Faith and Football (cont.)
When it comes to mixing Christ and life, Dungy got it right.
We may disagree over the extents or manner in which it is appropriate to proclaim our faith in certain public forums. It is possible to be obnoxious in professing Christ and, in doing so, make Him less attractive to others. While we should not fear to confess Christ before men (Mat. 10:32-33), we should use discretion in the time and way we do so to avoid unnecessarily annoying those we hope to influence. We need to remember as well that our confession of Christ is seen more powerfully in the way we live than in what we claim. There are times when we need to show more than tell-to walk more than talk. That being said, we can still admire those like Dungy who do not feel the need to hide the importance of their faith in Jesus Christ, even when standing on the world stage.
Still another point we can appreciate about Dungy's statement is that, despite his pride in his accomplishment as an African-American, "more than anything," he said he and Lovie were "Christians." In other words, his professed Christian identity was more important to him than his race or cultural heritage. We find this refreshing in a day when identity politics is all the rage. To advance their own interests, many prefer to identify themselves in terms of their race, gender, sexual proclivity or some other minority class claiming victim status and demanding redress for alleged discrimination. But whether we are American or Mexican, Anglo or Hispanic, black or white, male or female, those who belong to the Lord are first and foremost Christians. Our identity with Christ should be more important to us than nationality, race, gender, ancestry, political affiliation, social status or anything else. It should be our defining characteristic-who we really are. Once we are born again, we may still be Anglo or Asian, black or white, but more than anything else we are children of God. "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:26-29).
Though we disagree with Dungy on certain essential particulars of his faith, we have reason to appreciate what he said at Dolphin Stadium about the place of faith and the meaning of professing Christ. Like his coaching, on the most important thing in life Dungy got it right.
-Tyler Young
Sympathy
Gary Spurgeon, step-father of Ronnie Lane was killed in an automobile accident Saturday, March 24th. Services are
pending in Coleman, TX.
Susie Erwin, sister-in-law of Linda Tate passed away Monday, March 19th. Her funeral was held at Hubbard Kelly on
March 21st. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Fannie Copeland, grandmother of Scot Straw passed away on Monday night, March 26th in Olton, TX. She was 94 years
old. Funeral services are scheduled on Thursday, March 26th, at the 1st Baptist Church in Olton.
Grace Beamon, mother of Dolores Huff (former member) passed away on Monday, March 26th in McKinney, TX.
Amaleta McCright, aunt of Fran Arbuckle, passed away, Saturday morning, March 24th. Funeral services were held on
Tuesday, March 27th at the First Baptist Church in Rotan, TX.
Current Concerns
Nina Sledge fell Sunday Morning, March, 25th and broke three ribs. She is in Medical Center Hospital in room 424.
John M. Wood, father of Charles Wood has pneumonia in both lungs. He was treated and released from the hospital and
is recovering at home. He is 93 years old.
June Turnbow is scheduled for hip surgery on Thursday, March 29th at the Alliance Hospital. She still needs our prayers.
Marilyn Upshaw had been in the hospital in San Angelo but is home now recuperating.
Prayer List
Mark Brewer; Jewell Dennard; Harvey Garvin; Burt Groves; Jean Hambright; Thelma Henry; Mildred Heslip;
Marion Lee; Justine McCollum; JoAnna Minter; Wilma Mitchell; Ruth Norman; Jim Reyna; Patsy Sanchez;
Janelle Shirley; Nell O' Beth Willoughby; Charles and Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price;
Charles and Pearl 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 titled, "The Silence of Scripture."
The Cherokee Home for Children will be hosting their annual grocery drive on May 26th. They have requested the
following items: laundry stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, (no aerosol cans).
FYI
There will be a "crib shower" for Christopher Allan Arbuckle, infant son of Michael and Jennifer Arbuckle. A crib has
been placed in the foyer. They are in need of diapers and preemie clothing.
Attention all graduates: Pease return your information sheets and turn in any pictures that you would like for us to use.
Thank You
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
About 3 years or so ago, my father asked me to write you and tell you how much he appreciated everything you had done
for him for the past years leading up to that time...the cards, the prayers, the reports from me that many of you always
asked about him. To my great disappointment in myself, I never wrote that letter. But please do know how much he
appreciated the Christian love that he knew he had from this congregation. You were always so kind and loving to him
and he appreciated it so much. I did also.
Thank you for your many acts of kindnesses to me the past several days. Also, thanks for being such an extremely big
part of the Carroll family since 1979. I will be grateful to this congregation for as long as I live.
In Christian love, John Carroll
Dear Eisenhower church,
Thank you for the cards, prayers, phone calls of encouragement and all that you did. Thanks again. While I was sick in
the hospital.
In Christ, Doyle and JoAnne Pitman
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of April are Devida Montgomery and Glenda Hillis.
Church Directory correction. Leemore Cook's telephone number is 337-2152. Please correct your directory. Sorry for the
inconvenience.
Note: We have not received all of the "Male Information Sheets" as to date. If you have not turned yours in, please do so
as soon as possible.
The office will be closed on Friday, April 6th.
| April 1, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Announcements | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
| Song Leader | John Carroll | Cameron May |
| Sermon | Steve Horton | Steve Horton |
| Opening Prayer | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
| Scripture | Juan Morolez | Bill Butler |
| Second Prayer | Harmon Rex | Burt Groves |
| Closing Prayer | Ben Ellison | Leon Sledge |
| Lord's Supper | ||
| West | Frank Vargas Jimmy Nunley Bill Ryan Alex Martinez |
Ezekiel Martinez Jeff Wood |
| East | Johnny Warren Don Easlon Kirk McFarland Bill Tolbert |
Bradley Martell |
Other Responsibilities:Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson --
Pulpit: Scot Straw ~ Table: Richard Siler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"The Resurrection"
(1 Corinthians 15:12-14)
Sunday PM
"Are You a Mature Christian"
(Hebrews 6:11)
Our Records
Bible Class...108
Morning Worship...170
Evening Worship...103
Wednesday...119
Contribution... $4,589.25