Welcome, VISITORS!  The Lord’s church at Carthage is so honored to have you visit with us.  Your presence indicates an interest in spiritual matters.  We, too, have great interest in things divine.  We encourage you to study God’s Word with us.  If you have questions or comments about what you hear and observe, please feel free to approach us.  Please come again!          
     We say “So long” to Cobie and Shirley Sadler who are moving to Lebanon.  They have been faithful members of the church here for a long time and very involved in the work, with Cobie serving as a deacon.  He and Shirley have been involved in the Honduran work and many other good works.  They will be attending Maple Hill.  We will miss them!          
     Attendance bounced back this past Sunday even with some still being ill and a couple of families out of town.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all were present and together every week?!  Let’s put forth every effort to bring that hope to fruition.            
     Our contribution rebounded as well.  Our giving is a “gauge” of our love for the Lord and His church (2 Cor. 8:24).  It also provides opportunities for the church to do good in the areas of evangelism/mission work, benevolence, and edification.  We are admonished “to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1; cf. 2 Tim. 3:17)/          
     The annual fish fry went well.  I am not sure of the total number served, but the food and fellowship were great.  We were blessed to have several guests, friends, and family members.  A large number of meals were delivered to shut-in and sick folks.  All those who assisted with delivery are to be thanked, especially our youth, who were very helpful.  Those who prepared the annex and cleaned up afterward did a great job.  Others picked up supplies, cut up and battered fish and chicken, etc.  The desserts and side dishes were great.  Thanks to all who brought them.  And, last, but certainly not least, our hats are off to the cooks and helpers!  They did their usual great job.          
     We enjoyed a safe and pleasurable day trip to the SEIBS lectures at the Karns’ building (Knoxville), on Monday.  We heard a number of excellent lessons and enjoyed the fellowship as well seeing a number of friends and fellow-gospel preachers.          
     We will be doing the devotional at Kindred this Sunday afternoon.  The time is 2:00 P.M.  We congregate in the up stairs dining area with those residents who are able and desire to attend.  Please come and bring a hymn book with you.           
     I hope to see you Sunday morning, our Lord willing.                                                                                            
Edward L Anderson

​Welcome, VISITORS!  The Lord’s church at Carthage is so honored to have you visit with us.  Your presence indicates an interest in spiritual matters.  We, too, have great interest in things divine.  We encourage you to study God’s Word with us and if you have questions or comments about what you hear and observe, please feel free to approach us.  You are cordially invited to return at your earliest opportunity.
          I just learned this morning of the passing of Bob Spurlin, faithful Christian and gospel preacher, who had suffered with MS since 1995.  Many have been blessed by his three inspirational books and his example of patience in suffering and loss.  Four days after his diagnosis, he and Beverly lost their daughter in an auto accident.  Keep this good family in your prayers.   
         Not very often do churches have more in attendance on Sunday evening than on Sunday morning, but such was the case this past Sunday with our hosting of Youth Unite.  More than two hundred (219 to be exact), attended the 5:00 P.M. gathering.  We were blessed by so many guests.  Most of them were college age, high school, junior high, and elementary.  And don’t forget the toddlers and “crawlers”!!  The future is bright and promising.
          Many of you worked very hard in planning and in executing the plan. Thanks to Justin and others for organizing the devotional.  He and Allen White iced down the drinks and set up tables and chairs. A big thanks is due Drew Milligan for presenting a wonderful lesson.  It was very practical for all, but especially challenging for youth.  The singing was superb.  Thanks to Jeff Crockett for leading us in song.  All the young men are commended for their roles in reading scripture, leading prayers, and presiding at the Lord’s Table.
          A very special “THANK YOU” is extended to all those who prepared food; those who served food and drinks; and those who cleaned up after the meal.  Someone commented that we could have fed 500 or more!  Our ladies always come through when it comes to hospitality.  Thank you, ladies!  
          The annual fish fry is approaching – April 23 is the date.  Maybe it will be warmer, but if it isn’t, the food will be hot!  I am sure the cooks are all lined up and ready to go.  Fish, fries, and hush puppies will be provided.  Just bring some side dishes and desserts, please.  The youth group will again be delivering to the shut-ins.  Please give Justin and Sarah the names, addresses, and phone numbers of those needing meals.         
          I am glad you are here for our mid-week gathering.  I hope to see you Sunday, too, our Lord willing.                  Edward L Anderson

​         Welcome, VISITORS!  The Lord’s church at Carthage is so honored to have you visit with us.  Your presence indicates an interest in spiritual matters.  We, too, have such an interest.  We encourage you to study God’s Word with us and if you have questions or comments about what you hear and observe, please feel free to approach us.  You are cordially invited to return at your earliest opportunity.
         Attendance was good Sunday morning in spite of much sickness and some families out of town with “spring break” beginning over the weekend.  Our attendance was down Sunday evening, but we enjoyed a wonderful service devoted to singing praises to God, as we have been doing on fourth Sunday nights for many years. 
          Contributions for March reflect an encouraging increase.  God is good (James 1:17).  Those who are thoughtful and thankful will respond accordingly in giving.  Whether the amount we are prospered is great or small, we should give with loving gratitude.  The poor widow cast but “two mites” into the treasury, but she gave with all her “might”!  Let’s strive to do the same.
          We will be hosting “Youth Unite” Sunday, April 10 at 5:00 P.M.  Drew Milligan will be the speaker.  A meal, featuring spaghetti, will be provided after the service.  A food sheet is posted on the foyer bulletin board.  Soft drinks and desserts are also needed. NOTE:  We are missing a table in the annex.  It will be needed for the large crowd we anticipate for youth night and the fish fry.   
          Check out the “Youth”, “Calendar”, and “Area” events sections elsewhere in the bulletin.  Many opportunities for study and spiritual nurturing are available.
          A special “Thank You” is extended to those who brought laundry detergent for Tennessee Children’s Home.  So many of you respond to good works of this type on a regular basis.  Every act of love in the name of the Lord is important.
          A tender and touching portrayal of God is presented in the account of the “prodigal (waster) son” in Luke 15:  “But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (v. 20, Emphasis added).  God longs, looks, and loves.  Why would any erring one not want to return to such a Father?!  Come home.
          I am glad you are here for our mid-week gathering.  I hope to see you Sunday, too, our Lord willing.                    
                                                    Edward L Anderson