December 31, 2006

SIGNS

While traveling over the Christmas holiday, Sandy and I saw numerous signs along the highway that became quite entertaining. Among those signs that we saw was one that advertised skydiving. It boasted indoor skydiving and said, “No Parachute Needed.” That really amused me and made me want to stop and check it out. First of all, I cannot imagine how one could skydive indoors; and secondly, what is this about not needing a parachute?

Another sign showed much creativity. It was on the back window of a Mini-Cooper. The sign simply read “Car Shown Actual Size.” That sign (window sticker) got more from me than just a slight snicker.

But the sign that amused me the most was on a stick along side the highway that read, “Jesus” and had an arrow pointing straight ahead. I never saw any sign after that giving additional direction.

Matt 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

There are but two ways; one is the bad way of sin and the other is the good way of righteousness. One way allows for a great deal of latitude in how one approaches God. A person can enter in the way of their heart and walk by sight of their own eyes. But we are told that this way leads to destruction, and many people will enter this gate. It will be like the sign at the California Check Station on the highway that read, “No checks today. Continue Forward.” At this wide gate, there are no checkpoints; you can just keep doing what you’ve been doing. But remember, “…broad is the way that leads to destruction…”

The other way is much more restrictive. The path is not so wide as to allow us to walk by sight, we must walk by faith. We will not carry with us the sins, temptations, corruptions and such through this gate. The check station is always open.

Dennis

RODGER MARTIN IN IRAQ – Following is excerpt from E mail received

We had 8 people at church today. With a congregation that small, and no preacher, we all get a chance to participate! Opening prayer and Lords Supper were done by a Flight Safety officer. An electronic warfare engineer led the Lords Supper. A First Sergeant gave our sermon, and I had the closing prayer. How's that for an eclectic service!

PANTRY ITEM JANUARY

Canned Fruit

Men's Breakfast this Saturday. All men are invited to meet for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Sat. January 6 at Carrows.

Planning meeting Sat. January 20. Meet at building at 9:00 a.m.
Plans will be made for the calendar year 2007.

WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL is back!

Start 2007 by joining your church family this Wednesday evening for dinner and then stay for the classes that are provided for all ages.

………………………………….

WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU

(Serving time 6:00 – 6:40 PM)

Spaghetti– Green Salad– Bread- Dessert

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

An “Open House” is being given in honor of

Sandy and Dennis Russell at their new home:

Address: 1571 Jensen Ranch Road, SM

Date: Saturday, January 6, 2007

Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Respond please to Joyce Niedermann by Wednesday, January 3

BIRTHDAYS – 02/Pauline Powell - 03/Trevis Moss - 05/Barbara Purdam – 07/Marian Roberts –07/Damien Coles – 12/Shirley Barbarick - 12/Erin Dougherty – 12/Jim Gardner - 14/Melissa Guerra – 14/Justin Ward – 14/Destinee Coles – 19/Erick Shepard – 20/Merle Gordon – 20/John Bartelotte – 23/Marie Adler – 24/Jackie Leonard – 25/Dennis Russell – 29/Lauren Kliest – 30/Dawn Coles

ANNIVERSARIES – JAN – 12/Wayne & Shirley Barbarick - 13/Bobby & Summer Thomas - 14/Paul & Jean Maynard

16/Kevin & Jessica Hoff - 26/Lori Arlt

In Our Prayers…

Andy Sanchez - Cancer

(Irma Hernandez’ niece)

Roger Hill – Heart attack

(Friend of the McBrooms)

Charles Eads – cancer

(Phyllis Roberts’ uncle)

OUR SYMPATHY

· To the family of Ola Crosby. Ola, who was a member of the Ladies Bible Class, passed away this past week. Services were held yesterday. Keep the Crosby family in your prayers.

· To Jim & Phyllis Roberts on the death of Phyllis’ Uncle Buck, who passed away this past Wednesday.

ANSWERED PRAYER

· Andy Savoy is back in the United States.

IN IRAQ: Rodger Martin

TRAVELING - Remember those who are traveling during this holiday season

CONTINUE TO REMEMBER

Craig Morgan - Howard Dunn - Irma Hernandez -– Gordon Herrmann - - Mike & Sharon Zdrojewski - Jean & Paul Maynard–-Dale Morris –- Waneen Wolff - Carol Strutz - Rex Gardner - Linda Ross – Ola Crosby - Jim Vallier (Carl’s father) – Ken Dickey(Wayne’s nephew) Linda Hampton (Walt Wittman’s daughter)Monique Hernandez (cancer) - Norman Light’s sister, Jane (cancer) –Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns)

FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK

ATTTENDANCE:

Sunday AM - 151 Class- 47 PM.-40 Wed-.48

FINANCE Budget……..$ 2,785.46

Contribution 2,174.00

YTD Budget. 144,843.92

YTD Contribution 149,319.04

Over/Under (+/-) +4,475.12 N/A

Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ

In order for your notice to be in the bulletin please have your information in the secretary’s slot (in the copy room) no later than Wednesday evening(8 PM) or e-mailed to gardcart @aol.com no later than Thursday Evening.

Contacts:

Church Building......................... 937-3845

Elder.............. Dennis Everson.. 937-3815

Elder.............. Bob Pratt............ 937-5143

Elder.............. Jim Roberts......... 937-1660

Deacon........... Howard Dunn.... 937-3310

Deacon........... Steve Kliest......... 733-0512

Deacon........... Carl Vallier......... 937-0091

Minister ………Dennis Russell.. 937-3712

Youth Minister Vince Surra....... 934-7136

Secretary........ Joyce Gardner..... 928-2307

gardcart@aol.com