What Do I Owe My Home Congregation?
Financial debt has a way of reaching out and touching us all. Whether we are speaking about paying for a home mortgage, credit card debt, or other financial cargo like college tuition or auto loans, many of us have experienced in one way or another these monetary burdens. Unfortunately, though most understand the importance of fulfilling such financial responsibilities, by the action of some, one would begin to believe that most Christians don't comprehend that they also have responsibilities to their local congregation. No doubt, some of this may be due to ignorance; however, there are some who willfully ignore their indebtedness to their home congregation.
Friends, like the apostle Paul said, we are in debt, "I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:14-16). And if Paul considered himself a debtor, then you and I have our own obligations to fulfill to the local work. However, what do we really owe our home congregation?
First, since my home congregation has financial obligations, then I too am responsible to my home congregation to give my offering regularly so as to make sure these obligations are met; "…as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (I Cor. 16:1-2).
Beloved, whether we are present or gone on vacation, it is vitally important that we make sure that our offering is given to our home congregation. When our contribution does not find its way to the local treasury each and every week, then we shouldn't be surprised when a work has to be stopped because we are delinquent in fulfilling our obligations. Second, since my home congregation's existence depends upon the attendance of its members, then I am responsible to attend the services of my home congregation whenever possible (Heb. 10:24-25). Friends, our attendance is not only essential for the existence of Eisenhower, it is also important for our own personal growth toward Holiness (I Pet. 1:14-16). What a terrible shame it would be for a congregation to cease to exist all because we drifted and did not fulfill our indebtedness to our home congregation.
Third, since my home congregation has the responsibility to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16), then I am personally obligated to live in such a way were Christ can be seen in me (Gal. 2:20). Beloved, we all owe our home congregation a proper Christian example. If we are going to reflect the light of our Lord, then it is imperative that we live "soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:12). Only then can we fulfill what we owe our home congregation.
Friends, as you can see, we are in debt. However, will we be truly honest with ourselves about this indebtedness? Do we really realize our debt to our brethren and are we willing to pay our indebtedness? Only time with tell!
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Augustina Costenada, mother of Miguel Arroyo, underwent gall bladder surgery on Monday, March 10th.
Vickie Ryan is not feeling very well. She may have a new strand of flu, but all the test results are not back yet.
Bill Arbuckle was taken to the chest pain center at MCH early Wednesday morning, March 12th. The doctors are checking him out. We have no current update.
Prayer List
Bill Arbuckle; Patsy Carol; Bill Carson; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; LeeRoy Bell; Mildred Bell; Yvonne Howard; Rosie Simmons; James Smith; Nick Smith; Howard Williams; Brooke Wilson; DeLora Wood; Geneva Ybarra.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled, "A New Life in Christ."
FYI
The Wednesday morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
The Tipton Home Truck will be here on the week of April 7th. They have asked for the following items: Tylenol, liquid laundry detergent, Kleenex, chicken broth, pre-sweetened Kool-aid, cereal, gallon-sized zip lock bags, aluminum foil, and spaghetti sauce.
There will be a meeting for all individuals currently teaching, who have taught in the past or desire to teach, after the evening service, Sunday, March 16th.
You may now pick up any dishes that you left behind on the table in the east foyer under the news and notes board.
Justine McCollum has moved to Buena Vista Nursing Home on 3800 Englewood. This is the Old Avalon Nursing Home.
Please take note that John Carroll has donated a beautifully framed song that his brother Don Carroll began writing before his passing. John
has since worked on this song and has completed it. It is hanging in the east foyer next to the youth bulletin board. Be sure to stop and take a look at
Youth
We are needing hosts for the monthly youth devotionals. Please sign up to host one or more on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
Our next youth devotional will be on Sunday, March 16th immediately following evening services in the annex. The Easlons will be hosting it. Girls bring desserts and boys bring drinks.
Thank You
Thank you all for the beautiful cards, calls and other expressions of sympathy. We appreciated your prayers and kindness during our time of bereavement.
The Family of Bill Kail
We would like to thank all the ladies that had a part in helping with our ladies' day. The decorations and the food was great. Thank you so much. We couldn't have done it without you. And we would like to give a special thanks to our young ladies for helping us serve (Lacey, Hannah, Gabriella, and Larriat). Thank you.
Love ya, Christy and Sonia
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of March are Maxine Newton and Patsy Mitchell.
We are trying to fill our pantry. Every two weeks we will have new suggested items. This week's suggestions are rice, bagged pinto beans, and canned ravioli. Thank you!
| March 16, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Rudy Ochoa |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Scripture | Tony Marrs | Cameron May |
Second Prayer | Jr. Munoz | Jimmy Nunley |
Closing Prayer | Bill Tolbert | Frank Vargas |
|
||
West |
Don Easlon |
Trini Wood |
East |
Ben Ellison |
Jeff Wood |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Mike Smith ~ Deacon: Jimmy Nunley ~ Pulpit: Scot Straw
Table: Tom Sorenson ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Let Us Walk Together"
(Ephesians 4:1-16)
Sunday PM
"Honesty"
(Proverbs 19:1)
Our Records
Bible Class... 111
Morning Worship... 166
Evening Worship... 131
Wednesday... 119
Contribution $4,855.00