Published: September 04, 2008 03:30 pm            

God is looking for those who are lost

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24)

When Jesus wasn’t in the synagogue, he was right in the middle of sinners and other outcasts. It seems that Jesus was always at a party with these people. Some of his most meaningful teachings appear to have been the result of after-dinner conversations. His association with the wrong crowd was so frequent that one of the claims made about Jesus was that he “received sinners.” In so many words, the religious leaders were accusing Jesus of being a “party animal.” Do you think a party Jesus might have attended was ever dull?

Jesus did go where sinners were. The good news is that is why he came to Earth. He came looking for sinners to invite them home. You and I should be in ministry in those places where sinners are. We are called to proclaim to them that God’s party is ready and all are invited.

That is the only way the Church will ever be able to reclaim the predicate of our day. We need to meet them while they are still in that foreign land spending their money of riotous living. They want to hear that god stands waiting for them with his arms opened wide.

Amen.

We greet you today with life, love, and peace in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.



Thought for the week

“If God is your co-pilot, swap seats!”



Attention readers

The deadline for all announcements of all types has been changed. All announcement delivered by postal mail, hand delivery, or email, Must be received by Noon on Tuesdays for Saturday publication, therefore, any announcements not received by that time will not appear in that weeks column. To send your articles in by email, send them to: communityfocus@roadrunner.com



Health Now Clinic

The Health, Now! Clinic (HNC) observed its Third-Year Anniversary on Aug. 12. The HNC is a primary health-care clinic to meet the needs of individuals who do not have health-care services or are currently underserved within Richmond and surrounding communities. We provide health care in a family-oriented, Christian manner without regard to financial status. The HNC is staffed by volunteers of the community and can be reached at 859-979-0948. Clinic hours are Tuesday and Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. pm. Our location is at 110 S. Collins Street, Richmond, KY.



Mt. Pleasant Baptist

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church of Kirksville invites everyone to an evening of worship. Dinner will be served and the dress in casual. Pastor William Hale and the St. Paul A.M.E. Church will be the special guests for the 4 p.m. worship service. The community is invited to come and worship with us.



Linden Street Baptist

The Linden Street Baptist Church will be hosting a gospel singing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Special performers will be the Smith Sisters.



‘Back To Basics Conference’

Keep God in the forefront of your life by attending the “Back to Basics Conference.” The conference will be conducted Thursday and Friday, Sept. 11-12, at the Temple of Deliverance at 7 each evening. The speakers will be Pastor Floyd T. Ballew and the host Pastor Elder Ronald Ross. For more information, e-mail Pastor Ballew at ballew5896@bellsouth.net.



Women’s Conference

On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Men and Women’s Fellowship of St. Paul A.M.E. Church will host its second annual Women’s Conference. The theme will be “When He Calls, How Will I Answer — A Charge To Keep I Have.” The guest speaker will be Richmond’s own Sis. Juann Johnson for a return engagement. Also, the teacher for the event will be Mother Farris, Dr. Edih Baker and Sis. Jawana Campbell along with Niquella Williams, Bethany McClemore, Johnekwa Settles, Markita and Janae Wilson, who will be performing during the afternoon service. Registration is $6 with a continental breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The host pastor is William Hale.



Children’s Fellowship Yard S.A.L.E.

The Children's Fellowship of First Baptist Church, 302 Francis St., will be having a Yard S.A.L.E. (Serving All in Love Everybody) on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. All items in the yard sale are free. We will have items such as clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, toys and much more. This is a mission's project sponsored by “Children’s Fellowship.” Our theme is “Gift of Love” John 3:16. Host pastor is Dr. Robert Blythe.

If you would like to donate items to the yard sale, bring them to the church on Friday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. or call Beverly Johnson at 1-859-200-4443 or Maya Hinton at 1-859-358-5664 for pickup.



Divorce Care

Divorce hurts. Don’t try to go through it alone. If you are separated or divorced, find help on your journey to healing. Divorce Care, a series of 13 seminars featuring biblical teaching and caring support. Learn how to deal with the pain of the past and how to look forward to rebuilding your life every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning Sept.14 at First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Main St. Child care will be provided. Call the church at 623-3580 for more information.



Men & Women’s Day

Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church in Waco will host its annual Men & Women’s Day on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. The special guests will be Elder Anthony Phelps and congregation of the Concord Predestinarian Baptist Church. Dinner will be served. Elder John Settles is the host pastor.



Sportsman’s Club fish fry

The Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club will be hosting the Sportsman’s Club fish fry. This cherished and distinctive event will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 20, at 52 Hammock Alley. For more information and/or directions, call Deborah Messenger at 1-859-619-0334.



Upward Bound Ministries

Upward Bound Ministries, 1049 Richmond Road, Berea, presents “Turning Point.” The Turning Point Group administers counseling in the areas of drug abuse, behavioral issues and drug prevention. The Concerned Persons Group “Cope” administers counseling in the areas of relationship issues, spousal abuse and dysfunctional family issues. Counseling is available at 7 p.m. every Friday and there is a televised drug prevention telecast, “Lifeline” aired on Time Warner Cable Channel 5 every Thursday at 6 p.m. Free transportation to attend these counseling sessions is available by calling 314-8845 and free child care is available by calling 985-1586. To receive free transportation and/or child care, a 24-hour notice must be given. A free telecast DVD or videotape is available by calling 986-1650. Visit the Upward Bound Ministries Web site at www.upwardboundministries.org.



Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.

        

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