The following statistics were reported in the North Jackson (TN) church bulletin.

Growth of churches that are conservative:

Creive Hall, Nashville, TN, in 2000 – 1,200.
Now averaging 1,300.
Waterview, Dallas, TX in 2002 – 1,100.
Now averaging 1,250.
West Seventh, Columbia, TN, in 2000 – 490.
Now averaging 370.
Saturn Road, Garland, TX, in 2000 – 1,425.
Now averaging 1,731.

Churches that have undergone change:

Madison, TN, in 1998 – 3,006. Now 1,700.
West End, Nashville, TN, in 2000 – 540. Now 375.
Skillman Avenue, Dallas, TX, in 2000 - 775. Now 450.

Some claim the church must change in order to grow. They say modern methods must be used. Many even ridicule congregations that strive to follow the “old paths.” The foregoing figures demonstrate, however, that faithful churches do not have to diminish, and that modern changes are no guarantee of growth. Let us walk in truth and God will give the increase!
Alan Highers, Henderson Church of Christ

Saturday’s Door to Door, Fellowship, and Preaching
Scott Perry/ Wayne Brewer

Thanks again! To all who came out to participate in our Vacation Bible School 2003 door-knocking campaign. Approximately 275 doors were visited in less than two hours! The recently developed area of the Shannon Hills community (west of the intersection of Vimy Ridge Road and County Line Road) provided easy access to a number of homes in a relatively short time. Many young families with children were afforded the opportunity to partake of the greatest gift of God to mankind through your willingness to carry out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). Please remember to keep praying for the individuals and families who received the gospel message.
Each team of canvassers distributed plastic, doorknob bags containing an invitation to VBS, an “Introducing the church of Christ” tract, “What To Expect When You Visit the church of Christ” tract, and a business card with a detailed map to the church building. Among those who participated in the door to door evangelistic effort were two first-time door-knockers John Paul Gulledge and Abby Parker. Others included: Bill, Rose, Cliff, and John Boyd; Kathy, Jessica, David, and Breanna Gulledge; Tamera and Devin Long; Jim Mauldin; Colleen Parker; Scott and Laura Perry; and Dave Tollett.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This past Saturday there was also a door-to-door effort among the Spanish speaking people in our area as six Spanish speaking brethren from Hot Springs and Hope came to assist us. The focus of the work was two-fold. First, inviting people to a Spanish worship service that afternoon. Bruno Zapata from Hot Springs preached a lesson entitled, “Jesus, Our Best Friend,” in conjunction with our VBS theme, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Second, inviting Spanish speaking children to our Vacation Bible School. Laura Perry and Ashley Brewer were prepared to teach a class to children who may only understand Spanish. In the door-knocking work invitations and tracts were given out, and extra Mabelvale House to House/Heart to Heart periodicals, that has the Spanish articles about the church’s Hispanic program and VBS on the back, were distributed. A special thanks to all who came out to work in both door-knocking efforts, to those who attended the Spanish worship service, to Susan Brewer and Joanna Moore for seeing that meals were prepared and served, and to all of the ladies who prepared and provided food, and other things, in advance. Everyone’s contribution was important. Let’s never forget the words of Jesus, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel…” (Mark 16:15).

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 28 JULY, 14 2003

SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to Millie Lynn on the death of her aunt, Lois Jones of Bradford last Tuesday. The funeral was Thursday in Bradford.
We also extend our sympathy to Cleta Morgan and Harless Brewer on the death of their niece and aunt, Frances Jones, on Sunday.
*********************************
THANK YOU

Thank you for all the cards, calls and food while I have been ill. We really do appreciate it. Nell Warren.
Wayne Brewer and Scott Perry would like to thank all who came out for the Door knocking and all who contributed food and drinks for lunch on Saturday.
*********************************
BABY SHOWER

A reminder of the baby shower for Audrey Oliver on Sunday, July 20th, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM in the multipurpose room.
*********************************
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Timothy Kidwell
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Holly Elizabeth
to
Mr. Jon Patrick McCormack
on Friday, the eighth of August
Two thousand three
at seven o’clock in the evening
Church of Christ at Buda/Kyle
Buda, Texas
Reception immediately following
Southwest Church of Christ
Austin, Texas

SERMONS FOR JULY 20

Morning
What Kind of Friend Are You? (Proverbs 18:24)
Evening
Fear: Cowardice or Courage?
*********************************
TEEN SING

The Teen Sing will be after the evening service on Sunday, July 20th at the home of Michael & Colette Wilson.
*********************************
There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for teens interested in going to Magic Springs on Saturday, July 27th.

SEARCH

Week of July 20
A GENTILE’S CONVERSION
In writing the book of Acts, the only inspired history we have of the very early days of Christianity, Luke relates the conversion of many thousands of people, but gives the details of only a few. In Acts 2 it’s the Jews. In Acts 8 it’s the Samaritans. In Acts 9 it’s Saul of Tarsus. In Acts 10 it’s Cornelius, the first Gentile.
EVENTS OF INTEREST

July 20..Audrey Oliver Baby Shower
July 20……………………Teen Sing
July 26………Trip to Magic Springs
July 27…Bible Bowl Practice at 3:30
July 27…..Visitation Reorganization
August 1-8...Mission Trip to Arizona

OUR RECORD JULY 13, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 212
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 162
P.M. WORSHIP 150
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 132

CONTRIBUTION 6475
BUDGET 6351
***********************************
MEN TO SERVE
July 20, 2003

Nicolas Lowe Darrell Orick
Jim Mauldin Waymon Minor
Harold Pigue Stan Smith
Scott Perry Robert Overbey

Evening Dale Morris
Doug Parker
***********************************
WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

July 23 Scott Perry
***********************************
USHERS FOR JULY

Morning Mike & Nathan Moore
Evening Ray Wehunt & David Gulledge
Wednesday Jim & Shawn Wallace
***********************************
GREETERS FOR JULY

Ken & Dawn Sullivan
Rick & Teresa Wooldridge
***********************************
ELDER CHAIRMAN

July Gene Sullivan
***********************************