The Luther Church of Christ
8th & Birch, PO Box 306, Luther, Oklahoma 73054
Luther Community Service Center 405-277-3911
www.luthercommunityservicecenter.org
www.lutherchurchofchrist.com
Bill Ryan – Elder Chris Hill – Elder/Minister
Bill Weger – Deacon
8th & Birch, PO Box 306, Luther, Oklahoma 73054
Luther Community Service Center 405-277-3911
www.luthercommunityservicecenter.org
www.lutherchurchofchrist.com
Bill Ryan – Elder Chris Hill – Elder/Minister
Bill Weger – Deacon
A Prayer for Unity
When Jesus was ready to depart this planet, His final remarks—His parting words—appealed to unity: the need for believers to be one. Those of whom Jesus spoke in His prayer were clearly those who would become New Testament Christians.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” --John 17:20-23
Unity is a common theme throughout the New Testament and shows that the modern church should become one in spirit and truth.
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” --1 Corinthians 1:10
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” --Ephesians 4:3-6
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” --Philippians 2:1-4
God wants every Christian to be united and at peace with every other Christian. He wants us to be knit together cohesively in love and fellowship as a family. He wants us working together harmoniously to accomplish the same objectives.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” --John 17:20-23
Unity is a common theme throughout the New Testament and shows that the modern church should become one in spirit and truth.
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” --1 Corinthians 1:10
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” --Ephesians 4:3-6
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” --Philippians 2:1-4
God wants every Christian to be united and at peace with every other Christian. He wants us to be knit together cohesively in love and fellowship as a family. He wants us working together harmoniously to accomplish the same objectives.
Ministries of the Luther Church of Christ
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" --Acts 20:35
Feeding the Hungry
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink…” --Matthew 25:35
We operate the Luther Community Service Center where food is distributed on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. We serve approximately 120 families in Luther each month. We purchase food from the Regional Food Bank and from local stores. Food is delivered from the Regional Food Bank on the second and fourth Tuesday each month around 8 a.m. Food boxes are prepared on Tuesday mornings from 8-9:30 a.m.
How you can help:
Feeding the Hungry
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink…” --Matthew 25:35
We operate the Luther Community Service Center where food is distributed on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. We serve approximately 120 families in Luther each month. We purchase food from the Regional Food Bank and from local stores. Food is delivered from the Regional Food Bank on the second and fourth Tuesday each month around 8 a.m. Food boxes are prepared on Tuesday mornings from 8-9:30 a.m.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. Help unload the truck and prepare food boxes. Be an example of Christian service to those who volunteer with you.
- Hold a Food Drive. We greatly appreciate donations.
- Donate. Although we receive large discounts from our suppliers, it still takes over $1000.00 a month to feed this many families.
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Providing Clothing and Other Necessities
“If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” –James 2:16
We operate the Luther Community Service Center where families are provided clothing, furniture, diapers, and other needed items on Monday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.
How you can help:
“If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” –James 2:16
We operate the Luther Community Service Center where families are provided clothing, furniture, diapers, and other needed items on Monday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. On Mondays from 7:45-11:30 a.m. help sort donations, fill the clothing racks. Be an example of Christian service to those who volunteer with you.
- Hold a clothing drive or coat drive. We greatly appreciate donations.
- Donate. Money helps keep the lights and heat on while we serve others.
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Prison Ministry
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… --Isaiah 61:1
The Northeast Church of Christ, the Luther Church of Christ, and the Luther Community Service Center are working with inmates from the Clara Waters Community Corrections Center, Oklahoma City Community Correctional Center, and Union City Community Correctional Center. The inmates participate in the New Paths program at the Northeast Church of Christ coordinated by Erma Wright. There was a time in Mrs. Wright’s life when she was headed down the wrong path and spent time behind bars. With God’s help, she turned her life around and now helps people who struggle in life just as she did. Mrs. Wright brings inmates to the Service Center twice a month on Thursday mornings to help distribute food and do other good works. We have opportunities to study the Bible with them and get to know them as we work together. We have a meal together and give them an opportunity to take food, clothes, and hygiene items back with them to correctional facility.
On November 12, 2014, Erma Wright received a full pardon from the State of Oklahoma, signed by Governor Mary Fallin.
How you can help:
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… --Isaiah 61:1
The Northeast Church of Christ, the Luther Church of Christ, and the Luther Community Service Center are working with inmates from the Clara Waters Community Corrections Center, Oklahoma City Community Correctional Center, and Union City Community Correctional Center. The inmates participate in the New Paths program at the Northeast Church of Christ coordinated by Erma Wright. There was a time in Mrs. Wright’s life when she was headed down the wrong path and spent time behind bars. With God’s help, she turned her life around and now helps people who struggle in life just as she did. Mrs. Wright brings inmates to the Service Center twice a month on Thursday mornings to help distribute food and do other good works. We have opportunities to study the Bible with them and get to know them as we work together. We have a meal together and give them an opportunity to take food, clothes, and hygiene items back with them to correctional facility.
On November 12, 2014, Erma Wright received a full pardon from the State of Oklahoma, signed by Governor Mary Fallin.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. Take time to work with and get to know one of our volunteers from the correctional center. Your good example means a lot.
- Donate. These volunteers greatly appreciate toothpaste and toothbrushes and deodorant that they can take back with them to the correctional center.
Oak Hill Nursing Home Ministry
"'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. --Leviticus 19:32
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” --James 1:27
On Sundays we meet at the Oak Hill Nursing Home in Jones for worship and visitation. Our worship service begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends around 2:15 p.m. There is also a Bible class that meets every other Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
How you can help:
"'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. --Leviticus 19:32
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” --James 1:27
On Sundays we meet at the Oak Hill Nursing Home in Jones for worship and visitation. Our worship service begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends around 2:15 p.m. There is also a Bible class that meets every other Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. Be encouraging and take an interest in people. Young people can distribute songbooks and help residents turn the pages to the right page numbers. The residents love to see young people. The boys lead songs and recite Scripture. The men rotate song leading and delivering the message. Do you know sign language? Here is a great place to use it in your service to God.
- Christmas Gifts. Each year we put together small Christmas gifts for those who worship with us –something to show we care.
- Caroling. In December, we sing Christmas carols in the nursing home in Jones and Midwest City. Bringing smiles and encouragement to those who need it the most.
Contact Bill and Kay Weger at 405-396-3287.
Contact Bill and Kay Weger at 405-396-3287.
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Vacation Bible School
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” --2 Timothy 3:14-15
We are a mission-minded church, reaching out to the community at every opportunity. Many churches do one VBS a year in the summer; we hold several and throughout the year. In March 2014, with the help of the youth group of the Hartsville Pike Church of Christ from Gallatin, Tennessee, we set a record for Vacation Bible School attendance. In July, with the help of the Mesquite Church of Christ, we held a summer VBS that had good attendance from the church and community.
In October we held four, one hour VBS style meetings in the Service Center Warehouse on Thursday evenings while the Center was open for shopping. We were aided by the Edmond Church of Christ, Britton Road Church of Christ, Memorial Road Church of Christ and North MacArthur Church of Christ. They all did a great job preparing activities and lessons.
How you can help:
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” --2 Timothy 3:14-15
We are a mission-minded church, reaching out to the community at every opportunity. Many churches do one VBS a year in the summer; we hold several and throughout the year. In March 2014, with the help of the youth group of the Hartsville Pike Church of Christ from Gallatin, Tennessee, we set a record for Vacation Bible School attendance. In July, with the help of the Mesquite Church of Christ, we held a summer VBS that had good attendance from the church and community.
In October we held four, one hour VBS style meetings in the Service Center Warehouse on Thursday evenings while the Center was open for shopping. We were aided by the Edmond Church of Christ, Britton Road Church of Christ, Memorial Road Church of Christ and North MacArthur Church of Christ. They all did a great job preparing activities and lessons.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. Be encouraging and take an interest in people. Bring your kids. We consider VBS an opportunity for growth and outreach. Your kids can grow spiritually and also learn the value of caring for their neighbors. Come lead songs, share a Bible lesson, and share your faith in Christ in service to others.
- Provide snacks. Kids love homemade snacks. Your love of baking can be a tool used to reach the community.
Contact Stephen Kearby at 405-659-8621.
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Ladies Bible Classes
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” --Proverbs 31:26
Ladies Bible classes are held at the church building on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with lunch following. Topics are chosen by members of the class. Recent studies covered the book of Philippians, touched on prayer, and undertook the Holy Spirit. The mission of this class is to help each other grow in Christ, to enjoy fellowship, and to become a closely knit group that can support each other.
The class undertakes projects, such as making Christmas gifts for nursing home residents and preparing meals for the sick. Several ladies find the class a great opportunity to bring their daughters to the study.
How you can help:
Contact: Kay Weger 405 396-3287 or Joanna Hill at 405-317-9893.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” --Proverbs 31:26
Ladies Bible classes are held at the church building on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with lunch following. Topics are chosen by members of the class. Recent studies covered the book of Philippians, touched on prayer, and undertook the Holy Spirit. The mission of this class is to help each other grow in Christ, to enjoy fellowship, and to become a closely knit group that can support each other.
The class undertakes projects, such as making Christmas gifts for nursing home residents and preparing meals for the sick. Several ladies find the class a great opportunity to bring their daughters to the study.
How you can help:
- Participate. These classes are designed for learning and encouragement.
- Volunteer. Help prepare meals for those who are sick or just need some encouragement. Help make Christmas gifts for nursing home residents.
Contact: Kay Weger 405 396-3287 or Joanna Hill at 405-317-9893.
Disaster Aid
“And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.” --Acts 28:2
After Paul’s shipwreck, he tells us about the extraordinary kindness of the people of Malta. Christians should be known for their extraordinary kindness today. We are storing items up for the next disaster, with a supply of food and equipment on hand for disasters. We were instrumental in helping people recover after the fire in Luther and the recent tornado, organizing volunteers from all over to help with the recovery. After the recovery here, we were able to send aid to other communities.
Volunteers lay rolls of sod around a new mobile home. The family’s home was destroyed by a tornado in 2013.
How you can help:
“And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.” --Acts 28:2
After Paul’s shipwreck, he tells us about the extraordinary kindness of the people of Malta. Christians should be known for their extraordinary kindness today. We are storing items up for the next disaster, with a supply of food and equipment on hand for disasters. We were instrumental in helping people recover after the fire in Luther and the recent tornado, organizing volunteers from all over to help with the recovery. After the recovery here, we were able to send aid to other communities.
Volunteers lay rolls of sod around a new mobile home. The family’s home was destroyed by a tornado in 2013.
How you can help:
- Volunteer. Let us know that you want to help when disasters happen.
- Donate Supplies. Gloves, tools, Generators, Chain saws.
- Donate Funds. We can use funds to purchase supplies to be ready at a moment’s notice.
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Bible Character Trunk or Treat
“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” --Ephesians 5:16 NIV
Why not teach the Bible on Halloween? We ask for volunteers to dress up as Bible characters and tell a story from the Bible. Kids are fascinated to see adults dressed up and telling Bible stories. Children trick or treating around the Service Center can learn about Jesus, Martha, Lazarus, Moses, Dorcus, Methuselah, Jonah, Noah and many others. We do our best to make Bible stories and their lessons come to life.
How you can help:
- Dress up and be a Bible character. Smile and greet your neighbors. Teach a short lesson about your Bible character.
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Thanksgiving
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” --1 Timothy 4:4-5 NIV
Thanks to generous donations from area Churches of Christ, the National Wild Turkey Federation and other charitable organizations, we are able to provide a nice Thanksgiving basket to Luther families. Volunteers from Oklahoma Christian University and Abilene Christian University help get the food organized and distributed the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Memorial Road Church of Christ provides hot meals on Thanksgiving Day.
Volunteers from Oklahoma Christian University fill boxes with food for Thanksgiving.
How to Help:
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” --1 Timothy 4:4-5 NIV
Thanks to generous donations from area Churches of Christ, the National Wild Turkey Federation and other charitable organizations, we are able to provide a nice Thanksgiving basket to Luther families. Volunteers from Oklahoma Christian University and Abilene Christian University help get the food organized and distributed the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Memorial Road Church of Christ provides hot meals on Thanksgiving Day.
Volunteers from Oklahoma Christian University fill boxes with food for Thanksgiving.
How to Help:
- Volunteer. Pick up food from local churches, help get the food ready, distribute.
- Donate Supplies. Hold a food drive.
- Donate Funds. We can use funds to purchase supplies to make someone’s Thanksgiving great!
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Christmas
“… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" --Acts 20:35 NIV Through the Luther Community Service Center, each year we adopt around 200 kids up to age 12. Churches and volunteers receive cards with the child’s clothing sizes and wants. Once the items are purchased and delivered to the Service Center, volunteers put everything in a box and wrap the box in Christmas paper. On a Sunday before Christmas groups of 50 are invited to the church building. Children are invited to see a skit prepared by volunteers and young people from the Luther church of Christ. Parents hear a message about Christ and the church. Boxes are distributed afterward. How to Help:
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