Mountain Springs Church

This Sunday morning, we had special guests, The Down East Boys, with us and they did a wonderful job singing and touching us with their testimonies for the Lord. We hope they continue to bless others, and we hope to see them again soon.

Sunday night’s service began with Bro. Kenneth Moates leading the church in the hymns “Be Ready to Go,” “Where the Soul Never Dies” and “I Love My Savior, Too.”

Bro. Kenneth gave devotion: God is going to be there for us and meet our every need.

The young children of the church sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “This Little Light of Mine.” They did a wonderful job.

Bro. Sam Ross preached from John 11:32-46: If we want to wait patiently, we must trust in God, believe in God, and know that God will deliver us. If we do all of these things he will bring us out to the other side.

Don’t forget our services are Sundays at 9:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there. Have a blessed week!

Christ Independent Methodist Church

On this perfect Sabbath day, the spectacular beauty of blooming plants highlighted the journey to church.

Dr. Mac Stinson’s sermon was titled “Blessed Are Those Who Believe.” His scripture was based on John 20: 19-31. This scripture deals with the disciple, Thomas Didymus, who is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” I believe today’s sermon was the first time I have ever heard a complete explanation of how Thomas received that name.

Thomas was the only disciple who boldly proclaimed, “Let us also go, that we may go that we may die with him.” As we are today, Thomas was very much a realist. We have all heard that age-old expression, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Thomas had been willing to die for Jesus, but now the Messiah was dead.

For some reason, Thomas had not been present when Christ appeared to the others on that first Easter Sunday evening. When his friends told him Jesus was alive, he could not believe. That is when he made this incredible, defiant remark: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Christ then appeared suddenly, and came directly to Thomas, saying, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas was stricken to the depth of his soul and replied, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus replied with his blessing: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” These words apply to you and me today, although we are more than 2000 years removed from this occasion.

Referring to Thomas Didymus, Dr. Stinson expressed his opinion that this disciple should be recalled as “Absent Thomas,” rather than “Doubting Thomas.” I think Dr. Stinson makes a good case for the rest of us, as well, so that we do not cower in fear.

I wish to thank all who donated Easter lilies to decorate our church on Easter Sunday. It was lovely, and all our guests added so very much to the occasion.

Two of our youth, Anna Adams and Autumn Glass, have been accepted to the schools of their choice. Laura Lee, Anna and Nate spent the recent Spring Break visiting New York City, the scene of the 9/11 tragedy, and other points of interest along the way.

Friday, April 5, Phil and June Simms and Anne Glass attended the Alabama Symphony Concert featuring Beethoven and the Viennese Masters at Samford University in Birmingham. Later, they met Dr. Mac Stinson and Glenda for lunch at the Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer.

We were glad to welcome BeeBee and Bobbie Sammons back to our church today after their absence due to illness.

When you pray, please remember Dr. Mac Stinson, his son and members of his family, Opal Miller, Floyd Headley, Lilliana Thompson, Judy Atkinson, Betty Cofer, BeeBee Sammons, Bobbie Sammons and all others in need of the Master’s touch. Remember our military and their families, our church and community, our country’s leaders and each other.

Have a blessed week.