6745 Margaret St reet / m argarst @bellsout h.net / 850.623.8191

www.m argaret st reet churchofchr ist .org

W elcom e!W e'r e glad you ar e h er e!

Su n dayD ecem ber 24, 20 17

by Troy Spradlin Man's inhumanity toward man has always been a difficult reality for me to accept. I simply cannot fathom how one human being could ever want to kill another human being. Yet, it has been happening since the dawn of time. Over the centuries, killing each other developed into countless wars being fought because of man's continuously violent tendencies. The bright light of Jesus coming into the world finally arrested this trait toward what God had always intended for His creation, for us to love Him and to love one another (Matthew 22:37-39). One of the most reoccurring messages and prayers of Jesus was about the fostering of love and unity among His disciples (John 13:35, 17:1-26). Anyone who calls themselves a Christian should understand and practice these concepts.

However, a little over 100 years ago, millions of people in Europe, many who claimed to believe in Jesus - whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or Coptic, once again took up arms against one another to engage in a horrendous, bloody war. Ignoring the teachings of Jesus to "love your enemy" (Matthew 5:44), they started brutally killing each other! Trenches were dug, casualties mounted, and the carnage ensued. The First World War would go on to claim the lives of more than 15,000,000 precious souls.

Then, something remarkable happened on that cold, cruel battle front. It was December of 1914. In the midst of the vast hatred, senseless bloodshed, and dark wickedness, German and British soldiers began to sing Christmas carols back and forth while still hunkered down in the trenches. In some areas along the front, German troops set up small, decorated trees and eventually, began to post signs saying, "You No Fight; We No Fight." The British troops responded with "Merry Christmas" banners. That day, their Christianity rose to the top and remarkably, a temporary truce was established between the opposing combatants. These men, who were enemies just a few hours previously, came out of the trenches to greet one another and exchange gifts!

Previous negotiations of important government officials, the strategies of brilliant military officers, or the pleadings of influential religious leaders of the time had not been able to achieve what the simple teachings of Jesus Christ had accomplished that Christmas day within the hearts of those who believed in Him. Christianity had prevailed and the inhumanity was snuffed out, at least for a day or two. While details concerning the event are a bit clouded or exaggerated, a spiritual lesson is easily gleaned from this account. While man may have a violent tendency, he still yearns for peace and security within his own heart. Only Jesus can provide that kind of peace! (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 11:28,29; John 16:33).

The Chr ist m as Truce of 1914

British and German soldiers during the Christmas Truce of 1914

N EW S & I N FO RM AT IO N

ADMINISTRATION- Deadline for all bulletin items: Thursday, by noon.- Sign-up sheet for "2018" service opportunities is at

the information station. This is for Preparing Communion, Cleaning Baptismal Garments, and Nursery Attendants. Please sign up if available to help in those areas.

- Please make sure to turn in your Group Folders at the end of Sunday Night worship so Blisse can update attendance on Monday.

- The of f ice will be closed Dec 22nd, 25th, 26th & Jan 1st

BENEVOLENCE- Our Food Pantry helps feed over 200 people in our

community every month. We need your help to serve our community! Please call Dennis for information, (850) 983-8913. Food items needed: dry beans, mac/cheese and can goods.

FELLOWSHIP- Visitors: Thank you for coming. Please take a few

moments to fill out a visitors card so that we might have a record of your attendance.

WORSHIP- Service Rosters for December are now available on

the Welcome Desk and on the Margaret Street website (listed under "Archives")

- If you are having difficulties hearing the sermon, we have wireless "LISTEN" devices available in the foyer, located in the Armoire, which you can sign out and return after services. *Please remember to clean the headphones with an alcohol wipe when you return them.

MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Exposure Youth Camp is THIS WEEK, December 27th-30th. Bus will be leaving @ 9 am on Wednesday and returning on Saturday around 5 pm.

- 2018 Area Wide & SNAC schedule has been posted on the youth board at the Information Station. Anyone wishing to host a SNAC, please sign up as soon as possible, as dates are limited. If you're interested in providing food, but are unable to to do it in your home, please see Casey, and you can host at the building. As always, thank you for volunteering and showing interest and love in the young people.

- Youth Fun Day @ Cannon's on Saturday, January 6th @ 1 pm. Sign up by January 3rd. Sheet located on the Youth Board at the Information Station.

- Gloves for Homeless Service Project on Friday, January 5th. Details coming soon.

- Next Area Wide is January 21st @ Spanish Fort.

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY

IMPORTANT DEADLINE: All Hurdles, Pre-Convention events and $40 registration is due, no

later than, January 14th.

Next Workshop is January 28th.

Be looking for updates on the L2L Bulletin Board & FB page. Please see David or Jeanna with any questions.

LADS TO LEADERSBuilding Godly Leaders

Elders, deacons, preachers, ministry contacts, and group leaders: please check your slots in the mailbox in the foyer regularly for church communications. Thank you!

New Member DirectoryWe will publishing a new, membership directory in a

few weeks. If you haven't updated your information, or your photo, or would like a different photo, please call

or email Blisse, as soon as possible.

N EW S & I N FO RM AT IO N

Special - Brooks Singley - still recovering from surgery- Glenn Smith- death of Kay Smith- Ruth Phillips - severe case of flu- Bird family - death of John Bird

Cancer - Ensley Webster- Jenny West's niece- Melody Samborn- Burnham's daughter- Megan Sanders- Friend of Blisse Hatcher- Mary Smith- friend of Mary McGriff - Paul Meacham- member at Panama St coC- Brooks Singley- Vicki (Moon) Mayo-friend of Kenya Longmire- Sandi Coppedge- friend of Jeanna English

Military- Andrew Atchley ? Deployed- Cody Davis ? Ft Benning, GA- Drayton Hale ? Virginia- Anthony Ramsey- Minot AFB, ND. - Ni Mack- Missouri

Nursing Home / Assisted Living - Forsyth House - Stella Prince* - Victorian Manor - Ed Howell*- Terrace, Jay - Faye Smith

Other Health Issues - Eddie Longmire- Dusty Rhodes - Friend of Winston/Lola; in hospice- Rickey Bingham- Troy Vonada- David Kreus - back injury- Geneva Blanchard- Mary McGriff- Linda Mann- Zebadee Hamilton- Brenda King - Member at Susan St., heart problems- Gale Thames - recovering from a stroke- Jack Locklin Sr. - Nevaeh Hayes- Jim Blazier - recovering from surgery - Jack Hendrick-back injury- Rhett Autrey - car accident- Julie Harrington- eye difficulties- John Broadfoot - Deana Wilson- Dixie Gorham- Anita Caraway-mother of Susan Cotton- Ted Russell

Expectant Mothers- Blisse Hatcher- due March 14th- Andrea Weekley - due April 18th - Sydnie Lewis- due June 2018

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER LIST

UPCOMING EVENTSDecember 27-30 - Exposure Youth CampDecember 31 - 5th Sunday FellowshipJanuary 1 - Office ClosedJanuary 7 - 2018 Spiritual Focus presentationJanuary 11 - Golden Agers meet up again

New Bible Class Directory AvailableA new, special handout directory is available for the

subjects, teachers, and locations of all our Bible classes being offered at Margaret Street. It can be used for

visitors, or by members, available on Welcome Desk.

Please add the following names to your prayer list and pray for them often."The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much," (James 5:16)

SERVI N G W I T H H O N O R

MORNINGOpening Prayer ................................................. Doug Lee Song Director ............................................ Casey Bearden Serving Communion:Larry Coen .................................................... Glenn Smith Kyle Harter .................................................. Phillip Webb Eli Whitney .................................................. Allen Brazell Joe Wilson ................................................. Spencer GableComments ..................................................... Bob Locklin Scripture Reading ...................................... Oscar Locklin Closing Prayer ................................................ Ted Russell Securing the Building ....................................... Rick BirdPreparing Communion ................................ Pace Family Nursery ............................................................ Ashley Ray .................................................................. Rhonda LocklinPowerPoint ......................... Phyllis Blazier/ Larry Coen

EVENINGOpening Prayer ..................................... Roger Tonneson Song Leading ................................................ Paul Lipford Scripture......................................................... John Bartell Comments ..................................................... Bob Locklin

WEEKLY REPORT:Sunday Bible Class ....................................................... 135 AM Worship ............................................................... 168 PM Worship ............................................................... 117Wed. Night Bible Class................................................ 112 Contribution ......................................................... $24,299

TIMES OF SERVICE:Sunday AM Bible Class .................................. 9:00 am Sunday AM Worship ................................... 10:00 am Sunday PM Classes and Worship ................. 6:00 pm Wednesday PM Bible Class ........................... 6:30 pm

Scripture Reading ....................................... John 5:30-47

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24Troy Spradlin ......................... Evangelist / Minister

Ph: 910-2868 / spradlin.troy@gmail.com Casey Bearden ................................. Family Minister

Ph: 706-889-3222 / caseybearden@live.comBlisse Hatcher ................................. Church Secretary Ph: 850-625-8911 / margarst@bellsouth.net

STAFF

Rick Bird ..................................................... 994-3148 ......................................... Email: bird1plus3@aol.com Joe King ....................................................... 623-3783 ................................ Email: joejohnking1@yahoo.com Doug Lee ...................................................... 516-4570 ................................... Email: leedouglash@yahoo.com John Pace ..................................................... 736-2521 ................................. Email: fphanrang1966@aol.com

ELDERS

Administration ..................................... Troy Spradlin Benevolence........................................ Dennis Maduell Building & Grounds ................................ Greg Lewis* Education ............................................. Oscar Locklin* Evangelism ............................................ Troy Spradlin Fellowship ........................... Chris Davis & Jeff Scott* Golden Agers ................................................................. Involvement ................................................................... Lads to Leaders ..................................... David English Missions ..................................................... Mike Scott Visitation ...................... Bob Locklin & Rick Martin* Youth & Family ............ Casey Bearden, Joe Wilson*, ...................................... Chris Davis, & Blake Hatcher Website ......................................................... Jim Pitts* Worship ......................................... Darrell Bozeman*

CONTACT ELDERS FOR DECEMBERPrimary ......................................................... Doug LeeSecondary ..................................................... John Pace

DEACONS* & MINISTRIES