Summer Changes and Opportunities

Can you believe June is here????  This is such a great time of the year, vacations, no school, lots of family time and fun!  For the summer months, we will be postponing our Family Meals which are held the first Wednesday of the month. 

But....that is not encouraging you to stay home from church, just redirect and make church attendance a part of your summer plans!  Team Kids will continue to meet each Sunday night at 6:00 PM, Youth Mission Class will meet each Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. 

Don't forget about the special activities for summer.  Children's Camp will be June 27-30.  If you have not signed your children up but do want to attend, please see Bro. Dave as soon as possible.  Vacation Bible School will be July 25-29 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon.  Please set these dates aside and come support our church activites. 

Prayer Request

Our church has been in prayer for Caroline as she has been away tending to the needs of her elderly parents.  Her mother is in a nursing home currently and her father recently had heart surgery and is in a nursing home recovering. 

Her father came down with pneumonia last week and then today, her mother's blood pressure got low and she was having pains in her neck.  They have taken her to the hospital to determine what is wrong.  Your prayers are appreciated for Caroline and her parents during this time. 

Happy Memorial Day

Youth At Easter Celebration

Church Softball Is On!!

Last night our softball team had it’s first game and first victory!  Way to go team!  Watch for dates of the games and come out and support our team!

Prayer Request

We have been praying for Kortney A. who is the niece of Russell and Lisa L.  Here is a prayer request from the family for special prayer for surgery tomorrow:

Would you please ask for special prayer for Kortney Avant as she will be undergoing surgery in Augusta, Georgia Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. to try to correct a serious acid reflux problem in her digestive system. They will be moving her feeding tube from her stomach to her intestinal tract and after that is done she will have to be fed constantly in small amounts for possibly the rest of her life. Please also ask for prayer for the family as they continue to care for her. Thanks.

Prayer Update

Just a quick update:

Caroline's father continues to improve and has been moved out of ICU and into to a regular room.

Rem F.'s surgery went well and he is at home recovering.

Susie (Felton and Mary Lou's daughter) - her husband is suffering from severe staph infection and is in the hospital undergoing treatment.  Please pray for his healing.

Sunday morning we will be observing the Lord's Supper.  May we prepare our hearts to come with thankful hearts and worship the Lord!

Big Apple Adventure

Big City, Bigger Fun! Grab a cab and get ready for fun around every corner in LifeWay’s Big Apple Adventure, Where Faith and Life Connect. As kids explore the big city, they’ll learn how to step out in faith and connect with Jesus--sharing the message of Christ with their world.

This is the theme for our Vacation Bible School which will be July 25-29 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  There will be a meeting on Sunday at 5:00 in the fellowship hall for those who are working and those who may be interested in helping in VBS. Teachers, materials will be handed out at the meeting and helpers can choose the area they would like to help in!  Please make plans to come to the meeting.

Prayer & Updates

Here is an update on Caroline's father:  His kidney function is improving and he is doing better today than yesterday.  He has fluid built up around his lungs which is pushing and causing discomfort.  The doctor is scheduled to drain this fluid off later today.  He is still in ICU and continues to need our prayers.

Bro. Dave will be traveling home on Friday.  Please pray for safe travels.

We rejoiced earlier with Holly Mc. and her family in the birth of her baby boy.  They are at home now and doing great!  There is some sad news as we have been praying for Holly's uncle Lloyd who has been in critical condition, and he has passed away.  Holly's parents are Wayne and Donna E. and this was Wayne's brother.  Please keep this family in your prayers.

Also you are encouraged to keep Rem F. in your prayers as he will undergo shoulder surgery tomorrow (Friday).

Kay B. will begin her last round of chemo next week.  This will last for 3 to 4 months.  Please keep Kay in your thoughts and prayers for God's strength and healing. 

Thank you for God's love, care, compassion and grace that is shown through His body as we pray and support one another.

Updates and Announcements

Consider this a Praise the Lord post!  Our church has been in prayer for Caroline's father as he was scheduled for extensive, serious heart surgery on Monday.  The surgery went very well for which we are thankful.  There are a few concerns as he recovers that you are encouraged to be in prayer about.  His oxygen count is low and he had to get back on oxygen.  He is pale and his chest xray showed some congestion in his lungs.  He will have to go to an assisted living facility for a few months to fully recover.  Caroline's mom is currently in a facility, but the family would like to move them to one where they could be together.  Please pray for this door to open.

Another blessed gift is the arrival of Weston Lane - newborn son of Jason and Holly Mc.  Weston arrived Monday night and weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. and mother and baby are doing great.  We are rejoicing over God's goodness and blessings.

Prayer Requests

You are encouraged to keep some in the church family close in your prayers this week:

Caroline's father will have serious surgery Monday.
Harry S.  is battling cancer, but it was great to see him at church today.
Kathryn P. - is having some kidney issues and awaiting test results soon.
Eva H. - has been released from the hospital and is now in an assisted living facility.
Bo B.'s father - health problems and salvation.
Holly Mc. - may go into the hospital to give birth (if there is room).

May we be a blessing to each other as we love, pray and support one another!

More Youth In Action

Here are more pictures of our youth in action doing yard work:

First the work…



Then the rewards! 

If You Never...

IF YOU NEVER ...
Author unknown

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?
If you never had to pray, How would you know that I am a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I am a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I am a forgiver?
If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, Then what would you need me for?
Love,
Jesus

Prayer Requests This Week

What a great Mother's Day we had at Antioch!  Our mothers were acknowledged and shown love and appreciation for all that they do in building and nurturing their families.  We were reminded of the powerful influence a mother holds and encouraged to continue on in this high and holy calling.

Some prayer needs for this week include:

• Caroline's father:  he has had a heart attack and is recovering, but is suffering from chest pains again and at the hospital seeking treatment.
• Lavon M.'s grandson was bitten by a spider and is still suffering side effects from the bite.
• Joe R.'s brother Craig is undergoing some health issues.
• Holly Mc.'s uncle is in ICU at a hospital in very serious condition.
• Also, Holly is due this week to deliver her baby boy.  Please pray for Holly and the family and for a healthy baby boy!
• Shirley W. is praising the Lord that she did not have to have an injection in her neck.  Her pain is better and we rejoice with her over God's answer to prayers!
• Bo G.'s father is undergoing some health issues and needs our prayers for his healing and also his salvation.

May we be encouraged this week to share God's love with our church family through our prayers and support and also be a light for the Lord everywhere we go!

Youth Springing Into Action

Recently the youth did some yard work for one of our church family.  Here are some scenes from the outreach service project.

 

A Special Shower

Families are a huge part of the Antioch church family.  Most of us recognize the blessings and responsibility of bringing our children to church faithfully. God's Word encourages us to "train up our children in the ways of the Lord."  In today's times, it can be a challenge to be diligent to the house of the Lord and keep our children involved in church activities.  Many things clamor and compete for our attention and time which is limited.  Even good things like family time, sports activities, rest and relaxation can entice us away from attending church.  An excuse to stay home is always nearby! Being faithful and committed to church is hard, but with the Lord's help and a family commitment, we can make church a normal part of our life and schedule.  When  we 'seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things will be added unto us" and our lives will be complete and pleasing to the Lord.

Each family at Antioch is special and a cherished part of our church.  One of our families is currently in the midst of wedding plans!  Tiffany R. will be getting married June 25 and our church will be blessing her with a Bridal Shower on May 12 in the church fellowship hall beginning at 6:00 PM.  We would like to make this a special time as our church celebrates this new passage of life for Tiffany and her family.

Many children have been 'born and raised" at Antioch.  Many children grow up and come and go through the years, but Tiffany is one of those children which her and her family have been faithful and active members since Tiffany was born. Their diligence and faithful service to our church has been unwavering as they lived their lives and raised their children week in and week out in church. Our church has been blessed through the years by sharing in their lives through the years and we want to extend our appreciation for their service and beautiful example of commitment. 

As we celebrate with this family this momentous occasion, you are welcome and encouraged to come to the bridal shower and express your love and support for our girl!   May 12 at 6:00 PM.   Hope to see you there!

Family Meal This Week

Family Meal will be Wednesday night beginning at 6:00 PM.  For a splash of fun, the theme will be Mexican Food Night.  You are encouraged to bring a food dish to share and enjoy some great time fellowshipping with the church family before mid week service.  May we be committed to keeping the Lord and faithfulness to His house a vital part of our lives.

If you are up for a cooking challenge, bring a Mexican dish.  Here are a few places to get some recipes and ideas:

Food Network

Mexican Meals

Mexican Gourmet

Prayer Requests This Week

If you missed church yesterday, you missed a blessing!  Margaret T.'s 7 year old grandson shared his presentation of praising the Lord through each book of the New Testament.  Watch for the video of Jack later this week.  Our special speaker from the Gideons shared some poweful stories of the transformation in lives after they received a free Bible from the Gideons.  We were blessed to hear and be renewed in our hearts the power of God's Word and how blessed we are to freely read and obey it.

There were some requests for prayer to share for this week:

• Shirley W. has been suffering with severe neck pain and will have an injection this week.
• Caroline is still up north tending to her parents and has asked for continued prayers for all.
• Eva H. is in the hospital, very weak and very low.
• Harry S. continues to need our prayers as he battles agressive cancer and continues to decline in health.
• Elizabeth O's mother is in the hospital with some heart issues.
• Holly Mc. is due to deliver her baby boy soon and there is an important doctor visit to help determine th timing of his birth.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and a healthy baby to be born.

Remember activities this week - Wednesday is Family Meal and Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. 

National Day of Prayer

The 60th annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 5, 2011. Millions will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast.

This year’s theme, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, is based on Psalm 91:2: “I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Prayer has always been used in this country for guidance, protection and strength-even before we were a nation or a handful of colonies. The Pilgrims at Plymouth relied on prayer during their first and darkest winter. Our founding fathers also called for prayer during the Constitutional Congress. In their eyes, our recently created nation and freedoms were a direct gift from God. And being a gift from God, there was only one way to insure protection-through prayer.

Our local community holds a prayer service at City Hall at Noon on Thursday.  You are encouraged to attend if possible, but if not, spend some time in prayer for our country.

For more resources, see National Day of Prayer or the 2011 Theme video.