The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1067030
The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, Januar y 2, 2019 C-1 CHURCH Submit church items: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: news@pressdispatch.net or bring in a hard copy: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg We have all heard the statement: "Misery loves company." It is true that when one is sick or in trouble he does not feel quite so sorry for himself when he realizes that oth- ers are as unfortunate, and perhaps more so, than he. However, some have used this phrase: "Misery loves company," in speaking light- ly of hell. Perhaps you have heard someone say: "Well, if I go to hell, at least I'll have lots of company." This is true, but the compa- ny the lost will have when cast out of God's presence will hardly afford them comfort. The Bible story of the rich man and Laza- rus brings this fact out with great force. The rich man, you will remember, "fared sump- tuously every day," while Lazarus "was laid at his gate, full of sores, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table." In the process of time both died, and the rich man, having felt no need of salvation, suddenly was made to experience God's wrath upon sin, for the sacred record says: "In hell he lifted up his eyes, being in tor- ments" (Luke 16:23). From his place of tor- ment the rich man saw Lazarus with Abra- ham "afar off," but this surely afforded lit- tle comfort, while we do read that "Lazarus was comforted." The rich man, then, still with haughty superiority, asked Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers, "lest they come into this place of torment." He did not wish his brothers to join him in hell. "Misery" among those cast out of God's presence, then, does not "love company." The story is brought to a close as Abra- Well by now Christmas has come and gone for another year and now comes the take backs and paying the stores to take home their left overs because it is a bargain that I don't really need. It is now time to make all those promises that won't last long enough to even be a passing thought. The best promise I could possibly make would be to be the best me that I can be throughout the New Year. Just try that promise and see if you don't feel better about yourself. I noticed that most everyone had little con- cern about being offensive to anyone with their hearty Merry Christmas. Makes me wonder why a few who say they are offend- ed tries to destroy someone else's world, can make such a difference. Am I by myself here or are their rights forced on us when we don't force them to say Merry Christmas or listen for that matter. This nation of ours has been an accepting nation where if you go by the rules you too can enjoy America but why do they want to rock the boat. Why do they push the envelope and stretch our laws and free- doms to the max. I certainly don't consider myself a racist but if we extend our welcome The Church Page is made possible by the following Firms and Businesses: Amber Manor Care Center Petersburg — 812-354-3001 Benner & Co. Heating and Air Petersburg — 812-354-3433 Computers Plus Radio Shack Petersburg — 812-354-9633 DougGlass DBA Hold Everything Self Storage — 812-354-1110 Four Star Fabricators Petersburg — 812-354-9995 www.fourstarfab.com Harris Funeral Home 7th and Walnut Streets, Petersburg Phone: 812-354-8844 Play & Learn Preschool Campbelltown — 812-354-3999 Solar Sources Coal for Steam and Industrial Market Petersburg — 812-354-8776 Baptist Baptist Baptist Assembly of God CHURCH CHURCH Notes Notes Notes Continued in next column Continued in next column Ramblings of my mind by Lowell Thomas 43 Years of Religious Reporting Does Misery Love Company? Religious Viewpoint by Clyde Dupin Minutes with the Bible by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam Continued on page 2 See MINUTES on 3 Forty-three years have swiftly passed by since Religious Viewpoint had its start. A few years ago, each week about four mil- lion people were exposed to our viewpoint on religion. The 2,242 columns I have writ- ten have dealt with many aspects of religion. The changes in the American religious land- scape have been many. Christianity has come under attack and the sin of tolerance has made homosexu- ality, abortion, co-habitation and moral de- cay acceptable. The liberal, anti-Christian media has become more vocal in express- ing its opposition to religion. The Planned Parenthoods, ACLU and Teachers' Unions have betrayed many of our young people. Moral Leadership has disappeared among many of our political leaders. Poll after poll offers some good news to- day about things that have not changed in America. Nine Americans in ten say they have never doubted the existence of God. Seven in ten believe in life after death. Eight in ten believe God still works miracles. Nine in ten say they pray. Most express that God is important in their lives. This con- firms that, in a chang- ing world, God does not change. There is still a group of athe- ists that oppose good and promote evil. Religion does not shift or waver; it is the constant of American life. More people attend church each week than all sporting events combined. We were told that tech- nology, urbanization, social mobility, educa- tion and a new culture would erode Christi- anity. The Hollywood crowd and liberal me- dia hate family, religion and authority, but God's truth marches on. There have been many changes since this column started 43 years ago, but God is still the same loving God. to those immigrates who come legally then they need to either live like we do or let every- one live their life without conflict. It makes me sad to see stories like the Cou- rier ran about a school having to warn their coaches not to pray with their teams. We of- ten see sports figures taking a knee during the anthem so maybe they ought to be warned that if you don't respect our anthem then go where you can do without the freedom our anthem represents, but leave that poor high school coach alone because his team included him with their thanksgiving prayer. While I'm on my soapbox I will give an opin- ion about our holidays and how commercial- ized they have become. Did you know that the retail stores have already put out Valentine items and are hyping up the next holiday. For heaven's sake we haven't even let Santa Claus rest from his big night and haven't seen the baby new year yet. I'm not against the stores making money because if they don't there would be many out of work but please don't allow it to destroy the meaning of the season. Well I suppose I should shut up and do as I say and not force my opinions on my readers and let others live how God dictates to them. I do wish you a Happy New Year and the bless- ings of another chance to do things a little better if possible. RIVER OF LIFE 342 E. CR 300 N. Petersburg Sunday morning worship 10 a.m.; Sunday evening worship 6 p.m. and Con- sumed youth group 7 p.m.; Wednesday evening Bible study 7 p.m.; Men's ministry meeting every other Thurs- day 10 a.m. If you would like a ride to WASHINGTON ASSEMBLY OF GOD 320 S. Meridian Street Washington Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship 10 :30 a.m.; Wednesday evening dinner and Bible study at 6 p.m. and from church services, call 812-354-8800. Jim Gidcumb, Pastor AYRSHIRE VALLEY G.B. CHURCH 1947 E. Co. Rd. 375 S. Winslow Phone: 812-354-3862 Sunday school 9:30 a.m., Jim King, superintendent, Paul Couts, assistant; morn- ing worship 10 :30 a.m.; Sunday evening 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday evening Bible study 6:30 p.m. My hope and prayer for all people who read this is that BETHEL G.B. CHURCH 4933 E. Co. Rd. 900 S. Stendal Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship 10 :30 a.m. • Saturday, Jan. 5, Come join us in celebration of 50 years of Ministry. Bob and Joyce Deel since Jan. 16, 1969. Sermon delivered by Bob and carry-in dinner, fol- lowing at 3 p.m. Bring a dish to share with everyone. • Sunday, Jan. 6, Assis- tant Sunday. • Sunday, Jan. 13, we will have a regular business meeting after morning wor- ship service. • Sunday, Jan. 27, fourth Sunday and morning wor- ship offering will go to the building fund. Bible Trivia Last week's answer to: Q: Who was the prophetess at the temple who, upon meeting the baby Jesus, praised God and spoke about Him to those look- ing for the redemption of Jerusalem? Answer: Anna. Reference: Luke 2:36 -38. Q: How old was Jesus when He was taken to the temple to be presented? Answer to come next week. Steve Selby, Pastor Elaine Barrett, Reporter FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 8th and Poplar Street Petersburg 812-354-6582 Welcome to our church family Sunday activities: 9 a.m. Praise Band practice; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for two yrs. old-adult and 10 :30 a.m. Sunday worship. Wednesday activities: 6 -7:30 p.m. Grub to Club. Everyone is welcomed to Grub (meal) from 6 -6:30 p.m.; Club for two years to fifth grade from 6:30 -7:30 p.m.; 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Adult Bible study; 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Youth: sixth grade through 12th grade. Bill Slaven, Deacon Chairman GLEZEN G.B. CHURCH Corner of Center and Sycamore Sunday school 9:30 a.m. and morning worship 10 :30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study at 6:30 p.m., monthly business meeting. This Sunday Communion service. Bringing in the new year with focus on what is important. Remember those on our prayer list, the shut-ins and our lost loved ones. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world" ( John 18:99). Ken Reeder, Pastor Karri Brock, Reporter GR ACE G.B. CHURCH 1007 E. Union St. Winslow Sunday school 9:30 ; Sun- day morning worship 10 a.m.; Sunday evening wor- ship 5 p.m.; Wednesday Bi- ble study at 5 p.m. Bill Chesser, Reporter MT. PISGAH G.B. CHURCH 6100 S. Augusta Broadway Street Winslow Pastor 812-582-0756 Sunday morning worship at 10 :15 a.m., children's Sun- day school during morning worship; Wednesday eve- ning family devotions and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Youth group sixth-12th grades, Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. "She brought forth her first born Son...and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn"(Luke 2:7). No room for Jesus? No room for the King of kings? No, but room for others and for other things. There was no room for Jesus in the world that He had made— imagine that. Things have not really changed since that Bethlehem night over two thousand years ago. God is still on the fringes of most of our lives. We fit Him in when it is convenient for us, but we become irritated when He makes demands on us. If God would only stay in His little box and come out when we pull the string. Our lives are so full. There is so much to be done. But in all our busy activities are we in danger of excluding from our hearts and lives the One who made us? If at any time you have no church to attend, feel free to join us for services. Your presence will be greatly ap- preciated and I am sure you will receive God blessings. May God bless each and ev- NEW LIBERTY G.B. CHURCH (Coe) 1820 S. Co Rd. 800 S. Oakland City Gary Pancake, Pastor 812-664-4716 Sunday school 9:30 a.m., Faron McLaughlin, Super- intendent, Ryan Edrington, Assistant and Sunday morn- ing worship at 10 :30 a.m. Tony had an inspiring message Sunday as Gary and Ruby had a week of va- cation. We appreciated him and those who attended. I'm WINSLOW G.B. CHURCH 600 E. Union Street Pastor 812.582.0290 Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; morning worship 10 :30 a.m.; Sunday evening soup and sandwich fellow- ship at 5:30 p.m.; Youth group, Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, adult Bi- ble study at 6:30 p.m. Ev- eryone is welcome. First Wednesday of each month before Bible study, Advisory Board meeting BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH An Independent Baptist Church 4995 N. Co. Rd. 850 E. Otwell (Meeting in the Iva Union Church building) Sunday school for chil- dren and adults 9 a.m.; Sun- day morning worship ser- vice 10 a.m.; Sunday evening service, Youth Group (6th grade through 19 years old), and Patch Club (four years old through 5th grade) 6 p.m.; Thursday, prayer ser- vice 7 p.m. Scott Fulcher, Pastor you will make a decision to confess the past, repent from your sins and accept Je- sus as this Savior and Lord. See our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Ayr- shireValleyGB. Frank A. Coleman, Pastor eryone. Let us not forget the rea- son for the season—Jesus. May each and everyone have a very Blessed New Year. Jerry "Tuffy" Blackwell, Pastor Sharon Kendall, Reporter sure you were truly blessed. January 1, the first day of 2019. Our resolution is that we may all lead others to Christ during this new year. Student's return to school on January 2, in the Pike County Schools. January 6, Communion Sunday and also Epiphany. Monthly Church council meeting, Sunday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. January 21, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The students of Pike County will have a Fles E-Learning Day, while the teachers attend an in- service day at the school. January 27, Assistant Teacher and Building Fund Sunday. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" ( Jeremi- ah 29:11). Our Mission Statement: Loving the 99, always look- ing for the one. Gary Pancake, Pastor Ivan Mason, Reporter