Whatever

Whatever
Romans 13:8-14

It was a phrase that was not just heard now and then, but very frequently. It was a phrase that nearly exclusively used by the teen generation. It was a phrase that reflected indifference and disdain. The phrase is not really a phrase after all, it is only a word; the word “whatever.” “Whatever” was a response to what teens viewed as being over burdened with responsibility, intolerance of the older generation and a perception that they were expected to excel.
When we read Romans 13:8-14, we get the definite impression that Paul does not want the church to be a bunch of “whatever” Christians. The best thing to be is a church characterized by an attitude of “whenever.” Whenever Christians do not look at the needy, the homeless, their own family members or Christian brothers and sisters and say, “Whatever.” They have made themselves available and say, “whenever.”
Whenever Christians view people of comparable worth. Whenever Christians realize that when they are reaching out to others, or helping others, they are ministering to people who are also created in the image of God. Whenever Christians acknowledge that an individual worth is embedded in the truth of God’s love for them.
Whenever Christians understand that no one is perfect in all that they do. Whenever Christians know that we are all imperfect people looking for perfection in Jesus Christ.
Whatever Christians give up, knowing that they cannot do it all; Whenever Christians understand that they can make a difference wherever they are and whenever an opportunity arises.
May God help us to be a group of whenever Christians.
Dennis

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Dates for the Pepperdine lectureship this year will be April 29-May 2, 2008. Next week’s bulletin will have information about the topics and speakers; there will also be information regarding registration for those who plan to stay in the apartments. Janet Kliest is, again, in charge of reservations for this area. Check out the bulletin board for the postcard Janet received and be sure to check out next week’s bulletin.

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IT’S NOT TOO LATE to take advantage of this serving opportunity!
Would you be willing to be responsible for the cleaning of the Family Center for one month in 2008? Please sign the volunteer roster on the line corresponding with your preference of months. The roster is in the foyer.

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WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL resumes this Wednesday. Serving begins at 5:45 PM and ends at 6:15 PM. This gives everyone an opportunity to be finished eating and the kitchen crew to clean up in time for the Wednesday evening class. Classes for all ages are from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

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Church Planning Meeting - Rescheduled
Saturday, January 19 - 9 AM
Family Center
Breakfast will be served at 8:30 AM
(Martha’s famous Texas Biscuits/Gravy)

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Jerry Rushford will return to the Central Coast Monday, January 21 for a Pepperdine Lectureship kickoff luncheon at the Foster Rd. Church of Christ. Lunch at 11:30 followed by Jerry on " The Church as Storyteller" Hebrews 11:1-12:3.

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Bring –A-Friend day and Potluck is scheduled for January 27th. Start planning now to invite family and friends.

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BIRTHDAYS: 3/Trevis Moss – 6/Barbara Purdum – 7/Marian Roberts – 7/Damien Coles – 12/Shirley Barbarick – 12/Erin Dougherty-12/Jim Gardner – 14/Melissa Guerra- 14/Destinee Coles – 19/Erick Shepard – 20/Merele Gordon – 20/John Bartelotte – 22/Marie Adler – 24/Jackie Leonard – 25/Dennis Russell – 29/Lauren Kliest – 30/Dawn Coles
ANNIVERSARIES: 12/Wayne/Shirley Barbarick – 13/Bobby/Summer Thomas – 14/Paul/Jean Maynard – 16/Kevin/Jessica Hoff – 26/Lori Arlt

**If you or your family have a birthday/anniversary this month please check to see if we have listed it correctly. If it is not correct please let your secretary know either by email/or a note in the secretary’s basket in the copy room.

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Pantry Item – January
Your Choice

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In Our Prayers…
Our sympathy to Wayne and Shirley Barbarick. Wayne’s stepmother, Laveda Morris, passed away last week.

Howard Dunn was scheduled for surgery last Friday.

Terry Rusher - Health

Steve & Janet Kliest - To Panama with the “Let’s Start Talking” group.


CONTINUE TO REMEMBER –
Sharon Zdrojewski - Michelle Garrett - Waneen Wolf - Paul/Jean Maynard- Howard Dunn - Carol Strutz - Linda Ross – Dana Barbarick – Janet Kliest’s father – Irmas Minyard (Lompoc) - Austin (Neighbor of the Dunns) –Cameron Reilly (autism) – Pearl Keith


TRAVELING: Jim/Phyllis Roberts
Others
Pray for a safe return home for all who are traveling.

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FOR THE RECORD – LAST WEEK
ATTTENDANCE:
Sunday AM: 118–Class: 51 –PM: 27– Weds: N/A
FINANCE
Budget:...........................................$2,815.62
Contribution:..................................$2,095.00
YTD Budget:.............................$146,412.24
YTD Contribution:.....................$148,555.85
Over/Under (+/-):.........................+$2,143.61
Building Loan Balance:.............$237,336.11
Please make checks payable to Church Of Christ

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WEDNESDAY FAMILY MEAL MENU
(Serving time 5:45-6:15 PM)
Country Stew-Mexican Stew
Hot Dogs - Bread
Beverage – 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.***