Keenagers
Make plans to attend the 6th annual
July 4th Celebration
11:30 – 1:30 – Fellowship Hall
Cost: $6
Wear your patriotic colors.

Purchase your tickets from Linda Clayton, Phelicia West or Betty Roseborough

There is a passage in an unpublished novel by Walker Percy that captures the restlessness of the human soul. In the novel two men, who are patients in a tuberculosis sanitarium, are having a conversion:
“What’s the matter, Willy?”
“I don’t know Scanlon. I’m homesick.”
“How long have you been homesick?”
“All my life.”
St. Augustine said our souls are restless until they find their rest in God. Daily we rub elbows with people who are hurting, hopeless and helpless. They long for something more. They can’t put their finger on it – but there has to be more to life than what they know. They are homesick and they don’t know why.

The problem is they don’t even know they are not at home! They have not come to realize that, like the prodigal, they have wasted their inheritance on reckless living. They are content to eat with the pigs and wallow in filth thinking it is normal. It is our responsibility to disturb their “peace” through the preaching of the Gospel. When we are faithful to live and preach righteousness our gracious God, through the Holy Spirit, awakens the conscience of the sinner. Once awakened they realize they are far from home and are ready to receive instructions concerning the road back. Yes salvation is the work of God but part of God’s work is our preaching the Gospel. Together we are signposts along the path. It is not about us. Our responsibility is to point the way home. Is your sign in good shape? Are you displayed so others can see? It’s something to think about.

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

And they’re off! A group of 25 brave souls took off this morning for Kids Kamp at Tulakoggee. By the time you read this they should be back home safe and sound full of stories and lessons learned. We’ll be hearing some about their week in our evening service July 22. In the meantime our youth are gearing up for camp July 30 – August 4. Ah, August in southeastern Oklahoma – refreshing, not! But a great time with the youth in learning about the Kingdom of God and encouraging one another in the faith. There is still time to sign up on the food lists. There is a list in the foyer and in the northwest entrance to the worship center. Thanks to all of your support and sacrifice for our children and youth. Your investment in their lives is worth every penny.

Please continue to pray for our nominating committee and committee on committees as they seek to finish up their work. They are seeking to work with you in helping you find that place of service within your church. We need your gifts and talents to accomplish the task we’ve been given. Do you have a specific interest? Do you have a desire to serve? Let us know and we’ll help to find that place so that you can find joy and fulfillment and others can be blessed.

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your family as we gather in worship this coming Lord’s Day.

Rod

If studies, surveys and word of mouth are to be believed a number of people stay away from church because “church is boring.” Now I have to assume that what they actually mean is that worship is boring. And to be perfectly honest there are times I would have to agree. I remember spending a month in a service one night! The music was embarrassing and the message, oh the message was horrible. It went on and on and on the problem was while it went on and on – it went nowhere. I was embarrassed for the preacher. I thought, “Why doesn’t he just shut up and sit down?” Of course the really embarrassing part is…I was the preacher!

I’ve also attended services where I was bored. Of course most of the time I am at fault. I’m there physically but I’m not there spiritual or emotionally. My mind is in a hundred other places. My thoughts are divided between what’s for lunch, that stack of stuff on my desk, appointments during the next week, what’s for lunch (that one keeps coming up). Can I make a suggestion? Why not take some time Saturday evening or Sunday morning and prepare for worship. Go to the top of the page and click the “resources tab” then click “order of service.” There you will find the order of service for Sunday. Read through the hymns; read the Scripture for the call to worship and the passage for the message. Spend some time praying for those who will lead in worship and the folks who normally sit around you. Pray that hearts will be open to the Gospel and that God’s Spirit would move in the service. Pray for the preacher for clarity of mind and thought, for empowerment and anointing. Pray for your needs in light of the text, the music and the theme of the service. You might be surprised by the difference it makes. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

“Hot.” That’s the term that comes to mind as I write this article. At the time of writing I’m preparing for youth camp at Kiamichi Assembly. We’re taking about 50 this year, our largest group in some time. Deodorant, $1.95. Flip flops on sale $7.00. Camp in Oklahoma, in August…priceless! I’m a little concerned as I’m packing. I said to Rheadon, “This could be my last year at camp. I may just kill over in this heat.” She showed great concern as she said, “But your life insurance is paid up right?”

Camp is a great opportunity to invest in the lives of our young people. A chance to get away from the routine and have a concentrated time of spiritual instruction and exposure to the Gospel. Because we take anyone interested in going and often have un-churched kids with us – it is often the first opportunity for some to experience a Christian environment. That makes camp a great opportunity to model the Christian faith and to demonstrate the practical outworking of what it means to trust in Christ. Some aspects of our faith are “caught” more than they are “taught.” Pray that this week of camp will be a life-altering experience for our youth.

Let me also encourage you to continue praying for our nominating committee as they seek God’s will in filling a number of positions for the coming year. I look forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.

Rod