Christ Independent Methodist Church

On this rainy, damp day, it was still a blessing to go to the Lord’s house and hear an inspirational message from our pastor.

Dr. Mac Stinson’s scripture was taken from Mark 12:28-34. His sermon title was “God, Neighbor and Self.” It dealt with the first commandment to appear in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 6:49. We are all familiar with the Ten Commandments, having read and memorized them since our early days of church attendance.

Having said that, which of the ten is most important? Jesus was asked that question at one point and he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Then he added a second, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

The command to love God is at the very heart of the Jewish faith, just as it is at the heart of ours. Moses is the one who issued this law, but Moses went farther. He said, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children, talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hand and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

These interesting instructions tell us what to do if we are to love God and keep his commandments. Love is the key to God’s expectations for us.

Our prayer list: Dr. Mac Stinson, Carl and Ann Glass, Opal Miller, Lora Haley, Cathy Lufta, Judy Atkinson, Tanya, Cindy McCavitt, our military, church, each other, Christians worldwide and little Israel. Pray for our church members who are traveling. Shea Simms is now home from Kuwait. Bless him, his family and friends as they share this time together. Continue to pray for our nation and God’s will for our country.

We extend sympathy to the Ross Davis family in the passing of Mrs. Sarah Davis.

A special welcome is extended to our visitor, Holley. We we welcome you and your family to come again.

Mark your calendars for our Harvest Supper on Nov. 27. Our program will begin at 5 p.m. and supper at 5:30 p.m. A menu will be given out next Sunday. Join us for this special time and invite friends and family to share it with us.

Have a blessed week.

Mount Carmel No. 1

Our hearts were blessed by Sunday morning’s rainfall as we gathered to worship. We have so much to be thankful for. We welcome all the visitors who came to join with us to experience God’s presence and love while worshiping this Sunday.

Following the song service, Bro. Derrel gathered the children to teach them from his “Sermon in a Sack.” God’s message for the children was taken from Psalms 136: “Give thanks, for his mercy endureth forever.” God’s love for us never ends.

Madison Easterling, daughter of Danielle Easterling, sang “This Little Light of Mine.” Thank you, Madison. You sang beautifully. May God bless you.

Danielle Easterling was our guest speaker this Sunday. She read from 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

In Genesis 7:6-16, Noah’s message is “Be committed and whole-hearted.”

Danielle told of the legacy her brother, Derrel Hilyer, is leaving for his family and friends. It was a heart-warming message for all to be committed to God and to be ready for his calling.

On Sunday night, Charity Lockhart and LaNelle Jones sang “Love So Amazing.” We are thankful for our young people and their talent.

In Matthew 16:13-15, Jesus asks five important questions, beginning with “Who do men say I am?” Who is Jesus to you? Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? Be sure you know where you will spend eternity.

Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to put together our Trunk-or-Treat. It was a big success. Both kids and grown-ups had fun, and the refreshments were great.

The bridal shower for Lilly Jones will be on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Mid-week service for the week of Thanksgiving will be on Tuesday night, Nov. 20, instead of Wednesday, Nov. 21. Remember our Christmas Child Shoebox Project. Please fill your boxes for this project and bring them to the church on Nov. 11 for a special blessing.

Our Harvest Supper will be on Nov. 18 following the evening service. Come gather with us, give thanks for all your blessings and enjoy the Thanksgiving meal in the fellowship hall.

We ask you to band with our church family as we pray for each other, our church and our nation. See you in church on Sunday.