December 26, 2004

Coal Run Church of Christ

CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
December 26, 2004
Prelude
Special Music: Stephanie Greenhill
We Three Kings 288
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks 272
What Child Is This? 281
Opening Prayer: Steve Treap

THE LORD’S SUPPER
Meditation: Sammie Carter
Beneath The Cross of Jesus 320
Prayers: E.W. Damron & Richie Phillips
(Partake of emblems as passed)

OFFERING
Offertory: Savannah Slone

MESSAGE
Jerry Bliffen

RESPONSE TO CHRIST’S INVITATION
Where He Leads Me 593
Closing Remarks & Prayer
The Family of God 419

SERVING TODAY
Lord’s Supper
Sherwood Cool Bill Webb Sammie Carter Tony Mims
Greg Mateyoke Jonathan Elkins Josh Slone Gary Hamilton
Randy Mullins – N Kerry Fannin - B
Communion To Sick: E.W. Damron & Homer Edmonds
Nursery: Summer Stump & Brooke Elkins
Greeters Next Sunday: Phyllis Howard & Rhonda Harris
Wee Worship – 11 am (Nursery class) Beginner Worship – 11 am (Beg. Class)
Jr. Church – 11:30 am (Grades 1-5)

PRAYER REQUESTS – Sick List: Lucille Ratliff, Vonda Matney, Stella Mitchell, Joy Lawson, Pitts Fife, Brandon Branham, Laurel King, Halligene Cansler, Nancy Burke, Freeda Smith, Julia Billiter, Paula Gillispie, Ballard Wright, Tim Taylor, Kimberly Hopson, Ruth Ratliff, Gene King, Sheryl Chaney & baby, Mattie Boyd, Yolanda Spencer & baby, Nelbie Adkins, Tommy Conway, Kim Bowersock, Gary Robinette, Jeanette Flannery, Charles Hall, Ruth Hiatt, Nancy Fuller, Artie Salisbury, Virgil Ray, Kendra Hall, Karen Lowe, Rebecca Newsome, Wanda Adkins, Ikey Richie, Birdelle Justice, James Honaker, David Patrick, Jackie Adkins, Rick Camron, Jason Slone, Eileen Treap, Lucille Smith, Thelmer McClanahan, Mikala Coleman, Wanda Justice, Arvid Tibbs, Zenna Blackburn, Marie Clark, Eulavene Edmonds, Doug Hall, Mary Damron, Gary Davis, David Carpenter, Greg & Jeff Mullins, Lorene Cordial, Heath Thompson, Hazel Adkins, Regina Johnson, Bud Dye, Connie Wagner, Joe Moore, Bea Stanley, Susie Coleman, Mary Evelyn Thompson, Delbert Coleman, James Matney, Arizona Smith, Archie Hobson, Aleia Cornelius, Daniel Newsome, Gene Price, Lora J. Stratton, Mayzona Parker, Alta Hamilton, Arizona Davis, Lillian Belcher, Ray Goins, Alberta Isaac, Gary Buckley, Carmel Clark, Winkie Gilliam, Brody Hunter, Patty Collins, Cecil Isaac, Cecil Lawson, Wendel Gilliam, L.G. Bevins, Hazel Allen, Sandy Isaac, June Compton, Ruth Scott, Charles Sword, Goldie Gillispie, Margaret Friend Sympathy to the families of: Ruth Ratliff, Glema Brown, Willard Owens, Claude Isaac, Todd Rowe Nursing Home: John Robinette, R.B. Clark, Jr., Edith May, James Casebolt, Shelby Posey, Marie Comer, Ernestine Gillispie, Delsie Weddington, Michael Carrol, Beulah Robinson, Ima Jean Newsome, Blanche Howell, Phyllis Cummins, Elmo Pinson. Mission of the Week: Florida Work Crew

The Zebulon Church of Christ will host the annual Watch Night service at 8 pm Fri. night. Singers from Coal Run who plan to participate need to notify Shane in advance.

Be praying for those going to Florida on the work trip today through Saturday.

We will ordain Bro. Steve Dye to the office of deacon next Sunday night at 6 p.m.

The Bible Bowl Tournament over the book of Luke is January 14^th here at Coal Run at 8 p.m. Following the competition, the Bible Bowlers and their sponsors will be going to the YMCA for a lock-in from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Our total offering today will go to the Building Fund.

Thanks to all who helped with the Live Nativity. It was a blessing to all who came and we appreciate all who made it possible.

The "Faith Comes By Hearing" program begins Saturday for all those who committed to listening to the entire New Testament during the first two months of 2005. Let’s all grow in faith and knowledge in the new year by spending time in God’s Word.

A Chosen Vessel

Luke 2:25-35

Throughout history, whenever God needed something important done on earth, He would choose a human vessel and use him or her as a special instrument in His hands. At this time of year, we normally think of Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, shepherds, and magi. But today we want to consider the example of Simeon.

I. A correct attitude toward God

A. Not all men used of God were righteous or devout.

B. Simeon was right with God --- "just."

C. Simeon was devout in worship.

II. Man of patience

D. He was "waiting."

E. God doesn’t work according to our timetable.

F. Always be prepared to serve when He calls!

III. Open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit

G. Simeon came "by the Spirit" into the temple

H. Does the Holy Spirit lead us into service for Christ?

I. He works through His word and His opportunities.

IV. Understand that hardship may come with service.

J. Consider Mary and Joseph.

K. Sometimes criticism and scorn come with doing His will.

L. God did not promise it would be easy.

God desires to use YOU as His chosen vessel. He has a purpose and a plan for your life. Yield to His authority and Lordship.