bulletin 12-1-20

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Vol. 45 December 1, 2020 Number 47
WHAT A FELLOWSHIP
Barry Kennedy
Words have meaning. You might say, “No kidding!” The point is still the same, words
have an effect upon people. One word that carries the feeling of warmth is fellowship. In
fact, the KJV uses the word fellowship 17 times. Fellowship is more than just a word,
biblically speaking. God knows the difficulties of life here upon this earth and as a result of
that knowledge, He has designed for us a safety net. God desires families to be that net for
safety. Of course, someone may say, “You don’t know my family!” Sadly, it is a fact that
some families are not very safe, but that is not God’s fault. He has given everything that one
needs to make the home a safe haven. Peter made this point in his letter, when he wrote,
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” (2 Peter
1:3). Therefore, if we gain the knowledge that God has left for us, we can have secure
homes where fellowship is enjoyed. What a fellowship that God has to offer!
First, we must consider what the word fellowship actually means. Fellowship is defined
by the Encarta Dictionary as “a sharing of common interests, goals, experiences, or views.”
Encarta goes on to define fellowship as “companionship or friendly association.” This, of
course, does not exhaust the definition list. Other words like “similarity, financial
endowment, and membership” are also mentioned in this dictionary. Some of these
definitions correspond with the biblical words for fellowship. The Bible has different words
(primarily Hebrew, and Greek) that were translated “Fellowship.” In the Old Testament a
few examples for the word fellowship are as follows: “depositing or a pledge” (Leviticus
6:2), “to join, be compact, couple” (Psalm 94:20). In the New Testament the word used
most often is κοινωνία koinonia. For example: “And they continued steadfastly in the
apostles' doctrine and fellowship (koinonia), and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”
(Acts 2:42). Thayer defines koinonia as “fellowship, association, community, communion,
joint participation, intercourse.” Seeing it is a fact that most people have the desire to
belong, or fit in with the group, God has setup a community of believers (i.e. the church) to
share in the blessings of fellowship.
Second, we must consider how to have this fellowship. Fellowship is a spiritual
blessing, therefore, to have this fellowship one must be in Christ. “Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1:3). The fellowship God offers is compared to family. “For
ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26, 27). Thus, the way into Christ has
been clearly been explained in scripture. Consider the lyrics of the old hymn, “Leaning on
The Everlasting Arms.” “What a fellowship what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting
arms.” This fellowship requires “leaning on the everlasting arms” of Jesus. In fact, Peter
encouraged Christians to cast their cares upon God, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Where would we be without God’s care? How could we ever have peace without God’s
care? Considering the second verse of that classic hymn, Christianity is a sweet walk when
we “lean” upon the arms of God in fellowship.
--article continued page 4--
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
Early worship...............8:30 a.m.
Bible class................9:30 a.m.
Main worship.............10:00 a.m.
Bible class.............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. THANKSGIVING IS SHOWN
Barry Kennedy
I once came across this post written by Jeff A.
Jenkins, a gospel preacher in Texas. Notice his
message and how we should realize that
thanksgiving is shown.
If you are a Christian someone took time
to sit down with you and teach you the
Gospel. Someone cared enough about
you to take time from their schedule to
walk with you through the Word.
Someone introduced you to Jesus through
their example, by showing you the love of
Jesus, or by an invitation to learn about
Church. Someone loved you enough to
pray for you to find Jesus. Is there
someone, perhaps several people on your
prayer list? Is there someone who you can
talk to about Christ today? Is there
someone you can show Christ living in
you through your kindness? May God
help us to allow the light of His love to
shine through us today!
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus
(Romans 6:23), but it is not a gift God expects us
to hoard up for ourselves alone. If we are truly
thankful for this gift, then show that hope and let
God’s love and forgiveness shine forth from the
lives we live. Happy Thanksgiving!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Debbie Vines in the
loss of her mother, Jill Rice, on November 17, after
an extended illness. Funeral services were held on
November 21 at Holland-Harris Funeral Home.
Community Outreach Program
Christmas Project
The Community Outreach
Program would like to invite
you to adopt a Christmas Angel
for the Holiday Season. These
are needy children from area
schools. There are Ziplock bags
at the church building with the
child’s name, their wish list and wrapping
instructions. There will be times posted that you can
pick up your Christmas Angel from a C.O.P.
(Community Outreach Program) representative or
from Renee at the church office during the day. Once
you have chosen a Christmas Angel, it is
IMPERATIVE that you register the child with a
C.O.P. representative or Renee. GIFTS MUST BE
RETURNED TO THE BUILDING BY DECEMBER
6, 2020. Thank you for your generosity in advance.
Renee will be at the building Tues., Nov. 24 from
9:30 am-5:30 pm. Kristie Webb will be at the building
from 2-4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 29. Please drive to the foyer
doors & honk for someone to come out and assist you.
East Main Sr. Saints
(Age 60 & Above)
Due to the Corona virus, the youth & their parents
have decided that they will not host the traditional Sr.
Saints’ luncheon this year. However, they would still
like to honor these members with a carry out supper
plate & happies delivered to your door on Sun., Dec. 6
around 5:00 p.m. Please call the church office if you
would like the youth to deliver to your home.
Thank You Notes
I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, visits,
cards, and flowers during my father’s illness and
death. He considered East Main as his church family
and he loved everyone of you. Thanks again.
In Christian love,
Charles Barber
Nursing Homes
Evelyn Willis, Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway,
Shirley McCarthy, Veona Harris, Bob & Clara
McClure
John Duke stationed in Gulfport, MS
Caleb Williams stationed in Quantico, VA
Rob Cross & family stationed in South Korea
Ty Nichols stationed in Germany
December 2020
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Katherine
Mansel
Trish Scribner
2 Cor. 1-4
2
2 Cor. 5-9
3
Brenda Beckner
Laura Bennett
Laney McMillen
Grady & Debbie
Vines
2 Cor. 10-13
4
Doug & Mary
Ann Wallace
Galatians 1-3
5
Galatians 4-6
6
Amanda Dickinson
Marla Laney
Linda Parker
Michael Wilson
John & Hollie
Bowlin
Ephesians 1-3
7
Austin McMillen
Ephesians 4-6
8
Philippians 1-4
9
Hilda Ratliff
Colossians 1-4
10
Wanda Bishop
1 Thess. 1-5
11
Michelle Clifton
Mikki Gilliland
Donny McKay
2 Thess. 1-3
12
Breakfast with
Santa (6th
gr. &
under) 9-11 am
1 Timothy 1-6
13
Jacob Bradley
Larry Long
Jonathan Nichols
Joyful Rebellion
Ornament swap 6
pm @ Beth Reeds
2 Timothy 1-4
14
Titus-Philemon
15
Lynn Sanderson
Youth Christmas
Caroling @ 6:30
pm
Hebrews 1-5
16
Twinette
Wallace
Hebrews 6-9
17
Wesley &
Raleigh Bass
Hebrews 10-11
18
Hebrews 12-13
19
James 1-5
20
Rommie Dilworth
Ian Willis
1 Peter 1-5
21
Greg Lyle
2 Peter 1-3
22
Suzanne Long
1 John 1-5
23
2 John-Jude
24
Revelation 1-3
25
Revelation 4-5
26
Revelation 6-7
27
Kyle Smith
Hayden Tindall
Revelation 8-11
28
Marla Harris
Rev. 12-14
29
Ander Bass
Revelation 15-17
30
Asher Bass
Shauna
McMickin
Kent & Missy
Nichols
Rev. 18-20
31
Terry Kingsley
Robert & Betty
Kingsley
Rev. 21-22

3. Daily Bible Reading
December 2...........................................2 Corinthians 5-9
December 3.......................................2 Corinthians 10-13
December 4................................................. Galatians 1-3
December 5................................................. Galatians 4-6
December 6................................................ Ephesians 1-3
December 7................................................ Ephesians 4-6
December 8...............................................Philippians 1-4
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: Brenda Beckner (Dec. 3), Laura
Bennett (Dec. 3), Laney McMillen (Dec. 3),
Amanda Dickinson (Dec. 6), Marla Laney (Dec.
6), Linda Parker (Dec. 6), Michael Wilson (Dec. 6),
Austin McMillen (Dec. 7). Anniversaries: Grady &
Debbie Vines (Dec. 3), Doug & Mary Ann Wallace
(Dec. 4), John & Hollie Bowlin (Dec. 6).
Our Sick
Gail Geno is home recuperating from surgery.
Linda Hand is in NMMC with an infection. Betty
Kingsley is in ICU of the Amory Hospital with Covid.
Sean Koehn is undergoing radiation and chemo at
M.D. Anderson in Texas. Brian Carver was to
undergo surgery today to remove some tumors. Kirk
Sheffield’s mother, Delois Sheffield, hopes to go
home Friday from NMMC. Carrie & Meredith Hitt,
Lauren Long, the whole Blansett family, Wade Bryan,
Sharon Clemmer, Robert, Connie & Randy Kingsley,
Mark Hitt’s dad (Buddy Hitt), Robert & Betty
Kingsley’s son-in-law (Neal Crabb) and
granddaughter (Lacy Crabb), Barry Kennedy’s uncle
(Ronnie Johnson), Susan Reed’s aunt (Francis Smith)
& sister (Rita Payne) all have COVID.
On-Going Illnesses
Jean Mounce, Steve Kelly, Mary Lou Walden, 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
Nursing Homes
Evelyn Willis, Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway,
Shirley McCarthy, Veona Harris, Bob & Clara McClure
Higginbotham, Brenda Dawson
EMYG News
Do you enjoy the sound of rain? I understand
that’s a strange question to start this article with.
When I was a younger lad, I remember sitting on our
porch, listening to the sound of rain. Our black lab
would come sit next to me. My parents would be on
the swing and my sister on the other side of me.
Sometimes, we would sing, or mom would read a
book. Other times, we would just sit in silence
thinking about the blessings we had.
A number of years ago, we had a tornado run right
through our property and it destroyed part of our barn
(where our animals were at during the tornado).
Thankfully, no animals where hurt. Trees fell
everywhere, our wooden fence around our property
was destroyed, powerlines down, and the wind threw
our grill in our pool. The sound of rain changed when
lightening flashed and it lit up all the damage it had
done in a matter of minutes. Why do I tell you this?
Because not all storms come to disturb your life.
Some storms come to clear your path.
The Psalmist writes in chapter 91, “He who dwells
in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the
shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My
refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Life is full of various storms with varying degrees of
damage. How will God’s people respond? Will we
take refuge in Christ? Or, will we continue to
convince ourselves that we’re okay when we are not?
After the tornado passed, our family went out to
check the animals and to see what all was damaged.
We later heard that some died because of the storm.
By not having the security of a solid home to take
cover during this bad storm, things would’ve turned
out much differently. Are you secure in your faith and
relationship in God? He doesn’t promise a storm free
life. In fact, quite the opposite. However, by
submitting to His will and not your own and having
the right relationship that He wants, you can rest in
the shadow of the Almighty.
Storms can also be a wakeup call. Will you clear
your path of sin so that you may be found righteous
on that Glorious Day? If Cassie or myself can help
you, please let us know.
We love you.
Parents of Youth
We need several to make food for the Sr. Saints take
out plates that the youth are delivering this Sunday, Dec.
6. If you can help, please contact Cassie Blackwelder.
We need green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potato
casserole, bread/rolls, and pumpkin/pecan pie. Thanks!

4. --article continued page 4—
Third, we must consider that sin severs fellowship.
Sin is the only thing that can sever fellowship (Isaiah
59:1, 2). The challenge for each one of us is to continue
to walk in the Light of God’s word (1 John 1:7; Psalm
119:105). Doing this will produce a fellowship of peace
and confidence. The third verse of that classic hymn
reads, “What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning
on the everlasting arms.” What a fellowship!
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Daniel Morton in the
loss of his uncle, Wayne Sparks, on Nov. 26. Funeral
services were held on Nov. 30 in Oxford at Waller
Funeral Home.
Men to Serve Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 a.m.
Announcements...................................Mike Childers
Bible Reading.....................................Ricky Lindsey
Opening Prayer ..............................Clinton Kingsley
Lord’s Supper
Alex Blackwelder
Lead Singing..............................................Mark Hitt
Closing Prayer................................Jimmy Spearman
Ushers ........................Terry Kingsley & Larry Long
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.
East Main Sr. Saints
(Age 60 & Above)
Due to the Corona virus, the youth & their parents
have decided that they will not host the traditional Sr.
Saints’ luncheon this year. However, they would still
like to honor these members with a carry out supper
plate & happies delivered to your door on Sun., Dec. 6
around 5:00 p.m. Please call the church office if you
would like the youth to deliver to your home.
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, 11-25-20 ...................................................... *
Sunday 1st
Worship, 11-29-20 ..........................................
Sunday Bible Class......................................................... *
Sunday 2nd
Worship........................................................ *
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $4,525
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item.........................................................Jelly
Services will be livestreamed this Sunday at 10:00 am
if you do not feel safe attending the service in person.
We will NOT have the Christmas card
envelopes in the hallway at the church
building this year due to the virus!