No Greater Love than This
As the camera scanned the crowd, it captured a scene which has become far too familiar in our day and time. The setting – the deployment of American troops to the Far East. The reason – to fight against tyranny and terrorism which stands in opposition to the liberty which you and I enjoy. As this scenario played out before my eyes, I found myself contemplating the realization that as these soldiers go to war, some of them might not come back. This is the price for liberty, a price these troops are willing to pay.
Though this scene has been played out time and again throughout our nation, Americans have experienced this before. For in time past, both men and women have responded to the call of freedom, and given everything they had for that cause. Whether we are talking about those who valiantly fought in World War I or World War II, or even those who gave of themselves in Korea, Vietnam or even in the Gulf, all of them demonstrated a tremendous love for their fellow man.
Yet, as one meditates on this thought, one is reminded of what Christ did for all of mankind. As man stood in need of atonement (Rom. 3:10, 23), Christ gave of Himself (Rom. 5:8-9) in order to redeem man back to God (I John 3:16; I John 2:1-2; Rom 6:23). Just as there was a price to be paid for the freedom we enjoy here in the United States, freedom from sin also has its price (Heb. 2:14-17). John reminds us that, "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
It is my hope and prayer that the affairs of the future will exclude war, however, if war is inevitable; let us realize the price that is being paid for freedom. The cost is high; however, the benefits are grand. The same is true for the cost of Christianity. Let us never forget or take for granted these liberties and let us always remember the price that was paid on our behalf.
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We wish to express our sympathy to the family of Polly Hickam, a former member here. Polly passed away on
September 25th in Winters. TX. She had suffered with Alzheimer’s. Polly was 89 years old. The funeral is
scheduled for September 29th at 2:00 p.m. in Winters, TX.
Current Concerns
Doc King is back at home recuperating.
Darlene Brown is not feeling well and will be having tests done this week.
Harmon Rex had to be admitted into the hospital late Saturday night due to a severe pain in his chest. He
underwent surgery to have a stint put in. This made his fifth stint in the same artery. Harmon was released
from the hospital on Wednesday, the 26th to go home to recuperate.
Cecilia Bethune is still recuperating at home, and is doing better.
Fran McFatridge had a bladder suspension done on Tuesday, September 25th at Medical Center Hospital. She
is scheduled to go home Wednesday afternoon, September 26th.
Baby Ava Camille Simmons’ blood pressure is too low and had to be put on blood pressure medicine.
Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Fran Arbuckle; Vivianna Cedillos; Mildred Heslip; Breanna Keck; Bessie Millwee; Orbin Montgomery;
Trevor Parker; Mike Roemisch; Patsy Sanchez; Rosa Simmons; Susan Simmons; James Smith; Lucinda Webster;
DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Wilma Mitchell; 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, "Christ, The Christian’s High Priest."
Come join us for an evening of fellowship and hot dogs at the Ochoa’s house on Saturday, October 20th from
7:00 p.m. until ? . Boys bring cokes and girls bring cookies or marshmallows.
FYI
We will begin having Wednesday morning adult Bible classes on October 3rd at 10:30 a.m. Steve Horton will be
teaching the class.
Odessa Christian School will have a work day on October 6th from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They need workers
and overseers for the work day. A list of jobs and a sign up sheet is listed on the bulletin board in the east foyer.
Please sign up if you are able to help. They have asked us to fax the sign up sheet as soon as possible.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of September are June Smith and Debbie Marrs.
| September 30, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Song Leader |
John Carroll |
Cameron May |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Scripture |
Don Easlon |
Scot Straw |
Second Prayer |
Ben Ellison |
Mike Smith |
Closing Prayer |
Harmon Rex |
Jack Wright |
|
||
West |
Steve Horton |
Bradley Martell |
East |
Mark Ingram |
Jeff Wood |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Lon Howard ~ Deacon: Johnny Warren ~ Pulpit: Jimmy Nunley ~ Table: Tony Marrs ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"How to be a Good Shepherd"
(1 Peter 5:1-4)
Sunday PM
"The Mindset of our Lord"
(Philippians 4:8)
Our Records
Bible Class...118
Morning Worship...161
Evening Worship...113
Wednesday...136
Contribution $5,046.78