SCHEDULE OF SERVICES SUNDAY

MID-WEEK

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ELDERS EVANGELISTS EMAIL: office@degaulledrivecoc.com WORKS SUPPORTED:

Benevolence: Childhaven of Cullman, Alabama Media: Gospel Broadcasting Network In Search of the Lord’s Way The Old Landmarks The Truth in Love MISSIONS: Budapest, Hungary: Curry Montague,

curry.monta@gmail.com India: Ron & Karen Clayton

RCIndia@sonet.net Padova, Italy: Jeff & Tia Brauer

Family, brauer@padovateam.org Marshall, Texas: Azael & Dinora

Alvarez PREACHER TRAINING: Memphis School of Preaching

WesArabie 504-858-2881 HowardGoodale 504-319-3572SteveTucker 504-812-2617ScottCain 504-392-4110WesArabie 504-858-2881

CHURCH OF CHRIST 4700 GENERAL DEGAULLE DRIVE

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70131 www.DegaulleDriveCOC.com

August 27, 2017

MorningBibleClass MorningWorshipPewPackersEveningWorship

9:00AM 10:00AM5:30PM6:00PM

TuesdayLadiesClass(September—May)

WednesdayBibleClass

10:00AM

7:00PM

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“There’s no place like home.” These words may bring to mind the classic image of Dorothy holding Toto and reciting these words while tapping together her ruby slippers in hopes of returning to Kansas. For others, this simple sentence sparks memories Perry Como’s voice and those lyrics so often repeated by winter travelers en route to family gatherings: “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” Regardless

of the memories invoked by the phrase, the statement rings true. Indeed, there is no place like home.

In thinking of “home,” what images come to mind? Does the word “home” cause thoughts of a house, a favorite chair, a favorite coffee cup, a lawn (in need of mowing), preferred restaurants, sports teams, highways, buildings, local television and radio stations, neighbors, and work? Such details are common and understandable aspects that people connect with the idea of “home.” However, another question remains: where does the local congregation rank on this list of things associated with home? If a Christian’s thought of “home” revolves around the physical and secular details rather than the spiritual details and the local congregation, then perhaps that soul should reevaluate his priorities (Matthew 6:33). Perhaps he should spend more time exhorting and being exhorted by the local brethren (Hebrews 3:13; 10:25). A Christian journeyed to Italy to visit another brother and to provide help during a period of hardship and distress. During his stay he grew very sick, and it was not known if he would survive his illness. As he lay there, uncertain of whether he would ever see home again, what were his thoughts? Did he long for his own house, his native cuisine, or the familiar scenes of the city he called home? No, his concern was for the local congregation in his hometown, because after he recovered and was about to return home the apostle Paul had this to say about him: “Yet I

Each September the Lord’s church at DeGaulle Drive emphasizes the importance of Bible School in our growth as God’s people. Growing closer to anyone requires learning more about & appreciating that person. The same is true with God.

This year’s Bible School Emphasis will be each Sunday morning from September 3rd-24th, studying the theme “Marching to Zion.”

As we travel to Bible class & worship, what sights fill our eyes? What thoughts fill our minds? What sentiments fill our hearts? Psalms 120-134 are a series of inspired songs

that were sung by Jewish pilgrims journeying to Zion, to the temple in Jerusalem to worship Almighty God. God’s temple today is the church (Ephesians 2:19-21). As we

gather together, as we March to Zion, are our thoughts where theirs were? Are our hearts where theirs were?

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1).

Scott Cain

2N D ANNUAL

DEGAULLE DRIVE CHURCH OF CHRIST

MEN’S LEADERSHIP RETREAT

OCTOBER 12TH-14TH Berry Creek Cabins, Bogalusa, LA

FREE OF CHARGE & open to all men of the DeGaulle Drive Church of Christ.

TheEarlier,theBetter!Thursday,October12th,willbeadayoffellowship,preparation,&enjoyingthearea.Comeoutearly&

havesomefun!

AllareencouragedtoarriveASEARLYASPOSSIBLEonFriday,October13th,aswewilllookathoweachofuscanbecometheleadersGodwantsustobe!

Don’t miss out on this weekend of fellowship &

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suppose it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick” (Philippians 3:25-26). Epaphroditus’ greatest concern was that his beloved brethren in Philippi would be worried about him upon learning of his sickness, and he wanted to be with them to comfort them. Epaphroditus’ example gives valuable lessons for Christians today in their priorities at home and their relationships with the local congregation. First, Epaphroditus’ focus on the local congregation can be seen in his competence. Let there be no doubt that Epaphroditus was more than just a sporadic presence in the congregation at Philippi. He was so well known and trusted that they chose him to deliver their financial assistance to Paul (Philippians 4:18). A Christian who is not reliable enough to be present with the local brethren is certainly not reliable enough to take presents to distant brethren. Many delinquent and infrequent Christians wonder why the elders and members at the local congregation do not give them more to do, not realizing that their delinquency has proven their unreliability. Since it is the case that whatever a person does to the church he also does to Christ (Acts 9:4; cf. Galatians 1:13), it is also true that whatever a person does not do for the church he does not do for Christ. A Christian’s unnecessary absence not only proves him to be unreliable to the local brethren, but it also proves him to be unreliable toward Jesus.

Second, Epaphroditus’ focus on the local congregation can be seen in his concern. He was selfless in the face of severe sickness, being more worried about their wellbeing than his own (Philippians 2:26). He had such a close relationship with the local brethren that his greatest concern upon becoming sick was their sadness; such a relationship does not result from infrequent and halfhearted association. Like Epaphroditus, those who consistently demonstrate their love for the Lord and His people by their regular attendance are the ones who, when sick, are more prone to worry about the wellbeing of others instead of themselves (Philippians 2:3-4).

Third, Epaphroditus’ focus on the local congregation can be seen in his confidence. He knew without question that the local congregation was concerned for him (Philippians 2:26). He had no need to ponder, “I wonder if they are worried about me,” but instead he could say with certainty, “I know that they are worried about me, and I wish to comfort them.” What a contrast can be seen between Epaphroditus’ attitude and that of so many infrequent members today. The more time that Christians spend with each other, the more confidence they can have in their mutual concern for one another. Why is it that those wayward or sporadic brethren who become offended and irritated when faithful Christians approach them about their spiritual condition are the same ones who often fall ill or face distress and then act neglected because no one from the local congregation called or visited during their time of need? It is the unarguable Christian duty of the local congregation to offer help to those who are physically and spiritually sick (James 1:27; 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1); this cannot be neglected. However, if a pew stays empty more than it is filled, then why should faithful brethren be surprised when that pew is empty? In fact, the hit-and-miss

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attenders usually maintain such loose communication with the local church that it becomes impossible to know if they are sick, out of town, or just staying at the house to watch a ball game. It is an interweaving of hypocrisy and selfishness that expects to be left alone when spiritually sick but then expects cards, calls, and company when physically sick. Epaphroditus was the exact opposite; in health he sought to serve the Lord, in sickness he hoped that the brethren would not be too worried about him, and in recovering he longed for the opportunity to comfort those who had been worried about him. He looked forward to spending time with them once again and enjoying their fellowship upon his return “home.”

What is “home?” Does “home” revolve around a physical and secular description, or is “home” connected to spiritual priorities and the local body of believers in Christ? Which is more desirable: to be in one’s own house or to be in God’s house? Remember that God’s house is the church (I Timothy 3:15), and the church is not the building, but the body of baptized believers (Acts 2:41, 47). If a Christian who is physically capable of being with the local brethren chooses to be absent from that fellowship, then he chooses to be absent from Christ. He chooses his own house over God’s house. Irregular attendance limits one’s effectiveness for God and his opportunity to give and receive exhortation from His people (Hebrews 3:13; 10:25). Being there is important. For Epaphroditus, there was no place like home. Being at home meant being with the brethren. What about me? Am I there when I am at home? Am I at home when I am there?

Attendance

Bible Reading

NEEDING CARE & PRAYERS Our Members & Visitors.

Mary Cullum Sandy Jones Paul & TeNeal Macaluso Family of A lice Ri ley Family of Margaret Rodney

Our Shut-In Elwanda Piskorik

Our Family & Friends Al ton Ke ith : Brother of Roland Keith; has mouth cancer & is receiving chemo. Joann Punch : Mother of Jeff Lacaze; recently had surgery & has other health problems. Matt Woodson: Nephew of Margaret Spahr; was able to go home last week but will

return to Vanderbilt on the 30th for surgery on his leg & knee. Kaiyah Alexander Family of Larry Blackburn Sue & Tom Gibi l terra Family of Carl Joseph Mary Jo Knigh t Benjamin Macaluso Paul Meacham Skylar Nicoul in Family of James Thomas Pam White Matt Woodson Family of Frances Zorn

Our Deployed Military Personnel Vauchel le DeArmas: Her address is: Spc Dearmas Vauchell, 1086 Trans CO, APO

AE 08366. She is in Kuwait on the base & will be there until time for her missions in Iraq & Afghanistan.

PRIVILEGED TO SERVE NEXT WEEK SEPTEMBER 03

Sunday AM Welcome:

Steve Tucker Prayer:

Roland Keith Song Lead:

Howard Goodale

Paul Macaluso I Cor. 10:15-17

Lord’s Table: Paul Macaluso (2)

Sermon: Scott Cain

Dismissal: Paul Macaluso (2) ———————

Sunday PM Welcome:

Steve Tucker Prayer:

Ron Landis Song Lead:

Paul Macaluso (2) Lord’s Table:

Paul Macaluso (2) Sermon:

Scott Cain Dismissal:

John Cullum

THIS WEEK AUGUST 27

Sunday AM Welcome:

Howard Goodale Prayer:

Roland Keith Song Lead:

Howard Goodale

Wes Arabie Mark 14:22-25

Lord’s Table: Ron Landis

Sermon: Scott Cain

Dismissal: Ron Landis ———————

Sunday PM Welcome:

Howard Goodale Prayer:

Keith Cooper Song Lead:

Scott Cain Lord’s Table:

Ron Landis Sermon:

Will Brown Dismissal:

Stephen Goodale

LAST WEEK’S

RECORD

Service Time

2017 Goal

Last Week

Bible Study Sunday AM Sunday PM Wednesday

70 100 60 60

47 62 37 33

Reading

Plan 2017 Goal

Last Week

Daily Readers 45 35 Bible in 2017 45 27 NT in 2017 60 34

Please submit all prayer requests in writing to Scott or Melissa Cain. Please supply regular updates on each individual in order to keep our prayer list up-to-date. For the sake of space, any name (except for shut-ins) will be removed after four weeks unless a new update is received. Thank you for helping us all to stay informed of the spiritual & physical needs of our members, friends, & family.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS UPCOMING EVENTS: 1. SONG LEADING CLASS: Will meet today at 4:30PM 2. WORK DAY: Saturday September 23rd beginning at 9AM. Your help is desperately needed, as

there are several pressing tasks to accomplish, especially working on repairing sections of fence around the property.

SECURITY ALARM: Law enforcement is overburdened with false alarms from security systems. In

the event of a false alarm, please follow the instructions by the alarm keypad so as to avoid having police unnecessarily dispatched to the church building. Multiple false alarms could result in fines.

BIBLE CLASS PROMOTION: Parents, please visit with your children’s teachers as to which class they will begin attending September 3rd & 6th.

WORK NIGHT FOR THE MASTER: Work night in August produced 256 local mailings & 21

cards of encouragement. We’re grateful to all who took part last Wednesday evening!