Reader concerned about community apathy

To the Editor,

In recently attending the Community Thanksgiving Service at the Assembly Family Life Center, it was very evident that there was community complacency, apathy and a lack of community involvement in what should have been an opportunity for all believers in this community to gather together and not only give thanks together to our creator for His goodness and mercy, but to gather together as a family. The building should have been packed out, instead of just a few. We are the body of Christ and we are all one in Christ. 

What we have in common is the belief that there is only one True God demonstrated in the Trinity and that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed us from all our sins. Denominations should not matter. Can the eye say to the hand "I do not need you", or to the feet "I have no need of you"? (1 Cor. 12: 21) If we think that we cannot receive something from someone not of our denomination, then we are in pride and religion and God resists the proud. If a church cannot for one night out of the year set aside it's services in order to come together with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ, and to promote it, or if is dismissed and we stay home to watch t.v., then something is very wrong.

If you think it is boring, then you have a wrong heart and are waiting to be entertained, instead of taking personal responsibility. We should be able to worship from our heart regardless of the style of ministry. God is looking for a people that want a relationship with Him and you cannot have a relationship with Him unless you love His body. Get out of your comfort zone. No one ever did anything for God while being comfortable. It was not comfortable to be thrown in prison, or a lion's den, or a fiery furnace. It was not comfortable to be nailed to a cross! And, we can't even sit next to someone of a different denomination and fellowship with them. Or maybe it's because they're too old, or too young, or too loud, or too quite, or it's too cold, or too warm.

What is this teaching our children? That the body of Christ is not important? Just our denomination? That community involvement (unless it's sports) is not important? I think better of this community and I think better of the ministers of God in this community than that. I know there are good ministers and people in this community that serve the Lord that were not at the meeting. We just need to examine our hearts. If the ministers of this community cannot find fellowship together, then what is to be expected of the congregations? If you think this is just about giving to the food pantry and your church has already given - then you're wrong. This is about passion. Passion for the whole body of Christ. We need each other. If we can't love our family, the body of Christ, then how can we love those without the body of Christ? If we want Tuttle to be an example to this region then we need to change. Let us be a shining example of the love of Christ. 1 John 3:14, "We know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren (not denomination). He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death."



Sam Jones



Keeth family expresses its appreciation for support

To the Editor,

Thank you so much to our countless friends in the Tuttle area after your show of compassion after the loss of our dear loved one, Marissa Lee Pace Keeth.

The outflowing of love from our friends and neighbors has given us great comfort and is continuing to strengthen us in our time of emotional need.

Thank you so much for the cards, the phone calls, the kind words, the flowers and the thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all the donors to the fund set up for Marissa's daughter, Sarah. Thank you to True Oak Fellowship, Tuttle Schools, the Tri-City Home Educators, Draper Park Christian Church of Oklahoma City and several

individuals in the community for the meals brought to our homes. Thank you also to True Oak and Pastor Ben Reid for hosting the services and providing a luncheon on the day of the funeral.

Thank you to Larry Steverson of Heritage Family Baptist Church for the heartfelt message and service. We would also like to thank the Tuttle Police Department and EMTs for their rapid response and professional, kind and

understanding work. They are a credit to the city and community.

Thank you to Dan and the staff at Sevier Funeral Home for the warm, compassionate way you served our family. We would also like to thank everyone who visited at the funeral home or during the service. Even if we weren't able to speak with you personally, we appreciated you coming and showing your love to our family and to Marissa. Thank you so very much.



Jerry and Janice Short,

Ben and Regina Garvie,

James and Karlene Gottman and Will Keeth