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!!!!!!
