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Vol. 45 October 20, 2020 Number 41
I’M SORRY
Barry Kennedy
Words have great power to touch the heart of man. It is amazing how many
words we hear and use on any given day. No one can deny the fact that words have
the ability to do great things such as: entice, excite, motivate, destroy, and even
convert. Of course, the context in which words are being used helps one to
determine the actual “power” behind any certain group of letters that we call
words. Some words have a distinct ability to help “set” the context. These
powerful words can somewhat stand alone and be understood, or at least
appreciated. What do I mean? Take for example the word love. Just the sound of
that word brings about an emotional flood of feelings, either good or bad. The
same can be said of the word sorry. Let’s consider this word in the phrase “I’m
sorry.”
The phrase “I’m sorry” has overwhelming significance and profound power.
“I’m sorry” is a statement of penitence. In fact, for one to make this statement
sincerely there must be a heart condition. When considering a heart condition, one
cannot help but be reminded of a heart attack. When one has a heart attack, he is
facing the very shadow of death itself. Though many have survived heart attacks in
this day and age, it still is a leading killer in this country. There can be great pain
associated with a heart condition. The one experiencing such pain is willing to cry
out for relief. The same is true for the one who is penitent. For example, David
said, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according
unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).
David’s sinful actions had brought about a dishonesty deep within himself.
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt
make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). As long as the darkness of sin was within
David, he could find no joy and gladness (Psalm 51:8), he could not teach others
faithfully (Psalm 51:13), nor could he worship God acceptably (Psalm 52:16, 17).
David knew what needed to be done and thus he said,
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter
than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast
broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine
iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within
me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from
me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free
spirit (Psalm 51:7-12).
--article continued page 2--
ELDERS
Mike Childers..............397-6453
Dennis Hallmark..........255-5557
Mark Hitt.....................322-0917
Bobby Lindley.............260-9193
DEACONS
Wade Bryan.................419-5552
William Harris.............416-8149
Ricky Lindsey..............255-8136
Jeff Mansel ..................871-0357
Jimmy Spearman .........840-8957
Michael Wilson ...........891-0891
MINISTERS
Barry Kennedy....(931)787-7108
Alex Blackwelder (731)879-9196
SECRETARY
Renee Childers
Office...........................842-6116
Fax...............................842-7091
E-MAIL
eastmaincoc38804@gmail.com
WEB PAGE
eastmaincoc.com
SUNDAY SERVICES
Worship .......................9:00 a.m.
Bible Classes .............10:15 a.m.
Worship .....................11:15 a.m.
Singing or Devotional
Last Sunday of the Month
MID-WEEK
SERVICES
Wednesday Classes .....7:00 p.m.
1606 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1761
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
“Thou shalt observe to do all that they inform thee”
(Deut. 17:10)
2. --article continued from page 1—
David understood his “heart condition” and asked
the Great Physician for a clean heart and a right
spirit. Of course, God was willing to restore David
to the faithful fold, and He is still ready to do the
same for “whosoever will” come to Him today
(Revelation 22:17). Are we ready to say, “I’m
Sorry?”
Another example is that of the “prodigal
son” of Luke 15:11:32. Jesus was discussing with
the Pharisees the value of every soul. He pointed
out how that the lost needed to be restored, no
matter what their nationality might be. In the course
of His discussion Jesus pointed out the joy that
restoration brings to the lost, the angels in Heaven,
and to God Himself (Luke 15:7, 10). Jesus painted
a picture of a young rebel who wanted to “live it
up” and soon found himself without. He had lost
everything, going from the party to the pig pen.
What a depraved state to be in, i.e. considering
eating the hog’s leftovers (Luke 15:16). Jesus said
that he came to himself and realized his folly in
leaving his father for the far away land of sin (Luke
15:17-19). The young man’s penitence is clearly
seen in his confession that he was not worthy to be
a son (Luke 15:19). By genuinely saying “I’m
Sorry,” the prodigal was restored to his place in the
home, and there was joy.
What about us? We need to take constant
inventory of our lives. It may be that we too should
say, “I’M SORRY.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You Note
My dearest East Main family,
How can I begin to thank all of you good people
for the many things you have done for me during my
recent surgery and recovery? May God bless every
one of you! I love you all and hope to see you soon.
Mary Lou Walden
Send a Card/Prayer
Recently,
Rob Whitacre
from House
to House/
Heart to
Heart came
and spoke to
us on personal evangelism and how we as a
congregation can evangelize our community. We
have had some new cards printed and placed in the
back of the pews in the auditorium that say “send a
card/prayer.” It is our hope that if there is anyone you
know of who is not a member of the Lord’s church or
not attending anywhere and has sickness, loss of a
loved one, or anything going on in their lives that
would warrant a card or note of encouragement being
sent, that you would please fill out one of these cards
and drop it in the holder beside the church office on
the wall. Renee will then put the contact in a
spreadsheet and leave that list on the table in the
foyer. Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to
pick up a list of these names and a card available on
the table, write a note on the card, drop it off in the
office and it will be mailed out for you. If you would
prefer to mail the card yourself, that is perfectly fine,
we just ask that you use East Main’s return address so
the recipient will have a connection to our congrega-
tion. We are praying that many contacts will be made
with this effort! Thank you for your help and
cooperation as we strive to bring the lost to Christ.
Sunday Bible Classes
We are happy to announce that Sunday, Oct. 25 we
plan to resume Bible classes after the 10:00 a.m.
worship service. For now, we will follow the same
format and schedule of classes as we have been doing
on Wednesday evening. If possible, PLEASE wear
your mask, social distance inside the building, and
restrict visiting to the parking lot.
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Jennie
Cox who passed from this life Oct. 17. Family
services were held at Lee Memorial Funeral Home in
Verona on Oct. 20. Please keep Joyce Burney,
Brenda Beckner, Jacob Bradley, Chevela Underwood
and the rest of the family in your prayers.
John Duke stationed in Gulfport, MS
Caleb Williams stationed in Quantico, VA
Rob Cross & family stationed in South Korea
Ty Nichols stationed in Germany
3. Daily Bible Reading
October 21...................................................Luke 2-3
October 22...................................................Luke 4-5
October 23...................................................Luke 6-7
October 24...................................................Luke 8-9
October 25...............................................Luke 10-11
October 26...............................................Luke 12-13
October 27...............................................Luke 14-16
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: James Simmons (Oct. 23), Mark
Gilliland (Oct. 24), Evelyn Willis (Oct. 25),
Ethan Benefield (Oct. 26). Anniversaries:
Judy & Pat Jones (Oct. 21), David & Katie Bates
(Oct. 25).
Our Sick
Jean Mounce is home from the hospital. Andy
Baldwyn, Mary Lou Walden, David Rushing (Pat
Putt’s son), and Beth Deaton (Russell & Norma’s
daughter) continue at home recuperating from
surgery. Ricky Lindsey’s father, Jimmy, is having
health issues. Pete Barber & Jill Rice (Debbie
Vines’ mother) continue at Sanctuary Hospice
House. Linda Hand and Judy Bates continue at
home. Sean Koehn, a former member here, will
undergo surgery on Oct. 22 at MD Anderson.
On-Going Illnesses
Steve Kelly, Bettye Davis, Frankie Estes, Stella
Pittman, Donny Dulaney, Adam McCurley, James
Goddard, Bill Goff, Tommy Goff, Leroy Brown,
Jadon Parish, Jerry Smith, Mitch Maclean, Mary
Starz, Sheba Tuggers, Homer Smith, Shirley
Roberts, Merlene Johnson, Thomas Lloyd, Steve
Higginbotham, Brenda Dawson, Brian Carver
Nursing Homes
Evelyn Willis, Nancy Haywood, Randy
Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Veona Harris, Bob &
Clara McClure
EMYG News
What a wonderful time we had last week! A huge shout
out to those who brought friends! When we gather
together, we go straight to singing praises to our God.
Many of our male youth lead singing and prayers. I am
very glad for moments like these where our young men
can gain some experience leading in worship. One of my
good friends, Cameron from TN came to spend the
weekend with us, and I had him speak to our group. His
passage was 2 Timothy 4:7. He did an outstanding job.
Tomorrow is “Tuesday’s Tender Touch” for Sr. Youth
starting at 6:00pm. This is one day a month where we
write and send out cards to those who need it most.
Don’t forget that we have a Fall Festival day November
1st
at the Lindsey’s house! Wear your Halloween
costume and come enjoy some games and fellowship. It
will begin at 4:00pm. See youth board for more details.
This is a Junior and Senior youth event.
November 13-14th
is our Family Fall Retreat at May-
wood. This is free if you wish to go. Contact Renee or
myself (Alex) if you plan on going. There is the option
to spend the night Friday night if you would like to.
For more information on any youth related events,
please let me know! Alex
4. Men to Serve Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 a.m.
Announcements..........................................Mark Hitt
Bible Reading.............................................. Ian Reed
Opening Prayer ....................................Larry Presley
Lord’s Supper
Mike Childers
Lead Singing...............................Bobby Joe Lindley
Closing Prayer........................................ Chad Willis
Ushers ......................Roger Sanderson & Tim Davis
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact the church office (842-6116) if unable
to serve.
Bible Classes (streamed each week)
Adult class................Jeff Mansel (Facebook/YouTube)
Adult class.......... Barry Kennedy (Facebook/YouTube)
College class.....Roger Sanderson/Tim Davis (Facebook)
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 10-14-20 ................................................ 104*
Sunday 1st
Worship, 10-18-20 ...................................... 38
Sunday Bible Class.................................................... N/A
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................. 140*
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $8,200
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item......................................................Cereal
Mark Your Calendars!
Jr. & Sr. Youth Fall Festival – November 1st
Fall Family Retreat – November 13th--14th
Services will be livestreamed this Sunday at
10:00 a.m. if you do not feel safe attending the
service in person.
