Sunday, May 13, 2007 Volume 51, Issue 18
Mark Your Calendars
Our Annual
TENT MEETING
Is Almost Here
May 18th - 20th
with
Stan Butt
Are You Growing Spiritually?
Spiritual growth is an essential part of preparing for heaven.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen" (II Peter 3:18)
Paul described spiritual growth by saying, "but, speaking the truth in love, may
grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--" (Ephesians 4:15)
The Hebrew Christian had to be reminded of the need for spiritual growth
(Hebrews 5:12-14). Following are some indicators of spiritual growth.
You grow spiritually by producing the fruit of the spirit
in your life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) Love is affection, good
will or benevolence toward others. Joy is gladness both received and
shared with others. Peace is tranquility, harmony and concord.
Long-suffering is patience or endurance. Gentleness is goodness and
kindness. Goodness is uprightness of heart and life. Faith is the
conviction of the truths we hold. Meekness is gentleness or mildness.
Self-control is temperance. As the fruit of the Spirit increases in life
spiritual growth is taking place.
You grow spiritually by increasing in love for lost souls.
"I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome
also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of
God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the
Greek." (Romans 1:14-16) Let no one around you say, "no one cared for my
soul." The Psalmist said, "Look on my right hand and see, For there is no
one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul." (Psalm
142:4) Pray for the Lord to use you in being a soul winner. God's
plan for evangelism is simple. One who has learned the truth must share
Christ with another. "And the things that you have heard from me among
many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others
also." (II Timothy 2:2)
You grow spiritually by faithful attendance at all the
assemblies of the church. Christians must assemble faithfully,
with the right attitude, having a strong desire to worship and serve God.
(Hebrews 10:24-25) Faithful attendance provides an opportunity for growth
and also an opportunity to edify others. Never allow yourself to be guilty
of willfully forsaking even one assembly.
You grow spiritually by developing Christ-likeness.
"My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in
you." (Galatians 4:19) Christians must have the mind of Christ and follow
His example. (Philippians 2:5; I Peter 2:21) The moon reflects the light
of the sun. Christians reflect the light and likeness of God's Son.
Has Christ been formed in you?
You grow spiritually by developing a stronger desire to go
to heaven. "This world is not my home." (Philippians 1:21-24)
Our desire for the heavenly home must be strong. "But now they desire a
better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be
called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16) Do
you really want to go to heaven? And are you willing to do what is
necessary to get there?
Other indicators of spiritual growth are: (1) Developing the
right mind-set (Colossians 3:1-4), (2) Giving liberally and cheerfully (II
Corinthians 8:1-5; II Corinthians 9:7), (3) Regular, daily self-examination (II
Corinthians 13:5), (4) Gaining knowledge of God's word (II Timothy 2:15), (5)
Steadfast involvement in the Lord's work (I Corinthians 15:58), (6) Praying
constantly (I Thessalonians 5:17-18), and (7) Developing a stronger fellowship
with the brethren (Romans 12:10; John 13:34-35).
You are either growing or dying spiritually. Which
direction is your spiritual life headed? Obey the gospel (Mark 16:15-16)
and endure to the end (Matthew 10:22).
Charles Box
TAFT TALK
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
TENT MEETING:
Don't forget that the Tent Meeting is set up this year for May 18th -
20th. Stan Butt Jr. is coming back again this year. Our
theme is "Just Like Jesus" and we will be looking at the life of Christ.
This is always a very enjoyable time of year. We will be eating after
Friday and Saturday night outdoors with a potluck after services on Sunday
morning. Keep looking out for the announcements and details.
CONGREGATIONAL APPRECIATION DINNER:
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 1st. The youth group is hosting a
congregational appreciation dinner for all of the members at Woodland Hills.
We are so blessed to be supported by so many people. We are dedicating
this night to all of those that pray for us and show their emotional and
financial support. We will have more details to come very soon.
NEW DATES FOR SUMMER TO REMEMBER:
May 18-th - 20th Tent Meeting
June 1st Congregational Appreciation Dinner
June 8th -15th Greenback Mission Trip
June 17th - 20th Brownsville VBS
June 24th - 27th Woodland Hills VBS
July 1st - 11th HONDURAS
July 22nd - 27th Church Camp
August 2nd Mills-Vego Wedding
August 2rd - 5th Outreach University
Much Love,
T
FAMILY NEWS
OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND
Woodland Hills Family: Catherine Mars, Jackie Wilson
Mary Evelyn King, 4630 Blanding Ave., Memphis 38118
Edd Marie Agnew, 4397 Truman Ave., Memphis 38108
Mary Glenn, 950 Cherry Rd., Apt. 108, Memphis 38117
Evelyn Coleman, 335 Fisherville Rd., Collierville, 38017
Jane Nolen will have knee surgery 5-15 at St. Francis
Friends/Relatives: Lynn Britt
Melanie Beatty, 7711 Sunny Trails Dr., Memphis 38135
William Wilson, 3323 Coleman Ave., Memphis 38122
Edwin Hill, 5458 Glenbriar Dr., Memphis 38119
Joyce Keough, 300 Briarbrook Cv., Collierville 38017
LaRae Nichols, 710 Walnut Bend Rd. N, Cordova 38108
June Belew, 5746 Alexandria Ln., Southaven, MS 38671
Nursing/Assisted Living:
Clemmie Allison, 402 Getwell Rd., Senatobia, MS 38668
Alton Brown, 3535 Kirby Pines, Rm. 178-A, Memphis 38115
Essie Brown, 3345 Kirby Whitten Rd., Apt. 77, Bartlett 38134
Mary Mullinaux, 955 N. G’town Pkwy. Rm 614-B, Cordova 38018
Ernestine Barron, 6025 Primacy Pkwy., Rm.112-A, Memphis 38119
Out-of-Town:
Virginia Baxter, 1380 S. Main St., Covington 38019
Mary Billingsley, 1143 Shell Harbor Rd., Pierson FL 32180
Chris Sangster, 24231 Baxter Dr., Malibu CA 90265
Bobbie Ann Ridgeway, 905 Hawthorne Dr. NE, Lenoir, NC 28645
Juanita Hale, HCR 69, Box 1035, Frenchburg, KY 40322
Janet Newman (Terra Haute, IN, cousin of Sharon Close)
John Logan (cancer, Atoka, TN, brother-in-law of Don Bennett)
Teresa Thomas, 40 Morning Glory Cv., Counce TN 38326
Walter Barfield (302 Brentwood Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70503)
Andy Graham (Corinth, MS, brother of Eudie Freeman)
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Sunday, May 13, 2007
AM Opening Prayer: Mark Hillis
AM Closing Prayer: James Sain
PM Opening Prayer: Justin Paschell
PM Closing Prayer: Bud Thomas
Pick Up Attendance Cards: Matthew Close, Tyler Robison
Nursery Volunteers: A.M. - Joyce Anne Morris, Katie Thomas/Shelby
Dacus P.M. -Kathy & Katie Hillis
OUR RECORD
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Bible Classes 152
AM Worship 276
PM Worship 162
Wednesday (5-2) 173
Contribution $11,945
YTD Average 9300
‘07 Budget $8700
SYMPATHY
Lloyd Britt passed away Tuesday, May 8 at Baptist Hospital.
Lloyd was a life long member of Union Avenue/Woodland Hills. He, and a twin
brother Lynn, grew up at Union Avenue. Most recently he and his wife, Jean, had
attended Germantown Church of Christ. Lloyd was always busy in some way for the
church. He was a Bible teacher, deacon and an elder. His most recent endeavor
was working with a prison ministry. He is survived by his wife, Jean, one son,
Perry Britt, of Beldon, MS, two daughters, Andrea Barkley, of Suwanee, GA, and
Linette Baker of Lakeland, TN, two granddaughters and five grandsons.
We extend our deepest sympathy to them.
Services were Thursday morning at Germantown Church of Christ.
MEMORIALS
We have received gifts in memory of James Mitchell from Jean Pinckley,
Patricia Svoboda, Mrs. Curry, Mrs. Young, Richard Iverson, Ron & Betty Barker,
Larry & Myrtice Knox, Ray Grayham, Walter & Joyce Anne Morris. Mal & Jean Mauney
have made a contribution to the Mission Fund in memory of James.
THANK YOU
The family of James Mitchell acknowledge with grateful appreciation your
kind expressions of sympathy We can’t imagine going through something like this
without the love and support of a church family like Woodland Hills Church of
Christ. There are just no words to express the magnitude of the responses we
have received.
Mark, Kerry, Matt & Jenny
CONGRATULATIONS
Brad and Christi (Knox) Towe are the proud parents of twins, a daughter,
Avery, and a son, Alex. Avery and Alex were born April 28th
in Nashville. Their proud grandparents are Larry and Myrtice Knox,and great
grandmother, Madie Hunsucker. Their equally proud aunt and uncle are Lisa and
Hugh Greer, Knox and Erin.
WEDDING RECEPTION
Dennis and Annette Sangster request your presence at a reception honoring
their wedding which took place in Pennsylvania in April. It will be at Woodland
Hills Church Sunday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Family Life
Center. Evening worship begins at 6:00 p.m. if you would like to attend. No
gifts, please. A card basket will be available for well wishers
SPECIAL PRAYERS
We have learned of a Christian family whose youngest daughter has been the
victim of a hate crime in New York City. The prayers of Woodland Hills church
has been requested in their behalf. You may send cards and notes to
Sarah %Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Brown, 51 Mott Hill Rd., E. Hampton, CT 06424.
SERVICE GROUPS
Service Group #2 will pick up their assignment cards following the Sunday
evening service. Items you need to bring: canned fruit 10 to 15 oz., 100% fruit
juices 12 to 16 oz., women & children ‘s personal items. Service Group #1 please
turn in your assignment cards from 4-22.
BONE MARROW DRIVE
A request for donors for bone marrow transplant for a 5 month old child,
Ethan, whose family is here from Louisiana. Ethan has leukemia. Anyone ages 18 -
60 who is reasonably healthy may donate. No blood test is required, just a mouth
"Swab". Testing will be Sunday , May 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Highland Street
Church of Christ. For further information you may E-Mail:
jesse.farris@highland.cc.org. Or call Highland Church office,
458-3335.
Arlington Church of Christ, 5999 Polk Street, is also having a Bone Marrow
drive in honor of Ethan on Monday, May 21st from 3p.m. - 7 p.m. You
may call (901)867-3237.
(NOTE: PLEASE SEE BULLETIN BOARD IN WEST HALLWAY WAY FOR PICTURE OF BABY
ETHAN..
Woodland
Hills Church of Christ