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Church News


October, 2002

Rev. Bill Abrams, Pastor

“Son, go and work today in the vineyard.”
Matthew 21: 28


The story is about two sons who are asked by their father to go work in the vineyard. The first said no, but later changed his mind and went and worked in the vineyard. How many of us parents at one time or another have not experienced a similar response from our own children. As parents we think about all the sacrifices we have made so that our children will lack for nothing, but then our hearts are broken as they adamantly refuse to do what we ask of them.

Isn't that the way people are today outside the church? Adults who live in fine homes, receiving the blessings of God each and every day but living as if there is no God. Even we who are within the church refuse to attend to the things that God asks of us. We refuse to join the choir, teach a class, help out in the nursery, support the youth and children's ministry, or even greet a visitor. Simply we are saying no to God. Think how the Father must feel.

But there is a second son who assures the Father, “yes, I will go.” Imagine the delight of the Father at hearing this good news. However, he said he would, but he didn't. Simply put, talking about or agreeing is not the same as doing the task. For too long we in the church have been long on talk, long on accepting responsibility, but short on following through. Therefore, the slightest inconvenience, or excuse will keep us from the Father's Vineyard. As Grady told me years ago, “Preacher, church folk have a bag full of excuses.”

The same was true in Jesus day: I bought some land, I bought some cows, and I married a wife. All excuses keeping them from their responsibility in the vineyard.

Now the real question for us, which child are we? For some reason it seems there ought to be a third child, somewhere in between these two. Too often that seems where we might fall. Sometimes we are like the younger son who simply looks the father in the face and says we are not going to do it. But there are other times we realize we have accepted the responsibility and either reluctantly drag ourselves into the vineyard, or we stumble and simply don't show up.

Make no doubt about it. There is still much work to be done in the vineyard. Our God continues to call us and say, join me in the vineyard today. It really is a matter of faith to listen and hear the voice of the father call us into the vineyard. It also takes faith to follow Him into the vineyard. One must learn to walk by faith, believing that every step we take He is beside us to comfort and encourage us in our work. It is His vineyard, and it is never too late for you and me to join the Father in the vineyard.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Bill




Sunday School Fellowship

Sunday, October 6 - 9:30 AM

Come & enjoy!





CHURCH WIDE VISITATION

Sunday October 6 - 6:00 PM

Our PREMIER Greeter (Puse)!





ATTENTION YOUTH

SUPER SATURDAY

October 12

Lowes Motor Speedway, Charlotte

Vrrrrrrmmmmm




High Attendance Sunday - Sunday School

October 13 - 9:55 AM

Encourage Class Members - Bring a Friend





Children's Fall Festival

Saturday, October 26 - 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Don't miss it!


Activities will include apple bob, balloon room, face painting, candy walk, prize fishing and much more. Please make plans to join us





Lord's Supper

Sunday, October 27 - 11:00 AM





MUSIC CORNER

Sunday, October 27

Sunday, October 27 has been set aside as a day to focus upon the music ministry of our church. At the evening service, Mr. Tyler Young, our new Church Pianist, will be leading the service. As a part of his senior project, Tyler will lead us in a variety of Christian songs. You will not want to miss this special day.



CHURCH WIDE FELLOWSHIP

Sunday, October 27 - 5:00 PM

Eating, Talking, Laughing.

As a part of our special day a fellowship meal has been planned at 5:00 PM. Donations will be received to help support the music ministry at East Burke High School.



RECRUITING NEW CHOIR MEMBERS

Janet would like to invite members as well as visitors to join the choir as they begin their work on the Christmas music.



CHILDREN'S CHOIR

5:00 PM – Every Sunday



Brass Ensemble

Please let Janet know what instruments you play.



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Thank you, Barbara!

Special thanks to Barbara W. who has so faithfully served as treasurer of our church since 1995!




Hugs & smiles!

Allison & Abigail are good friends.



Proud 1st Graders

Allison & Abigail, first graders, presented Bibles on Promotion Sunday. Grant S., not pictured, also received a Bible.



Our Wonderful Youth!

Nitro performed.



Teaching the Word!

Sunday School Leadership Recognized.



Using sound to make a point

Tom D. leads Children's Sermon.



Another successful mission project

Betty & Tressie point to 27 Back Packs filled with Christmas Gifts for 27 Orphans through Little Samaritan Mission.





REVIVAL SERVICE @ MT. PLEASANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 29

Children's Choir Singing Adult Choir Singing Mary & Janet Sing DuetMary & Janet Sing Duet Nitro Performs Again Nitro Witnessing Pastor Bill Preaching





BILL & AARON'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS HIKING ON TABLE ROCK 9-28-2002

Linda, Aaron, Becky, Lisa, Adam, Jamison (L to R) Jamison, Adam, Kaitlyn Enjoying Themselves (L to R)




Copyright © Cornerstone Baptist Church, Valdese, NC, 2002 - 2004

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