CENTERVILLE MESSENGER (096380) Free Upon Request-Published Weekly by Centerville Church of Christ, 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033-1427 March 18, 2020 Volume XXXX –Number 11

Todd Parsley

“From Where I Sit” There is a lot of uncertainty in the world currently, there is a whole lot of fear in the world right now. The current pandemic with the COVID-19 virus has many people panicked and fearful. Any time we don't feel like we are in total control of our situation it brings about a certain level of fear. Is that how a Christian should react? How should a Christian handle adversity in life? Consider the words of Isaiah; “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). What a wonderful passage of scripture, what a great promise from God! Yet, fear is common to us all. Even though God’s word repeatedly admonishes against fear, encourages us to not be fearful, assures us that we need not fear, as long as we walk faithfully with God. In Isaiah, God gives the instruction “fear not” followed by the assurance “for I am with you.” He goes on to say “be not dismayed” followed by the promise “for I am your God.” He then makes the promise; “I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you”. With such promises from God one might reason that there is no reason for us to fear anything. Yet, as I already noted, fear is an emotion that is familiar to all of us. We experience all kinds of fears, fear of danger, pain, suffering, failure, losing our job, fear for our family's safety, fear of catching the coronavirus and on and on goes the list. Truth is, most of the things over which we experience fear probably never happen. But we fear for them anyway. Perhaps our greatest fear is the fear of dying. The great unknown. Yet even in the face of death Jesus exhorts us “Let not your heart be troubled” and “neither let it be afraid” (John. 14:1-2, 27). It is appointed by God that we will all die and, after death, face the judgment (Heb. 9:27). If we are saved in Christ we need not fear death (Romans. 8:1). If we live faithfully before Him we are assured of eternity with God. Why, then, do we still fear? The reason that most all of us have fears may well be summed up in two areas of our life: Lack Of Faith In God and Lack Of Faithfulness in our daily lives. A big part of faith is trust. Do we trust God to keep His promises to be with us, to strengthen us, help and uphold us? We are assured that our faith can serve as an effective shield that can “quench all the fiery darts of the devil” (Eph. 6:16). Faith in God is key to being able to stand on God’s promises. Perhaps our greatest fear is that we are not living faithfully before God. In order to truly walk with God, we have to actively turn away from sin. We have to not only profess faith in God, but we have to live a life that demonstrates faith in God. That means faithfulness to Him, exhibited by our obedience to His teachings. Key to obedience is our repentance from sin (Acts 3:19). We realize that “the wages of sin is death…” If we also realize that we are living a sinful lifestyle, then we know we have reason to fear. The answer is to turn away from sin and walk in obedience to God. When we truly have faith in God and we also live faithfully before Him, then we’ll be better able, as we live each day, to “Fear not”. Again, with all the uncertainty about COVID-19, I will take the necessary precautions recommended by the health professionals. I will wash my hands even more than I already did before. I will continue to pray for our nation and our leaders. I will continue to live as faithfully as I can. I will trust, not fear, knowing that our great God is still in control. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". 2 Timothy 1:7 God be with you! Todd

Carter’s Corner

…Mark Your Calendar!!! The 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Centerville Church of Christ will be September 20, 2020. If you have a special

memory of the church that you would like to share, please write it down on a piece of paper and turn it in to the office or email: tammy@centervillechurchofchrist.org. We would like to compile these memories to have on this special day. This can also include any old recipes that were used long ago.

We want to welcome Kay Shaw to our Centerville Family! Kay is a sister of

Sandy McFarlin and Reba Horner.

Kay’s address is:

1668 New Hwy. 7

Columbia, Tennessee 38401

Welcome!

Placing Membership

KNOW YOU COULD TELL BY ALL THE PICTURES in last week’s Messenger that we had a wonderful time on the Sr. High Retreat last weekend in Gatlinburg! Our group of 37 students and 8 chaperones enjoyed an awesome weekend in Gatlinburg relaxing (not resting), spending time with each other, enjoying the sights and fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and spending a great amount of time in devotional and Bible study. I am thankful for the great group of young people that went on our trip. Their attitudes and maturity made for a great weekend free from any issues whatsoever. A big thank you goes to Shelby, Mike & Regina Elkins,

Brett & Heather Martin, and David & Kathy Brown for all their work driving vans, cooking, and spending time with our students. THE YOUTH CALENDAR is going to look different in the coming weeks as all extra-curricular activities of our congregation are being postponed in the coming days in effort to combat the spread of illness to each other. We will be passing along more information and updates to you in the coming weeks. THE 2020 CHALLENGE continues on as we are now studying the book of Luke. I hope you are still committed to reading and being a part of our 2020 Challenge, and I encourage you to start if you have not already done so. I am sure we will all have a little extra time on our hands in the coming weeks, so I suggest to you to make sure you spend time studying your Bible daily and getting caught up on your reading. In Him, Carter

We are experiencing uncertain times due to the COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Your shepherds are watching closely the progression of this virus. Due to the latest information concerning this virus we have implemented these precautions and they will remain in effect until Sunday, April 12th. It is our goal to make sure that we do everything within our power to keep people as safe as possible during this time. We encourage limited hand shaking, hugging, or other personal touching. In the auditorium practice social distance if possible. We will keep the building cleaned and disinfected. We will have individuals placed at the entry doors to limit the touching of handles. Disinfectant wipes are available in foyer and other locations if needed. For the Lord’s Supper if you are unsure of taking this as usual, we have available in the foyer individual travel bread and juice kits. As far as worship services, 1) Sunday Morning Worship will be scheduled each Sunday at 9:00 am. NO BIBLE CLASSES. 2) Sunday Evening Worship will meet as scheduled at 5:00 pm. NO BIBLE HOUR FOR KIDS. 3) Wednesday Night Services will meet as scheduled at 7:00 pm with devotional services only. NO CLASSES. We do offer, as always, worship streaming for all services for anyone unable to join us. We encourage you that if you are sick or are high risk, please stay at home and join us on our live stream, our facebook stream, or our radio program. All activities outside of normal worship are canceled. This includes anything at the building or off premises. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjustments will be made as we deem necessary. As always, your input is always welcomed. If anyone needs help, please contact the church office, one of the elders or ministers. We covet your prayers and support as we do not take lightly the responsibility to shepherd this church family and protect her through love, concern, and continued guidance through prayer and well considered decision making. David penned in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Your Elders

The Shepherd’s

Pen

CONTRIBUTION March 15 : $ 10,593.00

Camp: $ 186.00

Budget: $12,976.00

Recovering from surgery or other illness: Glenda Teet, Glenna Hill, Bobby & Joyce Mayberry, Grace Pinkerton, Barbara Dawes, Dan Elkins, Kitty Pharris, Alden Chilton, Ann & J.C. Wells, Ruth Reece, Ann Spencer, Allene Gordon Please Pray For Those Who Are Dealing With Cancer: Lonnie Gilliam, Elizabeth Givens, George Peterson, Wilburn Horner, Sandy Bagwell, Phil Shelton, Ann Lauran Plunkett, Jimmy Jenkins, Susan Hardy, Ronny Pitman, Ricky Pittman, Jimmy Copley, Gwen Rogers, David Talley, Beverly Grimes, Henrietta Rochelle, Jerry Shepard, Jimmy Mathis, John Beard Lyme Disease: Anna Ingram Ballou Betty Davis: 2259 Sunset Cove Gemantown, TN. 38138 Bobbie June Kittrell: 8353 Highway 100 Apt. 102 Nashville, TN. 37221 Doug & Maxine Shepherd: 301 Walrose Circle Searcy, Arkansas 72143

Home: Mildred Bridges, Dorris Claud, Floy Gatewood, Floy Lyell, Alvitea Sunder, A.J. & Willie B. Coates, J.W. & Sue Roder, Troy Parks

...Lonnie Gilliam is in St. Thomas West for tests. ...Charlie Shelton is recovering from carotid surgery at home. ...Juanita Garner will having tests on her heart. ...Anthony Mayberry, son of Bobby & Joyce, is recovering from surgery. ...Josh Rushton, grandson of Doyle & Marge, has returned home from the hospital.

Thank You

Memorial

Nursing Home: Life Care Center: Seth Armstrong, Pearl Gordon, Betty Claud, Addie Bell Nash, Georgia Moss, Larry Talley, Bobby Breece St. Thomas Hickman Nursing Home: Martha Bates, Jane Luckett, Francis McClanahan, Eltie Davis, Sybil Jenkins

Prayer Request

Please Remember In Your Prayers...

The "REVEAL MEAL" on Sunday, March 29th, in the Fellowship Hall has been cancelled.

College Secret Friend Fellowship Has Been

Cancelled...

Faith Smith has requested your prayers for forgiveness of sin in her life.

The family of Bert Mathis writes: “Centerville Church of Christ, We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and concern shown to us during Bert’s hospital stay and passing. It has been overwhelming. Thank you for the cards, phone calls, food, visits and beautiful lantern. It will be a wonderful reminder of your love. We would not have been able to make it through this difficult time without everyone’s care and kindness.” Love, Judy, Robert, and Jerry Elizabeth Mathis The Family of Dean Bates writes: “ Everyone at the Centerville Church of Christ, We thank you for the love and support you have shown to our family during our father’s recent passing. More than that, we are grateful for the loving church home that the Centerville Church of Christ was to our parents for so many years, and for my brother and I as children growing up in this church. The beautiful lanterns will forever be a reminder of the fellowship in our lives. Thank you again for your love, prayers and support. Michael & Malina Taylor and family, Danny & Haley Bates & Family. The Family of Virginia Whitesell writes: “Dear Church Family, It is so comforting to know that others are blessing you with thoughts & prayers as you mourn the loss of a mother. I’m so very grateful for all of your cards, concern and for the lovely lantern. Fondly, Joy McDonald The Family Of Bob McDonald writes: “Words cannot express our sincere thanks to our church family for the love and support shown to us at the loss of our loved one Bob. Your calls, cards, visits to the funeral home and the food prepared for our family was truly appreciated. Bob loved the Centerville Church of Christ and so do we. Bill & Joy McDonald & Family

There will be a drop-off shower for Lauren Hunt, bride elect of

Trevor Demary on March 22 & 29!

Lauren & Trevor are registered at Target, Walmart and Amazon. Lauren is the

daughter of Joey & Charlene Hunt.

...a Memorial has been given to the Outreach Ministry in memory of Donald Brown, brother of Johnnie Ruth Elrod, by the Merriweather and Friends Ornament Club. ...a Memorial has been given to the Education Scholarship Fund in memory of Kay Mayberry, Bob McDonald, and Dale Moss by Bobby & Valerie McCoy. ...a Memorial has been given to the Mission Fund in memory of Martha Leathers and Bert Mathis by Mike & Janice Brown. ...a Memorial has been given to the Camp Meribah Scholarship Fund in memory of Bert Mathis by Doug & Maxine Sheperd. ...a Memorial has been given to the Education Scholarship Fund in memory of Bert Mathis by Dick & Judy Dodd. ...a Memorial has been given to the Tornado Disaster Relief in memory of Bert Mathis and Virginia Whitesell by Don Luther.

Sympathy

...We express our sympathy to the family of Grace Britt who passed away in Scott’s Hill Tennessee. She was the mother of Barbara (Garry) Greer. Her service will be Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Pafford Funeral Home in Scott’s Hill at 2 P.M. with visitation prior to service from 10-2p.

Life-Line Daily Updates & Devotional

Message 931-729-5055

Place Stamp

Here

Read Scripture

March 22: Alan Potts

March 29:

George Simmons

Elder’s Prayer

March 22: Wayne Qualls

March 29:

Craig Shelton

Prayer Week Of March 22

S.M.W. S.M.D.

Marshall Spencer Eric Coleman S.E.W. S.E.D.

Ryan McDonald Brandon McCauley W.E.B.S. W.E.D.

George Simmons Chris Teet

Preside

March 22: James Aydelott

March 29: Dr. Jerry Nash

Right Phillip Allen

Randy Wright Weston Elkins

Cameron Wright

Left Brian Qualls

Jeremy Qualls Alan Potts

Major Qualls

Treasure Hunting

Ladies’ Retreat 2020 May 1-2

Information Sheets and Registration Forms

On the table in the foyer

Be on the lookout

Our Elders

Wayne Qualls

Craig Shelton

Shane Willis

Ken Dickerson

Mike Elkins

Gary Gatewood

Mike Goodpasture