May - 2008

Sandra Miller recently shared the following as a devotion recently. I liked it so well, I asked for a copy and share it now with you. A previous Pastor’s wife at Concord wrote it.

In Christ Alone, Brother Earl:

MY SPRING WARDROBE

Women-like, we’ve been reading about the new spring fashions and have, no doubt, discovered that we shall need to go shopping.

While checking your wardrobe, do you find that you are completely out of SELF-RESPECT? It is such a basic garment and can almost stand alone in making a person well dressed…and there are many accessories… RIGHT ATITUDE, SHARING, FRIENDLINESS, THOUGHTFULNESS, CHEERFULNESS…each making the same basic dress appear different…I think, however, SINCERITY does more for it than anything else. SINCERITY gives any dress such a soft look.

KINDNESS is another garment we should get. It is almost as basic as SELF-RESPECT and is suitable to wear on all occasions.

If you still have that SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS you picked up this winter, thinking it was a bargain, why not try to exchange it for some HUMILITY?

While you’re weeding out garments which are unbecoming, do throw away that green prejudice thing…and if you try on that old coat of SIN, take a good look at yourself and notice how ugly it makes you appear. Isn’t it odd how we will continue to wear things that keep us from looking our best?

TOLERANCE is quite popular this season for spring coats. Perhaps you have found that the older you get the more becoming it is, though for many years you thought you couldn’t wear it.

The designers say that LOVE is going to be very good this spring…in all shades from the soft hues of a baby’s love to the brilliant shade of God’s love.

And don’t forget some samples of PEACE. So many things can be done with it. It can be made into PEACE for one’s own self, or PEACE among people. The supply is low, however, because there’s such a demand for it.

Perhaps you might want to match some PATIENCE your neighbor wears. With some alterations, it might look well on you.

You might even try that little garment of LONGSUFFERING they are displaying in the stores. You might have thought you didn’t want anything like that…but maybe you’ll find yourself changing your mind about a lot of costumes and styles. For instance, when SELF-CONTROL first came out, I’ll bet you couldn’t afford it…and now, you find yourself gazing at it when others wear it.

And do have your SENSE OF HUMOR mended. No doubt, you’ve always enjoyed wearing it, but you know, one does get careless about mending.

Something else you must get when you go shopping is some everyday GOODNESS. Your family and friends deserve to see you looking your best, and you shouldn’t save your GOODNESS just to wear for company or when you go out. Besides, it’s so inexpensive there’s just no excuse for your not having it for everyday wear. You might think such a long list will run up quite a bill, but actually, it will be harder on your PRIDE than on your pocketbook. Are you wondering where I got my information on the latest spring fashions? From a book as old as the ages, yet as current and up-to-date as your daily newspaper…THE BIBLE. How is your spring wardrobe?

By Mary Mabel Owen, February 15, 1979 A member of Woman’s Club

Colossians 3: 12-14 "Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony."

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National Day of Prayer 2008

Millions United. 1 Day. 1 Voice.

The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 1, 2008. The theme for this year is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" and is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7 which states: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."

Shirley Dobson on the National Day of Prayer:

This is a critical time to be in prayer for America. The biblical principles upon which our country was founded are coming under attack in every segment of society. Yet despite this troubling trend we can take heart in the knowledge that God hears and responds to the earnest cries of His people. In one of my favorite Psalms, 28:7, David makes this confident declaration: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." What a comforting reminder that God is indeed the source of all power, guidance and protection.

It is with this in mind that we chose for our 2008 National Day of Prayer theme, "Prayer, America's Strength and Shield."

It is tremendously heartening to know that you are standing with us as we call this great nation to prayer. Thank you for devoting yourself to this cause and please know that we are remembering you before God's throne as we work together to spark a nationwide revival of prayer and repentance.

Would you commit to pray for our children, youth, heads of families, and our Church and governmental leadership on May 1st? A few minutes during your lunch break or as a family in the evening. And, you know, it wouldn’t hurt to make this prayer part of your daily prayers all year long.

In Christ Alone, Berta Dickerson

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Emmaus Gathering/Training Session at Benton First United Methodist Church Saturday, May 3.

The training session begins at 6:00 p.m. and the gathering follows at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to car pool, contact Lisa and Kevin Gericke at 488-2343.

Meeting Notice:

The Administrative Board will meet Monday, May 5, 6:30 p.m., in the Wesley Classroom.

Special Sunday School Opportunity! Would you like to learn what you can apply to your life through a study of the Old Testament kings? Join us as we begin a special series on April 6 during the Sunday School hour. We will use an in-depth, 12-week, study curriculum called Following God: Life Principles from the Kings of the Old Testament. This study uses daily lessons, each taking about 45 minutes, and open group sharing to discover what God has to say to us through the lives of the Old Testament kings. Join us for the first session April 6 for a time of group sharing and faith building. All are welcome. See Kevin and Lisa Gericke for more details.

THE CHURCH FAMILY

Congratulations to:

Mindi Edwards and Jason Houston at the birth of their son, Jace Michael, April 14, 2008.

Chris Turner at the birth of his granddaughter, Ryanalynn Turner, April 28, 2008

Thank You Notes Received and Posted from:

The Roy Yancy Family

The Joe Edwards Family, Sandra & Ron, Larry and Brenda

Betty and Denver Parman

Dale, Sandy, Kyle and Corey Donohoo

Brooke Thorn

Baptismal Service, May 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church for Matthew and Michael Hancock and Eric Wood.

Welcome New Members: Lily Douthitt, 261 Bobby Hook Lane, Kevil 42053, Nikki Germain, 8250 Timberland Dr., W. Paducah 42086, Brooke Thorn, 603 Fountain Ave., Paducah 42001, and Mary Lou Wurth, P.O. 516, Cunningham, KY 42035

The Administrative Board will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 5, in the Wesley Class.

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