Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No. 1                             SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                           March 3, 2000

Observant Christians

Within the Jewish community are those who are known as "Observant Jews." They try to strictly keep the Law of Moses. They observe the Sabbath and the holy days, and keep the dietary laws. In the land of Israel itself they contrast with the secular Jews who do not profess to adhere to the strict nuances of the Law. The majority of Israelis are secular Jews.

A similar distinction can be made in the Christian world. The majority of professed Christians are secular in their outlook. Most of them would not deny the basic tenets of the Christian faith and would even give token recognition to the external forms of Christianity. But the driving force of their lives is not Jesus nor his ethical teachings, but rather their secular perspective.

In contrast to these people are "observant Christians" for whom Christianity is a way of life. They have a faith to be "observed" daily. The ethical teachings of Jesus shape their thinking, their decisions, and their actions, They take their religion seriously and do not allow it to be governed by secular interests. When you try to follow the Scriptures, this is what Jesus demands of us. __Monroe Hawley

The Bulletin Board

The amount raised recently at the Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp Dinner and Silent Auction was in excess of $3400. It will likely exceed this figure by several hundred dollars when all the proceeds have been received.

The Southside Area-Wide Men's Breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11th. We often exceed a hundred in attendance. Our speaker this year will be Barry Gainey who preaches for the Hampton Avenue Church in Milwaukee. We encourage all our men and boys to attend. Be sure to sign up so we can better determine how large a group to expect.

The Balancing Act seminar with Dale and Vicki Hawley last weekend was very well received. Dale preached at both morning services Sunday and also taught the combined adult class attended by 93 people.

New attendance directories are now available. It is a directory of those who

regularly worship with us rather than being a membership directory. Our thanks to Cliff Copass and all who helped him prepare the directory.

Our Sweetheart Dinner will be at the church building Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. Based on those who have signed up to come, it should be well attended.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 173; second service, 92

The Sick - Roger Young is still at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine. He has not yet had additional surgery as previously anticipated. Remember him in your prayers.

We are now assisting sister congregations with speakers on Sunday. Wayne Alexander preached for the Fond du Lac Church last Sunday for the second consecutive Sunday while Bobby Valentine spoke for the Monroe Church.

Two more College Care Donation boxes are set up in the foyer with directions for making a donation. Meagan Van Handel and Holly Shilts will be the recipients. Boxes will be shipped after this Sunday. See Colleen Windell for information.

A Marriage Enrichment class is being offered at the church building from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings beginning March 8. The Alexanders will be facilitating a class based on a book "The Intimate Mystery" with a strong emphasis on God's plan/purpose for marriage based on Scripture. The classes will consist of 6-8 classes on the Goal of Marriage. Topics will include Knowing who we are as Husband and Wife, Leaving, Cleaving, and The Ultimate Loyalty. There is a sign-up sheet on the Family Ministry bulletin board. The class size will be limited so sign up early. For questions contact the Alexanders.

Calendar of Events

March 4 - Sweetheart Dinner, Southside, 6:30 p.m.

March 8 - Marriage Enrichment class begins, 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays, Southside

March 11 - Southside Area-wide Men's Breakfast, 9:40 a.m.

March 12 - Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.

March 12 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p. m.

March 17 - 19 - Southside Youth Rally

March 21 - Christian Workers' Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

April 2 - Congregational meeting after combined service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

April 7 - 9 - York College High School Days

April 21- 23 - WCYC Youth Rally, Fallhall Glen

May 13 - Southside Mother/Daughter Banquet, b:30 p.m.

June 18 - July 1 - Junior session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 2 - 15 - Middle session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

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