Compare a picture of someone that is very close to you from 10 years ago to them today.  Were you surprised how a Grandchild has grown since you saw them last?  What is different about your life today from several years ago?  It is obvious that we have changed, but the little changes were not noticed.  We are a people of destination and even more so in culture as we live in a fast paced and complex world.

Not really noticing the little changes over time, that make a huge difference in our life, can be detrimental to our future.  We lose control of the direction of our lives if we are unaware of the little choices or changes that are made.  We can end up in a place that we did not intend.  If the destination is important to us then we should pay attention to the subtle choices we make on the way.

The Lord’s Church is a place to pay attention to small changes and your direction towards a realistic destination.  The Church is both merciful and graceful in forgiving and helping you turn back to being right in your life with God.  The Church not only welcomes change, but it encourages and nurtures the awkwardness of doing things different to the Glory of God through Christ.

I have always wanted to “beam” to my destination instead of driving and flying hundreds of miles.  I want to be there instantly, without the drudgery of the trip.  Paul thought the same thing, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Phil 1:23-24

Heaven is to come, but life must be lived now at our attention and God’s perspective through His Word in your Bible.  Be careful of the small changes and look at where you are in perspective of righteous living.  Think about what you are doing and possibly, what you are not doing.  Finally, instill the realties of where you are into the life of the Church, because that is what Christ died for: you and me.

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.

STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 27, 2005