Calvary Independent Baptist Church

We want to thank all those who attended services this weekend. Sunday morning’s service included a message taken from John 1:35-51 about windows of opportunity. If we will just make the choice to step out in faith, then God, in his omnipotence, will see us through whatever he calls us to do. Sunday night’s service included a message from Matthew 5:1-3 on being in the right spirit and heart to receive what God has for us.

When we have a broken spirit and contrite heart, God revives us, giving us joy, peace and all the fruits of the spirit that we read about in the last few verses of Galatians 5. When we empty ourselves of worldly things, we become a vessel ready to be filled with the words and promises of an awesome God.

We want to invite you to visit and worship with us at any of our services.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, there will be a special children’s program during the 10 a.m. service. Sunday, Dec. 23, we will have communion in the 10 a.m. service, and in the 5:30 p.m. service, there will be a Christmas program with music, followed by a short message and a fellowship meal downstairs afterward.

We are located south of Clanton, past Dollar General, on Fulmer Drive off U.S. 31.

Sunday School at 9 a.m., Children’s Church and adult worship service at 10 a.m., Sunday evening service at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399.

Mount Carmel No. 1

The wonder of Christmas began long ago. It was born in the heart of a loving God, who sent his only son, heaven’s child, who came to make a way of redemption for us.

On Sunday morning, the Mount Carmel choir did a great job of presenting the cantata “Heaven’s Child.” Welcome to Christmas, the birth of a baby, the giving of a gift of unbelievable love, the fulfillment of an ancient promise of long-awaited hope that could only be accomplished by God sending his son, heaven’s child, to make a way for us.

We pray this musical has uplifted you and encouraged you to take the story of the promised child and spread the gospel to all you meet. God bless you. We wish you a merry Christmas.

Bro. Derrell’s message for the morning was “What’s in a Name,” taken from Isaiah 9:6 and Matthew 1:21-25.

He noted two special names: Emmanuel and Jesus. “For unto us a child is born, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted, means God with us: Isaiah 9:6. He called his name Jesus: Matthew 1:21.

Please remember our Christmas card post office. Our children were delivering cards in full swing this past Sunday.

Bring your cards and make your postage donation to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

A great time was had by a large group from our church as we drove to Kingwood Church to see the play “The Gospel According to Scrooge.” We are thankful for the pastor, Jay West, and every person who helped to make these performances possible. In the words of Tiny Tim: “God bless us, every one.”

You are invited to the wedding of Lillie Jones and Casey Brand at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. A reception will follow in the Church Life Center.

The children of the church will soon go caroling and deliver gifts to our shut-ins. Date and time to be announced.

Please come join us as we celebrate the Lord Jesus in praise and worship. Feel the Christmas spirit all year long: become a Christian.

Remember all the prayer requests of our church and pray for one another.

Remember the sick, the shut-ins, the lost, our church family, our pastor and his family.