December 25, 2011
Volume 11, Number 52
Goodwill A Promise
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" - (Luke 2:14).
And so it is Christmas again. It is that season filled with excitement and frustration. There are those who find comfort with people they love, and those who find loneliness in the isolation they feel. It is a season much like any other except - it is a season of promise. It cannot be ignored that many are reminded of the birth of Jesus at this time of year. And while it is much more likely that He was born somewhere between March and June, there is still a lot of hoopla at this time of year. So, while we may not engage in the birthday wishes and some of the other religious holiday enhancements, there may be something good yet to learn. The greatness of any special season is not the precipitating event itself. The best of it is what is invested in people, and the promise for the future that is implanted in their hearts. The beginning of the life of Jesus was the eye opening event that testified of the goodwill of God. It was the visual and tangible realization that God has not forgotten us, and has much yet in store for us. The birth of Jesus did come with some excitement and celebration, but the promise is what makes the difference. You see, the exact date of His birth is not the important matter. His birth is not about a new baby for us. It is about hope to be fulfilled. It is about the loving promise of God. It is about what His life, message, death, and resurrection mean for us. It is about promise and fulfillment. So this is ChristmasAnd what have you done Another year overAnd a new one just begun And so this is ChristmasI hope you have fun The near and the dear oneThe old and the young Happy Christmas (War is Over) So, as some are singing of a Silent Night and a manger scene, I reflect on the wonders of God and the goodwill we see from the promise in which we now live. Merry Christmas - a promise in goodwill. Russ
Events, Resources, and Information www.southernridge.org
The Sentinel December 25, 2011
Keep These In Prayer
Glen Martinhas gone home and
may be reached there. Horace Phillips will be having heart surgery very soon. Larry Scott has been in Integris Southwest Medical Center with some complications. Don Fleming - is seeing improvement and thankful for our prayers. Shellie, Sherri Weingartners daughter - difficulties in pregnancy. Chuck Coxs dad, Albert Cox has stomach cancer. Riley Baldwin will have more surgery soon. Janice Parker, mother-in-law of Jennifer (Fleming) Parker is now home. Homebound or Limited: Jean Christian Edith Skaggs -Lorella Wilson
Wednesday Evening will be our end of the month singing night. Songleaders: come with your best song, and it will be a great time. The QuestionThe deacons have asked that we each take one of the question and suggestion sheets, put our thoughts on it, and drop it in the box on the foyer table. If you have questions, ask any of the deacons. Red Cross Refresher Course January 9 at 7:00 PM. For details, see Randy Vance. New Brothers Keeper Groups: The new groups for 2012 are posted on the bulletin board. Check to find your group. We will be forthcoming with announcements of group meetings as soon as we can. Plan to take part in a group and build the fellowship of this good congregation. Our Deepest Sympathy to the Family and Friends of Shelly Vang. Shelly passed away last week following a long struggle with cancer. Services will be on December 28.
Serving Overseas:
Bernard Floranda Barry Adams
Happy Birthday to . . .
Brian Jaworsky Margauritte Shobert Kera Jaworsky Karla Holmes Rick Greenroyd 1/4 1/6 1/8 1/8 1/9 12/27 1/6
Happy Anniversary to
Donna & Phil Schumann Joe & Lyla Mulkey
May these Holidays Bring Joy and Light to You and Your Loved Ones!
When the World Didnt End Matthew 24:1-2
Lesson for Sunday morning January 1, 2012
Order of Service
Welcome & Announcements Scripture: John 1:19-28 Song 419 Only In Thee Song 257 I Need Thee Every Hour Prayer Song 445 Rock of Ages Comments Lords Supper Collection Song 277 Jesus, Hold My Hand Sermon: There Was a Time: Looking for Jesus Song 114 I Stand Amazed Song 114 Footprints of Jesus Prayer I.
There Was a Time: Looking for Jesus John 1:19-28
There Was a Time - They Asked, Who Are You? A. He was a man with a 1. They had been sent to 2. There were Was he _______________? Malachi 4:5 Was he the ____________? Deut. 18:15 Was he the _____________? Cf. John 4:25 3. He had a ___________ from God. Vs. 33 B. He, who is coming -1. There were already those seeking to 2. They search, but they do not ________ him. C. People dont like to be ________________. II. Is This a Time - Are We Still Looking? A. No Doubt, we are Still 1. We are still looking for answers. Science seeks ____________________. Medical science seeks _________________. Political science seeks _________________. People seek ________________. 2. We want to know B. The Search 1. Who are we hoping to find? 2. Where are we hoping to find him? 3. How will we know when we have found him? C. Looking in the wrong direction. 1. Our tendency is to look ________________. 2. Jesus teaches us to look _______________. Too often the search is frivolous and wasted by looking in buildings, activities, and propagandized movements. Search for Him in you.
Scheduled to Serve Next Week (1/1/12)
The Sentinel December 25, 2011
Announcements
Bill Sherman
Ministry Intern Caleb Eggleston
Beginning on January 11, 2012. Caleb will be working with us as a ministry intern. Caleb is a student at Oklahoma Christian, in his Freshman year. He is pursuing a degree in Bible and Ministry. He has been active in mission trips, Vacation Bible School, and youth work in his home congregation in Louisburg, Kansas. He has also been a participant in Leadership Training for Christ for three years. Caleb is also the grandson of Duane Eggleston, who has preached in Kansas and this area for many years. Caleb is presently serving as the Freshman Class President. He is in the Chorale, and was a Master of Ceremonies for the Freshman Fanfare this year. Caleb will be taking part in as many activities of the congregation as his schedule allows. He will be working with some of our youth classes and youth activities. He will be presenting lessons from time to time, and working closely with Russ. As he will be a blessing to us, we can strive to be a blessing to his life and growth in ministry. Caleb will begin with us on January 11. Get to know him soon.
Minister Russell Dyer
Greeters
Randy & Linda Vance Don & Anita Worden Teah Ausmus
Lord's Table (am)
Brian Jaworsky Walter McFadden Fred Jones Horace Phillips Dewayne Ross Roger Scott Dan Jolliff Sunday John McFadden Chad Bruner Kevin Keenan Jerry Doyle Bill Fleming Larry Baldwin
Lord's Table (pm) Prayers (am) Prayers (pm)
Jim Skaggs
Schedule of Services Bible study Worship Worship
Wednesday 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Deacons Michael Berry Joe Downs John McFadden Bill Fleming Walter McFadden
Bible Study
Elders Kevin Keenan Horace Phillips Roger Scott Bill Sherman
George King Dwain Thacker Darrell MacDonald Randy Vance Keith McDougal
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