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Vol. 45 November 17, 2020 Number 45
WHAT WE NEED
Barry Kennedy
When was the last time we considered what we need? Do we really
take the time to think about the true meaning of the word need? Does it
matter? There are many things in life that we truly need such as: air, water,
food, shelter, clothing, and companionship. The problem is that we often
substitute our wants for our needs. Trading wants for needs has the
propensity to lead one into the area of discontentment. Contentment is a
necessary part of every Christian’s life. “But godliness with contentment is
great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1
Timothy 6:6-8). Paul practiced contentment “Not that I speak in respect of
want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”
(Philippians 4:11). When we take into consideration the true definitions of
the terms we often use, it may cause us to reconsider our choice of
terminology. That being said, what could we say that we actually need?
The word need carries the idea of necessity. Need describes
something without which one could not live or survive. Therefore, at the
top of the list would be our need for GOD. Where would we be without
God? The fact is we would not exist without God (Genesis 1, 2). God is the
source (John 1:1-5) as well as, the sustainer of life (Acts 17:28; Hebrews 1:3).
God the Father desires fellowship with His creation. The problem is that
sin severs our fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1, 2). Reconciliation is needed
for a restoration of that fellowship. A restoration that comes through the
sacrifice of God’s Son is His plan (John 3:16). This message was delivered
by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Therefore, the need
for God is clearly seen when one considers the fact that “all have sinned and
come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
When one contemplates his true needs in life, it should take little
effort to see that companionship is very high on the list. Think about how
many mistakes have been made by people seeking companionship. One
mistake may be throwing away our self-esteem (Genesis 1:26). Self-esteem
is an invaluable disposition. Of course, one should never confuse self-esteem
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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
William Harris.............416-8149
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
Early worship...............8:30 a.m.
Bible class................9:30 a.m.
Main worship.............10:00 a.m.
Bible class.............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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--article continued from page 1—
with arrogance and pride (Proverbs 16:18). Humility
is a characteristic of true Christianity (James 4:10).
We are not to belittle however, ourselves into a state
of feeling worthless, useless, or discarded. This
disposition leads one into compromising convictions
for the sake of companionship. It is true that we need
companionship, but in what way? God said, “It is not
good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
True, but is that saying that everyone should be
married? Paul encouraged the single members in
Corinth to remain single due to their present distress
(1 Corinthians 7). Is this a contradiction? Is Paul
going against God in letter to the church in Corinth?
Not in the least! Paul is simply stating that having
God as your companion is far more needed than that
of any earthly relationship (Matthew 10:32-39).
There are many more true needs that could be
mentioned, but let’s consider what may be the
principle need, forgiveness. We all find ourselves
having weak moments. Temptations are everywhere!
We need not forget that the temptations which torture
us the most, stem from our own lusts that “war in our
members” (James 4:1). James said that we are
tempted when we are “drawn away of our own lusts
and enticed” (James 1:14). The fact that we have our
own lusts and that we often give in to those lusts,
should remind us to know the real need that we have
to be forgiven. Jesus came to make that forgiveness
available to all who will obey Him (Hebrews 5:8, 9).
We need salvation (the forgiveness of sin) because our
sins separate us from the companionship that we had
with the Almighty. We need forgiveness of sin
because without it we cannot have the true self-esteem
found only in the body of Christ. John wrote it this
way, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1
John 1:7). This verse clearly states how all of our
needs can be met. What do you need?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Baptism
We are happy to announce that Daniel Morton
was baptized into Christ Wednesday, Nov. 11, after
evening services. We are so proud of Daniel in his
decision to put on Christ in baptism. Daniel is the
fiancé of Maggie Minor. His address is 879 Hwy.
334, Oxford, MS 38655. Please welcome him to
the East Main family.
Girls’ Joyful Rebellion
The girls’ joyful
rebellion group will
meet this Sunday,
Nov. 22 at 4:00
p.m. at Emily
Williams’ home to
make Christmas
ornaments. Please
see Beth Reed or Emily Williams if you need more
information.
Thank You Notes
Thank you will never be enough for all the
kindness you’ve shown us during my recovery from
surgery. All the food was delicious, and the cards
and gifts were appreciated more than we can
convey. You all mean so very much to us and we
love you! Andy, Stephanie & Drew Baldwyn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear East Main family,
Thank you so very much for the many prayers
you have offered on my behalf. I know that it is
because of these prayers that I have come this far.
Thank you for all the texts, calls, and all the
beautiful cards and all the other kindness you have
shown me. Please continue to pray for me as I
continue on the road to recovery. I pray the spirit of
love and caring will always be a part of this church
family. I love you all. In Christian love,
Judy Bates
Nursing Homes
Evelyn Willis, Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway,
Shirley McCarthy, Veona Harris, Bob & Clara
McClure
John Duke stationed in Gulfport, MS
Caleb Williams stationed in Quantico, VA
Rob Cross & family stationed in South Korea
Ty Nichols stationed in Germany

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Daily Bible Reading
November 18 ...............................................Acts 21-23
November 19 ...............................................Acts 24-26
November 20 ...............................................Acts 27-28
November 21 .............................................Romans 1-3
November 22 .............................................Romans 4-6
November 23 .............................................Romans 7-8
November 24 ...........................................Romans 9-11
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: Melvin Duke (Nov. 18), Kirk
Sheffield (Nov. 18), Tony Donald (Nov. 19),
Rachel Scribner (Nov. 19), Shirley Lyons
(Nov. 21), Lee DuBois (Nov. 23), Debbie Hallmark
(Nov. 23), Sydney McMickin (Nov. 24), Tammy
Minor (Nov. 24). Anniversaries: Jimmy & Brenda
Spearman (Nov. 20), Howard & Robin Tindall (Nov.
20), Dean & Kristie Webb (Nov. 20), Jeff & Natalie
Mansel (Nov. 22), Kyle & Summer Smith (Nov. 22).
Our Sick
Gail Geno is home recuperating from back surgery.
Linda Hand continues therapy at Cedar’s. Jean
Mounce & Norma Deaton continue at home. Andy
Baldwyn is home with cellulitis. Jimmy Lindsey,
Ricky’s dad, will undergo surgery in Jackson, MS,
Tuesday. Sean Koehn has begun 7 weeks of radiation
and chemo at M.D. Anderson in Texas. Brian Carver
continues his treatments. Kirk Sheffield’s mother,
Delois Sheffield, has been moved back to NMMC. Joe
Smith, Leigh Bland, Paul & Olivia Blansett, Sharon
Clemmer, Kyle, Summer & Kannon Smith, Sky &
Jennifer Ray, Lisa Lindsey’s parents (Jack & Linda
McKinney), Chad Willis & Kristie Webb’s aunt
(Bobbie Estes), Wade Bryan’s brother & sister-in-law
(Mike & Gina Bryan), Susan Reed’s aunt (Francis
Smith) & sister (Rita Payne), and Katherine Mansel’s
mother (Mrs. Morrow) all have COVID. Jill Rice,
Debbie Vines’ mother, continues at Sanctuary Hospice.
On-Going Illnesses
Steve Kelly, Mary Lou Walden, Bettye Davis,
Frankie Estes, Stella Pittman, Donny Dulaney, Adam
McCurley, James Goddard, Bill Goff, Tommy Goff,
Leroy Brown, Jadon Parish, Jerry Smith, Mitch
Maclean, Mary Starz, Sheba Tuggers, Homer Smith,
Shirley Roberts, Merlene Johnson, Thomas Lloyd,
Steve Higginbotham, Brenda Dawson
EMYG News
Hello, East Main family,
Thank you to everyone who came out this past
weekend to our Fall Retreat. While planning and
during the retreat, it has been my prayer that you
would find encouragement and have your fire for
God burn brighter after participating in it. As
mentioned, Sunday, this coming Tuesday from 6-
7:00pm, we will gather at the church building &
write cards to those who need it most. The entire
church family is welcome to take part in this special
ministry. We will be resuming our T.G.I.F. this Friday
night! Plan on participating and bringing friends.
Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what
is evil; hold fast to what is good” (ESV). I encourage
each of us as we begin each new day, that we walk
more purposeful lives. Lives that when people see us,
they cannot help but to wonder what is different about
us. A life of a faithful child of God. The Apostle Paul
gives us three practical ways to start implementing
ways to walk a more purposeful walk. The first is
letting our love be genuine. It is easy to see what love is
not, isn’t it? It is also easy to see who is real or who is
fake. We must be people who, despite the person, must
reflect a love that is real. Jesus says in John 13:35, “By
this all people will know that you are my disciples, if
you have love for one another.” When you love people
the way Christ would love them, you’re displaying
authentic Christianity. So, keep loving!
The second practical step to walking a more
purposeful walk is to abhor evil. Far too often, it is easy
to let sin creep into our lives and thus making it hard to
walk accordingly to how God has asked His children to
walk. This idea of “abhor” carries out the feelings of
being horrified at something. Because Satan is good at
his job, and at times, we’re too lazy to fight back, we
allow ourselves to become snatched by sin. If we truly
feared the temptations of sin, rather than finding
interest in the sin, we would walk in a manner more
pleasing to God (Col. 1:9-10). Let us be proactive in
dominating Satan, rather than being dominated by him.
And finally, the third practical step to walking a
more purposeful walk is to hold fast to what is good.
Some translations say “cleave” or “cling” to what is
good. This idea of gluing things or fastening things
together. Paul is urging the church in Rome to latch
themselves to a more excellent way. In the book of
Philippians, Paul says, “And it is my prayer that your
love may abound more and more, with knowledge and
all discernment, so that you may approve what is
excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of
Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes
through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”
(1:9-11).
As believers with the hope that we have in Christ,
let us implement these this week as we seek to walk
in the footsteps of Jesus.
If Cassie or myself can assist you in any way,
please let us know. We love you.

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Men to Serve Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 a.m.
Announcements..........................................Mark Hitt
Bible Reading...........................................Will Davis
Opening Prayer .............................Alex Blackwelder
Lord’s Supper
Mike Childers
Lead Singing......................................Donny McKay
Closing Prayer.............................Hunter Underwood
Ushers ......................Roger Sanderson & Tim Davis
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact the church office (842-6116) if unable
to serve.
Bible Classes (streamed each week)
Adult class................Jeff Mansel (Facebook/YouTube)
Adult class.......... Barry Kennedy (Facebook/YouTube)
College class.....Roger Sanderson/Tim Davis (Facebook)
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 11-11-20 ................................................ 107*
Sunday 1st
Worship, 11-15-20 ...................................... 31
Sunday Bible Class................................................... 122*
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................. 109*
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $9,396
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item.........................................................Jelly
Services will be livestreamed this Sunday at
10:00 a.m. if you do not feel safe attending the
service in person.