THE BLUFF CITY CHRISTIAN (USPS 059-120)

PUBLISHED BY THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, POPLAR BLUFF, MO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016 THE BLUFF CITY CHRISTIAN Vol. 70 - 20

THE FOLLOWING GROUPS

WILL NOT MEET IN

NOVEMBER:

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP

THURSDAY WOMEN

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Serving Schedule for November 20, 2016

Worship Leader

Mark Richardson

Children’s Moment

Steve Fowler

Communion Prayer

Todd Richardson

Offertory Prayer

Kathy Richardson

Van Driver

Mark Richardson Communion Preparation

Carlos & Glenda Hicks

Diaconate

Marion Parks, Stan Pinkston, Linda Casey, Trenton Vincent

Winter Coat Drive October 16 - November 27th

Clean out your closets and help

out the cause! Please donate your

new and gently worn coats for

men, women and children to help

those less fortunate stay a little

warmer this winter. There will be

a table set up in the hallway by

the parlor for you to drop your

items. For more information

please contact Jan Duffy.

Hanging of the Greens Many hands make light work! It’s

time to decorate the church for Christmas. Everyone is invited to at-

tend as we decorate the sanctuary, fel-lowship hall and chapel on November 20th at 3:00 p.m. A chili supper will follow the Hanging of the Greens in

the Fellowship Hall on November 20th. Chili will be provided, please

bring a dish to share. We look forward to a time of

fellowship as we prepare for the coming Christmas season.

Serving Schedule for November 27, 2016

Worship Leader

Todd Richardson

Children’s Moment

Ed Lewis

Communion Prayer

Gail Doss

Offertory Prayer

George McCall

Van Driver

Mark Richardson Communion Preparation

George & Annette McCall

Diaconate

Rob Blackwell, Carlos Hicks,

LuWanna Forister, Jim Hillis

FILL THE FIRE TRUCK FOOD DRIVE For the benefit of the many folks in our community who need assistance,

our annual Fall Food Drive is Saturday, November 19th. Once again we’ll be set up in front of Kroger, from 10 a.m. until 3p.m. At 3 p.m. we’ll deliv-

er half the food and monetary donations to Child Concern, the other half will go to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Sign up with Jan Duffy to

help collect and deliver the food. See you then!

Congratulations to Coach

Jack Childress and the Van

Buren, MO Lady Dawgs for

winning the Class 1 MSHSAA

Softball State title.

Sunday, November 20th is pledge Sunday. Please return your

pledge cards.

PAGE 2 THE BLUFF CITY CHRISTIAN THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

THE BLUFF CITY CHRISTIAN Published Weekly Except in August By

THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH Located at Main & Davis St. Mailing Address: 1601 N. Main Office Ph. 785-6466

Entered as periodical matter October 16, 1945, at the Post Office at Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901, Under the Act of March 3, 1897 SUBSCRIPTION-$10.00

CIRCULATION-180 Minister ...................................................................................... Rev. Frank Chlastak Music Director ...................................................................................... Bill Clanahan Organist…………………………………………………………………Mary Holley Youth Director ...................................................................................... Bill Clanahan Secretary……………………………………………………………… Linda Everett Custodians .......................................................................... Kenny and Kay Gilbreath Web Site ............................................................................. www.firstchristianpb.org E-Mail Addresses: ......................................................... church@firstchristianpb.org

pastorfrank@firstchristianpb.org bill@firstchristianpb.org linda@firstchristianpb.org

OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M

J.D.’s Quick Stop, Inc. Full Service Gas & Groceries

1529 North Main OPEN 6 A.M. - 10 P.M. 7 DAYS

785-0360

Southern Bank

www.bankwithsouthern.com

Home Office 531 Vine St, P.O. Box 520

Poplar Bluff, MO (573)778-1800

FDIC

INSURED

SWAFFORD’S STATION

1319 N. Westwood Blvd. Poplar Bluff, Mo 63901

Expert Auto Service

Tires ● Batteries ●Accessories Tune-ups ● Break Service

Auto Air Conditioning

Road Service

573-686-4243

Owners: Bill & Carol Swafford

Open 7 days 6 a.m. –11 p.m. till 12 midnight on Friday & Saturday

ATTENDANCE REPORT November 6, 2016

ATTENDANCE: Worship ...................................... 41 Children’s Church ......................... 7 TOTAL WORSHIP .................. 48 SUNDAY SCHOOL: Elementary A/B ............................ 7 Homebuilders................................ 8 Men’s Class .................................. 6 Total ........................................... 21

ATTENDANCE REPORT October 30, 2016

ATTENDANCE: Worship ....................................... 45 Children’s Church ......................... 4 TOTAL WORSHIP .................. 49 SUNDAY SCHOOL Elementary A/B ............................. 6 Homebuilders ................................ 8 Men’s Class ................................... 5 Total ............................................ 19

One of the most heart breaking stories in the Bible to me is the story of the rich young ruler. This remarkable young man had made many “right” choic-es in his life and he was obviously from a successful, af-fluent family.

In his community, he was admired and highly respected as a young man of both character and position. He realized that his wealth and influence came with responsibility and he seemed to embrace that. But, something was still missing. Despite all that he was and had, he knew that he needed to be saved. His stuff wasn’t enough. He also recognized that there was something extraordinary about the authority and teachings of Jesus. In the gospel of Mark it says he ran to Jesus and then, this wealthy, influential man knelt down and humbly asked the simple sandal shoed carpenter, “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus saw the young man’s desire to measure up to the mark. Jesus saw his hunger to hear from a man he considered a great teacher. Jesus saw his willingness to do the right thing. Jesus said, “You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely. Do not cheat, honor your father and mother.” "Teacher, I have obeyed all these laws since I was a child.” Before Jesus re-sponded to the rich young ruler, the Bible says he looked at him and he felt great love for him. Then Jesus said, “You lack only one thing – go and sell all you have and give your money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come fol-low me.” The Bible says the man’s face fell and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. What was that conversation all about? Jesus was extending an invitation to this man to embark on a “God-adventure” with Him. It was up to the man to choose what he would do. As much as he loved God, as much as he obeyed the law, he was entangled in and limited by his possessions. Jesus wanted to give him a new identity and a new name. Jesus was inviting him to come along with Him into a life of walking in God’s plans and God’s purposes where God leads and supplies all that is needed. It’s an invitation that is extended to every follower of Jesus. God isn’t just out to touch our hearts and forgive our sins. God wants to change us. Then he wants to use us. The more we are willing to be changed, the more He is able to use us. I wonder what might have happened if the rich young ruler had said “yes.” I wonder how many times he asked himself that question over the years. What about you? You are created for God-adventures, you know. Don’t settle for a mediocre life because it is safe and predictable. Jesus is inviting you to walk with Him. You have to let go of everything else so you can hold on to Him. Don’t miss out on His purposes for you. Say “yes!” and grab hold. Pastor Frank

Perfect Attendance for

October 2016

Ele. A & B Doris Chlastak Pat Fowler

Men’s Bible Class Pastor Frank Bill Clanahan Steve Fowler Ed Lewis

Homebuilders Margie Champion Gail Doss Kay Gilbreath Gleta Gorman Mary Grobe Betty Jackson Eva Kay Smith

At Home Bobby Brannum, Dr. Bob Casey,

Margena Halferty, Bryce Hinkson, Ramona Sutton

Nursing Home Residents C.M. Wilson (Oakdale)

Cedargate Assisted Living Pauline Hearne (Phase 2, #9)

Oakdale Assisted Living Wilma Burwell, Mary Fears,

Bettie Linn

[Names will remain on our Prayer Concern list until the Church Office is notified to

remove them.]

Cristian Women’s Fellowship

Thursday, November 17 1:30 p.m. at Anne’s Home

Hostesses: Anne Roberts

Program: LaVerne Matthews