Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Update on Doug Cato 3/31

Doug's surgery was delayed and didn’t start until about 2:00. The Dr. just called. He told me he did well. He’s awake... moving his arms and legs. He will go to recovery then ICU tonight. If he does well... home tomorrow.
Recovery just called and told me he is there... doing well. They will call again to let me know he is in his room. Thank you all again.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Update on Dee Lyons 3/30

Dee Lyons is out of the hospital. She will need a ride to go to the bank and pick up her medicine tomorrow, if someone can help her.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Our Sympathy...

John West's nephew, Jeff from Moscow, Tennessee, passed away today from heart failure.

Prayer Request 3/29

Cade McFadden, Rickey's son, will be having a heart cath this Thursday in Oklahoma City. 

Update on Doug Cato 3/29

Doug and I FaceTimed this morning. He has had a shower and breakfast. He looks and sounds good but, his BP is still really high. He has not had a MRI yet...maybe today. They are still not allowing any visitors so that’s hard but, he’s in a great place at Plano Medical Center. They specialize in strokes. And, he is ready to be up and running again. He has specifically asked if Ricky Mc can run his trout line for him. He doesn’t like to leave the fish on the line.

He just texted...he is going to get MRI now. 

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Prayer Request 3/28

Karen Cato posted this request this evening: We would like to ask for prayers. Doug had a mini stroke today. He is on his way to Plano for more tests and surgery to clean his carotid artery. We are not allowed to go with him or visit him due to Covid. This is very hard for us. Please also pray for all first responders, medical personnel, and our troops. Thank you so much.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Prayer Request - 3/27

Cynthia Norris sent this message:  Dee Lyons was admitted to PRMC today. She is on a respirator. She needs our prayers for healing grace. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

From The Elders - 3/25

From the Elders...
Lamar Avenue Family:
As we enter our 3rd week of “church isolation” we (your elders) wanted to communicate a few things to you. First and foremost, as we know this time can be very stressful, we must maintain our faith that God is in control! You are not alone! He is always with you and we, as your shepherds, are with you as well. In times like this, we must lean on our faith, prioritize our family (including our church family), and remember what matters most.
Many see this as a dark time for the church, but we see it differently. If there was ever a time for the church to be called into action this is it! This is where we must be encouraging one another, caring for one another, and praying for one another like never before. This is when we need to be praising our Lord and God, and giving thanks for life, for family, for His church, and for the hope we all have in Him that is so much greater than the darkness and pessimism that surrounds us right now. Be assured that your elders are praying for you daily. We are calling people and doing everything we can to be assured everyone is checked on and anyone with a need is attended to. As Randy has said, this is a time for our Life Groups to shine. Hopefully, someone from your group has already called to check on you, and if you do need anything that is the best place to start. While we may not be able to visit our members who are in the hospital, nursing home, or homebound, we can all still call to check on them and maybe even send them a note of encouragement. And of course, all of us can continue to pray for one another!
Although our initial communication stated we would cancel all meetings until March 29, we now find it necessary to suspend all gatherings until further notice. We are watching the pandemic closely along with all the recommendations of the CDC and our federal, state, and local governments. We have elders that are closely linked to the medical community who are able to keep us informed of trends and ongoing recommendations. We are hopeful that it will not be long before it is safe for us to meet together again, but we will continue to communicate with you regularly and let you know as soon as that can happen.
We encourage you to continue to spend time in worship and devotion. Randy is posting lessons to our Facebook page and our website (lacoc.org) a couple of times each week. Also, all members of our church have access to Right Now Media, an online site with thousands of videos related to the Christian faith and Bible study. You can access this through our website under the “Resources” tab. If you haven’t utilized this resource before, contact the office and they can get you set up. As for Sunday morning, we plan to have a post ready for you to access at 10:00 AM on our website and Facebook page, hopefully, to include opportunities for singing and communion in addition to Randy’s message (please have some grape juice and crackers ready so you can participate from home).
Our prayer for you at this time is the same as Paul’s prayer for the church in Thessalonica: "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17
We love you all with the love of the Lord!
Your elders

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Update on Pete Taylor - 3/24

Misty Gage just sent this update on her Dad:  Would y'all please pray for my Dad, Pete Taylor.  He was put back in the hospital Sunday after being released last Sunday. He started dialysis yesterday.  He will be in the hospital for at least a week and a half.  He's been having issues with his breathing and is extremely weak.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Updates 3/21

Randy will be bringing a lesson to us on the LACOC Facebook page.

There are communion kits in the mailbox on the west side of the church. Please only take enough for your family. Provisions will be made for next week, if needed.

Update on Ed Bullard 3/21

Ed Bullard had his heart cath on Wednesday, 2 stints and needs 2 more but because of his kidneys they had to wait. He came home Thursday night and is was re-admitted to the hospital last night with pneumonia.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Update on Barbara Adams 3/20

Kathy Daniels posted this update:  I wanted to let you all know that Mom/Nanaw (aka Barbara Adams) went home from Stillhouse yesterday. Thank you all for the many prayers and all the texts and comments keeping up with how she is doing. I love you all and appreciate each of you. May God bless you all!

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Prayer Request 3/19

Derald Bulls asked that we add Ted Gibson to our prayer list. He will have open heart surgery soon! 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Our Sympathy...

Randy posted this statement:  "Dad, Bobby Johns, died peacefully this morning at 4:05 a.m.
Because of the coronavirus, we are only having a graveside service, Friday morning at 11:00 at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Ada. We will plan a future gathering at the appropriate time to celebrate Dad’s life and tell stories. Because of these circumstances, please do not feel obligated to attend Friday. Use your discretion! We understand. We live and appreciate all of you! Revelation 14:13"

How about some good news?

Carole Anderson sent this message:  Several weeks back Rachel, our granddaughter, was doing a self exam and found a lump in her left breast. She had surgery last Thursday to remove the cyst. Rachel's pathology results came back today and all is clear. She is one of our 21 year old twins. God is so good!

A Message From Loree...

The Power of Fear—Why Disney’s Closure Causes Panic

The Coronavirus conspiracy theories fly.
The realities soak in as more sicken.
And there remains—Not even a scrap. Of Toilet paper. To be purchased. Anywhere.
The toilet paper catastrophe speaks volumes. It says people are taking the threat seriously. Sincerely enough to empty the shelves of milk, bread, and TP. Just in case. And I found myself swept up in the throng with my octogenarian mother—who I encouraged to re-stock her shelves, but I found myself deep in the thick of it, grabbing my own items with abandon—cause everyone else was.
Of course, the serious attention now being taken could be less about the CDC edicts and more about the concerts being canceled right and left and the NBA, MLB, Broadway, and Disney all shuttering their doors in the same week. 
This illuminates some particulars we trust in. Churches meet every week. Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday. And Disney is open 365 days a year. 
But when the largest churches are dark. And Disney shuts down. On. Spring. Break. 
People freak out and panic begins to seep in.
Oh Mickey!
At least Chick-fil-a hasn’t failed us. For now.
I’ve tried to be cool-headed about the daily information slam. But when business greed is willingly starved by closures, I look deeper at my nonchalance and come up with one explanation. 
I’m in denial.
With that scantling of doubt, the sky falls a bit and an inkling of anxiety raises its head. Worry niggles itself into my stomach. I feel like I’m living the surreal—stuck in an apocalyptic horror movie full of town-folk who fear leaving their homes. So I cast my thoughts toward who I know and love that might be a prized candidate for a ravenous virus
And fear begins to strangle.
Fear slithers like a boa constrictor. As the uncoiling begins, it induces us to shrink away. It snakes around, pushing us to act in ways we normally wouldn’t. It devours all in its path and hungers for more. 
It is not of God.
Unless we consciously fight the serpent of fear— it will suffocate us.
Reading God’s promises offers the sword we need to combat this disquiet in our souls. Be still, soak deep these truths and take courage, my friend.
1. …Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. Heb 13:5
2.  Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shieldPS 5:11-12
3.  For God so loved the world, he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
4.  The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
5.  He brought me out in a broad place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Ps 18:19
6.  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort mePs 23:1-4
7.  For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Ps 26:3
Though I have no guarantee of my health or what the future may hold, I know who I belong to,  I know that I am beloved, and I know where my home is. He wants you to release your fears and have that confidence too.
Though man and medicine will fail me with swift repetition,
God Will Never Fail me. 
Like Mickey just did.

Monday, March 16, 2020

A Message From Randy...

“Seven Habits of Highly Effective Members of Lamar Avenue”
1. Be thankful we have prayerful, discerning elders. Their decision to dismiss concurrently with the coronavirus crisis was not an easy one to make. As our shepherds, they are charged with protecting their flock. Sometimes that means protecting us from ourselves! It is better, in this case, to err on the side of caution. Our elders will do their best to keep us informed and encouraged as we weather this storm.
2. Don’t believe everything you hear or read on social media. “The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.” (Proverbs 14:15, The Message) Be sure you are receiving credible information from reliable sources.
3. This, too, shall pass! “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4: 17-18) Gulf War. 9-11. Swine Flu. Katrina. God saw us through all those crises. And, he will see us through this one. HE IS FAITHFUL!
4. Protect and serve the vulnerable. Some are more susceptible to this disease than others. Encourage those who need to stay in with a phone call, text, or email. Leave groceries and supplies on their porch.
5. Use common sense! Don’t expose yourself or others. Use good judgment.
6. Don’t forget to “lay by in store.” Be prepared to make up any giving. Take advantage of our online giving availability.
7. Stay committed to your daily devotionals. There are good resources accessible online. I will be recording what was supposed to be yesterday’s sermon and posting it to the website soon. We are planning to streamline a message this Sunday as other churches did yesterday.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Randy

The work of the church continues...

From the Elders...
During this challenging time for our church, community and nation, the ‘work’ of the church will continue. In fact, as a service to our members who are among the highest risk of the virus, we would ask that you let the church office know if you need assistance in such ways as picking up your medicine, getting groceries or other needs. The office will be open Monday through Friday, (903) 785-0387.
At the same time, we encourage you to consider using the online portal to make your weekly contribution. Online Giving, which can be found on the church website http://lacoc.org/give/. If you prefer, you may mail your offering to the church office.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Weekly Update - 3/15

FROM OUR ELDERS:
·        All services and programs of Lamar Avenue have been suspended for two weeks beginning Sunday 3/15 through Saturday 3/28.
·        This includes Sunday morning Bible Class, Worship time, Life Groups, Sunday Evening Services, and Wednesday Night Services.
·        Kiddie Kollege will not hold classes for the next two weeks.
·        The Latchkey Program will not be providing after-school services for the next two weeks.
·        The Weight Watcher Program which utilizes our building on Thursday evening will not meet for the next two weeks.
·        The ‘Young At Heart’ event scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, has been cancelled.

·        There will be no home school activities at the building the next two Fridays.

OUR SYMPATHY:

  • James Kennedy, father of Lorie Wickes, passed away yesterday and his services will be at 2pm on Tuesday at Bright Holland
  • Mary Ann Williams, mother of Lisa Clarkson, passed away on Friday. Her services will be held on Monday morning at 10 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home in Bogata. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:
  • Donna Mosley had day surgery on Monday.  Everything went well.  "Take a Meal" has been set up on our church facebook page for her.
  • Peggy Dotson - is to have shoulder surgery on March 30th.  "Take A Meal" has also been set up for her on fb as well.  Please sign up if you can help with meals until her surgery time.  She has family coming in after that.
  • Claude Jones is now at Stillhouse in Room D73.
  • Alan Boyd is now at HOME!!!
  • Herchell McClain is at HOME!!!!
  • Hugh Anthony - PRMC/Room 316 for Rehab.
  • Eddie George is scheduled to go home on Wednesday the 18th.
  • Charles Richards continues to be in PRMC/Room 327 for Rehab. He is scheduled to go home the 18th.
  • Dianna Welch is still having blood pressure issues and they have not rescheduled her shoulder surgery.
  • Carol Murphy is at home recovering from surgery on her shoulder. 
  • Jimmy White - Health
  • Ed Bullard - Health
  • Aileen Castlebury - Health
  • Vivian Hicks (Cynthia's aunt) is in PRMC/Room 505 with health issues. 
  • Bobby Salter - Health
  • Dorothy Pearce - Health
  • Kim Maxfield - Health
  • Robert Wilson - Health
  • Cynthia Norris - Health
  • Ora Henderson - Health
  • Leston Maggard - Health
  • Jay and Kristi Anthony -  Health
  • Remember the teachers and students.
  • Please remember the homeless.
  • First Responders
  • Military
THOSE IN NURSING HOMES:
  • Barbara Adams - Stillhouse
  • Johnny Bassett - Stillhouse
  • Bobby Castlebury Stillhouse
  • Janelle Green - Paris Chalet #113
  • Claude Jones - Stillhouse 
  • Ozella Lilly - Stillhouse
  • Mary Ann Williams (Lesa Clarkson's Mom) - Spring Lake
  • Peggy Wright - Pine Tree Assisted Living - Room 10

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR FRIENDS/FAMILY
  • Casey Ressler (local realtor) had a brain anuersym last week. He is still in serious condition.
  • Bill Bass (local business man) had surgery on Thursday in Dallas. He has esophageal cancer.
  • Aaron Marsters (Sherry's son) has been diagnosed with Cronic Myeloid Leukemia. He's 28 years old with a wife and a 1 year old daughter.
  • Neil Collard - Is home and feeling great.
  • Karol Davis (friend of the Bulls') - Health
  • Bobby Johns (Randy John's Dad) - Continues to be in rehab in Ada. 
  • Billy Icenhower - Health
  • The Vanderpools, LiveBeyond Team and the Haitian people


  • Cheryl Bilby
  • Jimmy Faulkner - Another mass was found this week.
  • Carl Haggard 
  • Jackie Helm
  • Laquita Lawrence
  • Linda Nichols (Kristi Garrett's Mom)
  • Cherry Walker






KEEP THE DATE:
Mar 27-29:  JH Camp Deer Run Retreat
Mar 29:  5th Sunday Fellowship
Apr 12:  Easter Sunday
Apr 19:  Beckmon Wedding Shower
Apr 20:  Monday Movie Night - "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood"

Love you - MEAN IT!!!