GLASGOW — Congregation is giving; no need to take

Dear Friend,

I am sorry that in your desperation you felt it necessary to enter our church buildings under the cover of darkness, damage personal property, and abscond with a considerable amount of cash or other valuables. What you don’t know is how willing most of our churches are to come to the aid of those in need. Compassion and generosity are two traits that are reflective in those who follow Christ.  

When you took the money, you did more than steal from our local congregations; you stole from the people of our community. Most churches have fixed in their budgets monies appropriated toward community services that address the physical and spiritual needs of others. Ministry projects that help people in crisis to recover belongings due to natural disasters come from those Sunday morning offerings as well as assistance to other agencies committed to helping people.

When you took the money, you did more than steal from our local congregations; you stole from people outside our community who would have benefited from mission dollars. A portion of every dime given in our collection plates goes to hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief, education, and outreach. While your need was met in abundance, the needs of literally hundreds of others went unmet.  

When you took the money, you did more than steal from our local congregations; you stole from the Lord Himself. In reality, the money never truly belonged to us, but to Him. While we might have felt violated, we are more concerned about you and how it will be when you stand before God one day to give an account for your actions.  

However, here is what I know about our God. He is gracious and forgiving towards everyone who comes to Him in faith and repentance. Zacchaeus was guilty of greed but found grace while sitting in a sycamore tree (Luke 19). The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. Those of us who fill the pews recognize our own sinfulness and need of a Savior, but we have discovered that the Lord is the source of our salvation and strength. He is able to meet every need according to His riches in glory and His desire is to give us life eternally and abundantly.  

Whoever you may be, know this, you are not outside the reach of God’s grace, and He, as well as His Church, stands ready to forgive, to embrace, and to face the challenges of life together. Life is hard for every one of us, but His grace is indeed sufficient toward all who call upon His name.  

God Bless You,

Bro. Ray Woodie,

Coral Hill Baptist Church



Thanks given for support of W.A. Weldon Open Tennis Tournament

 

Dear Editor,

The Weldon Tennis Association would like to thank its sponsors for helping make this year’s W.A. Weldon Open Tennis Tournament, Jim Moody Doubles Classic and Weldon for Kids on June 22-24 at Gorin Park another success.

The sponsors were: The Peoples Bank, T.J. Samson Community Hospital, Cook Downing & Underwood Insurance Agency, Vann Healthcare Services Inc., The Empty Nest, Pharmacy Express, Glasgow Recreation Department, BB&T-Glasgow, Western Kentucky Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Dr. Barret Lessenberry, Tenni-Trac Sports Surfaces, Columbia Avenue Marathon, and Royse Broadcasting – WCLU Radio 1490 AM and Lite 102.3 FM.

The Weldon committee would also like to thank Rickey Spillman for catering a players barbecue, and Houchens-Southgate, as well as the volunteers who served as host families for participating players.

The committee also wishes to thank the Glasgow Daily Times and Barren County Progress for their coverage of the tournament.

These sponsors and volunteers make it possible for the W.A. Weldon Open Tennis Tournament and Jim Moody Doubles Classic to serve as a showcase of some of the top tennis talent in Kentucky and beyond. The Weldon Tennis Association is grateful for the loyal support in putting on this event, which continues to attract high-caliber players to Glasgow each year, as it has since 1928.

Sincerely,

Weldon Tennis Association

Terry Bunnell

Josh Underwood

Anne Gardner

Vonda K. Pace

Bonnie Bennett

Trina Rickard

Pat Vann