Document 6473496

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Sep 10
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“….I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God,
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
I Timothy 3:15 (NKJV)
A Publication of the St. Thomas Church of Christ
by the Public Relations & Communications Ministry
St. Thomas
Church of Christ
P. O. Box 502908
St. Thomas, VI 00805
Tel: (340) 779-2404
Fax: (340) 715-4201
churchofchrist@vipowernet.net
www.sttchurchofchrist.org
Thaddeus Bruno
Senior & Outreach Minister
(340) 779-2118 Home
diamond@viaccess.net
Elton E. Terry
Minister
(340)626-5426
terryelton@gmail.com
St. Clair Dowers
Associate Minister
(340)776-3770 Home
Schedule of Services
Sunday
9:00 am—Bible Classes
10:00 am—Worship
7:00 pm—Worship
Wednesday
7:30 pm—Midweek Meeting
Missionaries
Curtis & Elister Abraham
Marigot, Dominica
Dilian & Josian Bellot
Scotts Head, Dominica
Terrance & Ann Griffith
Morvant, Trinidad
Radio Program-Each Sunday
According to the Scriptures
7:30 am—WVWI—1000 AM
WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD?
By Bro. Thaddeus Bruno
18
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled
for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,
and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
(Hebrews 6:18, 19 NJKV)
Scripture abounds in analogies of what
Christians are and should be. Metaphorically we are sheep, lights, salt, branches
on a vine and a city on a hill. The use of a
ship however, is not as familiar to us. This
analogy was employed when the Hebrew
writer wrote of our hope as an anchor.
Sailing and moorings and storms and anchors were common place in the ancient
world, and the writer’s use of maritime
expressions was well understood and appreciated.
Priscilla J. Owens in 1874, capitalizing on
the thoughts of the Hebrew writer and
using lyrics as her material, built a song in
the shipyard of that epistle. Eight years
later William J. Kirkpatrick set notes to her
and launched the vessel Will Your Anchor
Hold, on the waters of music. This song,
sailing ever since, has come near our
banks. Indeed, its melody is on our lips and
its probing message has transported many
passengers to the deep waters of contemplation as to whether the chords of their
hope will hold the strain under the pressures of life’s raging storms.
Life’s storms are not all the same. There
are those that are common to humanity.
These have no respect for whether we are
rich or poor, young or old or Christian or
no Christian. These types of storms are
spoken of in the following statement.
“Man that is born of woman is but a few
days and full of trouble”(Job 14:1). Then
there are other storms that are unique to
the people of God, and come just because
of our positioning with Christ. He told us
about them in the following words;
“blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5: 10). Again, in the
parable of the sower and seed, Jesus explained that the heat that caused the plant
on the rocky soil to wither was “tribulation
or persecution that arises because of the
word” (Matt 13: 20, 21). Yes! Some of the
waves that dash against our ship come
Leaders
Trevor Adams, Earl Chandler, Cleophas U. Hodge, Donny Dominique
Ministries / Coordinators
Benevolence—Alexandra Samuel / Brother’s Keeper—St. Clair Dowers
Building Maintenance—Earl Chandler / Counseling & Support—Cavel Farrell
Evangelism—Thaddeus Bruno / Fellowship—Marilyn Chandler
Finance—Catherine Charles / Public Relations & Communications—Shirley J. Peters
Teaching Children—Elaine Bruno / Transportation—Cleophas Hodge
Welcoming—Sarville Moses / Youth—Darrell Dowers
because we are Christian vessels. But whether they are believe the value of what he has, the diamond he has been
storms that are common to life here on earth, or those given is still a million-dollar diamond. It has a value all within
itself, which does not depend on the owner’s recognition or
unique to Christians, storms are tough to get through.
appraisal. Similarly, the promises of God provide a solid rock
Part of the reason is, storms often appear suddenly. Some- on which we can fasten our anchor, and our unbelief in no way
times out of a clear blue sky some of the most intense diminishes the faithfulness of God, nor the dependability of His
storms will arise. One such storm arose on the Lake of promises.
Gennesaret, sometimes called the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias, So the storms are coming if they are not already here. They
with Jesus and His disciples in a boat (Luke 8: 22-24). This will come with all their diversity, suddenness and fury. Though
lake, part of the Jordan valley and covering an area of about they are tough, we can survive the storms because Jesus our
eighty four square miles, was located six hundred and thirty solid Rock is unmovable. If we believe His power, presence and
feet below sea level. Violent gusts of winds descending from promises, our anchor will hold!
the surrounding mountains would often whip up storms on its
pleasant waters in a hurry. Earlier the gentle waves rocking
the boat had lulled Jesus to sleep, but now conditions had
changed drastically and the apostles feared for their lives.
Similarly, calm conditions of peace and prosperity can
change in our lives without warning. Within a matter of
days the winds of life can create squalls that threaten the
very survival of our faith ship.
VALUES FOR BUILDING CHARACTER
Sometimes it is the storm of disappointment. Expectations
we have of ourselves and others for a certain standard of
moral behavior can crash against the rugged rocks of reality. An unfavorable outcome in a job, health, immigration
or legal situation can take the winds out of our sails and
cause us to drift with the waves of uncertainty and lethargy.
Other times the storm may ride in on the wings of unexpected death. Though death’s sting always hurts, we are
generally more prepared for the passing of loved ones
whose ships have been sailing into their eighties and nineties. But a parent having to bury a child is especially though.
The death of a husband and father in his forties leaves not
only a widow but orphans as well. The adjustments from
such loss can be oceanic and the weight of despair experienced by those left behind can stretch the rope of their anchor, well near breaking point.
If the anchor of our hope will hold in these times, we must
know that the promises that Christ has made to us are secure. God provides the basis for our expectation but we
must supply the belief in His promises. When Hymenaeus
and Alexander made ship wreck of their faith, the foundation of Christianity remained secure (I Tim 1: 19; II Tim 2: 17
- 19). Their abandonment was no indictment against the
integrity of God, nor the validity of His word. They did not
make shipwreck of the faith but simply of their faith. An
understanding of this is important because, sometimes the
whole boating system is criticized when one ship runs
aground. The question in this article is not if Christ is sure
but whether our faith in him is sure. It is not about the integrity of God who made promises but about the strength
of our expectation in the midst of life’s storms.
By Sister Shirley J. Peters
You can learn a lot about another person just by watching how
they live everyday life. That’s because actions speak volumes
about the heart that’s motivating that person. In Genesis 24:18
-21, Rebekah’s actions spoke of her heart of service and humility, of her kind and hard-working spirit. What do your actions
say about you? Do the people at the grocery store, the gas
station or the gym see a woman/man of integrity and character? Do your family, friends and co-workers see a woman/man
who’s living for Christ in the little things? And if they don’t —
why not?
There are 6 ethical values involved in building a sound character—values we must exhibit and must instill in our young people if we are to prepare them to be future leaders of the
church and our community. These values are:
I. Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness involves a host of things. Be honest. Don’
deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable, which means let your yea
be yea and your nay, nay (James 5:12). Be loyal and build a
good reputation.
II. Respect
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Always use good
manners. Do not use bad language. Be considerate of the
feelings of others. Don’t threaten others. Deal peacefully with
anger, insults and disagreements.
III. Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do. Plan your schedule and persevere. Always do your best, use self-control and be selfdisciplined. Think before you act…you will be held accountable
If one has been given a million dollar diamond but treats it
for your words, actions and attitudes. Set a good example.
like cosmetic jewelry because he cannot bring himself to
IV. Fairness
We offer of congratulations to Sis. Alyssa Martin on her
Play by the rules. Be open-minded. Listen to others in the
graduation from the Charlotte Amalie High
same way you want others to listen to you. All the facts in a
school this past June. Sis. Alyssa is now pursituation will help to make fair decisions. Treat all people
suing a degree at the University of the Virgin
fairly.
Islands.
V. Caring
Be kind, compassionate, show that you care. Help those in
need. Express gratitude. FORGIVE.
Continue to keep her in prayer that she may
not only do well in her studies, but that she
will constantly remember that she is a Christian and be an example to those she comes
VI. Citizenship
in contact with.
Do your share to make the church and community better.
Cooperate with others. Get involved in the church and community. Respect authority. Stay informed and vote. Obey
rules.
Let’s do our best to build strong character—in ourselves, our
children and our community. CHARACTER COUNTS!
August 2010
Hurricane Earl
By Bro. Yipman Bruno
Sunday morning sermons are available on CD and DVD. If you
are interested, kindly check at the office.
On August 29th a hurricane warning was in effect for Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands. Hurricane Earl, a category three
(3) storm, was forecasted to strike the upper Lesser Antilles
then head north. Packing hurricane force winds more than
thirty miles from the center and tropical storm force winds
more than one hundred miles outwards, Earl was a very
huge storm. At about noon of Monday the 30th the sky
turned dark and gusts of wind started. As the wind intensified, heavy rain delivered a pounding to the Virgin Islands.
The blustery weather continued to strengthen through the
night uprooting trees and toppling some telephone posts.
After the hurricane there were no deaths. However, there
was one report of a garage roof being blown off. It landed
only inches away from Brother and Sister Balgua’s car. We
thank God that they and all members were safe. More than
half of the island was left without electrical power, giving the
Water and Power Authority a hard task. Earl moved on leaving a memory of hurricane Marilyn, and reminding us of the
need to be prepared.
1st Sunday
Bro. Thaddeus Bruno
He Doeth All Things Well
2nd Sunday
Bro. Elton Terry
The God of Amen
3rd Sunday
Bro. Elton Terry
Have Faith In God
4th Sunday
Bro. Thaddeus Bruno
The God of the Stump
5th Sunday
Bro. Thaddeus Bruno
A Skull-Shaped Pulpit
OFF TO COLLEGE
Bro. Elton Terry is off to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, on a journey towards obtaining his
Bachelors Degree. Bro. Terry came to St.
Thomas in 2007 and has served as pulpit
minister and teacher. He received a full
tuition scholarship from the university.
We had a great time at his “going off to
college” farewell. Members brought
finger foods and fellowshipped with him.
We wish Bro. Terry every success in his
endeavors and will continually pray for
him as he undertakes this journey.
Sunday
Attendance
Contribution
1st Sunday
73
$ 2,573.00
2nd Sunday
80
3,180.00
3rd Sunday
81
2,057.00
4th Sunday
73
2,542.00
5th Sunday
79
1,860.00
PRAYER CORNER
Let us continue to offer prayers on behalf of
our brethren who have requested them. Kindly
pray for the following:
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
1. Hear God’s word (Romans 10: 11-18, Acts 15:7).
2. Believe in Christ (John 20:31, Hebrews 11:6).
3. Repent of my sins (Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3).
4. Confess Christ (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37).
5. Be Baptized (Acts 10:48, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:4,
Galatians 3:26, 27).
6. Be faithful unto death? (Revelation 2:10).
WHEN YOU MEET WITH THE CHURCH OF
CHRIST…..
You can expect to find a group of Christians assembled to worship God in the same manner that Christ
directed the first century disciples (John 4:24). You
can expect these Christians to have respect for the
inspired Word of God, which is the only and complete authority in religion today (II Timothy 3:16,
17). Since Jesus declared, “Upon this rock I will
build my Church” (Matthew 16:18), Churches of
Christ look to Jesus as their founder. For this reason the church also wears the name of Christ. There
is one Lord, one faith and one baptism (Ephesians
4:5).
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS AN
INVITATION TO WORSHIP WITH US.
“Come now, and let us reason
together.” Isaiah 1:18
Elton Terry
Patrick Benjamin
Larandel Moses
Aletia Hodge
KeShawn Gumbs
Alanah George
Klya Brown
Jeanaton Stout
Kavian Brown
4th
8th
9th
13th
17th
17th
17th
19th
19th
Bro. Patrick Simon
Sis. Ashby Danet
Sis. Ellen Hamilton
Sis. Aldith Phillips and her Mom
Bro. Jude Watty
Sis. Mona Lindquist
Sis. Alyssa Martin
Bro. Elton Terry
Prayer Vigil
Friday, September 24th
Revival Services with Missionaries
October 31st—November 3rd
Men’s Retreat (Tortola)
November 5th & 6th
Rhonda Hale Mission Sunday
November 7th
Church Growth through Personal Involvement
With Brother Jerry Humphries
December 5th—9th
Bernadette Simon
Kristopher Brown
Jacqueline Hodge
Charles Wheatley
9th
19th
21st
25th
Kindly forgive us if your name has been left out.
If you are uncertain that we have your birthday,
kindly contact Sis. Peters or Sis. Dominique.
We will be delighted to add you to the list.