FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE ACORN. Red Oak, Texas

Transcription

1 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE ACORN Red Oak, Texas Reaching Up to God, Moving into the World, Making Disciples for Christ CONFIRMATION MAY 2011, Issue ! Last Sunday Confirmation 2011 came to a terrific close. The students were Courtney Lane, Brenda Payne, Sarah Plumb, Valerie Nobles, Austin and Justin Vent. Mentors were Keven Davis, Sherry Doty, Melody Durazo, Lynne Grandstaff, and Jo Wilsford. For 20 weeks, we met, prayed, studied and had fun learning what it means to be a Christian and a member of the church. The group took a trip to Temple Immanuel to worship and learn and a retreat at the Palmer UMC. Thank you church for praying for each of us as we grew in our spiritual journey. Our next Confirmation Class will be in January 2012, so if you are going to be in the second semester of sixth grade or older and want to participate or if you are an adult who would like to be a Mentor, begin praying and planning now. Confirmation is not a casual, come and go, class. It is an intense time of study and learning. Confirmation is an active learning time. Class of 2011 we are very proud of you. CONGRATULATIONS, 2011 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS! Calling all High School Graduating Seniors in the Church! If your senior is not listed here please call Lori in the Church Office at We want to Congratulate all the high school seniors of 2011 that will be graduating soon. Jordon Brown, Emily Byars, Kelsey Goodloe, Preston Haralson, Kayleigh Kitzman, and Dalton Valerius. The United Methodist Women will honor the seniors and their families at a breakfast on Sunday, May 15th at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Please call and let us know how many of your family will be attending with you. Following the breakfast at the 10:50 AM worship service, seniors and their families will be recognized. We are so proud that these special young people are a part of our church family.

2 N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E Page 2 THE THREE R S BY JOAN POMEROY Just the other day, I was thinking about the power that regrets, resentment, and revenge has. I began my research by asking other people what they thought of the three R s. Some people said they are evil words, and can cause destruction. Other people I talked to said they are powerful words that can be devastating and come upon us slowly until they consume who we are. My research then led me to the dictionary and the Bible. Regret means; disappointment over something that one has done or failed to do. This clearly is something that nothing was done about at the time it happened and therefore belongs in the past. 2 Corinthians 10:7 For Godly sorrow produces repentances leading to salvation not to be regretted; but sorrow of the world produces death. Resentment is holding anger, that definition combined with my knowledge of what anger can do to us, and our bodies, gave me a clear picture that resentment is not good for us. The Bible states in Job 5:2 Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple. Revenge means; inflict harm or injury in return for avenge. Revenge belongs to God according to Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friend, but leave room for God s wrath for it is written; It is mine to avenge; I will repay says the Lord. My next thought was; revenge must be the worst of all the companions, for it eats away at our soul, consuming our mind nurturing sadness and loneliness. Then I looked up the words peace, joy, and contentment, using the Bible; Joy; 1 Thessalonians 5 Be joyful always. Contentment; 1 Timothy 6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain. Peace; 2 Peter 1:2, Philemon 1:3 and 2 Thessalonians 1:2 all say almost the same about peace. Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of the God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Is this where the answer, lies on how to cope with regret, revenge and resentment? Simply through the understanding of grace which means unmerited favor or the kindness that we don t deserve. Often God our Father gives us grace. I worked on these concepts for some time, giving it a lot of prayerful thought and then decided: What I need to do to eliminate regret, resentment and thoughts of revenge is take them to the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ his only son, and the Holy Spirit in deep prayer. Through the Grace of the Lord God Almighty we can be given grace and peace will follow. I tried this idea and still something was lacking. There was no peace. As I began a closer study of the definitions of regrets, resentment, and revenge, suddenly clarity of thought came upon me, Have you forgiven yourself? Have you given grace to those who you want revenge against? Could it be possible that you want to receive grace from the Lord God Almighty but not give it to anyone else? In giving grace to someone or some situation, you no longer have to carry the burden, and can let regret, resentment and revenge go. The heavy burden is lifted from you leaving room for joy, contentment and peace. This in no way suggests that I would place my self back into a position where I could be harmed in any way, only that I do not carry the burdens upon my soul anymore. Joy, contentment and peace bring happiness into every moment. They can turn an otherwise bad experience into a time to thank the Good Lord for his blessings. They are like the quote in the Bible about the light shining in the darkness, John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. Joan Pomeroy ( ) Writing for Enjoyment

3 Page 3 M A Y , I S S U E 3 IT S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SUNDAY JULY 10 THURSDAY, JULY 14 5:30 8:30 PM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW! This Summer s Vacation Bible School theme is SHAKE IT UP CAFÉ! We need lots of adult volunteers as always. We have about children come through our doors for VBS every summer. Please join us in reaching out to these children. We need leaders now: Discovery Time 4 leaders needed, Craft Time 2 leaders needed, Recreation 4 leaders needed, Bible Story Time needs helpers. Shepherds and Kitchen help is also needed. Please call Jennifer McKnight at or by to mcknight@sbcglobal.net or you can contact Lori in the church office. We will have a web connection through our website at so that you can register your children or register as a volunteer. Come join the fun and volunteer!

4 T H E A C O R N R E D O A K, T E X A S Page 4 Schedule of Servants: (Back Page Continued from Page 12) - Flowers given by 5/1 Doty Family Sarah s College Graduation 5/8 Stricker 30th Anniversary. 5/15 McKnight s 15th Anniversary. 5/22 Malone s Jude s 3rd Birthday 5/29 Persefield s 44th Anniversary - Acolytes 5/1 Katelyn Newport & Brooke Vassallo 5/8 Nathan Wilson & Matthew McKnight 5/15 Brooke Vassallo & Alexis Palma 5/22 Drew Davis & Michael Plumb 5/29 Katelyn Newport & Brooke Vassallo - Prayers for Pastor 5/1 Don Newman & Keven Davis 5/8 Jerry Pomeroy & John Young 5/15 Don Newman & Curtis Doyle 5/22 Jerry Pomeroy /Mike Stricker 5/29 Don Newman & Terry Brown So, this week, I have been praying for our enemies. I have been praying for the Holy Spirit to intervene and help both sides of this terrible conflict to find some peaceful solutions. I have been praying for the presence of Jesus in my life so that I don t rejoice in my enemy s death but that I fall to my own knees asking forgiveness for my own failures and sins. So I invite you to come to God s house this week. Let s get together and discuss some of our differences and seek common ground as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Allen Annual Conference is scheduled for June 5-8, 2011 Waco Convention Center 100 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX Ushers & Greeters 8:30 Tim & Mary Brownlee 10:50 Nick & Melody Durazo, Travis & Brandi Young, and Elaine & Valerie Nobles. - Counters 5/1: Melody Durazo & Stephanie Vassallo 5/8: Jerry Kirby & Tim Brownlee 5/15: Lionel Hazard & Suzanne Barry 5/22: Brandy Young & Curtis Doyle 5/29: TBA (2 Volunteers Needed) - Sound Technicians 5/1: Les Mitchell/Kayleigh Kitzman 5/8: Scott Sackett / Jack Smiley 5/15:Don Newman / Tom Rogers 5.22 Les Mitchell / Kayleigh Kitzman 5/29 Scott Sackett/Jack Smiley - Video: Carolyn Haffey & Heather Rodenborg (Youth FUMCRO RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM WESLEY S WARRIORS Invites you to join them MAY 20-21, 2011 Beginning at 7pm Surviver s Walk Candle Lighting Ceremony 10:00 PM Waxahachie Sports Complex

5 Page 5 M A Y , I S S U E 3 Heritage Sunday, May 22 The First United Church of Red Oak has a long and rich heritage which we will celebrate on Sunday, May 22 nd, Heritage Sunday. If you have any pictures of church activities (the older, the better) and would like to share them, please plan to bring the pictures for a display in the foyer on this special Sunday of remembrance. If possible, label your pictures with dates, names and type of activity, and to ensure their prompt return, write your name on the back of each picture. If you need more information, please contact a member of the Worship Committee. Coming Soon! 5 th Sunday Silent Auction The Extravagant Giving Team aka Finance Committee will host a Silent Auction on each Fifth Sunday, to benefit Apportionments Donations of items to be auctioned may be brought to church and given to Melody Durazo, Lynne Grandstaff or Brandi Young at any time prior to the auction. Don t know what to bring? Go look in your closet or cabinet for gift sets you ve never opened, costume jewelry you received but is just not your style, books, decorative and seasonal items, baked goods or other homemade treats, t-shirts, etc. The items will be displayed in the foyer beginning on the 4 th Sunday and the bidding will close at 12:45PM on the 5 th Sunday. You don t have to be present to win- just have the highest bid! All funds received will be used to help pay our apportionments. Silent Auctions will be May 29, July 31 and October 30. Put them on your calendar NOW! If you have questions, just ask Lynne Grandstaff, Melody Durazo or Brandi Young. FELLOWSHIP DINNERS Our last Fellowship Dinner for the school year was held on May 4th. at 5:40 pm. The donations collected will benefit the Apportionments / Connectional Giving. We will resume the Wednesday Dinners and activities such as children s choir in September ATTENTION: UM MEN The Monthly Men s Breakfast will be held on May 14 at 8:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Herbert Shelton & Don Newman will be preparing breakfast. Men of all ages are invited to attend this great breakfast & meeting. Any questions please contact Steve Smiley at Thank you for your donations.

6 T H E A C O R N R E D O A K, T E X A S Page 6 RISK TAKING MISSION PROJECT Imagine NO Malaria We have begun our Imagine No Malaria Campaign this month. We can be a part of the effort to eradicate malaria in our world just as we have smallpox and polio. This is now more than nets, it is education, treatment and prevention. We can achieve a sustainable victory over malaria.. PLEASE VIEW OUR DISPLAY IN THE CHURCH FOYER YOU CAN HELP! We will be showing a short video concerning this Mission at each Sunday Service for the next eight weeks. At the end of June we will distribute pledge envelopes and give a summary for this year s events to raise money to eradicate malaria. The Risk Taking Mission committee of FUMCRO has set a goal of $18, to raise in three years. Please discuss with your family and pray for guidance on how YOU CAN HELP. OPERATION CONNECTION The Risk Taking Mission Committee encourages you to remember our service men and women both in the United States and overseas. FUMCRO RECYCLES CANS, PLASTIC & PAPER PLEASE PUT ONLY CLEAN PAPER IN THE RECYCLE TRASH CANS IN THE FOYER. ALUMINUM CANS & PLASTIC CUPS OR BOTTLES CAN BE PUT IN THE RECYCLE BINS IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL A note or card to let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers will be always appreciate. Come by and get the address or call the office for the names and addresses of any of our service men and women. At Christmas we sent out packages to those men and women overseas. We have sent out prayer shawls to both the Military overseas and at home. Join in doing your part by sending an encouraging card or letter.

7 Page 7 M A Y , I S S U E 3 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:40 am - Meet in the Sanctuary for singing/video and then go to classes. We begin a new three month focus moving after May. Jr. & Senior Hi: Meeting in the Youth ONE Room. Lead by Heather Rodenborg Sunshine Class: Meeting in classroom on the right of the Sanctuary. Rotating Teachers: April Study: We Worship God; ; John s Vision of Worship.. New study to begin in June. Enrichment Class: - Meets in the Fellowship Hall: Study of the gospel accounts of the last week of Christ's life until second week of May. Beginning May 8 They will be doing the Adam Hamilton Study titled "When Christians Get it Wrong." If you would like a book for this study, please let Lynne Grandstaff know by April 10th. You can also order the book online through Cokesbury, Amazon or Barnes & Nobles. (The book is available for downloading to electronic devises if you prefer.) Nomads: Meeting in the Church Office. Classroom Teacher: Joanna Johnson. Studying When the World Takes the Wind Out of Your Sails by Moore. Young Adult Class Looking for a new leader and direction. Call Pastor Allen if you would like to lead this class. Pastor Class: Temporarily meeting in the Sunshine class. Will meet in the Library to study in June. Adult Bible Study: Wednesday at 10:30 am. Financial Peace: Teacher: Terry Brown Class begins at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings. SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES : 9:40 10:35 AM Parent s Day Out Scholarship Fund The PDO Advisory Board voted at their last meeting to establish a Scholarship Fund to assist families when needed with tuition, registration or other fees. Funds will be gratefully accepted and carefully dispersed under the direction and at the discretion of PDO Director Christy Niven. You may make donations to the fund with cash, check or electronic donation. Simply note PDO Scholarship in the memo line. RO REHAB NEEDS CRAFT Shannon Wilson at Red Oak Rehab will have a donation box in the foyer She is looking for the following items for the residents to use in crafts. -cans (all sizes from tuna to lg bean) -wire clothes hangers -paper grocery bags -jeans -3 ring binders -terra cotta pots ( will even take some broken) - laundry detergent boxes (empty) and the scoops -oatmeal cans -ceramic tile (broken is fine too) -shoe boxes -plastic rings from soda cans -empty salt cans, cocoa cans -plastic sunglasses ( no problem if they are scratch

8 T H E A C O R N R E D O A K, T E X A S Page 8 ONE GOD ONE FAITH ONE WAY YOUTH ONE CORNER This summer our church will be sending 19 participants on a weeklong mission trip to the East Texas/Louisiana coastal regions. The trip will take place on June 12 th through the 18 th. During this trip, participants will help with home repairs for persons who are in need within the area. These trips are very fundamental in building faith, friendships, and life skills for the youth. The youth are not only hearing about God but are experiencing God. We ask for you to consider giving to help make this possible. Below is a breakdown of the total cost. It s an average of about $366 per person. Registration Cost = $ Rental Vans = $1899 Estimate of Gas cost = $1000 Total cost = $6949 We currently need $1500. We are making progress. Please check out the wall of giving outside the youth room and grab an envelope. Every little bit helps. If we get all the envelopes filled, we will have our trip paid for. Feel free to drop the envelope in the offering plate on Sunday or by the church office during the week S U M M E R M I S S I O N A R I E S Want to help? Please prepare cards or notes of appreciation to each missionary that will be given to them each night of the mission trip. Place their entire name on the envelope a we may have youth from other churches with the same first name. Bring the cards to the church office by May 25th. YOUTH: Courtney Lane, Anthony McKnight, Ashleigh Moore, Valerie Nobles, Shelly Rudd, Jonathan Sackett, Allyson Valerius, and Nicholas Wilson. ADULTS: Eva Rudd, Rachel Sackett, Jessica Sanchez, Rene Valerius, Curtis Vassallo, Shannon Wilson, Brandi Young, Mary Young, Travis Young, and Allen Grant. Each evening we will place cards in their encouragement bags. Please help, especially for the youth. They need to know that their congregation is praying for them while they are serving Christ in DeQuincy, Louisiana. MINISTER OF YOUTH Heather Rodenborg FUMCROYouth@gmail.com Parents and Youth Make sure and check your for the youth newsletter for current events. There is no youth group on May 8 th. Please spend time with your mom s.

9 Page 9 M A Y , I S S U E 3 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN S CIRCLE NEWS General Meeting of UM Women will not meet until August. Jennifer McKnight will provide the August program. The Meeting will be held on the second Sunday of the month at 4:30 pm in the Sunshine Classroom. Y*A*W*N (Young Adult Women s Network) Circle will have their last meeting before the summer on May 2 and then resume the first Monday of the month at 7:30 pm in September. For more information call Melody Durazo at Circle of Love will meet on the 4th Tuesday of the Month, May 24 at 10:30 am for a short session in the Fellowship Hall. Afterward all attending will carpool to go out to eat. All the women of the church are invited to attend. The next regular meeting will be held on August 23 Friendship Circle: After much lively discussion on the book of Revelation during the last nine months, the UMW Friendship Circle will celebrate by going out to dinner on Thursday, May 26. We will meet at the church at 7:00 PM to carpool to the restaurant. All women are invited to become a part of this UMW circle of friends. We always have good fellowship and lively discussions; come join us! If childcare is needed, please call the church office. Call Jo Wilsford ( ) if more information is needed. The Circle of Hope and Healing conducts our Prayer Shawl Ministry. They meet at 10:00 am on the first and third Saturday on May 7 & 21and second Friday (May 13) of the month at the Church. June 4 and 10 they are scheduled to meet at this time. Other summer hours will be announced here. They continue to be very busy making shawls for many in need of encouragement, hope and healing prayers. If you know someone that might need a shawl please contact Beth Norris. Thank you to those who have made donations to our ministry-your generosity helps us make more shawls for future requests. The United Methodist Women Mission Project is collecting disposable diapers and baby formula (powdered) for the United Community Center. In lieu of formula or disposable diapers, a monetary donation can be made. Make the donation payable to the UMW and indicate Mission Project. We continue to collect Box Tops for Education `and Campbell s soup labels for Education. Labels go in the mailbox on the UMW bulletin board. Baby items can be placed in the collection bag in the foyer for this purpose. Children & Youth Underwear can also still be donated. Women s Reading Program: Books are available in the Sunshine Room. Please check out your book by listing it in the spiral kept in the red binder on the shelf with the books. Book lists are turned in at the end of August Each reader must read at least one book in the four categories of Education for Mission, Spiritual Growth, Social Action,, and Nurturing for Community. You must also regularly read from Response and/or New World Outlook Magazines. If you read more than required for the Plan I or II save your titles for next years Program. If you haven t read enough for the 4 books, save your list until you have read the required books. If you have any questions please contact Lori Stricker Reading Program Secretary. Cooperative School of Christian Mission: August 1-3 Evening CSCM Hurst UMC. August 2-4 Weekday CSCM Hurst UMC. August 5-7 Weekend CSCM Glen Lake Camp. If childcare is needed during any UMW activity, please call the church office to schedule.

10 T H E A C O R N R E D O A K, T E X A S Page 10 OUR MINISTRY TOGETHER First United Methodist - Red Oak Members, Leaders and Friends INDIVIDUALS Our Home Church Folks: Nell Burnett (Red Oak Rehab) Golda Punkoney (Nursing home in Center, Texas) Flo Miner (Debbie Anderson s mother) Kayleen Johnson-Gallagher (Joanna s daughter) Hazel Butner (Margarett Butner s mom) Judy Martin (Mike Martin s mother) Dorothy White (Sherry Martin s mother) Dorothy Grant (Pastor s mother) Dorothy Doty (Dean Doty s mother) Jack Christianson (Linda Higgins) MEMBERS, FRIENDS & FAMILY: Rita Dugger Florene Nix Doris Maechel (Cindy Belote s mom) Dollie Fouts Kay Merrifield (Rene Fouts mother) Jo Ann Hardin (Curtis Doyle s sister) Wanda Cutler (Paige Davis grandmother) Charles Brown (Oma s brother) Kenneth Denney (Yeadon s brother) Cecil Fields (Valerius grandfather) Doug Newman (Don s brother) Grace Weir (Keven Davis mother) Pauline Brown (Oma s mother) Aunt Helen (Beth Norris) Lina Royce (Dana Davis mother) Karen Herriott (Becky s sister) Sylvia Wolaver (Gaines sister) Elliott Woolridge Lisa McKenzie (Lori Stricker s Sister) Roland Stevens Laurie DiCave (Stephanie s Sister) Sandra White Billie Howard (Terri Yates grandfather) Ginger Alexander (Maureen Plumb s sister) Betty Brown (Eddie Mae Newman s sister) David Horn Linda Peterson s sister Those seeking employment MAY PRAYER LIST Continued Family & Friends: Tila King (Joan s Niece) Joy Brock Apolonia Garcia (Joe s mom) Bok Jin Yi (Sunmi s Father) Dan Wright (Durazo s friend) Dan Santos (Tony Lane Co-worker) Jane O Kelly (Dani Muckleroy) Jack Leahy (Becky Monnette) Julette Huartado (Merci Garcia) Amy Pampel (Marilyn Eberhart) Family of Paul Kirkpatrick (Doty) Laura Young Additions will be placed in the weekly bulletins. MAY BIRTHDAYS: 5/2 Carson Wu, Steve Smith 5/3 Rene Valerius; Merci Garcia 5/5 Helen Szostek 5/6 Russell Nobles 5/7 Malachi Mason & Tara McKenney 5/9 Stephanie Brignon 5/10 Heather Kimbro, Heather Sweetin 5/11 Chris Kindred 5/12 Carrie Haralson 5/13 Joe Garcia, Amy Wolford, Shannon Smock 5/15 Carolyn Kruger 5/16 Courtney Lane 5/20 Abby Vinson, Hannah Szostek, Kelly Cardwell. 5/21 Jude Malone 5/22 Bailey Malone, Abby Vinson, Hannah Szostek, Sarah Plumb, Kelly Cardwell. 5/23 Tim Brownlee, & Eddie Mae Newman 5/24 Allen Grant, Don Nobles 5/28 Carolyn Smith, John Jones & Sarah Paquin 5/29 Byrum Wilsford OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES: Wisdom of our leaders. Our Nation & Our Military Service men and women. Mike Webb (cousin of Rene Valerius) Damien Guss (Stricker) Harold Valyou (Wilson) Adam Dugger Sean Acrea (Yeadon grandson) David Malone (Watson) Christopher Brandon Hall (Sackett) Fred Ballard Jr. (Stephanie Brignon) Doug Cantrell (Suzanne Neel) Michael James (son of Oma Mitchell) Jason Maris (Katie Almond s nephew) Curtis Windsor (Neel) Robert Grandstaff Hugh Taylor Grandstaff Sylvia Grandstaff MISSON OPPORTUNITIES Here s How YOU can be in Mission to the World North Ellis County Outreach Pasta & Oatmeal Food for Outreach School Supplies, Back packs & Coats, clothing. Mission Relief No More Malaria Japan Relief Diapers & Formula through UMW Military Personnel Paper Back Books Letters from Home ROISD School Supplies & Uniforms Dollars for Prescriptions Belts & Uniforms Carter Blood Donations Prison Ministry Gift Cards Christmas Gifts SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITES Walk to Emmaus United Methodist Women & Men Sunday School Bible Studies Marriage Encounter Choir

11 Page 11 M A Y , I S S U E 3 A Summer Praying the Psalms June 1 to August 31, 2011 Join the Pastor on a journey of praying the Psalms this summer. A suggested study guide is called God s Prayer Book: The Power and Pleasure of Praying the Psalms by Ben Patterson, Published by Saltriver Publishing. There are 150 Psalms for us to read in 90 days. If you read two per day, except for a couple that are very long, you will read the entire Psalter in this time period. To gain more than just reading, spend some time each day praying the Psalm or Psalms that you read. Who are the Psalms about? Are they about David, Moses, some fellow named Asaph, or Herman or Ethan or someone else? No they are all about Jesus. Mr. Patterson says that The writers of the New Testament write with the conviction that every story and psalm of the Old Testament whispers his name. The Bible is all about Jesus. Read each Psalm slowly and thoughtfully two or three times. Take note of any word or phrase that stands out to you. (Patterson, page 18) A simple way to understand a Psalm s intent is to read it through the lense of the three Rs: Rejoice, Repent, and Request. Ask these three questions as you pray: 1. Rejoice: What do I find here that gives me cause to rejoice, to give praise and thanks. Then do it. 2. Repent: What do I read here that brings to light sin in my life? The confess and repent. 3. Request: What in this Psalm can inform the way I pray for others and myself? Then make your requests of God accordingly. (page 20) Along the way the Pastor will be preaching through the Psalms. Please pray for the Pastor and for yourself as we look to these beautiful words to learn how to speak to God. Waxahachie Community Theater Presents Annie Chatauqua Auditorium Waxahachie, Texas May 6 & 7 7:30 PM Sunday May 8 2:30 PM

12 First United Methodist Church PO Box 25 Red Oak, Texas Rev. Allen Grant Senior Pastor Heather Rodenborg, Youth Minister Stu Dorsey, Music Minister Sunmi Goodwin, Pianist Lori Stricker, Office Manager Judy Cox, Building Manager Merci Garcia, Nursery Manager Christy Niven, Day School Director Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Red Oak, TX Permit #16 Worship Times: Sunday 8:30 & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:40 am Office Hours Monday Friday 9 am 4 pm (972) Fax: (972) Website: (nursery provided at all services) Located at 600 Daubitz Dr. (formerly Red Oak Rd.) Red Oak, Texas THE BACK PAGE by Allen Grant This week our nation was shocked and delighted to hear that Navy Seals had successfully invaded and killed Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. There have been so many emotions this week. Spontaneous celebrations erupted in New York, Washington and even in Dallas. Truly this evil person who had caused so much pain deserved the justice that was meted out to him. Even American Muslims agreed that he was a threat to all human beings. I have also watched with interest the comments on Face Book and other Internet sources. And I have also been aware that our nation has been placed on a heightened alert status as we prepare for possible retaliation for this act. I have also struggled with my own mixed emotions. I did not like the fact that we were celebrating in the streets over the death of this man. It reminded me of the celebrations that took place in the Middle East after September 11, We were shocked and angry that people would dance in the streets there over the deaths of so many innocent people. For whatever reasons that go back many years, our two cultures are at odds; yet, I remember those hard words of Jesus when he said that we should pray for our enemies. And when he said that, I don t think he meant for us to pray for their deaths. I am also aware that the Psalmists cried out for justice and for God to destroy their enemies. That is a truly human emotion. Certainly anger and cries for justice are appropriate. What is not appropriate or easy to hear are the words of Jesus when he says to pray for those who harm you. Jesus calls us to such a high standard.