December 3, 2014 THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN Point 1 from the “7 Thoughtful Ways to Raise Non-Materialistic Children” was to Practice What You Preach. We cannot give something we so not have; if we are materialistic, so will our kids be. 2. Spend Time with Your Children LEGACY SUNDAY DECEMBER 14 Sunday, December 14, we will celebrate our legacy of faith by remembering our loved ones (family, friends, former members) who have passed on. Poinsettias in memory of loved ones will grace the front podium as a display of our legacy of faith. Wednesday night, December 3, is the deadline for contributing names & money for the Legacy of Faith memorial poinsettias. There will be envelopes for you memorial(s) Wednesday night in each foyer and adult classrooms. Do you find yourself giving gifts to your children to make up for lack of personal attention? Reality check: they won’t. Ever. You are, instead, sending the message that you think stuff is more important than a close relationship with them. One of my favorite but most haunting songs I know is, “Cats In The Cradle,” Harry Chapin’s classic. Parents we need to let these lyrics resonate deeply in our souls. They are a vivid reminder that once the child rearing years are gone, we will never CENTRAL’S HOLIDAY PARTY get them back. “And the cat's in the cradle and the silver AND PROGRAM spoon, little boy blue and the man on the moon. When you Our Holiday Party will be Sunday night, December comin' home dad? I don't know when, but we'll get together 14th, immediately following our evening services in the then son (or daughter), you know we'll have a good time Lee Street Building. Everyone should bring finger foods then.” 3. Rein in Your Christmas Spending Somehow, someway, many parents missed the memo: “Christmas is not a license to overly indulge your children.” No matter how you justify it, overspending (going into debt) on your children just because it is Christmas is not good. Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with your children instead of piling up stuff for them. Show them that Jesus is really the reason for the season. 4. Help Them Prioritize Their Own Money and dessert. Drinks will be provided. After our meal the children of Central ages 2 years old—5th grade will present their Holiday Play. Building for the Future on the Legacy of our Past! The general plan was presented two weeks ago. “The Plans” were displayed on large poster boards in our three foyers last Sunday. What? A modernization and upgrade to our facilities including large restrooms, spacious foyers, state-of-the-art classrooms for youth and new flooring in a large portion of our building spaces! Enlarged and enhanced spaces prepared for generations to come! We are building for the future. The faith we have confessed for over a century prompts these major improvements. We are standing on the shoulders of great men and women of the past as we attempt to envision what the future holds. Central Avenue is committed to that faith, our historic past, and belief that the best is yet to come! As your children become old enough to have their own money, help them prioritize that money. A very simple three part plan is to give some, save some, and spend some. If you emphasize giving, you will be helping your child develop a heart for others. Because giving is the opposite of materialism, you need to constantly demonstrate a giving spirit and teach them Continued on page 2 column 2 the same. Page 2 Herald of Encouragement BUILDING OUR DREAMS Building for the Future cont...... By John Klimko, Jr But, the costs are great. It will take the cooperative support of every member of the Body. We are not just purchasing “brick and mortar”, but we are contributing together to build a better platform for children yet unborn. It is not a matter of just Upcoming Schedule Many of our members have asked “renovating the facilities”, but it is support about our schedule of meeting times as of our commitment to change to meet the we approach the end of the year. There needs of a changing world! Our goal is simple: to embellish our methods and will be no classes meeting here at the means to bring souls to salvation! church building on December 24th or Two-hundred and eighty-two (282) st th December 31 . On the 24 , all families family units are listed in our current are asked to have a devotional period at contact directory. About one hundred their home as they also enjoy this time ninety (190) of these family units are together. On the 31st, our elders have present for worship on any given Lord’s asked that our Spiritual Enrichment Day. Our goal will be reached from these Groups schedule a time to meet numbers. This will be the last physical together. improvements some will see due to ———————————————————— advanced years. Yet, others are literally Bible Reading Marathon Green team – 50.00% Blue team – 41.75% Red team – 64.52% FAITH AVENUE “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. We continue to be so thankful for our teachers! We are blessed to have Debbie Wisenbaker, Mark and Brooke Starr, and Dan Farnam teaching our K-5th grade children on Wednesday nights! Mrs. Debbie teaches our kindergarten class, Mr. Mark and Mrs. Brooke teach our first and second graders, and Mr. Dan teaches our third, fourth, and fifth graders. Thank you so much to all of our teachers who give so much of their time and energy to teach our precious children! Our two year olds through fifth grade will meet in Lee Street this Wednesday night, December 3, and next Wednesday night, December 10. We will have our Bible lesson and sing our songs for the Holiday Play. Please have your children here at 7:00! Our Holiday Play will be Sunday night, December 14, at 7:00. Please check with Mrs. Becky Herring if you do not know what your child needs to wear for the play. We will have a dress Continued in next column carrying the future in their bosoms as young families. Some are, thru the grace of God, financially sound! Others are struggling just to pay their bills. Several enjoy the peace of mind having substantial funds “laid up for many years”! Next Sunday, December 14th, we are asking every family to make a covenant with the future by committing to give as you are able. Commitment cards will be handed out. We will not call for any names or signatures, this is a commitment between you and God. We are asking for every family to pray and plan to commit to give a certain amount over the next three years! We will be counting the cards and totaling up the amounts committed. It is our prayer and hope that at least 190 families make this commitment to the future. ———————————————————— FAITH AVENUE CONT….. rehearsal on Saturday morning, December 13, from 10:00 until 12:00. Please add this to your December calendar! Our new rotation is entitled: “The Wise Still Seek Him.” Our new memory verse is: “Arise; shine, for your light has come.” Isaiah 60:1. This is the memory verse for our two year olds through fifth grade. We are looking forward to Sunday! VISITATION Thanks to all who encourage others through the visitation ministry. The visitation team for this Sunday, December 7, is listed below. Please pick up assignments from the folder on the table in the office hall foyer near the Large Auditorium. M/M Barry Bennett M/M Jerry DeLoach Mrs. Frances Draper M/M Graham Fiveash M/M Bob Green Mrs. Lilla Kate Hart M/M G. R. Holton M/M Ted Hundley M/M John Klimko M/M J. C. McMullen M/M Jerry McMullen, Sr. Miss Betty Yale WEDDING Sarah Katherine Clarke and Hunter Drake Kussman, Together with their parents request the honor of your presence as they are united as Husband and Wife December 20, 2014 Two O'Clock in the afternoon The Register Victorian Manor 9556 GA Hwy 135 Naylor, GA 31641 Reception to follow Please RSVP by text or phone call to Heather Clarke at (229) 563-9802. Page 3 NURSING HOMES HERITAGE HOUSE: Irene Brown, Jackie Mathis PRESBYTERIAN HOME: Melba Webb FELLOWSHIP HOME: Sylvia Higgins, Joyce Paine, Jeanne Jarvis, Sherolyn Ellenberg, Jane Little, George Clayton LAKEHAVEN: Frances Copeland WILDEWOOD DOWNS COLUMBIA, S.C.: Phoebie Slocum CRESTWOOD: Linda Jones ALPHARETTA: Gordon & Elaine Teffeteller BAPTIST VILLAGE: Stella Laurene Taylor REMEMBER IN PRAYER SGMC: (Rehab) Thomas Williams CENTRAL MEMBERS: Anne S. Dasher, Fannie Dasher, Clarence DeLoach, Marilyn Ellis, Karen Evans, Carolyn Force, Glenn Geren, Susan Hampton, Peggy Herring, Allen & Mildred Lancaster, Laura McCall, Ashley McLeod, Charlie (Hawke) Parrish, George Ann Thomas, Leo & Mary Nell Wells, Ronnie West, Lloyd Williams, Jenny Wisenbaker FRIENDS & FAMILY: Abbie Barfield, Delores Britt, Tim Brogdon, Allison Bryan Carter, John Crum, Wanda DeWeese, Joe & Harriette Gray, Laura Johnson Griggs, Stacey McDowell, Jimmy Jackson, Bob Morris, Ray Norvell, Sr., Steve & Sandi Parrish, Wayne Shear, Earl Tipton, Donnie Tomlinson, Pat Vann, Mitch Walker, Thomas Williams, Larry Youmans WITH SYMPATHY Our sympathy is extended to the family of, Sergey Bzenyuk who passed away Monday, November 24, in Ukraine. He was the father of Masha and Dasha Bzenyuk. PLACED MEMEBERSHIP Jamie Whitson expressed his desire to place membership at Central Sunday, November 30. His address is: 3589 Club Vilas Dr., Valdosta, GA., 31602 Phone: 42-544-0168. SOUP KITCHEN The Soup Kitchen at Central is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th. If you would like to be a part of this ministry to our community please be at the building by 11:00 am. FEEDING THE FLOCK Our next Feeding The Flock will be Wednesday, December 10th. The menu: Baked Cheesy Spaghetti, Tossed Salad, Apple Sauce, Garlic Bread, Banana Pudding and Key Lime Pie. Please sign up on your attendance card this Sunday, December 7th, how many your family plan to attend. BIRTHDAYS December 6: Penny Bell Randy Cooper Chris Cunningham Sis Force Brittlyn Parker December 7: Winston Bridges Lydia Brown Reagan Carter John McLeod December 8: Sara Jackson December 9: Faye Clifton Karen Evans December 10: Carl Brinson December 11: Shana Thomas December 12: Jim Watts MILITARY: William Harp, James McMullen,III, Skyler Pittman, Benjamin Starling, Johnny Tucker, Alnozo WalkerPotts, Nick Walker-Potts DAILY PRAYER LIST December 4: Nick, Wendy, Caroline & Collier Copeland December 5: Raymond & Linda Copeland December 6: Richard Copeland December 7: Orrie & Francine Coppage December 8: Bubba & Lauren Croft December 9: Frank & Kathleen Culpepper December 10: Chris & Ashli Cunningham & Case Moore MISSION OF THE WEEK Troy & Andrea Spradlin (Paraguay, South America) Avenida Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo Avenida Sacramento 650 C/Eapana-Asuncion, Paraguay Hone address: Casilla de Correo 13092 Shopping del Sol Asuncion, Paraguay Phone: (595) 0981-630-88886 E-Mail: troyspradlin@hotmial.com AT A GLANCE December 6: Soup Kitchen December 5,6,7: GCS Centennial Celebration December 10: Feeding The Flock December 14: Central’s Holiday Party December 28: Old Hymns & Carols Singing-6:00 pm Men’s Prayer Group: Tuesdays at 7 am in the Annex Ladies Bible Class: Tuesdays, 10:30 am in the Connector Christian Student Center: Devotional, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Page 4 Herald of Encouragement Central Avenue Church of Christ 304 East Central Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601-5704 ELDERS: Homer Anderson, Kevin Boyd, Byron Brown, Jerry DeLoach, G.R. Holton, Bill Malone, Leon Weeks MINISTERS: Bryan Jarvis, John Klimko, Jr. DEACONS: Jay Barfield, Donny Bryan, Jeremy Colson, Richard Hamlen, Anthony Herring, Ted Hundley, Pendleton Little, Jerry McMullen, Sr., Matt Malone, Chris Prine, John Stephenson, Clyde Tomlinson, Phillip Walker Church Office: Leigh Carter...........................................................Secretary Gail DeLoach…………................................................Bulletin Phone: (229) 242-6115........................Fax:(229) 242-6116 Visit Central on the Web.......................www.cacoc.com THE SHEPHERDS VOICE MISSIONS: Paraguay, New Zealand, Ukraine, China, Malawi, India, Preaching the Gospel (TV) Central Avenue Church of Christ Family Gatherings Sunday Bible Class...……………………………...………...…………….….9:30am Worship.………………..….…………………..………………………..….....10:30am Evening Worship……………………..……………………….…………….…6:00pm Wednesday Bible Class.……………………………………………..……….7:00pm For the Record: November 30, 2014 Bible Classes AM Worship PM Worship 303 427 148 SEG 3rd Sunday Mid-week PM Budget Contribution Over Budget Our church building is on our minds! We hope all of you are as excited and enthusiastic about the plans for improving it as we are. The building is not the church, of course; the people are the church. But the building matters. It provides a safe, comfortable and convenient place for the church to gather for worship, for Bible instruction, for fellowship, and for service to the surrounding community. We must have a building for the continued functioning of the congregation. Thanks to God’s blessings and to the provisions made by those who have preceded us, we do have a building. However, it has deteriorated with time. It desperately needs a facelift! The appearance of the building matters because it reflects to the surrounding community the importance the people in the church attach to the work of the church and to the worship of God. If our building looks decrepit, outsiders logically conclude that we don’t really care much about our church. On the other hand, a beautiful place, such as the memorial garden will be, will bless the entire surrounding area. In addition, for comfort and safety we need more and larger restrooms, better overflow seating, and better provisions for handicapped access. We must have adequate provisions to accommodate new technologies and the flexibility to change configurations as new technologies become available. We especially need a better area for an expanded teen program. Teenagers inviting their friends to partici- 148 $12,450 $12,641 $191 pate in youth group activities has always been one of the church’s most fruitful outreach activities. We need to provide an attractive and functional facility to which our teenagers will be glad to bring their friends. The elders appreciate your very positive responses to our presentation of plans to upgrade the building and your suggestions. We hope to implement as many of them as we can. The work has begun. However, as it progresses, there will be some challenges. A good many years ago, when my wife and I told our friends that we were going to build a new house, one of them commented, “Well, if that doesn’t bring on a divorce, nothing will!” We built the house; but our marriage survived and grew stronger because we loved each other in spite of the disagreements, discouragement, and delays that came with building. Our church family must use the same quality to survive the difficulties that will arise during our church building upgrades. Difficulties will come! The removal of some parts of the present buildings will reveal problems that we didn’t know about, and correcting those will add cost and slow down the work. There will be differences of opinion about some choices. We will not be able to accomplish everything that everyone wants. Those difficulties need not destroy the unity of our congregation! With the help of God’s Spirit, we will continue to love each other in spite of these things; and our church family will be stronger than ever. -hla