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Vol. 46, No.
33 SOUTHSIDE ORACLE October 31,
2003
Maintaining Our
Focus (1)
In Worship
I was presenting a nightly series of lessons
at a church in Southern Indiana. A little boy, the sole occupant of the
front row, fell asleep and tumbled to the floor. Within five seconds half a
dozen women (mothers I am sure) were there to tend to his needs. Needless
to say, I stopped my sermon because no one was listening.
It is so easy in our congregational worship
to be distracted – a siren outside the church building, a crying baby, a
whispered conversation of others. We are all aware of the difficulty of
worshipping God when external things impact our senses. Yet surely we would
not want the mother to leave her child at home though we might wish that the
conversation would cease.
However, I must confess that what impedes my
worship most is not the external interruptions, but my own inability to
sustain my focus in worship. I sing the hymns (as I have done hundreds of
times), but think about other matters. Sometimes I’m better off without a
hymnbook because I am forced to concentrate on the words. When another
addresses God for us in prayer, my mind may wander to other things. As I
partake of the communion, my thoughts are not totally on Christ.
To be honest, my problem is not with the
secular – a sports activity or plans for the day – but often with matters
pertaining to the church itself. My thoughts are not bad, but I am
distracted from the vital to the less important. I am sure I am not alone
in my effort to maintain my focus in worship. But how do we deal with the
problem? We can start by providing a more worshipful atmosphere in our
assembly. We must remember that we are in God’s presence and that such
things as levity distract our minds from the spiritual to the carnal. We
have come together in the name of Christ, and how our worship is led
significantly affects the spiritual outlook of all of us.
Having said that, it is still true that the
primary responsibility for my worshipping God is mine. I must not forget
that though I cannot see him with my eyes, I am in God’s presence. I must
realize that my worship is more than a mechanical rite in which I engage to
please the Father, but rather is a spiritual experience though which I
consciously commune with God. I need to more fully develop a sense of awe
of the presence of God. Finally, I must acknowledge that I have a problem
and consciously seek to deal with it by removing my focus from my immediate
environment to the God who has given me life. __Monroe Hawley
The Bulletin Board
The Sick – Cheryl Morgan had
successful neck surgery at Elmbrook Hospital Monday. She is doing
well….Eunice Capitonoff, mother of Jim, suffered a stroke and heart attack
last weekend….Betty Maleshafske has been undergoing a series of medical
tests recently….Ann Tevik was hospitalized last weekend, but is now home.
Senior Dinner – Every year our
teens host our seniors in a Thanksgiving dinner. It will be Saturday,
November 15th at noon. Those who plan to attend should respond
to the invitation to Laurie Giombi by November 8th. Those adults
who would like to assist should also contact Laurie.
Blood Drive – Trevona Parker is
arranging a blood drive to be offered at Southside on January 17th.
It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In order to host the drive we
must have at least 35 donors. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin
board. If you would be willing to donate blood, please sign up. For
further information contact Trevona at (262) 862-1992.
ATTENDANCE
RECORD
Two years ago Last year
Last week Goal
Bible
classes 131 141
167 170
Morning worship 228 231 *248 250
Evening worship
50 57 70 80
Contribution
$3368.61 $3218.01 $3404.18 $4200.00
There will be a reception for Cliff and
Sandie Copass after the second worship Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Cliff and
Sandie were married in September.
Couples Connect Night will be
hosted by the Alexanders at their home on Saturday, November 8th
from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. See the bulletin board to sign up.
Calendar of Events
November 2 – Wedding Reception for Cliff and Sandie
Copass, 12:30 p.m.
November 8 – Couples Connect Night, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
November 9 – Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.
November 9 – Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.
November 15 – Senior Thanksgiving dinner, 12:30 p.m.
November 18 – Christian Workers’ Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Salt Creates Thirst
At a missionary meeting some young people were
discussing the text, “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew
13:15a). One suggestion after another was made as to the meaning of salt in
this verse. “Salt imparts a desirable flavor,” said one. “Salt preserves
from decay,” another suggested.
Then at last a Chinese girl spoke of an
experience none of the others had. “Salt creates thirst,” she said, and
there was a sudden hush in the room. Everyone was thinking, “Have I ever
made anyone thirsty for the Lord Jesus Christ?” Pulpit Helps
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