Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No. 10            SOUTHSIDE ORACLE          May 5, 2006

The Bulletin Board

New Sunday morning adult classes begin Sunday to continue for the next four months. Topics are "Seeing the Unseen," Rodney Windell and Wayne Alexander, teachers; "Bible- Biographies," Bruce Williams, teacher, and "The Book of Judges," Monroe Hawley, teacher.

The Caribbean Luncheon last Sunday was a fine success attended by 66 people. It was designed to focus on the summer mission trip that a dozen of our people will be taking to the Dominican Republic. If you would like to help financially see Daryl Miller as those going on the trip are trying to raise the necessary funds.

The Mother-Daughter Banquet will be Friday, May 12th. It is open to all women and girls.

Compassion Sunday will be this Sunday. Scott and Christine Saunders will give information about Compassion International at a sign-up table in the fellowship room. This Christian child development organization releases children from their spiritual, economic and spiritual poverty. You will be given an opportunity to became a compassion sponsor and change the world for one hurting child.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 147; second service, 99

Wayne Alexander preached for the church in Fond du Lac last Sunday.

The annual Southside Retreat will be at Fallhall Glen Memorial Day weekend, May 26 - 29. See the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or contact John Dickson or Bill Eppler for details.

Wanda Capitonaff is recovering from carpal tunnel surgery last week.

Calendar of Events

May 7 - Compassion Sunday display in fellowship hall

May 12 - Southside Mother/Daughter Banquet, 6:30 p.m.

May 16 - Christian Workers' Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

May 16 - Tuesday Nights Together, 6:15 p.m.

May 21 -Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m. May 21 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

May 26 - 29 - Memorial Day Southside retreat, Fallhall Glen

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

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

July 12 - 19 - Mission trip to Dominican Republic

July 16 - 29 - Intermediate session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 30 -- August 12 - Senior session, Wis. Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

The Sword of Damocles

The Greeks tell the story of Dionysius, the king of Syracuse. His wealth and power were envied by all who knew him, including Damocles, his good friend. Damocles often commented that the king was lucky to enjoy the servants, palace, food, and all the other things that his wealth brought.

One day Dionysius could tolerate his friend's envious comments no longer, so he offered Damocles the chance to exchange places with him for a day. Ecstatic, Damocles jumped at the offer. Dressed in royal robes and attended by numerous

servants, Damocles sat among soft cushions to enjoy a sumptuous feast. He was about to take his first bite when he stiffened and turned ashy pale. Suspended directly above his head by a single horsehair was a sword, its sharp blade glistening in the candlelight. Afraid to eat, afraid to move, Damocles cried out to the king. "Help me!"' Damocles pleaded. "Don't you see that sword?"

"Of course I see it," Dionysius responded. "I see it every day. It is the threat of enemies who wish to take what I have. It is the knowledge that a bad decision could

cost me all that you see. It is the fear of a jealous advisor who might stab me in the back. You see, although I have more money than anyone around me, I can never fully enjoy my life."

As Christians we are richer than any around us. We have received forgiveness, the gift that no amount of money can buy. It is a tragedy, then, that many Christians go through life with feelings of guilt for past sins. Although they know in their head that God has forgiven them, they are never sure of it in their hearts. So they pray for their "many unforgiven sins." They wonder if Jesus will really take them home if He returns today. They live their lives with a sense of foreboding, as if the very sword of Damocles were hanging over their heads.

Should we not be the happiest, most carefree of people? We have received the promise of God that we are His. Although we continue to stumble in our sins, as long as God has our heart, our forgiveness continues. "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?. .. Who shall bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" (Romans 8:31,33).

God has given you life to feast upon without guilt. Enjoy it! In Christ there is no sword of Damocles.

__Glenn Hawley

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