"In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2-3)

It is easy for me to read Jesus’ statement and reflect on our reward.  In these words is the promise of life everlasting with the Father in Heaven.  But I sometimes pass over the great love that God shows us by not only giving us eternal life through Jesus, but giving us eternal life with Him.

While I was in the Aggies for Christ at A&M, I had many opportunities to participate in service projects.  We would work at children’s homes, small churches, and help people who could not help themselves.  It was a great work, and it taught me a lot, but no matter how long I stayed and worked, there was always a time when I was able to wash my hands and return to my comfortable home.  The people we worked with were touched, but they had to continue living in the same situation.

It is very easy for us as Christians to do our good work, wash our hands, and go home.  This, however, is not the example we have from God.  After He did his great, saving work, He did not abandon us, nor did He assign us to a blissful eternity apart from Him, rather, He promises to take us, the poor, the weak, the tired, and the sinful into His home forever.  He washed us clean and now wants our presence for eternity.  This is real love: not just loving and dying for the sinner, but bringing us into His presence forever.  May He give us the strength and love to follow in His footsteps and keep our hands dirty.

David Taylor

There will be a Youth Devotional tonight at 7:00 at Paul & Boots Jarrett’s home.

WE NEED YOU!  There is a need for more teachers and helpers for several areas.  You would not be expected to stay for a extended period of time and curriculum would be provided.  Please see Mike if you would like to be involved in this exciting ministry experience.
-Immediate needs:  Teacher and teacher’s helper on Wednesday for the 1st & 2nd grade class.

It’s not too late to join Ladies’ Bible Class here on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am!  There will be babysitting set up for young mothers.

We will begin collecting paper towels for Christian Homes of Abilene.  Please drop your donation off in the foyer.

Tonight, Charles Stelding will be giving a Let’s Start Talking missions report.

The Merkel Church of Christ is holding their Annual Ladies’ Retreat on October 7th & 8th and all our ladies’ have been invited.  Susan Green of Abilene will be speaking on “Having the Mind of Christ”.  The cost if $10.00 and if you would like to attend, please let Mike know by Sept. 30th.

Woodlawn needs your help to provide one meal for families in need during the upcoming holiday season.  This will be the fourth year of this successful ministry event.  Woodlawn fed 130 adults and 152 children last year.  This includes 18 member families and 52 families from the community.  We are beginning this program early in collecting needed food items to be included in a box with other food items.  We speculate a larger need this year due to the rise in family expenses.  Let’s join together early by bringing canned vegetable items.  We will request another food item in a couple of weeks in working to give each family one meal to be prepared.

Thank You and May God Bless Your Generous Giving,
Mike Bailey

STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2005