The Storms of Life

At some point in life most of us face many types of health, financial, family or other serious problem. Re-cently, it seems that “storm clouds” have encircled many due to lost jobs, poor health and the economic situation in our country. It would be quite easy to begin counting our problems instead of our blessings. Life is precious. It was given to each of us by God. He under-stands that we face difficulties in this short sojourn on earth. Yet, trials and sufferings are a part of life itself, brought on by the sin in the world since Adam and Eve.

Tragedies may come, jobs may be lost, diseases may rack our bodies, or business losses may cause financial disasters. There may be times when we feel we are all alone and overcome by life’s difficulties. God did not promise to take away our troubles. But, He did promise that the Lord would never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When trials surround us, He offers comfort and hope through His Word (Romans 15:4). He gives us peace through Christ (John 16:4; Philippians 4:7). If we are in Christ then nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39).

When the storms of life comes our way, let us call to mind the words of the apostle Peter, “casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

John K. Wills Owingsville church of Christ Owingsville, KY

New Mission Work for West Side Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We will be supporting the Basic Bible Correspondence Course that is run by Joshua Gootam & Family in India and overseen by Towne Acres Church of Christ.

Our part of this work will be to provide Bibles to those who complete the assigned Bible Correspondence Course. We will be sending $250 per month support towards the purchase of 857 Bibles which will be placed in the hands of new Christians in India.

See the Mission Board for a flyer on this work or speak to one of the Elders if you have additional questions.

West Side Elders

Good News Abounds, --Both Janet Nelson and Becky Hummel were able to go home from rehab and hospital to recuperate from surgery. They welcome calls and cards from all. --Welcome back home to Danny and Joan Odle who have been living the “sunny” life in Florida for several months. Good to have you back, folks. --Plans are underway for a West Side Ladies Day, June 15th. More info to follow. For any input or questions, see Kista or Elayna. --First meeting of the Saturday Readers will be on April 13th at Maria’s house at 10a. First book to be discussed will be “Think Good” by J.L. Gerhardt and can be ordered on Amazon in softback or for your tablet. Both men and women are invited. If you need help getting your copy, see Maria. --”Senior Saints” are coming back. All “gamers” get ready to play games and beat the socks off your opponents. Details to come lat-er.

Snippets • See the latest letters from Drew Reese and Cannon

Taylor on the Missions Board.

• News of Howard Latta: Howard is 97 years old this year and currently residing in OH with his daughter, Janice Denny and her husband, Mike. Howard is keeping company with his new companion, Wick-ford, a rescue cocker spaniel and makes occasional trips to Muncie to see his three sons. Drop him a card---he would love to hear from you.

• 1850 Oakland Hills Ct.

Springsboro, OH

45066

• “Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at some one else; you are the one who gets burned.”

• “What lies in our power to do, it lies in our power NOT to do.” Aristotle

• “Blame yourself if you have no branches or leaves; don’t accuse the sun of partiality.” From the Chi-nese

March 17, 2019 Volume 26, Issue 11

Services

Sunday Bible Study

9:30am

Worship: 10:30 am

& 6:00pm

Minister Michael Gors

Elders Michael Gors

Gary Reynolds

Todd Stults

Deacons

Don Allison

Fellowship

Jim Clark

Visitation

Lowell Huffman Media

Those Whom

We Support

MSOP

Drew Reese

Cannon Taylor

INDIA

Bible Correspond-

ence Course/ Bibles

T. B. Larimore (1843-1922), is quoted as saying, “When my hand is still, my tongue si-

lent and my eyes closed; when friends come to look on my pale face, l want them to be

able to say, at least, ‘He did the best he could.’” Jesus told a parable in which one man

failed to do the best he could (Matthew 25:14-30). Three men each with differing abili-

ties were given talents. One received five talents, another two, and the last, one. Those

who had received five and two talents increased their capital. Each was praised by his

lord, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The one talent man was a different

story. He failed to gain any more talents for his lord. When the lord returned he was re-

buked, “Thou wicked and slothful servant.” He was cast into outer darkness. He had

failed to give his best. The point of the parable should not be lost on any of us.

The prophet Malachi rebuked the people of his day for their failure to do the best they

could. They failed to bring God the best in sacrifice, but were content to bring the lame

and sick (Malachi 1:13). God deserved and desired better. We must be careful that we

don’t become content in offering God less than our best.

Are we really doing the best we can? If we attend one service of the church during the

week, is that the best we can do? ls our contribution to the work of the church the best

we can do? ls our involvement in the local congregation, to the extent that it is, the best

we can do? Are we living our life in such a way that it is the best we can do? Are our ef-

forts to share the gospel with others the best we can do? ls our service in the kingdom the

best we can do, or are we satisfied with half-way measures?

Even when we do our best, it is important to remember these words of Jesus: “So like-

wise when you have done all those things which are commanded of you, say, we are un-

profitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). God

gave the best of Heaven (John 3:16). What will we give Him in return? Think about it.

Randy Baker

via Camden Ave. church of Christ Parkersburg, VA

Leaders in Worship

March 17, 2019

Morning Worship

Announcements: Don Allison

Song Leader: Gary Reynolds

Opening Prayer: Lowell Huffman

Scripture: Case Reynolds

2 Cor. 13:3 - 6

Sermon: Mike Gors

“ Examine Yourself”

Closing Prayer: Rick Cox

Sound Room: Adam Gors

Communion

West Side Outside: Jimmy Clark

Inside: Jim Clark

East Side Inside: Todd Stults

Outside: Cliff Nicks

Evening Worship Announcements: Don Allison

Song Leader: Gary Reynolds

Opening Prayer: Jerry Hoyt

Scripture: Cliff Nicks

Jeremiah 3: 20- 22

Sermon: Mike Gors

“God Wants to Heal Our Backsliding”

Communion Table: Todd Stults

Closing Prayer: Jerry Hoyt

Sound Room: Adam Gors

Alex Odle, Cancer, showing some progress

Anna Funk, Lung Cancer. Began chemo last week

Angie Reed, MS

Becky Hummel, Recuperating at home from back surgery

Brenda Huffman, In ICU at Oakridge, TN after trauma oc-curred while undergoing dialysis

Bob Sowles, Recuperating from surgery. Nicks’ close friend

Brad Freestone, Blood clot on brain

Chris Duncan, Having difficulties, school friend of Rachel

Connie Burton, Co-worker of Sally. Cancer of the tongue

Debbi Bigler, Injured after a fall. Vivian’s daughter-in-law.

Janet Nelson, released to go home after surgery where she received a tissue micro valve in her heart. Janet sends her and Ray’s love and thanks to all.

Jennifer Odle , Cancer. Treatments continue

Jessica Gors, Breast cancer.

Kathy Harper

Kennedy Britt, Seizure activity. Great niece of Maria.

Margaret Goodman, Recuperating from open heart surgery. Both Margaret and Howard are staying with Margaret’s daughter in GA for the next few months.

Marian Hoyt, Diagnosed with stomach cancer. Jerry’s Uncle

Marjorie Harper, Rex’s sister

Mike Haviland

Shawna Shock

Suie Holloman

Shirley Durnal, Recuperating from stroke. Staying with daughter

Susie Long, Debilitating arthritis in back

Wil Porter, Ziggy’s great-grandfather, struggling mightily with untreatable stage 4 cancer

Don’t Forget our Shut-ins

with Cards and Visits:

Raelena Shumaker - Albany HC,

Joyce Popplewell- Heritage in York-

town.

Weekly Contribution Goal:

$2440

Contribution for March 10

$4123

Attendance for Week of March 10, 2019

Morning Classes: 40

Morning Worship: 74

Evening Worship: 50 Wed. Bible Study: 38

What is Happening Today?

--4:30p, L2L Participants will meet to work on

speeches in large classroom

And Looking Ahead

--March 19, Ladies Breakfast, 10:30a

--March 19, Muncie Central High School Choir Meet. Heather, Jade and Lexie will be participating for the last time in their senior choirs, 7:30p

--March 21, Northside Middle School Choir will perform at 7p with Rachel Chambers participating

--March 29, Columbus Ave. Youth Lock-in, begins at 7p, 3rd grade-12 grade. See flyer on board # 1

--March 30, Eagle Valley Church of Christ Focus Conference for young adults (+18). “Rejoicing in God’s Providence”. See flyer

--March 31, West Side 5th Sunday Singing. Carry-in and afternoon service

--April 7, Elders Meeting, 4:30p

--April 13, West Side blood drive, 8a--12 noon. See Kathy

--April 13, Saturday Readers to meet. Will discuss “Think Good”

--April 13, 6p, Singing at Towne Acres

--April 18-21, Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes Convention will be held in Louisville, KY. Team West Side will be participating.

--May 4, Game Night at West Side. All ages invited. 5p

Jay Kellow--March 5

Doug Anderson --March 11

Case Reynolds--March 25

Skylar Murphy--March 27

Judy Stewart--March 28

Nancy Bateman--March 31

Bible Study, March 20th

Song Leader: Adam Gors

Prayer: Bill Winemiller

Men’s Class: Richard

Ladies Class: Kista

Group Three Duties This Month

Group Leaders: Jerry & Maria

Door Greeters

Lock-up

Communion Clean-up

Set out Trash

Com. Prep for March: Janet M.

“Bear one another’s burdens and thus

fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone

thinks he is something when he is noth-

ing, he deceives himself. But let each one

examine his own work and then he will

have reason for boasting in regard to

himself alone and not in regard to anoth-

er. For each one shall bear his own

load.” Gal. 6: 2 - 5