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Family News and Notes

Today if you are able to do so you may contribute to the Building Fund.

Men's Business Meeting next Sunday following the evening services. All the men of the congregation are encouraged to attend.

Remember Vacation Bible School begins Monday, June 07 and continues thru Friday, June 11. We have classes for ages

Summer Youth Series the next session will be hosted by Oak Grove congregation on June 8. On June 14 it will be Talco and on June 22 it will be Mount Vernon, and on June 29 will be back here at North Jefferson. Each of these meetings will begin at 7:00 PM. Altho this is for our youth everyone is invited.

We had 100 in attendance at the first series last Tuesday night. Jason Rollo had a great lesson. Thanks to the ladies for the delicious supper and to Ann Pickrel for the song books and to Lee for organizing the event.

GOSPEL MEETINGS:

Pritchett Church of Christ

June 6 thru 9, 2004

with Bro. Jerry C. Brewer

Clarksville Church of Christ

June 6 thru 9, 2004

with Bro. Curtis Ritchwood

See the brochures on the round table in the foyer for times and topics.

Lake Cisco Christian Camp at Bangs, Texas will be July 25 thru 30, 2004 for boys and girls who finished 8th thru 12th grades.

Pantry Needs A list of items needed for our pantry has been prepared and is on the round table in the foyer. Please check this, take a list, and if you are able please help us replenish our low items.

We plan to print up a new address directory for everyone and need your cooperation. If your mailing address has changed for 911 and you have not yet furnished your new address please write it on the back of your attendance card. If you have a computer and have an e-mail address, then please include that as well. Your cooperation in this is appreciated.

Laci Farmer is in ICU at Denton Regional Medical Center in Denton, Texas regarding a problem with her diabetes. The address is:

3535 I35 E

Denton, Texas 76210

Pam Farmer was in a tornado while going from Houston to Denton to see Laci and sprained her ankle while trying to get out of her car.

Bob Hedges has been experiencing health problems and had a visit with his doctor this past week. This editor does not have an update on him.

Debra Rios' daughter, Meghan, has viral pneumonia and needs our prayers. This is going around the childhood population and you may wish to take your child to the doctor right away if they develop a croupy cough.

Christopher Paul Morton (age 28) [nephew of Judy and Rhodney Freeman] passed away in his sleep at the home of his grandparents in Longview, Texas just before noon on Wednesday, June 02, 2004. Funeral services were conducted by Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview with burial at that location. Paul is survived by a daughter, Holly Morton (age 7) of Fenton, MO, his parents Hollis and Dana Morton of Marshall, his grandparents Wesley and Juanita DuBose of Longview, 3 brothers & sisters-in-law, 2 sisters, a brother-in-law, cousins David Freeman and Rhonda Newman of Mount Pleasant and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

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PRAYER LIST:

Justin Barker, Louis Bell, Winell Blackard, Annah Brown,

Sue Browning, Josephine Cooper, Perry Cooper, Laci Farmer,

Pam Farmer, Bob Hedges, Howard Horton, Dorothy Sargent

ALSO: Robin Embree, Kelsey Meyers, Meghan Rios,

Aresser Thursby, Virginia Ward

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The Sun Or "The Son"

Which Is Your Lord?

By David McCain

The world says it's immaterial, do what you want, do what feels good! God says it matters, and you had better listen only to His Son. God has spoken! Does that make any difference to you? Who are you going to listen to? Who are you going to trust? The world, or God? Who made you? Who knows what's best for you? Who will be your judge at the last day?

As Christians, we need to give serious consideration to these questions, because we are living in a world which seemingly has lost all moral restraints. Sadly, even some people in the Lord's church seemingly have forgotten God has spoken in regard to the distinctive nature of faithful Christian living. That includes our summer-time activities, actions, attitudes, speech, and dress.

America has often been referred to as a nation of "sun-worshipers!" When you consider how much money Americans spend every summer on "fun in the sun," you'll have to agree we've earned the reputation. The shoe fits, at least so far as the majority of our society is concerned, as many Americans peel off their clothing and peel off their dollars in ever increasing amounts in order to frolic in the summer sun, as they participate in the rituals of worshipping their "sun god."

Certainly, God made the world for man's enjoyment (I Tim. 6:17), and there's nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the beauty of God's creation in wholesome activities. However, those who wear the name of Christ, must remember that our "fun in the sun" must meet with the approval of the only "Son" of God, Jesus, our Lord. Perhaps then, we would all do well to consider a few Biblical principles which find their application in keeping our summer of "fun in the sun," acceptable to "the Son," and pleasing to God.

First, be careful what you wear this summer (I Tim. 2:9-10, Titus 2:4-5). Just because it's summer-time doesn't mean it's OK to undress and run around half naked. For the life of me, I can't understand why some brethren seemingly think God's laws on modesty are suspended in the summer, or are only in force at the church building? Also, I've never been able to figure out the spiritual "logic" which some of my brethren use to justify immodest apparel. How many "Christians" will lose their souls on Judgment Day, because they refuse to heed God's commands about modest dress? Brethren, rebellion in this area of life is just as soul-damning as rebellion against baptism, or against Scriptural worship, or against God's laws on drunkenness, lying, or sexual immorality (see James 2:8-11).

More Christians need to recognize the "shame" of being unclothed in public. Please don't cop out by saying, "God never defined modesty, only society does that." You better spend more time studying God's Word, and less time walking down the beach in your short shorts, for God has clearly defined modesty as having your "thighs covered" (see Exodus 28:42, 20:26), as being "clothed with a coat" (Gen. 3:7-21), as being "adorned in modest apparel" which will allow you to face the world without shame in all godliness (I Tim. 2:9-10). God has spoken, does that make any difference to you? Certainly, every Christian father should exercise spiritual headship in his own household by insisting that his wife, his daughters, and even his sons dress modestly!

Secondly, be careful where you go this summer. If you would be embarrassed for Jesus to go along with you and do what you are doing, then you shouldn't be there doing that. Never go where you would be ashamed to take Christ along as your companion. Never participate in any activity that would cause you to forget Christ. Remember, you cannot hide from Jehovah's all-seeing eyes (Heb. 4:13).

Thirdly, be careful how you act this summer. Some folks think summer-time is the time to kick up their heels and forget all moral restraints. Sadly, some "Christians" engage in sinful practices while away on vacation, which they would not dare participate in back home. Brethren, this ought not be so (Jms. 3:10). Sexual immorality, social drinking, gambling, dancing, foul language, and all other sins, are just as sinful a thousand miles from home as they are in your hometown. As Christians we should always be mindful of our responsibility to walk righteously before God every day of our lives (Micah 6:8, Eph. 5:15-18).

Finally, be careful to put the Lord first this summer (Mt. 6:33). Don't treat the Lord like a "work-in patient" at the doctor's office, giving Him only a little time after you've done everything else. Put the Lord ahead of gardening, Little League, fishing, and all other pursuits. Give worship and Bible study priority status, even when you're on vacation. Plan time in your summer schedule for personal Bible study, prayer, fellowship and service. Don't rob God to pay for your fun in the sun (Mal. 3:8-10).

May God bless us all with a safe and enjoyable summer, as we remember we are God's people, who owe Him complete allegiance. Are you a "sun worshiper," or a "SON worshiper?" Which is your Lord, the "sun," or "The SON? Enjoy your summer of "fun in the sun" only as one who is truly "in the SON!"

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According to Moses

V.B.S. Begins Tomorrow!

Months of preparation, planning, and hard work already behind many devoted members of this congregation, now is when the efforts come to fruition. We hope that all young people up through 6th-grade graduates have made plans to attend North Jefferson's Vacation Bible School! It promises to be an enjoyable time, as it is a time of learning from God's precious word on a daily basis. The theme is Discovering Bible Treasures, and truly no greater treasure could be found: "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver . . . Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold" (Psalm 119:72, 127).

Registration begins at 8:45 tomorrow morning. We begin at 9 a.m. and finish each day at 11. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Last week's first session of our Summer Youth Series was a success! Brother Joe Chase of the Blodgett congregation led our singing, and brother Jason Rollo of the Northeast congregation in Hurst spoke to us. His subject was "Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in You." There were 100 in attendance.

This week's session will be at the Oak Grove building. Our subject will be "Let the Love of Jesus Be Seen in Me." Hope to see you there!

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