The Giving of Thanks - 2010

Thankfulness should be a marked characteristic of every believer. An understanding of our extreme soul danger before trusting Christ, and the salvation we have in Him, should always lead us again to thoughts of gratitude (2 Cor 9:15). This also leads us to recognize that all in this lfe we receive from His hand, so that "in every thing give thanks" (1 Thess 5:18). Since He uses many people in His work in our lives, gratitude should flow to them as well - in essence, when we thank them, we bless the God who provided for us through them.

Worship, the Believer's Highest Occupation

We've just enjoyed a weekend (and week beginning) of meetings with ministry on "Worship". Worship is one of those things that has nearly as many definitions and practices as there are people, but, as far as Christians are concerned, it should be based on what the Scriptures tells us. While not exhaustive by any means, real helpful meat on the subject can be found here - http://centralbiblechapel.com/messages.html - please look up the ministry by Bill Gustafson. Today there are two messages up, at least one more to come. These are available for a limited time, so please feel free to download or listen while they are here. Feedback is welcomed at info@centralbiblechapel.com .

CBC Ladies' Conference

You are Invited to

Central Bible Chapel’s

3rd Annual Ladies’ Bible Conference

April 10, 2010

Central Bible Chapel is hosting our 3rd Annual Ladies’ Bible Conference on Saturday, April 10, 2010 and we would like YOU to be there! The ministry from the Word of God will cover the subject of the “Salt of the Earth”, and its importance and relevance to women today. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m., and the conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity for fellowship and instruction from the Word of God.
Lunch will be provided. Nursery and Children’s activities will be provided, and accommodations will be available for any who wish to stay overnight (Friday and/or Saturday!). Please contact Kathy Leach 334-365-3374 or Laura Bonner 334-358-2753 to make arrangements for accommodations or for directions.
We look forward to having YOU as our guests on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Please mark your calendars!
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?”~ Matthew 5:13a ~

Alabama Assembly Elder Emeritus

"VLAHAKES, GEORGE, age 88, of Birmingham, passed away on March 4, 2010. He was an Elder at Hope Bible Chapel. He served in the U.S. Air Force in WWII and taught school in Birmingham for over 50 years. He is survived by his brother, Pete Vlahakes; and sister, Ethel Graham. Graveside service will be held Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Ridout's Roebuck Chapel."

Brother George's life and testimony far outweighs this simple notice. He was truly a "brother beloved", and his consistent testimony, whether in the schoolhouse, the chapel, or wherever his labors carried him, will be long remembered.

MISS ME YET?

There is a widely reported news story of a billboard outside of Wyoming, Minn., right along I-35 with a picture of a smiling, waving George W. Bush, and a caption "Miss Me Yet?". Apparently, some business people in the nearby town do. Others might have an entirely opposite feeling when they see it, although the billboard management company has stated that in the month since it was erected, there have been no complaints, and in fact, offers of donations to keep it up.
One's political leanings will probably determine whether the former president is missed or not - whether "absence makes the heart grow fonder", or "out of sight, and out of mind".
I couldn't help but think of believers who we expect are looking for the return of Someone they say they hold dear. Are thoughts of Him ever very far from the surface of the mind? Or is the One whom we claim to love only in our thinking once or twice a week? Is His will, His purposes, His glory the guiding principles of our lives, or is He more like a distant relation - a Person we are somewhat fond of, but don't know very well.
When He becomes what He ought to be in our lives, then His absence will be all the more significant, the desire to be in His presence all the greater. Worship will be moving and meaningful, and life will know its purpose. To the above question, applied to Him, we will emphatically say with the disciple whom Jesus loved, "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!"

Annual Needham Bible Chapel conference announcement

Needham Gospel Center Inc.
Bible Chapel
2497 New Hope Road
Needham, Alabama 36915
(251) 843-2034
biblechapel@millry.net
February 13 & 14
The Needham Bible Chapel would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our 26th annual celebration.
God has been so faithful to permit The Chapel to promote Biblical New Testament Doctrine and Principles in the Needham Community for over Fifty Nine years. We would like for you to come and help us celebrate His Faithfulness.
Saturday February 13th
4:30pm - Evening Meeting, Randy Amos
6:00pm - Meal, Chapel
7:00pm - Congregational Sing Along, Special Music
Ministry; Randy Amos
Sunday February 14th,
9:45am - Breaking of Bread.
11:00am - Ministry; Randy Amos
Please print this and share with your assembly, we would love to see you here. We will make accommodations for all who would like to come. Some in homes, or if you prefer, Motel in Butler. Email jamsbonr@millry.net or call 251-843-5734, home; Cell 205-4571611

Ladies' Pajama Party

January 23rd was our first ever "Pajama Party" at the chapel - Ladies' only! The ladies had become aware of the need for new children's pajamas for kids being sheltered in New Orleans. The shelters won't take used pj's, only new. It was decided that seamstress skills could be put to work, and for relatively little cost pajamas could be made. This proved to be a time of good fellowship and friendship. Truly, these were "workers together" with the hope of ministering to real needs in a practical way. Each finished pair was enclosed in a clear bag, along with a age-appropriate gospel tract. May HE get the glory!

A New Year's Prayer

Our good friend John Hughes shared the following at the "Watchnight" Service at Hope Bible Chapel in Birmingham, AL:

ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest;

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of progress, another year of praise;

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days;

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

- Frances Ridley Havergal

A challenging meditation for those who love Him.