It’s great to be back in beautiful Columbia, South Caroline after our trip to west Texas a few days ago. Boy, west Texas is different…big for sure, but barren except for a few farmers, the cotton fields, and oil wells. I like trees, grass, water, and people. It is true that Columbia seems to be getting crowded, but try living in a place where your next neighbor is five miles or more away. I sat out in the local preacher’s front yard for one hour and saw only one car, his. He lives right in the middle of town (population 253). Of course I do realize that sometimes, on some days this would be a wonderful pleasure. Thank you for allowing me to be away to share the gospel of Christ with our fellow Christians in Texas.

This Sunday, September 26th will be a very special day for us at St. Andrews Road. Brother Joey Treat will be with us for the morning service. He will be sharing all the wonderful news of our work together in the gospel of Christ from the South Pacific Islands, specifically Saipan, Chuuk, and Palua.

Immediately following our morning worship hour everyone is invited to a potluck luncheon in the fellowship hall. Please bring enough food for you, your family, and our guests. Let’s make sure that we all plan big!

On Sunday evening we will get to meet and hear Brother Patrick Swayne from Melbourne, Australia. He will sharing the news of his work as a missionary “down under” and then meeting with our eldership to talk about how we might be a part of the work of Christ there.
Do you remember the sermon last Sunday morning? The love of Christ is:
Our __________________ to serve
Our __________________ to obey
Our __________________ to gratitude
Our __________________ to heaven
I fear that too few Christians know, understand, appreciate, or ever acknowledge the power of the love of Christ in the world. When we come to know, understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the demonstration of God’s love for mankind in Christ Jesus we are forever changed in mind, in speech, and in lifestyle.

What about Sunday evening? Do you remember how you know that you are a Christian? I know that I am a Christian because: ___ ____ __ ____________. You can find the answer in Acts 11:26.

We had a great Men’s and Preachers’ Meeting this past Tuesday morning. Bill Young led the discussion on the subject of “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” The meeting was well attended and the discussion, as always was in depth and with enthusiasm. We are studying a series of lessons on the theme “Faithful Elders in Every Congregation.” We have discussed “The Need for Faithful Elders” and “The Qualifications of Faithful Elders.” The next lessons will be “The Work of Faithful Elders” in October and the “The Relationship of Faithful Elders to the Congregation They Serve” in November. If you can take an hour or two to study with a group of elders, deacons, preachers, and Christian brothers please come and be a part of the meeting. We meet every third Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We take a break in December for the holidays and another break in July and August for summer vacations.

I have been honored with an invitation to preach the gospel of Christ in October at the Winsor Lake church of Christ on the other side of town. The congregation at Winsor Lake is hosting a gospel meeting on Friday evening (15th) and Saturday evening (16th) at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon (17th) at 3:00 p.m. I hope we can have a good crowd from St. Andrews Road at each service.