Hello everyone. This is one of those days that don’t turn out like you expect it to. For instance, I planned to do some of our laundry, and rest up a bit from a very busy day yesterday. But, as it turned out I actually spent the day helping my husband dig a ditch to help prepare for some new water line and drain pipes that we needed. It was hard work and I developed a few blisters on my hands, but at the same time it was fun to work outside along side of my husband. I think he was surprised that I could still throw dirt with a shovel that fast. The problem is that I probably won’t feel that frisky by tomorrow when all the aches and pains hit me.
The Sunday service at Red Bank began with hymns led by Gary Lirley. Jerry Huff gave the morning welcome. He also introduced the Sunday school lesson, which was, “While Good is not Good Enough,” and asked some in the congregation for their favorite Bible verse. He asked me what my favorite verse was and my answer was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Red Bank was honored with a visit from our association’s Bible Camp Director, Sondra Mahoney, and Brenda Pridemore, the associational Stewardship Chairmen. Sondra took a few minutes to speak about an associational plan to build a new swimming pool and bathhouse for Camp Calvary near Hartville. Brenda spoke briefly to us about how funds for this project will be raised. It all sounded great. I have worked there as a camp counselor many times, as have many from our church. We have been blessed to witness many young souls saved. These same young souls return every year to be fed more of God’s Word that helps them grow as a Christian.
Congratulations go to Pat and Margi Gates who celebrated their wedding anniversary last week.
Brother Les reminded everyone about the fifth Sunday singing that will be held at Red Bank on Sunday evening, October 31. There will be a food and fellowship reception after the service. Everyone is welcome to present a gospel music special or just simply come to enjoy the music, the fellowship and the food. This is always a wonderful event.
Don’t forget that the annual Glade Top Trail event will take place next Sunday, October, seventeenth.
“Are You O. K.?” was the title of the morning sermon brought to us by our pastor. Brother Les first explained the odd title of the sermon by giving us the history of how the acronym for the word, okay, being O.K., came into use. To make a long story short, during the war, when the fighting soldiers would come in from the battlefield they would post how many soldiers were missing in action. If all were fortunate to return they would write on a special camp sign, O. K. for “O” Killed. The Scripture used for this message was taken from Philippians 4: 4-7. verse 4 reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Paul and Timotheus, calling themselves servants of Jesus Christ, authored this letter to the saints at Philippi to encourage them to rejoice and trust God for everything to turn out okay in their lives. In verse 6 they wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you request be made know unto God.” Brother Les said, “Rejoicing cannot depend on how we feel, but on the peace in our heart that God is on the throne and over all things.” When we put our lives in his hands, we can be assured that every thing will be O.K. When the disciples, being tossed about in their boat as the result of a raging storm, saw Jesus walking on the water toward them, they became afraid because they thought it was a spirit. Jesus immediately called out to them, “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.” That same message is just as pertinent for each of us that know Him as our Lord and Savior. We need to remember that He is with us, especially, when we are in the midst of one of life’s raging storms.
Alice and Gary visited with Maxine Lirley one day last week. She has been busy working on the farm theme, animal cutouts that will be used by the residents that take part in the senior Olympics that will be held last of this month in Mountain Grove, Mo. She already has her costume ready to wear. She constantly encourages other residents to get out and have fun with her.
Well folks I had better get this to the printer. Take care. “Here’s another thought that’s important to remember. I don’t know who wrote it. I saw it on a church sign. “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.”
