Centerville Church of Christ...GOD BLESS AMERICA!...

A MESSAGE FROM THE ELDERS

Job 37:6 speaks of both a gentle rain and a heavy rain which fall on the earth. We experienced both on Saturday night and Sunday morning but it all cleared for our worship service. We can be grateful that God cares even for our water supply as well as our spiritual need! Sunday was a great spiritual experience and a physical challenge for our congregation. We had the largest attendance (%-wise) for Sunday School in 2008! We were challenged by the elders during the hour for improvements in our physical facilities as well the letter portion calendar for 1008 was presented. It appears there will be ample opportunity for service and great opportunities for family involvement. Mike Goodpasture presented our financial report. Lonnie Gilliam reminded us of Matthew 7:7,8 as he presented the Framing the Future challenge, culminating in a special contribution on September 7, 2008. Bill McDonald summarized our calendar for the remainder of 2008 which included a Men’s Fish Fry, the fall Wednesday evening Lecture Series on Focus on our Foundation: The Father, Family, and Friends, the Paul Rogers Memorial Bell Tower dedication, family and friends weekend, and a unique format for a Saturday/Sunday Gospel Meeting. We will also recognize our school employees and our local guard unit. The fall schedule will be completed with a missions emphasis, our 20^th Anniversary for the Outreach Center, and the 50^th Anniversary of the Gospel in Word and Song, along with All-Church Night and our usual Sunshine Baskets and Toy Give-Away.

We are reminded by Jim Brown’s question on Sunday morning “Where do you stand in the Will of God today?” He will find someone who is willing to allow Him to work through them. Speaking of work, have you noticed the renovations of the shrubbery in front of the Day School? Thanks to Bill McDonald, we now have two new shrub gardens in that area. This action, along with the work of many others has added a new look to our grounds. Thanks to all who have worked to make it possible! What role will you take in 2008?

In our lesson Sunday evening Jim Brown admonished each of us through Joshua 3:5. “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Jim added “Let’s don’t be afraid to serve the Lord.”

The week’s ministry article is from the Outreach Ministry.
2008 Outreach Ministry…By Billy Garner

The Outreach Ministry was started many years ago and has been at its present location since 1980. It has served thousands over the years with over 300 a month this year, helping the needy with clothes, furniture and food. At 6:00 A.M. workers start arriving sorting and bagging clothes. At 7:00 A.M. the doors are opened for families to select the clothes they need. Food is available daily for those who request it and furniture is given away when available. We have medical equipment, wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, potty chairs, etc. for loan. Applications for utility assistance is also considered. The ladies quilting group have prepared a breakfast for the volunteers that work and are now quilting for people who have had burnout or other misfortune. Just before 10:00 A.M. another group of workers arrive to fold, label and prepare the Centerville Messenger for mailing to about 1,800 households in 26 states plus Tennessee, Canada, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

All of this does not just happen! About 30 workers commit their time week-after-week to work at the Outreach Center. We are fortunate to have the Outreach Center, a place where the Centerville Church of Christ has the opportunity to lend a helping hand to the downtrodden and needy of this community. To all the volunteers, we say THANK YOU!

MOMENTS WITH MATTHEW
Our Preacher-In-Training

As I listened to Shane lead “God is So Good” last Wednesday night before the cumulative V.B.S. pageant, I could not help but thank God for how He has blessed my life to this point. Over the past twenty-one years I have been blessed enough to live in the same house in the wonderful town of Centerville, Tennessee. I have been raised by a set of Godly parents (Roger and Susan) and grandparents (George and Agnes). Beyond my family, the most constant thing in my life has been the Centerville Church of Christ. I was raised in this church, and every step of the way this hospitable congregation has offered their undying support. In 2005, I graduated from Hickman County High School along with many fellow friends and other great Christians in this congregation that are second to none. After high school the plan was to play basketball at the University of Tennessee, but through the grace of God and some confusing circumstances I was brought to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Because of His plan for me, I have been able to play in three NCAA Tournaments, go on mission trips to Venezuela and Brazil, visit my family and friends in Centerville on a regular basis, and find a Christian mate in my lifelong best friend and new fiancé, Cecily Potts. We will be married next May. Through all of this, I am able to see more and more every day that God truly is “so good.”

When the elders first approached me several weeks ago about the possible position of a “Preacher in Training,” I was simply ecstatic. When I was fourteen years old I preached my first sermon under the guidance of my mentor and former youth minister, Craig Shelton. Ever since then I have constantly grown to enjoy spreading God’s Word more and more. I cannot express how thankful I am the elders have given me this opportunity to learn the every day duties of a preacher. I am very excited about working for the Lord on a daily basis and learning more about an occupation that can positively change the lives of others. Not only do I hope to benefit from this opportunity, but I also pray that I can help the church during this time of transition. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I try to keep this scripture in my mind every day. I firmly believe that with continued prayer and determined work from all of the faithful members of this congregation, the church on the hill in Centerville will continue to shine brighter than it ever has. To quote a minister that was here for almost 50 years, “Tomorrow will be better than today.”

Once again, I would like to thank everyone involved for this tremendous opportunity. I continue to pray for your support and ask for your prayers. Without them over the past several years I would not be in this blessed position today. I am excited, and I hope you are excited as well. I am truly looking forward to and praying for a wonderful and productive year here at the Centerville Church of Christ!

God Bless,
Matthew