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Are we confident that our light is bright
Vol. 46 September 28, 2021 Number 37
GOD’S WORD AND THE WORLD TODAY
Barry Kennedy
John Quincy Adams said: “I have for many years made it a practice to read
through the Bible once a year. My custom is to read four or five chapters every
morning immediately after rising from my bed. It employs about an hour of my time
and seems to me the most suitable manner of beginning the day. In what light soever
we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history, or to morality, it
is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue.”
No doubt, God’s people see the true blessing that comes from having the
divinely inspired Word of God in hand. Look at the state of the world who have
rejected the word of God. Media tells us that hatred, envy, disregard for human life,
immorality, theft, (and the list goes on and on) runs rampant in this great country.
Why? Why has America digressed so far from the desire to be “One Nation Under
God?” Could it be because there is a famine of the Word within our borders as well as
our hearts?
The Prophet Amos recorded how Israel found themselves in a similar state.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not
a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:”
(Amos 8:11). We are not without opportunity to hear the Word of the Lord here in the
United States of America. Bibles can be purchased, borrowed, and even downloaded
for free. Anyone reading this who does not have a copy of God’s Word, feel free to
use the contact information on the cover of this bulletin, and we will make sure you
get one. The only reason anyone in America today is suffering from a famine of
hearing the Word of God is because we choose not to hear it. Sadly, many of our
fellow citizens have decided to follow the pleasures of sin, instead of being like
Moses, who was willing to suffer afflictions with God’s people (Hebrews 11:24-25).
What is the motivation? Pleasure is a powerful motive that Satan is always ready to
use against God’s people. The Serpent tempted Eve with the pleasure of eating the
forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Satan told God that Job only served because of his wealth
and health (Job 1-2). The wealthy young man forsook eternal life (the very thing he
asked Jesus to receive) because he was not willing to forsake his riches (Matthew
19:16-22). On the other hand, Moses was motivated by his faith in God. Moses held to
the eternal, understanding that the pleasures of sin are only temporal.
Maybe it is not as bad as many believe? As long as the world exists there will
always be a force of evil, that seeks to demoralize, and destroy all that is good and
holy. Maybe we need to be spending a lot more time listening to the Word of God,
more so than the woes of media. After all, faith (i.e. the saving faith that involves
trusting in God) comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We need God’s
Word in our hearts, our homes, and the world today as much as ever! God has done
His part, what are we going to do with His Word right now in this world?
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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will be lost if he is not baptized, then his faith in
God’s plan is lacking. In the Bible, only sinners are
told to be baptized (Acts 2:36-38; 22:16), and one
who is baptized just to please parents, spouses, in-
laws, or friends has not been scripturally baptized.
Baptism does not do any good if it is not
preceded by true repentance. “Then Peter said unto
them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
A person who is unwilling to change his lifestyle
(repent) might as well not be baptized, because it
would not do him any good. If one does not intend to
quit drinking, cursing, smoking, committing adultery,
or lying, why be baptized? It just makes a mockery of
a sacred practice.
Baptism does not do any good if it is not
preceded by a biblical confession. “And as they
went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and
the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder
me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest
with all thine heart thou mayest. And he answered and
said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”
(Acts 8:36-37). Most religious people in our world do
not make this confession at their baptism. Many say
something like, “I believe that God for Christ's sake
has forgiven my sins.” Where is this found in the
Bible? It is not! God said that He forgives sins at
baptism (Acts 22:16), not before. If one does not make
a scriptural confession prior to baptism, he has not
been scripturally baptized.
Baptism does not do any good if it is not an
immersion. “Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death . . .” (Romans 6:4). Many advocate
that one can be baptized by sprinkling, pouring, OR
immersion. The Bible does not give such options but
calls bap-tism a “burial” (Colossians 2:12) and shows
that it requires going down into the water (Acts 8:38).
The word baptism literally means “to dip, plunge, or
submerge.” If one was not immersed, then his
“baptism” did not do any good.
Baptism does not do any good if it is not
followed by faithful Christian living. “Then they
that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the
apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of
bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42). Occasionally, a
person is baptized and never darkens the building’s
door again. Some come for a time but then fall away.
Others may continue to attend services, but their lives
mirror the world instead of the image of Christ (cf.
Romans 12:1-2). In each of these cases, baptism did
not really do any good because ultimately (without
repentance) they will be lost.
There is a record of some who were baptized
incorrectly in God’s book (Acts 19:1-6). They were told
to be baptized again—correctly. Why not do so if you
need to? Eternity awaits your decision. Baptism will do
you good!
Ladies’ Day
The Forest Hill congregation
in Memphis is hosting a ladies’
day this Saturday, Sept. 25 from
9:00-11:30 a.m. with Melissa
Cain speaking on the topic
“Draw Me Nearer.” RSVP to
office@foresthillcofc.org.
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to Ken Pearson in the
loss of his aunt, June Pearson Franks, on Sept. 17. She
was also a cousin to at least 25 members here at East
Main. Funeral services will be held Sept. 22 in
Kosciusko.
Barry Kennedy’s niece, Taylor Ely, lost her
newborn son shortly after giving birth on Saturday in
AL.
Our condolences to Tammy Minor and Stephanie
Baldwyn in the loss of their cousin, Pat Stone, on
Sept. 17. Funeral services were held Sept. 20 in
Fulton.
Maggie Minor’s good friend, Lindsey Cockrell,
lost her father, Christopher, on Sept. 16 from post
covid pneumonia.
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower will be held in
honor of Logan Lyle, bride elect of
Reed Mallard, on Sunday, Oct. 3 “come
& go” from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the
multipurpose room. Logan & Reed are
registered at Belk, Reed’s, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Thank You Note
Dear church family,
Thank you for your concern while I was recovering
from surgery. I appreciate the texts, cards and offers
of food. Most of all thank you for your prayers.
In Christian love,
Kathryn McKee
October 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Dundee Donald
Sr. Youth--TGIF
Matthew 1-4
2
Lexie Dickinson
Robert Parker
Matthew 5-7
3
Logan Lyle Bridal
Shower
Matthew 8-9
4
Matthew 10-11
5
Glenda Barnett
Jase Mansel
Matthew 12-13
6
Sandra
Simmons
Brain Freeze
Matthew 14-15
7
Matthew 16-17
8
Matthew 18-20
9
Ken Pearson
Jr. Youth—
Burgers & Bikes
@ 4:30 pm
Matthew 21-22
10
Area Wide Youth
Meeting @ Antioch
5:00 p.m.
Matthew 23-24
11
Matthew 25-26
12
Tyler Barnette
Beth Reed
Matthew 27-28
13
Brain Freeze
Mark 1-3
14
Ian Reed
Ladies’ fellowship
Mark 4-5
15
Mark 6-7
16
Nancy Haywood
Mark 8-9
17
Mary Ann
Wallace
Sr. Youth Devo. @
Childers’ house
Mark 10-11
18
Brenda
Spearman
Mark 12-13
19
Chad Willis
Mark 14-16
20
Mary Robbins
Bowlin
Will Davis
Brain Freeze
Luke 1
21
Judy & Pat
Jones
Luke 2-3
22
Luke 4-5
23
James Simmons
Luke 6-7
24
Mark Gilliland
Olivia Blansett
Bridal Shower
Luke 8-9
25
David & Katie
Bates
Luke 10-11
26
Ethan Benefield
Luke 12-13
27
Brain Freeze
Luke 14-16
28
Cooper Blansett
Luke 17-18
29
Sr. Youth—TGIF
Luke 19-21
30
Olivia Blansett
James Burney
Dean Webb
Chad & Susan
Willis
Luke 22-23
31
Youth Led Service
Luke 24
Youth—Six Flags

Daily Bible Reading
September 29 ................................................ Malachi 1-2
September 30 ................................................ Malachi 3-4
October 1...................................................... Matthew 1-4
October 2...................................................... Matthew 5-7
October 3...................................................... Matthew 8-9
October 4.................................................. Matthew 10-11
October 5.................................................. Matthew 12-13
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays: Joyce Burney (Sept. 29), Keisha
Gholston (Sept. 29), Dundee Donald (Oct. 1),
Lexie Dickinson (Oct. 2), Robert Parker (Oct. 2),
Glenda Barnette (Oct. 5), Jase Mansel (Oct. 5).
Anniversaries: None this week.
*Forgot Tanya Pannell’s birthday (Oct. 26) last week.
Our Sick
James Simmons is in room 206 at NMMC following
surgery. Gail Geno & Maggie Simineau are home with
broken bones. Twinette Wallace is suffering with
Trigeminal Neuralgia&is to see her doctor Nov.2. Susan
Reed will see a kidney specialist Oct. 7. Willie Topp’s
brother-in-law, Willie Bob Gates, continues in NMMC
with Covid. Sarai Lindley has tested positive for Covid.
Scarlett Wyatt, a young girl at Crossville, has scarlet
fever. Glenda Barnette has another melanoma on her
back. Barbara Bishop has fell after back surgery and
isn’t getting around well at all. Donny McKay’s mother,
Blanche Chamblee, isn’t very weak following Covid.
Lori Blansett’s father, Larry Cobb, is not doing well.
Debbie McCoy, Roger Sanderson’s cousin, has been di-
agnosed with cancer. Please keep these in your prayers!
On-Going Illnesses
Mary Lou Walden, Evelyn Thompson, Steve Kelly,
Bettye Davis, Frankie Estes, Shirley Lyons, Caroline
Willis, Carol Hood, Bill Goff, Donny Dulaney, Adam
McCurley, James Goddard, Mitch Maclean, Mary Starz,
Sheba Tuggers, Steve Higginbotham, Shauna McMickin,
Stella Pittman, April & Olivia Pounders
Nursing Homes
Nancy Haywood, Randy Attaway, Shirley McCarthy,
Bob McClure, Brenda Dawson
Sympathy
Mary Lou Walden’s sister-in-law, Kathryn Walden,
passed away. Her funeral services were held Sept. 24.
EMYG News
Hello East Main Family! I’m super excited about what’s
happening during October. Below is the calendar.
PLEASE be involved & bring friends. Lots of time & work
go into making the youth & family program what it is, but
it can’t happen without your involvement. Here’s what to
expect in October: (The numbers indicate the date).
1 T.G.I.F. for our Senior youth. This is such a great
evangelistic opportunity God has given us each time we
plan it. Please have your senior kids be part of this fun &
great opportunity to grow in faith (9:00pm-12:00am).
2 Singing at Mayfield church of Christ. This coming
Saturday from 6:00-8:00pm, we will worship in song with
our spiritual brothers & sisters at the Mayfield
congregation. If you need a ride, meet at the building at
5:40pm & we will arrive back at around 8:30pm.
6 Brain Freeze after Wednesday Bible Class. If you
like fellowship & ice cream, come to the multipurpose room
after class and enjoy this “sweet” fellowship!
9 Junior Youth Burgers & Bikes. For several months we
have been trying to do this, but weather made it impossi-
ble. This time, we’re going to try to make it happen. Meet
at the building at 4:30pm. Come ready to rock out with
some tasty burgers & roll on your favorite bicycle!
10 Area Youth Meeting. Meet at the building at
4:15pm to ride to Antioch.We’ll be back around 8:00pm.
13 Brain Freeze after Wednesday Bible Class. If you
like fellowship & ice cream, come to the multipurpose room
after class and enjoy this “sweet” fellowship!
17 Senior Youth Monthly Devo. This month, our hosts are
the Childers. Our physical meal will be BBQ nachos. GIRLS:
bring a dessert. BOYS: bring drinks & plain tortilla chips.
For our spiritual meal, Jake Donald will lead singing &
Mr. Mike will provide our devotional thought. The address
is: 172 Drive 1139, Mooreville. Meet there at 5:00pm
20 Brain Freeze after Wednesday Bible Class. If you
like fellowship & ice cream, come to the multipurpose room
after class and enjoy this “sweet” fellowship!
22-23 SIX FLAGS TRIP!!!!! I hope you’re excited about
this one! I know I am. I will provide the itinerary for the
trip & post it on the youth board soon. We’ll be going to
the one over GA. The cost is $50.00 PER person. The
$50.00 covers your hotel & admission into 6 Flags. You
will also need money for eating out 3 times. Bring a mask
just in case they are required in some places. Families
welcomed!
27 Brain Freeze after Wednesday Bible Class. If you
like fellowship & ice cream, come to the multipurpose room
after class and enjoy this “sweet” fellowship!
29 T.G.I.F. for our Senior youth. This is such a great
evangelistic opportunity God has given us each time we
plan it. Please have your senior kids be part of this fun &
great opportunity to grow in faith (9:00pm-12:00am).
30 Fall Festival & Costume Competition. Come to the
building at 5:00pm dressed up for an evening of fun food,
games&competition!“May the odds be ever in your favor!”
31 Youth Led Worship The young men will lead our hearts
&minds closer to God as we worship Him in Spirit &in truth.

Bridal Shower
A bridal shower will be held in honor
of Logan Lyle, bride elect of Reed
Mallard, this Sun., Oct. 3 “come & go”
from 2:00-3:30 pm in the multipurpose
room. Logan & Reed are registered at Belk, Reed’s,
and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Sky & Jennifer
Ray in the birth of their son, Levi
Hannon, on Sept. 22. He weighed 8 lbs.
11 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Hannon
& Star are the proud grandparents.
Mother & baby are doing well.
Singing
The Mayfield congregation
in Saltillo is hosting a
congregational singing this
Saturday, Oct. 2 from 6:00-
8:00 p.m. at their building.
Men to Serve Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 a.m.
Announcements...................................Mike Childers
Bible Reading.....................................Ricky Lindsey
Opening Prayer ..........................................Mark Hitt
Lord’s Supper
Eddie Simmons
Lead Singing.......................................... Nic Nichols
Closing Prayer...................................... Paul Blansett
Ushers .................................Will Davis & Joe Minor
Please meet in the library by 8:45 a.m.
Sunday 11:15 a.m. service
Opening Prayer ..............................Dennis Hallmark
Closing Prayer....................................Ricky Johnson
Lead Singing...............................Bobby Joe Lindley
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Opening Prayer ................................... Dale Dulaney
Lead Singing........................................ Greg Hughes
The elders kindly request that men leading in public
worship wear the best dress clothes they have.
Contact the Ricky Lindsey (255-8136) if unable to serve.
Attendance & Contribution
Mid-Week, 9-22-21 .................................................... 138
Sunday 1st
Worship, 9-26-21 .................................... 160*
Sunday Bible Class..................................................... 166
Sunday 2nd
Worship.................................................... 125
Contribution (budget $7,900) ................................ $6,761
*This does not include the livestreamed views.
Pantry item........................................... Peanut butter