The family of God here at Dowagiac Church of Christ wishes to extend to you a warm welcome.  If you have questions about our worship services and why we do what we do, we will be glad to give you a biblical answer.  The uniqueness of the Church of Christ is that we are trying to restore to the best of our ability those things that we see the first century Church doing.  We are also working hard at building the spirit, unity, and love that Jesus taught and prayed for.  We have no clergy, but are working together as equal co-workers trying to serve one another and the area in which we live.  Come study with us, grow with us, and serve with us as we strive to do God’s will in all things.


Remember our Sunday night studies at 6:00 tonight.  We are continuing our study on the miracles of Jesus.  Tonight we will be reviewing the miracles we have studied, and will be seeing the ultimate purpose that each miracle had.  There is a great deal of erroneous teaching and misunderstanding about miracles in our world today.  Join us for these classes and grow and expand your Bible knowledge.
      

LADIES BANQUET!  December 8 at 6:00 the men of the congregation are preparing a special dinner and appreciation program for our ladies.  We want our ladies to know we are thankful for them, that we do not take them for granted, and that we want to honor and communicate our appreciation to them for all they do--please see the article on the back cover.  Ladies, if you are coming we need to know!  There are response forms in the lobby--please fill one out and give it to one of the men so we have a space for you and any guest you wish to bring.  Today is the deadline so we know how much food to order.
POTLUCK TODAY.  We have our monthly potluck today, followed by work meetings for the men and women of the congregation.  Plan to stay, whether you brought food or not.  There is plenty.

This coming Saturday at 6:00 the men of the congregation are providing a special banquet and program to honor the women of this congregation.  I have heard it said that if you give a project to a group of men they will sit and argue about how to do it, but if you give a project to a group of women they will get it done.  There is an element of truth to that in some congregations, but that has not been the case here as far as the men are concerned.  A lot is being done and is being planned.  The ladies of this congregation have done so much to bring positive things to the church and to the community.  We are gradually getting more and more teaching to our children, thanks to the efforts of our ladies.  The need to ground children in God's word cannot be over-emphasized.  We have an extensive program in operation to reach out to disadvantaged families in the Dowagiac area, and constant concern is expressed and needs addressed of those who have chronic illnesses.

Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the Christian woman who is like her predecessor in the Old Testament.  She is described as worth far more than rubies.  Verse 11 tells us she can be trusted.  Verses 12-15 tell us she is a hard worker.  Verse 16 tells us she manages her financial and business affairs well.  Verse 20 tells us she is actively involved in benevolence.  Verse 23 tells us she helps others achieve their roles in society.  This is a woman who allows God to work with her in unique ways to bless others.  While the passage describes a married woman, the principles apply to all women, and in fact to all men as well. 

Proverbs 31 ends up by saying that women who have addressed the issues of life excel all other women.  The emphasis of our culture on fashion and artificial beauty is also condemned.  “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised” (verse 30).  We hope all of our hard-working ladies of this congregation will be with us Saturday at 6:00 for this special time of thanksgiving and honor.