Having a Wonderful Week in the Country

     We had a good day this past Sunday up in the country, in Enola.  The church of Christ met for worship, study, and fellowship.  We had a good crowd (117), a little smaller in number than usual but strong in faith, hope, and love in Christ Jesus.  Several of our Christian brothers and sisters were at home recovering from various illnesses.  Some were at work.  Others were…well, I trust that they were at the right place at the right time doing the right thing.  It was good to hear that Mary is getting stronger after bypass surgery.  Felicia was present at the 11:00 hour even though she probably should’ve stayed home for a few more days to recover from her surgery.  Trevor is getting stronger after his knee surgery.  Recovery is often much slower and requires more patience than we expect.  God’s word teaches us and then reminds us about the power of persistent prayer to God for ourselves and for others.  He hears and answers according to His purposes.

     Thank you to those who support our food pantry.  Please remember our pantry when you shop for groceries each week.  Purchase a few items for those who are in need in our community.  Also, please remember the pantry with your financial contributions.  Just set aside a few dollars and give what you can to Brother Larry Arnett.  We are always in need of special servants to meet to prepare the boxes of food and then distribute them to those in need.  A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board for your consideration.

     We are studying the parables of Jesus on Sunday morning.  I have entitled this week’s parable “The Parable of the Lost and Found.”  Jesus taught about a lost sheep, one of one hundred.  He then spoke about a lost coin, one of ten.  He concluded with a lesson about a lost boy, one of two.  God loves every Christian, every person who is safe and sound.  He also loves every person who is lost, every person who has wandered from where they should be, every person who at the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong thing.  He is always looking, waiting, hoping for what is lost to be found, for what is away to come home.  Could this person be you?  Jesus extended the greatest invitation when He said, “Come to Me…”  Read this sweet invitation in Matthew 11:28-30.

     This coming Sunday at Enola the church will meet for Bible study at 10, then for worship at 11.  Immediately following the assembly we will walk over to the annex, our fellowship hall for a delicious potluck lunch together.  If you have thought about making a trip up in the country to visit, this Sunday would be a great time to come.  Right after our lunch together we will walk back over to the auditorium for an afternoon meeting.  We will dismiss for the day after that.  ELDERS AND DEACONS:  Please plan to stay a few minutes after the afternoon assembly for a meeting to discuss the work of the church at Enola.

     We only have a few more days to accomplish our 2012 resolutions.  How are you doing?  2013 will be a wonderful year.  May God bless us as we finish out this year strong.