Centenary Disciples,
The Lord be with you . . . and also with you.
This upcoming Sunday (August 16) will be the start of a 12-week sermon series on the life of Moses. This is a good time to invite your friends to "tune in" to our Live Online @ 10:30 am service OR you could just forward them this email as an act of comfort and digital welcoming.
I hope this communication finds you well, and provides you tools to care for both your physical and spiritual health.
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We’re anxious to hear from you:
The Rev Jonathan Speegle, PhD, Pastor.......................................662-889-7000
Connie Felter, Minister of Discipleship and Visitation.....................601-248-1756
Christopher Hart, Minister of Music, Media, and Arts.....................601-810-5030
Kevin Martin, Minister to Students..................................................601-551-0848
Kathy Walton, Financial Manager...................................................601-551-8723
Bob Raborn, Pianist........................................................................601-551-3735
Bruce Robinson, Custodian............................................................601-551-6298
Send prayer requests to.................................................................601-248-1756
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Thoughts by Connie Felter, Minister of Discipleship & Visitation
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Last week I spoke of the old and the new – it is still on my mind as I think of how we celebrate milestones within our church family. The usual trappings of our celebrations have changed – in other words we are not doing things the way we used to do them. If we are honest, most of us would have to admit that is not exactly our preference. But and there is always a but, if we are willing to trust all God does in new and different ways, we will experience His blessings in new and surprising ways.
July 26 was Senior Sunday, the day we recognized our High School Seniors. Hayden Fortinberry, Claire Gholson, and Oliver Smith are off to college. It is the close of one chapter of their young lives and the opening of a new chapter. I have watched each one of these youth grow up in our church. Each offered their gifts to glorify God and to enhance the ministries of the church. Now they move on to a different time and place. One thing is sure – our hearts go with them. Most importantly, God goes with them.
At their Baptism, the parents of Hannah Grace Turner and Olivia Grace Torres presented them to God and entrusted them into the care of His holy church. On August 9 Hannah and Olivia made known their personal belief in Christ and were confirmed in the faith. I have watched these two young people grow up in this church also. And like the seniors, they too are using their gifts to glorify God and participate in the ministries of this church. Our hearts are with them too and we look forward to God’s continued guidance in their lives.
Sometimes, the new is not so bad. As a matter of fact, the new can be very, very good. I believe with all my heart that God’s watchful eye was upon these special services, and I believe God spoke, saying these are my beloved children and I am well pleased. In the old and in the new we can be sure, whenever God speaks it is always very, very good!!! Think About It…
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Disciples Engage with God through Worship
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Worship is the most important thing we do as disciples; in fact, the purpose of human life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever; and that is what worship is all about.
Sunday Morning Worship Schedule
Live In Person @ 9:00 am (Holy Communion, Infant Nursery, No singing)
Live In Person @ 10:30 am (Singing, Infant Nursery)
Live Online @ 10:30 am on YouTube or our Web Page
(Log on early and let us know via chat that you’re present and accounted for)
Click here to download the Order of Worship, Kid's Page 3+, Kid's Page 7+
Live Over Radio @ 10:30 am on WAKK 1140 AM.
(If you listen please make a positive post on our Facebook page)
Live Outside @ 6 pm (Under the tent, in the green space beside the youth building: bring a lawn chair -- cancelled if raining)
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10 Things You Should Do Before Live In Person Worship
- Take your temperature
- If you have a temp of 100 or more; If you have any shortness of breath; If you feel unwell – DO NOT ATTEND – but call you doctor, or go to the Emergency Room
- Wash your hands
- for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
- Bring a sweater or jacket
- It may be cool in the sanctuary as we will be using the air conditioner constantly to increase the flow of fresh air into the worship space
- Wear a mask
- If you forget yours, we have some at the Church
- Bring your smart device if you want to use it as a worship aid (orders of worship will be available)
- Sanitize your hands at the door
- Use non-contact greetings
- refrain from handshaking, hugging, or touching
- Maintain proper distancing
- gracefully give others permission to say “not too close”
- and unless you live under the same roof, sit 6 feet apart.
- Exit carefully and in order, taking your bulletin with you and maintaining distance
- If you become symptomatic please let us know immediately
- Call Connie (601-248-1756) or Chris (601-810-5030) or leave a message at the Church (601-684-6698)
- We will not publicize your name; but this will allow us to notify others who may have been in close proximity so they can more attentively monitor their own health
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Our Latest Service
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Disciples Engage with God through Holy Sacraments
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Holy Baptism & Holy Communion are the ordinary ways God gives us saving grace.
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Baptism is our primary connection to Christ; through which we receive the gifts of salvation, the Holy Spirit, and rebirth as a child of God. Each time you wash your hands (and you should be washing your hands a lot these days) say aloud: I remember that I am baptized, and I am thankful.
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Holy Communion is the chief way we receive grace for the forgiveness of our sins, and the power to live as God’s children. Every time you eat bread, and every time you drink from a cup, remember the Lord’s death, and pray that soon you can once again gather around his banqueting table.
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We need Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Is God calling you to serve Holy Communion during worship or extend the table by taking Holy Communion out to those who participate online? Call Dr Speegle (662-889-7000) to express your willingness to be trained for this vital ministry.
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Disciples Engage with God through Holy Scripture
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When we read and study the bible; we learn more about God, Jesus speaks to us, and we receive grace to love and obey him.
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Bible Study -- September 2 @ 5:30 -- God and the Pandemic
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Read the daily lectionary to prepare for Sunday.
- Wednesday, August 12, 2020: Psalm 28; Genesis 40:1-23; Matthew 8:23-27
- Thursday, August 13, 2020: Psalm 133; Genesis 41:14-36; Revelation 15:1-4
Friday, August 14, 2020: Psalm 133; Genesis 41:37-57; Acts 14:19-28
- Saturday, August 15, 2020: Psalm 133; Genesis 42:1-28; Matthew 14:34-36
- Sunday, August 16, 2020: Proper 15 (20)
- Monday, August 17, 2020: Psalm 130; Genesis 43:1-34; Acts 15:1-21
Tuesday, August 18, 2020: Psalm 130; Genesis 44:1-34; Romans 11:13-29
- Wednesday, August 19, 2020: Psalm 130; Genesis 45:16-28; Matthew 8:1-13
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Daily devotions help us engage with the scripture
- The Upper Room is available in the Centenary kiosk or download it here.
- Our church-wide yearly devotional is New Morning Mercies, by Paul David Tripp (available on Amazon). You can join the Facebook Discussion Group by going to the Church’s Facebook page, then to groups, then choose “join the group.” For help joining the group contact Chris Hart (601-810-5030).
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Disciples Engage with God through Prayer & Fasting
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Prayer is how we converse with God who relates to us as our loving Father. Prayer, fasting, and contemplation are ways we participate in our relationship with God.
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Good prayer practices include:
- Praying the Lord’s Prayer daily
- Praying grace over meals
- Praying upon rising in the morning and before sleeping at night
- Praying throughout the week for our prayer concerns.
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The Church is open throughout the week for private prayer.
Remember to wash your hands, keep your distance, and call a staff person to let you in if needed.
An online option is Morning Prayer with The Upper Room via Facebook Live, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 am.
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When you pray, please remember:
The needs of the church, especially:
Our pastor and staff as they continue their ministry during this crisis.
Those burdened by any kind of difficulty, sickness, or suffering, especially:
Our Members:
Harriet Wood, Ted Purtell, Jerald Calhoun, Jennifer Gholson, David Yarbrough, Ike Fesmire, Cecilia Clark, Jane Richmond, Becky Schertz, Nancy Felder, Martha Lamkin, Bobbie Kenna, Cindy Price, Hannah Nieman, Dean Kebert, Helen Elise McMillan, Cindy Quayle, Terry Thompson, Lamar Murrell.
Our Friends:
Beverly Carr, Travis Odom, Preston Rushing, Bill Fish, Curtis McKenzie, Norma Williamson, Harry Plotner, Virginia Griffin, Catherine Grenn Wilfong, Bud Doherty, Debbie Stovall, Tracy Callahan, Marge Smith, Jimmy Clark, Lock Ross, Patsy Brock, Carla Grenn Allen, Will Jones, Emily Mote, Scott and Debbie Perkins, Richard Coghlan, Julie Wallace.
The local community, especially:
School Boards, Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff as they make prepare for the opening of schools.
The public authorities and the salvation of the world, especially:
All those working to slow the current pandemic.
To request prayer, you can:
Persons added to the prayer list will remain for four weeks,
after which you may resubmit if desired.
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Disciples Engage with God through Acts of Service
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God desires a people who freely love him and love each other. When we do good to each other we are actively loving God.
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If you need assistance picking up prescriptions or items form the store, we can help with that.
Contact Kevin Martin (601-551-0848), Darren Felder (601-248-8038), Teresa Price (601-551-6982), Jennifer Dumas (601-248-0622) and they will match you with someone who will be glad to help.
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If you have an idea for a service project or mission outreach that you think the Church should be involved in contact Jennifer Dumas (601-248-0622).
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Disciples Engage with God through Fellowship
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No one is a Christian alone. God gave us the Church so that we can hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, and so that we could provoke one another to love and good deeds.
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The Church has subscribed to ZOOM
If you need to call a meeting, have some small group or Sunday school class time – you can use our subscription – just call Dr Speegle and he’ll send you what you need to make it happen.
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Dr Speegle Wants to Visit with You
You’re Invited
Wednesdays @ 10:00 am
Come to PJ’s + Grab some coffee
Meet on the patio
(in case of rain we’ll meet inside so bring your mask)
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Disciples Engage with God through Giving
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We give because God first gave to us. God is the giver of life and all good gifts, and he desires that we too give generously and cheerfully.
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Please continue to give regularly even when we cannot meet regularly.
The needs and expenses of the Church continue during crisis. If you are not a financial supporter of the Church, perhaps now is your time to start. If you are, perhaps you could give a little extra to make up for those who can’t.
- You may mail your offerings to PO Box 712, McComb 39648
- or drop them by the Church Office
- or donate by automatic draft
(Kathy can help you set this up, call 601-684-6698)
- or electronically by going to our giving page
Electronic givers can charge their donation to a debit or credit card.
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Disciples Engage with God through Contemplation
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Through contemplation, the Holy Spirit makes present the mystery of Christ found in a particular passage, sound, or scene, and by it helps you see all things as a reflection of the Father's love and give gratitude.
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An easy way to start contemplative prayer is simply to sit before an image of Christ for 5 minutes; as you behold the image pay attention to what thoughts come to your mind. Try praying without words, that is, simply be thankful and love Jesus. If you use must words, you might pray: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."
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