Christ Independent Methodist Church

Our June 21 church service began with the congregation singing “The Solid Rock,” “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “We Bring the Sacrifice.”

Dr. Stinson’s sermon title was “What Really Matters,” with scripture reading from Luke 10:38-42.

Luke, the traveling companion of Paul, was the most literary and versatile of the gospel writers. The Acts, as well as the third gospel, is from his pen. Tradition connects him with Antioch in Syria, and indicated that he died without wife or children at the age of seventy-four.

Back to our story about Martha and Mary: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her:” Luke 10:38-42

We have all heard this familiar story many times, and with the passage of time, feel that we would have been on the side of Martha, but would we at that time? Both women knew Jesus as a friend, not as their Lord and Savior. Martha is assumed to have been the homeowner, but the passage of time lends sympathy for Mary as well and her service for Jesus.

The Women’s Coffee and Dessert was enjoyed by everyone at the home of Holly and Mark Wadleigh.

When you are absent from Sunday school and church, know that you are missed. If you are new to our community, we invite you to join us for worship services.

Our July 28 service began with the congregation singing “Victory in Jesus,” “I Will Sing of the Mercies” and “God Is So Good.”

Dr. Stinson’s sermon title was “The Keys to Effective Praying,” with scripture from Luke 11:1-13:

The disciples often observed Jesus retreating alone to the mountains to pray… so they went to the Lord and said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” They has seen how important prayer was to Jesus when he taught them to pray thus: “When you pray, say, ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

It is important to say “Father” when you pray, and don’t jump right into your wants. Take the time to thank the Heavenly Father for what he has already done before listing your wants for the present time. Keep in mind that all prayer is based on the goodness of God. When you pray, focus on God, his goodness and his love. Ask him for your physical needs, but remember your spiritual needs and your need to be kept from temptation.

Prayer should be a daily part of our life schedule, not an occasional addition.

We welcome all visitors to our church. Mr. and Mrs. George Lufta from Ohio, visiting their children, Michelle and David Lufta, were with us for both morning and evening services on Sunday.

Our young people had a great weekend. They saw a movie, shopped at The Galleria and enjoyed time spent together with visiting youth.

Remember these when you pray: Mary Ann Carden, Opal Miller, baby Aiden Parker, Dr. Mac and Glenda Stinson’s son and Bee Bee’s friends in Georgia.

Thanks to all who provided food for our dinner at church on Sunday.

The ladies of the church enjoyed fellowship and dessert at the home of Holly and Mark Wadleigh on Tuesday night.

We are still studying “The Handwriting on the Wall” at our Sunday night service.

We thank the Beulah Church Camp Youth who visited us over the weekend.

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “Closer to God Medley,” with duet parts by Doris Wyatt and John Bryers.

Bro. Ken’s message was from Ezra 3:1-13. His title: “Building Up What Was Broken Down.” An altar of God was begun for the sacrifice of burnt offerings, built in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses. Despite their fear of the people around them, they built an altar and sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord. They celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and offered the required number of burnt offerings each day.

The foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid. Money was given to masons and carpenters, along with drinks and food. The foundation was laid, and all the people gave a great shout and sang to the Lord. Many of the older priests, Levites and family who had seen the former temple wept aloud.

In the evening service, our special music was “Calvary is the Reason Why,” sang by Bro. J.C. Pierce. Bro Ken’s message was from Ephesians 4:1-16, titled “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptist:” To each on of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. We are to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith.

Prayer requests: Janice Wyatt, Alicia Mims, the family of Tiffany Hudgins, Jamie Smitherman, James Swann, Austin Holserback’s family, Britney Minor, Ross Minor, Lynn Staggs, Megan Daniel, unspoken requests, the Nominating Committee and Faye Power.

Happy Birthday to Pattie Headley and Huey Wilson.

Upcoming events:

Aug. 24: Faith-Focused Security Training, Level A at West End Baptist Church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $40. Recommended for churches that participate in mission trips.

Sept. 7: Workday at the church to prepare for Homecoming

Sept. 8: Homecoming. Bro. Thomas and Tommy Wilkes will bring our message. Summit Trace will sing.

Oct. 21-24: Celebrators trip to Pigeon Forge, Tenn.