"As the Lord's day leads the days of this new born year, so may the Word of the Lord this year gain the ascendancy and lead the minds of men away from the darkness and corruption of earth to the light and purity of Heaven."

- from the journal of John Allen Gano: Sunday, Jan. 1, 1865

Mom always said, “There’d be days like this.”  If we live long enough, we learn certain things are for sure.  I figure we have a choice to prepare for the things that will come or be surprised when they do.  Our future is what lies ahead from the things we have learned from the past AND what we are taught today.

Think about it.  We are challenged everyday and how we handle that day’s events is the key to peaceful living.  Some may believe the things that happen to us are what determines if we are having a good or bad day.  I sometimes think this way and I am being dragged down into the circumstance and fate of this world.

As Christians, God placed us on a higher plateau above the circumstance and fate of this world.  He knew of the suffering and opportunities we made for ourselves to go along with the world.  He knew how we would feel and experience the world’s carnality.  He has compassion, love and empathy for you and me.  Our God acted from what he knew and experienced in this world.  God knows your circumstances and the particulars that attempt to drag you down AND He did something about it.  He sent His Son among all of the world to absorb our doomed future in exchange for glory in Heaven no matter what this day will dish out.  “Set you mind on the things above, not earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2, 3)  Know and prepare for “those days like this” by burying your old self in baptism and convicting yourself to Him as He has you.  Make a choice this new year to have a good day everyday for the rest of your life on this earth (no matter what), because of Him on the cross for you and me.  Be lifted!

Mike Bailey

The angels and the congregation rejoice with Brenda’s decision to come forward last Sunday morning.  Let us continue to pray for her family and surround her with Christian love.

Woodlawn will have two Bible Bowl teams this year.  They are actively studying Joshua every Sunday afternoon, so pray and encourage their hard work.  Dixie Mabry is coaching the Senior Bible Bowl and Julie Bailey is coaching the Junior Bible Bowl.

POTLUCK LUNCH will be next week!!!  Please bring your favorite dish, friends, an appetite!

There will be a Woodlawn Parents-Night-Out on Friday, December 16th.  You can drop your children off at Kathy Redman’s from 6:00-8:30.  They will spend the evening looking at Christmas lights and having fun with friends!

Wednesday night, the auditorium will be viewing “The Mystery of the Ark of the Covenant.”

Tomorrow night is the last Monday Night for the Master!!!  If you would like to reach out to those in need, there is a place for you!  Your talents, what ever they may be, will be used!  Please fill out your blue card, come eat and work for His Kingdom with us!

The projector is up and running!!!  Please, thank Glenn & Mike for all the hard work that they have been putting into it!  There is still more work to be done before it is completed, and resources are running low.  See either of these men if you would like to help.  We will continue to keep you updated on the status of this project.

Christmas Parties

Mike Bailey's Sunday Morning Class will be having their Christmas Party Friday, December 9 at 6:00 at the Mabry's.  Please bring a $5 gift for exchanging and see Dixie for food.

The Children’s Christmas Party will be this Saturday from 6:30-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.  All children from infant to 6th grade and their families are welcome for the dinner.

The Youth and College-age classes will be having their Christmas Party on Monday, Dec. 12 at David’s House.  The caroling will start at 5pm.

The Pacesetters will have their Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec.13 at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall.

AVERAGE STATISTICS FOR 2005