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The
Margaret Street Church of Christ
Joliet IL
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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)
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Major
Goals
To
Worship
God in Spirit
and in Truth
(John
4:24)
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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).
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To
Equip
and Edify
the Saints
(Eph.
4:12)
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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).
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To
Take the
Gospel to
the World
(Mark
16:15)
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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).
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Focus
for 2002 - Involvement
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"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.
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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."
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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
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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
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"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).
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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
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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
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Teaching:
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David
Bunch
Joe Bunch
John Meyer
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Gospel
Meetings:
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Joe
Bunch
- - - - - - - - - -
James Hensley
- - - - - - - - - - |
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Building:
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John
Meyer
Jeff Andrews
Rich Bunch
Matt Sterba |
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New
Member:
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Elders |
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Support
Requests:
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Elders |
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Responsibilities: |
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Treasurer:
Deposit Contribution:
Coordinate Worship Services:
Cleaning Supplies:
Office Supplies:
Tracts:
Resource Room:
Sound Equipment:
Reproduction of audio tapes:
Directory:
Web Site:
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David
Bunch
Dan Peters
Joe Bunch
Lois Meyer
John Meyer
- - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
Matt Sterba
Matt Sterba
Bob Priest
Bob Priest
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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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