Woodlawn consists of hard working Christians devoted to using the fruits of their labor for the ministry of Christ.  I commend all of your hard work in your ministry situations, opportunities, and plans for the kingdom.

I have experienced your devotion to Christ in seeing you give your physical resources for the Thanksgiving Food Drive.  I observed your hearts in handing over hard-earned money and food products.  I saw you serve with the hands and feet of your savior.  I saw Christ in you and you saw it in each other.  You chose to share what you have trusted God to provide as you give those things away.  You simply laid a portion of your possessions at the feet of this church to use for the ministry and Good News of Jesus.

This resulted in people receiving needed items, increased faith in God's providence, opportunities of service in this body, and invitations to the presence of Christ to the Woodlawn Church.  The greatest gift of reception was in your receiving the blessing of giving.  We have all heard and spoken, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  This expression has been a part of many generations, as we possess this saying during the times we share with one another.  This is a cherished saying from Jesus that is not in the Gospels, but from discipled hearts that have absorbed his character.  This saying is recorded in Acts 20:29 as Paul talks to the Elders at Ephesus for the last time on his way to Jerusalem.  Please read this section of scripture starting with verse 13 and allow the character of Christ to surface during this time of the year with your giving and receiving.  Read how Paul worked hard in earning money to support the ministry around him and his directive in using this money to "help the weak."  Most of all, take note of how Paul remembered the words of his Lord during this occasion for teaching and encouraging these Elders.  Paul cherished the Words of Jesus, because they were a part of every occasion of his life.

Allow the Word of God to surface in the occasions of your personal life.  Allow this instruction and encouragement to intersect another's life.  Celebrate these times as God's graceful presence in your life and an opportunity to share the heart of Jesus with someone else who desires change.

Mike Bailey

Congratulations to Yvonne and Homer Lee on the birth of Colby Allen Lee, the first great-grandson to carry the Lee name.  He was born Nov. 23 in Loveland, Colorado to Caleb and Candy Lee and should be visiting during the holidays.

Ladies, please notice!  The final Wednesday morning Ladies' Bible Class of the year is next week.  In addition to the class, there will be a project for which you are asked to bring gift wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, etc.  As many ladies as possible are needed to help!

Congratulations!  Volunteers at the Christian Service Center honored on Nov. 9 included two Woodlawn members: Edith McMillan for giving 141 hours and Garland Cranfill for giving 124 hours of service during the past year.

Ray and Linda Oden are happy to announce that their son, Rick Oden, is being married to Angela Greer on January 1, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Eastside Church of Christ in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  (Of course, Rick grew up here at Woodlawn and the Odens will be traveling there during the last week of the month for this occasion.  So after some prodding, we were able to learn that they might have space to take any gifts that those of you who knew Rick might like to send.  The bride has made selections at Dillard's and Bed, Bath and Beyond.)

PACESETTERS!  It's that time of year again!
The annual Christmas party is Tuesday, December 14, in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6 p.m.  Bring finger foods (sandwiches, raw veggies or fruit, chips & dips, cookies, brownies, etc.) AND each person should bring a wrapped gift for the exchange ($5 limit, please).

The Woodlawn Quilters have finished a quilt to donate to the Rehab Auction.  It is on display in the foyer today.  Check it out!!

Please use this list as an opportunity to give thanks and encouragement to these servants.  They worked hard on the Thanksgiving Baskets by planning, organizing, and implementing this ministry.  They each used their gifts to make this effort a success.  They fully gave of themselves to glorify God, while they represented the Woodlawn Church of Christ to the community.  God used each one of them in an unique way as they partnered with Him and walked by faith every step of the way.
- Mike Bailey

STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2004