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05/24/2025
Good morning church family,
GIVING GOD MUCH THANKS!
A special and heartfelt thanks to the Valley church of Christ who funded the new driveway that was recently paved ! This was a true need and we remain grateful! God is so good!
There was a great turn-out at the Men’s breakfast last Saturday with 19 men! Thanks to Wiley Mullins for leading the devotional and for all of the men who cooked and brought food and friends!
Thanks to Kevon for leading the Teen fellowship last weekend!
We give thanks that Mildred continues to do well! Ron, Lisa, Zach and Tori all visited her this past week and she continues to be sharp as a tack! Mildred misses everyone and sends her love to all!
PRAYER REQUESTS
* Debbie Christy’s niece’s grand-daughter Jade Marshall is being bullied at her school. Prayers for her strength, wisdom and a hedge of protection around her.
* Continued prayers for the Ruiz family and the next two important dates affecting their permanent guardianship of Levi: June 17th, and July 1st.
Daniel’s new address is:
Robinson Correctional Institution
Daniel Ruiz #441162
285 Shaker Road,
POB 1400
Enfield, CT 06082
AREA EVENTS:
 [JUNE]MEN’S RETREAT:
June 13th & 14th
Men are encouraged to sign up soon for the upcoming Men’s retreat in June.
[JULY]
TIDAL RIVER CHRISTIAN CAMP:
tidalriverchristiancamp.com
TRCC is fast approaching. They are always looking for members to help out in many capacities. Please see Pat Keller if you have interest in helping out at camp this summer.
Each year local congregations support TRCC by providing food donations for the campers. Below is what they would like for our congregation to provide. Please place your donations in the bin which will be in the foyer.
Trumbull Church of Christ is asked to donate these supplies:
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3 – Paper Napkins
1000+ Count Casual Paper Napkins (Large Packaging preferable)
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10 – Hand Soap
Pump bottles (antibacterial)
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15 – Cookies
Large packages (any kind)
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TRUMBULL EVENTS:
Wednesday evening zoom studies:
Ron has begun a bible study on the Old Testament Prophets. We are in the book of Isaiah which is a great study. Please look for the link and carve out time to join in.
The next Saturday Ladies Bible study will be on June 14th from 10:00 – 12:00 noon at the church building . We will be finishing up the study of the Fruit of the Spirit and this lesson is on “Faithfulness”
Tuesday May 27th is the last of the Tuesday Bible studies via zoom at 9:30.
Watch for the zoom link and special thanks to Lisa and Mary Lou for leading these classes!
There will be a Young Adult devotional, hike and picnic at Sleeping Giant State Park this Saturday May 24th at 1:00 p.m. Games and deserts will follow at Jin’s place. Please see Zach and Tori for details.They continue to let their lights shine and had a great time at the Clinton Crossing last weekend.
NEXT POT LUCK – Sunday, June 29th. We will be honoring our High School Seniors at this pot luck.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is slated for Saturday July 26th Lord willing.
There will be a meeting for VBS right after worship on Sunday June 1st.
Thanks to Derin & Kristen Wilson for leading this each year.
GOD’S MAJESTIC FIRMAMENT
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” Psalm 19:1
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have discovered that the Greater Wax Moth can hear frequencies as high as 300 kilohertz, giving it the best hearing ability of any animal ever recorded. To compare this natural “hearing technology”, humans can only detect frequencies of 20 kilohertz. Scientists are still unsure as to why this moth has super powered hearing but some theories point to the wax moth’s acute hearing as a defense mechanism against its natural enemy, the bat. Bats use high-frequency echolocation in order to find prey, but if moths can hear these calls they have a better chance of escaping.
In the Bible, a moth primarily symbolizes the destruction and impermanence of earthly possessions and treasures. It represents the gradual, silent decay of material things, reminding us all that everything in this life is temporary.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy
and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“
This weekend our nation we will celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors the US military personnel who perished while serving in our U.S. Armed Forces. Many men and women throughout our country’s history served this nation with courage, great sacrifice, and their memory is celebrated because they gave their life in service.
Critical in the training of U.S. military personnel, is the emphasis on the recruits and their listening. The U.S. Army and Navy prepares its troops to compete, respond to crisis, win in conflict. Boot camp prepares the soldiers to train in harsh conditions, and to listen to those in command. Training is highly focused and designed to deliver units that are well-trained and confident in their abilities to fight and win anywhere, against any enemy. Training is the cornerstone of the military’s ability to work as a team, to fight and to win. Recruits are trained to follow commands promptly to ensure safety. The rules that they are to follow, are rules which will potentially save their lives.
Recruits who do not listen to their superiors face lengthy disciplinary actions..verbal reprimands, extra duties, loss of privileges, closer monitoring and supervising of superiors and potential discharge from the military. Non-compliance “disrupts unit cohesion & effectiveness” .
Listening is critical for the whole of the group, as well as for the safety and effectiveness of the recruit.
Scripturally speaking, the same things apply to us as we walk on our spiritual journey.
Listening is a challenging skill in this fast paced world, where everyone is multi-tasking. It is becoming harder and harder to focus and we are bombarded with texts, social media, addictive technologies, etc.
We are losing the fine art of listening.
In Matthew 17:5 we read about the transfiguration. This biblical event appears in each of the Gospel books as an important moment in the life of Jesus and evidence of His divinity. After Jesus performs a series of miracles and tells His disciples that He is going to die, Jesus leads three of His disciples – Peter, James and John – to a “high mountain”. This is where the transfiguration takes place, in which His appearance is radiantly transformed.
The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and the manifestation of His glory, which Jesus possessed prior to coming to earth in the human body.
While praying, Jesus’ personal appearance was changed into a glorified form, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death that would soon take place. Peter, not knowing what he was saying and being very fearful, offered to put up three shelters for them. A cloud enveloped them, and a voice spoke from the cloud:
Matthew 17:5
“A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said,
“This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
Listen to him!”
God’s voice spoke to Peter, James and John. His three Words were emphatic, given the exclamation point at the end of that command.
GOD’S WORDS.. ‘LISTEN TO JESUS’...are key to life eternal with GOD.
The Way to the Father, is through Jesus Christ!
Throughout the Gospels Jesus taught foundational principles for Christians who listen, obey and follow Him.
Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
Romans 10:17
“Consequently faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Righteous living that emphasizes love, humility and obedience to God’s will. Jesus shares the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
Matthew 7:24-25
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them,
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain fell, the torrents raged,
and the winds blew and beat against that house,
yet it did not fall,
because its foundation was on the rock.”
Jesus emphasized the importance of not only hearing His words, but putting them into practice. Obedience.
John 14:15
“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.“
John 5:24
“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.”
To obey God’s commands, is a matter of life, and death, with eternal consequences for those who accept or reject His message.
Hebrews 11:6
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.“
We read in Hebrews chapter 11 which is known as the Faith chapter…about people who had faith in God’s power, and obeyed Him, no matter what.
Abraham, when asked by God to take his son Isaac to the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice, obeyed God, as heart wrenching as that request was. Abraham listened and believed in God’s power, and did exactly what was asked of him. Abraham tied Isaac up and placed him on the altar, and then placed wood. He brought fire to kindle the wood that he placed under Isaac. He draws back his knife to kill the sacrifice and God speaks from heaven and says, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything to him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou has not withheld thy son, thine only son.” Genesis 22:12
 Noah was warned about things not yet seen, and in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
The biblical account in 2 Kings chapter 5 shares the powerful story of Naaman. Naaman held a high position as a commander of King Aram’s army. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy which was in-curable. His wife’s servant was a young Israelite girl who suggested he seek help from the prophet Elisha. He listened and followed her advice. Naaman traveled to Israel, but Elisha did not meet him in person, but he sent instructions through a messenger. The instructions were to wash in the Jordan River 7 times, and he would be healed.
In verse 11 we read that Naaman went away angry and said “I though he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy“. Naaman was not happy, but his servants encouraged him to reconsider (verse 13).
“My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!“
Naaman listened…
verse. 15 “Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel...”
Naaman was healed the moment he listened and obeyed.
Jesus listened and obeyed His Father, even unto death on a cross.
Matthew 26:42
“Father, if it is not possible, may this cup taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!” Notice the exclamation point at the end of this scripture.
Luke 11:28
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
In order to have eternal life, we must LISTEN TO HIM!
John 14:23-27
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The path to salvation is clear.
Hear the Gospel message – Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God – Mark 16:16; John 8:24
Repent of our sins – Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30, 31
Confess that Jesus is the Christ – Matthew 10:32-33, romans 10:8-10
Be Baptized – Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
Live Faithfully – Revelation 2:10
Will we be able to hear the Shepherd’s call?
KEEP SINGING:
I’ll Be Somewhere Listening | ACAPELLA SINGING
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I’ll Be Somewhere Listening | ACAPELLA SINGING
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When the Savior calls I will answer,
When He calls for me I will hear,
When the Savior calls I will answer,
I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening ,
I’ll be somewhere listening,
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening ,
I’ll be somewhere listening ,
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
If my heart is right when He calls me
If my heart is right, I will hear,
If my heart is right when He calls me,
I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening
I’ll be somewhere listening
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening ,
I’ll be somewhere listening,
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
If my robe is white when He calls me.
If my robe is white, I will hear,
If my robe is white, when He calls me.
I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening
I’ll be somewhere listening
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
I’ll be somewhere listening ,
I’ll be somewhere listening,
I’ll be somewhere Listening for my name.
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD,
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
To see YOU… HIGH and lifted up
Shining in the LIGHT OF YOUR GLORY
Pour out Your power and love,
As we sing HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD,
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
To see you High and lifted up
Shining in the LIGHT of your GLORY
Pour out Your power and love,
As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy,
To see you High and lifted up
Shining in the LIGHT of your GLORY
Pour out Your power and love,
As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy,
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy I want to see YOU!
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
Open the eyes of my heart LORD
Open the eyes of my heart LORD,
I want to see YOU!
I want to see YOU!
How essential is it for mankind to LISTEN TO HIM?
John 5:25
“I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.“
TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!
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