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Vol. 46, No.
11 SOUTHSIDE ORACLE May
16, 2003
The Bulletin Board
A record attendance of about 150 attended the mother-daughter
banquet last Friday evening. We extend appreciation to all of those who
helped with the banquet.
The Sick – Karen Van Handel underwent surgery Tuesday at the
Eye Institute…
Cheryl Morgan is recovering at home following spinal surgery last
week….Leonard Ditsworth is also recovering from recent surgery….Susie Boldus
hurt her back in a recent accident in which her car was totaled….Sarah
Chukka is undergoing therapy following an accident in which her car was also
totaled….Remember all of these in your prayers.
Identified – Becki Kidd placed membership with us last Sunday.
She comes to us from the Waukesha congregation. She lives at 2600 Pebble
Valley Road, #B-3, Waukesha 53188. Her phone is (262) 524-8425.
Southside has a scholarship fund to help send children to the
Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp. If you would like to contribute to send a
child to camp, please see Tim Shilts. There are four two-week sessions
beginning June 15th. The sessions are divided according to age. Also, the
various sessions are in need of help. If you would consider working at one
of the sessions, see Tim.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Two years ago
Last year Last week Goal
Bible classes
145 142 160 170
Morning worship 217
228 *236 250
Evening worship no count no count
55 80
Contribution $3285.58
$3987.56 $4698.08 $4200.00
ADDRESSES AND TIMES OF MEETING OF MIDWEEK STUDY GROUP
(please contact the church office for addresses and meeting times.)
Calendar of Events
May 20 – Christian Workers’ Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
May 23 – 26 – Southside retreat at Fallhall Glen
June 1 – Congregational picnic, Root River Parkway, after 2nd worship
June 6 – Tween summer party at Alexander home
June 15-28 – Junior camp, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen
June 15 – 21- Soul Quest, York College
June 24 – 29 – Youth service trip to Menominee, Michigan
June 29 – Elders’ forum, 6:00 p.m.
June 29 – July 12 – Middle camp, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall
Glen
Shades of Gray
In an article entitled, “Getting Rid of the Gray,” the writer argues
that because there is no gray in spiritual truth, the reason we cannot see
that truth is either because of our (1) failure to study the Bible or (2)
failure to accept the Bible.
Ouch! Does that mean that when I wrestle with a moral dilemma I have
failed to study the word or am unwilling to accept the truth it teaches? I
think not. The principles of truth are black and white, but the
applications of that truth are often shrouded in gray. For instance, it is
sinful to lie (Colossians 3:9). But does withholding information constitute
lying? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. “You shall not murder” (Exodus
20:13). But is capital punishment murder? How about the one who kills
another during a war? “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Does one steal
when he drives a hard bargain? If not, how hard does it have to be?
Every honest Christian wrestles with issues like these. I understand
the principle, but sometimes I find it hard to determine how the principle
should be applied. That I must struggle does not mean that I have not
carefully studied the Bible or am bent on ignoring its teachings. The
important thing is that I fully accept the principle of truth and
conscientiously seek to apply it in everyday living.
There is a danger in one’s becoming judgmental of others. The fact
that I think that I clearly see how some teaching should be applied does not
permit me to condemn another person who differs from me as being unwilling
to accept biblical teaching. That may in fact be the case, but on the other
hand it may be that he is merely objecting to my application of the
principle. Isn’t there the slightest possibility that I am the one who is
wrong? The wise person will recognize that his applications of truth are
not the equivalent of that truth itself.
__Monroe E. Hawley
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