CENTERVILLE MESSENGER (096380) Free Upon Request-Published Weekly by Centerville Church of Christ, 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033-1427 April 29, 2020 Volume XXXX –Number 17

Todd Parsley

“From Where I Sit”

Things seem to be changing with our current state. We still don't know when we will meet together again, but we continue to have faith that God is in control of this and all situations in our life. Keep the faith, keep praying and keep trusting in Him. In Isaiah chapters 38-40, Isaiah gives us a glimpse into the greatness of God. Isaiah proclaims;

"Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah,"Behold your God!"

The 40th chapter of Isaiah has some breathtaking views of our God. We can see a God of might and power, but who tenderly cares for his flock like a shepherd. We behold a God who can measure the waters in the palm of his hand,

and the heavens with a span, and yet he stoops down to give power to the faint and strength to the one who has no might.

The gods of this world are presented in this chapter and throughout the rest of Isaiah as lifeless and powerless. We are reminded of our own weak and feeble nature as well. We are like grass whose beauty is transient. The word of

our God, though, is our strength, and endures forever.

I'm convinced that if we could see things more clearly (and Isaiah is showing us things as they really are), that we would be much more excited about evangelism. We are good news tellers. We have found the real thing! We have

something solid. We have something that lasts. Our God is the answer. He is the reason for our being. He is our purpose for living. He gives everything and everyone meaning and hope and peace and joy.

If we'll climb the mountain and see God as Isaiah is describing him for us, then maybe teaching others won't seem so

forced and awkward. It will feel spontaneous and natural. We might even climb a mountain and shout it out: "Look at my God!"

Deuteronomy 7:21 says; "...for the Lord your God, the great and awesome God, is among you". God, thank you for filling us with such joy and giving meaning to our lives. May our joy and purpose in life spill over into sincere praise in our conversations with others. We love and miss you! Be kind to one another always, encourage each other, love big and always give God the glory! See you soon. God Bless -Todd

Carter’s Corner

The Shepherd’s Pen

OUR ZOOM BIBLE CLASSES are still going strong as we enter into our 7th week of having classes online. I was worried when we began having class in this manner that our teens would quickly loose interest, but I am thankful and have been encouraged by the continual commitment that our young people are making each week to be involved in growing spiritually. WHILE PLANS ARE STILL UNCERTAIN for our VBS this summer, we are still working on getting things ready in hopes that the powers-that-be will deem it safe for us to gather together

this year. That being said, we will be sending out our SUMMER SCHOLARS study guide for all of our young people to begin working on next week. You can find an online version of the study guide on our website next Wednesday (May 6th), and you can also stop by the church building to pick up a print copy. While we are still unsure of the fate of VBS, I know that this is still a great time for many parents and students to begin working on memorizing some facts from God’s word. I HOPE YOU ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather we have been able to experience over the past few weeks. We have enjoyed a wonderfully mild Spring so far, and I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to provide us with such a beautiful time to enjoy creation while we are stuck at home. I have been encouraged and uplifted in thinking about what the Psalmist writes in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” While there is so much uncertainty in our country at this time due to the coronavirus, I believe we are constantly reminded of who is truly in control and it is very easily seen in the new life that is shown in the Springtime. I encourage you this week to get out and enjoy time connecting with our Father in His wonderful creation. Take a walk, go for a drive, plant some flowers, play with the kids in the yard, etc., and end your time in prayer thanking God for His wonderful power and providence for His children. I hope you have a wonderful week! In Him, Carter

“Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” (Acts 11:22-23) Everyone can use a little encouragement on a regular basis. Very often it does not take much more than a kind word of concern or a simple statement of appreciation to boost our feeling of accomplishment to levels of excitement. Research has found that people are much happier on the job if they feel appreciated for their work. Encouraging others is becoming a lost art. As Christians, we must find the time to be concerned about others—about their welfare, about their happiness, about their spiritual growth! Encouragement goes a long way to boosting the spirits of a discouraged friend who must persevere through a trial. One of the leaders in the early church was a man named Barnabas. A man whose name meant “Son of Encouragement”. (Acts 4:36). To the other apostles in the early church, Barnabas excelled in encouraging others. What was it about him that he was recognized by the title "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Consolation”? His character and example provide helpful references as we seek to grow in this area. He was known for his kindness and for his ability to encourage others. Because of Barnabas many people were introduced to Christ. Today we live in a difficult world, but we must seek to imitate the “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas wisely encouraged people by (continued)

(Continued) pointing them in the right direction. All the members in Antioch he "encouraged . . . that with a purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Scripture paints a picture of Barnabas as a kind, forgiving, encouraging and compassionate man. Luke sums up his character in (Acts 11:24), "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." Despite Barnabas' faults, no more or less than any of ours, he received a wonderful, God-inspired commendation as a permanent example of a true witness for God. How encouraging for us! We imitate Barnabas when we speak kind words to our families and to our friends. We imitate Barnabas when our actions give credence to our beliefs. We imitate Barnabas when we are generous with our possessions and with our praise. We imitate Barnabas when we give hope to the hopeless and encouragement to the downtrodden. Be like Barnabas: become a source of encouragement to those who cross your path. You will be receiving a letter this week from the elders. If you do not receive one, please let the office know. This Saturday from 1pm till 5pm the elders and deacons will be available at the church building handing out Lord Supper emblems and receiving contributions. We appreciate our deacons serving every Saturday. They have enjoyed seeing you coming by for emblems. If you need any assistance, please contact the office: 931-729-4201 Your Elders

CONTRIBUTION

April 26 : $ 10,905.05

Camp: $ 115.00

Budget: $12,976.00

Recovering from surgery or other illness: Ron Jenkins, Ernest Griffin, Stephen Dotson, Gunner Batts, Brenda Wood, Shontel Jackson, Charlie Shelton, Anthony Mayberry, Juanita Garner, Glenda Teet, Glenna Hill, Bobby & Joyce Mayberry, Grace Pinkerton, Barbara Dawes, Dan Elkins, Kitty Pharris, Alden Chilton, Ann & J.C. Wells, Ruth Reece, Ann Spencer, Allene Gordon Please Pray For Those Who Are Dealing With Cancer: George Peterson, Belinda Potts, Nita Sundberg, Cletus Carroll, Lonnie Gilliam, Elizabeth Givens, George Peterson, Phil Shelton, Ann Lauran Plunkett, Jimmy Jenkins, Susan Hardy, Ronny Pitman, Ricky Pittman, Jimmy Copley, Gwen Rogers, David Talley, Beverly Grimes, Henrietta Rochelle, Jerry Shepard, Jimmy Mathis, John Beard

Home: Robert & Marge Gilmer, Mildred Bridges, Dorris & Margie Claud, Floy Gatewood, Floy Lyell, Alvitea Sunder, A.J. & Willie B. Coates, J.W. & Sue Roder, Troy Parks

...Jimmy Jenkins, father of Regina Elkins, Bettina Horner and Jonathon Jenkins is in NHC in Columbia recovering from a stroke. ...Bobby McFarlin spent some time in the hospital due to tick fever. He is at home recovering. ...Reba Horner is recovering from hip surgery at the Life Care Center. ...Mayzell Potts, mother of Mike (Belinda) Potts and grandmother of Cissy (Matthew) Dotson, suffered a stroke. She is at home with hospice care. ...Belinda Potts is undergoing radiation treatments for cancer. ...Charlie Shelton continues to recover at home as he waits for another surgery in the coming weeks. ...B.J. Springer, had a procedure on Monday, April 27th to have fluid drawn from his lung. The procedure went well.

Thank You

Nursing Home: Life Care Center: Reba Horner, Jimmy King, Seth Armstrong, Pearl Gordon, Betty Claud, Addie Bell Nash, Georgia Moss, Larry Talley, Bobby Breece St. Thomas Hickman Nursing Home: Martha Bates, Jane Luckett, Francis McClanahan, Eltie Davis, Sybil Jenkins

Belinda Potts writes: “Dear Church Family, God has blessed me with many gifts but one of the best is my church family. Your special gifts, kindness, and compassion definitely has helped make the last few months easier. Thank you for the get well cards, food and especially the prayers. I have been encouraged by all. In Christian Love…”

Unusual times call for unusual celebrations! Please Join Us on Sunday, May 17, 2020 from 1-3 PM for a Drive-By Bridal Shower honoring Tori Hughes, bride-elect of Carter McClanahan. Please drive by the Outreach Center and one or more of the shower hostesses will come to your car. Tori and Carter are registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Target. Please drive by and encourage Tori and Carter!

Drive-By Bridal Shower

In Honor Of Mothers

We would like to honor all Mothers on Sunday, May 12, 2020 during our online worship service by recognizing all babies born since Mother’s Day 2019. Please email a picture to: tammy@centervillechurchofchrist.org

Please Remember In Your Prayers:

Answers

Unending

Undeserved

Unearthly

Unexplained

Unconditional

Unselfish

Bible Trivia

God’s Manner of Love (I John 3:1) ___________________ love – James1:17 ___________________ love – John 3:16 ___________________ love – Jeremiah 31:3 ___________________ love – Deuteronomy 7:8 ___________________ love – Ephesians 3:19 ___________________ love – Romans 5:8

Check Answers Next Week!

For the next few weeks we will look at the

History of the Centerville Church of Christ….

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many businesses and organizations across our nation. Our very own Camp Meribah is one such organization that has been economically impacted by limitations on travel and group gatherings. Camp Meribah has its own budget which is separate and apart from the church’s budget. It is funded primarily through group rentals, private donations, and our weekly Sunday School contributions. However, due to the government’s restrictions and our worship services being held online with no Sunday School, Camp Meribah has generated very little revenue over the past several weeks. As a camp board, our hope and prayer is that our country starts to heal and visitors begin to return to our camp. We hope that one day soon we can all gather together at our building to worship and fellowship in our Sunday School classes. Until then, we ask for your consideration and financial support of Camp Meribah. In addition to your weekly church contribution, we ask that you consider giving a separate “Sunday School” contribution which goes toward supporting Camp Meribah and its facilities. This is completely separate from our Camp Scholarship Fund which so many of you already generously support. Sunday School contributions can be given to the men distributing communion at the building on Saturdays, mailed or delivered to the church office, or donated online at www.centervillechurchofchrist.org. Click on the “About Us” tab, then proceed to “Misc Donations” and finally “Camp Meribah Facilities.” We appreciate this congregation’s support of Camp Meribah through the years and hope you will continue to remember this valuable ministry of our church in the days and weeks ahead. On behalf of the Camp Meribah Board, Clay Chessor Chairman

Camp Meribah Contributions

2002— Old factory building & property adjacent to bus garage purchased. New Dotson Alumni Lodge completed. Hosted Christian College Choral Festival weekend. Church web-site goes online. 328 campers enjoy Summer Camp at Camp Meribah.

2003— 1,003 present on Friends Day. Property adjacent to the Outreach Center purchased with a large portion donated by members. It is dedicated the Hope House to be used for emergency situations.

2004—May 2, 2004 Generations Day. All-Time Record Attendance of 1,405 for small-town churches of Christ. Paul Rogers, speaker. Four buildings/shelters built at Meribah. Purchased property next door to building known as the “Hassell property.” 24-Hours of Prayer—praying the old year out the new year in. Nick McNabb is hired as Summer Camp Director.

2005—January 6, Minister of 48 years for the Centerville church, Paul Rogers died in Cleveland Clinic of heart failure. Craig Shelton and Greg McCord are Interim Ministers as Craig Shelton takes on new position as Operations Minister. Chris Webb hired as Youth Minister. 135th Anniversary Celebration & Revival, John Miller speaker. Elders: Bobby Bates, Bill Davis, Dr. James Blackwell, Bill McDonald, Wayne Qualls, Alfred Williams. 24-Hours of prayer. School bus donated to church by a member for youth and camp work. 50th Anniversary of “Gospel in Word and Song” on KIX96 supported by local churches of Christ. Longest running program on the station. Average attendance is 634 and 415 in Sunday School.

2006—Bill Perkins hired as minister. Budget set at $686,650. Bobby McCoy hired as Camp Superintendent. Anderson, South Carolina added as a mission point. Mike Tanaro speaker at Revival. Complete overhaul of sound system. November 5 “Homecoming & Welcoming Home the 779th” Jim Bill McInteer was the speaker and the National Guard’s Freedom Salute was held in the auditorium. Standing room only for All-Church Night. $56,603 given on the last day of year to balance budget and go beyond goal of $50,000!

2007— Bond Indebtedness paid off January 1. The 33rd Annual Middle Tennessee Preacher & Church Leader’s “Healthy Habits of Successful Churches.” David Shannon and Marlin Connelly shared speaking times at this year’s Revival. The Piedmont Congregation in Farmville, VA became self supporting after 17 years of support from Centerville. Support was given for Mission efforts in Pearlington, MS, Anderson, SC, Navajo Reservation in Nevada, Panama, New York, China, and Tanzania. 20/30’s Ministry begins with emphasis on college age and young married couples. Seven new deacons are added and Lonnie Gilliam and Mike Goodpasture are added as Elders. On December 30, 2007 the congregation gave $112,606. to completely wipe out all debt and set an offering record!