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Nile
Street Notes
Anna Church of
Christ 104 Nile Street,
Anna, Illinois 62906 833-5815 |
Website: www.annachurchofchrist.com
Vol 23. Issue
40 Oct.
4, 2009
Once upon a time, a congregation was looking for teachers for children,
preschoolers and youth.
And some adults said, “I don’t want to leave the
sweet fellowship and study in my adult class.” (But the drug pusher on the
street said, “Not even the threat of jail will keep me from working with your
children.”)
And some adults said, “I could never give the time
required to plan and go to teachers’ meetings.” (But the pusher, the porno
dealer, and the movie producer said, “We’ll stay open whatever hours are
necessary to win the minds of the kids.”)
And some adults said, “I’m unsuited, untrained, and
unable to work with children, preschoolers, or youth.” (But the movie producer
said, “We’ll study, survey, and spend millions to produce whatever turns kids
on.”)
So the adults stayed in their classes and enjoyed
the sweet fellowship and absorbed the good Bible study, and could go out of
town often on the weekend and were available to do whatever was good to do on
Wednesday or Sunday nights instead of teachers’ meetings.
And when Sunday came, the children came to their
classes and no one was there except those going from one room to another trying
to assure them that someone would surely come to teach them some Sunday soon.
But no one ever came and the young children soon quit coming because they had
gone to listen to others who did care about the things they did and what went
into their minds.
- Via The Coldwater
Courier
SERMON TOPICS
A.M. – “God’s Mercy & Grace” – Pt. 1
(Eph. 2:4-8)
P.M. – “God’s Mercy & Grace” – Pt. 2
(Ps. 84:11-12)
Those For
Whom We Are Praying:
Kathleen Ritchey
Rodney & Nikki Lingle
Bill Whitnel
Mitchell Shock – Grandson of
Rosemary’s cousin.
Carlos Wright - Tumor found on hip.
Charles Dillow
– Freda’s brother-in-law
Paul Etherton
- Sara Wilkins' father. Cancer in lymph nodes.
Jean Brown –
Kris’s aunt.
Diana Schultz
- Recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash.
Tommy Schultz
– Heart trouble.
John Bradley –
Hand is healing.
Wes Boie –
Terminal cancer.
Wisdom From Proverbs: “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout,
so is a fair woman which is without discretion” (Prov. 11:22).
Quotable Quote: “One kind word can warm three winter months.” –
Japanese proverb
Welcome! If you're visiting with us, we extend you a
special welcome and invite you to come back at every opportunity. If our
worship seems unusual to you, please let us know what you find different. We
endeavor to worship "in Spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:24) and do only
what scripture authorizes (Col. 3:17, Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18-19).
UPCOMING
ACTIVITIES/MEETINGS
* Our annual Clothing Giveaway will be next Sat.from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
* Gospel Mtg. at Sunny Slope Church of Christ in Paducah, KY Oct. 4-7 at
7 p.m. nightly. Gary
Colley speaking.
* Christian Girls’ Convention Oct. 17 at Marshall Co. Performing Arts
Center in Benton, KY from 2-4 p.m. Sheila Butt
speaking. Theme - Modesty
* Gospel Mtg., Jackson Oct. 4-7 w/Paul Sain.
* Our Gospel Mtg. Nov. 1-4 w/Jeremiah Tatum.
* “Friends &
Family Day" Oct. 18 at Vienna. Cookout to follow a.m. service.
* Ladies’ Day at Marion on Oct. 3.
* Little Egypt
Youth Camp Retreat Oct. 9-10. Details on Bulletin Board.
* Fall
Lectureship at Marion congregation Oct. 11-14 w/various speakers.
* Christian
Chapel Homecoming today w/4th Sunday singing at 2:30.
* Please
continue to drop any Bible questions in the Question & Answer box in the
foyer.
* Please
continue boycotting Pepsi & Frito-Lay products as they support the homosexual
agenda.
BIBLE QUESTION/ANSWER:
Last week’s
answer: “Even the hairs of your
head are numbered” (Mt. 10:29-30).
New question: Who gave a man butter and killed him with a
nail? Name the man who was killed, too.
Sentence Sermon: “If you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep, talk to the
Shepherd.”
Birthdays &Anniversaries
R.W. McAlister – Oct. 5
“You’re too young.”
“Don’t touch that.”
“You don’t understand yet.”
“You’ll be able to do that some day.”
As a parent of two small
children, these words are said very often in our house. Of course, we are
trying to help our children grow and mature, but there are certain things that
are dangerous, or that are truly too hard for them at this point.
However, children can still
learn! While there may be a long list of things children cannot yet do, there
is a long list of things they can do and learn!
For starters:
1. Children can learn love.
I try to tell my children “I love you” often. That phrase is probably said in
our house more often than any other (except, maybe “No!”). By hugs, kisses,
words, discipline, and time our children learn the concept of love. If we want
them to know that God loves them, we had better teach them the concept of love
early.
2. Children can learn
service. Just yesterday, Leah took our kids to visit an older couple. The kids
had helped make some muffins the evening before and then delivered them. Learning
to give something away will stick with them. Children can learn that they
aren’t the center of the universe. If we want them to serve God, we had better
teach them to serve.
3. Children can learn to
pray. Who cares if they thank God for the napkins 11 times in the same prayer?
They are learning that God hears and cares. In fact, I wish I prayed
like a child more often. Remember to teach your children “how” to pray as
well as “TO pray.” Teach them it is important by letting them “catch” you
praying. Pray at meals. Pray when you hear some bad news. Let the children have
a part in the prayers, but let them speak in a child-like language. It’s okay!
4. Children can learn to
honor parents. If you and your mate are always arguing, what makes you think
your children will respect you or your spouse? Never talk down to your spouse,
but make a special effort to avoid that in front of children! Do your best to
always speak well of your mate in front of the children.
5. Children can learn
boundaries. Yes, discipline is needed! God gives many reminders to parents to
discipline children. It is needed for them to learn to obey God and also to
avoid danger. While no parent is perfectly consistent, moving the boundaries
only confuses a child. Be as consistent as you can be.
6. Children can learn Bible
facts and stories. It’s sad that a lot of children know more about Sesame
Street than about Noah’s Ark! It shows where time is spent. Parents, please
don’t just leave it up to the Bible school!!! Take time to teach simple facts,
songs, and stories to your children. If you need resources to help you, contact
a faithful Christian bookstore (Mars Hill, Gospel Advocate, 21st Century
Christian, or the FHU bookstore are good places to start).
7. Children can learn
materialism. You knew there had to be some negative lessons on here, right? If
all we ever talk about is money and “stuff,” our children are going to grow up
thinking that money makes the world go ’round. Be very selective in how many
“things” you give a child and also how many commercials he or she sees. Teach
them the value of a dollar and how to enjoy simple things in life.
8. Children can learn to
worship. My friend Andy Kizer says that he believes there’s a special place in
heaven for mothers of small children. I agree! Dads, if you aren’t leading in
worship that day, help mom with the kids. If you are, pray that your wife
will teach your children not just to sit still, but also to realize what is
going on. Moms, you have a wonderful task! Teach discipline in worship, but
also make sure you explain what is going on as best you can. What a gift to a
child!
9. Children can learn to
lose enthusiasm. I love the enthusiasm children have. When they hear about
David and Goliath, their eyes light up. It’s the greatest thing they’ve ever
heard! Sadly, over time, we get the “I’ve heard that before” face and we don’t
seem interested in Bible truth (or in service, or in giving, etc.). Children
see…and learn.
10. Children can learn to
be friendly. Sure, some kids are shy. Some are just open to everyone.
Friendliness isn’t just about talking to everyone, though. I’m so proud of
parents who take a shy child and still help him give a hug or say “hello.” That
child will learn to smile, even if shy.
What else would you add?
Adam Faughn