Cookson United Methodist
Reverend Rachel Parrott and the congregation invite all members of the community to be a hero. The Cookson Community Blood Drive will be held Jan. 31, from 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Cookson United Methodist Church at 21685 W. Cookson Bend Road. Walk-ins are always welcome, or visit obi.org and make an appointment. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will give the new COVID-19 antibody test. The blood supply is low, so thanks in advance for being a hero. January is National Blood Donor Month. Be part of this record number of donors for Cookson.
Last week a service was held due to cold weather. The Bible readings were Psalm 36:5-10 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Pastor Rachel began her message by talking about divisions. Paul, in 1 Corinthians writing his first letter, also discussed the issues of divisions. The church was meant to be like Christ himself, continuing to work in the world; one body serving and glorifying the kingdom of God.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, the church was created to be the hands and feet of Christ. To achieve this, it is necessary that all the members cooperate in harmony, the feet to walk, the hands to heal, the mouths to teach, etc. Every donation is important. Paul reminds believers in Corinth that the power of the Holy Spirit is most clearly revealed in how he united a diverse body of believers under the leadership of Christ. The Holy Spirit holds the church together, directs the work, and guides Christians to use their gifts for the “common good.” Love is the motivating factor in using your gifts. Use your gifts to work together to transform yourself, your community and your world. All gifts are given by God. Nobody deserves them. Donations are meant to unite and be used for the common good.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can celebrate this. Seek joy, celebrate the different ways God connects you to others and how you can serve God.
Cindy Ballew
Tahlequah First Baptist
A lady received a phone call at 3:30 in the morning. It was a call she will never forget and a call that changed everything in her life. His neighbor called him to tell him that their neighborhood was flooded. ” Go out ! she begged her hysterically. She stumbled out of bed wondering if what she had heard was really a dream. She walked to the front door and saw that it was very real. Floodwaters were pouring into his neighborhood and the waters were coming fast. In about 20 minutes, his family had loaded up their car and were gone. It only took a few hours for the Great Louisiana Flood to wash away her home and just about everything she owned. His picture memories, his baby photos, his wedding photos and his family photos of his life… it’s all gone. In addition, the precious objects that she had collected over the years in her house – taken away. Never to see again.
After it was over, she felt like she had lost everything. But she hadn’t. You may be in a situation like her. Maybe you lost a lot in a short time. You may feel like darkness surrounds you on all sides. You may have lost a loved one, a job, your health may be failing, or you may be struggling to get by every day. Take time to grieve and allow time to heal the wounds of your losses and your heart. If you are a Christian, know that you have not lost everything and that God is with you and will always be with you. Your salvation and your future are assured beyond this earth.
Even though you can’t feel God’s presence with you right now, the truth is, He’s still there. He never leaves you. Even when things get tough. Look for him and you will find that he is faithful and by your side. You are the beloved of God. He sees you and loves you and will never leave you alone.
Sunday services are: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m.; and discipleship classes, 6 p.m. The Master’s Voice concert will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 23.
Terri Fite
Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
Faith is a primary principle of the gospel. One of the reasons for this is that “without faith it is impossible to please [God](Hebrews 11:6). Faith is a principle of action and also of power. The Scriptures are full of examples of faithful people and the things they did, were able to do, or experienced because of their faith.
As with the miracles performed by Jesus Christ, it was faith in him and his power that made seemingly impossible things a reality. Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said that “faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of all belief and the conduit of divine power.” Miracles are an indicator of divine power and occur after faith has been tested by our actions.
Faith in Christ also results in empowering and strengthening power. “And Christ said, If ye have faith in me, ye shall have power to do all things expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33).
With him, all things necessary for salvation are undoubtedly possible. Faith in Christ means believing and trusting that because of his merits, redemption and resurrection are available to all of God’s children. These blessings, and many others, are attainable but conditional on faith.
Former Judge Van Tassell
Peggs Community Church
Sunday morning service for the January 16 report: this will be an abbreviated report, as I was unable to attend church this week; all the information contained in this document for this week was transmitted to me by telephone.
Attendance for the morning was 50, Eunice Jenkins celebrated her birthday and prayers of sympathy were sent to the family of Mary Ellen Henson. His funeral will take place this Friday, January 21 with plans for a lunch for the family. The seniors’ lunch normally held on the third Thursday of the month has been canceled for this month due to worker illness and bad weather forecast. The open gymnasium scheduled for youth and other participants will still be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday evening January 21.
Brother Rex draws his message from 1 Corinthians 1:17-24, Philippians 1:20-21 and Romans 1:16. The main part of the message was based on the verses of Philippians, one of which reads:
“According to my eager expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, either by life or by death” Philippians 1:20.
The message is also taken from Paul’s epistle to the Romans.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
To be bold in our testimony to others and to walk boldly in the path set before us by the Savior is something all Christians should aspire to. Christians should never, ever be ashamed of the gospel or of Jesus Christ. What are we ashamed of? His mercy? His love? The fact that he died for us so we could have a chance for eternal life? If there’s any shame to feel, it’s that we can’t quite measure up without Jesus. We will never be what he was and is, but without him we will not see paradise.
Hopefully next week I’ll be back to normal and have more information. Be well, stay warm and God bless you.
Kay Cordray
First Apostolic
Prayer and songs of praise opened the services on Sunday evening January 16, as the sweet presence of the Lord was felt among us. “The Christian parent” was taken from 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Hebrews 12:6-11. The world today realizes too late what lack of discipline and correction has done for the youth of this generation. The word of God tells us that no correction is joyous, but brings the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who exercise it.
If we don’t correct our children, we are doing them a disservice. Education systems encouraged self-expression with little or no discipline in classrooms until today armed guards patrol the hallways of many schools. When the laws of God are deviated, chaos results. The habits a child develops – in both extremes – follow him throughout his life. If a parent teaches him to be selfish by giving in to his every whim, that child will expect to receive whatever he wants as an adult, regardless of the needs of others around him.
Rather, a child needs to learn that he will not have what he wants all his life. Sometimes he will have to give in to the needs and rights of others. He must be taught self-discipline and respect for others. Parents who find excuses for their child’s actions will reap the results as the child grows up.
We cannot expect others to give in to the demands of our children.
The word of God tells us that he who spares the rod hates his son. But the one who loves him chastises him as often as he needs. We raise our children to live for the Lord and to work in His service. Our children are a blessing from the Lord. They are likened to arrows in the saying “happy is the man whose quiver is full of them”.
Disrespect for authority today, even in not addressing adults and others with respect, begins at home. There is a lack of closeness in many families today. The word of God tells us that a child left to himself brings shame to his mother, but the rod and reproof give wisdom.
We must be examples for our children by respecting others and obeying rules and regulations. Parents should be consistent in their guidelines for their children. Inconsistency creates confusion. Children need to have boundaries and learn that there is a blessing to be given. Let us show love to our children as the Lord has taught us. The benefits will be endless.
Do not hesitate to visit us at any time: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. We are located two miles south of Speedy’s on Welling Road. For more information, call 918-457-9498.
Nancy Walker
