CENTERVILLE MESSENGER (096380) Free Upon Request-Published Weekly by Centerville Church of Christ, 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033-1427

October 12, 2016 Volume XXXVI - Number 40

“I Hope You Know”

What do Christians do when the landscape around them is filled with political, social, and moral corruption, with no real solution being sought, only division being spread? Political figures are corrupt, dishonest; scandal and controversy follows them in every step of their day. One political figure, accused of murder, scandal, controversy, and the coverup of death and deceit was found in their path, just to get to a deeper hold of power. Immorality surrounds the same figure and not just in their own life, but in the life of their family and spouse. In fact, there was one instance when an entire city was under siege and burning, this one used their power to dismiss the event as a trivial matter, almost as if to say, “What difference does it make?” Another political figure of the same land, looks equally unappealing. While taking a stand against social and moral issues, the life of this one is anything but a moral compass. If some do not disagree with this one’s adopted positions, then the opponents are merely dismissed, sometimes in scandalous ways, or at a minimum they are made a mockery of in front of their peers. Under both, Christianity struggles to find an identity, because in truth, neither is singularly concerned with advancing the message of a lowly stranger from Galilee. In fact, the struggle of Christianity only intensified in the attempt to make the Lord Jesus known to others around them.

If you’re not careful, hearing of these two individuals and their exploits you might be lead to believe we’re speaking of a battle between Clinton vs. Trump. In truth, this is a a matter of history, one that has already unfolded and one that has already impacted the life and heart of believers in Christ. The aforementioned rulers were Nero and Domitian, and their respective reigns were during the days when John would write to the Christians he knew in a time of social, political, moral, and religious upheaval. Nero, with apathy, would watch Rome burn. Domitian would adopt one public profile of morality and lived differently in private. John begged his brethren not to let go and not to surrender their faith for the sake of the world around them and the popularity of giving in to following the crowd.

John’s ardent cry to the faithful is heard through the words, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:15-17). John’s warning could not be more clear as it is given in the face of difficult circumstances for the child of God and believer in Christ, fighting against the popular influences of the day. The Christian life is to be marked by the decision to live under the surety of the living Word and not the influence of the world. When living with one foot in the world with the other foot in the word, we are destined at some point to slip and when we do, the feeling is consuming and the fall is critical. We are not the first believers to live under the influence of leaders identified more by their corruption than by their convictions. But we, like those before, must appeal to the “anointing” of the Holy One, and to the assurance we have through our relationship with Him, while shining His light to this lost and corrupted world. I hope you know, we are not the first Christians to struggle with the flawed character of our national leaders, yet must still shine our light with conviction and confidence in the Lord we serve.

Life-Line

Daily Updates &

Devotional Message

931-729-5055, 931-729-0022

Spotlight on….

Our New Deacons

Andy, Jenny, Aden & Ava Weber 802 Poplar Drive

Centerville, Tennessee 37033

Andy will be serving on the Worship Involvement Technology Ministry,

the Lend-A-Hand Ministry.

All Committee Chairmen !

A l l C o m m i t t e e Chairmen, please pick-up an event schedule

form in the lobby and return it to the office by

November 7th. The 2017 calendar is set to be completed by December 5, 2016. We deeply appreciate your help in coordinating our events for the year and anticipate 2017 being a great year for the Centerville Church of Christ !

ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO START THE

MORNING… We had a large crowd on hand for the October Prayer Breakfast hosted by Chris, Jenny

and Grady Teet. I enjoy these mornings so much as we share some thoughts, we mention those we

know of in need of prayer and the beautiful

heartfelt prayers that are shared. Thank you Teets for a delicious breakfast and to all who got up a

little earlier to enjoy this special time together. TIMOTHY AND TABITHA CLASSES RETURN

next week… Our special classes for guys and girls is almost back! These are always such a fantastic

time to focus on some topics and issues just for

either gender. This year in the separate classes we will be looking at the various men and women of

the Bible and the troubles, trials, and triumphs that many faced. Misty, Cissy, Rachael and

Tabitha are back for the girls and Matthew, Derek,

Gaylon and I will be leading the guys. These classes only last a few short weeks on

Wednesdays, so do not miss them and the blessing they can be to your life!

“TO BE CHRISTIAN WITHOUT PRAYER is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

–Martin Luther. Last week I talked about the

importance of prayer for things that are on your mind and the tough things you face. Also, don’t

forget to pray for all the blessings in your life. Pray for your family, those who take care of you,

and give you the essentials in life. Remember, 1

Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ

Jesus for you.” In everything not for everything. God is God in the good and bad and He is always in

control. God was God when His Son hung on a

cross for our sins and He was God when Jesus rose from the grave to show us His power to overcome!

Thank the Father for blessing us beyond measure for this life and for the opportunity to live

eternally with Him. Show that thankfulness, always… follow His path, -Craig

Wed. Nights L2L

L2L Classroom in

Lighthouse

Wed. Nights in

Oct & Nov

Timothy & Tabitha

Classes

October 9-14

FALL BREAK

October 16

Junior High

Fireside Sara True &

Case Martin

7-9

October 17

Bible Study Girls @ Newsom’s

Guys @ Dotson’s

6-7

October 23

Senior High

Fireside Elkins & Jacobs

7-9

October 26

Lighthouse Bryce Hughes

5-7

October 30

Young Men Lead

Services @ Coble 10:15-12

October 30

Trunk Or Treat

CONTRIBUTION $12,858,00

BUDGET $ 12,784.oo

Camp Meribah $ 192.50

The following are recovering from surgery or dealing with an illness: Danny Skelton, Linda Mays, Anna Cate King, Bob Sutphin, Bruce Bowen, Susan Sullivan, Melissa Bryant, Terry Johnston, Polly Lancaster,

Danny Bates, Debbie Lancaster, Bessie Shepard, Jimmy Mathis, John Ed Hooten, Lindrell Barrett, Susan Campbell, Bonnie Runions, Jack Lowery, Gabriel Roberson, Sheryl Elkins, Richard Tate

Please Pray For:

Thank You

cBas Area Events

cBapis Memorial

...a Memorial has been given to the Bobby Morrison Scholarship Fund in memory of Ila Bess Rochelle by the Private Client Services Team of First Tennessee Bank. ...a Memorial has been given to the Camp Meribah Scholarship Fund in memory of Kenneth Jenkins by Gail S. Wright.

Home: Louise Bates, Charles Horner, Sammye Elrod, Charles & Martha Minick, Pauline Jimerson, Mary Helen Barber, Fronia Nash, Alvitea Sunder, Dan & Martha Jo Wallace, A.J. & Willie B. Coates, Dorothy Easley, J.W. & Sue Roder, Troy Parks.

Sympathy

Mike & Janice Brown write: “Please accept our gratitude for the prayers, visits, cards, wind

chimes, and every act of kindness shown during the illness and death of my father.” Jacob Petrowski writes: “ In the next few days my brothers and I will be tested one final time in Recruit Training. Lima Company begins the Crucivle on October 13th. This is 3 days of almost constant moving and hiking. There is minimal sleep and food. It is the very last thing before a Marine Corps Recruit becomes a Marine. It is very challenging, mentally and physically. I ask for your

prayers and encouragement. Your letters are helpful. Love The Centerville Church of Christ.” Priscilla Barber writes:“I want to thank everyone for all of the cards and phone calls for my birthday. It’s nice to be remembered.”

Please Pray For: ...Jenny Fakes has returned home from the hospital. ...James Aydelott will have surgery Friday at St. Thomas Mid Town.

...Jacob Sandusky of Alabama, brother of Gena Ghant, suffered a head injury due to a fall. He is improving daily. ...Anna Cate King, daughter of Sarah Bates King, has been released from the hospital. She continues to experience some pain. ...B.J. King, son-in-law of Doug & Molly Bates, is recovering from deep brain stimulation surgery for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. The surgery went well. ...Ritchie Teet, brother of Chris, will have surgery October 26th at Centennial Hospital to have his left kidney removed. ...Glenda Teet, mother of Chris, will have knee replacement surgery October 17th at St. Thomas Mid-Town. ...Willie Powers is having health problems and has been undergoing tests. ...Kathy McDonald has been diagnosed with a severe case of tendonitis. ...Margaret James will be having chemotherapy and radiation due to cancer recurrence.

...We express our sympathy to

the family of Jeff Denton who passed away after a battle with cancer. To his wife Julia, sons Matt and Drew, mother, Johnnie Ruth Denton, sisters Janice (Mike) Brown, Jennifer Buchanan, all family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy.

C Just Married !

Congratulations to Emily

and Justin Atkinson ( f o r m e r l y E m i l y Gatewood) who were recently married. Their

address is: 2855 Hillcrest Drive Centerville, Tennessee 37033

...Gospel Meeting at the New Bethel Church of Christ October 16-18, 2016. Bible Study: 10:30 A.M. ; Worship: 11 A.M. Sunday Evening: 7:30 P.M. Mon. & Tues.: 7 P.M. Fellowship Meal following Sunday morning services.

Day School…has a few spots left. Please call 931-729-5233 and enroll today ! Day School…is also accepting

applications for a teacher and for substitute teachers. Please call 931-729-5233 for more information.

C Baptism

We rejoice with Thomas Alderson who was baptized Sunday, October 9, 2016 by Bryan McAlister. Thomas is

the son of John & Ruth Alderson.

Place

Stamp

Here

Ministers

Bryan McAlister 931-994-3525

Matthew Dotson 615-418-2051

Craig Shelton 615-418-2228

Shane Willis 615-308-9161

Secretary Tammy Willis 729-4201

Elders’ Prayer October 16

Lonnie Gilliam

Prayer Week of October 16

S.M.W. S.M.D Marshall Spencer Jimmy Copley

S.E.W. S.E.D. Philip Jacobs Ken Dickerson

W.E.B.S. W.E.D. Derek Newsom Riley Qualls

If you are scheduled to serve in Worship and are unable, please take the

responsibility to secure your replacement and contact one of the following:

Dorris Claud 931-729-2933 Lonnie Mayberry 931 -242-2644 John Bradley 931-994-7358

Read Scripture Oct. 16 Alan Potts Oct. 23 Daniel Dressler

Wait on Table

3rd Sunday

Mark Chessor

4th Sunday Mike Goodpasture

5th Sunday

Bill McDonald

Right Side Jeremy Qualls Wayne Rediker Matthew Fakes

Riley Qualls

Left Side Derek Newsom Randy Wright

Daniel Poff Will Mayberry

Alternates

Lonnie Mayberry Eric Coleman

...October 10-14

School System Fall Break ...Wed., October 12

Devotional in Auditorium …Sunday, October 30th...

Trunk-Or-Treat

in the back parking lot following 5p worship! Sign-Up in the lobby if you will be entering a

decorated car !

Hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, candy !

Mike Elkins

Our Elders

Lonnie Gilliam

Wayne Qualls

Gary Gatewood

Mike Goodpasture Shane Willis

Mike Elkins