnie Milsap.

In the back of the chapel, near the door, stood Mister Fred, who always watched the door. He never moved. He was our usher. He carried a modest stack of leaflet bulletins just in case a visitor happened by.

Funny. We actually believed that some hapless passerby would visit a tiny, 26-person congregation out of a clear sky, just because. Which seems a little far-fetched when you think about it. After all, when was the last time you stopped by a strange church in the middle of the woods uninvited?

But do you know something? That is exactly what happened one day.

I remember one Sunday morning a woman and her three kids walked through the doors during preaching. She was new to our area, and nobody knew her.

You could see she was embarrassed when she realized she had interrupted the sermon. Her face went flush, she slid into the back pew, head down. She had long stringy hair, her clothes were old. And her kids looked like they hadn’t had a bath since the Kennedy Administration.

What happened next lives in my memory forever. The preacher could have kept the service going and let her blend into the back row without drawing attention to her. But elderly pulpiteers would rather die than deny a heartfelt welcome to even the least of these.

He flew off the pulpit, unbuttoned his coat, arms outstretched, and gave every member of that family a handshake. He declared service was over.

At first, it was so awkward you just wanted to die. But then, everyone got into the spirit of it. They all took turns shaking the woman’s hand, welcoming her, introducing themselves. Then someone told us kids to take the woman’s children outside and play.

Play? On a Sunday morning? We were confused. Church wasn’t even over yet.

“Yes! Go! Play!” said Miss Wilma. “Make the new kids feel welcome. Now shoo! Get out here before I beat your butt.”

You didn’t have to tell us more than once. We unhitched our clip-on neckties and our feet only touched the ground twice. There would be no butt beatings that day.

The woods behind the church were among the most legendary in the world. They were home to the remains of an old millhouse, abandoned Buicks, and a creek loaded with mudbugs. We all played until we ruined our clothes with grass stains and creek water.

Inside the building, you could hear everyone chatting and laughing. Fellowship had begun. Which meant that the sacrament of fried chicken was about to be observed.

Finally, everyone left for Sister Alpharetta’s house to gorge themselves on fried poultry and Sunday dinner. A good time was had by all.

By the time it was dark, the newcomer woman was as much a part of that tiny church as the guy who hung the steeple. Which meant she would never have to pay a plumber or electrician again. Neither would she lack a babysitter. Or a car. Or groceries. All she had to do was make a phone call. They made her the maintenance lady. They gave her a part-time salary.

That woman went to church until she died. Last I heard, one of her kids is a doctor in Houston.

When my dream was over, I awoke. I found myself lying in bed. There was a pandemic going on. The world had seemingly gone downhill in a hand basket. Except it hadn’t. Not in my heart. Because there was sunshine.

Blessed sunshine in my soul.

 Sean Dietrich

From Sean of the South

(Recommended by Susan Jordan)

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

25-Karen Crush Branch

28-Nick Bolin

CONCERNS: Pray for Erma’s sister Lorretta. She has had multiple surgeries and currently in WV Hospital. Continue to pray for Rhonda McRoy and family. Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, he is recovering at Raleigh Court Rehab.  Megan Downing’s aunt Stacey Smith with ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother Bonnie Beaver has stage 4 ovarian cancer and surgery is being scheduled.  Please pray for Susan Jordan’s Dad regarding his heart procedure. Alan Beach will be continuing treatment at UVA keep him and Joni in your prayers. Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, stage three cancer. Please keep whole family in prayer.  Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son Joe Griffith both are having health issues.  Teryn’s Mother, Brenda Windham cancer, continue to pray for Martha Albert who is in Alabama for a while.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phelgar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time. 

ALSO REMEMBER: Martha Albert, Holly Wagner, Andressa Mileti, Ruby Crosin, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Jess Perkins, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Tim Elder. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT We are Studying the letter of Jude via web conferencing at 7pm. This is an interactive session that can be joined by computer or phone call.
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87367186931

Meeting ID: 873 6718 6931
One tap mobile

No Passcode

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS will be starting back this Sunday February 21, 2021, at 9:30am. Del will be leading the class on the study of “The Acts of God in the Book of Acts”. The class will continue in the auditorium under the COVID guidelines.

ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMON We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee will be sending out the 2021 budget soon.  

Please review the budget when you receive it. There will be a meeting after church on March 28^th, to discuss the 2021 budget.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, please email or contact the Steering Committee to with any questions or concerns. 

When you read the Bible through questions develop. When it is read without chapters and verses, the questions may be easier to see.

Few, if any readers do this without some prior knowledge or influence. In other words, we already know what is there, or at least think we do. This may not come from actual reading, but from sermons and other things we have heard.

For example, when the elders of Israel decided they did not want Samuel’s corrupt sons taking his place, they asked for a king. In the text, God tells Samuel to grant their wishes, but it was not a rejection of him, but of God. So, a king was not what God wanted. However, in Deut. 17:14ff God tells the Israelites they can have a king once they arrive in the promised land. There is no sense of rejecting God in the passage, only that it be the man of God’s choosing.

The law of adultery was clear. Both the man and the married woman were to be killed. There is no place in the Bible where that law was revoked. Yet King David commits adultery with Bathsheba, and the idea of capital punishment never enters the picture. Why? By what and whose authority was the law modified?

In Exodus 12 detailed instructions about the Passover are given. It is to be something continually done. Yet in II Kings 23:21ff it says, “The king gave this order to all the people: ‘Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God as it is written in the book of the Covenant.’ Not since the days of the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, had any such Passover been observed.” Where was the “word of the Lord” all those years?

I know I may be guilty of “hobby riding” by discussing Biblical understanding again, but in light of the idiotic remarks coming from preachers after the mass shooting in Orlando, I have to vent again.

When we read the books of the law of Moses, we read that the Lord barred from the assembly those who were disfigured in any way.  (Deut. 21:16-23) While I’m not sure we can find a place in the OT where such a person was allowed in the assembly, (congregation) we do know such people were not barred from the synagogues in the NT. What changed, and when?

We know from the book of Ruth that the view of Moabites changed. When and how?

The Biblical view of slavery gave way to freedom. And I know about how slaves in the Bible were different than the slaves in America and other parts of the world centuries later. My question is: Why would anyone want to own another person? Sure, treat your slaves right. In some cases, they owe you a debt. But could a person view the slave as not a slave, but an equal, and still collect a debt, or take care of their needs? Paul, in his letters, goes a long way in trying to level that playing field.  (Gal. 3:28, Eph. 6:9, Col. 3:11)

My “proof list” could be a lot longer, but here’s the point: The most significant changes in the development of the history of Bible are those involving how people are viewed and treated. Why? Because the Bible, without its constant historical evolution, becomes a book which can be used for evil. Exodus 21: 20,21 says a slave can be beaten as long as he or she does not die but recovers after a day or two. This passage was used by slave owners in later centuries to justify beating slaves. However, no one seemed to hold them accountable if the slave died, as the OT said should be done.

The mass killings of men, women and children in the Old Testament reveals the tribal attitude of the time. It was a matter of survival, not as mass murder. This was historically true for all people and nations, not just the Hebrews. The enemy was not seen as an equal, but as a threat to survival. That is still true.

The constant question is if the God portrayed in such bloody violence is, indeed, God? The answer is “Yes”. But the key word is “portrayed”. God is always understood within the constraints and confines of the time. To confine God to one moment in time is to essentially destroy God. The knowledge of God is ever expanding and always limited by its point in time. In other words, we understand God within the framework of the world as we know it. However, there is a foundation of understanding God which flows through time. Despite everything else, the everlasting nature of God is in both testaments. Love God love your neighbor as you love yourself. That is the eternal God.

Those preachers and others who say the deaths of 49 LBGT (and straight) people in Orlando is God-ordained because of statements in The OT are as dangerous as the one who pulled the trigger. They are ignorant of the Bible and God. Debate over scripture is worthless.  This is about the spirit of Jesus Christ and they don’t get it.

Do any of these people who quote OT scripture want to recreate the world of Moses? Do they believe the world today should be that world? Do they want adulterers murdered? Do they want tribal wars? Do they want women to be treated as they were at that time? Well, if they do, they can’t have it. Not because they can’t smite their chests and quote scripture, but because the creative power we call God moves continually forward. The problem is in all other fields of study the progress is quicker than in the area of humanity. Added o that is the fact that too often it has been the “God fearing” who have stood in the way of progress in areas of equality and dignity.

In the Bible, the hated Samaritan becomes the hero who lives in such a way as to gain eternal life. The Eunuch is baptized and welcomed into the assembly. The Gentile is seen as a brother. The tax collector and prostitute are seen as real people, worthy of love. Those disfigured are seen as whole. It’s not about quoting scripture. It is about the movement of God, or God’s spirit, moving in the world in such a way that it cannot, and never has been, stopped. Thank God.

              Keith

THOSE TO SERVE IN FEBRUARY

Announcements: Joanne Elder

Usher: Lyn & Susan Jordan

Lead Singing: Del Bolin – 7^th, 21,28^th

                         Karen Branch – 14^th

Scripture Reading: Mark McRoy

Lead Communion: Mike Branch

          FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY’S

5-Wayne Phlegar   15-Steve Gaynor

25-Karen Crush Branch

28-Nick Bolin

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

19 – Buster & Debra T. McRoy  

CONCERNS: Pray for Holly Wagner as she continues to recover from surgery & kidney stones. Please continue to pray for Judy McWhorter’s brother-in-law, Gary Overstreet, he is recovering at Raleigh Court Rehab. Please keep Rob & Gloria Kinney in your prayers. Keep Martha Albert in your prayers while she is in Alabama with family. Megan Downing’s aunt Stacey Smith with ongoing cancer treatments. Also pray for Megan’s grandmother Bonnie Beaver has stage 4 ovarian cancer and surgery is being scheduled.  Please pray for Susan Jordan’s Dad he is dealing with health issues. Alan & Joni Beach are requesting prayers and encouragement during this time with Mayo/UVA health journey. Del Bolin’s mom, Carrie health issues. Alisa Flora’s sister, Melanie Gentry, stage three cancer. Please keep whole Family in prayer.  Please pray for friends of Keith Wagner, Jo-Ellen and son Joe Griffith both are having health issues.  Teryn’s Mother, Brenda Windham cancer, continue to pray for Martha Albert who is in Alabama for a while.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Wayne & Susan Phelgar to continue to stay safe and healthy. Pray for Debbie McRoy’s cousins, Linda Alsup and Erica Halford. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time. 

ALSO REMEMBER: Ruby Crosin, Mark & Ellen Tidwell, Donte McCadden, Jess Perkins, Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Tim Elder.

GUEST SPEAKER

     This Sunday Ms. Natalie Kline from the Rescue Mission will be our guest Speaker.  She is the Agape After-Care & Wrap Around Care Coordinator for the Roanoke Rescue Mission.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

      We are Studying the Epistles of John via web conferencing at 7pm. This is an interactive session that can be joined by computer or phone call.
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82377341258

GARY OVERSTREET

      Gary is currently in Raleigh Court Rehab.  Room 129A

1527 Grandin Rd. SW Roanoke, VA 24015  

ONLINE YOUTUBE SERMONS

We continue to provide services online. The Roanoke Church of Christ YouTube channel link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNYzpUNlXl5tCx3Mest5kA

 STEERING COMMITTEE

      The Steering Committee is currently working on the 2021 Budget.  They would like your input regarding any projects or mission work that you would like to include.

WELCOME BRIAN & FAMILY

       Brian & Andressa Mileti’s new Address: 2739 Gleneagles Rd.

Salem, VA 24153

Brian’s cell Phone: (540) 521- 2112

Andressa’s cell (540) 492-3081

Brian’s office hours will be:

Tuesday through Friday –

9:00am to 3:00pm

    In Matthew 18:1-6, Jesus calls a little child to him and tells his listeners if they become like a little child they will be great in God’s kingdom. He then says in verse six, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
     As we read such verses we should try not to allow our modern culture to be the interpreter. From any number of historic documents we can find how children were seen in ancient times.  Male children were preferred because they could fight and protect the tribe. That, as well as a view of male superiority, defined the place of girl babies. There are a number of places in both Greek and Roman writings where wives were told by their husbands to kill a baby if it was a girl. Why? Children were another mouth to feed. As soon as they could hold their own they were put to work. In Sparta, all new babies were checked by soldiers for strength, the weak were either exposed to die, or were made slaves. At age 7 they were taken and trained to be warriors. (Historywiz.com among other sites.)  According to several web sites, the Romans were notorious for killing their unwanted children. Even among the Jews, boys were preferred and the almost inevitable large family was a hardship. Of course, many died at birth, others by illness, and accident. The males could be killed in battle.
    So what picture might we get from what Jesus said, and what it was like in that time? Children did not occupy a cute and cuddly position in that society. They had to “earn their keep” as soon as possible. That can be seen even up to modern history. They could easily be victims of abuse of all kinds. They were not considered to be important. So when Jesus says how to be the greatest in the kingdom of God, he takes the least on earth as his example.
    As to the cause to stumble or sin, anything done by anyone (in my opinion) that causes the child to lose their chance to be a child, (to miss the mark) so that they will not have the chance at being a productive adult, is worthy of the milestone. I’m not talking about hardship. Any family can experience that. I’m talking about abuse, physically and mentally. I’m talking about the child whose parents do not want them and lets them know it every day in one terrible way or another. You know what I mean, and the list could go on and on and on. But that’s not what I have in mind.
    In a Sunday paper, in an article about the apple production in Virginia, there was a picture of a little boy and girl about six or seven, walking up a lane in an apple orchard. They were friends. I couldn’t help but smile. I do that a lot when I see kids. I even do it when I see
cats and dogs. I even do it when I see those preteens who are about to stretch their wings and fly. But little kids are special, and for now that’s what I want to say.
    We have two sets of grandchildren. Two granddaughters in their thirties. Then we have a boy and a girl. The boy is thirteen and the girl is ten. And now a great-great grandson, 7 months. When I think of them I smile, even when I think of the two older ones. I think of the innocence of being a child and how I wanted them to have it for as long as possible. I think of the wonder of walking through an apple orchard and that being the whole world. I think of the child playing with a dog or a cat and having no other thing with which to be concerned. And yet I also know a child who remains a child will not thrive. And while I really hate what humans are capable of, I am also hopeful that just as it was for me, they will not have to be old before their time.  That there will be more stories to read about less and less of the various kinds of abuse and gun violence that is part of today’s society.
    Bill Cosby (as sad as his story is) said grandparents are just old people who are trying to get into Heaven. He may be right, but when I see the wonder of a child’s world I can’t help but smile. And I want them to be able to drink, one sip at a time, fully of life. And woe to those who would water-board them instead. They deserve the millstone.

* Adapted from an article dated 10/2012

    Keith   kswrev@aol.com

THOSE TO SERVE IN DECEMBER
Announcements:  Judy McWhorter
Serve Communion:  Susan Jordan
                   Lyn Jordan
            Mark McRoy
            Holly Wagner
Usher:  Jeff Bland
Communion Care:  Blessing’s
Singing:        Scripture:
1-Del Bolin        Debbie McRoy
8-Scott Blessing    Connie Crites
15-Del Bolin                Joanne Elder
22-Karen Branch    Holly Wagner
29-Scott Blessing    Judy McWhorter
Communion:        Nursery:
1-Scott Blessing    Susan Phlegar
8-Wayne Flora    Susan Jordan
15-Wayne Flora    Holly Wagner
22-Mike Branch    Alisa Flora
29-Keith Wagner    Debbie McRoy

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Holly Wagner and Connie Crites

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
2-Jack Thompson 7-Megan Downing
13-Alisa Flora 20-Dillon Hogan
20-Carson McRoy 25-Rhonda McRoy
27-Martha Foy 28-Jeff Bland
30-Cathie Martin

ANNIVERSARIES
3- Jeff & Cathie Martin
23- Gary & Jan Overstreet

CONCERNS: Foy Family, Martha Albert is recovering from a fall and will be shut in for maybe six more weeks.  She is at Skylark house.  Alan Beach, Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Darnell Barnes. Jo Wagner’s sister, Judy Powell throat Cancer.  Continue to pray for  Donte McCadden ongoing struggle with CF.  Former  members, Ray and Debbie Reiss, son-in-law,  David, brain Cancer treatment.Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can  return at any time.  Debbie McRoy’s cousin,  Linda Alsup health issues along with husband, Prentice recurring cancer. Also: Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Gary Overstreet, Bill Albert, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Marjorie Wilson, Melanie Gentry, Wayne Phlegar, Jim and Mary Smith and Tim Elder.
SERVICE TIMES:
Bible Study: 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM
Wednesday Evening: 7:00

ROANOKE CHURCH OF CHRIST
NEW LIFE
Editor/Minister
Keith Wagner
_______________________________

    SUNDAY SCHOOL
    The Sunday morning class is now in the book of Philippians. Come and join in class starts at 9:30 pm.  There will be a seat waiting for you.
              NEW DOOR KEYS            
    Rob Kinney has been working hard  changing the locks and painting  the  exterior doors.  All exterior door locks will be changed. As soon as he is finished keys will be provided for those who have them. We are keeping a list of who received the new keys and we will need for you to turn in your old keys.
                      THANKS
     To Keith for all that he does for our congregation. We appreciate all of his sermons and insights. During this Holiday  Season  it’s good to count your blessings and Keith is a blessing to this church. Thank  you from your loving church family.

Steering Committee
Del Bolin    Wayne Flora
Mike Branch   Susan Jordan  
Judy McWhorter        
______________________________     

         WEDNESDAY EVENING
Please come  join us on Wednesday evening for our weekly supper and bible study starting at 6 pm.  We’re studying the second  Corinthian letter.            
    FEEDING AMERICA
           Peanut butter is the number one needed item for Feeding America.  It can be used all year.  Drop a jar off on the foyer table.  A good  way to show your Thankfulness during this Thanksgiving Season. Thank you for helping our community!    
              ADOPT-A-CLASS
         Laura Branch Hogan wants to give each of her 43 5th Grade students at Highland Park Elementary a book for Christmas. We can help by donating towards the books ( which Susan Jordan has helped choose), and also by helping to wrap books.  Laura will be at  Super Sunday on December 15th with books and wrapping supplies.  It’s a Wrap!! 

    “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His Calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
    “These are in accordance with the working of the strength of his might which  He brought about in Christ. ..far above all rule and authority and power and dominion…and He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him head over all things in to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Eph. 1:18-23.. 
    FACT: “I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal. 2:20 Rom. 6:3-11
    TRANSFORMATION: We are dead to sin.
    FACT: “Therefore, if any man is in Christ he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 cor. 5:17.
    TRANSFORMATION: “The love of Christ controls us.” 2 cor. 5:14.
    FACT:”Since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on a new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created Him.”  Col. 3:9-10    TRANSFORMATION: “Be like Christ, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bearing one another and forgiving-beyond all these, put on love and let the peace of Christ rule your hearts and let the word of Christ dwell in your richly.” See Col. 3:1-17.

    FACT: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Phil. 3:20,21.
    TRANSFORMATION: The ultimate transformation is when the mortal puts on the immoral.  I Cor.15:42ff

    These scripture are centered around the power of Christ and the Transformation of the believer.  The questions I want to focus on are these:  Were we aware of the transformation that took place when we put on Christ? If we were aware of this, then were we also aware of the power that we have through Christ? And finally, if the answer is no, how can we know the  power of God?
    How do we internalize this power? Perhaps a  review of the scriptural  promise for power found in these verses will help. Norman Vincent Peale might suggest that we use the power of positive thinking and visualize ourselves  receiving the power that is ours! In other words, act like we have it helps us to find it.

“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask what you wish and it shall be done for you. “John 15:7″.

    “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that work within us”…Eph. 3:20.  Not only is He able to do all we ask or think, but beyond all that we ask or think. Not only beyond all, but abundantly beyond all. Not only abundantly beyond all, but exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. Try to process that.   
    “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect.” Romans 12:2. 
    How  can we possibly do this without believing the strength and power available thru Christ?     

    Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. “2 Peter 1:3,4

“…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power thru His spirit in the inner man. “Eph. 3:16. “ .
     “…so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God: strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness… “Col. 1:11.
     “ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for ever good deed. “ 2 Cor. 9:8. 

    “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, And Vigorous young men stumble badly.  Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. “Is. 40:29

    NOTE: Joanne selected this article from the archives of old articles I’d written about 40 years ago. I almost never reuse something that old. In fact, I don’t remember writing it, and my name was not at the end. However, scripture does speak to us about the relationship we have in Christ. I hope the above verses speak to you and that I have used them in a context which is appropriate.
            Keith

ROANOKE CHURCH OF CHRIST “NEW LIFE” BULLETIN- NOVEMBER 17, 2019    
CONCERNS: Alan Beach had cataract surgery last week.   Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Martha Albert is recovering from a fall and will be shut in for maybe six more weeks.  She is at Skylark house. Pray for Darnell Barnes. Jo Wagner’s sister, Judy Powell throat Cancer.  Continue to pray for  Donte McCadden ongoing struggle with CF.  Former members, Ray and Debbie Reiss, son-in-law,  David, brain Cancer treatment. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can  return at any time.  Debbie McRoy’s cousin,  Linda Alsup health issues along with husband, Prentice recurring cancer. Also: Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Gary Overstreet, Bill Albert, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Marjorie Wilson, Melanie Gentry, Wayne Phlegar, Jim and Mary Smith and Tim Elder.

    CHESTER (LARRY) FOY
    Larry Foy passed peacefully away on Tuesday, November 12.  The viewing, funeral and burial will be on Sunday, (today) at the McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg.    The viewing  will be from 12-2 with the service and burial following at approximately 3:00 PM.    
    Larry and Betty had been part of our congregation for several years before  Betty’s death. Even with bad back pain, Larry came to church. He was an inspiration to all of us           and it was about a month ago he was with us for  worship.
    He was an exceptional professor at Virginia Tech, an exceptional husband and father, as well as exceptional in his faith in God.
    Our love and sympathy is extended to Martha, Richard and the rest of the family.

   SUPER SUNDAY CANCELED
    Due to the death and funeral for
    Larry Foy, Super Sunday will be canceled this month. This will allow time for anyone attending the services to go.

          THANKS            
    A special thanks to Rob Kinney for changing all the locks on all the exterior doors. As soon as he is finished keys will be provided for those who have them. He is also continuing to paint the outside doors.          

         WEDNESDAY EVENING
    The Wednesday evening class on November 27th will be canceled due to family activities and travels for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  

       FEEDING AMERICA
           Peanut butter is the number one needed item for Feeding America.  It can be used all year.  Drop a jar off on the foyer table.  A good  way to show your Thankfulness during this Thanksgiving Season. Thank you for helping our community!   

       SUNDAY SCHOOL  
    The Sunday Morning class is now in the book of Philippians. Please come. 

Way back in my, or my wife’s life, I don’t remember which, an English teacher said good grammar was like well played music or a song beautifully sung. What that illustration is all about is how something sounds. Good grammar sounds good to the ear. You don’t have to be an English major to hear a sour note in a sentence.  Neither do you have to be musically inclined to hear a sour note in a tune or a song.
    Growing up we used to say and hear, “Ain’t ain’t in the dictionary.” It is now. I use the word “ain’t” when I’m writing dialogue. But my ear hurts when I hear someone say it. On another level, it is only the love of the person being sung to that gets most crowds through the singing of “Happy Birthday” without ear strain. Those of us who enjoy the reruns of The Andy Griffith Show know well the program where Don Knotts (who had a good voice) sang off key and messed up Santa Lucia. We also know what it’s like to sit and listen to someone fracture the English language, and I don’t mean with an accent or regional dialect. I can pretty much handle “Gitter done!” But “I ain’t got no” gives me shivers.
    The Psalms are written in a form of Hebrew poetry. They have a certain rhythm and style. Taking that into consideration we should not be surprised to read things in the Psalms that sound “sharp” or perhaps “flat”. A good example would be the apostle Paul saying a loveless life is a sour note. It has no harmony. It’s a one note band or a one note song. (I Cor. 13)    What does all of this have to do with scripture? Just this: If an understanding of scripture or an explanation of scripture “sounds” off key, hurts your ears (the opposite of that is not “tickling the ears”), then it is a good idea to look and listen again.    Our hearts and spiritual hearing is developed by what we have already heard, and that conditions the way we hear and understand. When Moses was up on the mountain with God, Joshua, waiting below, heard sounds coming from the base camp in the valley. What was going on was the singing and dancing around the golden calf. In Exodus 32:17, what Joshua told Moses was, “There is the sound of war in the camp!” What made him interpret the sounds of dancing and shouting as war? He was a warrior. He has warrior’s ears.  So his first impulse is to think it was war.
    Jesus spoke of those whose hearing was dull and whose hearts were hard. How did they get that way? By what they had been taught and perhaps experienced.  They understood and interpreted life and God based on that. That’s true with all of us and it makes it hard to see or hear anything but what we have already seen and heard, even if the sound hurts our senses. Such a passage might be Psalm 137:8, 9 where Babylon is cursed. “Happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us—he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” Not a pretty picture. But if we take it in its poetic context and not get too literal and assume, as some have, that this looks like God will bless those who kill Babylonian babies, we may imagine this is what the Jews saw done to their own children when the Babylonians invaded their land. Still not pretty, but more of a reflective curse than an actual instruction. However, we should be repulsed but not surprised to see such violence, even among the Jews. Remember Jericho? 
    We are all subject to our time and place in history. Social influences that influenced one generation will not influence those to come. Even the Bible is understood based on what is happening at the time. Think about the use of scripture to support slavery and the inferiority of blacks. Think about the scriptures used to denigrate women as inferior and not worth as much as men in the vote and in the workplace.    How are we to do our best to make our relationship with God and others sound more like well-played music or words well spoken? I think first and foremost we need to realize that not just incorrect grammar hurts the ear, but so do incorrect words that express incorrect thinking. Jesus spoke a deep psychological truth in saying it is not what goes into the person that condemns, but what come out (of the mouth). What we say betrays who we are. If we insist on using sexist, racist, bigoted, prejudicial   language, we betray who we are at our core.
    This is true as well when it comes to the application of scripture. A young male or female will find themselves filled with new, exciting and natural attraction toward the opposite sex. If they hear the typical sermon on the words of Jesus about looking at someone with lust in the heart, for them it will be like the day the music died. Someone will need to re-tune them.    If the scriptures on marriage and divorce are applied without due consideration, there is no harmony. For example, if a woman’s husband beats her, but does not commit sexual adultery, she is told she can divorce but not remarry. So the sweet melody of “It is not good for man (or woman) to be alone” goes sour.    Perhaps the most significant words in both the Old and the New Testament are the words of Jeremiah repeated in Hebrews 8:10, 11. “This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God and they shall be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me.”     
    Those are lyrics and music too large for me to completely grasp, but to even try requires that I trust the ear of my heart to hear the symphony of God’s love and grace in life and in applying scripture, as well as God’s trust that I can hear the song and sing it to others. Maybe that’s what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
                      Keith

ROANOKE CHURCH OF CHRIST “NEW LIFE” BULLETIN- OCTOBER  20, 2019

CONCERNS: Larry Foy is at Brandon Oaks Rehab room 1A.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Darnell Barnes. Jo Wagner’s sister, Judy Powell throat Cancer.  Continue to pray for  Donte McCadden ongoing struggle with CF.  Former members, Ray and Debbie Reiss, son-in law, David, brain Cancer treatment.
 Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can  return at any time.  Debbie McRoy’s cousin,  Linda Alsup health issues along with husband, Prentice recurring cancer. Also: Joni and Alan Beach’s fathers, Gary Overstreet, Bill Albert, Jim Hunter, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Marjorie Wilson, Melanie Gentry, Wayne Phlegar, Jim and Mary Smith and Tim Elder.

CHURCH WORK DAY
      Thanks to all who have been working hard to make needed improvements to  our Church.  A special thanks to  Rob Kinney for painting the side handicap door.  Thanks to Holly and Wayne for removing the Cherry stump in the side y             
SUPER SUNDAY
Today is Super Sunday.  The fellowship meal will be in the annex following service. Come enjoy this fellowship time together.

SERMON     Keith is preaching today, Barbara McCauley who was scheduled to speak had dental surgery and ended up getting an infection and will preach next Sunday.      

SUNDAY SCHOOL       The Sunday Morning class is now in the book of Philippians. Please come join us at 9:30 AM.      

 MINISTER SURVEY                The Minister/Pastor Survey that the Steering Committee is requesting for all members to complete is due on Sunday 10/27/19.  Please check the foyer table if you have not received a survey.  Your input and prayers are needed in this process.

WEDNESDAY EVENING     It’s time to feed you body and soul on Wednesday for our weekly supper and bible study starting at 6:00 pm. We are studying 2nd Corinthians.                

FEEDING AMERICA     Peanut butter is the number one needed item for Feeding America.  It can be used all year.  Drop a jar off on the foyer table. Thank you for helping our community!

 VIVIAN DUGAN
        Vivian informed us that she will not be here this weekend. She will be out of town. 

First of all, let me say I am as guilty as anyone when it come to what I’m about to say. We like affirmation. I like affirmation. So when my team wins I feel like I’m part of a winning team. Somehow. So when I read of a member of the Church of Christ who has made a public name for their self, I feel affirmed that I am on a winning team. Somehow.
It seems I’m not alone in this. I keep seeing these sort of things. And I like them. But my question is, why? Do I somehow need to be reassured that my team has some players that are good at sports, winning beauty contests, doctors of note, news people and politicians? The answer is apparently, yes. I say, “So and so is a member of the Church of Christ.” Why? Perhaps it’s because we (I) are a little insecure with who we are. There is no doubt that we may have our reasons, but we are still part of that family. We are here because they were there, good or bad. Its our “Ancestry.com”  
If that’s why we (I) need to be reassured that people who have public recognition are on my team, we (I) need to get over it. As the Churches of Christ we have our place in the world of Christianity, and it is more than for “star” power. The following are excerpts taken from an article by Ted Campbell, Associate Professor of Church History, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, which was printed in the Cross Lanes WV Church of Christ bulletin. When affirmation comes from a theologian, it is more than “star” power, especially when he’s not one of “ours”.  It is entitled, “Here are five reasons why the Churches of Christ may be right after all.”
“First, they have a profound insight into Christian music and its place in worship. I’m not sure I buy the rational that says that because the New Testament doesn’t mention musical instruments, congregations should not be forced to sing with them.” “There’s something utterly wonderful  about the sound of human voices blending together in harmony. I wonder if we have gone too far with our instrumental fetish in worship.” “Second, they’ve sure got the right name. If you think about, I mean think about it from the perspective of a friendly outsider, ‘Methodist’ and ‘Presbyterian’ and ‘Baptist’ are not really names for Christian groups. Even ‘Catholic’ sounds a little pretentious and ‘Orthodox’ a little snitty. ‘Church of Christ’ sounds pretty straightforward by contrast.” “Third, the Churches of Christ celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Churches of Christ folk haven’t fallen for Protestants’ quirky idea that words can suffice in place of bread and wine” (Campbell had attended the Preston Road congregation to write the report) “It reminded me of the simple prayers over the bread and the wine in the second century Didache document.”                 “Fourth, there is really only one Church of Christ. That’s one of the cardinal claims of the ecumenical movement of the twentieth century, and the Churches of Christ are way out front in making us aware of that claim. You don’t have to buy the ‘hard shell’ version of the Church of Christ to own that basic truth.” “Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, the simplicity of the Churches of Christ allows them to focus on what is most important, namely, the Gospel of Jesus. There was no congregational creed beyond the songs we sang…” One visit does not a church make. But Campbell’s observations have to do with what he witnessed about that which we in the Churches of Christ may, at times,  feel inferior. Campbell said  the Churches of Christ had “not a lot of technological razzmatazz, not a lot of heavy emotion, not an elaborate or sophisticated liturgy, they just get the job done.”  Another person may have found this to be quaint and outdated, but here is a teacher of theology who came away impressed. So I offer this just in case you may be feeling a little insecure, which we (I) need to get over.             Keith        
    THOSE TO SERVE IN OCTOBERAnnouncements: Connie Crites Serve Communion: James Downing           Lyn Jordan           Susan Jordan           Mark McRoyUsher: Jeff BlandCommunion Care:  Holly WagnerSinging: Scripture:6 -Karen Branch  Judy McWhorter13-Scott Blessing    Joanne Elder 20- Del Bolin    Debbie McRoy27-Scott Blessing Holly Wagner
Communion:  J.A.M Nursery:6- Mike Branch Susan Phlegar13-Wayne Flora       Alisa Flora20- Abraham Sirgy Holly Wagner27-Mike Branch  Debbie McRoy   RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Flora Family and Lyn Jordan
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS1- Mary L. Smith      4- Laura Schreiner   4- Garrett Lee Williams 10- Brice Reid 14- Connie Crites  15- Mary Willa Foy 16- Rob Kinney     20- Lyn Jordan24- Teryn Gaynor  24- Susan Phlegar27- T. J. Hall          31- Elliot  Hogan
         OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
3- James & Megan Downing8- Mike & Karen Crush Branch 9 – Scott & Bonnie Blessing19 – Jeff & Sherry Bland    
    ROANOKE CHURCH OF CHRIST “NEW LIFE” BULLETIN-OCTOBER 6, 2019CONCERNS: Bill Schreiner is recovering at home.  Larry  Foy health concerns.  Joni Beach’s niece, Jamie Cole. Pray for Darnell Barnes. Jo Wagner’s sister, Judy Powell throat Cancer.  Donte  McCadden, a young father with CF is home recovering. Former members, Ray and Debbie Reiss’ son-in law, David, brain Cancer treatment. Deanna McRoy has a kind of cancer that can return at any time.  DebbieMcRoy’s cousin, Linda Alsup health issues along with husband, Prentice recurring cancer.ALSO REMEMBER: Wayne Phlegar, Bill Albert, Jim Hunter, Joni & Alan Beach’s fathers, Gary Overstreet, Sheila Jansen and daughter, Amber Weaver, Melanie Gentry,, Jim and Mary Smith and Tim Elder.
__________________________________             CHURCH  WORK DAY     Our next workday is October 12th.  Mark your Calendar. Please review the list at the fellowship hall entry and add anything you see needing some TLC.  Thanks to all who have been working hard to make improvements to the church building.       THANKS      To Susan Jordan for coordinating last Sunday’s Hymn History.  Thanks to all who did a reading last Sunday for “Sing to Me a New Song”.     It was enjoyed by all.
          STEERING COMMITTEE
       The Steering Committee has been meeting to discuss and praying about the continued search for a new Minister.SUNDAY SCHOOLThe Sunday morning class is now in the book of Philippians. Come and join in, class  starts at 9:30am.     
SPEAKERS       Is there something on your heart you would  like to share with the church Family. Do you know someone who can share the Word with us? Let a Steering Committee member know and they will be able to provide available dates.                 WEDNESDAY  EVENING Wednesday Evening was cancelled last week due to the heat and other factors.  Please come join us this Wednesday for our weekly supper and bible study starting at 6pm.  We’re studying the Corinthian letters.     FEEDING  AMERICA       Peanut butter is the number one needed item for Feeding America. It can be used all year.  Drop a jar off on the foyer table.  Thank you for helping our community! 
POWER OUTAGE There was no power last Sunday during Church Services.  Due to a problem on Mudlick road.