HAS SOMEONE STOLEN OUR MORAL TENT?
Dennis Gulledge  

The story is told of Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson as they were on a camping trip.  In the middle of the night Holmes awoke and asked, “Watson, would you look up and tell me what you see?”  “I see hundreds of thousands of stars,” replied Watson.  “And what does that mean to you, my dear Watson?”  “To me, Holmes, it means that we are most fortunate to inhabit God's great universe as intelligent observers. And although we must be infinitesimally small in His eyes, we are blessed beyond measure with powers of reasoning given to no other creature of God. I guess that's what it means to me.  What does it mean to you?”  “Watson, it means that while we were sleeping someone has stolen our tent.”
  It doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to see the difference in perception in these two men. While thinking in lofty terms Watson failed to see the most obvious problem.  While some in the intellectualism of our age marvel at modern advancements in medicine, science, education and technology, they have failed to notice that someone has stolen our tent of moral values right from over us.  Without this tent of godly morals and ethics we have no shelter from the raging storms of life. When a generation of people see no absolutes in morality or doctrine, ethics as autonomous, abomination as “gay,” pornography as “art,” killing of innocents as “choice,” we may conclude that someone has stolen our moral tent.

JOHN BROOKS BOYD

Faithful Christian – Good friend – Beloved elder – Devoted family man
Dennis Gulledge  It was with shock, dismay and disbelief that we learned of the untimely death of Johnny Boyd on April 6th.  The Mabelvale church lost a shepherd of over 41 years. A man is selected a deacon or a bishop only because of spiritual and domestic qualifications as set forth in the New Testament (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-11). It is no exaggeration, in my opinion, to say that brother Boyd has been largely influential in the spiritual development and growth of the Mabelvale church over the years.
  Johnny and Nita Boyd made their home in North Little Rock in 1946 when they worshipped at the 6th & Olive congregation until the new building at 6th & Maple was completed.  With the assistance of Bailey Allinder, Johnny started leading singing in Sunday evening Bible classes, and then in the worship assemblies.  Johnny was called to active duty in 1950 in the Korean conflict, having previously served in the Navy during World War II.  At the request of some, the Boyds visited the Mabelvale congregation in May 1952, and began attending here in order to assist with the singing.  Although Johnny was not the regular song leader when I began preaching here over 14 years ago he has led singing many times, and has encouraged good singing in every possible way.  Johnny was chosen to serve as a deacon in 1954.  He was also one of the regular Bible class teachers.  On May 13, 1962 Johnny was selected and appointed as one of the elders of the Mabelvale congregation. 
  In my experience of knowing Johnny Boyd I have found him to be one whose heart was established “in every good word and work” (2 Thess. 2:17).  He often said, “Lean on me,” and lean on him I did when need arose.  He was always ready to be in the line-up of teachers for the Tuesday “All Comers” Bible class.  Johnny would always have something to add to any Bible class he attended.  He loved gospel preaching. You could usually hear an “Amen” from him at some point during a sermon.  Now, he can “Amen” the apostles in the realm of spirits.  He was always ready to lead singing.  He was always ready to take the gospel to others – locally and abroad.  He made evangelistic trips to Mexico, Ukraine on several occasions (I accompanied him in 1996), and Scotland.  He was always ready to support the gospel, and any event or work of the church with his attendance, money and prayers.  He was always ready to visit, comfort and console any time the need arose.  He had the true heart of a shepherd.  He believed in stewardship, hospitality and liberality and was a living example in each of these areas of devotion to Jesus Christ.  He was certainly well disciplined and “down-to-earth” as well.
  Above all things Johnny Boyd had a love and devotion to the church of Christ that will make his absence keenly felt by all that knew him.  Without any doubt we will, for many years to come, realize the countless ways that he helped to make us better.

VOLUME 41    NUMBER 16                                  APRIL 19, 2004
OUR SICK Harold Pigue is in CCU of St. Vincent with a congestive heart condition. He is expected to be there until Wednesday.
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THANK YOU Thank you for your prayers, cards and words of encouragement following my heart surgery. I am improving little by little day by day. I am still on blood thinner medication to get rid of a blood clot and go back for a check up this week. I love you all. Robert Overbey.
Thank you so much for all the delicious food brought to us during this difficult time. It was fit for kings and queens and truly enjoyed by all of us. Thanks also for the many cards and calls. Your support has been overwhelming. I feel very secure in my church family here. Nita, Arlene, Dail and Brooks.
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BABY SHOWER A reminder of the baby shower for Valerie Linker at 3:30 PM on Sunday, April 25th, in the multipurpose room. She is expecting a second son (she is more in need of “everyday practical items”).
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TUESDAY EVENING LADIES CLASS The Tuesday Evening Ladies Class will meet at 6:30 PM on April 27th. The meal will be provided. There will be a panel discussion by Judy Morris, Jill Horton, Dollie Word and Tarena Word on grandmothers and mothers-in-law.
********************************* SERMONS FOR APRIL 25 Morning
A Growing Congregation (Acts 6:7)
Evening
A Healthy Congregation (Colossians 3:12-17)
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SEARCH April 25 PROVIDENCE IN THE EARLY CHURCH Old timers were sometimes heard to say they would be somewhere or do something if they were “not providentially hindered.” What do you suppose they meant? “Providence” means foreknowledge that allows for appropriate provisions.” Do you suppose they meant if the Lord provides me life and the necessities to be there or do that? Does He so provide?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 23.Saline Singing, 7:00 to Midnight
April 24….…..Church Growth Workshop
             with R.C.Thompson
April 27…Tuesday Evening Ladies Class
April 30…………Bible Bowl Pizza Party
May 1……………Bible Bowl at Crossett
June 10-13 ……………..Gospel Meeting
July 18-21……….Vacation Bible School
OUR RECORD  APRIL 18, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 235
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 195
P.M. WORSHIP 150
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY  152 CONTRIBUTION 7722
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
April 25, 2004

David Gulledge Jason Griffin
John Griffin Dennis Gulledge
Roger Horton Greg King
Darren Gowen Jim Henson

Evening 
Tim King
Keith Golden
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR April 28 Doug Parker
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USHERS FOR APRIL Morning Tim King & Wally Davis
Evening  Greg King & Nicolas Lowe
Wednesday  Rick & Danny Wooldridge
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GREETERS FOR APRIL Greg & Cheryl King
Blake Poole
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ELDER CHAIRMAN April  Roger Horton
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