Solomon pursued happiness through labor, knowledge, and pleasure, but found only vanity. True happiness is found through fearing God and keeping his commandments, which leads to peace that surpasses understanding. While work, education, and pleasures have their place, one must not make them the sole purpose or expect that they will bring genuine happiness.

1. 4
Hugh Vol. 43 August 28, 2018 Number 34
What Makes Us Happy?
Barry Kennedy
America has been referred to as “the land of opportunity.” We pride ourselves on
the rites we have for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, one must ask
himself this question, “What do I pursue in order to obtain happiness?” This is not a new
question, nor is it a new pursuit. One of the greatest examples of this pursuit is the great
king Solomon. Not only did Solomon seek happiness, he ran what could be called a series of
experiments to try and find the bliss we know as happiness. Solomon, in all of his wisdom,
made the same mistake that many of us make even today. We, like Solomon, are often
looking to the physical (not the spiritual) life to find happiness. One needs only to look to
the book of Ecclesiastes to see how Solomon “messed up” and thus, learn how we can find
TRUE happiness. To understand how to find this happiness, let us notice where happiness
is not found.
Happiness is not found in LABOR (Ecclesiastes 1). Solomon (the preacher verse
1) asked the question, “What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the
sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3). Solomon is not condemning hard work, or the necessity of labor in
this world. The point is not to put all of our trust, hope, and desires for happiness in the
abilities we may have to work. Work is a necessity that affords us sustenance
(2Thessalonians 3:10), but it is not to be the sole purpose in life, nor will it bring genuine
happiness. When we are really honest we may see, more often than not, we are working for
the “things” our wages can purchase. It is the old saying, “The one with the most toys
wins.” Wins what? It certainly is not happiness. “All things are full of labor; man cannot
utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecclesiastes
1:8). Satisfaction, which is genuine happiness, is not found in mere labor.
Happiness is not found in worldly KNOWLEDGE (Ecclesiastes 1:17, 18).
Education is a must in this world today. Gone are the days where all we need to know is
how to plow a row and work a farm. I know there are still farmers today, and there always
will be, at least until the Lord returns (Genesis 8:22). However, no one would contend that
today’s farmers do not need an education. The need for education is, without a doubt, an
important commodity in the ever-advancing world in which we live; however, are we ready
to say that knowledge brings happiness? Solomon said that it did not bring him happiness.
Solomon’s conclusion was that it is vanity and increases sorrow. Therefore, academics
alone will not equal true happiness.
Happiness is not found in worldly PLEASURE (Ecclesiastes 2). Solomon sought
the “finer things” in life to bring him the inner joy for which he longed. He built palaces for
himself, planted great vineyards and gardens, gathered servants to cater to his every desire,
accumulated great wealth, he even brought singers and musicians into his home simply to
entertain him. In fact, Solomon said, “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from
--article continued on page 3--
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
PREACHER
Barry Kennedy ... (931)787-7108
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 Classes............. 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.
EAST MAIN CHURCH OF CHRIST
1606 East Main Street
P. O. Box 1761
Tupelo, Mississippi 38802
“Thou shalt observe to do all that they inform thee”
(Deut. 17:10)

2. Community Outreach
Item: Bath Soap
--article continued from page 1—
The apostle Paul is one who came to know
first-hand that there can be strength in weakness (2
Corinthians12:1ff). Paul is without a doubt one of the
most influential preachers this world has ever known.
It would be impossible to calculate the number of
souls won to Christ through the personal and public
preaching, as well as, the writings of Paul the apostle
that we all study on a regular basis. Paul, though
strong in faith, still had to deal with the pains and
pressures this world has to offer. Paul made mention
of a thorn in his flesh that plagued him. He referred to
it as a “messenger of Satan,” that buffeted him and
kept him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). We do not
know, nor could we prove, what that “thorn” was, but
we can know that it was painful enough that Paul
prayed three times for it to be taken away (2
Corinthians 12:8). Jesus responded to Paul’s request
by simply saying, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for
My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2
Corinthians 12:9). Paul would continue, adding,
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We must come to see things through the eyes
of the spiritual man, who walks by faith and not by
sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Sight says, “Noah you are
wasting your time, you will never get that boat built
and if you do you will never get all the animals to get
on board.” Faith says, “God said to, therefore I will
follow.” Sight says, “Gideon you cannot defeat the
Midianites with only three hundred.” Faith says, “If
God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans
8:31). Sight says, “David you are just a child, there is
no way you can defeat this giant!” Faith says, “The
LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion,
and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out
of the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). Sight
says, “God I need this thorn removed, please!” Faith
says, “I will endure since the cause is greater than
me.”
How much strength do we have today? “For
though he was crucified through weakness, yet he
liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in
him, but we shall live with him by the power of God
toward you” (2 Cor. 13:4). Maybe we need to look
more so at our weakness?
Gospel Meetings
The Hillcrest congregation in Baldwyn will host a
Gospel Meeting August 26-29 with B. J. Clarke
speaking at 7:00 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday.
Also, the Sherman congregation will host a Gospel
Meeting Aug. 26-29 with Doug Burleson speaking at
12:45 p.m. Sunday and at 7:00 p.m. Monday-
Wednesday.
Sr. Adult Rally
The Booneville congregation will be hosting a Sr.
Adult Rally this Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9:30 a.m. until
1:00 p.m. Ted Burleson will be the speaker. A flyer is
posted on the bulletin board across from the library.
Weekend Seminar
The Plainview congregation in Fulton is hosting a
weekend seminar, Aug. 24-26 on “America’s Most
Pressing Concern.” Services Friday & Saturday are at
7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Ladies’ Days
The Verona congregation will host a Ladies’ Day
Sat., Sept. 8 with Cindy Rodgers speaking on “There’s
Sunshine in My Soul.” Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Also, the Antioch congregation in Ramer, TN will
host a Ladies’ Day Sat., Sept. 8 with Courtney Vines
speaking on “Fearless Women.” Registration begins at 9
a.m.
Thank You Notes
Dear church family,
Thank you so much for the many visits, prayers, and
the ample amount of food in honor of Bro. Woodson’s
passing. Thank you also for the beautiful flowers that
were sent. Thank you for all that you do.
In Christian love,
The Woodson Wilson Family
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Thank you for the prayers during the time of my
Dad’s two years of sickness. Thank you for all the
prayers & comforting words of support during the death
of my Dad. The flowers sent to his funeral were
beautiful. It’s great to belong in a strong, Christian
church family. Love in Christ,
The Laneys (Crafton, Marla, Nicholas, Micah & Jordan)
September 2018
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Felicia Stanford
Hosea 1-3
2
Hosea 4
3
Hosea 5-6
4
Hosea 7-8
5
Hosea 9-10
6
Sr. Adult Fellow-
ship 6 pm
Hosea 11-12
7
Remi Kate
Kingsley
Andrew Wynne
Hosea 13-14
8
Robert Kingsley
Joel
9
Haden Bland
Visitation Team #2
Area Youth Meeting
@ Verona
Youth Meeting
@Maywood
Amos 1-2
10
Amos 3-5
11
Bryce Roby
Evelyn Thompson
Chet Wilson
Amos 6-7
12
Amos 8-9
13
Ladies’ Fellow-
ship 6 p.m.
Obadiah
14
Jonah 1-2
15
Jonah 3-4
16
Visitation Team #3
Jr. Youth /ES Devo.
Jr. Bible Bowl @
Mayfield
Nursing Home
Singing
Micah 1-2
17
Lauren Long
Anna Claire
McMillen
Micah 3-5
18
Micah 6-7
19
Nahum
20
Andy Baldwyn
Barry & Berta
Kennedy
Habakkuk
21
Zephaniah
22
Maggie Simineau
Haggai
23
Derik Rushing
Visitation Team #4
Zechariah 1-2
24
Tate Malone
Zechariah 3-4
25
Zechariah 5-6
26
Betty Beard
Billie McNutt
Zechariah 7-8
27
Zechariah 9-11
28
Zechariah 12-14
29
Joyce Burney
Keisha Gholston
Malachi 1-2
30
Sr. Youth Devo.
Malachi 3-4

3. Community Outreach
Item: Bath Soap
Daily Bible Reading
August 29..................................................Daniel 4-6
August 30..................................................Daniel 7-9
August 31..............................................Daniel 10-12
September 1 .............................................. Hosea 1-3
September 2 ..................................................Hosea 4
September 3 .............................................. Hosea 5-6
September 4 .............................................. Hosea 7-8
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: Trase Webb (Aug. 31), Felicia
Stanford (Sept. 1). Anniversaries: Terry &
Sherry Kingsley (Aug. 31).
Our Sick
Barbara Roberts, Brenda Lindley’s sister, is
home from the hospital. Twinette Wallace’s brother,
Donny Dulaney, has new tumor growths but are the
kind that respond well to treatment. Bretta
Robinson, Nancy Haywood’s daughter, is in the
Corinth Hospital.
On-Going Illnesses
Laverne Raper, Frankie Estes, Adam McCurley,
Mary Jordan, James Goddard, Ray Scribner, Bill
Goff, Linda Bryan, Mitch Maclean, Jadon Parish,
James Nichols, Sheba Tuggers, Sherry Gregory,
Shirley Owens, Mickey Bailey, Mike Scott, Tracey
Wilburn, Sammy Carson, Nathan Hale, Leroy
Brown, Mike Stroup, Betty Harrell
Nursing Homes/Assisted
Living
Clara Simmons, Nancy Haywood, Randy
Attaway, Shirley McCarthy, Mary Southern, Veona
Harris
--article continued from page 1—
them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart
rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all
my labor” (Ecclesiastes 2:10). The end result was the
same vanity and vexation of the spirit.
So, what does bring true happiness? “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and
keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of
man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). There is a peace that passes
understanding, but it is only found in the Lord
(Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 1:3). If we understand what
it means to be in Christ and what joy and tranquility
awaits us in the afterlife, then (and only then) will we
find the true happiness that Solomon sought and that we
should be seeking today. Many will never find the true
happiness that God has offered, simply because they will
not study His Word and apply it to their lives (Matthew
7:13, 14; 2 Peter 1:3). May God help us to learn from
Solomon’s mistakes and enjoy the reward of the faithful,
a home in heaven for all eternity. “. . .Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”
(Revelation 2:10). So, what makes us happy?
Ladies’ Days
The Verona congregation will host a Ladies’ Day
Saturday, Sept. 8 with Cindy Rodgers speaking.
Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Also, the Antioch congregation in Ramer, TN will
host a Ladies’ Day Saturday, Sept. 8 with Courtney
Vines speaking. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Thank You Note
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you all for the support you gave me as I
went through the hard times of the death of my dear
friend Lewis Frazier. I could not have made it without
your love and support. I feel blessed to be part of the
East Main Church of Christ. In Christian love,
Betty Long
Sr. Adult Fellowship
The Sr. Adult Fellowship will be held Thursday,
Sept. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Centerville Fish & Steak
House. The bus will leave the building at 5:30 p.m.
John Duke is stationed in Long Beach, MS.
Matt Duke is stationed in Ft. Carson, CO.
Caleb Williams is stationed in Jacksonville, NC.
Dylan Kelly, Steve Kelly’s grandson, is serving in
Kuwait.

4. Men to Serve Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 a.m.
Announcements................................. William Harris
Bible Reading......................................Jake Kennedy
Opening Prayer ............................ Rommie Dilworth
Lord’s Supper
Roger Sanderson & Terry Kingsley
Serve Congregation, East Side:
Larry Bates, David Bates, Zac Tucker
Serve Congregation, West Side:
Andy Baldwyn, Jimmy Spearman, Chase Stanford
Lead Singing..............................................Mark Hitt
Closing Prayer.......................................Harold Roby
Ushers ...........................Ricky Lindsey & Joe Minor
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday Afternoon
Opening Prayer .......................................Jeff Mansel
Closing Prayer.....................................Scott Childers
Lead Singing......................................Hugh Scribner
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Prayer .................................................. Dale Dulaney
Lead Singing........................................John Mounce
Contact Michael Wilson (891-0891) if unable to serve.
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Greeters ............................Roger & Lynn Sanderson
................................Greg & Tammy Hughes
Prepare Lord’s Supper—September .................. Will
& Ashley Davis
Nursery.........................Marla Harris & Jenna Harris
Pantry......................................... Macaroni & cheese
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 8-22-18..............................................169
Sunday 1st
Worship, 8-26-18 ...............................201
Sunday Bible Class ..............................................197
Sunday 2nd
Worship.............................................163
Contribution (budget $7,900)..........................$6,763
Pine Vale Children’s Home
The Pine Vale Children’s Home is going through a major transition. It
has separated itself from the state-run foster care system. That means
two things for them. First, Pine Vale is now 100% dependent on the
church, her congregations, and her members for support. Second, the
children for which they care will not come from the foster care system,
but rather from voluntary placements by families looking for healing,
help, and hope. If you know of families or individuals that are
struggling and could benefit from a structured Christian environment,
please refer them to Pine Vale Children’s Home.
www.pinevalechildrenshome.com.