First Church of ChristFirst Church of ChristFirst Church of ChristFirst Church of Christ 206 West Church Street 206 West Church Street 206 West Church Street 206 West Church Street

P.O. Box 301P.O. Box 301P.O. Box 301P.O. Box 301 Lynn, Indiana 47355Lynn, Indiana 47355Lynn, Indiana 47355Lynn, Indiana 47355

Sunday Worship and Study TimesSunday Worship and Study TimesSunday Worship and Study TimesSunday Worship and Study Times

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30AMSunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30AMSunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30AMSunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30AM Sunday AM Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30AMSunday AM Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30AMSunday AM Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30AMSunday AM Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30AM

The Lynn Christian is:The Lynn Christian is:The Lynn Christian is:The Lynn Christian is: Published by First Church of Christ in Lynn,

Indiana on a bi-weekly basis for the distinct

purpose of informing its members and friends of its ministry of

“making disciples” to the glory and honor of Christ her Head!

Vol. XXX December 15, 2015 No. 25

Facts and Figures:

12-06-15 General Fund $ 2820.00 12-06-15 Missions $ 705.00 12-13-15 General Fund $ 2379.50 12-13-15 Missions $ 594.87

The Lynn ChristianThe Lynn ChristianThe Lynn ChristianThe Lynn Christian

Paycheck or Gift?

This past Sunday morning, Tim MacSaveny reminded

us of a vital truth concerning our relationship with

God. In simple terms, Tim asked us whether we have

given our lives to God out of a sense of love and

thanksgiving... or do we give them to God out of a

sense of getting a return gift or reward from Him?

Jesus put it another way in His sermon on the

mountain... “But seek first His kingdom and His

righteousness, and all these things will be given to you

as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Although this promise was

made in the context of not worrying about earthly

matters, the focus of Jesus’ message appears to be on

the selfish attitude that we often need to resist... even

in regards to the blessings that God has promised in

His word.

The struggle for some of us who have been raised

in the church family can often be found in an attitude

that is very similar to those who have been raised

in families who have always received government

Continued on next page . . .

ELDERS:

MIKE ALKA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-584-1474

JEFF BOYER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765-744-1390

CHURCH STAFF:

Minister, Doug Nolen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-576-1338

Youth Program Coord., Philip Williams. . .765-789-0834

Secretary, Robin Brumbaugh. . . . . . . . . . 765-874-1826

EMAIL ADDRESS. . . . . . .fcclynn@gmail.com

. . .Continued from previous page

assistance. We learned very early what God commands

us to do as members of His family. We also learned that

members of His family would receive an eternal reward

in heaven.

However, some of us misunderstood the relationship of

God’s commands with His blessings. We observed

many of the relationships in this sinful world and

concluded that blessings needed to be earned... like a

paycheck or gifts from Santa. In other words, we

assumed that if we obeyed God, we would get a ticket

to heaven. We assumed the Apostle Paul wrote, “...the

wages of sin is death, but the wages of obedience is

eternal life” (instead of, “gift of God”).

As we continue through this time of Christmas

celebration of Jesus’ birth and beyond, the question

that remains for us concerns the process for changing

our attitude regarding obedience and blessings... about

giving with thankfulness and love rather than giving to

receive... concerning the receiving of grace instead of

earning rewards. In other words, how can we begin to

love God first?... above ourselves?... to love Him so

much that the “love” we have for ourselves appears to

be like “hate” in comparison? Perhaps that will begin

to happen when we will look at ourselves in the way

that God sees us... sons and daughters of His creation

who, because of our sin and disobedience, deserve

eternal death... no excuse! Yet, because of His eternal

love for us, God sent and sacrificed His Only Son for us.

December 19 9 - 11:00am. . . . . .Food Pantry Open December 20 7:00pm. . . . . . . Connection Overtime ‘Welcome To Winter’ Lock-In December 21 7:00pm . . . .Monthly Church Meeting December 22 3:00pm . . . .FCC Christmas Caroling CreationMuseum.org/christmas

. . .Conclusion

His unlimited love did not allow anything to prevent Him

from giving us the Way to be back with Him again...

Forever! Impossible to understand, perhaps... But

possible to receive... if we keep on asking and responding

with a truly thankful attitude.

These names and concerns are updated every month. If you have a

prayer request that the church family needs to be aware of, please contact

the church office.

Prayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer ConcernsPrayer Concerns

Health Concerns: Barbie - throat surgery Charlie & Ruth Cole Cecilia Crowe - Vicki Ratcliffe’s niece Helen Gesell Sue Hill (knee replacement) Karmen Kellams Bill Meyers and girlfriend Dee Bill Miller - knee replacement Whitley Spencer and family Bob Stewart Mary Thomas - Tillie Wilson’s sister Dakota Thornburg Holden Traylor - nephew of Jerry & Regina Harris Parker and Tina Wilson - acute bronchitis Missions: I.D.E.S. International Disaster Emergency Service Rick & Nancy Jett, Executive Directors (Noblesville, IN) Serving basic needs in time of natural disaster. Wells are dug to give the missionary opportunity to teach about the Living Water, Food is given to open hearts to the Bread of Life, Lives are changed as blankets and medicines are given in the name of Jesus. Assisted Living and/or Nursing Home: Autumn Hills: Helen Stewart Crown Pointe: (Greenfield, IN) Kathy Ratliff Modoc Group Home: Rochella Newland Randolph Nursing Home: Eula Newland Cynthia Mae Polley Summers Pointe: Burnita Johnting Ruth Welch

Community Food Pantry

Linda Flaugh is asking all the local churches for help with the breakfasts once a month during the food distribution on Saturday mornings. She is getting the schedule ready for 2016 and would like to know which month(s) your church would like to serve breakfast to the food pantry clients. These breakfasts are simple and can be something such as: a muffin, fruit, and juice. If anyone has a desire to coordinate one of these breakfasts, please contact Robin.

Ladies Bible Study Resume after Holidays

January 16, 2016

Monthly Church Meeting Monday, December 21

7:00pm

End of Year Reports

The year 2015 is coming to a close in just a little over two weeks! It is time for those End of Year reports. Anyone wanting to give a report for our Annual Meeting coming up next month, please turn your report into the church office no later than December 31st. This includes all Sunday School class reports and ministry team reports. Thanks!