March 9, 2010

Number 10

VIEWPOINT

Buck and Kay maintained a major holiday tradition – one that Kay continued for many years after Buck was gone.  They liked to gather up the bundles of Christmas presents and deliver them around the neighborhood.  Furthermore, it had to be done on Christmas Eve – no sooner!  Kay enjoyed finding interesting gifts and showering them on those of us who were the objects of her love.

But Buck has been gone for ten years now, and I think Kay has grieved every day since then.  In some ways, then, her transition to the spiritual world of reunion has positive aspects. 

“We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. . . .  we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 18). 

On the other hand, “Dr. Katherine Buckner” certainly enjoyed being a Professor Emeritus in the Georgia State University School of Accounting.  She loved the periodic gatherings of her former colleagues and looked forward to each opportunity to return to the institution where she invested much of her life.

Kay also enjoyed traveling.  She had visited most of the 50 states. Once while on a trip to Minneapolis, she made it a point to  veer  off to  North Dakota.  “I wanted to make sure to go there,” she said.  “I thought I might not have another chance." 

Paula and I were privileged to receive the warmth of her compassion and empathy on many occasions.  But specifically when Paula was diagnosed with the malignancy in August 2008, Kay wanted to make sure we knew about her feelings.  Since then she’s given us an encouraging message of kindness literally every day.  I could count on one hand the number of days she didn’t manage to call. 

If I happened not to answer the phone, she always left a message:  “Ross, Paula – this is Kay.  I just called to see how you are doing.  I hope you’re having a good day.  I pray God’s blessings on you, and I love you.” 

We’re going to miss her! 

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

Loyal Christians Support the Church

A church is a voluntary association of people for a common purpose and cause. Christians congregate together to worship and serve Jehovah through his Son, Jesus. As a church, we engage in evangelistic and benevolent activities and minister to the spiritual needs of our members. To have a suitable and comfortable place to assemble, we rent or purchase a meeting place. With that comes the expense necessary to sustain the work. A church will survive and prosper only if its members support her in a generous way.

Support the church with your presence. A church whose members do not attend will soon wither away (Heb. 10:25).

Support the church with your purse. The church has no income of her own (I Cor. 16:1-2).

Support the church with your prayers. God has  promised to hear and answer those requests that comply with his will (John 14:14).

Support the church with your participation. Help her accomplish her mission (Eph. 4: 16).

You can support the church by living an exemplary life before your neighbors (Matt. 5: 14).

Your support of the church is a good indicator of your love for Christ and his church. As we often sing, let us “Give of Our Best to the Master.”     

 (John Waddey, First Century Christianity Today)