The Christian Echoes Of First Christian Church “ A Place to Come Home”

 

 

Phil’s Points:

 

A few weeks ago I requested that Nola Fenix write a report regarding our Spiritual Awareness Week, which was May 23-26. Thank you, Nola, for your excellent report. It’s so good that I’m using it as my July Phil’s Points article:

 

 Some time back it was announced that “Spiritual Awareness Week” with Tom Weaver and his wife, Beth, was coming to our church.  Leaders were chosen to help with Prayer, Outreach, Publicity, and Hospitality.  Of course, everyone was encouraged to pray.

 

When I read the topics he would be speaking about, I didn’t know just what to think.  “I don’t understand these.  What is this about?”   Well you just had to be there…..Sunday morning:   “The Prison Revival.”  Two men, Paul and Silas, in prison at the midnight hour were praying and singing hymns to God.  The jailer and his family were saved that night. JUST TWO PEOPLE!!!     Just takes two people and God to start a revival.

 

Sunday evening: “Extreme Surrender” gave me cause to search my heart and pray about a specific area in my life. God knows everything we say and do.

 

Monday night: “Extreme Privilege.”  When the pastor was talking to me about writing this review, I used the word, WOW. A little later I realized that was a word the

Evangelist used.  (He could even say it backwards, WOW.} Let’s think about this-- WOW, what a great God we have.  WOW, we know Him and He knows us.  WOW, we can talk to God, the Creator of the universe, and He can talk to us.  Are we listening?

 

Tuesday night:  “Extreme Resources.”  If you came thinking he would talk about books, materials, videos, etc., you missed it!  He emphasized---PRAYER, THE WORD OF GOD, and THE HOLY SPIRIT.    He said we can find the answer to any question we have in the Word of God.  Think about it---Prayer, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit -- “Extreme Resources!”    Do we need more?

 

Wednesday’s topic was “Extreme Service.”   The Spiritual Awareness meetings were moving, exciting and special.  Let us be excited about our walk with the Lord.  We live among a lost and dying people. May God help us to reach them.

 

                             - Nola Fenix -

 

 

 

 

MEALS ON WHEELS

 

“Be kind,

Every one you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

 

Think of this quote for helping with the Meals on Wheels program. You may never realize how much one person affects another. Meals on Wheels deliver hot meals to those in need.  FCC is responsible for one week a month.  The next dates are July 26^th - 30^th. Call Dorothy Schulz at 253-9395, to volunteer.

 

“If you say it offensively,

It will be received defensively”

              

            MEN FOR CHRIST

 

M.F.C. meeting and breakfast was held June 12 with 14 men in attendance. We had a very informative talk that was presented by Bill Lovett, former Carroll County Sherriff, cousin of Dave Lovett, titled “The Thief among Us” concerning the abuse of prescription medication by the younger generation.

Our next meeting is July 10^th at 8:00 AM. All men are invited.

                       

MISSIONS

 

The 20^th of each month, I can expect a message – from Rose – “I’m starting the newsletter”. My response this month:

A letter from Cecil and Linda Todd inviting all to the Revival Fires Banquet to enjoy good food, and good fellowship with God’s people.

Central India letter, as usual, was most interesting. They have two facilities for leadership training, one in Damoh, one in Darjelling with five new professors.

The Central India Academy – Kindergarten through Fourth Grade has new teachers and five new class rooms. During summer break, they are kept busy with art class, dance, music, sports, computer, and a praise and worship C.D.

A sponsorship for one of the children is $18.00 per month. If you are interested, let me know.

Update from Colegio Biblico: because of fear of the increased violence at the Mexico borders, the scheduled work groups have cancelled; meaning less funds and less labor. They are asking prayers for Mexico and the border situation.

Ozark Christian College has a wonderful report from one of their graduates. After graduation, Brad went to Burnside, Illinois, from there to Shawnee, Kansas. The opening day attendance was 29 people, and now has grown to 800. God’s word is opened and lives are changed.                      

                                                             Carmen

 

 

TREASURER NOTES

 

NEW PHOTO DIRECTORY - FINAL CALL

The new directory is getting close to completion.  Thanks to all who have been cooperative in getting a photo to me or in getting your photo taken.  This is a final call.  Closing Date is July 1, 2010.  Call or email Steve Hudson if you either need a photo taken or want to submit one.

 

NEW LOGO

There are lots of fixin's in the works, a lot of it is being done, "behind the scenes," so to speak.  The elders are working hard on planning and implementing the changes that were defined in the Modules of an Excellent Church that we discussed about 6 weeks ago.  One of those changes is a new logo.  A lot of time was spent developing the format and style of our logo.  It is an important tool because it will represent our church in advertising, on letterhead, on signs, and even on our church clothing.  Here's the new logo that the elders have recently approved.

 

 

 

 

 

PARKING LOT

 

Every bit helps – one great way to help is to donate saleable items to the upcoming August Yards and Yards of Yard Sale. We need useful items, and collectables. The funds will be used to complete the Parking Lot. We need HELP – willing workers and merchandise. Price ahead if you wish. Bring the items in ahead of time and place in the lower level storage space.                                         Carmen

 

WEDNESDAY EVENTS

 

LADIES BIBLE STUDY: There is a Bible study on Wednesday morning from 10:30 – 11:30 AM. Contact person is Nola Fenix.

Then, at 7:00 PM. PRAYER & PRAISE MEETING. At the same time, there is a group for Grandparents Who Pray.

 

WHY SUNDAY SCHOOL?

 

It’s fun – It’s fellowship – It’s entertaining – It’s educational – It’s important!!

The first three are self-explanatory, but what about educational and important?

Every Christian has a responsibility to “go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19. To be true to this responsibility we need a better knowledge of Christ and the Bible, both of which are available in Sunday school.

We all need to be here every Sunday morning whenever we possibly can. See you 9:30 AM Sunday.                    “C.U. Sunday”,

                                                Jim Spears

 

WOMEN FOR CHRIST

 

We enjoyed a wonderful meeting on June 19, 2010.  Carolyn Sanders and Jo Stodghill hosted a delicious breakfast and Karen Holland blessed us with a moving testimony of her journey to find the Lord and walk with Him through her life and shared just a few of the miracles He has done in her life.  Alice Spears won the door prize which was provided by one of our members. 

            Please be reminded that the Yards and Yards of Yard Sales is coming up August 6 and 7.  Please bring your items for the sale to the church and put them down in the basement.   Debbie and Carmen would appreciate it if you would price your items, particularly any high ticket items.

            We are gearing up again for Operation Christmas Child:  shoeboxes with goodies and the Word of God for children all over the world.   You can help by prayer, donating items for the boxes, donating money for items and postage, selling cookbooks, and recruiting businesses to donate items.  We need items for children 2-12 years of age, including tube socks, T-shirts, sweatshirts, washcloths, toothbrush/paste, soap, combs, hats, toys, school supplies, and other fun stuff.  Remember that we need to fit a lot of items into one shoebox, so books and toys need to be relatively small.  New items only, please, and no liquid or breakable items and no war toys or suggestively-dressed dolls.   There is a box in the hall next to the WFC table/bulletin board to place your items. 

            The ladies gathered around Kim Holsapple for prayer for her upcoming surgery.  And we said goodbye to Jo Stodghill who is moving back to Houston.

            Next month’s meeting will be a very special one.  Many of our talented ladies will be sharing their crafts and art with us.  Don’t miss it!!!

 

COOKIE SEARCH!

 

To our church fellowship: In the future, we hope to expand our horizons in extending our hospitality to fellow members and our guests. If you would be willing to provide 2 dozen cookies for Sunday mornings, you may sign up on the sheet located on the WFC table. (This is not limited to just the ladies).                                                         Debbie Parks

 

THANK YOU

 

There was a wonderful note from Tom Weaver of Rock Solid Ministries for the time they spent here at First Christian Church, including the wonderful meals served. They appreciated everyone who prayed, invited their friends or relatives to the services, worked with the children, worked with the music, singing, and audio/visuals in any way, or did anything else in front of their behind the scenes to support the revival.

 

The Youth for Christ Group stayed at an overnighter the beginning of June, and sent a thank you note signed by all the ones that attended. It was a very heart-felt and endearing note.

 

“Grace – God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.”

                                               

.LIBRARY NEWS: New Books that are in the library – Check them out!

 

“Broken Minds”

A personal story of major depression weaves it with Robyn’s insights and Steve’s professional knowledge. The result is a tapestry of practical information – including definitions, treatment options, government services available, and interactions with the church and God – and deep compassion for those who feel like their world is falling apart.

 

“The Tender Scar”

Offering hope and healing for the brokenhearted. The Tender Scar addresses the heart-wrenching pain of losing a spouse. The author connects with readers in a way that makes them say they connect. He shares the emotions and situations he has encountered, and acknowledges his own mistakes as well as his hard-won victories.

 

“Believe”

Honest and insightful, Believe is a guide book for a journey we will all take one day. Through the shared heartache and grief, you are uplifted as glimmers of hope and encouragement begin to shine through her depression, and warmed as it is related how God uses the tragedy to bring new purpose to her life.

 

“Hero’s Tribute”

A powerful and moving book about what truly defines a hero. The author perfectly captures the notion of officer ship and why a man is called to accept the challenge of military leadership. There are enough clever twists and hidden hooks that you will find yourself totally engrossed and thoroughly engaged.

 

“Through the Dark Woods”

This book is compelling and very readable, in delicious bite-sized chunks. The author has sparkling humor and is allied to down-to-earth practical tips about depression.

 

“What to do When You’re Scared to Death”

An honest, practical, and Scripture-rich approach to vanquishing our fears, filled with teachings of people who have faced paralyzing fears by taking them to God. It provides tools for freedom and an authentic relationship in Jesus Christ.

 

“A Quiet Center”

This is a devotional guide to show you how to still your soul before God, how to spend time alone with Him, and how to keep His restful presence within you throughout the day. A list of Scriptures and guidelines for meditation are included at the end of each chapter.

 

“A Sure Path”

This is a warmly written book, the author acknowledges that a sure path is not always easy, but God has provided plenty of traveling tips – as well as personal Guide- to help us make the journey with rewards we can never experience otherwise. This book is to encourage you to do your part…to take your life with God as seriously as He does.

 

“The Heirloom”

The Great Depression of 1929 has closed bank doors and forced people out of work, paralyzing many parts of the country. The tiny town of Spruce Hollow, North Carolina, hasn’t escaped its crippling grip. So goes the story of a Pastor who tries in many heart-felt ways to help his congregation through the hard time.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EUREKA SPRINGS, AR.
JULY 2010