This article discusses the importance of continually looking to God and keeping Him as the focus. It examines the phrase "keep looking up" by exploring what it means to keep praying and seeking God. It encourages readers to develop a strong desire to be with God in Heaven by focusing on Him rather than earthly things. The article closes by emphasizing that God is always watching over us, and we should return His love by keeping our attention on Him.

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Are we confident that our light is bright
Vol. 47 August 2, 2022 Number 30
Keep Looking Up
Barry Kennedy
Some of you may recall a show on PBS years ago called “Star Gazer.”
It was hosted by an astronomer named Jack Horkheimer. He would discuss
matters pertaining to the stars and planets in our solar system. He always
displayed a high level of excitement discussing the grandeur of outer space! He
would always close his segments with the phrase, “Keep Looking Up!” As
fascinating as it is to investigate the heavens and see the glory of God’s
handywork, we would do well to keep looking up to see beyond the here and
now and to focus on Who is behind it all (Psalm 19:1)! Looking up at the stars
we often find ourselves trying to see the constellations. You know, a few stars
in succession that make out some sort of image, i.e., the big dipper, Orion’s
belt, etc. With that in mind, we need to keep looking up and to help in that
endeavor consider the three words in the above title.
1. “Keep” can mean to protect, or to build some sort of fortification. It
also, denotes holding on to someone or something. Both imply doing so
continually. God’s people are encouraged to have what has been called “stick-
to-it-ness!” Stay the course, keep on keeping on, etc. Paul wrote to the church
in Galatia encouraging them to not grow “weary in well doing: for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Well doing involves a
strong prayer life. “And He spake this parable unto them to this end, that men
ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). A strong prayer life must
be something we keep (1 Thess. 5:17). Endeavor to keep, and we can keep
looking up!
2. “Looking” denotes an idea of searching. That reminds us of the words
of Jesus from His sermon on the mount. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek,
and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that
asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall
be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). Are we constantly seeking Him in all that we do?
Many might say, “of course not!” It does seem nigh impossible, right? After all,
why should we? Jesus forsook all for you and me! That is love on the highest
level. Many are looking for love, happiness, gain, and peace but all those are
only found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Endeavor to keep looking, and we can
keep looking up!
3. “Up” implies direction! Often, when we think of Heaven, we find
ourselves focusing our attention upward. The very opposite is true when one
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ELDERS
Mike Childers ............. 397-6453
Dennis Hallmark......... 255-5557
Mark Hitt .................... 322-0917
Bobby Lindley ............ 260-9193
DEACONS
Wade Bryan ................ 419-5552
Ricky Lindsey............. 255-8136
Jeff Mansel.................. 871-0357
Jimmy Spearman ........ 840-8957
Michael Wilson........... 891-0891
MINISTERS
Barry Kennedy....(931)787-7108
Alex Blackwelder (731)879-9196
SECRETARY
Renee Childers
Office.......................... 842-6116
Fax .............................. 842-7091
E-MAIL
eastmaincoc38804@gmail.com
WEB PAGE
eastmaincoc.com
SUNDAY SERVICES
Worship........................9:00 a.m.
Bible class..................10:15 a.m.
Worship......................11:15 a.m.
Singing or Devotional
Last Sunday of the Month
MID-WEEK
SERVICES
Wednesday Classes......7:00 p.m.
1606 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1761
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
“Thou shalt observe to do all that they inform thee”
(Deut. 17:10)

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considers Hell! God’s Word makes it clear that He
has prepared two vastly different places for eternity
(Matthew 25:34, 41). Jesus made it clear that He
was leaving this world to go and prepare a place for
His faithful (John 14:1-6). Luke records the Lord’s
departure from the presence of His apostles (Acts
1:9). What did they see? They witnessed Him being
taken up in a cloud. Their focus, just like ours
today, must always be on God! We must develop
that longing to be where He is, with all our being. If
that desire is there, we will always keep looking up!
God’s eyes are ever looking down on us
(Proverbs 15:3). Let us put forth every effort to
return that love and keep looking up!
~~~~~~~
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower will be
held in honor of Lexie
Dickinson, bride-elect of
Peyton Chism this Sunday,
Aug. 7 from 2-3:30 pm in
the multipurpose room.
Lexie & Peyton are registered at Amazon, Bed,
Bath & Beyond, and Square Gift Company in
Fulton.
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Norma Deaton in
the loss of her sister, Wanda Cone, on July 30 in
Mobile, AL. A memorial service will be held in
Opp, AL. Wanda was also the aunt of Jean Mounce
and Leigh Bland.
Tuesday Mornings with
the Master
Don’t forget Tuesday Mornings with
the Master every Tuesday in the
multipurpose room from 10-11 am.
Anyone who can come, and help is
welcomed.
Pack the Backpacks
The Community Outreach Program
would like to thank the elders and each
member who provided supplies for the
backpacks!! It was a great success! Also,
thanks to ALL those who helped pack and
distribute the backpacks to the schools!!
Alex Tucker Leaving
Sunday
Alex Tucker will be leaving us this Sunday,
Aug. 7 to finish his senior year at Freed-Hardeman
University. We have thoroughly enjoyed having
him over the summer to work with Alex
Blackwelder and the youth. We wish him
Godspeed!
In conjunction with this, we plan to have a
fellowship in the multipurpose room this Sunday
from 5:00-8:00 pm. There is a food sign up list
posted in the foyer under the TV monitor for the
meal and plans are to have some games afterwards
where each elder will be responsible for a team.
We hope everyone will be able to come!
Ladies’ Fellowship
The next monthly ladies’ fellowship will be held
on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 6:00 pm in the
multipurpose room. Berta Kennedy will be teaching
the devotional thought. All the ladies are invited!
40s & 50s Fellowship
The next 40s and 50s fellowship will be held on
Friday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 pm in the multipurpose
room. Please bring finger foods and games.
Our Fall Gospel Meeting
Our fall Gospel Meeting will be
held October 2nd
-5th
(Sunday-
Wednesday) with Allen Webster
speaking. Mark your calendars and
plan to attend every service!

3. Daily Bible Reading
August 3..............................................Jeremiah 7-10
August 4............................................Jeremiah 11-15
August 5............................................Jeremiah 16-20
August 6............................................Jeremiah 21-25
August 7............................................Jeremiah 26-29
August 8............................................Jeremiah 30-31
August 9............................................Jeremiah 32-33
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Birthdays: Jeff Mansel (Aug. 4), John Ezra
Lindley (Aug. 6). Anniversaries: Rommie &
Annie Dilworth (Aug. 3), Greg & Tracy Lyle
(Aug. 3), Danny & Barbara Wright (Aug. 8).
Our Sick
Debbie Duke started her chemo Monday. Greg
Hughes was discharged from the hospital on
Tuesday. Bob Smith is home from the hospital but
very weak. Betty Long continues her therapy at
Cedars, Room 712. Bettye Davis and Bill & Annie
Martin are home with Covid. Beth Reed & baby
Ellis are home from the hospital and doing well.
Brian Carver will undergo cancer removal surgery
again on Aug. 9.
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Evelyn Thompson, Steve
Kelly, Barbara Bishop, Doug Wallace, Frankie
Estes, Shirley Lyons, Stella Pittman, Caroline
Willis, Carol Hood, Bill Goff, Sheba Tuggers,
Michelle Maclean, Linda Butler, Pam Gassaway,
Ricky Britt, Nathan Hale, Dawn Brown, Terry
Blackmarr, Freida Gardner, Willie Bob Gates
Nursing Homes
Randy Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Bob McClure
Don’t forge to check your
mailbox in the foyer!
EMYG News
I can’t believe the summer is over already. This
summer I’ve had the chance to grow spiritually not
only with myself but to help the young people of this
congregation as well. Through the experiences I’ve
had, the memories of camp, all the TGIF devos, and
just spending time together, I’ve seen the love that
this youth group has for God. I’ve seen how they push
one another to be better Christians each and every
day and the support they give each other helps them
stand tall in times of trial. This summer I have felt
welcomed into the family here at East Main. Getting
to create relationships that have helped me grow and
sharpen the skills I will need to become a successful
youth minister of my own have been very encourage-
ing this summer. I see the bright future this
congregation has and know how proud you should be
of your young people. This summer I have been
proud to be part of the family at East Main and work
with the elders, Alex Blackwelder, and brother Barry
Kennedy. Working with them has been a true joy and
has helped me to grow into the spiritual leader I need
to be. I will miss all of you very much as I return to
Freed Hardeman to continue my education, my
prayers are with you always. In Christian love,
Alex Tucker

4. Men to Serve Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 a.m.
Announcements.............................Alex Blackwelder
Bible Reading....................................... Kent Nichols
Opening Prayer ..................................... Wade Bryan
Lord’s Supper
Mike Childers
Lead Singing......................................Donny McKay
Closing Prayer................................... Terry Kingsley
Ushers .................................Will Davis & Joe Minor
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday 11:15 a.m. service
Opening Prayer ....................................Larry Presley
Closing Prayer................................... Stuart Childers
Lead Singing.........................................Wesley Bass
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Opening Prayer ...................................Mike Childers
Lead Singing...............................Bobby Joe Lindley
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact Jimmy Spearman (840-8957) if unable to serve.
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 7-27-22 .................................................... 118
Sunday 1st
Worship, 7-31-22 ...................................... 150
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 143
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................... 137
Contribution (budget $9,334) ................................ $9,478
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item........................................... Peanut butter