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

October 4, 2017 Volume XXXVII –Number 37

“I Hope You Know” Can you remember a time when tragedy was not the headline? Can you remember a time when the phrase, “our thoughts and prayers are with _________” was not used as a common refrain in the face of disaster? We’ve once more recoiled at the atrocity and vicious nature of humanity. Sin

is ugly, vile, and detestable. It was on display yet again, through the malicious attack of a mass murderer. Listening to a news commentator while in the car this past Monday, I caught myself being reminded by his words, and then disappointed. As the commentator spoke about this tragedy in comparison to others in our country, I was reminded of a mass shooting of which I had forgotten. Then I was disappointed, that so many, with such casualties had reached a number in my lifetime that I was now forgetting about these horrendous events.

No greater evidence for the need of a Savior can ever be displayed than when humanity reveals the new depths to which we sink in our treatment of one another. Yet what happened in the city of Las Vegas, this past Sunday night, is the direct image of sin. Sin wreaks havoc, it destroys lives,

and it leaves a trail of misery and despair in its wake. The gunman who is responsible for murdering nearly 60 human beings, at least one from West Tennessee, and wounding nearly 500 more, is the representation of what the absence of faith, hope, and love resemble in any life (I Corinthians 13:13).

Our Lord Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up His cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23).” Those words are the essence and embodiment of the freedom of choice. We have the freedom to choose to do God’s will, or to act according to our own fleshly desires. We have the freedom to choose whether or not we will love one another or lash out toward our fellow man. We have the freedom to choose sin or our Savior in overcoming sin. The choice is up to each one of us.

Further, regardless of our life circumstances, no matter the severity, they are never an adequate excuse for why we choose what we choose. David said in Psalm 55, that he was surrounded by pain, death, violence, oppression, and destruction. Yet his guide was not to follow and partake in such behaviors. Nor was his guide to react with the same attitude or respond in kind. Rather, David placed his confidence in the Lord. “Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22).”

If we commit sin, yet then seek to excuse it because of influences or environmental factors, God will see through our deception. If we are surrounded by sin,

but take the steps necessary to remove ourselves from sin, God will grant mercy (See: I Cor 6:9-11). Paul made it clear that those who practice lifestyles which seek to avoid God’s sovereignty, will not inherit His kingdom. Paul notes that some made the conscious decision to end these lifestyles and be cleansed through baptism into Jesus Christ, and then walk in righteousness. We do not have the luxury of passing the blame for our action onto other people, or circumstances. All men are responsible for their actions. No amount of legislation, public outrage, or government policy will counteract, deter or cure, what happened last Sunday night. I hope you know, blood of Jesus Christ is the only answer for our broken world.

Come Worship With Us !

Sunday 9 A.M./ 6 P.M.

Wednesday 7 P.M.

D Baptisms We rejoice with Mary Chafin,

Latasha Collins, Bridget Griffin, Kristen Gilbert, Daisy Howes, and Rose Parish who were baptized by members of the Jail Ministry.

Area Events:…Seminar on the Book of Revelation October 12,13,14, 2017 from 7-9 P.M. Hosted by the New Spring Creek Church of Christ, 9980 Highway 46 Bon Aqua, Tennessee. ...Gospel Meeting at the New Bethel Church of Christ October 15-17, 2017. Speaker: Greg McCord Bible Study: 10:30 A.M. Worship: 11 A.M. Followed by Fellowship Meal Sunday evening: 7:30 P.M. Monday & Tuesday: 7:00 P.M. ...Fall Focus Series 2017 at the Jackson Height Church of Christ, 1200 Nashville Hwy. Columbia, TN. 38401 Wednesdays 7 P.M. “Those Who Were All In” ...Free Medical Care, Dental and Vision Join us for a Day of Hope, Health and Healing Saturday, October 14, 2017 8a-2p Hickman County High School, 1645 Bulldog Boulevard, Centerville, Tennessee 37033

D Area Events

D Sympathy ...We express our sympathy to the family of Maggie Moss who passed away. She was a resident of Tulipwood.

Birthday Thoughts

Upon the recent celebration of her 99th birthday, Sammye Elrod had these thoughts to share when asked what she attributes her long life to:

1. Daily Bible Reading 2. Daily Prayer 3. Love of Family and Friends 4. Wholesome Foods 5. Love of Outdoors and Nature

October 8-14

Fall Break

Oct 18– Nov 29

Timothy &

Tabitha Classes

Wednesdays 7-8

October 15

Junior High

Fireside

Maty Hunt 7-9

October 16

Bible Study

Guys@Dotson’s

Girls@Newsom’s

6-7

October 20

5th Quarter

Hayride

After Game –11:30

October 21

Sparks &

Intermediate

Schmooky Time

TBA

October 22

Senior High

Fireside

Jake Martin &

Madelyn True 7-9

October 25

Lighthouse

Bryce Hughes 5-7

October 29

Young Men

Conduct

Services @ Coble

10:15-12:00

October 29

Trunk or Treat

ANOTHER UNFORGETTABLE weekend at

Freed-Hardeman’s RUSH. We had 40 on three vans leave out early for a full day of singing,

some great lessons and classes, some tasty food, a volleyball game, a hypnotist and a full

enjoyment of all that FHU has to offer. We

even got to see a lot of CCOC Youth Alumni and even got a picture with Hickman County

native, President David Shannon. Thank you to each who went. Especially thanks to Mike

& Regina Elkins and Brett & Heather Martin for going, driving getting everyone back at

1am and helping Misty and me with the day!

THE YOUTH MINISTER SEARCH CONTINUES… Please keep our Youth

Deacons and Elders in your prayers as they continue a diligent search for the next youth

minister. Also, keep praying for the next

youth minister and his family that they will be a blessing to the work at Centerville and

our church family will be a blessing to them and their work.

BE SURE YOU HAVE A CALENDAR! They are packed and you can see a glimpse of

them here to the left. Don’t miss a thing!

HERE IS ANOTHER WAY you can be a benefit to the next youth minister...in no

particular order, #7 HELP TEACH OR LEAD A DEVO… What a

blessing it is for our young people to be a

part of as many Christian’s influences as possible. From helping teach a Sunday

morning class or Wednesday night class to just speaking at a Fireside or helping with a

Bible Study, there are so many opportunities

to help guide our youth. Even though this is a part of the Youth Minister’s “job,” it is still

important that our ministers have the opportunity to be fed spiritually among our

church family. With others offering to help, this allows him to listen and learn as well.

With all this being said, this is another one of

those things that I mention, but has never been an issue finding help teaching here at

Centerville. Thank you for always helping and being willing to assist in nurturing the

young people on their journey to become life-

long Christians. May we always do all we can to “raise them up” to always…

follow His path, -Craig

CONTRIBUTION $ 11,591.65

BUDGET

$ 12,968.00

Camp $205.21

Home: Annette Barber, Floye Lyell, Hattie Delk, Louise Bates, Charles Horner, Charles Minick, Fronia Nash, Alvitea Sunder, Dan & Martha Jo Wallace, A.J. & Willie B. Coates, J.W. & Sue Roder, Troy Parks, Raymond Truett

Nursing Home: Life Care Center: Seth Armstrong, Georgia Moss, Pearl Mayberry, Helen Hudgins, Larry Talley, Nellie Kalosis, Lucy Noles, Sammye Elrod, Bobby Breece, L.T. Aydelott, Jim & Jean Wright Hickman County Nursing Home: Annie Lee Whitwell, Francis McClanahan, Eltie Davis, Shirley Bryant, Sybil Jenkins Dickson Health & Rehab.: Jane Berryman NHC Columbia, 5017 Trottwood, Columbia, Tennessee: 38401 Ann Spencer

...Wayne Harvill, grandfather of Tara Chessor, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. ...David Talley’s surgery went well. ...Emelia Odom is doing well in the NICU at

St. Thomas Mid-Town.

Recovering from surgery or other illness: Anne Totty, Neil Jobe, Nancy Price, Waverly Grace Cannon, Mary Helen Barber, Allene & Thurman Gordon, Bessie Shepard, John Ed Hooten, Jo Atkinson

Please Pray For Those Who Are Dealing With Cancer: Polly Lancaster, Eric Fuller, Terry Bradley, DeJa Sanders, Beverly Grimes, Brian Olive, Jack Lowery, Johnnie Ruth Denton, Lovada Burklow, Jennifer Kelley, Marie Bates, Henrietta Rochelle, Bruce Bowen, Susan Sullivan, Danny Bates, Jimmy Mathis, Susan Campbell, Bonnie Runions, Sheryl Elkins, John Beard, Melissa Barber Bryant Parkinson’s Disease: Guy Barber, Reba Horner, Martha Leathers Lyme Disease: Anna Ingram Ballou

Please Pray

for:

...a contribution has been given to the

Camp Meribah Scholarship Fund in

honor of Sammye Elrod by Lonnie &

Marilyn Gilliam.

...a Memorial has been given to the

Camp Meribah Scholarship Fund in

memory of Bobby Ray Atkinson from

Don & Anne Forrester.

D Memorials You Are Invited!

You are invited to a baby shower for Cody & Katie

W o o d s o n October 8, 2017

at the Outreach Center from 1-3 P.M. They are registered at Target, Buy, Buy Baby and Count Your Blessings. It’s a girl!

...Fall/Winter Activities October 8: Care Group 1 Meeting Following Evening Worship

October 8-13: School System Fall Break

October 29: Trunk or Treat

November 5: Family Meeting 6 P.M. Worship & Finger Foods in the

Fellowship Hall

November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break School System

November 23:Thanksgiving Day

November 26: Thanksinging

December 2: Jr. High Big Fun Christmas

December 3: Church For The Holidays

December 9: Breakfast With Santa

December 9: Jail Ministry Holiday Meal

December 10: Progressive Dinner

December 13: Sunshine Baskets Assemble at Wed. 7p worship

December 14: 20/30’s Regifted Christmas

December 20-January 2: School System Christmas Break

December 24: Christmas Eve

December 25: Christmas Day

John McCord writes: “Dear

Brothers and Sisters at the Centerville Church of Christ, Thank you for your gift of $6,000.00 for the recovery effort from the devastating flooding left by Hurricane Harvey. We are so grateful for the outpouring of Christian love and generosity from you in this time of great need. 100 % of this gift will go to assisting flood victims, purchasing supplies for recovery, and providing meals for volunteer crews. We had f o ur f a m i l i e s i n o u r

congregation that were flooded out of their homes along with over 1,400 homes suffering severe flood damage in Wharton County. May God “meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

El Campo Church of Christ El Campo, Texas 77437-4599

D A Baby Girl !

Congratulations to Caleb & Stevy Odom on the birth of a daughter September 29, 2017. Emelia Leath weighed 5 lbs. 4 ozs. and is 17 inches long.

Proud grandparents are Bryan & Lori Woods and Angie & Rodney Odom. Great grandmother is Martha Leath.

Thank You

Read Scripture

October 8: Patrick Allen

October 15: Alan Potts

Elder’s Prayer

October 8 Wayne Qualls

Prayer Week Of October 8

S.M.W. S.M.D. John Smith Shaun Lawson

S.E.W. S.E.D. Ward Mayberry Brett Martin

W.E.B.S. W.E.D. Philip Jacobs John Jacobs

Place Stamp

Here

Wait on Table

2nd Sunday Caleb Odom

3rd Sunday

Marshall Spencer

4th Sunday Philip Jacobs

5th Sunday

Daniel Dressler

Left Side

Tyler Schmid Brian Qualls

George Garland Thomas Chessor

Right Side

Wayne Chessor Mike Brown Sam Gilbert

Jonathan Longworth

D Event Schedule Forms

Attention Committee Chairmen: Please pick up an event schedule form from the table in the lobby and return it by November 5, 2017. We plan to have the 2 0 1 8 c a l e n d a r

completed in November.

Freed Hardeman’s

RUSH