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Last Article For 2007 A number of things came to my mind this morning. 2007 is quickly drawing to a close. We have seen a number of changes this last year. Some good and some not so good. We have faced personal trials and triumphs. Winnie Vickers passed away, Charlie Reeves’ father also passed away, as well as my Dad. Fortunately they left their love ones good memories and the example of serving God. On the other hand the Montgomery’s just got back from China with a baby girl. Emma Louise will change Tony, Monica, Brylee, and Carson’s lives forever. Jason and Maibether Yocum welcomed their baby girl, Kaylen this year. Some of the changes we have seen have been due to our children growing up. Nick Bohrer seems to be taller now than he was a year ago. Eli left home for greener pastures at the University of Louisville. (I started to type Kentucky in that last sentence.) The teenagers at this congregation seem to be growing physically and spiritually. Some are learning the art of TeePeeing people’s houses a little too well. The young children are growing and will not be little children for long. There is a lot we have to be thankful for. Let me give you part of the list I came up with: "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13.17). Glenn Williams and David Leonard for overseeing this flock. They are spiritually minded men who are trying their best to lead this flock in the right direction. Believe it or not, there is not a passage of scripture that gives the qualifications of being an elders’ wife. However, I am thankful for Judy Williams and Ann Leonard. I am sure there are sacrifices they are called upon to make due to their husbands being elders. Our deacons(Doug Morris, Tony Montgomery, Dennis Gibson, and Darron Stockton) and their wives. Doug Morris for his role in organizing our classes, teachers, and class materials. Starting in January the young people’s classes will have new material. This will require a little more from the parents of those children. We hope every one will value their children's spiritual growth and do what is necessary to have them ready for their class. I am also thankful to Doug for taking care of our Vacation Bible School last summer. Dennis Gibson, Tony Montgomery, and Darron Stockton take care of our building and other numerous task as well as teach classes. Speaking of Darron, thanks for leading the children in songs on the last Sunday night of the month. They enjoy singing those songs as well as the adults. Speaking of leading songs; we have a number of men that lead songs here. It is good to have more than one song leader. I know this tends to be a thankless task, but you all do a good job. I also notice that you all put a lot of thought in selecting your songs. There is often a theme and some times it even goes with the lesson. Those that teach the classes. We have a number of people that teach our classes. I have been at a place or two where they could not alternate teachers. At one place no one wanted to teach because they knew they would be teaching that same class until they died. We could use more teachers, but I am thankful for those that are teaching. The men that take turns giving the Wednesday night invitation. It is interesting to hear the ideas of different people. Some gave an invitation for the first time this year. Thanks for taking the time to work on a lesson, being willing to get out of your comfort zone, and the example you are setting for your children and other Christians. I am thankful for the ladies of this congregation. We have our share of Dorcas’ in our midst. Most of the time you are the ones doing the work of benevolence; cooking meals, tending to the sick, providing transportation; you do it quietly and well. In short, I am thankful to this congregation. During the illness of my father I was gone a lot to Bowling Green. No one complained about being out of town so much. Dave Leonard told me not to worry about it. Glenn Williams was ready to take my class if and when I could not be here. Finally, I am thankful for my family. Regena has been my soul mate for over twenty years. We have been through many trials and blessings. I do not know how I would have handled this past year without you. To Eli, Hope, and Noah; you all have exceeded my expectations. You provide me with laughter, smiles, hugs, wrestling partners, telephone bills, and gray hair. Hopefully the next year will be another year of growth. It is with faith and hope we face tomorrow. Dennis Tucker |