These are programs that I use on my laptop that help me in my ministry and life. 

Microsoft Word – I am typing in this now as I do most of my writing.  There are many good word processers but this is the one I have always used. 

Internet Explorer – I always keep the latest version of Internet Explorer loaded.  Version 8 is the most current. 

Microsoft Outlook – This is my mail program and does other functions.  It is part of the Microsoft Office set that several of these programs are in.

Logos Bible Software – This is the Cadillac of Bible software programs.  I do over half my study and lesson preparation with my laptop. 

Media Monkey – This is my current favorite media player.  I like to collect music and this is one of the best programs for that.

Microsoft One Note – A neat program for keeping notes and just a catch all for all kind of things. 

Windows Explorer – this is my file manager program.  I would like to find an upgrade, but have never found anything I particularly thought was much of an improvement.

Napster – a music service that I rent music from. 

Avast – this is a free virus protector.  I have had no problems and have used for a couple of years.

Windows Vista – contrary to what I read, I am in the minority of folks who like Vista.

Microsoft Power Point – my slide program for teaching and preaching.  This is a great tool.

Microsoft Publisher – this is where we do our weekly printed bulletin. 

1. Learn a new song                 “Land of Fadeless Day”

2. Daily Devotional                  Power for Today

3. Focus                                Colossians 3:2

4. Use the power of the people we have

5. Be active in Bible study; study the Bible everyday and learn the books of the NT, if you do not know them.

6. Where are we going?  What is our purpose as a church?

7. Check on someone; make the effort to share the love of the Lord with someone.

8. Use your gifts; what can you do to help the Lord’s church?

9. A season of prayer; pray four 15 minute sessions everyday.

10.  Read a book that will help you grow spiritually; if you enjoy reading and have done your devotional and Bible reading.

     11. Creative giving; think about how you can give to the Lord's work.

The US Census Bureau estimates the current population of Manatee County Florida to be 315,000 souls.  Only 35% of that number claim any kind of religious affiliation.  We thus have two out of three people in our county who do not even claim to be religious.  This is well below the national average of 50+%. 

In Manatee County we currently have 12 congregations of the church of Christ, and four of those are "anti" in nature.  The twelve congregations average less than 100 in attendance for a total of 1200 adherents. 

I know that some of you who receive this email are experienced in church planting and church growth; what do we need to do?  Please share some ideas that might make a difference in our community.  What are you doing that is working?

Midway is a small group who are aging, and are maintaining our own in numbers, but are not growing numerically.  When we lose someone, the Lord will replace them with someone else, but our overall growth has maintained about the same over the last five years.  We need to better impact our community!  Help!

We need workers in this part of the world.  If you are considering moving or retiring to Florida, please contact us!

Also, visit this month’s Christian Progress, and have a faithful and blessed summer. 

June   3        Romans 8

         7        A Fig Tree (Mark 11)    

                  The Lamb of God  (John 1)

         9       Church Growth Video  (10:00)

        10       Romans 8

        14       The Cornerstone  (Mark 12)           

                   Church Growth pt 2

        16       Church Growth Video (Tuesday 10:00)

        17       Romans 8

        21        A New Season   

                   Jesus Knows You (John 2)

        23        Church Growth Video (10:00)

        24        Romans 9

        28        Questions & Answers

                   Born of the Spirit (John 3)

Charlie Harrison is one of the strengths of the Lord's work in New England.  He has ministered the Brunswick, Maine congregation for almost two decades and has served camp Gander Brook during that time.  He updates me that the porch did not collapse during the winter but will be replaced this fall, if the Lord wills.  There is a need for funding this worthwhile project.

Charlie also corrected my spelling of Sabattus, Maine.  Sorry Leo!  Leo Woodman is the minister there and his son, Luke, is planning to attend Heritage Christian in Florence, AL this fall.  Please keep them in your prayers and support if you would.  Thanks Charlie!

Sometimes I am too careless in submitting information to this site.  I forget that people do read this and I am thankful for you doing that.  I am thankful and encourage you to correct anything amiss in my writing. 

Jake Wayne, minister in Philadelphia, corrects me in that he is not from Africa but did spend 10 years there when his family moved there from the states.  I also made a statement that his work had not been successful in the Philadelphia area and I must correct that also.  There is no unsuccessful work in the Lord's kingdom and I can attest to that personally.  Jake is to be uplifted and encouraged for taking on the difficult task the Lord has chosen for him.  Encourage him by sending him a check and praying for the Northeast Philadelphia church of Christ.  Thanks Jake!