THE HEIGHTENER

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

VIEWPOINT

Robert Gray has been engaged in “Georgia Evangelism” for 23 years. His purpose all along has been to “help the church make progress and stabilize” throughout the Southeast, but specialize in this state.

23 years ago, there were churches in 84 Georgia counties; now there are congregations of New Testament Christians in 150 counties. Recent baptisms add up to 47, along with many restorations.

Successful efforts have been made with some declining churches. Two examples are Hogansville and Winder. Bother were on the way down; now they are thriving. We give honor to the Lord for his power, but we also give thanks that Bob and Betty Gray have been working so tirelessly.

The largest problem areas are along the Coastal Plain. Many of the churches there are small and struggling. So the challenges for the coming year are great. Bob’s message to the Cedar Grove congregation was this: “Thank you for staying with us and helping us.”

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Our Cedar Grove Holiday Party was a terrific event! I appreciate everyone who worked together to make it successful.

Let me also say “thank you” to our church family and to our leadership. We appreciate the gift presented to us Saturday. It reminds us of the deep ties that have been made, and we give thanks for the love that it represents. You’ve encouraged us and helped us through some highs and lows this year. We’re thankful for your kindness and generosity!

Ron Bradshaw at the Douglasville church wrote the article below last year after Christmas occurred on Sunday. Even though this year it is Christmas Eve that’s on Sunday, I’d still like everyone to consider the emphasis of his article.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA

Christmas and the Lord’s Day

Christmas 2005 has come and gone. This year the holiday fell on the Lord’s Day. I was amazed as to how many churches cancelled worship services on Sunday morning. For most of the world, this is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. One would think this would be a time that church buildings all over the world would be filled to capacity heralding the moment that God became flesh and lived among us. Religious holiday or not, it is a time that we, as Christians, are to assemble and worship our Lord.

Unfortunately, the world was too worried about other things. Things such as rising early in the morning to rush to the Christmas tree to see what was left for them. It was a time for opening all of the presents that “Santa” had left the night before. Giggles, smiles, and hugs were freely passed around. This went on for some time and then, the dreaded cleanup. Garbage bags were stuffed with discarded paper and ribbons, enough to fill the cans outside twice over.

Then it was time for a meal with the family. We have so little of that special time these days. Later it was traveling to relatives’ homes to see the bounty they had collected. Gifts were taken to everyone we could think of. Did we miss anyone? I don’t think so. Apparently we did a pretty good job this year. We checked the list twice. Everyone seemed happy! Well, almost everyone. I have to believe that our Savior was looking down, eyes brimming over. Almost everyone was remembered, but He was forgotten. He was waiting for us at the morning worship hour. He had planned to bless us beyond our expectations. He was waiting to share in the remembrance of the Lord’s Supper with us, but what He saw were closed up buildings or half-filled pews. Where were the ones He had so richly blessed that morning as they arose from their sleep? Our cups were running over! I know that we spent wonderful time with our families, but I am afraid that on Sunday morning Jesus spent time with very few in His family.

Father, help me to remember the words that Jesus left us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

—Ron Bradshaw

Our Cedar Grove shepherds have already been working on a church budget for 2007. Good stewardship is an important spiritual consideration, and it’s part of sound oversight (Mt. 25:21). Please think about the challenges involved when the new budget is presented.

Please help us help others this holiday season. This is a good opportunity to teach our children about giving and the pleasure that comes from it. Suggested items for our food drive are divided among Bible classes:

The Men’s retreat will be at Bald Rock Lodge at Cheaha Mountain State Park in Alabama . Plans are to leave on January 12 and return on the 14^th. So far there are 38 commitments. Don’t be left behind! Sign the list on the bulletin to attend.

THOSE TO SERVE - DECEMBER 10, 2006
Welcome	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Doyle White
Opening Prayer	Todd Wisenbaker
Lord's Table	*Phil Hamby
	*Jim Warren
	Danny Hamby
	Dave Hamby
Scripture Reading	Chris Greenwald
	John 15:1-4
Closing Prayer	Romeo Brinkley
Welcome -PM	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Bobby Mitchell
Opening Prayer	Dave Hamby
Scripture Reading	Armando Banuelos
	Psalm 69:19, 20
Closing Prayer	Merritt Eagling
Communion Preparation	Sally Ray
Nursery Attendant	Kathy Burnett & Melanie King

Bible School	82
Worship AM	117
Worship PM	59
Wednesday Bible Study	n/a
Contribution	$ 3,371.01