"Bro. Calvin's Comments"

        Freedom. Such a simple word. On July 4, many of us will celebrate the political freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the U.S.A. by gathering with friends and family, enjoying a meal together, and shooting some fireworks. We enjoy the freedom of religion, of assembly, of the press, to bear arms, etc. We have seen the church’s debt reduced approximately $146,000 (about 46%) since January 2008. Yet these freedoms come to us at a high price. As we celebrate our nations 233rd birthday, let us remember the high price paid for our freedom.

         Scripture also speaks of spiritual freedom. In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, “Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” We who believe in Christ no longer need to be in bondage to sin and its guilt. We who believe in Christ are not under obligation to keep the commandments to earn grace with the Lord. We obey His commandments because he has set us free to fulfill His commandments. Fulfilling His commandments is loving obedience based upon what the Lord Jesus has done for us, not doing the commandments out of a sense of obligation or duty. Loving obedience is a joy, doing the commandments is hard work. Just as the political freedoms we enjoy came at a high price, our spiritual freedom also came at a high price – the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us always remember the high price of our spiritual freedom.

            Recently, another kind of freedom has been publicly discussed – financial freedom. Dave Ramsey’s programs are highly popular. A church in our region is partnering with Crown Financial Ministries to help church members become financially free. Financial freedom is more than being debt-free. It is being free to give your time, energy, and finances to help others. Financial freedom is gained by sacrificing the now for the better than one can receive later. I encourage you to seek financial freedom personally and for this church. Cindy and I are now debt free and we’ve been saving with a goal in mind. We’ve reigned in our own spending in many areas so that we can have something else in the future. Concerning the church, we have seen the church’s debt reduced approximately $146,000 (about 46%) since January 2008. What great progress! I encourage you to work hard to pay off your debts. I also encourage you to give to pay off the church debt so that the church will be free to focus its time, its energy, and its resources on her mission – Love God, Love Others, Make Disciples.

Bro. Calvin

All aboard the "Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back to Jesus." train ride as VBS treks across the Land Down Under! We are discovering the vastness of God’s love, and learning that no matter where we go or what we do in life – it all comes back to Jesus. As I write this article our VBS is going on. (June 22-26, each evening 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.) We are having a great time. Come join us! There is a place for everyone!

Family Night will be part of Friday night’s school. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. for class time and the Family Night Celebration beginning at 7:00 p.m. (I encourage you to come to the Family Night even if you have not been involved in VBS. We need a good representation from our church to interact with our guest.)

Summer Son Shine Kids will begin Wednesday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. All preschoolers and children are invited to join this group for music, recreation, and fun each Wednesday for six weeks beginning July 1. SSSK’s will end with their musical presentation on Sunday, August 9.

In July, the Nominating Committee will be about its annual process to staff our organizations, ministry groups, and committees. The committee members are Steve Brown, Linda Carter, David Edwards, Betty Garms, Troyce Hendricks, Calvin Hubbard, Max Hutto, and Jeri McCormick. (NOTE: 1^st meeting: Monday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.) Please pray for this committee, for your place of service, and our church as we seek to enlist workers for the Lord’s work! Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38 NASB

Invite someone today to Sunday School and Worship!
I'll See You Sunday! MAX

Building Fund

Please note that we need almost $1500 more
to reach our building fund note for the month of June.

Wonderful Wednesdays for Women

Starts back July 1 thru August 5 at 6:15 p.m.
“Too Blessed For This Mess”
All ladies are invited to come be a part of this study.

Special Note!

We will not have Men's Prayer Breakfast in July.
 

Senior Adult Fellowship
Thursday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Barbecued Chicken
Please bring baked beans, salads, desserts and tea.
 

Youth Activities
Sunday Night Youth Fellowship (SNYF)
July 5th and 19th
Youth Movie Night
July 25 at 7:00 p.m.

“Memorials”
Given in memory of WINNIE GREEN
by: M/M Robert Pitman
Lydia SS Class
M/M Shelby Edwards

Given in memory of JIM DUNAWAY
by: M/M Robert Pitman
M/M Randall Carter
M/M Robert White
M/M H. L. Hanson
Susie Witcher
Irene Tomlinson
M/M Bob Igo
Betty Garms

Given in memory of O. J. HALL
by: M/M Robert Pitman

Given in memory of FRANCES PARHAM
by: M/M Robert Pitman

Given in memory of WILANE WILLIAMS
by: M/M Randall Carter

Given in memory of JIM YOUNG
by: M/M Randall Carter
M/M Robert White
M/M John McCann
M/M Shelby Edwards
Susie Witcher
Betty Garms

Given in memory of MARVIN YOUNG
by: M/M Robert White
M/M John McCann
Susie Witcher

Given in memory of C. L. STANLEY
by: Dottie Butcher family

Given in memory of JOHN BENTON, JR.
by: Susie Witcher
Irene Tomlinson
M/M Bob Igo

Given in memory of CAREY & MARION ADAMS
by: Barbara Adams

Given in memory of BONNIE COPELAND
by: Irene Tomlinson

Given in memory of JUD HALE
by: M/M Jimmy Heflin
M/M Shelby Edwards

Given in memory of DORIS GANDY and JAN SMALLEY
by: M/M Shelby Edwards

Given in memory of GLEN WREN
by: M/M Bob Igo

Given in memory of MRS. ROBBIE SMITH
by: Betty Garms

A set of knives for the kitchen were given in memory of JERRY MCCANN and in honor of JOHN and WILLIAM MCCANN
by: Judge & Janet Hanson

June Totals
Building Fund - - - - $3,191.00
Tithes & Offerings  - - - - $14,009.58
Total Receipts  - - - - $17,534.26

Sunday School (5/31-6/21) - -  84 - -  88  - - 102 - -  83
SS at the Arbor  - - 0  - - 14 - -  17 - -  13

Year-To-Date
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering  - - - - $2,850.00
2009 Building Fund  - - - - $30,960.93
2009 Tithes and Offerings - - - -  $107,917.65
2009 Budget Requirements To Date  - - - - $113,199.50
2008-09 Sunday School Average  - - - - 94

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