The document discusses various topics related to the Christian church, including how Christians should view Halloween and deal with pagan traditions, upcoming youth group events, worship volunteers for the month, and news from Christian missions in Tanzania and a children's home. It also includes sermon topics and Bible study schedule for the month of October.

2. Also this month we are hosting a Trick or Treat event October 31st, so the 24th we are carving pumpkins! Bring your favorite designs and we will display the pumpkins all week on the Church steps!Worship Servants for October<br />Elders: Sarah Carpenter, Richard Garrard, Pat Schofield Diaconate: Carolyn Bradbury, Starr Grimes, Janet Seany Communion Prep.: Trudy Zurn Greeter: Becky McCrillis<br />Bible Study Schedule for October<br />This month, we meet October 6th, 20th and 27th. We will be studying Ruth through to the end of October.<br /> Fellowship with the Church<br />Kingdom Builders is October 4th (7:00pm) at Newton Central (101 Maxwell St, Newton, IL 62448-1699)<br />Nursing Home Worship is October 17th at CMH LTC<br />Singspiration is October 24th at 6:00 pm at Mound Community Church (10295 N 2200TH ST, Willow Hill, IL, 62480-2244)<br />TOO SIMPLE<br />I recently had a long conversation with a lifelong Christian who was raised in a very legalistic church. He recently had the breakthrough experience of understanding that salvation is by grace through faith, but he's struggling to fully trust what his brain now understands. <br />He put the heart of the matter this way: quot;
l only get one shot at this, and I don't want to blow it. Grace like you describe just seems too simple.quot;
Exactly. That statement tells me he has truly understood the crux of the matter, even if he's still struggling with his response. The Gospel is incredibly simple at its core, yet so deep that the greatest minds cannot begin to fully grasp it. <br />By God's grace, this man has landed in a DHF church where he cannot escape the preaching and teaching of God's Word, and I am certain he will soon find a total liberation from legalism, and with that liberation, a full confidence in his place in the heart of God. <br />We have a hard time with simple things. I know that the harder this man tries to measure up to God's standards, the more miserable and sinful it will make him. But he will experience a radical transformation when he trusts that his forgiveness is total and his place in the love of God will never be more complete than it is right now, no matter what he does right.<br />God must get frustrated with us. As an earthly father, I wouldn't know what to do if one of my children decided I couldn't love him unless he measured up to a series of standards that are impossible to achieve. Actually, my children can only grow to their potential when they are completely secure in my love and do well out of the security of knowing they are loved and treasured before they accomplish anything.<br />The Kingdom of God is simple at its core. Trust the saving blood of Christ for your forgiveness. Let the Holy Spirit have complete control in your heart. Walk in loving obedience to all you understand of God's will. Immerse yourself in the Word, devote yourself to prayer. Love God, love the people of God and even love those who aren't God's people. Praise God in all circumstances.<br />Living out these simple things is hard because we make them hard. Relax and let God love you, don't live a Christian life to impress God, live a Christian life because you already are a beloved child of God. Quit trying to do that which only God can do, just be glad to do whatever He calls you to do. Trust Him.<br />I so appreciate the privilege of leading a movement that sets people free through the simplicity of the Gospel. <br />By your giving, help DHF keep churches and leaders focused on the glorious, liberating good news of Jesus Christ. <br />–Doug Harvey<br />NEWS FROM OUR MISSIONS<br />300926585725OBLONG CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN HOME<br />Dear Friends at First Christian Church,<br />The kids coming to the Home vary widely in their motivation to change. On one end of the continuum, is a boy that is fighting change on nearly every front and requires a tremendous amount of patience from his houseparents. On the other end of the continuum, is a girl who is committed to doing multiple years of high school in one year. The way she is speeding through the paces at our new on campus school, she just may achieve her goal!<br />Speaking of the new on-campus school a few minutes ago, one of our houseparents was telling me about listening on the school room TV monitor as another of our housefathers was giving the Bible lesson. He was almost brought to tears of joy at the sight of the kids responding to sound Biblical training as part of their school day. I am thrilled to see housefathers motivated to prepare a Bible lesson each day and kids motivated to learn.<br />For some, motivation takes a while to develop. I was told today about a boy who has been at the home for 8 years. This year is the first year he has been motivated to do his homework without the houseparents constantly having to force him to do it.<br />I want to thank you for helping kids who are motivated to change as well as those who are more resistant to change. Kids have the opportunity to change because you are motivated by the love of Christ. We thank you for your gift.<br />249618586995In Christian Love,<br />Arvin L. Moden<br />Gary and Judy Woods > Tanzania<br />We enjoyed a visit with Gary Woods September 15th. He shared with us the ongoing work in Tanzania with the Massai tribes and others in that region. He spoke of great success in the work because of a change in missiology, the means by which mission is performed. Hundreds of people are being impacted by the gospel! Praise the Lord! <br />The Voice in the Wilderness<br />This newsletter is published by:<br />FIRST Christian Church of Palestine<br />214 E Grand Prairie St. / Palestine, IL 62451<br />618-586-2768 / fccpalestine@frontier.com<br />Sunday Service Times are 9:30 am Sunday School and 10:30 am Worship<br />