THE HEIGHTENER                                  

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you."  -James 4:10

Volume XXVIII

April 18, 2006

Number16

                                     

VIEWPOINT

Writing in Think magazine, Brad Harrub says, “I recognize that drunk driving is not a sin for the majority of Christians.  However, many Christians live their daily lives “under the influence” – the Hollywood media influence.  They have ingested so much ‘Hollywood’ entertainment and media propaganda that their behavior and speech have been altered.  Often Christians watch so much that they become desensitized – similar to the alcoholic who feels nothing after just a few drinks. 

“Our present society is in a state of moral decay, not because the majority of Americans love degeneracy, but because the influence of humanism has been greater on our culture than the influence of the church.

“Recognizing the power of media, we should take proactive steps to cure the problem.  We should try to rid our lives of as much ‘Hollywood’ influence as possible.  As we stop supporting deplorable shows and movies, we should seek to replace them with good.  Allow me to usher a challenge.  Take one week and determine to drastically reduce the Hollywood influence on your life.  Instead of sitting in front of a godless television show, spend time playing with your children.  Replace godless material with spiritual material.  At the end of the week, you will be rewarded by knowing that for one solid week your influence for good has outweighed any negative influences.”

---------

Jim O’Brien handed me the story about a man who arrived home from work at his  usual hour of 5 p.m.  He soon discovered that it had not been one of his wife’s better days.  Nothing he said or did seemed to be right.  By 7 p.m. things had not changed, so he suggested that he go outside, pretend that he had just gotten home, and start all over again.  His wife agreed.

The gentleman went outside, came back in and with a big smile, announced, “Honey, I’m home!”  “And just where have you been?” she replied sharply.  “It’s after sever o’clock!”

Male or female, we’ve all experienced our share of similar days.  That may be why our “Home Improvement” workshop was so successful last year.  We’re anticipating the same results this time.  I look forward to seeing you Saturday and Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word!    

                                           RA

        

In need of a little

Home Improvement?

You are invited to a

Life Enrichment Workshop

presented by Dr. Donnie Hilliard

Saturday, April 22

   9:00-9:30      Registration and Refreshments

   9:30–12:00 – “Empowering Couples:                                       Building On Your Strengths”

Sunday, April 23

   9:00 a.m. – “I, Isaac, Take You, Rebekah”

  10:00 a.m. – “The Keys To Parenting Success”

 

Dr. Donnie Hilliard is co-author of the book Magnificent Marriage and editor of Our Families Magazine.  He is the head of the Department of Family Studies at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, and he is the director of the Cloverdale Center for Family Strengths.  Dr. Hilliard has presented many seminars and workshops, and this is his second visit to Cedar Grove.

Nursery care will be provided. 

 

       

TO THE CEDAR GROVE FAMILY

Dear Cedar Grove,

It's difficult to believe that sixteen and one half years have passed since the time my family became a part of the Cedar Grove Church. Those years have been full of so many blessings. Our three children all grew up. They finished high school, college and were married. Now they are building families of their own. Their lives were made better by having grown up here at Cedar Grove. That is one of the reasons I am so excited to hear the voices of children ringing through the building. I realize this church is a wonderful place to grow a family.

My family is no different from any other family. We have had challenges in our life. Our Cedar Grove Family prayed us through Paul's illness. Your prayers on our behalf became anchors, bridges and stepping stones when we needed them the most. Those prayers were precious examples of God's love. I must ask for your prayers once more as I have made a difficult and important decision.

Since Paul's death I have had great difficulty worshipping here at Cedar Grove. Although nine months have passed since the day my husband left this earth my worship experience has shown no signs of improvement. It has resulted in an obstacle to my spiritual growth.   After much discussion with my family and our Lord, I have reluctantly decided it would be best for me to find another place to worship.

If I have learned anything in my 51 years, it is that this life we share on earth is full of changes. Recent months have brought many to me. I am trying to meet them with Jesus at my side. I know all things are possible through Christ Jesus. Therefore, I know I will be all right. I will find my way through this part of my life.

I am so pleased the Education Fund so many of you helped established is in place. When our children were growing up here we had the blessing of sharing them with you. For years our home, our pool and our hearts were filled with the young people of Cedar Grove. Paul wanted to leave something especially for the children. It was his idea to create a scholarship fund. The girls and I are thrilled to be able to present the first scholarship from the Paul Koppe Education Fund to, Rachel Banuelous.

Every spring, as graduation nears, each senior of the Cedar Grove Family who is continuing their education in any way, will receive a scholarship award in the amount of $500.00. This gift should be used in any way the recipient and their parents see fit. My family will make an annual contribution to the fund to be certain it thrives for years to come.

Please know that Cedar Grove will always be my "Home Congregation. " Please know my prayers are with you always. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

                                                                                                                     Melody

 

   ANNIVERSARY

           Bill and Jean McBride (who are best known at Cedar Grove as “Mema” and “Papa” for the Anderson family) are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on April 21.  We congratulate them on a momentous  milestone!

 

   CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Jill Marlow on the birth of a grandson.  Bode Ward Marlow was born on Tuesday, April 11 weighing 9 lb., 1 oz.

Also, congratulations to Dennis and Joyce Robbins on the birth of a grandson on Wednesday, April 12.  Jack Stephen Larsen weighed 8 ob., 10 oz.

 

   BRIDAL SHOWER

           All ladies of the congregation are invited to a Bridal Shower honoring Rene’ Northcutt on Sunday, April 23 at 3:00 in the Fellowship Room.  

 

 

   AGAPE GOLF MARATHON

Cedar Grove is now taking individual donations for the Georgia AGAPE Golf Marathon.  Hole sponsorships are also available.  Individual donations will be accepted through May 14. 

Please see Romeo Brinkley for more information.  Donations may be given to Romeo or one of the elders. 

  

OUR SICK

Shannon Greenwald was sick Sunday.

Continue to remember Evelyn Bohannon, Susan Carson, Nell Peters, J. W. and Vivian Raines, Richard and Joyce Smith, and Geneva White.

 

 

THOSE TO SERVE - April 23

Welcome

Ross Anderson

Song Leader

Greg Cannon

Opening Prayer

Jim Warren

Lord's Table

* Armando Banuelos

 

*Todd Wisenbaker

 

Chris Greenwald

 

Joe Minichowski

Scripture Reading

Keith Bearden

 

   Psalm 78:4-7

Closing Prayer

James Elliott

Welcome -PM

Ross Anderson

Song Leader

Jimmy Pulliam

Opening Prayer

Dave Hamby

Scripture Reading

Jason Ray

 

Matthew 15:22-28

Closing Prayer

Merritt Eagling

Communion Preparation

Joyce Shelton

Nursery Attendant

Renee' Northcutt & 

Ginny Hunter

 

RECORD - 4/16/06

Bible School

96

Worship AM

148

Worship PM

N/A

Wednesday Bible Study

65

Contribution

$ 2,660.03