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Issue Home December 3, 2002 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Gold From God's Word
Advent Services At Holy Name Of Mary
Christmas Tea At Thompson Baptist

GOLD FROM GOD'S WORD

Someone has said that "almost" only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, meaning that they scored by "almost" hitting the mark. However, in reality they missed! The word "almost" means , "very nearly; not quite." In light of this, we may conclude that to come close to the target, or "almost" hit it, means to completely miss it! Almost, but not quite.

Recently, while reading in Acts chapter 26, I came across a true story of a man who was "almost" saved; he was close but not quite. The man's name was Herod Agrippa, a king. Standing before King Agrippa was the world's greatest missionary, the Apostle Paul. As the Apostle Paul testified, the heart of King Agrippa was stirred deeply. The king had been moved by what he heard, and came close to becoming a Christian. For we read in Acts 26:28, " Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to become a Christian." Almost, but not quite. Almost saved, but totally lost!

Many people who "plan" to receive Christ as their personal Savior seem to never get around to it. There is no meaning to "almost" when it comes to salvation. Until a sinner has definitely accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, he has definitely rejected Him! There is no room for "hoping you'll make it," or " thinking it will turn out all right". It's a definite decision made in repentance with an everlasting result and will be manifested by a changed life. It's a matter of taking God at His Word and resting in His promises.

With Christmas coming I'm reminded of the hustle and bustle of this busy season and perhaps therein lies the answer to the question as to why people put off the issue of salvation. The Inn keeper said it over 2000 years ago, and could it be that it still rings true?....." No Room". I know one person that is still wishing he took the time and had listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.......Mr. Agrippa. I hope, with opening of the presents and the opening of your door to family and friends, you'll take time to ponder the meaning of the season and open your heart to that child in the manger. Salvation is the best gift you'll ever receive!

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Advent Services At Holy Name Of Mary

Friday, December 6: monthly Eucharistic Adoration, after the 12:10 p.m. Mass until 8:30 a.m. benediction on Saturday, December 7, followed by Mass at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, December 8: 7:00 p.m. Advent Evensong, a quiet reflective time will be held, followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 1:00 a.m., with benediction and Mass following.

Wednesday, December 11: Knights of Columbus will conduct a Marian Hour of Prayer as part of the 7:00 p.m. Mass.

Advent Penance services, at 7:00 p.m. will be held on the following:

Tuesday, December 10: St. Lawrence, Great Bend.

Thursday, December 12: St. Martin of Tours, Jackson.

Monday, December 16: St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph.

Wednesday, December 18: St. John’s, Susquehanna.

Thursday, December 19: Holy Name of Mary, Montrose.

Monday, December 23: St. Francis, Friendsville.

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Christmas Tea At Thompson Baptist

Thompson Baptist Church will be hosting a Ladies Candlelight Christmas Tea on December 7, 6:00 p.m. All ladies and teens are invited to join for an evening of joyful music by Simple Blessings Music Ministry and a time of storytelling by a special gem, Ruby Shade. Mrs. Shade, also known to some as "Aunt Ruby," was featured nationally on Christian radio for over twenty years. Ruby’s stories continue to weave magic, captivating the attention of young and old alike. Mrs. Shade currently ministers, worldwide in conferences with her husband, Dr. Bill Shade. She continues to have a busy ministry schedule, along with serving as Adjunct Faculty for Bharat Bible College, India, teaching courses on Women’s Ministry, Christian Ed, and Psychology of Teaching Children.

Simple Blessings music ministry will surely bless your heart and make you wish there was time for more. They are a team of young adults and their leader who have ministered over the past few years at various churches and events. This group began singing together during high school days and continue to sing praises to the Lord as college students. Most have been active in Word of Life and high school competitions and now continue to be involved in college chorus.

Plan on attending this special warmhearted evening when "All Hearts Come Home at Christmas." If you would like further information call 727-2461.

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