Nature overwhelms me with its complexity, simplicity and intensity.



Nature has a balance that always functions well when man does not interfere with it. Water cleanses itself as it gurgles over rocks and stones in a stream. The sun also cleanses the water and air through the process of photosynthesis. Rain then refreshes the whole earth, giving life to animals and vegetation. Animals drink the water and refresh their bodies. On and on this complex system functions, keeping all life in a delicate balance. There is no threat to this balance being seriously disturbed unless we humans abuse the system with the careless dumping of chemicals and toxins in the environment.



Nature also has a simplicity that is relaxing. On several occasions in November and December I was able to sit in a tree stand and watch nature. I saw beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I watched hawks dive and rabbits run. Sometimes my surroundings were disturbed by the sounds of animals running through woods or squirrels dropping hulls onto dry leaves. Sometimes the silence was deafening. Always it was relaxing. I could feel tension and stress ease from my body and mind.



Nature also has intensity. Nature assails man with pounding wind, driving rain and blinding snow. Man has sought to conquer nature. Mankind has bulldozed millions of acres of land to build his buildings; he has dammed hundreds of rivers to provide water and energy for his needs; he has built large machines that defy gravity and soar in the skies. Sometimes it looks like man has conquered nature!



Then a tornado hits. Or a hurricane. Or an ICE STORM. Then we are reminded that the God who made the universe is still in control. He allows us to rearrange some of his creation down here. We can move earth and redirect water. But we cannot control the force and fury of nature. It is still bigger than us, because God is bigger than us.



In the past when God wanted to remind the people that he was still around he did it by affecting nature. At Sinai God sent thunder and lightning (Exodus 19:16). At the dedication of the temple he sent fire (2 Chron. 7:1). God withheld rain in Samaria (Amos 4:7) but sent more than anyone wanted to see on another occasion (Genesis 7:11-12). God uses nature to get our attention. He may want to remind us that he is still present, to make us repent, or to give us an occasion to marvel as his power and majesty.



Nature overwhelms me with its complexity, simplicity and intensity. But it also generates awe in me when I see God reveal his power in many different ways. Nature reminds me that behind it‚s force is the creating and saving power of the Great God of heaven.



Nature did its work this past week with its ice storm! Many in our area are still without power. Perry Rubart reminded us Wednesday night that many people in our community are working 16 hours a day to get power to all the homes in our service area. These long, difficult hours will probably continue for several weeks. Let's pray for the safety of these workers. Two of these workers attend here: Justin Vardeman and Neal Mangels.



Nature is awesome. Nature is a regular reminder that we are the created and God is the creator. If we keep a soft and open heart, nature can keep us on our knees praising God and thanking him for his protective care.



Warren Baldwin



This Sunday's lesson will come from 1 Corinthians 1:4-9. In this passage Paul expresses his appreciation for the brethren in Corinth. What amazes me in this story is not so much Paul's gratitude for his brethren, but the difficult circumstances in which Paul is able to say, "I thank God for you." Please be here and share in this lesson with us. WB



Thanks to all who filled in the pulpit or classes for me while we were in Florida and Tennessee. I feel guilty that we missed the ice storm! But, we are still reeling under its affects - the front of our house is still iced over, and we may need a new screen door.



IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS



The Carters, Ronnie Lofland, Roy Bessire, Joe Watie, Shirley Williams. Those expecting: Nancy Jones, Meagan Bartlett, Amy Carter, Christa Murray & Jennifer Garrison.



Those with cancer: Les Ballard, Mary Turner, Levie Hughes, Leon Feazell, Gayle Caffey, Terry Pepper, Betty Jo Bartlett, Dewaine Moses, Darlene Lucero, Debbie Perry, Janett Smith, Larry Tremmel, Darris Hanes, Ryan Maturey, Valdene Huffman, Sharon Simpson, Shelly Gauldin‚s Aunt Cleta & Cleta‚s son, Viola Eveleigh, Teresa Haliburton, Lorraine Cook, John Stewart, Butch Wolf, Mark Lott & Norma Dudley.



Military: Matt Jones, Mark Aycock, Chris Maturey, Matt Cook, John Wilson, Dave Knight, Jerry Baker, Nick McGraw, Travis Kaufman, Kenneth Schwindt, Curtis Keene, Timothy Newman, Brian Kelly, Trafton Wieland, Mark Newman, Brad Anderson, Chris Brown, Jamin Hartman, Monty Duncan, Brett Scarborough, Nick Lane, Marcus Betzold, Silas & Emily Rosales, Kenny Henley, Cyrus Cole, Danny Graves, Peter Gangwer, Chance Carter, Corey Shelbourne, Jacob Bauregard & Tyler Humphreys.



AREA HAPPENINGS (info on board)



Jan. 21 - Area Youth Rally here



Mar. 16-19 Ski Trip



April 6 & 7 LTC



SERVERS NEXT SUNDAY



Greeters: Ted & Paula Maple



Opening Prayer: David Higgins



Song Leader: John Eveleigh



Lord‚s Table: Bill Brown



Assist Lord‚s Table: Brian French



Scripture: Josh Sullivan



Closing Prayer: Keith Steele



Power Point (Sun & Wed): John Turner



Care Groups - No evening services



Wed PM Song Leader: John Eveleigh



Back Room/Aisle Workers: Rob Berry



Weekly Budget needs: $2668



Last Weeks Contribution: $846



Attendance Last Week: 30



TODAY



Elder Contact: Bill Brown



Greeters: Tracy & Lynda Caffey



Birthdays: Kasey Strum, Tracy Caffey, Kassandra Baker, Justin Carthel



The Junior and Senior High will be meeting at Mike and Kristi Anderson‚s tonight and the Grimes will be providing the food.



ANNOUNCEMENTS



Lloyd, Louise & Shirley have signed up for this weeks Wednesday night meal. If you can help cook or clean up please sign up in the hallway.



Next Sunday is Western Prairie Care Home at 9:30; Care Groups will meet and there will be NO evening services.



Community Meltdown! Kristi would like to get a team from the church. It‚s from Jan. 8 - March 5 & cost $25 per person. This is a nutrition & weight loss program. If you are interested in participating please see Kristi. There is more information on the nursery room window.



ULYSSES CHURCH OF CHRIST WEEKLY NEWSLETTER JANUARY 7, 2007



THOSE SERVING US TODAY



SONG SERVICE: Jason King



OPENING PRAYER: Rick Trejo



LORD‚S TABLE: Harold Jones, Joe Bill Vardeman



SCRIPTURE READING: Gene Pflughoft, 1 Cor. 1:4-9



SERMONS: AM: "I Always Thank God For You"; PM: Words With Restraint



ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brian French



CLOSING PRAYER: Justin Vardeman



POWERPOINT: Tracy Caffey



BACKROOM/AISLE: Rob Berry



The Ulysses Church exists to reach the lost, to continue to grow as a family of God, to serve our fellow man, to worship God, and to do all this in the spirit of unity.