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The Margaret Street Church of Christ
Joliet IL

ELDERS' STATEMENT
John Meyer
Joe Bunch

THE MISSION AND GOALS
OF THE LORD'S CHURCH
at 23 Margaret St., Joliet IL

To Glorify God

(Ephesians 3:14-21; 1Peter 4:11; 1Corinthians 10:31; Isaiah 43:7)

Major Goals
——————

 

To Worship
God in Spirit
and in Truth
(John 4:24)

Supporting Goals
—————————
• To seek the truth and abide in it, recognizing Christ's authority (John 8:31-32, Matt. 28:18).
• To stay scripturally organized (Titus 1:5).
• To encourage the involvement of every member in God's work (Eph. 4:16).
• To provide assemblies that:
      -- foster heart-felt remembrance of the Lord's
         death (1Cor.11:27-29).
      -- focus on thankfulness for the blessings of God (1Thess. 5:16-18).
      -- promote reverence for the power and majesty of God (Psa. 45:1-6).

To Equip
and Edify
the Saints
(Eph. 4:12)
• To educate and train our members (Heb. 5:12).
• To become a close-knit family of believers (Rom. 12:9-17).
• To assist needy saints (Acts 4:32-35).
• To practice scriptural discipline (2Thess. 3:6-15).
• To stimulate one another to love and good works (Heb.10:24-25).
To Take the
Gospel to
the World
(Mark 16:15)
• To be a pillar and support of the truth in this local area (1Tim. 3:15).
• To evangelize the local area and the surrounding
   communities (1Thess. 1:6-10).
• To financially support the spread of the Gospel locally (1Cor. 9:6-14).
• To financially support the spread of the Gospel outside the local area (Phil. 4:15-16).
Focus for 2002 - Involvement

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1Cor. 15:58).

Each one of us should focus on God and renew our efforts to serve Him. We are suggesting an overall effort by members to improve their work in the kingdom and to select specific areas for personal growth as a Christian.

            Please think seriously on these admonitions from 2Peter 1:5-8:

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Suggestions:
* Fathers should consider ways of strengthening their role as the spiritual leader in their homes.
* Improvement in Bible reading, meditation and prayer. (Please follow the Daily Bible Reading schedule in the bulletin.)
* Devote more time to teaching the word of God.
* Parents of young children, continue to develop relationships between yourselves and your children.
* We suggest that every member develop a plan for spiritual growth.
Try not to let it be said of you as it was to those in Hebews 5:12-14:

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Such efforts, as suggested above, should result in developing or enhancing the characteristics of a christian as detailed in scripture. A question for each of us would be, "How can I best serve my Lord and Savior?" (Col. 3:12-17, Eph. 4:31, 2Cor. 4:16-18).

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A Challenge for us all:

Romans 12:3-16.....
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitallity. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
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MARGARET ST. CHURCH OF CHRIST
23 S. Margaret St.
Joliet IL 60436-1313
(815) 725-1670


Preacher:  Dan Peters (815) 729-0323

Elders: Joe Bunch                     John Meyer
  815-725-4951                             815-730-0035

June 2002
WORK-IN-PROGRESS REPORT


To the Members of the Margaret Street church:

First of all, we would like to express our heartfelt commendation to all of our members for the excellent manner in which you have demonstrated your support, dedication and love for the work here. We would like to take this means to set forth our plans and goals for the coming year. We believe this written presentation will best serve that purpose. Please retain this material for your future reference.

Again this year we want to present this material, which has been revised, as a "WORK IN PROGRESS". The response we received last year was very positive. Since it is indeed, a "WORK IN PROGRESS", this material will continue to be updated as we receive your suggestions and comments.

We cherish the opponunity to work together in the Kingdom of our dear Lord. Such is very gratifying, and we encourage all to set our "minds on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2), while we are "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).

We would like your comments and suggestions about the plan of work for the remainder of this year and the years to come. It would be most helpful if you would give us your responses in writing.

Yours in the Lord,

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Worship -----

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24

"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:19-20

*Seek ways to improve our effort to glorify God in our public worship.
1. Please be on time for all worship assemblies.
2. Try moving closer to the front.
A. This will help everyone including the teachers, song leaders and preachers.
B. There are fewer distractions nearer the front. If distractions do occur, and they will, please try to focus on the worship.
3. Dress appropriately for all worship services.
*Worshipping in song will continue to be emphasized.
Sing enthusiastically. This will generate enthusiasm in all aspects of our worship.
The last Wednesday evening service is devoted to singing. (Songs that are more familiar as well as learning new songs).
*Prayer - the value and importance of prayer will be emphasized. Pray for one another .. The effective, fervent prayer ofa righteous man avails much. (James 5:16) Pray without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17).

* The Lord's Supper - Some of our services may have more time devoted to remembering the death and suffering of our Lord and Savior.

* The last Sunday night of the month will be open to various men to bring a lesson as occasion and interest arises.


Teaching Program

"Only take heed to Yourself, and diligently keep Yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren."
Deuteronomy 4:9

• Bible Study Classes Sunday a.m. and Wednesday p.m.
• Teacher Training Class for women.
• Teacher Training Class for men.
• Class for new converts
• Class for men on spiritual leadership.
• Tracts on various topics will continue to be available.
• Continue to build library (print and video).
• Continue to build teaching material library and resource room.
• Distribute audio tapes as requested.
• Web Site: http://d2lc.com/of-christ
         (Note: this is a temporary site until we can get a "Domain Name")
Special Efforts For 2002:
         * Weekend Meeting on Institutionalism with Karl Diestelkamp
          (Date TBA -This Winter)
Special Efforts For 2003:
         * Weekend Meeting on Humanism with Ward Ellsworth
          (Date TBA)
Future Gospel Meetings:

Fall 2002-           Dan King                   (Oct. 20 - 25)
Spring 2003-       Wilson Copeland       (Date TBA)
Fall 2003-           Steve Dewhurst          (Date TBA)
Spring 2004-       Dee Bowman             (Date TBA)
Fall 2004-           Paul Earnhart             (Sept. 26 - Oct. 1)


Note to Teachers:
Please arrive early.
Make arrangements for someone to take your place for any assignment that you are unable to fulfill.

Note Everyone:
Be available to help elders, preacher and teachers when specific work is needed to be done. OFFER TO HELP!


Evangelism

"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Matthew 9:37-38

*Local (- - - - - - - & John Meyer)

- Focus on "one to one" contacts (Proven to be the best way to grow in today's world).
- Develop an internet "Home Page".
- Continue Mailing the "Margaret Street Monthly"' paper.
- Continue our weekly bulletin.
- Develop an audio "Introductory" tape for distribution.
- Provide calling cards (business cards) and tracts (Let's Get Acquainted) for distribution.
- Continue availability of Correspondence Course(s).

* Support of Other Preachers

At present we have fellowship with two preachers as listed below. We encourage you to, not only pray for them, but to have contact with them through letters, phone calls, e-mail, etc. This will be rewarding to you and is always very encouraging to these men and their families.

Andy Diestelkamp - Pontiac, IL. - Phone: 815-844-5100 E-mail: adiestel@bwsys.net

Frank Vondracek - Bettendorf, IA - Phone: 319-355-1027 E-mail: frankvon832@aol.com

* Additional Responsibilities for all of us:
Spread the GOSPEL OF CHRIST by word of mouth, handing out tracts, or by any scriptural manner.

Support all efforts to preach the Gospel, including attending Gospel meetings, home Bible studies, and special classes.


Visitors

* Greater effort will be made to identify visitors and make appropriate follow-up.
Ushers - Make sure visitors are given a "Welcome Packet", and provide
them appropriate instructions.

Ushers - Special effort must be given to make visitors feel welcome and to help them find a seat if they are late upon arrival.

All Members - Make sure all visitors are made to feel welcome. Courtesy would demand leaving the two rear pews on each side of the building open for late arriving visitors.

E-mail List - Heath Rogers is currently compiling and publishing through e-mail a list of visitors. If you would like to receive this listing of visitors, please see Heath.

* As always, let us continue to be a friendly, warm and caring congregation of God's people. Get to know others who are not in our usual circle. This may mean getting out of our comfort zone.


Benevolence

* Let us continue to be on the lookout for anyone who needs help of any kind. Each situation will be evaluated and considered. There are various ways that are available to give assistance to those in need. Please bring to the elders' attention any need of which you are aware. They will determine the most appropriate way to handle each.

Physical facilities (Building and Property)
* The new pews, carpeting and ceiling fans have been installed; remodeling done.
* Handicap access is being considered.
* Plans are to have aluminum soffits and gutters installed soon.
* Chimney repairs and leaking around chimney is being addressed.
* Maintain facilities.
* Further consideration of long and short-term needs.

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Committees and various responsibilities
Teaching:
David Bunch
Joe Bunch
John Meyer
- - - - - - - - - -
Gospel Meetings:
Joe Bunch
- - - - - - - - - -
James Hensley
- - - - - - - - - -
Building:
John Meyer
Jeff Andrews
Rich Bunch
Matt Sterba
New Member:
Elders
Support Requests:
Elders
Other Responsibilities:
Treasurer:
Deposit Contribution:
Coordinate Worship Services:
Cleaning Supplies:
Office Supplies:
Tracts:
Resource Room:
Sound Equipment:
Reproduction of audio tapes:
Directory:
Web Site:
  David Bunch
Dan Peters
Joe Bunch
Lois Meyer
John Meyer
- - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
Matt Sterba
Matt Sterba
Bob Priest
Bob Priest

Please make arrangements for someone to take your place for any assignment that you are unable to fulfill (especially for public worship assemblies).

Everyone:
Continue to visit the sick and support those who have various needs, especially those whose health conditions limit their activities.

Spread the GOSPEL OF CHRIST by word of mouth, handing out tracts, or by any scriptural manner.

Support all efforts to preach the Gospel including attending Gospel meetings, home Bible studies, and special classes.

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