Deacons
   Guy Dale Adams - Transportation
   Bub Barron - Benevolence
   R. M. Bledsoe - Finance
   John Brownd - Fellowship
   Charles Burrow - Worship
   John Chronister - Worship
   Jimmie Darling - Worship
   George Leland - Fellowship
   Harold Rutledge - Building
   Justin Rutledge - Education

Staff
Pulpit Minister:
Glen Knabe
501-278-5628
glen@holdenavecofc.com
Youth Minister:
Ryan Wilson
870-217-5838
ryan@holdenavecofc.com
ymryan17@yahoo.com
Secretary:
Brenda Stegall
brenda@holdenavecofc.com
Custodian
Goldie Arnold

As we enter a new year, one thing is on the minds of almost everyone around us; a new year’s resolution. They take many shapes and forms. To lose weight, lay off the sodas, exercise more, etc. Most resolutions are about the body and what we are going to do to improve it. However, let’s not forget about the other part of our body, that is, the spirit. What can we do to improve and strengthen that side of us which will last through eternity. Here are a few suggestions taken from the author Leroy Brownlow. Let us resolve to

R--Read: In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul urges Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of scripture. In 2 Timothy 2:15 he says to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.” The American Standard Version says to “be diligent.” The King James says to “study.” How can we present ourselves to God as one who can handle His Word unless we are diligent in our studies of His Word? How can we defend or present our faith to another unless we ourselves know what it is and how we found it? How can we, as 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,” unless we read? Resolve to read His Word. Read it at home. Study it with friends and fellow Christians in Bible Class. Read.

E--Encourage: After finishing his first missionary journey, we find that Paul went back for the purpose of “strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:41). Encouragement was a major theme for Paul and is mentioned in some form in all of his letters. Whenever he could, he gave words of encouragement and urged others to encourage their fellow brothers and sisters. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up . . .” (1 Thess. 5:14). “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29). So then, let us resolve to, as Hebrews 3:13 tells us, “encourage one another daily . . .”

S--Shine: In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. He does not tell us to be the light of the world. He says that we are the light of the world. So then let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. Let us be light in its function; to enlighten and illuminate the darkness so that others may see sin for what it is and not stumble on it any longer. Let us be light in its character; offering warmth and compassion, security and comfort. Let us resolve to, as Philippians 2:15-16 tells us, “shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life . . .”

Welcome to the Holden Avenue Church
of Christ.   We are especially glad that
you are here. We hope you enjoy your time
with us and come back to visit real soon.
It is our hope that you will find your time
here encouraging and beneficial. If you have
any comments, questions, or prayer requests,
please share those with us. We are here to
minister to you and your family.

Our sympathy is extended to
the family of

Mildred Arnett

Her funeral was
December 31st at the
Holden Avenue Church of Christ.

Please call the office for any updates to the prayer list.

xxx

Birthdays
Jan 6 - Timothy Richmond
Jan 8 - Jessica Ardrey
Jan 11 - Glenda Glidewell
Jan 11 - Alison Tubbs
Jan 12 - Tyler Nicholson
Jan 12 - Rachael Watson
Jan 12 - Cara Lowery
Jan 12 - Morgan Mann

xxx
Anniversaries
Jan 8 - Bill & Dean Fortenberry

Everyone is invited to celebrate

Asalee Tim’s

100th birthday Saturday, January 12th. The party will be held in the dining hall at Lindley Healthcare from 2:00 to 3:30pm. No gifts please.

Can you believe that it is 2008? 2007 flew by for me but it truly was a great year. I know most of us will make New Year’s Resolutions and, if you do make them, stay true to them. I know many will not make them because they do not want to break them. But if you do make them as I have, let’s be faithful to them. Like I said last week, I enjoy the opportunity to begin a new year. I am thankful that I can “begin again.” Folks, spiritually speaking all of us can “begin again.” We all can be renewed daily, isn’t that awesome? No matter what you have done or what a mess you have made; you can begin again through Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” We can start over spiritually every day because of what Jesus has done for us. Paul also tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Folks, if there is sin in your life, get rid of it and be new today! If you have never known the Lord, why not repent and change your life to fit the lifestyle of our Lord Jesus Christ? Put your faith in Him, confess Jesus as Lord and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). You will come out of the waters of baptism a NEW person. That is good news, amen!

*   January 20     -     Devotional
      (Small Auditorium - Grades 7-12)

*   January 27     -     Devotional
      (Perry & Brenda Stegall's - Grades 7-12)

*   February 10     -     Valentine’s Banquet

Blessed Bible, how I love it!
How it doth my bosom cheer!
What hath earth like this to covet?
Oh, what stores of wealth are here!
x
Man was lost and doomed to sorrow,
Not one ray of light or bliss
Could he from earth’s treasures borrow
Till his way was cheered by this.
x
Yes, I’ll to my bosom press thee,
Precious Word, I’ll hide thee here,
Sure my heart will ever bless thee.
For thou sayest good cheer.
x
Speak my heart and tell thy ponderings,
Tell how far thy rovings led,
When this Book brought back thy wonderings,
Speaking life as from the dead.
x
Yes, sweet Bible, I will hide thee,
Hide thee richly in this heart;
Thou through all my life will guide me,
And in death we will not part!
x
Part in death!  No, never, never!
Through death’s vale I’ll lean on thee;
Then in world above forever
Sweeter still thy truths shall be.

Everyone is invited to Family Fun Night after evening services tonight!! Bring a finger food to share and Ryan will provide the entertainment!!

Morning Worship:xxxxxxxxll292
Bible Class:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxl160
Evening Worship:lxxxxxxxxlll84
Evening Bible Hour:lxxxxxxxl--
Children's Home:lxxxxxxxxl$100.95
Contribution:llxxxxxxxxll $5,521.32
Weekly Budget:lxxxxxxll $5,200.00
YTD Budget:lxxxxxxxll +$10,064.20

Sunday Evening, January 6
Communion:   Junior Hinkle & Alfred Couch
Announcements:   John Clark
Closing Prayer:   Jimmy Darling

Wednesday Evening, January 9
Announcements:   Roger Bowman
Closing Prayer:   Jack Austin
Devotional:   Glen Knabe

Sunday Evening, January 13
Communion:   Charles Burrow & Vernon Smotherman
Announcements:   Cledas Manuel
Closing Prayer:   David May

Wednesday Evening, January 16
Announcements:   Jeff Rutledge
Closing Prayer:   Bob Stiger
Devotional:   Ryan Wilson

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your
book of time. I am your next chance at the art of
living. I am your opportunity to practice what you
have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it but with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is
mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you
hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed
but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to
be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to
Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."