Christ Independent Methodist Church

On this second Sunday of Lent, I was so impressed by the beauty of the world we live in. I never remember a spring when the trees bloomed so early in the year. I seem to recall the dogwood and wild plum trees being the earliest to bloom, but the trees blooming now put them in the shade. The peach orchards in Chilton County are beautiful to see, but not as plentiful as the trees bearing white blooms.

Our Sunday school was short in attendance, but attendance improved for church. Following the service, lunch was provided by Michelle Lufta, with others providing desserts and salad.

Service began with the congregation singing, “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness,” The Way of the Cross” and On the Cross of Calvary.”

We were blessed to have our minister back in his pulpit following a brief absence. Dr. Stinson’s sermon was titled “The New Birth,” based on John 3:1-17.

Let us take Jesus’ words at face value: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

When Jesus speaks of being born again, he is talking about a spiritual rebirth born of water and of the Spirit.

Continue to pray for Katrina Brown, Annelle Smith, Bobby Varden and Sally Adams.

Our Sunday night message was from the Rev. George Holley via DVD. He will be an evangelist at Beulah Camp this summer.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

It is always a blessing to gather in God’s house to worship him, no matter if it is a cold dreary day outside or a bright sunny day. The Spirit of God doesn’t just work in good weather. Praise God, he is always available; all we have to do is be receptive to him.

As we began our morning service, Bro. Derrell read Ephesians 5:17-21 to us from God’s Word and delivered a great message titled “How to be Spirit-Filled.” What leads you in your daily walk? For us who profess to be followers of Christ, it should be the Spirit that is leading. Do we sometimes hinder our leader by trying to get ahead of him? Being obedient to the movement of the Spirit can result in blessings to a Christian. When we are filled with the Spirit, it directs our focus to be on God. He becomes number one in our lives. It is true that whatever fills us will control us; therefore, we need to be filled to overflowing with his Spirit in order to be able to serve him and share his message with others.

Our evening message, “Distance,” was taken from Psalms 137:1-4. There are many reasons that could cause distance from God in a person’s life. Disobedience is just one act that puts distance between God and the Christian. This can lead to the loss of the joy that you have in your service to God. If you come to the time of your life that you think things are better on the other side, this will surely create distance between you and God. Blessings are lost, and havoc is the result. As sad as it is to admit, distance between you and God may even cause denial of him as your Lord. Don’t despair. God hasn’t moved; it was you. He is waiting where you left him and will gladly restore this distant relationship back to the closeness that was once there.

There are many in our church family in need of special prayer. Among those are Frances Higgins, Tammy Harmon, Jenny Hayes, Doug Liveoak, Elladene Mims, Virginia Church, Sheila Robinson, Mary Dean Higgins, Sarah Scott, Gladys Franklin and Leona Liveoak.

We have two special events coming up. On Friday, March 28, there is a trip planned for anyone in the church who would like to take a trip to see the new Christian movie “God’s Not Dead.” It will be showing in Alabaster and the time will announced later. Also, on Easter morning, a sunrise service is being planned for 7 a.m. A prayer breakfast will follow the sunrise service.

If you don’t have a church home, you are always welcome to worship with us.