Newsletter - FULL GOSPEL MISSION

FULL GOSPEL MISSION

887 W. Spruce Ave., Ravenna, OH 44266

Rev. Barbara A. Davis, Pastor

Pastors Pen April 28, 2013: Dear Pastor: You often stress attendance (see Hebrews 10:25) at worship as being very important for a Christian, but I think a person has a right to miss now and then. I think every person ought to be excused for the following reasons and the number of times indicated.

Christmas Holidays (the Sunday before & after) 2

New Years (the party lasted too long) 1

Easter (get away for the holidays) 2

July 4th (national holidays) 1

Labor Day (need to get away) 2

Memorial Day (visit hometown folk) 1

School closing (kids need a break) 1

School reopens (one last fling) 1

Family reunions (mine & wife’s) 3

Sleep late (stayed up too long Saturday night) 9

Deaths in family 2

Anniversary (second honeymoon) 1

Sickness (one per family member) 5

Business trip (a must) 1

Vacation (three to four weeks) 6

Bad weather (ice, snow, rain, clouds) 2

Ball games 2

Races 2

Unexpected company (can’t walk out) 2

Time changes (spring & fall) 2

Special on TV (superbowl, etc) 3

Pastor, that leaves two Sundays per year. So, you can count on us to be in church on the 4th Sunday in February and the 3rd Sunday in August unless we are providentially hindered.

Sincerely, A Faithful Member

This letter illustrates a point. Some people will make any and every excuse why they cannot come to church. These reasons, and dozens of others, are being employed on a regular basis in every church. Some people do not like to go to church. They say it is boring. The songs are unfamiliar. The preacher’s sermons are dull or uninspiring. The prayers are meaningless and irrelevant. The people aren’t friendly.

On the other hand, there are those who do enjoy coming to church. To them, church is exciting. The songs are uplifting. The sermons are inspiring. The prayers bring them closer to God. The people are friendly and inviting.

What is the difference? The difference is their motivation for coming to church. We come to church to be in the presence of God. We come to meet with God. We don’t come because of the preacher, or the music, or the people. We come to meet with God. If you will get the motivation right I guarantee you that you will enjoy coming to church. You see:

P.S. - "The reason some have little desire for God’s House on Sunday is because they have had little desire for God throughout the week."

PRAYER LIST: Mr. Myers Shower project Sister Bishop—Health Libby Hazen Ministries ALL OUR MILITARY---Zack &Shawn Hank-Cancer

Jenny B. and Dennis—recovery Devria St.Aubin---health RC & Esther—health Gene & Debbie--Grandchild Don & Sue Duncan Euel Ron Beaver-G-daughter--recovery! Rev. Donnie, Mack Turner—health Calvary Crusade FGCC/Radio& Ministers Sister Helen Ballew Arthur Wilson—health Betty’s Nephew & Sister in law Zach and Ella Rev. Charles & Sue Herron Center of Hope Anne C--Cancer Carol & Betty Several in Sister Anne H. dealing with death Will & Amber— Barbie & Kids Sister Rachael Bill Mooney-health Eric & Teri K.

JOKES: 1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids) You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. -- Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. -- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. -- Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED? You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. -- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON? Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. -- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

-When they're rich. -- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. - - Curt, age 7

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED? .......There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? -- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is....... 9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK? Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. -- Ricky, age 10

Spaghetti Dinner May 10th-------------Mystery Murder dinner May 17th-----------Camp meeting June 12-15------Dr. Chris Bowen June 12,13--see ya there!!!!!!