Northwest Church of Christ
3904 38th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44718
330-492-5523 Fax: 330-493-7119
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| Northwest News On Line October 11, 2009 |
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NORTHWEST LIFE LINES
We want to welcome everyone to the worship services this morning. What a joy and honor it is to be able to worship the God of heaven. We had a wonderful day of worship last Sunday as we met for the first time as the Northwest church of Christ here at the 38th Street campus. There was a great deal of both spiritual and physical feasting. If anyone was not satisfied both spiritually and physically, it was their own fault. It was a full day. There was even a big group who gathered for the devotional at 6 p.m. No doubt the Lord was pleased with our efforts last Sunday.
Vee and I are happy to be living in this area again and able to worship and serve with the Northwest congregation. Our prayer is that our efforts together will bear fruit in the Lord’s kingdom. The Elders have asked me to work with Earl Ash in the area of local evangelism. The mission field of the Northwest church of Christ begins just outside our door. Too often we think of mission work as sending someone to some far off land to a people whose language they do not speak to preach the gospel to them. That is mission work, but it is not the most important mission work. Our first responsibility is to those who live in our community. If we could send missionaries to many countries and were able to convert thousands of souls, yet neglect the people in our own community, God would not be pleased with our efforts. Oh, yes, He would be happy with the ones who were converted, but he would be displeased with us because of our local neglect. You will be hearing how you can help in our efforts to reach the lost in this area.
Let me give you, the congregation, a complement! A lady from our community visited our services last Sunday. In a visit with her and her husband on Monday, she related how welcome she felt as she entered the building. She was greeted multiple times as she crossed the foyer and entered the auditorium. Brethren, that is evangelism! Many who feel they cannot do evangelism may have been some of those who greeted this lady. There are many ways to do local evangelism and one of the greatest ways is to show hospitality and be friendly.
I hope you noticed Questions People Ask in last week’s Northwest News. This will appear in future bulletins as space allows. If you have a bible question that you would like to have answered in this space, please write it down and give it to me or leave it at the office. Some of you will remember that while I was preaching here that we would from time to time take several Sunday evenings to answer questions people asked. That is how the article got started. Please consider turning in some questions.
Bible knowledge is so important in our service to God. We cannot serve God if we do not know what the Lord requires of us. A frightening thing is taking place in our brotherhood today. Men who have been faithful to God’s word in the past are beginning to “broaden” their thinking and are now moving outside the will of God in their teaching and practice. One teaching of the bible that I did not think our brethren would ever waver from is the subject of “baptism for the remission of sins.” Yet we read that some congregations among churches of Christ are now accepting people into their membership who have experienced any form of baptism and for any reason. They also accept those who have not been baptized and will explain to them the beauty of baptism, but will accept them if they choose not to be baptized. It is hard to believe these things are happening, but the Elders of the church at Ephesus probably had difficulty believing Paul when he told them that even some of their number would leave the faith and lead the church in the wrong direction (Acts 20:29-31).
This congregation is thankful for our Elders who are bible based and stand firm against all false teaching. May we ever support them as we together faithfully serve the Lord.
Bill
FAMILY NEWS AND NOTES:
Church Family: Eric McCleary is at Mercy Medical in ICU. Katherine Green will have surgery at Aultman Hospital, tomorrow, to remove a lump. Anna Masalko had surgery on October 5th and is recovering at Aultman-Woodlawn. David Phillips remains at The Laurels. Norma Huth remains at the Aultman-Woodlawn facility for rehabilitation.
Remember in your prayers also: Doris Brown, Nelda Anderson, Kay Sams, Donna Beard, Bill Horton, and Carol Loxterman, all of whom are experiencing health concerns at this time.
Remember, too, our Shut-In members, those in the Armed Forces, as well as the Leadership of the Lord’s church here at the Northwest church of Christ.
Friends And Family: Others to remember in prayer include: Luke Holko (4 yrs old and at Akron Children’s), Ryan Morris, son of Darlene and Marty Morris, Joe Dotson, Billy Hanna (friend of Sharon Saunier), Steve Richards (neighbor of Georgia Gadd), Paul Reese (father of Ed and Wilda McCullough’s son-in-law), Bob Baughman (friend of L.D. Hollyfield), Jack Duty
Death: We extend our sympathy to Steve Moser, Heather Lindenberger and their families at the passing of their father, Junior Moser, early Wednesday morning, October 7th. The funeral was yesterday at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home in Massillon.
Responses: Patrick Shepler came forward to thank everyone for their help in the set-up, food preparation and clean-up for the luncheon last Sunday. He also requested prayers for the upcoming Youth Meeting.
Marjorie Whitley has indicated to the Northwest elders that she would like to move her membership to the Northwest congregation. Most recently Marjorie’s membership has been at the Southwest congregation in Canton. We comment Marjorie for her willingness to make her life right and her desire to serve Christ and worship here at Northwest. We ask the members of the Northwest congregation to do all you can to encourage our sister Marjorie. Her husband Troy Whitley is at Altercare of Navarre.
Note: Today, October 11th and next Sunday, October 18th Earl Ash’s Bible class will combine with Bill Craddock’s class in the center multi-purpose room. Beginning on Sunday, October 25th, Bill Craddock’s Bible class will meet in room 7.
“One Night For The Master”: Tomorrow evening at 6:00 P.M. Please fill out a commitment card and place in the return box on the table in the foyer.
If any ladies would like to bake cookies or bread to take to shut-ins on Monday nights for “One Night For The Master” please see or call Nada Shockey at (330) 455-4073. We bake them at home and bring them on Monday night.
Reminder: Be sure to check the east-wing bulletin board for upcoming events.
“Trunk and Treat”: Our annual “Trunk and Treat” will be Sunday evening, October 25th, following evening services. Those folks participating in passing out treats are asked to park their cars with the trunks facing the aisles in the parking lot, toward the west end of the building. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately – nothing scary or otherwise offensive. Please plan to stay and join us!
Immediately following “Trunk and Treat” we will have our monthly Birthday Fellowship. Please bring finger foods, a 2 liter bottle of pop and plan to stay.
Congratulations: Steve and Vicki Wilson and Gertie Turner are the proud new grandparents/great grandparent of Preslie Ann. She was born Monday, September 28th to Kris and Carrie Wilson.
Correction: The correct phone number for Jim and Dolores Ladson is: (330) 456-0763.
Thank You: Thanks to all who came to work and/ or provided food for the “Work Day” we had last month. Steve Moser
To the members of the Northwest Church of Christ:
Many thanks to all of you for the delicious meal and words of sympathy. Thanks to Lance for his comforting graveside service. We are especially thankful to those who studied with Bud & Dee last year and led them to the obedience of the gospel. May God bless you for your good works. With Love, Ralph & Connie Young and the family of Irvin Young.
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for the thoughts, prayers and flowers at the time of our grandfather’s/great-grandfather’s death. Your expressions of sympathy were both comforting and greatly appreciated. It is wonderful to be surrounded by God’s family at times like these. In Christian Love, Brian, Cathy, Joshua, Jason, and Jonathan Heid
Thanks to all for the cards and visits I have received. It’s wonderful to receive mail and visitors when I cannot be with you to worship any more. Thanks again, Mildred Myers.
Thank you for the flowers. It was very thoughtful. From the family of Luther Byrd.
Note: The Annual Elders/ Deacons/ Preacher Planning Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 18th at 3:00 PM.
Note: If you donated food for the “Work Day” or for the “Sunday Luncheon” please remember to pick up your dishes in the kitchen.
Note: Due to the limited amount of people that are willing to run the sound and video for worship services, we may not be able to continue with some extra responsibilities. Without sounding insulting, we’re looking for volunteers that are focused and dependable, and who also have a working knowledge of audio, video, and computer equipment. We need to increase the number of our current group of volunteers, so if you have an interest, please contact Mike Moss. Please note that training will be provided. Expectations: Promptness in giving yourself time to test, set-up, and prepare the equipment, Be responsible for your scheduled time; if you cannot be present, please contact the church office or me by Friday, Take ownership of the equipment; we do have to report any issues that you have encountered, Stay focused to enhance the worship service in order to glorify God. Thank You.
Mike Moss – mmoss5@sbcglobal.net
Cell (330) 354-5324
Note: A shopping trip to Grove City, PA is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th. We will leave from the church parking lot on a chartered bus. The departure time is 7:00 AM and the return time is approximately 9:00 PM. The cost is $18.00. If you are planning to go please sign the list posted on the east wing bulletin board and give your money to Nancy Peshek by October 25th.
Flu Shot Clinic: In cooperation with Walgreens, we will be having a “Flu Shot Clinic” here at the building after the morning Bible study period on Sunday, October 18th, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. There are sheets posted on the east-wing bulletin board if you would like a specific time. The cost is $25.00 and Walgreens will accept Medicare Part B.
Power For Today: Orders are being taken for Power For Today, a 21st Century Christian daily devotional booklet for 2010. You will receive one booklet each quarter and the total cost for a yearly subscription is $7.80. If you are interested in subscribing for one or more, please pay in advance with cash or check made out to Kathy Kruger. The deadline for ordering is November 29th.
Note: Kathy Kruger has just recently received her Notary Public license. Cathy Heid and Joan Cook are also Notary Publics, if you should need their assistance.
Entertainment Books: Stepping Stones for Ohio Valley University are again selling these books. See Marilyn Hopkins, Leila Kindall, or one of the other members.
You will also find monthly newsletters on the table in the foyer for those interested in joining Stepping Stones, or those who would like to know more about what these ladies do for Christian education.
Note: Ladies: The tray favors are ready to be picked up on the table in the foyer.
Need: The Food Assistance Ministry is, once again, in need of plastic grocery bags.
Tape Ministry: Tapes are available to those who would care to have them. Order sheets are on the table in the foyer, and the completed tapes will also be there. The cost of a tape is $1.00; this will include both Sunday morning and evening lessons.
Seniors: Senior Saints will have a Bible Study and a Prepared Meal at the building at 10:30. NOTE: All Golden Ager/Senior Saints activities will take place from the Northwest Campus.
There is now a bulletin board in the east-wing hallway, specifically for our senior members and their activities. There you will find the sign-up sheets for the weekly meetings and extra copies of that month’s schedule of meetings and activities. Check this board frequently for updates on all the news for our Senior Saints and Golden Agers.
YOUTH NEWS
Oct. 24th: Weiner Roast/Smith
Nov. 14th: “Bigger Better”/Kruger
Nov. 20th: Encounter/OVU
Dec. 13th: Service Activity/Camarata
Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes will have “Songs of Praise” TODAY following evening services.
*QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK*
What did the preacher mean when he said, “I want to urge you to become a Christian, not just because you may die, but because you may live?”
When studying with folks, we often encourage them to become a child of God because we do not know when life will end. James said that life is like a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Most every preacher or personal worker knows of someone who waited too long and died out of Christ. It is sound and scriptural to encourage others to become Christians “because they may die before they expect to.”
However, there is a deeper meaning to salvation. It is more than just something that happens in the afterlife. Jesus came to save us from Satan and hell, but he also came to give us abundant life, not just for later but also for the present (John 10:10).
To hear his words and do them and to follow his example is to live a rich full life. When we hear and do the will of the Lord, great blessings follow, even in this life.
Christians are to live “serving” lives. Great joy and happiness can be found in the life of a servant. All of us are seeking happiness, satisfaction, positive self-image, and a good reputation. All these can be found while living a life of service in the Lord.
Christians live a “loving, forgiving” life. Some of the most unhappy people are those driven by bitterness over past slights, whether real or supposed. Dropping grudges and showing a forgiving spirit even to those who have wronged us is a refreshing delightful way to live. It is good to become a Christian now, because you may live.
Christians live virtuous, guilt-free lives when they follow the Lord. A Christian girl turned down several requests for dates from a young man who was not a Christian. After she said “no” again, this time to attend a rock concert with him, in a kind of mock exasperation he asked her, “You don’t dance, you don’t drink, you don’t attend rock concerts; what do you do for fun?” She said, “For fun I get up in the morning without feeling embarrassed, ashamed and guilt about what I did the night before.”
It is fun to be in a Christian marriage, a husband and wife confident in their love and fidelity to one another. It is fun to rear children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, knowing the children will never have to see their parents in a drunken quarrel or a drug-induced stupor.
A life of obedience to Christ is a happy, guilt-free, fear-free life. It is good to become a Christian now, because you may live.
Certainly there is a cost to be counted in becoming a Christian, but it is the way of a transgressor that is declared to be hard (Prov. 13:15). For joy inexpressible (1 Pet. 1:8) and peace that surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7) live whatever years you may have left whether many or few, in service to Christ. That is why it is said, “Become a Christian or rededicate yourself to Christ now, because you may live.” It is the way to live.
Bill Craddock
TODAY’S SERMONS: A.M. - (Lance) “Working Together – With God” (II Corinthians 5: 17 – 6: 1)
P.M. - (Lance) “Looking At Life” (I Peter 4: 1-8)
Those reading for lessons during the worship service are asked to use the “New King James Version”, as it corresponds to the pew Bibles and the projections on the screen.
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PRIVILEGED TO SERVE
** (If you are unable to serve in the scheduled capacity, let Art Hopkins know) **
October 11, 2009 A.M. P.M.
Opening Prayer Richard Dimit Richard Dimit
Song Leader Ethan Ash Don Hopkins
Prayer E.C. Bradley James Blackwell
Read Terry Pyles Leonard Miller
Reading II Cor. 5: 17 – 6: 1 I Peter 4: 1-8
Closing Prayer Frank Kruger, III Leo Howard
Communion Chuck Camarata Keith Kull
Offering Cliff Schofield Eugene Fox
Serving Communion:
1. Rick Blackburn 5. Steve Franks 1. John Oberlin 4. Josh Heid
2. Charles Evans 6. Ray Brown 2. Brian Heid 5. Virgil Anderson
3. Keith Kull 7. Jason Heid 3. Ken Gessel 6. Brandon Hutching
4. Ron Franks 8. Terry Bucher
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October 18, 2009 A.M. P.M.
Opening Prayer Frank Kruger, Jr. Frank Kruger, Jr.
Song Leader Stephen Lindenberger Art Hopkins
Prayer Rannie Cox Richard Dimit
Read Ethan Shrake Leonard Miller
Reading Romans 8: 31-39 TBA
Closing Prayer John Simone Bill Dimit
Communion Ed McCullough John Oberlin
Offering John R. Oberlin Cliff Schofield
Serving Communion:
1. Alex McMichael 5. Don Higgins 1. Bill Hootman 4. Ed McCullough
2. Allen Crawford 6. Jim Spencer 2. Leo Howard 5. Mark Dimitro
3. Al Rohr 7. John Oberlin 3. Mark Daverio 6. Keith Kull
4. Devin Watson 8. James Spencer
For The Record (10/04/09)
A.M. Worship………..347 A.M. Bible Study.........221
P.M. Worship…….......193
Wed. BS (09/30/09)…...122
Contribution……..$9233.10
Worship Times
Sunday Worship……..9:00 A.M.
Sunday Bible Study...10:15 A.M.
Sunday Evening ……..6:00 P.M.
Wed. Evening...............7:00 P.M.
Contribution – $3575.34