"The voice said, `Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches'." Revelation 1:4

Have you read recently what the angels were told by God about the seven churches in Asia? At the time of John's revelations they were real churches, but the question is, do these churches exist today? What are the characteristics of a strong dynamic church in modern times?

Thom Rainer published a study of nearly 600 evangelistic churches in America in a book entitled Effective Evangelistic Churches and found that there were three major factors that determined whether a church was successful.

Number one: The Preaching of the Word of God

Number two: Prayer and Prayer Ministries

Number three: Sunday School

People still wanted to hear the Word of God when attending services. The form the service took had little impact as long as the Bible was the basis of the sermon. Another significant impact was whether the church was a "praying church." The characteristic of a "praying church" in the study, included serving God through missions, seeking God in Bible studies, personal and public expressions of God in our lives, and prayer as an important part of all the programs of the church. We are blessed with numerous prayer groups and Bible studies among our congregation; are you active in one?

At the request of the Northwest District the church has been requested to update a Church History and they need all of our help. Our historians are Martha Copeland, Rosie Bussman, Alyne Jackson, and Dorothy McHam. Please fill out one of the forms located on the table in back of the sanctuary. If you have memories, incidences, or church pictures or publications, please share them with one of the committee members. While the District had requested an updated history, it would also be nice for members of the congregation to have access to our church's past.

Have you got your copy of the Advent devotional and prayer booklet? The scriptural devotionals are really wonderful and so meaningful when written by members of the congregation. Carolyn Bradley does a wonderful job of coordinating and designing the Advent booklet each year. We do have talented members.

In recognition of Mother's Day, the United Methodist Women will be developing a booklet consisting of writings by our congregation about memories, teachings, or experiences with mothers, grandmothers, and daughters. Reverend Linda Pinson has requested that people submit something related to how you feel about your daughter or granddaughters these coming weeks. They will need all contributions by April 19th. You do not need to be a "writer" to submit something. Just sit down at the computer, or with a pencil, and tell someone how much they are loved and what they mean in your life.

The 30-Hour Famine is coming up fast. If you are approached by the youth, or wish to make a donation for the World Vision Mission to help send food to starving countries, please do so soon. The 30-hour famine of our youth will begin Saturday, April 4th and last till noon Sunday. While our young people have a lot of fun during this period, they also study the Word and share their faith with each other. But most important is that they learn what true hunger is about, and develop a sincere concern for others who endure hunger as part of their lives. If you wish to help in this mission, please contact John Taylor or the church office.

Tom Martin, Chairman of the Church Council announced Sunday that the committee has considered the purchase of a portable cardiac defibilator for the church. The purchase price will be somewhere in the area of fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars. Contributions may be submitted to the church office.

Happy Anniversary to: Gary and Sandy Dinsmore, Glyn and Ginger Stewart, and Jim and Sharon Moffeit.

Happy Birthday to: Lonny Hagan, Kim Birdwell, Hill Paddock, Ellen Kretzmeier, and Kim Pollard.

Thought for the Week: "Then I heard the Lord's voice saying, `Whom can I send? Who will go for us?'. So I said, "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8