1. 0………. 4
--article continued from page 1—
Are we confident that our light is bright
Vol. 47 July 26, 2022 Number 29
FATAL DISTRACTION
Ken Mears
Fatal Attraction, Fatal Vision; Fatal Obsession are some of the movies which
have appeared on the big screen and on TV. The titles of these movies imply that
there is going to be a disaster. One of the greatest disasters for a child of God is
distraction. While we are distracted by the routines of life, we may lose our family,
our health, and more importantly our soul.
No child of God plans to become distracted to the point that harm is done to
others or himself. We may become distracted and not realize that we are in danger
until the damage is done. The story is told of a young mother who left her baby in
the shade of a large tree and went on her way. Being consumed with other things, she
forgot her child. When she finally returned, the bright summer sun had been shining
in the baby’s face and blinded it for life. The mother meant no harm, but she and her
precious child had to pay a heavy price for her negligence. Distraction may seem to
be an innocent thing, but it carries with it a heavy penalty.
The parable of the sower is an excellent example of what happens to one’s
relationship to God’s word when he becomes distracted. “Hear ye therefore the
parable of the sower. When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and
understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was
sown in his heart. This is he that received seed by the way side. But he that received
the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy
receiveth it; yet hath not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation
or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that
received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this
world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and
understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some and
hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matt. 13:18-23).
There’s a wide, shallow river in one of our western states that has this
peculiarity--its bed is nearly all quicksand on which you may travel in safety on the
condition that you keep on moving; but the moment you halt, the treacherous sands
begin to engulf you. How like the world in which we live! As long as we are moving
in the line of sacred duty, we are perfectly safe; but the moment we halt or neglect
the great salvation, we begin to submerge in the dangerous sands.
When the child of God becomes distracted, he has opened the door for his
adversary to attack. The devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking those which can
be devoured (1 Peter 5:8). Eternal disaster will follow those who will not turn their
faces toward the Son. “Set your affections upon things that are above...” (Col. 3:2).
“For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
ELDERS
Mike Childers ............. 397-6453
Dennis Hallmark......... 255-5557
Mark Hitt .................... 322-0917
Bobby Lindley ............ 260-9193
DEACONS
Wade Bryan ................ 419-5552
Ricky Lindsey............. 255-8136
Jeff Mansel.................. 871-0357
Jimmy Spearman ........ 840-8957
Michael Wilson........... 891-0891
MINISTERS
Barry Kennedy....(931)787-7108
Alex Blackwelder (731)879-9196
SECRETARY
Renee Childers
Office.......................... 842-6116
Fax .............................. 842-7091
E-MAIL
eastmaincoc38804@gmail.com
WEB PAGE
eastmaincoc.com
SUNDAY SERVICES
Worship........................9:00 a.m.
Bible class..................10:15 a.m.
Worship......................11:15 a.m.
Singing or Devotional
Last Sunday of the Month
MID-WEEK
SERVICES
Wednesday Classes......7:00 p.m.
1606 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1761
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
“Thou shalt observe to do all that they inform thee”
(Deut. 17:10)
2. -article continued from page 1--
Still further, it can be said that the Word of God
is all-sufficient to motivate by virtue of its
examples. Paul wrote that the Old Testament was
written "for our learning that we through patience
and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
(Romans15:4) In the New Testament, Christians are
often motivated by the example of Christ. Consider
the command to patiently endure suffering (1 Peter
2:20). The Scripture motivates us by the example of
Christ by reminding readers that Jesus never sinned
or faltered even when He was reviled or suffered. In
face of fierce and harsh treatment, He never waned
in His commitment.
Also consider the motivation of Hebrews 11:12.
In chapter eleven, heroes of faith are paraded before
our minds as examples of patience and faith. If they
could remain faithful and true to God in difficult
circumstances, then so could the Christian. In 12:2,
further encouragement is provided by means of
another allusion to Jesus and His endurance.
Informationally, in the first few chapters the writer
demonstrated the inferiority of the Old Covenant in
comparison to the New Testament. In chapters
eleven and twelve, specific motivation is given to
remain faithful to what the readers knew
intellectually.
The Word of God is replete with examples that
motivate. On every page, God motivates the reader
to greater service and dedication. The Bible is a
remarkable book that will indeed build up (Acts
20:32), sanctify (John 17:17), cleanse (John 15:3),
save (James 1:21), complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17),
and make wise the man of God (2 Timothy 3:15). It
is truly sufficient and powerful enough to instruct
and motivate.
~~~~~~~~
Congratulations
Congratulations to Beth &
Ian Reed in the birth of their
son, Ellis Turner, on July 14. He
weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was
18 ¾ inches long. Mother and
baby are home and doing well.
Ricky & Lisa Lindsey are the proud grandparents
and McKenna Lindsey is the proud aunt.
Tuesday Mornings with
the Master
Don’t forget Tuesday Mornings with the
Master every Tuesday in the multipurpose
room from 10-11 am. Anyone who can
come, and help is welcomed.
Pack the Backpacks
The Community Outreach Program
needs your help with “Packing the
Backpacks” for area schools this
upcoming year. Please check the table
in the foyer and grab a supply tab of
what you would be willing to
purchase. Please return the supplies by Sunday, July
24. Thank you for your help. We still have many tabs
left.
Visitation Teams
Plans are to start back our
Visitation Teams. Some lists
are posted on the bulletin
board across from the library
for you to sign. We hope to
have enough participation to
have 4 teams. One team will simply mail cards to
those needing encouragement, the sick or visitors.
One team will make visits during the month and then
meet one Sunday a month following services to
briefly discuss. Two teams will make visits and then
have a fellowship meal once a month on Sunday to
discuss. Covid has definitely affected the growth of
the Lord’s church. We hope that the whole
congregation will get on board to work to grow the
congregation at East Main.
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower will be
held in honor of Lexie
Dickinson, bride-elect of
Peyton Chism on Sunday,
Aug. 7 from 2-3:30 pm in
the multipurpose room.
Lexie & Peyton are registered at Amazon, Bed, Bath
& Beyond, and Square Gift Company in Fulton.
August 2022
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Kaley Gholston
Berta Kennedy
Emily Rushing
Jeremiah 1-3
2
Larry & Judy
Bates
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
Jeremiah 4-6
3
Rommie &
Annie Dilworth
Greg & Tracy
Lyle
Jeremiah 7-10
4
Jeff Mansel
Jeremiah 11-15
5
TGIF
Jeremiah 16-20
6
John Ezra
Lindley
Jeremiah 21-25
7
Lexie Dickinson/
Peyton Chism
Wedding Shower
All Youth
Fellowship@5pm
Intern leaves
Jeremiah 26-29
8
Danny & Barbara
Wright
Jeremiah 30-31
9
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
Jeremiah 32-33
10
Norma Deaton
Mike & Renee
Childers
Brain Freeze
Jeremiah 34-36
11
Pat Putt
Ladies’ fellowship
Jeremiah 37-39
12
40s & 50s
Fellowship @
6:30 pm
Jeremiah 40-45
13
Sky Ray
Youth-Back to
School Bash
Jeremiah 46-49
14
Area Youth
Meeting @
Zion’s Rest
Jeremiah 50-52
15
Lamentations
16
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
Ezekiel 1-6
17
Hannah Bland
Brain Freeze
PTP Begins
Ezekiel 7-11
18
Kade Gilliland
Ezekiel 12-15
19
Kathryn McKee
Joe Smith
TGIF
Ezekiel 16-19
20
Ezekiel 20-21
21
Robert & Linda
Parker
All Youth-Lunch
meeting at noon
Ezekiel 22-23
22
Ezekiel 24-28
23
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
Ezekiel 29-32
24
Brain Freeze
Ezekiel 33-36
25
PTP Ends
Ezekiel 37-39
26
Adaline Bates
Ezekiel 40-43
27
Easton DuBois
Connie Kinglsey
J. J. Reed
Ezekiel 44-48
28
Family Breakfast
Jr. Youth-Lunch/
Devo
Daniel 1-3
29
Daniel 4-6
30
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
Daniel 7-9
31
Terry & Sherry
Kingsley
Brain Freeze
Daniel 10-12
3. Daily Bible Reading
July 27....................................................Isaiah 46-48
July 28....................................................Isaiah 49-51
July 29....................................................Isaiah 52-57
July 30....................................................Isaiah 58-62
July 31....................................................Isaiah 63-66
August 1................................................Jeremiah 1-3
August 2................................................Jeremiah 4-6
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: Judy Bates (July 27), Kaley
Gholston (Aug. 1), Berta Kennedy (Aug. 1),
Emily Rushing (Aug. 1). Anniversaries: Joe
& Tammy Minor (July 27), Dennis & Debbie
Hallmark (July 28), Rodney & Amy Voyles (July
31), Larry & Judy Bates (Aug. 2).
Our Sick
Debbie Duke is in NMMC with kidney problems.
She did not start chemo Tuesday as planned. Bob
Smith is in NMMC undergoing tests. Betty Long
continues her therapy at Cedars, Room 712. Greg &
Tracy Lyle are recovering from Covid. Summer
Smith is recuperating from a broken tailbone. Annie
Dilworth’s daughter, Sheba Tuggers, had a mild
heart attack last week. Willie Topp’s brother-in-law,
Willie Bob Gates, is having many health issues.
Beth Reed & baby Ellis are now home from the
hospital and doing well.
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Evelyn Thompson, Annie
Martin, Bettye Davis, Steve Kelly, Barbara Bishop,
Doug Wallace, Frankie Estes, Shirley Lyons, Stella
Pittman, Caroline Willis, Carol Hood, Bill Goff,
Sheba Tuggers, Brian Carver, Michelle Maclean,
Linda Butler, Pam Gassaway, Ricky Britt, Nathan
Hale, Dawn Brown, Terry Blackmarr, Freida Gardner
Nursing Homes
Randy Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Bob McClure
Visitation Teams
Plans are to start back our
Visitation Teams. Some lists are
posted on the bulletin board
across from the library for you to
sign. We hope to have enough
participation to have 4 teams. One team will simply
mail cards to those needing encouragement, the sick
or visitors. One team will make visits during the
month and then meet one Sunday a month following
services to briefly discuss. Two teams will make visits
and then have a fellowship meal once a month on
Sunday to discuss. Covid has definitely affected the
growth of the Lord’s church. We hope that the whole
congregation will get on board to work to grow the
congregation at East Main.
Family Breakfast
Our monthly family
breakfast will be held this
Sunday, July 31 in the
multipurpose room from
8:15-8:45 am before worship
services. A light breakfast
will be served. Everyone in
the congregation is invited to come and enjoy this
short period of fellowship.
Thank You Notes
We would like to thank everyone for their prayers,
calls, and cards. In Christian love,
Danny & Barbara Wright
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and your
thoughts and prayers during the last week! We treasure
your thoughtfulness during this difficult time and feel
blessed that God has shown us His comfort and
generosity through you! With deep gratitude,
the family of Wayne Blansett
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To our brothers & sisters at East Main,
We appreciate the kindness, support, and love you’ve
shown to us during this difficult time, the passing of my
mother/grandmother, Mayola Wilson. Thank you for
your prayers, the beautiful green plant, and the ones who
came to the funeral home. Love in Christ,
The Laney’s (Crafton & Marla, Nicholas & Allison,
Micah & Leia, & Jordan)
4. Bridal Shower
A bridal shower will be held
in honor of Lexie Dickinson,
bride-elect of Peyton Chism on
Sunday, Aug. 7 from 2-3:30 pm
in the multipurpose room. Lexie
& Peyton are registered at Amazon, Bed, Bath &
Beyond, and Square Gift Company in Fulton.
Men to Serve Sunday, July 31, 2022 a.m.
Announcements..........................................Mark Hitt
Bible Reading........................................Aaron Willis
Opening Prayer ......................................Mike Ratliff
Lord’s Supper
Dennis Hallmark
Lead Singing....................................Eddie Simmons
Closing Prayer..................................Michael Wilson
Ushers .................. David Ramseyer & Jalon Mansel
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday 11:15 a.m. service
Opening Prayer ..................................Hugh Scribner
Closing Prayer.............................Bobby Joe Lindley
Lead Singing.................................Alex Blackwelder
Congratulations
Congratulations to Zac &
Savannah Tucker in the birth of
their son, David “Webb” Tucker on
July 22. He weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. and
was 20 ½ inches long. Mother and
baby are home and doing well.
Dean & Kristie Webb are the proud grandparents.
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Opening Prayer ................................. Drew Baldwyn
Lead Singing........................................... Asher Bass
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact Ricky Lindsey (255-8136) if unable to serve.
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 7-20-22 ...................................................... 75
Sunday 1st
Worship, 7-24-22 ...................................... 150
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 152
Sunday 2nd
Worship...................................................... 93
Contribution (budget $9,334) .............................. $10,035
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item........................................... Peanut butter
