Across the Nation, December 2010

ARIZONA

KINGMAN —  “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” 

The Desert Church of Christ decided to follow that example from Acts 2:46 and meet together every night for a week.

Members Laquita Searles and Carol Smith organized meals, while Ed Smith recruited men to lead singing, pray and present 10- to 15-minute lessons. 

The church averages Sunday attendance of about 90. The nightly services drew between 55 and 68 people.

“The event touched many as the congregation drew closer to one another and, more importantly, closer to God,” minister Steve McCall said.

ARKANSAS

SEARCY — Combine Jesus’ parable of the marriage feast with the Great Commission, and you have the basic ingredients for the “Caring and Sharing” program of the College Church of Christ.

Directed by deacon Eddie Cloer, the outreach effort — started in 2008 — features a Monday night “friendship meal” with church members and guests followed by individual Bible studies.

About 150 people are fed physically and spiritually each week, and more than 70 have responded to the Gospel, said member Ian Terry, who urges other churches to consider such an approach.

“The combination of food, fellowship, devotion and individual study will result in a harvest of souls,” Terry said.

MASSACHUSETTS

BURLINGTON — Fun and food. Arts and crafts. Even pony rides.

For the third straight year, the Burlington Church of Christ’s Kids’ Festival drew children and their families to the church building, minister Tony Thompson said.

“The first two years, the festival brought in families who became members and regular attenders at the church,” Thompson said.

More than 1,000 guests from the community attended the recent festival.

MISSISSIPPI

UNION — More than 30 of the Union Church of Christ’s 50 members participated in a recent outreach event called “Share & Serve,” minister Rick Benson said.

“They were all blessed in their efforts to serve the needy,” Benson said.

The congregation collected clothing, household items and food. Members helped 31 families, representing 91 souls, the minister said. 

Each person helped was invited to attend a gospel meeting featuring Steve Kirby, pulpit minister for the Hilldale Church of Christ in Clarksville, Tenn.

NEW YORK

PLATTSBURGH — “Volunteers in History” was the theme of a recent city parade.

The Plattsburgh Church of Christ entered a float featuring a wooden cross and this message: “The greatest volunteer in history served you.”

“Naturally, Jesus was the greatest volunteer,” minister Doug Kashorek said. “The crowd reacted favorably.”

NORTH CAROLINA

FLAT ROCK — More than 100 families from across the nation attended the 21st annual “Roundhouse” gathering.

The yearly event draws members of Churches of Christ who home-school their children.

“The families traveled from many states, and there were also missionary families who came from as far away as Australia,” said Bradley Cobb, a member of the McLoud Church of Christ in Oklahoma.

SOUTH DAKOTA

HURON — For the 56th year, the Huron Church of Christ operated a booth at the recent state fair, missionary Timmy Walker said. 

Church member Bob Muilenberg built a new booth free of charge, and his labors “helped us accomplish the mission bigger and better,” Walker said.

In all, 13 people requested Christian evidence courses; 16 asked for Bible courses; eight agreed to in-home Bible studies; two wanted a visit from a church member; and five requested more information about the church, he said.

“The fair booth continues to be the least intimidating evangelistic tool accomplishing the mission of the church,” Walker said.

TENNESSEE

ATHENS — “I Am Connected,” said the yellow T-shirts and lapel pins worn by Athens Church of Christ members on a recent Sunday. Ninety-three percent of the congregation made commitments to local ministries of the church, involvement minister Travis Irwin said. 

The church, where Tim Gunnells serves as evangelist, is evaluating its facility needs.

“The Lord is evidently leading this 250-member church to a different level of service in the community,” Irwin said.