1. Art and Diseño

February 4, 2015
THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN
David McCasland describes a long layover at an
airport. He tells how he noticed that one business in the
main terminal attracted more people than any other. For
hours, a steady stream of customers approached with cash in
hand, stood in line, made a purchase and left quickly. All
seemed to know exactly what they wanted.
The thriving business was a lottery sales office. Even
though the chance of winning the big Powerball Jackpot was
1 in 146 million, McCasland says people seemed compelled
to spend something, and in almost every case, get
nothing. This is a vivid picture of our enduring quest for
satisfaction and security in material things.
Isn’t that a common dream of many – to find the “big
score?” But as we know 145,999,999 people never receive it
– they get nothing. It seems to me the root issue is not the
lottery or any other means people use to pursue this pipe
dream, but contentment – can we be satisfied with what
God has blessed us with. I have a friend who knows this all
too well.
He took money out of his retirement to invest in a “sure
thing.” He shared with me that this was a no-brainer and
even recruited others to invest. I asked him what he would
do if this financial windfall became a reality and he said
(after giving to the church), “Build a big house with a bowling
alley in it!” Well as you can guess my friend does
not have a bowling alley in his house or his retirement money. He still lives in the wonderful, three-bedroom house he
and his wife have lived in for fifteen years, but there is one
problem - he does not enjoy it.
He went for the “big score” and like 145,999,999 others
got nothing; but my friend lost even more than money – he
lost his peace. He hates his house because he always
compares it to the house he never even owned. This is what
a lack of contentment does, it steals our joy in the blessings
we do have and causes resentment because of things we
don’t. This is what Paul speaks about in Philippians 4:11-13
when he writes, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I
have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know
what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I
can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV
FAITH AVENUE
“The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether
righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much
pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from
the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping
them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11.
Congratulations to Michael Herring! Michael recited
the Old and New Testament Books of the Bible last
Wednesday night! He did a tremendous job! Michael is in
kindergarten at Pine Grove Elementary School. We are so
proud of Michael, and so thankful for Tommy, April, and
Thomas for encouraging Michael in this tremendous
accomplishment!
What a fun lunch yesterday with Chris Quinn! Chris
saved up 30 Bible Bucks and invited his big brother, John,
to join him. We had lunch at Austin’s and the popcorn
shrimp and cheeseburgers were reported to be quite
delicious! I learned quite a lot about the Super Bowl, as
well as enjoying an exciting game of “I Spy!” Again, I
continue to be so impressed with our young parents and
the wonderful job they are doing training their children.
Kerry and Shanna are doing a great job encouraging their
precious sons in their love for the Lord.
Please join us this Wednesday night at Faith Avenue!
Our two-year-old class will meet downstairs in their
regular classroom. Our three year olds and four year olds,
as well as our third, fourth, and fifth grades will meet in
their regular classrooms. The kindergarten through second
grade will meet in the theater for a singing class.
We are beginning a new rotation this Sunday, February
8, on Daniel. The first reading for at-home Bible study is
II Kings 24, 25; Daniel 1; and Jeremiah 25:1-14. These
readings deal with the fall of Judah, and Daniel and his
friends being deported to Babylon. Our memory verse is:
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal
food and wine. In every matter of wisdom and understanding the king found them ten times better than all
the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”
Daniel 1:8, 20.
Our two and three year olds are continuing their study
of Moses. Their memory verse is: “And God said to
Moses, I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12.
The four year olds are studying Elijah and Elisha.
We are looking forward to Sunday!
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Herald of Encouragement
BUILDING OUR DREAMS
By John Klimko, Jr
Bible Reading Marathon
THANK YOU NOTE
Dear Central Family:
The family of Frances Sumner Copeland
would like to thank all the folks at Central
Avenue Church of Christ for the kind
words, prayers, flowers, and food during
our time of loss. It is apparent that this is a
Caroline Deming Scholarship
loving and giving congregation and we are
It is that time of the year when our extremely grateful. Our loss is great, but
teens who will be graduating from high our realization that our Church family gives
school are able to apply for the Caroline even greater comfort brings peace.
Deming Scholarship. Caroline was a
Glenn Copeland and
member of the Central Avenue congreBeth Copeland Greene
gation who passed from this life in 2009,
and her family established this scholarship in her honor back in 2010.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
If you are a member of the Central
The next Red Cross blood drive at
congregation who will be graduating this
Central has been scheduled for Sunday,
Spring, please contact me at johnklimMay 3. Please mark your calendar and save
[email protected] in order to receive an
your blood for the Central blood drive.
application. After all applications are
completed, they will be forwarded to the
family of Caroline Deming for their
HOUSE PARENTS
review – her family will then decide on
NEEDED
who they believe is the most deserving of
PLEASE HELP US! Raintree Village
the scholarship.
Children's
Home is in desperate need for
The deadline for contacting me and
returning the completed application is live-in full time house parents: either
couples or singles. Competitive salary with
February 15th.
ample time off. Medical benefits. Ministry
—————————————————————
is available immediately. Contact: Kenny
Holton (Executive Director) at (229) 559ATTENTION
5944 or by email:
If any of the men are scheduled to [email protected].
serve in any captivity on a Sunday and
know that you will be out of town, please
BUS DRIVE/ NEEDED
call William Dame, at 229-244-00537, or
Georgia Christian School needs a bus
Leigh Carter at 229-242-6115, to let
driver for a morning and afternoon route
them know, in order to fill your position
starting January 7th. Please send all inquires
in a timely manner.
to Kent Copeland at:
[email protected] or Burt
ANNUAL FAMILY EGG
Copeland at:
bcopeland@georgiachristian. org.
HUNT & PICNIC
Green team – 27.78%
Blue team – 35.92%
Red team – 69.35%
Ricky and Debbie Wisenbaker will be
hosting our Annual Family Egg Hunt
and Picnic scheduled for Sunday, March
29th, directly following morning worship
services. Mark you calendar now to attend this fun family event. More info
will be coming at a later date.
SOUP KITCHEN
The Soup Kitchen at Central is
scheduled for Saturday, February 7th. If
you would like to be a part of this
ministry to our community please be at the
building by 11:00 am.
VISITATION
Thanks to all who encourage others
through the visitation ministry. The
visitation team for this Sunday,
February 8, is listed below. Please
pick up assignments from the folder
on the table in the office hall foyer
near the Large Auditorium.
M/M Michael Black
Mrs. Loretta Brock
M/M Byron Brown
M/M Donny Bryan
Mrs. Cathy Copeland
M/M Mickey DeLoach
Mrs. Sis Force
M/M John McLeod
OUR FATHER KNOWS
BEST
Bible thought: If ye then, being evil,
know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your
Father which is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:11
What a horrendous thought! Daddy
choosing my wife. Sending a servant
to pick her out! And I have no voice
in who it will be! What if I don’t like
her? What if she doesn’t like me?
What if it turns into a total disaster?
Why can’t I just look around here at
home? Then I can choose who my
wife will be. I will have time to get to
know her. I will have time to
determine our compatibility.
Likely Isaac did not have this conversation with his father, Abraham.
Their culture would have prevented it.
However, whatever the culture, it is
clear that most parents want the very
best for their children. Abraham wanted the best for his son, but more than
that, he was obedient to the
commands of God. It was God who
drove the decision of Abraham and
the process by which Rebekah was
chosen.
I expect that it turned out that Isaac
was eternally grateful that he did not
Page 3
NURSING HOMES
HERITAGE HOUSE:
Louise DeLoach (Hospice),
Jackie Mathis,
PRESBYTERIAN HOME:
Melba Webb
FELLOWSHIP HOME:
Sylvia Higgins, Joyce Paine,
Jeanne Jarvis, Sherolyn Ellenberg,
Jane Little, George Clayton,
Irene Brown
WILDEWOOD DOWNS
COLUMBIA, S.C.:
Phoebie Slocum
CRESTWOOD:
Linda Jones
ALPHARETTA:
Gordon & Elaine Teffeteller
BAPTIST VILLAGE:
Stella Laurene Taylor
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
SGMC: Don Lockey
COLUMBUS: Lucy Brownell
ATLANTA: (Rehab) Gordon &
Teffeteller, Hyde Maurice Clarke
EMORY: Redden Hart
Elaine
CENTRAL MEMBERS:
Loretta Brock, Fannie Dasher, Clarence
DeLoach, Marilyn Ellis, Karen Evans, Glenn
Geren, Redden Hart, Allen & Mildred Lancaster, Laura McCall, Landon Noland,
Audrey Swindle, Diane Walker, Leo & Mary
Nell Wells, Lloyd Williams
FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Paul Anderson, Wanda Hall Arnold, Abbie
Barfield, Joel Dasher, Delores Britt, Leon
Black, Tim Brogdon, Buck Busby, John
Crum, Wanda DeWeese, Reese Glass, Joe &
Harriette Gray, Jimmy Jackson, Ray Norvell,
Sr., Steve & Sandi Parrish, Wayne Shear,
Debbie Starling, Beverly Strange, June
Strawder, Earl Tipton, Rebecca Tomlinson,
Pat Vann, Mitch Walker, Thomas Williams,
Larry Youmans
fight his father over the choice of
Rebekah. His father did want the best for
him. That is the challenge for each of
us—to depend upon our Father to give us
the good things we need to serve Him
and worship Him.
Penney F. Nichols
——————————————————————
AREA WIDE LADIES
RETREAT
All ladies, high school age and
older, are invited to the Ladies
Retreat at the Timberlane church of
Christ, 3569 Timberlane School Road,
Tallahassee, FL., March 6-8. The Retreat
will begin on Friday at 6:00 pm with
check in, dinner and the opening presentation by the guest speaker, Mrs. Jennifer
Webster of Hernando, Miss. The retreat
will begin on Saturday at 8:30 am with
breakfast, presentations, workshops,
lunch and fun activities. They will
conclude around 3:00 pm.
BIRTHDAYS
February 8: Kathryn King
February 9: Asher Ferguson
Sara Williams
February 10: Fred McCrary
February 12: Jenny Wisenbaker
February 13: Marlin Luke
YOUTH ICE SKATING
EVENT
Youth Ice Skating Event on Friday,
February 20th, 4:30 PM till Midnight;
skating from 7:30PM – 9:00PM Jacks o n v i l l e I ce a nd Sp o r t s p l e x
(Jacksonville, FL) Bring $10 admission
plus money for food. Sign-up sheet on
Youth Bulletin Board. Bring along
your friends as well. See Taylor’s or
Hamilton’s for more information.
*****************************
Do not let any unwholesome talk
come out of your mouths, but only
what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may
benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
MILITARY: Tyler Dees, William Harp,
James McMullen,III, Skyler Pittman,
Benjamin Starling, Johnny Tucker,
Lorenzo Walker-Potts, Nick Walker-Potts
DAILY PRAYER LIST
February 5: Richard & Jan Hamlen
February 6: Alton & Jan Hammock
February 7: Jim & Jan Hampton
February 8: Chip, Lisa, William, Foley,
Cannon & Grace Margaret
Harp
February 9: Chloe & Ivey Harris
February 10: Wivian & Rudene Harris
February 11: Ruth Harrison
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Troy & Andrea Spradlin
(Paraguay, South America)
Avenida Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo
Avenida Sacramento 650
C/Espana-Asuncion, Paraguay
Home address:
Casilla de Correo 13092
Shopping del Sol
Asuncion, Paraguay
Phone: (595) 0981-630-8886
E-Mail: [email protected]
Though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are
red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18
AT A GLANCE
February 7: Soup Kitchen
March 29: Family Egg Hunt & Picnic
Men’s Prayer Group:
Tuesdays at 7 am in the Annex
Ladies Bible Class:
Tuesdays, 10:30 am in the Connector
Christian Student Center:
Devotional, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Page 4
Herald of Encouragement
Central Avenue Church of Christ
304 East Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601-5704
ELDERS: Homer Anderson, Kevin Boyd, Byron Brown, Jerry
DeLoach, G.R. Holton, Bill Malone, Leon Weeks
MINISTERS: Bryan Jarvis, John Klimko, Jr.
DEACONS: Jay Barfield, Donny Bryan, Jeremy Colson,
Richard Hamlen, Anthony Herring, Ted Hundley, Pendleton Little, Jerry McMullen, Sr., Matt Malone, Chris Prine,
John Stephenson, Clyde Tomlinson, Phillip Walker
Church Office:
Leigh Carter...........................................................Secretary
Gail DeLoach…………................................................Bulletin
Phone: (229) 242-6115........................Fax:(229) 242-6116
Visit Central on the Web.......................www.cacoc.com
THE SHEPHERDS VOICE
MISSIONS: Paraguay, New Zealand, Ukraine, China, Malawi, India,
Preaching the Gospel (TV)
Central Avenue Church of Christ Family Gatherings
Sunday Bible Class...……………………………...………...…………….….9:30am
Worship.………………..….…………………..………………………..….....10:30am
Evening Worship……………………..……………………….…………….…6:00pm
Wednesday Bible Class.……………………………………………..……….7:00pm
For the Record: February 1, 2015
Bible Classes
AM Worship
PM Worship
271
400
129
SEG 3rd Sunday
Mid-week PM
Contribution
276
$13,295
$16,432
Over Budget
$3,137
Budget
STANDARDS CHRISTIANS SHOULD
LIVE BY
Let me start off by saying we all fall short. God
made a plan for us to go to Heaven. His Son and our
Savior is the only way any of us will enter the
Kingdom. God wants us all to make it, but he knows
that won’t happen. Most people are not willing to be
faithful to His word. Faithfulness is what the Father
expects of us.
When God told Noah to build the Ark his faith
was strong enough that he built it. It took him one
hundred and twenty years to build the Ark but, he
remained faithful.
God told Moses to lead the Jews out of Egypt. He
did just that because of his faith. It was tough because
of all the complaining and trials he went through but
did as God requested and was saved.
Abraham was told to take his only son to a place
God choose and offer him as a sacrifice. God had
already promised Abraham, that through him he
would have heirs that couldn’t be counted, they
would be so many. He didn’t understand but he was
faithful.
There are many examples in the word about
Faithfulness. Our Lord gives us an understanding
about what’s involved in being faithful. He tells us in
Acts 5:29 to be obedient to the Lord. Just as those of
long years ago were faithful and obedient. Matthew
7:21, we are told to do the will of the Father. The only
way to do the will of the Father is to know His word.
Don’t let this opportunity get by us, it is so important
to study. We need to always walk in the Light (John
1:7). When we do this people know where we come
from. This makes God pleased with us. Be a faithful
and wise servant (Luke 12:42).
Paul, Timothy, Peter and many others were always
growing in knowledge, virtues, faithful in worship
abounding in good works for the Lord, living righteous
lives letting their lights shine, looking to the end of the
world. They were looking to receive the crown of Life
(Revelation 2:10).
As Christians finish their lives on this earth there
should be only one thing on their mind; I have finished
the race now, give me that crown and to hear the words
in Matthew 25:21-23, well done thy good and faithful
servant.
Our responsibility is to live our lives as faithful
servants and let God take it from there. I believe Him
and trust Him when he promises the faithful a place in
Heaven. Let’s not get hung up on small trivial things
that causes more harm than good and send us in the
wrong direction. Be strong till the end. Love one
another as he has commanded. As Christian’s we need
to encourage. Make a commitment in the new year to
move out of our comfort zone and try something
different in our service to the Lord. You will be glad
you did.
jd