Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “On His Knees”, with a solo by Bill Davis. Thank you Mark Conradi for filling in for Dusty Dutton, who is on vacation.

Bro. Ken Daniel’s message was from John 20:11-20. His title was, “A Stranger Among Us.”

Jesus provides comfort. He will show us that He will keep his promises. He will never leave us. There is hope for tomorrow.

Mary went to Jesus’ tomb and saw two angels seated where Jesus’ body had been. Mary was crying. She thought her Lord had been taken.

Mary turned and saw a man who asked her why she was crying and who was she looking for. She thought he was the gardener.

She asked him if he had taken her Lord away and if he had, where the body was.

Jesus said to her, “Mary” and at that time, she realized it was not the gardener, but her Jesus.

He asked Mary to return to the people and tell them He was about to return to the Father.

During the evening service, Bro. Ken’s message was from Luke 24:31-35. His title was “A Walk to Emmaus”.

Luke tells us their eyes were opened as to what was going on around them, Jesus was alive. They went out and spread the word.

Happy birthday to Maggie Glover, Yvonne Byars and Charlotte Smitherman.

Prayer requests include the Rev. Frank Nelson, Tommy Littlefield family, Peggy Harris, Rachel Lowrey, Faye Honeycutt, Sue Roberts, Patty and E.J. Headley, Toby Fanning, Jeanette Hamm, Bill Davis, Betty Mims, Steve Hanna, Tyler Smitherman, Fay and Raymond Powell, Tyler Wilson and the unspoken.

Upcoming events include:

Thursday: Free guitar lessons for those with a guitar, dedication and willing to practice 5 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Friday: 6:30 p.m. – Game Night.

Saturday: Save A Life Walk –See Alisha for more details.

Sunday: 2 p.m. Association Bible Drill at West End , contact Arie Wise at (205) 755-3340 to let her know how many are coming.

5 p.m. The Blackwood Quartet will be in concert at Friendship during the evening service. The group will be collecting $10 for all attendees. The group will share a tribute to Elvis.

Opportunities for the future:

April 16: Church wide Picnic/Trade Day at Tannehill State Park.

April 23: Youth Six Flags Trip.

April 26: Bible Journaling Event 1-2:30 p.m. at the Chilton Baptist Associational Office. Free but RSVP required by April 19th, call (205) 755-3188. Discover a new way to spend time in scripture. Led by Teresa Renfroe; Store Manager of Lifeway Christian Resources.

May 2: Senior Adult Evangelism Conference. Free admission and no registration at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

May 8: Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church Prattville 6 p.m. Cost $25.00 (Seniors (60+) $18.50)

May 12: OASIS ’16: A Refreshing Event for Senior Adults 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Hebron West Baptist

Church with Allison Durham Spear, Brother Billy Bob Bohannon & Frank Jones. Tickets are $15 if purchased by April 22nd.

May 21: 6 a.m. Yard Sale. Please bring your donations to the gym. Contact Pam Marcus at (205) 299-4626 if you have any questions.

June 3: Men’s Fishing Trip. See Dusty for more details.

June 17-18: GRIDIRON Men’s Conference Legacy Arena Birmingham. Register at www.gridironmen.org.

June 20-24: VBS – Cave Quest

October 17-20: Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge. www.celebrators.org

 

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

On Sunday morning when our Sunday School was starting I asked my class of fourth through sixth graders if they knew the song that was sung on the kid’s show Mr. Rogers.

I was referring to ‘It is a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”. It was disappointing for me that they didn’t. I was reminded of the song because of how beautiful the day was that God had given us in which to attend His house for a time of worship.

Our worship time began with Libby Warren playing “My All in All” for our penny march. It was amazing how God worked during our song service.

Our last congregation song was “Jesus Paid it All,” followed by “Amazing Grace” as an instrumental for our offertory hymn, which was followed by Kaitlyn Burnett signing to “There is a Fountain.” The messages those three songs present go hand in hand.

Our sin debt was paid in full by God’s amazing grace and it is a fountain that is available to all that will receive this gift.

Bro. Travis Burnett used the scripture from John 1:1-3 & 14 to bring a message titled ‘Proof Positive’.

The Gospel (good news) according to John sets forth the truth of the Deity of Christ. John establishes the true identity of God’s Son. The first verse tells us that the Word, Jesus, has always existed.

He was with God. He did not just come into existence at the time of His earthly birth. He was with God from the beginning. He wasn’t created by God. Anything created can perish or be destroyed.

Jesus has always been and will always be. He will not perish nor can He be destroyed. He is fully God, fulfilling His part of the Trinity.

As mankind, we will never fully understand this. We accept it and believe it through faith. The Word was sent by God to show us God’s glory. The good news is that Christ extends grace and mercy to everyone.

Whosoever will believe and accept the truth will be saved.

On Sunday evening Bro. Travis went to Genesis 1:26-31 to bring God’s message on “The creation of man.” In the account of creation, everything is in place for the creating of man.

All preparations had been complete. The creation of man was on time. In these verses we see three facts regarding man’s creation.

Man is dependent upon God. We would not even exist if He had not created us from the dust of the earth that He had already created. Despite our prideful nature, we have nothing to brag about.

We are so much lower than God and completely dependent upon Him. Without Him we are a mass of nothing.

We may have progressed to the point where we think we don’t need Him, but that is wrong. He is the provider of all we have.

We also see the duty of mankind is to be fruitful and multiply. When we multiply as humans, we produce another man with a sin nature. When we as Christians are fruitful and multiply, we produce another Christian.

Man’s domain is the earth. God said that everything He made was verygood. We are to take care of it to the best of our ability and use it for God’s glory.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Jeff Lockhart and his family in the death of his brother. May God grant comfort to you during this time of sorrow.

At the time of this writing George Campbell is in the hospital. Please remember him as you pray.

Also on our prayer list is Gladys Franklin, Leona Liveoak, Hilda Cary, Elladene Mims, Virginia Church, Philip Campbell, Mary Maudlin, Ruthie Jean Giles, Mary Dean Higgins, Elijah Warren, Libby Warren, Marlene Hayes, Minnie Childress, and the Robert Hayes Family.

On April 17th we are planning to have a dinner and movie night in the Family Life Center. It will start at 5 p.m. with finger foods. The name of the movie will be determined as soon as possible.

Everyone is invited for this time of food, fun, and fellowship.

Submitted by: Louise Liveoak

New Salem Baptist Church

The Morning Worship service began at 11 AM with adult choir performing “He Keeps Me Singing.” J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “He Lives.”

Bro. Reeser delivered the announcements and the prayer requests. Special music was by J.C. Pierce singing “Family of God.”

Bro. Reeser’s text was from Matthew 14:22-23. His theme was Jesus Christ is the only stress reliever.

When we go to Him as He suggested and give Him our problems we can find peace and comfort.

Jesus separated himself from the crowds and got alone with the Father. When we complain that we don’t have the time for prayer, we’re really saying I don’t have time for God. We must approach God in faith.

When the disciples became afraid and complained to Christ, He asked about their faith. We can have assurance in God because He said, “I have overcome the world.” As Paul wrote in Romans 5:7-8, Christ died for us: He loved us while we were yet sinners.

The evening service began at 5 p.m. with the congregation singing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” and “Wherever He leads I’ll go.”

Bro. Reeser’s text came from Hebrews 9:27-28. He began by asking “Do you know when and how you will die?”

We don’t like to talk about dying, yet the bible tells us that we are not promised tomorrow, and that it is appointed unto men to die. That’s why we should be prepared at all times to meet our Savior.

Paul urged the Corinthians to examine themselves, to see if they were acting in faith or performing for the praise of men. God knows our lives and we need to be about the Father’s business. He will give the strength to accomplish what he has called us to do.

Birthday this week was Frankie Ivy. Wedding anniversary was Matt and Heather Turner.

Homecoming will be May 1, 2016. Special singers will be the Dennis Family.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us: Sunday Morning 10 a.m. Sunday school; 11 a.m. worship. 5 p.m. Evening worship service; Wednesday 6:00 PM Bible study and prayer meeting.

Presently we are studying the life of Moses. You are invited to join with us at any of our services and if you need additional information call (205)389-1102.

Submitted by: Lucille Price Pierce

 

Calvary Independent Baptist

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week. We thank the Lord for the beautiful weather this past weekend.

So thankful for such an opportunity to come together and to worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday morning services included a message from Matthew 4:1-4 and Hebrews 4:1-12 on Living By The Book. We looked at believing the word preached and having faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We do have something we can live by today, by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God.

We can know that we have salvation when we know that salvation is not based upon our faith alone but upon the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us as Galatians 2:16 tells us.

We pray that you are saved, living by the Faith of the Son of God, and redeeming the time by faithfully serving him in a local church near you.

Sunday night services included a message from Ezekiel 1:1 and 47:1-5 on “Having a vision for the things of God.” Ezekiel had a vision of the house of God and the water that flowed from it.

We all need to be in the water of the word of God, it will wash us and prepare us for the things of God. We need to do more than just get our feet wet, more than just get in up to our knees or waist. We need to dive in so deep that we are completely out of sight.

The world doesn’t need to see us, the world needs to see Jesus, through us. We hope you are diving into the deep things of God in a bible teaching and preaching church near you.

If you are looking for a church to visit and are in or near Clanton come visit with us at Calvary this Sunday. We are located South Clanton just past Dollar General right off 31 on Fulmer Drive.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School 9:00 am, Children’s Church and Adult

Worship Services Sunday Morning at 10:00 am, Sunday Night Services 5:30 pm, Wednesday Night

Services 6:30 pm, and a bible study on every other Tuesday Night at 7:00 pm.

For other services and events check us out on Facebook ,Twitter, visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com, or call Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399.

Submitted by: Oscar Mims

 

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Upcoming events: “Radio Revival” Five hours of Preaching Mission Outreach coming to you live from Cedar Grove Church Saturday 04/09/2016, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, brought to you by your local radio station WKLF.

There will be Pastors from surrounding communities sharing the gospel. We invite everyone to please tune in.

Pastor Jeff Carroll will be bringing the word at Mt. Bethal Church Wednesday night revival everyone is welcome to attend.

Cedar Grove Church family will be going there for Wednesday night service.

Bro. Franklin Graham will be hosting, “Decision America Tour 2016”. The Prayer Rally begins at Noon. The Alabama Location will be at the Capital, Front Steps, West Side, Facing Dextor Avenue.

Transportation will be provided, Pastor Jeff and anyone interested in going will be meeting at the church by 9 a.m. April 14

Prayer Concerns: Our Pastors, Our Church family, those in hospitals and nursing homes, spoken and un spoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text was from John 20: 11-31 and was entitled, “The Three Witnesses.”

Mary Magdalene is standing outside the tomb of Jesus weeping, bends down to look inside, she sees two angels in white sitting one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

They said to her, “Woman why are thou weeping?” to which she replied,” They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have lain him.” Mary then turned and saw Jesus but did not know it was him.

Jesus said to her, “Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him.”

Jesus said to her “Mary” She said to him “Master.”

The first witness: the disciples who had already gone back home. Jesus told Mary to go to his brethren the disciples and tell them what he had told her. Mary ran to give them the good news Jesus had said, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to My God and your God” (Note Thomas is not here at this time).

That same evening of the first day of the week they are gathered together, with the doors shut for fear of the Jews; Jesus came in the midst of them and said “Peace to you.”

When he had said this Jesus showed them his hands and they were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus again said “Peace be unto you, as the father has sent me, so I send you. He then breathed on them for them to be able to receive the Holy Spirit.”

The second witness: the disciples try sharing the news with Thomas when he returns home, but he is having none of it, even after all he had heard and seen Jesus do.

Thomas says, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into his side, I will not believe.” Eight days have passed, Jesus’ disciples are again inside, and Thomas is with them. Jesus came the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said “Peace to you!”

Then he said to Thomas,” Reach your finger here and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side, do not be unbelieving but believing.” Thomas said to him “My Lord and My God.”

The third witness: Jesus said to him Thomas because you have seen me you have believed, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Those that linger and wait for Jesus will not be disappointed.

A witness should be a blabber mouth. Once you have had an experience with God, your witness should be shouted to the rooftops, what Jesus has done for you. Satan does not want your witness out there.

We breathe the Holy breath of God. When we get saved we are to be a living sacrifice for God, so the Holy Spirit can enter in and take control.

In closing, what good does it do me to believe if I still have hardships? It is simple, if you do not believe you will not have life eternal!

Submitted by: Naomi Gillespie

Corinth Baptist Church

We had a wonderful service Sunday. It was great to see all our visitors. We hope you come back soon! As always, keep an eye on our Facebook page for all the latest events and happenings!

Too often people think that they have to get their lives ‘right’ before coming to church. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Church isn’t a museum for the good people, it’s a hospital for the broken.

The church is there to nourish the exhausted, broken, and the imperfect. It’s there for all of us, because none of us are perfect. I assure you, we’re all a mess, but God is there to turn our mess into a message.

We go to church to learn and grow, not to warm the pews. You don’t have to get your life together before you come. Just come! God will take it from there. Just remember, don’t just go to church, be the church!

We all can stand to do a little better in our lives; judge less and love more. Today is a new day for us all; Be better today than you were yesterday.

Come join us! Sundays 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. for Sunday school, 11 a.m. – Noon for worship and preaching (child care available), and Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm for Bible study!

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you, and we hope to see you soon!

Submitted by: K.J. Bowen

 

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, the congregation sang the following hymns: “Glory to His Name,” “I Would Not Be Denied,” and “Good Old Gospel Ship.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Proverbs 1:32-33. God gives us warnings time after time in His Word.

He can see the whole picture. We think we may know better, but only God can steer us in the right direction. Each time we read His Word, we should take heed to it.

After Sunday school, Roger Cleckler sang, “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master.”

Bro. O’neal Cleckley preached from Psalms 78:1-8. We need to start teaching our children how to worship God when they are young. Children deserve to know the truth! Teach your children to have a respect for the Word of God and the right, righteous things to do.

Instill the Word of God a little at the time day and night. How much are we giving to our children? How much of the world are we showing them?

Ricky Cleckler led the choir in the hymns of, “Jesus Hold My Hand,” “This World is Not My Home,” and “Where the Milk and Honey Flows.”

Ronnie Moates led the testimony service starting with a devotion from Proverbs 16:25 and

Matthew 7:13-14. We have two paths to choose from. If you’ve chosen the straight and narrow where few are traveling and others are ridiculing you, you’ve chosen the right way. If you’re going with the world, along with a lot more, you’ve chosen the wrong path.

Kandice Cleckler and Savannah Parrish sang, “I Want to Know How it Feels.”

Bro. Travis Marler brought a message from Genesis 6:13-22. Have you made your preparations?

Do you know Jesus Christ? It comes down to a choice… the straight and narrow path or the wide path.

Regardless of who you are or where you’re at, God loves you! It’s never too late to turn around.

If you end up in hell, it’s your own fault. We made the choice to be in hell.

God opened the door for all men to come in and be saved.

The question is not if God is coming back, or if time will end, but the question is have you ever taken the time to make preparations to know where you’ll be for eternity? The only time that you have is through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Make time for Christ because if you end up in hell, then Christ won’t have time for you!

Submitted by: Savannah P.

 

Samaria Baptist Church

What a beautiful day to worship The King. Prayer concerns today are Bro. Frank Nelson and his family, Bennie Mims and family, The Jones family, Tucker Jones, Mike Smith, Floyd Collins, Ms. Doris Lawrence (Connie Popwell’s Grandmother) and Bobby and Leone Patterson.

Diane Fisher Greer sang “He Calms Me” and today our birthday celebrant was Drusilla Hudgins.

We were given a brief explanation of the work of Butterfly Bridge by Barbara Collins and Sheriff John Shearon.

Our church members are making donations to this worthwhile project during this month of April, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Bro. Shane shared God’s message for our flock today from Matthew 16 v. 13-16. The topic of the message was ” Who is Jesus to you?”

Jesus was told by his disciples all the things being said about Him in the city and thereabout. But the answer that concerned The Savior was “But whom do you say that I am?” He needed to know exactly what those who were surrounding Him thought about Him, and how He was truly perceived by them.

We are asked to answer this all important question as well. In a more personal way, “Who is Jesus to you?” As we look into our hearts we can determine what Jesus means to us as individuals. We show the world what Jesus means to us by our actions, words and deeds. Jesus is the same today, tomorrow and forever. However, He is different to each of us because our personalities are all different.

This may seem odd, but when you think about it, this eternal salvation is a very personal relationship. It’s a one on one situation between each of us and The Loving Savior of the world.

John the Baptist referred to Jesus as one who I am not worthy to unlatch His shoes, however, Jesus chose John to baptize Him.

Simon told Jesus He was the everlasting Messiah. Jesus remarked that Simon Barjona’s information and faith came directly from Heaven and not from any human source.

We do not have to take anyone’s word for what Jesus means to us. When we enter into a personal relationship of faith in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are in a special family from then on.

We can choose to devote our lives completely to the Master who had overcome the world that is giving us trouble without Him.

Jesus cannot be our all in all if we do not allow Him to come into our lives. If we open our hearts completely, and make Him Lord and Savior, we will also overcome the world.

Blessings are abundant at Samaria Baptist Church. Bring your burdens to Jesus and worship with us. Amen.

Submitted by: Diane Fisher Greer

 

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from John 11:25-26 and focused on the fact that Jesus is the Resurrection.

In this passage Martha was telling Jesus if he had been there sooner, her brother Lazarus would not have died. Jesus told her she would see him again.

Martha thought Jesus was referring to The Rapture.

Jesus had a surprise for her. He brought him back to life that very day! God’s timing is always perfect.

Jesus extends the power of resurrection to whoever believes in him. Without him there is no joy in eternity, only eternal damnation in Hell.

Floyd will be celebrating it’s 101st anniversary April 17. The singers will be “The Colemans”

Service starts at 10 a.m. with preaching from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. A meal and fellowship will conclude the service and everyone is invited.

Everyone is welcome to come worship with us at Floyd. We are located at 3439 County Road 59 in Verbena.

 

Waters of Everlasting Life Church

Announcements: On Thursday at 1 p.m. Pastor Boman will be interviewing live on line Sr. Pastor of Morning Star Ministries, Rick Joyner.

The discussion will revolve around his most popular bestselling series ‘The Final Quest,” his eight-hour visitation with the Lord, and his article on ‘The Donald’, as it relates to prophecy.

You may dial in to the show live at (347) 826-7450 or review the archives of “Real Talk” with THB to listen at your convenience after the show airs.

On Saturday, the Bomans joined Through the Grace of God Ministries for their first annual women’s conference organized by Kim Kemp and First Lady Susan Bingam.

Worship service was heavenly, and Pastor Brenda Tyus of Selma gave a highly anticipated anointed presentation on the book of Ruth, as it relates to the Lord’s seven feast and appointed times.

The atmosphere was charged with praise as Pastor Tyus, Pastor Boman and Evangelist Pryor laid hands on the sick.

Pastor Boman’s most recent message was titled: “The Last Shall Be First.” Using scripture from Matthew 20, wherein Jesus speaks through a parable of laborers who agreed to work for a penny for a full day, and were paid the same as the laborers who had shown up last and worked only a few hours.

The message also incorporated Judges 6:11-15, when Gideon who is of the lessor Benjamite tribe and seen as the least in his father’s house is called by the Angel of the Lord ‘A mighty man of Valor’, and chosen to be the warrior to lead his people against the Medianites who outnumber them.

The spirit of the Lord was like a mighty rushing wind in the place.

If you need prayer, our pastor is available anytime. You can contact the ministry at NoSoul-leftbehind.com

Submitted By Ella Harris