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Vol. 47,
No.16 SOUTHSIDE ORACLE
June 18, 2004
Two Hundred Years
Ago…
Two hundred years ago this month, six men fixed their signatures to a
document that was to define their call for non-sectarian Christianity. We
in the American Restoration Movement are their spiritual heirs.
But first, a little background. In the first decade of the 1800’s, a
spiritual revival known as the Second Great Awakening swept the American
frontier in what is now the Midwest. Within the Synod of Kentucky of the
Presbyterian Church the revival provoked the censure of those of its
members who had participated because revivalism ran counter to the staunch
Calvinism of the Presbyterian Church. In the ensuing controversy five
revivalists withdrew in 1803 to form their own body which they named the
Springfield Presbytery.
In
the months that followed the founders of the fledgling presbytery asked
themselves some hard questions. Through their new body, were they
contributing to non-sectarian Christianity based squarely on the
Scriptures? They decided that they were not and summarily disbanded their
presbytery by issuing on June 28, 1804, “The Last Will and Testament of
the Springfield Presbytery.” Though some may think its language a bit
strident, its words reflect the hearts of those seeking to let the Bible
be their guide. Here are some excerpts from the document:
“The Presbytery of Springfield, sitting at Cane-ridge, in the county of
Bourbon (KY), being, through a gracious Providence, in more than ordinary
bodily health, growing in strength and size daily; and in perfect
soundness and composure of mind; but knowing that it is appointed for all
delegated bodies once to die: and considering that the life of every such
body is very uncertain, do make and ordain this our last Will and
Testament, in manner and form following, viz:
Imprimis. We will, that this body die, be dissolved, and sink
into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one Body,
and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling.
Item. We will, that our name of distinction, with its
Reverend title, be forgotten, that there be but one Lord over God’s
heritage, and his name One.
Item. We will, that our power of making laws for the government
of the church, and executing them by delegated authority forever cease;
that the people may have free course to the Bible, and adopt the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus…
Item. We will that the people henceforth take the Bible as the
only sure guide to heaven; and as many as are offended with other books,
which stand in competition with it, may cast them into the fire if they
choose; for it is better to enter into heaven having one book, than having
many to be cast into hell..
Item. Finally, we will that all our sister bodies read
their Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate there determined, and
prepare for death before it is too late.
__Monroe E. Hawley
The Bulletin
Board
Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp – The sessions at Fallhall Glen begin
Sunday. We will have the largest number of campers ever from Southside at
a single session for junior camp. Some will be attending for only one
week. The following list may be incomplete and does not include some
friends of our campers who will be attending with them: Ricky Baas, Tia
Baas, Dustin Dickson, Rebecca Dickson, Zachary Giemza, Maggie Mahan,
Sydney Miller, Chad Mudd, Rachel Orlovsky, Brandon Schraven, Hannah
Schraven, Hannah Shilts, A. J.Threats, Brandon Threats, and Rachael
Valentine. Staff members include Bobby Valentine, who will direct the
educational program, Glynda Giemza, and Andrea Eufinger. We may also have
others on the staff.
McMillions moving – Dana and Debbie McMillion will be moving to Little
Rock, AR at the end of June because of a job transfer. Dana has served as
one of our elders since 2000. Both of them will be sorely missed. In
their honor we will have a going-away party at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June
26th. It will be a potluck. For details contact Wayne Alexander or
Denise Eppler.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Two years ago Last
year Last week Goal
Bible classes
117 150
143 170
Morning
worship 213
230 *243 250
Evening
worship 43 42
60 80
Contribution $4038.68
$4153.23 $4476.58 $4500.00
Calendar of Events
June 20 – July 3 – Junior camp session, Wisconsin
Christian Youth Camp
July 4-17 – Middle camp session, Wisconsin Christian
Youth Camp
July 6-11 – Menominee (MI) Youth Service Trip
July 11 – Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.
July 11 – Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.
July 18-31 – Intermediate camp session, Wisconsin
Christian Youth Camp
July 24 – Blood Drive at Southside
August 1-14 – Senior camp session, Wisconsin
Christian Youth Camp
August 9-13
– Lake Geneva Family Encampment, Williams Bay
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