NEW CLASS FOR TEENS
Scott Perry      A vital class for the teens at Mabelvale stems from a principle found in David Chadwell's book, Christian Perspectives on Dating and Marriage: “The first important key in preventing marital failure is found in teaching responsible courtship” (1980). In an age where we can no longer rely on our society to be a good influence for our young people in the areas of dating and marriage, the time now is greater than ever for our young people to learn what the Bible says about marriage. One of the most critical times in life is the period before marriage called “courtship.” Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines courtship as the endeavor to gain the attentions of another with the usual intent of marriage. This class is not designed to encourage our young people to enter the dating process, but it is designed to inform them of the restrictions God places on marriage. Marriage is restricted to three classifications: one who has never been married (1 Cor. 7:36); one who is a widow or widower (Rom. 7:1-3); one who is divorced from a sexually unfaithful spouse (Matt.19:9).
     The courtship period bears greatly upon our success with the privilege (not entitlement) of marriage. If we fail in the courtship, then we are more likely to have our privilege taken away. My desire as their teacher is to inform them of the pitfalls of dating, the purpose of dating, how to navigate the dating process successfully with no regrets, and to enjoy this exciting time period in their lives in a godly manner.

The Most Important Part of the Body

My mother used to ask me, “What is the most important part of the body?”   Through the years I would take guesses at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger I thought sound was very important, so I said, “My ears, Mommy.” She said, “No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon.” Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer, so this time I told her, “Mommy, sight is very important to everybody; so it must be our eyes.” She looked at me and told me, “You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind.” Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge, and over the years Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, “No. But you are getting smarter every year, my young child.”
  Then last year my grandpa died. Everybody was crying, even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I ever saw him cry. My mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final goodbye to Grandpa. She asked me, “Do you know the most important part of the body yet, my son?” I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought that this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me, “This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every body part you have given me in the past I have told you that it was wrong, and I have given you an example why. But today is the day that you need to learn this important lesson.” She looked down at me as only a mother can, and I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, “Son, the most important body part is your shoulder.”
  I asked, “Is it because it holds up your head?” She replied, “No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometimes, my son. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it.” Then I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you say; people will forget what you did. But...people will never forget how you made them feel!               --Author Unknown  Via The Sower, bulletin of the Central Academy Church of Christ

VOLUME 41    NUMBER 17                                  APRIL 26, 2004

OUR SICK Tyler Freeman, grandson of Angela Freeman is in Children's Hospital.
Mary Nell Cohrt will enter St. Vincent on Friday for tests.
Lottie Van Emon, grandmother of Gary Poole, has a benign brain tumor. She will enter Baptist Hospital in two weeks for surgery to remove the tumor.
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SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to Deloris and the rest of the Pigue family on the loss of Harold on Saturday. The funeral will be here at the building on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.
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RESPONSES Requesting Prayers on April 21st: Brenda Henson. Baptized on April 25th: Tyrica Terry, daughter of Yvonne Terry.
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THANK YOU Thank you for the excellent food sent to the house after my surgery. You know what Roger Horton always says, “you have to eat to keep your strength up.” The calls, visits and cards were deeply appreciated. The card from the teen girls class was the first to come. It brought many warm thoughts and smiles. Love you all. Edwina McClurkan.
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SERMONS FOR MAY 2 Morning
What Should We Do With Our Troubles? (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Evening
The Proof Of Your Faith (James 1:2-12)
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COLLEGE AGE SUMMER CLASS Wendell Thompson will teach a summer Bible class for the college age beginning May 16th.  Also, there will be a singing for the college age at the Thompson's after services on Sunday evening, May 16th to make summer plans.
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SEARCH
May 2
KEEP YOURSELF FROM IDOLS
The very last words of the book of First John are: “Keep yourselves from idols.” Furthermore that is the first time idolatry is mentioned in the book. Why would the Holy Spirit-inspired writer say something like that in the very last sentence of his letter? CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 30…………Bible Bowl Pizza Party
May 1……………Bible Bowl at Crossett
May 15…...Youth Devotional at 3:00 PM
June 5……...Door Knocking for Meeting
June 10-13 ……………..Gospel Meeting
July 18-21……….Vacation Bible School
OUR RECORD  APRIL 25, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 235
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 178
P.M. WORSHIP 178
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY  130 CONTRIBUTION 7038
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
May 2, 2004

Nicolas Lowe  Blake Poole
Jeff Linker  Dale Morris
Jim Mauldin  Scott Perry
Waymon Minor  Nathan Moore

Evening
 Mike Moore
Doug Parker
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR May 5 Wayne Brewer
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USHERS FOR MAY Morning Roger Horton & Phil DePriest
Evening  Ken Bittle & Jim Henson
Wednesday  Jim Mauldin & Waymon Minor
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GREETERS FOR MAY Mike & Joanna Moore
Nathan Moore & Danny Wooldridge
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ELDER CHAIRMAN May  Dale Morris
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