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Are we confident that our light is bright
Vol. 47 March 29, 2022 Number 13
SPRING CLEANING
Barry Kennedy
It is in the air; you can smell it. Spring has sprung and with it comes the sound of lawn
mowers, weed whackers, and all the other sounds that go along with “spring cleaning.” We
begin to feel that urge to clean out and freshen up around the house. How many of us have a
house full of spiritual clutter that needs clearing? Spiritual clutter consists of all the sinful
thoughts and desires that we have accumulated throughout our lives. Spiritual clutter could
consist of false religions that many have been following for years. Having all that excess
clutter keeps us weighed down and never feeling as though we could ever be free or
productive in this life.Satan loves for man to look at all that spiritual clutter, feel overwhelmed,
and think that it is impossible to ever be able to clean out all the clutter. He knows that the
longer we dwell in the clutter, the more comfortable we become with the clutter. Sadly, many
Christians have become “hoarders” in their spiritual lives. It is time for some spring cleaning.
We begin by separating the useless from the useful. One of the first things people must do
when getting ready to clear out is to determine what is useful and what is useless. David
realized the importance of cleaning house. “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I
hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:3). His words
ring out the message of discernment. First, we can choose what we put before our eyes. Just
because we may want something, does not mean we need it. Eve wanted the fruit of the tree
of knowledge (Genesis 3:6), but undoubtedly it was not in her best interest to partake. Even
though Eve was facing such a strong desire to partake of the fruit, the choice to eat or walk
away was hers alone. Second, wicked, or worthless things will turn one aside. The apostle
Paul’s words have always been true, “Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1
Corinthians 15:33). Third, those same wicked things have the potential to cleave to us. If
everyone could see and appreciate the depths to which sin can take one, it is very unlikely
that there would be as many souls overtaken (Galatians 6:1). How much better our lives
could be if we simply practiced a little spring cleaning on the useless things of life.
God’s Word has the cleaning power we need. The Bible is not just some book among
books (Hebrews 4:12). We are encouraged to “receive with meekness the engrafted Word,
which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The Word of God truly possesses great
ability. Listen to the words of the apostle Paul: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the Word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). What did James and Paul say? First,
they said that the Word has ability. Certainly, the Bible is not some dead letter, but the
Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Second, they explained the abilities the Word possesses.
The Word can save our souls from sin, build us up, and give us an inheritance among the
sanctified (James 1:21; Acts 20:32). However, the Word can have no effect upon the souls
who will not apply it to their lives. Why not allow the cleaning power of God’s Word to
have an eternal effect upon our souls?
How sad it is that so many will choose, to their own detriment, to hold on to the spiritual
clutter that they have accumulated. As we are tuning up those lawn mowers, getting rid of
the junk that we have accumulated, and freshening up around the house, why not take this
opportunity to practice some spring cleaning of the soul. Study God’s Word, get rid of the
useless (sin), take hold of the useful (righteousness), and do a little spring cleaning in God’s
House (1 Timothy 3:16).
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
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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Find the faith that comes from The
Father. Life is filled with choices. We make so
many decisions on a daily basis, that we don’t
even realize we are making decisions. Looking
into the Word of God not only builds faith
(Romans 10:17), but it also teaches one how to
stand in the face of adversity. When one takes
up the shield of faith, he then has the ability to
defend against Devil’s darts (Ephesians 6:16).
God is the true author of the Scriptures. “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Have you dear reader found the faith that
comes from God the Father? Will you follow
that faith and be one worth following yourself?
Faith of our earthly fathers can lead one
astray, but the faith that comes from the
Heavenly Father leads to life eternal. Is our
faith the faith of our fathers, or the Father’s
faith?
______________________________________________________
1
http://www.historicist.com/rome/faith-of-our-
fathers-a-roman-catholic-hymn
~~~~~~~~
Family Breakfast
We will resume our
monthly family breakfast in
the multipurpose room this
Sunday, March 27 from 8:15-
8:45 am before worship
service. There will be biscuits
and sausage, donuts, juice, and coffee.
Everyone in the congregation is invited to
come and enjoy this short period of fellowship
before we begin our worship service.
Sympathy
Just to say thank you for your thoughts, prayers,
and beautiful flowers during our time of sadness
and laying our sweet momma to rest. God bless
each of you.
The family of Nita Weaver Thomason
(Sandra Simmons’ sister)
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 & sign cards is welcomed.
Memphis School of
Preaching Lectureship
The Memphis School of Preaching
will host their 55th
Annual Lectureship
March 27-31 on the theme “Timeless
Truth.” A schedule of times and
speakers is posted on the bulletin
board across from the library. (Barry & Berta will
be speaking on Wednesday.)
Men’s Breakfast &
Work Day
A men’s breakfast has been scheduled for
Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 am in the multipurpose
room. Following breakfast, there will be a workday
in and around the building. Some of the things
needing to be done are cleaning out gutters,
replacing a toilet seat in the upstairs boys’
bathroom, replacing ceiling tiles, cutting two dead
pine trees on the property, and cleaning out under
the west stairwell. Please come and help if you are
able.
Alex will be ordering some t-shirts he has
designed with the summer 2022 youth group
logo on it. If you would like to order one,
please sign the list posted on the youth bulletin
board across from the ladies’ bathroom.
April 2022
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Raleigh Bass
Matthew Nichols
Roger Sanderson
1 Kings 1-4
2
Hannon &Star
Ray
Men’s Breakfast/
Workday
1 Kings 5-6
3
1 Kings 7-8
4
Mark Hitt
Missy Nichols
1 Kings 9-11
5
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
1 Kings 12-14
6
Kim Johnson
Brain Freeze
1 Kings 15-16
7
Ayzleigh Bass
Ginny Berryhill
Kylee Steward
1 Kings 17-19
8
Susan Reed
1 Kings 20-22
9
Jalon Mansel
Daniel Morton
Emily Williams
Sr. Youth Devo @
the Childers
2 Kings 1-3
10
Russell & Norma
Deaton
Area Youth
Meeting @ Fulton
5 pm
2 Kings 4-8
11
Larry Bates
2 Kings 9-12
12
Scott Childers
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
2 Kings 13-17
13
Shelby Childers
Brain Freeze
2 Kings 18-21
14
Sky & Jennifer
Ray
Ladies’ fellowship
2 Kings 22-25
15
Heath Lindley
1 Chronicles 1-4
16
Dennis Hallmark
Hannon Ray
Jr. Youth-Egg
Hunt
1 Chronicles 5-9
17
Janna Gholston
1 Chron. 10-13
18
Brenda Lindley
1 Chron. 14-16
19
Kevin Pannell
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
1 Chron. 17-21
20
Wanda Bryan
LuAnne
Funderburk
Blaine Roby
Brain Freeze
1 Chron. 22-27
21
1 Chron. 28-29
22
Ricky & Lisa
Lindsey
2 Chron. 1-5
23
Ashley Davis
Brittney Kennedy
Joe & Alicia
Smith
2 Chron. 6-9
24
Bobby Joe &
Brenda Lindley
Family Breakfast
2 Chron. 10-12
25
2 Chron. 13-16
26
Russell Deaton
Greg Hughes
Sarah Smith
Tuesday Morning
with the Master
2 Chron. 17-20
27
Shawn Mounce
Brain Freeze
2 Chron. 21-25
28
McKenna
Lindsey
2 Chron. 26-28
29
2 Chron. 29-32
30
2 Chron. 33-36
Sr. Youth—7th
Week Squad
Retreat @ Maywood

3.
Daily Bible Reading
March 30..................................................2 Samuel 19-20
March 31..................................................2 Samuel 21-24
April 1............................................................1 Kings 1-4
April 2............................................................1 Kings 5-6
April 3............................................................1 Kings 7-8
April 4..........................................................1 Kings 9-11
April 5........................................................1 Kings 12-14
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: Raleigh Bass (Apr. 1), Matthew
Nichols (Apr. 1), Roger Sanderson (Apr. 1),
Mark Hitt (Apr. 4), Missy Nichols (Apr. 4).
Anniversaries: Hannon & Star Ray (Apr. 2).
Our Sick
Ken Pearson will undergo heart valve replacement
surgery Tuesday at NMMC. Steve Kelly is awaiting
results from his thyroid biopsy. Stella Pittman, Star
Ray’s mom & Barbara Wright’s sister, continues at The
Meadows in Fulton for therapy. Berta Kennedy’s cousin,
Gerald Tutor, continues physical therapy at NMMC.
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Evelyn Thompson, Annie Martin,
Bettye Davis, Barbara Bishop, Bob Smith, Doug
Wallace, Frankie Estes, Shirley Lyons, Caroline Willis,
Carol Hood, Bill Goff, Adam McCurley, Sheba Tuggers,
Larry Kennedy, Brian Carver, Lacy Plaxico, Roy &
Daisy King, Michelle Maclean, Freida Gardner, Linda
Butler, Pam Gassaway, Donny Dulaney
Nursing Homes
Randy Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Bob McClure
Men’s Breakfast/Workday
A men’s breakfast is scheduled this Sat., April 2 at
8:00 am in the multipurpose room. After breakfast,
there will be a workday in and around the building.
Some of the things needing to be done are cleaning out
gutters, replacing a toilet seat in the upstairs boys’
bathroom, replacing ceiling tiles, and cleaning out under
the west stairwell. If you plan to attend the breakfast,
please sign the list on the bulletin board across from the
library so we will know how many to prepare for.
EMYG News
Psalm 18
Below is a passage that I really love and find security
in. As you go about your busy week, take some time
to dwell on these words. God is bigger than your
battles and bigger than your victories.
I love you, Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold.
3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
7 The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because he was angry.
8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;
consuming fire came from his mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
9 He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under his feet.
10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
he soared on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around
him—
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds
advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13 The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

4.
Wedding Gift Table
A table will be set up in
the foyer for Chet Wilson &
Mallory Hardy from April 3-
17 if you would like to leave
them a wedding gift. They
will be married in TN in May. They are registered at
Amazon, Target, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Also,
Home Depot gift cards are welcomed. Chet is the son
of Michael & Christine Wilson whom most of you
know.
Men to Serve Sunday, April 3, 2022 a.m.
Announcements..................................... Wade Bryan
Bible Reading........................................ Aaryn Vines
Opening Prayer ..........................................Mark Hitt
Lord’s Supper
Roger Sanderson
Lead Singing......................................Hugh Scribner
Closing Prayer...................................... Jalon Mansel
Ushers ..............................Dale Dulaney & Ian Reed
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday 11:15 a.m. service
Opening Prayer ........................................Will Davis
Closing Prayer................................. Jason Dickinson
Lead Singing.................................Alex Blackwelder
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Opening Prayer ....................................... Perry Hand
Lead Singing........................................ Greg Hughes
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact Jeff Mansel (871-0357) if unable to serve.
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 3-23-22 .................................................... 154
Sunday 1st
Worship, 3-27-22 .................................... 185*
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 180
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................... 120
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $9,239
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item........................................... Peanut butter
Our VBS
is scheduled for
June 12th
-15th
from 6:30-8:00 pm!
There will be classes for all ages
including adults.