Prayer Request 8/31

Jeanne Lamb sent this message tonight: "My neighbor, Tommy Gantt, will have surgery tomorrow morning to remove one of his lungs, and part of his ribs. They don't know if they can get all of the cancer. . .but we know God is in control."

Prayer Request - 8/31

Betsy Mills has this request:  "I'm having a heart cath tomorrow (9/1) morning and would appreciate prayers -- especially for peace and calm."

Prayer Request - 8/30

Former member, Amber Offutt, sent this message:  "My brother, JD Connerley has recently found out that he possibly has thyroid cancer and today is having surgery to have thyroid removed."

Prayer Request - 8/30

Please keep my sweet friends, Jason and Erica Vickers, in your prayers today.  Their baby girl, Erin Rose, will come in to the world today.  They don't know how long they will have her, as she has many health problems.  But they will love her all of her life!  (And today is Jason's birthday too.)

THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

Prayer Requests - 8/29

• Doris Helm and her daughter Jackie went forward Sunday morning and said that they'd been neglectful in attending services and asked for prayers to be stronger Christians.
• Sherrie Boyd has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and is seeing a specialist in Dallas today.
• Lesa Bulls' dad, Willard Brockinton, is having many health issues.
• Lesa also asked that we continue to pray for Sandra Graves.  She has liver cancer and it has gone into her bones.

HE hears us...

Prayer Request - 8/24

Charlotte Groom's husband, Kenneth is in PRMC with pneumonia prayers appreciated.

Funeral Services for David S. Power

Funeral services for David S. Power will be Thursday (8/24) at 10am at the Bright Holland Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation will be Wednesday night, 6-8pm, also at the Funeral Home.
Mr. Power was David I. Power's dad and Kim Hanley's step-dad.

Our Sympathy...

David S. Power, father of David I. Power and step-dad of Kim Hanley, passed away early this morning.  Services are pending at Bright Holland Funeral Home.

Weekly Update - 8/21

RESPONSE:  Felicia Williams asked for prayers for her and her daughter, Danielle, who is mentally and physically challenged.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Sherry Welch – Recovering at home from cancer surgery this past week.
• Sherrie Boyd - Health
• Autumn Taylor – Recovering from surgery
• Butch Mills - Health
• Elizabeth Shew - Health
• Cherry Walker - Health
• Julie Rook – Continuing to take cancer treatments.
• Roy Jones – Has been moved to Birchwood Manor Nursing Home in Cooper.
• Harley & Lucy Staley - Health
• Paul & Carol Helton - Health
• Carl Melton - Health
• Joel Casey - Health
• Webber Woodall - Health
• John Figgins - Cancer
• Louise Peace - Health
• Kristi Anthony – Mental and physical health
• Lance Johnson - ALS
• David Power and Family – His Dad is in grave condition.
• Mike Grigsby – in PRMC with an infection. (former member)
• Eddie Ruthart – Cancer (friend of Molly’s)
• Ricky Harmon – Health (works for Wayne Kerby)

SHOE DRIVE—United Way of Lamar Co is collecting donations of new (or like new) athletic shoes and sneakers to be given to children in need. All sizes needed. New shoes are the #1 requested item from our local school counselors. Shoes can be dropped off in the foyer.  Marie Faulkner will deliver them for us. Deadline is Sunday, August 28th.

DIRECTORY PICTURES — will continue August 24th. To sign up, either call the office or schedule on your own from your phone or home computer. Go to lacoc.org and click on the Life Touch banner. If you bring a pantry item to your appointment, you will receive a $5.00 discount on your portrait order.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with the check-in process during our upcoming directory photo shoot, Aug. 24th-27th. See Keith Bollman if you can help.

FAITHFUL READERS—The next meeting will be on September. 11th. You have plenty of time to read the book, All the Way Home, by Ann Tatlock. Linda Vickers will lead the discussion. Everyone is welcome to join!

LADIES BIBLE CLASS—will begin September 7 at 10 o'clock. Our study it's called Living Beyond Yourself. We will be studying the book of Galatians centering on the fruit of the Spirit. We will have a pot luck salad luncheon and all ladies are invited.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Please join us for a Back To School Celebration.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31st
All ages welcome!!!
5:00—6:30 PM—Fun & Games
(Bounce House outside; Indoor games; Crafts.)
5:30—6:15 PM—Hotdogs
6:30—7:00 PM—Devotional in Auditorium
7:00—7:30 PM—Watermelon Feast

PANTRY NEEDS:  Cereal and Shampoo

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Summer Clothes (all sizes) and toddler socks

SIMPLE SUPPER:  Resumes September 7^th

 

KEEP THE DATE:

Aug. 24-27:  Pictorial Directory (2nd Session)
Aug. 28: United Way Shoe Drive ends
Aug 31:  Back To School Bash (for all ages!)
Sept. 7:  Ladies Bible class resumes
Sept 7:  Simple Supper Resumes
Sept. 24-25: Youth Retreat @ CDR


Love you - MEAN IT!

Back to School Prayer

Just one thing. . .

Update on Sherry Welch 8/19

Tanya Welch posted this morning:  "Sherry Welch will finally be released today from Baylor hospital. We had a little set back in our schedule due to Sherry's pain level after surgery. She is doing better and we will be back in Paris later today. Please continue to pray for her complete recovery AND for good news in 3 months when we go for follow-up. Prayers that all the little cancer cells have been eradicated and absolutely none left behind. It's time to get back to LIVING!!! Thank you all for your support, prayers, texts, phone calls and messages. Keep it up! Sherry will be back in the saddle and returning phone calls and fb messages soon!"

Garden Apartments Update 8/18

This Saturday (8/20) LACOC will be a drop off point, for monetary donations for the Garden Apartment families.
Teresa Allen is in charge of this this effort. If you have questions, you may call her at 903-669-8841.
You will also have a chance to donate, Sunday morning at the Welcome Center.

Update on Webber Woodall - 8/17

Webber had an appointment with the neuro-surgeon, at Baylor, today for the Degenerative Disc Disease and spinal stenosis.
The doctor doesn't want to do the back surgery until the abdominal hernia is removed. (Too high of a risk.)
He's referred him to a surgeon. 

Update on Sherry Welch - 8/17

Tanya posted thisupdaye:  "Sherry is out of surgery. Dr just talked to us and everything went well. They will call us when she wakes up. She will spend the night and most likely go home tomorrow afternoon. Follow up CT in 3 months. Love the Dr here. Love this hospital (Baylor Dallas)  and staff. Praising God for good things!!"

Prayer Request 8/17

Please pray for Mike Grigsby.  He has been admitted to PRMC with an infection.  Room # 364.

Prayer Request 8/15

My friend Beverly White sent this message about her Daddy, Eddie Ruthart:  Today we did not get the best of news. While many of Dads cancerous cells have minimized, some have increased.  So, tomorrow he will begin chemotherapy. We are thankful for many things along this journey. Prostate cancer is slow growing, and while it has metastasized to the lymph nodes, spine and some on the liver, there has been much success with containing these cells through chemotherapy. He has certainly been through a lot, but we know God is in control and He will guide and direct our decisions.
The chemo won't be too often and it's mainly to control pain and more growth.
"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My hope is in You" .. Psalm 39:7
Please remember them in your prayers.

Weekly Update - 8/14

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Sherry Welch - Cancer - scheduled for surgery this Wednesday Aug. 17th.
• Autumn Taylor - Will have her tonsils removed on Monday Aug. 15th.
• Sherri Boyd - Will be seeing a specialist soon.
• Butch Mills - Health
• Lance Johnson - ALS  PRMC/Room 326 acute-care.  Visits are welcome! He will be there 7-14 days.
• Webber Woodall - Will be seeing the neuro surgeon this week.
• Julie Rook - Receiving treatments for cancer
• Harley and Lucy Staley - Health...but, Lucy was back with us today!
• Roy Jones - Health
• Carl Melton - Health
• Joel Casey - Health
• Louise Peace - Health
• Kristi Anthony - Mental and physical health.
• Jean Shannon - Serious health issues (Angie Duren's aunt)
• Ricky Harmon - Is feeling better. (Works for Wayne Kerby.)
• Suzie Roden - Had open heart surgery and now in rehab. (Marcus Roden's sister)
• Irene Nichols - Pat Bestel's Mom, passed away last week
• Susan George's brother-in-law, Bill George, received his liver transplant this week and is doing well.
• Clint McMillan - His wife Carol passed away on Tuesday from cancer. (Molly's niece)
• Missionaries all over the world
• All First Responders

TEACHER’S APPRECIATION LUNCHEON—This Tuesday, August 16th, we are planning to serve 400—500 teachers. If you can help serve, please see Kim Hanley. Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you can bring dessert.

APPLES OF GOLD—If you are a woman 40ish or younger please consider signing up TODAY for Apples of Gold! Meetings will be Tuesday nights from 6:00-8:30 for six weeks beginning Sept. 20th. This is a mentoring program based on Titus 2:3-5, older women teaching the younger women. See Sue Johnson or Joanne Wood for more information. Only a few spots left!!

SHOE DRIVE—United Way of Lamar Co is collecting donations of new (or like new) athletic shoes and sneakers to be given to children in need. All sizes needed. New shoes are the #1 requested item from our local school counselors. Shoes can be dropped off in the foyer. Marie Faulkner will deliver them for us. Deadline is Sunday, August 28th.

DIRECTORY PICTURES—will continue August 25th. To sign up, either call the office or schedule on your own from your phone or home computer. Go to lacoc.org and click on the Life Touch banner. If you bring a pantry item to your appointment, you will receive a $5.00 discount on your portrait order.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with the check-in process during our upcoming directory photo shoot, Aug. 25th-27th. See Keith Bollman if you can help.

CONGRATULATIONS—To Mackenzie Beckmon and Ross Denman! Both are recipients of the Jo Bulls Scholarship. Makenzie will be attending Harding University and Ross will attend PJC in the fall.

LOST AND FOUND—items from the coat racks will be on the table near the nursery. Please stop by today to collect your lost items as they will soon be donated!

FAITHFUL READERS—The next meeting will be on September. 11th. You have plenty of time to read the book, All the Way Home, by Ann Tatlock. Linda Vickers will lead the discussion. Everyone is welcome to join!

PANTRY NEEDS - Please continue to help with this ministry. Here is a list of suggested food items: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, soup, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, crackers, macaroni & cheese, canned meat, canned fruit. Other items needed are: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.

PANTRY NEEDS:  Crackers, Spaghetti Sauce and Soup

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Summer clothes (all sizes) / Toddler socks

KEEP THE DATE:

Aug 16 - Teacher's Appreciation Luncheon

Aug 21 - Visitor Luncheon

Aug 25-27 - Pictorial Directory (2nd Session)

Aug 28 - United Way Shoe Drive Ends

Aug 31 - Back To School Bash

Sept 7 - Ladies Bible Class resumes

Sept 7 - Simple Supper Resumes
Sept 11- Faithful Readers
Sept 12 - Divorce Care class starts
Sept 24-25 - Youth Retreat at Camp Deer Run

Love you - MEAN IT!

  

Thank You Lord!

5 Things Elders Need to Hear

5 THINGS ELDERS NEED TO HEAR

Adam Faughn

If it were not tragic, it would be funny. That is this: often, the only thing elders ever hear from the congregation is complaining.

If things are going well, we just assume the elders know we appreciate it. But let things start going downhill–even just a little bit–and we have no problem talking to our shepherds.

Part of being in a position of leadership is understanding that you will hear complaints at times. It comes with the territory. But it really is tragic that too many elders only hear complaints, though they are striving to help people grow closer to the Lord and reach heaven.

Elders are not perfect men, but those who are in this position of leadership are worthy of our consideration and kindness. Additionally, they need to be built up through our words on a regular basis.

To that end, here are 5 things that elders need to hear from each member on a regular basis.

1. I Pray for You. Carrying the weight of watching over the souls of a congregation is a very heavy task, indeed. Elders need to know that members are regularly bringing their names and concerns before the throne of God.
2. I Trust You. Our society always leans toward distrust of anyone in any position of leadership. Yes, that bleeds over into the church. Elders need to hear that the members trust their wise judgment. Even if the elders make mistakes, their intent is not to be harmful or disruptive. They need to know that you know that!
3. I Pray for Your Wife. One of the hardest roles in the church is that of being the wife of an elder. When something is heavy upon the heart of her husband but, due to confidence, he cannot share that with her, it weighs on her heart and mind, as well. She needs your prayers, too, and elders need to know that the members do not treat their wives as some group of “others,” but as ladies who need our prayers.
4. I Think Our Future is Bright. Elders are constantly hearing from people about how things “used to be.” “Back when we were…” is a very common beginning to many conversations with elders. While that certainly has its place, elders need to know that you think the congregation has a bright and God-glorifying future. While they do not seek nor want the credit, it helps put wind in their sails to know that their vision of what–with God’s help–could be is being shared.
5. Thank You. Those two words mean the world to anyone, but especially to those in positions of leadership. Long hours, heart-wrenching prayers, and sleepless nights are the parts of the work that most people do not see. All we see is the fruit of all those things. For those things we should be grateful, and that gratitude needs to be regularly expressed.

Elders hold an office that simply is unequaled in its importance. These pastors love souls, and want the church to grow in number, spirit, and unity. They understand the depth and breadth of their position, and they also know the pressures that come with it.

Just a few words, regularly and honestly spoken by the members, will help these men lighten their load and bring more joy to their lives.

Coming in September

Prayer Request 8/9

Angie Duren sent this message:  Please pray for my Aunt Jean Shannon.  She is currently in ER and will spend the night at Paris Regional and be transferred by ambulance to Presbyterian hopefully tomorrow when a bed is available.  Tests here showed she has pneumonia, congestive heart failure, low sodium, etc.  She was diagnosed several years ago with Scleroderma and has been declining since.

Our Sympathy .....

Please keep my nephew, Clint McMillan, in your prayers. His wife Carol passed away this morning.
Also, please keep her children Britton Coursey and Lacey Hines and grandchildren Evan, Aileena and Darcy in your prayers also.
Thank you Lamar Avenue for praying for Carol the last 2 1/2 years, as she fought this battle.

Cremation arrangements under the direction of Wood Funeral Homes, Deport.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  

Prayer Request 8/9

Autumn Taylor will be having her tonsils removed on Monday the 15th.

Prayer Request - 8/9

Please keep my niece, Carol McMillan, in your prayers.  She is nearing the end of her life.  And please pray for my nephew Clint.  Give him peace.

Weekly Update - 8/7

Thank you Doug Faires for stepping into the pulpit, while Patrick and family are on vacation. 
Doug talked about "Christian Chemistry" and how important it is to be a PART of our church and each others lives.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Sherri Boyd - Will have a heart cath on Tuesday morning. 
• Butch Mills - Is at home recovering from pneumonia.
• Lance Johnson - ALS  PRMC/Room 326 acute-care.  Visits are welcome! He will be there 7-14 days.
• Sherry Welch - Cancer - scheduled for surgery on Aug. 17th.
• Webber Woodall - Health
• Julie Rook - Recovering from cancer surgery
• Horace Johnson - Recovering from surgery
• Harley and Lucy Staley - Health
• Roy Jones - Health
• Carl Melton - Health
• Joel Casey - Health
• Louise Peace - Health
• Kristi Anthony - Mental and physical health.
• Ricky Harmon - Is feeling better. (Works for Wayne Kerby.)
• Suzie Roden - Had open heart surgery and now in rehab. (Marcus Roden's sister)
• Irene Nichols - Is in Heritage House in have condition.  (Pat Bestel's Mom)
• Susan George's brother-in-law, Bill George, received his liver transplant this week and is doing well.
• Carol McMillan - Cancer - Molly's niece.
• Missionaries all over the world
• All First Responders

DIRECTORY PICTURES - This begins this Tuesday night.  Have you signed up???  There are still spots available.  Either call the church office (903-784-0387) or you can schedule your own from your phone or home computer.  Go to our church website lacoc.org and click on the Life Touch banner. If you bring a pantry item to your appointment, you will receive a $5.00 discount on your portrait order.

They are also needing volunteers to help with the check-in process during these sessions.  If you can help, please see Keith Bollman...if you can help at all!!!  Aug 9-13th or Aug 25-27.

TEACHER'S APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - We will have our annual Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, August 16th. There are plans to serve 400-500 teachers. If you can help serve at this, on that day, please see Kim Hanley. If you can bring a dessert, please sign up at the Welcome Center.

PANTRY NEEDS - THANK YOU to those who have brought food to restock the pantry!  Please continue to help with this ministry. Here is a list of suggested food items: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, soup, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, crackers, macaroni & cheese, canned meat, canned fruit. Other items needed are: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.

PANTRY NEEDS:  Soup with meat and cereal

RAINBOW ROOM ITEMS:  Summer clothes (all sizes) / Toddler socks

KEEP THE DATE:

Aug 9-13 - Pictorial Directory (1st Session)

Aug 14 - Apples of Gold Sign-up
Aug 16 - Teacher's Appreciation Luncheon

Aug 21 - Visitor Luncheon

Aug 25-27 - Pictorial Directory (2nd Session)

Aug 31 - Back To School Bash
Sept 11- Faithful Readers
Sept 24-25 - Youth Retreat at Camp Deer Run

Love you - MEAN IT!

Obituary for Paige Parker - 8/4

Paige LaRue Parker, 50, passed away at her home in Quinlan, Texas, on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

Paige was born in Paris, Texas, on April 27, 1966, to Jim Parker and Dolores LaRue Parker. She graduated from North Lamar High School in 1984 and spent most of her career in apartment complex management in the metroplex.

Paige is survived by her spouse of 30 years, Donna Loper; uncle, Bobby LaRue, of Emory, and aunt and uncle Patsy and Marion Parker of Paris. Paige leaves behind many cousins and friends who cherished her beautiful spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; aunt, Eloise Ross; and uncles, Robert Ross, James LaRue, Carroll LaRue and Thomas LaRue.

Her family would like to thank Amber Smith of Quinlan, for the best of friendships and exceptional care and support provided throughout Paige’s fight with cancer. 

After her cremation, the family will hold a private memorial to honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dallas Police Department in her father’s name.

Tonight's Blood Drive

I didn't get photos of everyone who donated today, but there were quite a few!

Thank to all who donated! 

Just think of all the lives we saved! 

This guy is out protecting us, everyday. 

Tonight, he was saving even more lives by giving double red!!!

Curtis Garrett.... Love you - Mean it! 

Justin Welch... YOU ROCK!

This was his first time to give!!!

AND, he was such a good sport, putting up with me...the entire time! 

Caleb Keele ... you are thebombdotcom! 

He also gave for the first time today! 

(Your Grand-Molly was so proud of you! )

Don't forget - tomorrow night!

Our Sympathy - 8/2

Former member Anna Bolton's sister EvaNell Parris passed away.  The funeral will be this Thursday at 2:00PM at the Seagoville church of Christ.  Kyle, the Bolton's son, will be bringing Anna and Roy to the funeral.
If you get the chance to go, it would be a good time to visit with Anna and Roy or just to let them know we still love them.

It should be easy. . .

Prayer Request - 8/1

Heather Blackburn (her sister Amy Hooten is a teacher at Justiss) had breast cancer...she beat it.  She then got thyroid cancer...she beat it.  NOW...it has shown up in a lymph node!  On Friday, she will take a very strong pill of radiation, which will cause her to be quarantined for 10 days.

Please keep Heather, her husband and 2 children in your prayers as they deal with this quarantine.

Celebrating 90 Plus Years of Life 7/31