Faithfulness

Faithfulness

I have often sat in my car at a traffic stop and watched as pedestrians wanting to cross the street bang on the button on the post trying to get the crossing light to give them permission. I sometimes think that they have the idea that the light should change as soon as they punch the button (my mother did).
Elevators are treated the same way. When was the last time you stood in front of an elevator and pushed the button and then settled into a long wait? When the elevator does not come right away, many people will reach out their finger to push the button again.
Traffic lights are notorious for making you sit at a red light and there is not another car in sight. Sitting at that intersection, waiting for the light to turn green, while you are the only person visible, can be tormenting.
These three illustrations help us to see that many people want to get somewhere, but something has hindered their journey for the time being.
In the Mesopotamian Region, there lived a man by the name of Abram. He became the premiere example of faithfulness. God called him to faithfulness. When Abram said yes to following God, he was making a choice of faith. It was for that choice that he received the approval of God. God sent Abraham on a journey rift with promises and a wife that could have no children.
Notice Hebrews 11:13-16: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” When God is at the controls, the destination, wherever it may be, will be a good one. For these Honorable Mentions in Hebrews 11, faith was complete trust in God without revealing a comprehensive floor plan and select itinerary.
It is easy to talk about this kind of faith, but the difficult part is embracing it. We want to give ourselves to God, yet we would like to know what the specific schedule and dimensions are going to be like. This must be where the obsession came from of “finding God’s will for my life.” There is no magic formula.
We would also like to reserve the option of changing directions if we become uncomfortable. Buttons (like Staples “That Was Easy”) loom before us with neon banners saying work, or finances, family, old hurts or _____________________ (you fill in the blank) and stand ready for us to punch as an excuse to keep us from focusing on the destiny to which God has called.
Faithfulness is not about “what is in it for me.” Faithfulness is concerned with what is possible for God and me to accomplish. For Abraham, it was not the destination, but the journey, that proved his faithfulness.
Dennis

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS –11/ Pauline Pratt-12/Kristen Morgan-13/Adrian Hernandez-15/Jessica Hoff-16/Jean Maynard-17/Robert Lopez-18/James Leonard-20/Carol Hanson-21/Kristen Colorado-22/Terri Oseguera-24/Joyce Gardner-24/Tiffani Coles-25/Frank Ross-29/Bob Pratt-29/Melissa Hernandez- 29/Don Gardner
SEPTEMBER ANIVERSARIES – 02/Gary/Marian Roberts -04/Ubaldo/Irma Hernandez- 09/Afred/Delia Oseguera-09/Vince/Bpobbi Surra-17/Don /Sharee Gardner
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
PAULINE
Pauline Pratt's 102nd birthday is coming September 11th. There is a basket in the foyer for birthday cards for Pauline
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CENTRAL COAST
AREA WIDE PICNIC
WHERE:
Pioneer Park
1000 W Foster Road
WHEN:
Saturday, September 15th
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We will provide BBQ chicken and bread
Bring a side dish, dessert, or Salad – Drink - Place Setting
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September 15 - Picnic HelpAnyone who would like to contribute to buying the meat and bread for the BBQ can give it to Jim or Dennis Everson . $10 or $20 each is suggested. That has covered it in the past when the men chipped in on it
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YOU’RE INVITED to share in the celebration of Don and Sheree Gardner’s 30th wedding anniversary. Don and Sheree will be renewing their wedding vows on Saturday, Sept. 25th at 3 PM here at the church building.
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ADD TO DIRECTORY
Michelle Garrett – 118 Liberty-SM 93454
Phone number *82 925-9613
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BUNCO AT THE BUILDING For the month of September will be Friday Sept. 28 at 7:00 until about 9:00. Please bring a snack to share.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
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September Pantry Item
Your Choice
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In Our Prayers…
Tricia Bartelotte – Hip replacement
surgery September l0th.
Mike Zdrojewski - Health
Monique Hernandez - Cancer

Wayne/Shirley Barbarick were scheduled to leave for Oregon yesterday. They will be there for an extended period of time to assist their family as Dana continues with her cancer treatment.

Traveling – Jim/Phyllis Roberts – Maxine Farris - Others

CONTINUE TO REMEMBER
Albert Arlt - Paul/Jean Mynard- Howard Dunn - Sonya Roberts - Waneen Wolff - Carol Strutz - Linda Ross - Jerita Blackmore – Dana Barbarick - Monty Cartwright - Mattie Hamburger –- Norman Light’s sister, Jane (cancer) –Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns)-- -–Pam Peralez – Pearl Keith –Irene Murphy at the Santa Maria Care Center - Rosa Montes’ grandmother- Cameron Reilly (autism)

SERVING OUR COUNTRY
Andy Savoy – Serving in Iraq
Michael Warford - Serving on ship in the middle east (Susan Pratt’s nephew)
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FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK
ATTTENDANCE:
Sunday AM: 129–Class: 60 –PM: 33– Weds: 57
FINANCE
Budget:...................................$2,815.62
Contribution:..........................$3,253.06
YTD Budget:.........................$98,546.70
YTD Contribution:................$98,930.52
Over/Under (+/-):......................+383.82
Please make checks payable to Church of Christ
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WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU
(Serving time 6:20 – 6:40 PM)
Taco Time
Beverage and Dessert
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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.