October 5, 2011
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.....
God created a beautiful world for us. It is amazing and miraculous. And while we are fully aware that it is not permanent, we should be equally aware of our responsibility to care for His creation. One simple way to do this is by recycling.
I recently heard recycling described this way: “Parents are often very concerned about how their children behave in someone else’s home. As children we’re told to treat other’s homes and belongings as if they were our own. In fact, we hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to other’s belongings than we do with our own. We would never borrow a tool and return it dirty or put our feet on someone else’s coffee table (even though we might in our own homes).” The blogger said that this should be our view of recycling on God’s creation. They went on to say, “Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, and all who live in it.”
God is our landlord over this earth, and we are called to be stewards. Stewardship is the responsibility of caring for and managing something. When you are a steward, you aren’t the owner, you’re the servant. To me, that is why we canand should recycle. We are God’s servants and should care for what He lets us use!
At West Main we are beginning a new Recycling Program. We now are part of the local garbage service’s recycling system. We will have next to every trash can in the church a second can, just for recyclables. We are asking all of us to think a little before we just throw things out at church.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting new initiative.
– Pannell
Items we CAN recycle: aluminum cans, brown paper bags, corrugated cardboard, magazines, newpapers, plastic bottles, paper (printer paper, office paper, cereal boxes, file folders, etc.).
Items we CANNOT recycle: plastic bags, plastic tubs, styrofoam, paper plates/cups, anything contaminated with food, juice cartons or waxed paper milk cartons, plastic lids, photo paper.
I wanted to just take a moment here and thank all the members of the West Main Church of Christ. I want to thank you all for the love, compassion, and care shown by so many to so many these past few weeks. While our congregation has endured much sorrow, we have not been torn apart, but have grown closer and stronger.
Our coming together in Christ-binding love is a testimony to the spirit and maturity of West Main. Rather than being consumed by tragedy and absorbed in self-pity, our members have sought to serve one another in small and big ways. I wish everyone could see what I see and hear what I hear when it comes to knowing what members of this body do for one another. Hardly a day passes when yet another act of love and kindness does not come to my attention.
Jesus tells us, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 6:1). I do not want to rob our members of their heavenly reward, so I will not divulge details or persons who are doing the good works. However, be assured that much good is being done! What is particularly impressive to me is how all this good is simply being done without being asked. Members of West Main are not seeking glory or attention, but are imitating the love of our Savior who calls on us to serve one another as He serves us (John 13:1ff). Our body is doing good prompted by the Holy Spirit, not because they are told or organized in various ministries to carry out good works. We have good people just doing good things!
While all this good is not being done for applause or attention, what is good cannot remain hidden forever. Jesus also says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).
Now at first glance what Jesus says about not letting your good work be seen (Matt 6:1) seems to contradict his saying to let your good work be seen (Matt 5:14-16). The difference between the two passages concerns the manner in which good works are seen. In Matthew chapter six, Jesus is speaking of individuals who shine their own light on what they do for their own glory. In Matthew chapter five, Jesus is the one who shines the light on what individuals do in his name for his glory. Jesus tells us that our “Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:4). In other words, God will bring the good we do to light when, where and to whom He desires.
So I confess that by mentioning all the good that others are doing, I am trying to steal the light of Christ’s glory shining on these good works! I am jealous of the good that our members are doing for the glory of God. I am proud and jealous for you all with what I hope is a godly pride and jealousy. As the Scripture says of Jesus, "Zeal for your house will consume me" (John 2:17), so I pray my praise of West Main is rooted in the zeal to be consumed by serving one another as Christ serves us. The light of Christ in you is burning brightly. Keep shining West Main.
– Terry
PROFILE OF A DEACON -- We will be having a seminar emphasizing the New Testament role of a Deacon, the relationships and ethics of a Deacon, and the faith and skills of a Deacon. The seminar is for all men who serve as Deacons or for men who would like to serve in the future. The seminar dates are October, 12, 19, and 26 from 7-9:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
A CHANGE IN MINISTRY -- People in need of food have found a friend in the West Main family by way of the James II ministry. Terry and Debra Burchett have long met the requests for food, along with gas vouchers and lodging. This ministry requires time, insight, compassion for people and patience. We want to thank the Burchett family for the many years in caring for the needs of many.
Entering the on-going ministry will be Russ and Shawna Gann. They are busy assessing the inventory and organizing the shelves. They will then be able to announce to the congregation how willing members will be able to participate in this ministry.
We commend and welcome the Ganns to head up the James II ministry. We urge every member to be ready to make this ministry a response of what Jesus did so readily in his walk on earth.
---The West Main Shepher
PARENTING SEMINAR -- Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Parenting Seminar on November 10, 12, and 13. We will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Child care will be available. Please watch for more details to come. Parents of all ages are welcome to attend.
HARVEST PARTY -- Get ready for a great time on October 22. Bill and Barb Viera will be hosting our Harvest Party this year at their home (weather permitting and if it is not raining). Festivities will start at noon and continue until 5:00 p.m. Lunch will be at 1:00 p.m. We will have a sign-up sheet at the back of the auditorium this Sunday for the foods to bring. We will have fun games for the kids, too. Please bring your lawn chairs, etc. Please try to car-pool from the church building as parking space is limited. Anyone wanting to car-pool, please be at the church parking lot by 11:00 a.m. Any questions, please call Barb Viera.
HARVEST CRAFT FAIR
Calling all crafters - now is the time to get all of your craft creations together and ready to sell. We will be holding our Craft Fair November 18-19 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please contact Debra Burchett if you would like booth space.
The Pasta & Tupperware Youth Group Fundraiser is this Saturday, October 8, at noon in the Fireside Room. Call Nanette Murphy or Colleen Abbott to RSVP as lunch will be served and they need to know how many are coming. Join us for lunch and support our Youth Group all in one place!
Check Out the Courtyard Bulleti n Board for upcoming local concerts and Gospel meetings in October and November.
WEDDING BELLS -- Congratulations to Bryan and Carla Anderson (he is the son of Charlie and Becky) who were married on Saturday, September 24, in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Their home is in Arvada, Colorado.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT -- Congratulations to Sandra Cummings on the birth of her granddaughter, Imani Mone, who was born September 30, weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 ½ inches long. Proud parents are Travis & Melanie Cummings.
PLACING MEMBERSHIP
We want to welcome back to our West Main family, Don and Dawn Libby and their daughter, Desiree Moore and her daughter, Adrianna. We would also like to welcome Boyd and Nera Westeren who are the parents of Jeff. If you haven't met these three families please do so, and welcome them to our West Main family.
PRAYER REQUESTS . . .
Connie Kennedy asks prayers for her father, Conrad Arvin, who is in his final days - he has refused chemo; also for Connie’s arm to continue to heal ... For Ed Shipley who is having some serious health problems - that he will feel better soon and an accurate diagnosis can be made for him ... For friends of the Frederick family (former members) whose ten-year old son was killed in a car accident ... David Mayes requests your prayers for his friends, Cora, her mother, and Dete that they follow the Lord ... For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oct 8: Tupperware & Pasta Party Fundraiser; Noon in the FSR
Oct 22: Harvest Party at the home of the Viera’s, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Oct 30: Anniversary Sunday and Potluck Luncheon
Oct 31: Trunk or Treat
