West Main

 

Approximately 2000 years ago, the son of man was crucified on a cross. Three days later, He was raised from the dead. This series of events that occurred so long ago would forever change the lives of every man, woman and child who lived on the earth then as well as those people who would live on the earth until the end of time.

 

 

No event in history would bring so much change to how people would relate to God than the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, on that day, less than 1% of all the people who were alive on earth even knew of the man named Jesus.

 

 

On that day, throughout the world, it seemed like any other day. On that day in the northern Arctic, an Eskimo family prepares to go to the river and harvest the salmon as they migrate to their spawning ground and continue the cycle of life.

 

 

On that day, in a land that will become known as China, a man and his wife put on their straw hats and head out to a field to plant the rice that will later be harvested and stored for winter use.

 

 

On that day, on a continent known as Africa, a young boy hides in the grass. He is watching a herd of zebras as they continue their annual journey from one feeding ground to the next.

 

 

On that day, could the sun have quit shining between the 6^th and 9^th hour over the Arctic and if it did, what would the Eskimo family have thought? Was it a sign from God telling them that the salmon run would be poor this year?

 

 

On that day, is it possible that the family planting the rice might have heard a distant sound? Maybe they thought it was thunder instead of the horrific noise made when a curtain of great size and strength was torn from top to bottom and the ground shook and the rocks split.

 

 

And what about the young boy watching the zebras? Would he have been afraid if on the breeze came the words from far away “It is finished?” Would he have understood the meaning of that day?

 

 

The truth is .....99% of the people who lived on the earth that day had no reason to believe that it was anything other than a normal day.

 

 

On that day, outside a city called Jerusalem a man whom the prophets called the Prince of Peace died. On that day, the God of Heaven and earth brought a peace to mankind that would go beyond all understanding. On that day, this same God would express His love, which goes beyond knowledge, by allowing His son to die for all mankind. On that day, man’s greatest enemies (fear and death) were forever defeated.

 

 

Tonight before you go to sleep, read Matthew 27:32 through to the end of the book of Matthew and know that the same God who was there for Jesus as he went through his darkest time is also there for you and will give you peace and hope to make it through your darkest time.

 

Your Brother Lance

 

 

*This is a sample of the letters that are mailed out to those in our Anchor Outreach Ministry. Please remember our members who are involved in writing to those who are incarcerated, that they can be of encouragement and that the prisoners will turn their lives over to God.*

 

 

 

Child Protection Policy Meeting  -- This Sunday, August 12^th, immediately after morning services, there will be a meeting for all members who work with our children in any capacity, including camp, in the nursery and in children’s worship. Anyone who would like to work with children in the future should also plan to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to review the West Main Child Protection Policy and to update you on some changes in the background check policy. Our children’s safety is of great importance to all of us, so the Elders strongly encourage you to plan to participate in this meeting. If you have any questions please talk with one of the Elders. Thank you all for your continuing work in His service.

 

 

Sunday Nights at Lewis Park conclude this Sunday evening, August 12, at 6:00 p.m. In addition, we will provide free hamburgers and hot dogs to whomever chooses to come. Please come join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and food and invite your neighbors to come join us! ***You might want to bring a lawn chair or two.

 

 

 

West Main Institute of Bible Studies will begin its second year on September 13^th. The class will meet at the building at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. We are learning by watching video taped classes from the Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock. During each class we watch a 30 minute video taped lesson then discuss the high points of the lesson and how they may apply to our lives.   We will be finishing the series on Bible History and studying the book of James when we begin classes. Even though we are part way through Bible History there is still great value that can be gained by joining the class.

 

Study guides generally cost about $15.00 for each class. They can be downloaded in pdf form for about half the cost of a printed copy. Please consider making the commitment to grow in your knowledge which leads to growing in our faith in our Lord. If you would like to participate in the class let Dan Beeks know by August 19^th and he will order your study guide.

 

 

Guest Speaker  --  Sunday evening, August 19^th, we will have a guest speaker, Jason Swick, who is the campus minister at the University Christian Center across from Oregon State University sponsored by the Circle Street Church of Christ in Corvallis. He will share with us their ministry in reaching kids with their Bible Studies, classes, and mentoring in a University setting. Blain and Kelsey Rennels have been involved in this ministry also. Gregg Strawn, cousin of Patty Heffner, is the minister at Circle Street Church of Christ.  Following his presentation, we will have a finger food and cookie fellowship in the Fireside Room.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING GIVEAWAY -- will be held on Saturday, August 25, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We are in need of financial donations to purchase school supplies, new socks and new underwear.   We will have a Special Contribution this Sunday after our regular contribution to help purchase the school supplies. Please prayerfully consider how you can help with an extra donation for this ministry.   ***For our members needing school supplies, please contact September Flock.

 

We also have boxes here to put your good, clean clothing donations in. If you would like to help at the clothing and school supplies giveaway, please contact Lance or Betty Lake or call the church office.

 

Worship Encampment at Emigrant Lake  --  will be held on Sunday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. We will have lunch and activities following the morning services. Parking fees are $4.00 per car.

 

Please bring your lawn chairs, games, and a potluck dish to share. We will provide the meat, but ask that you bring the side dishes. We will have a sign-up sheet at the back of the auditiorium this Sunday for the side dishes.

 

Services at the building will begin at 10:15 a.m. for those not going to the Worship Encampment. We will have NO Bible Class and NO Nursery Care that morning and NO Evening Worship.

 

 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS . . .  For Danielle Morgan and children as they fly to Portland this week...For the family of Larry Keirn, minister at the Cross Point Church of Christ in Texas, who died suddenly last week of a heart attack...For Katherine Martin who needs our prayers for improved health...For all of our members who are traveling this summer...For David Mayes to be more Christlike...For our President and all of our military men, women and families. Congratulations to Mark Ivey, brother of John Ivey, who coached the Swedish Sailing team to an Olympic Gold medal!

 

 

Moving Away  --Marlene Mix will be moving to Vancouver, Washington, on August 15th to be closer to her children and grandchildren. We want to wish her God’s blessings in her new home.

 

Also, Thadd Flock has moved to start a new job and is now living with his brother, Tyler, in Portland.

 

Help Needed  --  EEthel Flock is in need of some transportation help to take her to appointments in August and September. If you can help, please give her a call.