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

Daily Bible Reading: John 12:1-50 (“And Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.'”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died.”  2 Corinthians 5:14

Remember These In Prayer:

Ray Markland was taken to the ER of Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday evening after suffering a fall at his home.  He was alert and not in too much discomfort, but was awaiting an X-ray to see if damage had been done.  We do not yet know whether he was admitted to the hospital.

Sherry Carden came through her cataract surgery on Tuesday, and Jim reports that all went well.  She is now resting at home.

Jennifer Easterling will undergo thyroid surgery this morning at Indian Path Hospital in Kingsport.  She has asked for our prayers for all to go well.

Everly, a child just over 1 year old who has Downs Syndrome, was finally able to be released from the University Of Virginia Medical Center after many months of care for various serious conditions.  On her ambulance ride home Tuesday, she suddenly went into a critical state, and had to be taken to a Roanoke hospital.  At last report she was in a highly critical state.  Our prayers for God’s help have been requested.

Kenn Neal is wearing a vest defibrillator placed Tuesday night until it can be determined whether he needs a permanent defibrillator.  Dean asks that we send up prayers for her husband.

Jacquelyn Ellis will meet with her oral surgeon today to learn the results of the biopsy of the cyst that was removed recently from her gum.

Karen Stevens learned on Friday, on the basis of X-rays and CT scans, that she may have cancer in both lungs.  She is scheduled to meet with specialists next Tuesday, January 14, at Thompson Cancer Survival Center in Knoxville.  She has asked for our prayers for God to be with her in the days ahead.

Jordan Simerly was to have undergone a PET scan on Tuesday, and is going through other tests and exams as doctors seek to learn as much as possible about the lymphoma recently diagnosed.  He is a great-nephew of Karen Curtis and Kay Napier, and has worshiped with us since moving into the College House in August.

Linda Solly is a friend Karen Stevens has been getting to know, and she is going through cancer treatments.  Karen asked if she would like to be on our prayer list, and Linda said she would very much appreciate that.  She also asked that we pray for her husband, Ken.

A close relative of one of our members is at Quillen Rehab Hospital after being hospitalized last week.  They don’t wish to be identified, but would appreciate our prayers for God’s help.

Roger Shepard, brother of Dawn Cox, Ann Cunningham, and Sherrell Shepard, has been at Johnson City Medical Center after suffering an apparent stroke.  It is requested that there be no visitors for now.

Jason and Belinda, children of Kathryn Albertson, are in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip.  They plan to visit several schools and a jail to offer eye care and eye surgeries while there.  Kathryn asks for our prayers for them while they are away.

Bible Study This Evening: Join many from your Central family in coming to the building this evening at 7:00 to learn more from God’s word.  Grow your soul!

Can You Help?Edie Lowry continues to work at recovering her abilities following her recent stroke.  She still has not regained the use of her left hand and arm, and she is naturally left-handed.  If you could help by providing a meal for her and her husband Bob, please call the church office to choose a date that will work for you.

Looking For “Ms. Meeks”: Someone has written to one of the men at Northeast Correctional Complex using the name “Ms. Meeks”.  A letter has been sent back, and is at the main Welcome Center.  It will help us expedite getting letters to you if you’ll let Kathy or Ruth know your pen name, something we urge all our Pen Pals to do.

A Parking Problem: It has been noted that parking in the driveway along the East entrance is posing a safety hazard; it could prevent a fire engine from being able to come onto our property.  We ask that you only park in designated spots for worship and Bible study assemblies.  To help you remember we may place traffic cones in that area.

Our Spending Habits:  *  “Time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend.”  (Diogenes)  *  “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:15,16)