What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Our Sunday Services always begin with talented musicians. This day is no different. Where would we be without them? Bro. Mike Knight is song leader, Randy Smith plays bass, Bro. Smith on guitar and singing, Steve Frederick is our wonderful drummer, Debra Banta sings, Todd Scott plays guitar, as does his son Austin (WOW, what a talent!!!) Joan sings and plays the keyboard. Do you see how the Lord has blessed us with music??? Sometimes, Emily Smith sings too, and she is awesome! Keep in mind, we are treated to Special Music from Deb, Todd, Mike, Emily, Bro. Smith....Thank you, Lord!!!! Not long ago, Jennifer did a Special for us, and whenever we have a visitor who sings, they will also perform. That can almost be a service in itself.

The congregational singing is something the rest of us can enjoy although we may not be such "songbirds". We sang "Glory to His Name" and "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" from the song book this Sunday. It seems as we age, we tend to appreciate the old hymns that much more. If you ever take the time to research the old hymn~writers and see the turmoil in which some of their lyrics were birthed, it causes you to fall in love with those old~time classics all over again. The new music is good too, but there is just something special about the songs that first told about the sweet "Love of God". "Precious Memories", indeed!!

Lamentations 3:22 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not".

When you prepare a place for God, He will abide there.

A Few Announcements

Take a look at some great things coming up in the life of our church~and plan to be a part of them!!
April 19th Brothers, Jim and Bill Elliott will be here at WCFC. They are coming from Guntersville and from the Carolinas for a singing on Sunday morning as well as Sunday night. (5pm) These two mighty men of God have been singing for the Lord for many years and at one time part of a quartet. Keep in mind, this will be the Sunday after Easter.

There will be some plans for Easter services here and will be announced later. We want to have something for the little ones too.

May 1st and 2nd The Men's Retreat at Camp Booth. Friday night services, lunch on Saturday then come home Saturday afternoon. There are facilities for everyone there. There is an olympic~size pool, Baseball court, fishing tournament, golf tournament, stadium, old~timers events, boats on the County lake. Let your imagination run wild!!

May 15th and 16th The Ladies Retreat at Camp Booth. All the above facilities, only with a feminine touch. It will be wonderful for the ladies too!

July 16th, 17th, 18th, is State Convention held at Metro Church of God in Birmingham. Wouldn't it be powerful to come straight from Convention and go right into:

REVIVAL here at Winfield City Family Church, Sunday May 19th. Our Revival will be held by Bro. Nick McSpaddin, and will run May 19-22. We pray to see many lives changed during these important days.

Bro. Smith hopes to one day have Bro. John Billy Butler to come and preach to us. Many of us do not know him but we are assured he is a preacher not to be forgotten.

Here is something to consider~Since we have resumed our Sunday night services here at the church, it would be wonderful to host a singing once a month. Perhaps on the 2nd or the 4th Sunday of each month. If anyone has an idea about who would be a good prospect for this, we urge you to contact Bro. Smith with their names. We are always open to suggestions about this or anything that we are endeavouring to do for the cause of the Kingdom. Please feel free at any time to share your ideas with us.

Thought for today~I will not allow the past or the future to rob me of the enjoyment of the now!

As always, we desire your sincere prayers for our church and want to stand as a Light in our community.

Alabama Judge Roy Moore

Here is a poem written by this judge who was sued by the ACLU for his stand on the Ten Commandments and was stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip him of the right to practice law in Alabama!!! See what you think about his poem.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrim's pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of Liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown,
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotten to the core,
appointing Godless judges,
who throw reason out the door.

Too soft to place a killer
in a well~deserved tomb,
but brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
Will humbly turn and pray:
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't~then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~Judge Roy Moore~

This says it all. Let's all offer our prayers for Judge Moore to be blessed and for America to wake up and realize what we need to do to keep OUR America the Beautiful. Let's lift Judge Moore up in prayer. He has stood firm and now he needs our support.

IN GOD WE TRUST!!!

BLAH~Snow Day!!!

It is rare that anyone would not welcome a "break" due to "Snow Day", but this was a little bit different for the church members who had to call off Sunday morning services. Our very determinded pastor tried his best, but who can argue with the State Troopers? Of course, we all know here in the Sunny South, just the slightest hint of the white stuff sets off a mad rush to the stores to stock up on supplies~milk and bread. Snow is beautiful and fun, but this little "dusting" could have picked another time.

However, on Sunday night, we had our church services as usual. Bro. Mike sang "We'll All Bow Down", Bro. Todd played guitar and sang "That Good Old Gospel Ship" and Sister Banta did "It's a Good Thing to Praise the Lord". We all enjoyed some old hymns from the songbook. Those old songs never get old and they seem to bring back sweet memories from the simpler times.

Bro. Smith's message was "No More Excuses". In a marriage, as in our walk with the Father, it takes love but also committment. We have to be strong in the Lord to be overcomers, as we live in this world today. We have a choice whether to do good or evil, and that choice is POWERFUL!! A gift from God. Living for Jesus makes fear leave, you have hope, it rids you of anxiety. James 1:12 leaves no doubt that when you endure temptation, when you are tried, you will recieve the Crown of Life.

We are in the Army of God and we are to pierce the darkness with the Word as a mighty Sword. Satan terrorizes us if we fail to recognize the power that the Father has given us. The bait the devil uses on us is our own desires. He can entice and trick you by illusion, fantasy. Remember, if Satan can get you drawn into the conversation, to just get you thinking about his lies, that opens the way for your deception. We must be vigilant and aware of the snares of the enemy. James 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Thanks be to God for His infinite mercy.

Sunday night services~AT LAST!!

This last Sunday evening service on Feb. 22 was more precious since Sister Debbie Banta preached to us a great message. Not only does this mighty warrior for the Lord preach, she is very talented in singing. You can always count on her to deliver, and as she likes to put it, "be instant in season, and out of season".
Highlights of the sermon were that something that's really important to God is for us to be an effective witness. Many folks can quote the Scriptures, but their life doesn't show that they live what they profess. 1Timothy 6:11-13 urges us to fight the good fight, profess a good profession before many witnesses. We must have love for the lost, and (v. 14) keep this commandment without spot. Here is a promise from God's heart to us: "I the Lord will hold thine hand, and will keep thee...." Isaiah 42:6.

We have to be ready to share, to reach someone around us. To see another person come to know Him is the greatest joy a believer can experience. One thing Deb said that really touched me was that since we all have unsaved family members or friends, we need to reach out and minister and pray for people around us, and God will honor that seed faith and raise up someone else who will minister to our loved ones.
Lord, give me a heart of love, is my prayer. God Himself is the Source of love and all things lovely.

We at WCFC desire your prayers and support. God bless you all.

Oh, the Love of God!!

Sunday Morning Service, Feb. 22, 2009

There was a sweet spirit here this Sunday morning. If you are a child of God, you already know that we have His promise to be in our midst when we gather in His name, but it seems to be a much more fulfilling time when the Holy Spirit is manifested in ways that can be felt. How awesome to know that our Lord loves us more than we can imagine. Bro. Todd never disappoints in bringing the SS lesson. Today as we read about the woman with the alabaster box, we saw how Jesus read the hearts of those present. He blessed and forgave the woman whose heart was filled with love for the Savior and He addressed the intolerance and self-righteousness in the heart of Simon. We can learn from this lesson how we should never look down on sinners. The Word reminds us that there is none righteous, no, not one. Jesus, Himself, said in Matthew 9:12, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick". We also need to rely on the Blood of Jesus each day and for every danger we face. Jan Goodwin told us that if we stand on God's Word, evil can't touch us, it cannot come across the Blood Line. What a precious truth, and from a woman who has lived exactly what she says.

Ms. Emily Smith sang up front with her mom and dad today. She sang "Shout to the Lord" and is really doing a great job. We love to see this talented young lady expressing her love for God and using her singing ability to glorify the King.
We were so blessed to have a message in tongues by Jan Goodwin and interpreted by Todd Scott. The Lord is saying to us, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU! DON'T TURN ME AWAY, COME TO ME, I HAVE GIVEN MY ALL TO YOU, JUST KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, MY CHILDREN!!! Oh, what an awesome God we serve!!
Also, a precious lady we ALL love so much, Ms. Rosa, gave a testimony that last week, she felt the healing hand of Jesus on her during the morning church service, and we praise God for her and the example she sets for others. She is letting her light shine for the Master!!

Everyone is invited to come on Sunday nights at 5pm. We are starting to get back to having regular Sunday night services every week. Bro. Smith always has alot of ideas for singing, testifying, fellowship, preaching... whatever it is, you can be assured that what the church does will be done to the glory of the One we serve. Bro. Smith, at the end of every service, will ask: Can you say "Praise the Lord!!". Little louder: "Praise the LORD!!!", you can do better than that!!!: "PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!"

We ask for your prayers and invite you to come "Praise the Lord" with us!

Sunday Night Services 5:00 pm

The church body has voted to begin having Sunday night services at 5:00 p.m.

EVERYONE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

This Sunday night, Feb. 22, 2009 Sister Debra Banta will be ministering & speaking to the congregation.

Invite a friend!!

Prayer~How We Need the Lord.

Praise God for another blessed day of worship on Sunday. We had several visitors and WOW!!! the talent in our congregation. Special music is always welcome. Thanks, Daniel, for singing "I can only Imagine". Good job! Miss Emily Smith is up front singing and she is a wonderful inspiration to everybody!! She not only sings but does dramas for the church. Wouldn't it be dull if not for great musicians?

Bro. Todd Scott taught our lesson on "Faith Born of Desperation". Yes, it is true, when we coast along in life, all it takes is a crisis, large or small, to jolt us back to God for His help. Thank God that He does remember we are dust~human beings, subject to all sorts of human shortcomings. Todd brought out how the Roman Centurian, in Matt 8, appealed to Jesus to have mercy and heal his servant. He had a tender heart and was filled with compassion for the sick man. He had so much faith that it caused Jesus to marvel, JESUS TO MARVEL, saying, "I have not found so great faith". That should remind us today that if we can only believe, all things are possible.



The ladies of the church are going to meet Tuesday night at 6pm to begin plans for the "Bread of Life" ministry. We hope to reach people with some baked goods, cakes, pies, etc. If you know of anyone or a family who might be a prospect for this outreach effort, please contact any of the church members. You can call Dianne Cockrell @487-8802, or Beth Smith @522-7623 or Sondra Sandlin @495-4121 or Susan Scott @412-3032.

Another goal of the WCFC is to form a Prayer Chain. You may reach Jan Goodwin @495-5472. If you don't already know, Jan is a real prayer warrior and someone you would want in your corner when trouble strikes. Bro. Smith can be reached @269-8010. He is a wonderful pastor and a true friend to so many people, it's not hard to see why everyone loves him and his family so much. He asked for prayer requests Sunday morning and there were almost more than anyone could imagine. The needs of people are so great, and there is a very real need for prayer all the time. These are difficult days for so many of God's Children, so please remember to pray for each other as the Lord has instructed.
Some of the requests are:

Gurtus Glover is in the hospital now with lung cancer. He is 51.
Laura Bridges has liver cancer and going through chemo now. She is 49.
Sister Sondra is battling some health problems. Please pray for Sondra.
Margie Henderson's daughter, Joyce is facing serious back problems.
Ms. Dodd, with breast cancer.
Jerri Scott's sister, Judy Files, is in the hospital here in Winfield in Room 330. She really needs our prayers.
Dawn Norris has been fighting cancer for a while now and is having bad reports again.
Caryl Beard has been in much pain with her heel and we need to lift her up to the Lord. She is a blessing to be around and she is missed when she is not at church.
Linda and Arlon Dover asked the church to remember their grown children.
Nola Cockrell has a son, Justin, 33, who has cancer and not doing well at all. They live near Double Springs.
Beverly Foster lost her dad last week. He lived in Texas and was almost 97.

If you need prayer, or know of someone who is sick, call the church and we will bring you before the Father's Throne in prayer.

"Why do we run away from the only One who can help us? Waiting on the Lord is not giving up, it is only putting the problem in God's Hands."

Upcoming Events

Workshops are coming up soon, and are to be held at Camp Booth in Greenpond, Alabama. The dates are February 6th and 7th. These classes will be addressing training in the areas of youth, men, women, stewartship, clerk/treasurer, deacon, new pastor training, along with something new: "worship". All food and lodging will be furnished, but you will need to bring linens and all personal toiletries. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of wonderful church training and to see Camp Booth. Please contact Bro. Dewayne for more information.

The revival will be this coming weekend. Times are Friday night at 7pm., Saturday night at 7pm. Sunday night is Super Bowl Sunday, and we will be enjoying food and fellowship during halftime. Invite everyone you know to come out and get to know our church family.

Study to Show Yourself Approved

Here at WCFC, we are privileged to have a pastor who is qualified to answer any question put to him. And on Wednesday nights, we do put the questions out there. It is just amazing to listen to the results of many untold number of hours Bro. Smith has studied and researched the Scriptures. One such night we did a study on 1 Cor. 14:34-36. "Let your women keep silence in the churches." Needless to say, there are many of us who have never quite come to grips with the true meaning of this teaching. Bro. Dewayne led us in a little history of the Jewish traditions and customs of the day in which Paul was living when he penned these words. It is simple to understand when you have the whole picture presented to you. Please come and join us as we study the Word each Wednesday night at 7pm. Remember, there is cake and coffee in the basement. You will be welcomed and will recieve a great blessing as you open the Word of God and learn of Him.

It would be a good thing to look at some of the teachings of our Lord in the Gospels. In Luke 18:18-25, we see the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked how he could inherit eternal life. He didn't recognize Jesus as the Lord (v.19). To follow Him, we must know who Jesus Christ really is. Those who have a true revelation of God will not be easily swayed. In the world we live in today, Christians everywhere are facing rejection and in some parts of the world, physical torture or death for their faith. In America, high-profile celebrities such as Oprah Wynfrey, are leading multitudes astray. She states openly that there are many pathways to Heaven. God is, after all, within yourselves. The New Age doctrine is sweeping this country and the minds of all who are not truly anchored in the Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah. There is only one way~ONE WAY~and that way is Jesus. To reject Him is to reject the only hope for our souls. Anything else only leads to death and hell. Just as the young ruler of Luke's Gospel needed a Savior, we need a Savior. Are you anchored in the Rock today? Remember that Jesus is only a prayer away.


"Don't worry about what you don't understand of the Bible, worry about what you do understand and don't live by."
Billy Graham