THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN

October 22, 2014
THOUGHTS FROM BRYAN
I have always wondered about Paul’s name change,
and I read this article that explains it well. I reprinted it
for your (and my!) benefit.
“Although it has been popularly assumed that Paul’s name
was changed when he converted from Judaism to Christianity,
that is not the case. His Jewish name was "Saul" (Hebrew:
,‫שָׁ אוּל‬Modern Sha'ul Tiberian Šāʼûl ; "asked for, prayed for,
borrowed"), perhaps after the biblical King Saul, a fellow
Benjamite and the first king of Israel. The testimony of the
book of Acts is that he inherited Roman citizenship from his
father. As a Roman citizen, he also bore the Latin name of
"Paul"—in biblical Greek: Παῦλος (Paulos), and in Latin:
Paulus. It was quite usual for the Jews of that time to have
two names, one Hebrew, the other Latin or Greek.
In the book of Acts, when Paul had the vision that led to his
conversion on the Road to Damascus, Jesus called him "Saul,
Saul,” in Aramaic. Later, in a vision to Ananias of
Damascus, the Lord referred to him as "Saul, of
Tarsus.” When Ananias came to restore his sight, he called
him "Brother Saul.”
In Acts 13:9, Saul is called Paul for the first time on the
island of Cyprus — much later than the time of his conversion.
The author (Luke) indicates the names were interchangeable:
"...Saul, who also is called Paul.” He thereafter refers to him as
Paul, apparently Paul's preference since he is called Paul in all
other Bible books where he is mentioned, including those he
authored. Adopting his Roman name was typical of Paul's
missionary style. His method was to put people at their ease
and to approach them with his message in a language and style
to which they could relate.”
I love Paul’s heart. It did not matter what name
people referred to him by, his goal was to put them at
ease, connect and meet them where they were. As he
tells the Corinthian church, “Though I am free and belong
to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as
many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:19.
What a great example – deny self, focus on others,
with their spiritual needs being the reason. Let us go
and do like-wise.
Hope everyone has made plans to attend our Fall
Festival. It will be a lot of fun for our children and even
our adults to enjoy this time of fun and fellowship. Please
RSVP to the church office how many in your family and
friends plan to attend.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Our next blood drive is coming up on November 2nd
after morning services as usual. Please plan to be here and
give. Also, PLEASE PLEASE fill out a blue sign up card
when they go around. This is very important so that the
Red Cross will know how many workers to send out. It is
also important in helping us plan for how much food to
buy for lunch.
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Herald of Encouragement
BUILDING OUR DREAMS
FAITH AVENUE
By John Klimko, Jr
Bible Reading Marathon
Green team – 66.67%
Blue team – 43.69%
Red team – 67.74%
November 16th
On Sunday, November 16th, we will
have a very special day here at Central
Avenue! Our Spiritual Enrichment
Groups will meet that day, but Sunday
morning will be a very special time for
the Central Avenue family. We will have
more details in the coming weeks!
Thank You
Liz and I continue to be amazed by
the generosity of our Central Avenue
family. Your cards, phone calls, visits,
food, and most importantly your prayers,
have meant so much to us! Words
cannot begin to describe the joy and the
power associated with your outpouring
of love. “For the Lord is good and His
love endures forever; His faithfulness
continues through all generations.”
Psalm 100:5.
——————————————————
THANKSGIVING FOOD
BASKETS
It’s time to start collecting items for
the Thanksgiving Baskets. Copies of the
items are in each bible class and in each
foyer. Our youth will deliver these Sunday, November 16th.
The Thanksgiving Baskets Menu is
listed below:
2 bags or boxes — Stuffing
1 bag or box — Rice
2 cans — Candied Yams
3 cans — Green Beans or Green Peas
2 cans — Corn
1 can — Cranberry Sauce
1 cans — Pumpkin Pie Mix
1 — 5 oz. can of evaporated milk
1 Pie Crust
“And we, who with unveiled faces all
reflect the Lord’s glory, are being
transformed into His likeness with
ever-increasing glory, which comes
from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
II Corinthians 3:18.
Upstairs at Faith Avenue we have a
tremendous amount of volunteers that
work with our children on Sundays and
Wednesday nights. Penny Bell and
O’Neal Grant are in charge of our General
Store, and Faye Grant is their helper. They
deal with lots of eager customers ready to
spend their hard-earned Bible Bucks! It is
always great fun to observe these
transactions! Thank you to Mr. O’Neal,
Mrs. Penny, and Mrs. Faye!
Our Reel Truth Theater is a popular
place to be on Sundays! What could be
more fun than a bag of popcorn at 9:30 in
the morning? Zach West and Faith Rogers
are the hosts of our theater and they do a
marvelous job! This week our movie is
entitled “Growing Generous Kids,” and is
designed to encourage our children to be
selfless and help others. We appreciate the
time and effort Mr. Zach and Miss Faith
put into our theater!
Please join us this Wednesday night as
we continue with our regular classes and
also practice songs for our Holiday Play!
We begin at 7:00.
Our new rotation is entitled: “The
Widow’s Mite.” Our new memory verse is:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind.’ This is the
first and greatest commandment. And the
second commandment is like it:
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39. The memory verse for the
four year olds continues to be: “For God is
the King of all the earth.” Psalm 47:7.
The two and three year olds have a
new memory verse: “I am with you and
will watch over you wherever you go.”
Genesis 28:15.
We are looking forward to Sunday!
VISITATION
Thanks to all who encourage others through the visitation ministry.
The visitation team for this Sunday,
October 26 is listed below. Please pick
up assignments from the folder on the
table in the office hall foyer near the
Large Auditorium.
M/M O’Neal Grant
M/M Richard Hamlen
M/M Jack Hayes
M/M Maynard Herring
M/M Kenny Holton
M/M Larry Jonas
M/M Albert Little
Mrs. Phyllis Lowe
M/M Jerry McMullen, Jr.
M/M Chris Prine
AREA EVENTS
The Newsome Street Church of
Christ, 202 Newsome Street, Hahira,
GA., invites all ladies to their Ladies
Inspiration Day, Saturday, October
25th. Registration and continental
breakfast is from 8:15 to 8:45 am, and
the program begins at 9:00 am. Guest
speakers: Matilda Gibbons of
Brunswick, GA., and Dorothy Dye of
Valdosta, GA. The topics: “A Luau
with the Lord, Facing Our Giants, and
Breaking the Chains.” Lunch will be
served immediately after the program.
The Fitzgerald Church of Christ,
215 South Merrimac Drive, Fitzgerald,
GA., invites everyone to their 4th
Annual Lectureship Day, Saturday,
November 1st, 9:00 am—3:00 pm.
Guest speakers will be: Allen Wright
from Savannah, GA., Ted Rush from
Woodruff, SC., Michael Lamb from
Fitzgerald, GA., Larry Searcy from
Ocilla, GA., and Ryan Tuten from
Valdosta, GA. Lunch will be provided.
BUD VASES NEEDED
The ladies in the Flower Group are
in need of bud vases to use in the
Nursing Homes. Please bring your
donations of vases to the cabinet near
the Nursery.
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NURSING HOMES
HERITAGE HOUSE:
Irene Brown, Jackie Mathis,
Louise DeLoach
PRESBYTERIAN HOME:
Melba Webb
FELLOWSHIP HOME:
Sylvia Higgins, Joyce Paine,
Jeanne Jarvis, Sherolyn Ellenberg,
Jane Little
LAKEHAVEN:
Margie Dasher, Frances Copeland
LANGDALE PLACE:
Margaret Hendry
WILDEWOOD DOWNS
COLUMBIA, S.C.:
Phoebie Slocum
CRESTWOOD:
Linda Jones
ALPHARETTA:
Gordon & Elaine Teffeteller
BAPTIST VILLAGE:
Stella Laurene Taylor
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
SGMC: George Ann Thomas
CENTRAL MEMBERS:
Nick, Wendy & Collier Copeland, Anne S.
Dasher, Fannie Dasher, Marilyn Ellis, Karen
Evans, Joe Fanning, Glenn Geren, Rudene
Harris, Peggy Herring, John Klimko, Allen
Lancaster, Laura McCall, Debbie Paine,
Charlie (Hawke) Parrish, Craig Prince, Leo &
Mary Nell Wells, Ronnie West, Lloyd
Williams, Jenny Wisenbaker
MILITARY: James McMullen,III, Skyler
Pittman, Johnny Tucker, Nick WalkerPotts
DAILY PRAYER LIST
October 23: Jason, Kristy, Jaci, Karsyn &
Braylon Black &
Kyra Callahan
October 24: Michael & Patsy Black
October 25: Blanche Blanton
October 26: Greg & Kathy Blanton
October 27: Don, Teresa, Sarah &
Hannah Bonner
FRIENDS & FAMILY:
October 28: Chad, Carrie, Mac & Lawson
Bowling
Abbie Barfield, Delores Britt, Tim
October
29:
Kevin
& Thressea Boyd
Brogdon, Allison Bryan Carter and Children,
Wanda DeWeese, Joe & Harriette Gray,
Laura Johnson Griggs, Stacey McDowell,
MISSION OF THE WEEK
Jimmy Jackson, Ray Norvell, Sr., Steve &
Ron Clayton (India)
Sandi Parrish, Wayne Shear, Donnie TomlinP. O. Box 1448
son, Pat Vann, Mitch Walker, Larry Youmans
Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: (205) 921-9003
E-Mail: reindia@sonet.net
karenusa@sonet.net
BIRTHDAYS
BAPTIZED
Colton and Trent Broome was
baptized Sunday, October 19, 2014.
They are the sons of Barry and Laurie
Broome and their address is: 808 Pine
Point Circle, Valdosta, GA. 31602. Their
father Barry had the pleasure to baptize
them. Colton attends Lowndes High
School and is in the 9th grade. Trent
attends Hahira Middle School and is in
the 7th grade. Colton and Trent are
grandsons of Janet Webb and nephews
of Sammiann Haskin.
Ani Mohanty was baptized Sunday,
October 19, 2014. She is the daughter of
Bikram and Lana Mohanty and their
address is: 4121 North Lake Dr.,
Valdosta, GA. 31602. Ani attends
Lowndes High School and is in the 11th
grade.
October 25: Jan Carter
Carolyn Gillis
Sidney Jackson
October 26: J. C. McMullen
October 27: Wyatt Goldman
Jim Hampton
Ryan Jackson
October 28: Ron Ellenberg
Logan McLendon
Dale Rowell
October 30: Liz Klimko
Ron Williams
October 31: Kyra Callahan
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FEEDING THE FLOCK
Our next Feeding The Flock will be
Wednesday, October 29th. The
menu: Sloppy Joes and Hot Dogs,
Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Chips,
Halloween Truffle, and Cookies and
Cream Trifle. Please sign up on your
attendance card this Sunday, October
26th, how many your family plan to
attend.
AT A GLANCE
October 25: Fall Festival
October 29: Feeding The Flock
November 2: Red Cross Blood Drive
November 16: Thanksgiving Baskets
Deliveried
Men’s Prayer Group:
Tuesdays at 7 am in the Annex
Ladies Bible Class:
Tuesdays, 10:30 am in the Connector
Christian Student Center:
Devotional, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Page 4
Herald of Encouragement
Central Avenue Church of Christ
304 East Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601-5704
ELDERS: Homer Anderson, Kevin Boyd, Byron Brown, Jerry
DeLoach, G.R. Holton, Bill Malone, Leon Weeks
MINISTERS: Bryan Jarvis, John Klimko, Jr.
DEACONS: Jay Barfield, Donny Bryan, Jeremy Colson,
Richard Hamlen, Anthony Herring, Ted Hundley, Pendleton Little, Jerry McMullen, Sr., Matt Malone, Chris Prine,
John Stephenson, Clyde Tomlinson, Phillip Walker
Church Office:
Leigh Carter...........................................................Secretary
Gail DeLoach…………................................................Bulletin
Phone: (229) 242-6115........................Fax:(229) 242-6116
Visit Central on the Web.......................www.cacoc.com
THE SHEPHERDS VOICE
MISSIONS: Paraguay, New Zealand, Ukraine, China, Malawi, India,
Preaching the Gospel (TV)
Central Avenue Church of Christ Family Gatherings
Sunday Bible Class...……………………………...………...…………….….9:30am
Worship.………………..….…………………..………………………..….....10:30am
Evening Worship……………………..……………………….…………….…6:00pm
Wednesday Bible Class.……………………………………………..……….7:00pm
For the Record: October 19, 2014
Bible Classes
278
AM Worship
415
PM Worship
SEG 3rd Sunday
164
Mid-week PM
237
Budget
$12,450
Contribution
$11,356
Under Budget
$1,094
WOULD YOU ROB A BANK?
Recently, I read an interesting question that was once
proposed by a minister: “What would you attempt to do if you knew
you would not fail?”
Hmmm . . . Compete in a marathon? Tryout for the Atlanta
Braves? Rob a bank?
There was a point in my life when I might have answered that
question similar to the above, but that was before Christ came
into my life. Today as a Christian I can honestly say that I would
answer by saying I’d keep right on doing what I’m doing and
wouldn’t change a thing.
And yes, that means I’m attempting to accomplish exactly
what I sincerely believe God wants me to achieve with my life.
How about you? Have you determined God’s will for your life?
If not, I highly recommend that you do. Some would say that
there are many things that can be done without God such as
acquiring wealth, becoming famous, obtaining power, or accomplishing some major feat like climbing Mt. Everest. One look at
this fallen world will confirm that those among us without Christ
in their lives seem to prosper (and sometimes greatly). But we
should remember that it’s only when we are within God’s will
that we find peace, true joy, fulfillment, and love. I know plenty
of wealthy, famous, powerful people who have accomplished all
kinds of things, but they’re miserable. The tabloids are full of
stories about their tragic, sad, and unhappy lives.
Peace, joy, and love only come from God and being within his
will for our lives is the key that unlocks the door to them.
So how do we determine what He would have us to do? The
Bible gives us the answer. We should read it, pray about such
matters, and seek affirmation… then He will reveal His will to us.
We read in Psalm 25:14 – ”The Lord confides in those who reverence
Him. He makes His covenant known to them.” John 7:17 – “Anyone
who chooses to do God’s will, shall know it.” Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in
the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
I think it is important to clear our minds when seeking God’s
will. I often ask myself, is it possible that what I’m really after is
not God’s will at all, but only His gifts and blessings? I earnestly
pray that such is not the case. I want to do His will because I love
Him, I know He loves me and He has a perfect plan for my life if I
will just follow Him and plug into it.
If I’m indecisive I wonder if my indecision might be coming
from a fleshly desire to avoid pain. Sometimes the “right” choice is
the one that yields the most struggling and heartache. The apostle
Paul suffered prison, beatings, and hardship, and I’m sure it
weighed heavily on him, (after all he was human just like us), but
he persevered to the end. What he accomplished for Christ is unequalled and well worth all that he endured and now . . . well, now
his reward is everlasting and I trust that he heard God Himself
say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a
few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your
master’s happiness!’
If I’m indecisive I wonder if it my indecision might be coming
from a fleshly desire to avoid pain. Sometimes the “right” choice is
the one that yields the most struggling and heartache. The apostle
Paul suffered prison, beatings, and hardship, and I’m sure it
weighed heavily on him, (after all he was human just like us), but
he persevered to the end. What he accomplished for Christ is unequalled and well worth all that he endured and now . . . well, now
his reward is everlasting and I trust that he heard God Himself
say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a
few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your
master’s happiness!’
God will pave the way and straighten the crooked roads, but I’ve
got to do my share. My response to the naysayers of the world is
sometimes we have to be like Peter and step out of the boat, eyes
solely focused on Christ, and walk on water. It’s only when we take
our eyes off of Him and begin to focus on our circumstances that
we’ll find ourselves sinking.
So, I’ll ask again . . . “What would you attempt to do if you
knew you would not fail?”
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is
still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
~ Isaiah 46:10
- Bill Malone