“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 15:1 – 16:16 (” The angel of the Lord also said to her, ‘I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.‘”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”  1 Peter 1:22

Remember These In Prayer:

Carolyn Rupe was admitted to Johnson City Medical Center late Friday morning after complications arose with the brain shunt that had been implanted a few weeks ago.  We have not had an update on how things have developed.  Keep Carolyn in your prayers.

The family of Beulah Burnette, a beloved former member of Central, continues to mourn her recent passing in Crossville, TN.  They will receive friends this evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at Tetrick Funeral Home, Johnson City.  There will be a funeral service on Sunday at 1:30 at the mausoleum of Washington County Memory Gardens.  Pray for God’s comfort to be upon the family and friends.  Click here to see her obituary.

Kathy Kidwell was not able to have the outpatient procedure done on Thursday to implant a stent in her leg artery.  She will meet with the surgeon again next Thursday.

Alice Torgerson, mother of Dave Torgerson, is being moved to a skilled nursing facility in California as she recovers from the loss of the use of her legs, a condition that came on her suddenly.  She is being treated for an infection, but nothing else has been found.  Our continued prayers have been requested.

Verda Smith, a lady known to many in the congregation, has been having serious health challenges.  Tammy Williams reports that Verda has been on the ventilator in ICU twice in the past couple of months.  She has asked for prayers that her doctors may find what is causing her seizures.

Edna Cloud, wife of Doug Cloud, a retired professor and now an active volunteer with Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry, was to have undergone surgery yesterday in Nashville following the discovery of cancer.  Our prayers for all to go well have been requested.

The family of Vaughn Horn, nephew of Violet Yates, is mourning his sudden passing on Tuesday, July 30.  He leaves behind a wife who has Alzheimer’s Disease.  A graveside service was held yesterday at Mountain Home VA National Cemetery.  Violet asks that we pray for God’s comfort and help for the family.

Tomorrow Is The Lord’s Day!  Take time today to prepare your heart to offer worship to God that is in spirit and truth.  Join us for Bible study at 9:15, and for worship at 10:15 and at 6:00.

Men’s Fellowship Today!  Our 4th Annual Mountain Empire Men’s Fellowship is here, and breakfast will be served at 8:00.  The program kicks off at 9:00, and we would love to have every man from Central to be present.  Even if you didn’t register, come!  The lessons will challenge you to grow spiritually, and the fellowship will be awesome.  Say a prayer that this day will strengthen many.

A Special Day Tomorrow: (1) Guest Speaker: David Shannon, President of Freed-Hardeman University, will speak to the combined adult Bible classes, as well as at our morning worship assembly.  (2) Fellowship Meal: Following morning worship we will have a covered dish fellowship meal.  Plan to bring food for your family, and a few extra.  Stay and enjoy a time of good eating and delightful fellowship.  (3) Bonus Extras: The Mobile Information Center for Freed-Hardeman University will be in the parking lot.  Moon Pies and glass bottles of Coke will be passed out, and a photo booth will be available for some memory making.

Give Thanks:  *  “When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.  Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.  If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”  (Tecumseh)  *  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)