Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 50, No.36                           SOUTHSIDE ORACLE            November 23, 2007

 The Bulletin Board

Can you help? Mark Orlovsky, our educational director, writes, "We want to continue to put the word out regarding our needs for Sunday School. We believe we have the core of teachers who are needed for the Winter Trimester. We are starting to set up the teachers for the Summer Trimester and we are always looking for more teachers, teachers' aides, substitute teachers, and general helpers to assist with tasks not in the classrooms. If you know of anyone interested, please see me, the Hruskas, Becki Kidd, one of the current teachers, or just give me a call at (262) 898-9202. Many of the teachers would love to have parents or visitors in the classrooms. If you have ever considered teaching, this would be a great way to learn more about serving in this capacity."

Christine Saunders was hospitalized last Thursday, but is now home and was able to be with us for worship Sunday.

                             (*) first service, 145, second service, 87

Sunday Night Live for Teens is a program involving the youth of sister congregations. Southside will host the program on December 2 that will begin at 4:30 p.m. Worship for all, including adults, will begin at 5:30 o'clock instead of our usual 6:00 p.m. worship time.

Address change - Katherine Williams.  Contact us for details.

Calendar of Events

December 2 - Southside hosts Sunday Night Live youth program

December 9 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

December 19 - Christian Workers' Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

January 6 - York College A Cappella Choir at Southside

January 19 - Southside Blood Drive

February 16 - Camp auction and dinner for Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp

March 14 - 16 - Southside youth rally

"We Really Ought to Go to Church"

Have you ever said that? If so, I'd like to ask why. Sounds strange coming from a preacher, doesn't it? But I'd still like to ask, "Why?" You see, I happen to believe that some who so respond haven't given it much thought.

"The children need to be brought up to know about God," you say. True, if children remain faithful, they also should be taken rather than sent. But really, isn't this a backhanded way of saying your children need God, and you don't? You see, you aren't facing up to your needs.

"The church is doing a good work and we ought to support it." Right again. So is the P.T.A. So are civic organizations. Are we putting them in the same category? The problem is that you are putting your attendance at worship on the basis that you are doing something for someone else.

"Well, I feel better after I've gone to church."  If you have come for the right purpose you ought to.  A good dinner, a fine piece of music, or restful sleep can produce the same result. Is it that you feel better when you apply a little conscience salve to your inner being? If so, you are treating the symptom, not the disease.

Let's get to the point. I need to go to the place of worship because I am sinful and in my worship of God and my association with fellow Christians I receive strength to overcome temptations and live a better life.

I need to be there to worship God. After all, he gave his son to die for me.   If I love him, I will worship him. We have emphasized entertainment so much that we think worship is just another spectator sport.  Worship is the primary reason for our assembly.

Let's drop those lame excuses for worshipping that suggest we are doing someone

a favor.  God doesn't need us - we need him!  The sooner we get with it and admit that we can't get along without God, the better.

The problem with the statement we are examining is that it lacks moral earnestness. It shows a conscience that is bothered, but not enough to admit that it desperately needs God. It implies half-hearted service, just enough to be respectable.

Dear friend, we all need God! Without him we are lost. He will not take second place nor will he be pleased with our "tokenism." Why not start going all out for your Lord today?                                                                     Monroe E. Hawley

The Spirit of Envy

History tells of a statue that was erected to a celebrated victor in the public games of Greece called Theogenes. The erection of this statue so excited the envious hatred of one of his rivals that he went every night and strove to throw the statue over by repeated blows. Ultimately he succeeded, but alas, the statue fell upon him, and he was crushed to death beneath it.  Such generally is the end of the man who allows himself to be carried away by the spirit of envy.                                      Pulpit Helps           

[ Upcoming Events ] [ Those Serving ] [ Search Site ] [ Site Map ]

To Top