Assembly date: June 8, 2008

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests this morning! We ask that you fill out one of the white Welcome to Highland cards found in the rack on the back of the seats. Place it in the collection tray as it is passed or hand it to one of our greeters at the Welcome Center in the Atrium. If you would like help in selecting an adult Bible class to attend this morning, class information is available at the Welcome Center.

Highland Church of Christ
425 Highland Avenue
Abilene, Texas 79605
(325) 673-5295

Our Purpose: The purpose of the Highland Church is to call all people to God. The God we call people to is most perfectly seen in Jesus Christ. Our task is to imitate Him. We commit ourselves through the power of the Holy Spirit to be God’s living expression of Himself on earth.

Our Mission: The mission of the Highland Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who prayerfully join together in missions, ministry and worship.

Sunday: Worship: 9:00 a.m.; Bible Classes: 10:30 a.m.
Lifeteams: 1st and 3rd Sunday Evenings
Wednesday: OASIS in Room 207: 7:00 p.m.

Assembly Order • June 8, 2008
Worship Leader: Jeremiah Gibson

We Are the Body of Christ

Family Concerns ~ Suzetta Nutt
Pastoral Prayer ~ Charles Mattis

Call to Worship ~ Romans 11:33-36, 12:9-13
How Great Is Your Love
How Can I Keep from Singing
147 - I Stand Amazed
The Lord’s Prayer

HIS KIDS Worship for 3 - 5 Year Old Preschool Children
Be Unto Your Name

Message ~ Brad Carter
705 - A Common Love

Communion ~ Steve Hare
Communion Medley

During the sharing of communion, ushers will be available near the end of the serving time to assist those who have a need to remain at their seat. Please signal one of the ushers and you will be served.

Tithes and Offerings
Special Announcement by Christian Homes and Family Services of Abilene

A New Anointing

Benediction

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

 In order for us to change the incorrect assumptions that people have about God and his followers, we’ve got to get to the point where they consider us one of them. To do this is not a matter of ‘evangelism’ or ‘outreach’ or ‘missions.’ It is a matter of living out like Jesus did. ~ Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ~ II Corinthians 4:7

FINDING GOD IN THE STRANGER...WHAT IF?
The idea of meeting God in a stranger is a bit disturbing. It can raise a lot of what if kind of questions: What if the person does not respond favorably to the act of hospitality? What if the person were to take advantage of the hospitality? What if the attempt to be hospitable fails? What if…?

Reading many of Jesus’ teachings often raises a different set of what if questions: What if we actually loved our enemies and prayed for those who persecute us? (Matthew 5:44) What if we actually did give someone else the place of honor? (Matthew 20:25-28) What if we did serve others instead of wanting to be served? (Mark 9:35) What if we joined in the rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents? (Luke 15:7)

What if we sold all that we had and gave to the poor so we could have treasure in heaven? (Mark 10:21) What if we love him and obey what he commanded? (John 14:15) What if we remained in him and bore great fruit? (John 15:5) What if we stored up treasures in heaven and not on earth? (Matthew 19:21) What if we were to ask, seek, and knock faithfully? (Luke 11:9-10)

What if when we gave a luncheon, party or dinner, we invited the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind? (Luke 14:12-14) What if we were a people who asked the questions of Jesus ? What if our life purpose were to faithfully seek His way?

May we become such a people to His honor and glory!

Prayer Ministry: Everyone is invited to meet with the Highland Prayer Ministry from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. each Monday in the Highland Prayer Room to lift up in prayer those who are struggling. If you would like to share a prayer need, please call the Prayer Request Line at 672-3151.

Vacation Bible School: On Saturday, June 14, Freedom Fellowship at 941 Chestnut will host a one night VBS (KABOOM, God Is Loving) along with the monthly Praise and Prayer Service. The children's meal will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by Bible classes from 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. The adult meal will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Praise and Prayer service at 7:00 p.m. The main entree will be provided. Please bring side dishes to share with neighbors and friends.

Teachers and assistants are needed for the VBS class sessions (Bible, arts and crafts, and games). If you can help, please contact Zach Snyder or Becky Almanza.

The Apartment Hospitality Ministry would like to invite you to join us at the courtyard of the Clay Stone Apartments on Tuesday, June 10, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for a brown bag lunch with the neighborhood children. Please bring a dozen kid-friendly sandwiches and a package of cookies to share. Drinks will be provided. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and join us for food, fun and fellowship. If you would like to donate sandwiches or cookies, please call Becky Almanza. For more information, contact Joe Almanza at 673-5295.

FaithWorks summer session begins June 9. FaithWorks is seeking individuals and/or small groups to help provide complete, healthy lunches. If you cannot provide a complete meal, consider making a cash donation or providing the meat entree, and FaithWorks will supplement with side dishes. If you would like to help, please call Becky Almanza. Currently the available dates include: June 24, 25; July 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 29, 30, 31; and August 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.

Celebrate Recovery: A Christ-centered 12-step recovery program meets Sundays in Room 207 at 5:00 p.m. For more information, see the Highland Celebrate Recovery website at www.crhighland.wordpress.com.

SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE
Let’s Talk About Jesus in Room 103 is a small welcoming class for sharing the journey of faith through testimony and prayer, led by Gary and Maria White. Highland neighbors and friends are especially invited.

Abundant Journey is a class for couples of all ages that meets in Room 201. The class continues a series on The Righteousness of God, led by Phil Smith.

The Early Bird Class meets in Room 114, off the South Foyer. It will be led today by Edsel Hughes.

Families Built on the Rock is a class for young couples and families that meets in Room 115, across from the nursery. The class begins a series on sharing faith stories, with Charles Mattis sharing this morning.

Passages is a small class for mid-life singles and couples that meets in Room 108, across from the elevator. Bryan and Diana Swedlund are leading a study from the book, Sinai Summit.

WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDIES
To Live is Christ is an eleven-week study by Beth Moore that meets in Room 110 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. each Monday. To register for childcare, contact Gay Lynn at the Adult Faith Ministry office at 673-5295.

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent begins this Tuesday, June 10, and will meet from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in Room 111. This new seven-week video study by Beth Moore explores Psalms 120 - 134. For more information, please contact Jean Isom.

HIGHLAND UNIVERSITY: University students and young adults meet Sunday mornings at 10:30 and will meet throughout the summer in Room 206, across the hall from the regular university classroom.

June Calendars are available TODAY! Pick them up in the Youth Classrooms or at the Welcome Center.

TODAY Is Promotion Sunday! All new 9th grade students will meet with the High School Class, and 5th graders will join us for the end of Breakthrough in the Middle School Classroom.

Breakthrough weekend concludes TODAY! Students can be picked up from the Middle School Classroom following class this morning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY! All middle school students meet at Highland TOMORROW, Monday, June 9, at 2:00 p.m. to kick off Middle School Monday activity days for the summer! We will take a quick trip to Sonic Happy Hour, and then we will go shopping for a package to send to missionaries in the Dominican Republic. We will also write letters to them and send pictures of us. Bring $5.00 - $10.00 to buy items for a nice package for them to enjoy! Parents should pick you up at Highland at 5:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS NIGHT OUT! THIS TUESDAY, June 10, all high school girls are invited to the Gilbert's house at 7:00 p.m. to hang out with Candy and Sylvia. Bring your bathing suit, towel, and Bible. We will swim, eat dessert, and spend time together!

Middle School Boys will meet for class THIS WEDNESDAY, June 11, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Room 204. Middle School Girls will join Sylvia for class at the same time in Room 203.

High School Students: Join us for Wednesday night classes for the next three weeks, led by Kenneth Dinkins, Candy Gilbert, Rebekah Zeller, and Sarah Campbell. Meet in the High School Living Room from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Attention Mexico Missionaries, Sponsors, and Parents: We are leaving for Monterrey THIS SATURDAY, June 14. Meet at Highland at 7:00 a.m. to load. Important: There will be one last training session TODAY from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Campbell’s. Also, there will be a Sponsor’s Meeting THIS WEDNESDAY, June 11, from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. in the High School Living Room.

Impact Missionaries: Meet at Highland at 1:00 p.m. THIS SATURDAY, June 14, to leave for Houston. Plan to return TUESDAY night, June 17, at 9:00 p.m. Please pray for the 29 young men and 10 sponsors who are making this trip!

HIS KIDS Worship: All preschool children who are 3 - 5 years old are invited this morning to Room 113, off the South Foyer, for children’s worship.

Wednesday Night: This Wednesday, June 11, all entering 1st through 5th grade students and their parents meet in the Auditorium for a flipt Family Experience! Nursery and preschool children meet in their regular classrooms.

TODAY Is Promotion Sunday! All elementary students will report to their new class. Nursery and preschool children who are currently scheduled for promotion received a postcard notifying parents of their child’s new classroom.

Nursery Workers Needed! If you are interested in working in the nursery, please contact Shelli Bridges at the Children’s Ministry office at 673-5295. There are paid and volunteer positions available.

Parent Prayer Connect: Parents, pick up a prayer card located at the Children’s Information Desk to use to pray this week for your child to be faithful.

God Talk At Home: Family conversation starters that track with our elementary Wednesday night curriculum are available each week at the North Foyer Children’s Information Desk.

Childcare is available for all twos during worship. Younger Twos meet in Nursery E, off the South Foyer, and the Older Twos meet in the 2’s classroom, located downstairs in the North Children’s Wing.

Nursery care is provided each Sunday in the attended Nursery Suite off the South Foyer. Also, the Mom’s Nursery and Family Room are available for infants and toddlers accompanied by parents or grandparents.

ZOE CONFERENCE ~ OVERFLOW
June 20 - 22
North Davis Church, Arlington, Texas
For more information go to www.zoegroup.org/

Dwelling in the Word
Sunday: Psalm 8, 84; Ecclesiastes 6:1-12; Acts 10:9-23
Monday: Psalm 64, 65; Ecclesiastes 7:1-14; Galatians 4:12-20
Tuesday: Psalm 68; Ecclesiastes 8:14 - 9:10; Galatians 4:21-31
Wednesday: Psalm 119:73-96; Ecclesiastes 9:11-18; Galatians 5:1-15
Thursday: Psalm 74; Ecclesiastes 11:1-8; Galatians 5:16-24
Friday: Psalm 73; Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:14; Galatians 5:25 - 6:10
Saturday: Psalm 23, 27; Numbers 3:1-13; Galatians 6:11-18