Church news

Published Friday, November 28, 2008

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Today being in seasonal vernacular Thanksgiving Sunday, Dr. Mac Stinson preached a sermon on the attitude of thankfulness as demonstrated so well by the writings of St. Paul. His scripture was taken from Philippians 4:4-21. St. Paul had an attitude of being thankful. Even when writing from prison, he implores people to be thankful and to rejoice. If anyone had a right to a negative attitude, it would surely qualify St. Paul as he was writing his letters to the different churches to encourage those who were in need of a supportive word. Hard to think of a man in his circumstance to be a cheering section of one to encourage others to fight the good fight and finish the race, figuratively speaking. But Paul had a total and complete trust in God. Even when he knew that his days were numbered and realized the horror of how the end would come for him, he always found comfort in knowing how great his reward would be and all other considerations paled beside that knowledge. St. Paul was a positive thinker with a capital P, even with death close at hand. Paul says in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice”. Again in Chapter 4 verse 7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Then Paul gives us a plan and gives us specific instructions on what to do to rejoice in Christ. Chapter 4 verse 8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” I believe these words give us some of the best advice to be found in the Bible.

I used to hear the expression that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. Following the above advice could eliminate falling into that pit fall.

Our prayer list today includes Randall Miller, Sarah McEwen, and each of our church family members who were absent today. I did not hear specific reasons given, but want each absentee to know that you were missed. We look forward to having you back next Sunday.

CIMC men will meet at Cracker Barrel Restaurant Tuesday night for dinner and fellowship.

Next Sunday, First Sunday of Advent, we will observe Hanging of the Greens at 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Stinson and wife, Glenda, cordially invite you to join their group for a 10 day visit to Israel and Egypt beginning March 17, 2009. Time is of the essence for signing up and a $300.00 deposit must now be made. Join us and go where Jesus walked, where He prayed, where He lived, where He died, where He was buried, and where He gloriously arose. Does that sound exciting? If you would join us on this trip, you may contact Dr. Mac Stinson at (205) 669-6498 or cell (205) 835-6495.

Have a blessed week.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Just exactly how “thankful” are you? The text of our message for this Sunday was from Matthew 25 and focused on how we deal with the surprises that life has for us. Brother Willard encouraged each of us to place our trust in the comfort of God’s guiding hands and truly thank Him for His guidance as we deal with unexpected events - good or bad - in our lives.

Our youth department is closing fast on the final opportunities to get donations in for the quilt Allegra Glasscock hand made and donated to the department. Remember that the proceeds will be used to help the needy during this upcoming Advent season. If you haven’t had a chance to see the artistry and craftsmanship that Allegra brings to this annual project, please contact any member of Rocky Mount church. Each one of them can give a testimony to the skill and beauty and the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas that this project bring to our entire church family. Hey - they also have access to tickets! The quilt will go home to a lucky recipient on November 30, 2008.

Dec. 7 will find our Rocky Mount family sharing a brunch after the noon service. Breakfast foods should provide a welcome break from the Thanksgiving turkey and dressing before we hit the Christmas ham and New Year greens.

The following Sunday our youth department will provide a Christmas program during the evening service time. Afterward, we are expecting a special visitor. This program is open to all who would like to share in our presentation of the Christmas Story in word and song. There is no cost for attending the program or participating in our ‘Special’ visitor and snack time.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Kristian Pack.

Bro. Brad preached on making Jesus the center of our lives. His scripture text was Colossians 1:20-23.

We celebrated the Lord’s Supper and gathered at 5 p.m. for a Thanksgiving meal together. We had a great time with testimonies and scripture.

Prayer list: Mike Smith, W.L. Broome, Geraldean Drinkwater, Joyce Moore, Andrea Deneke, Hilda Allen, our country and leaders, Ashton Moates, Milder Fuller, Lois Terrell, Linnie Hathcock, Randy Martin, Debra Mims, Jerry Smith, Ella Seales, Wayne Fisher.

Happy birthday this week to Logan Pack, Hotlen Horton, Karen Elbon, Robin Wells, Betty McGee, Joshua Thrasher, Emma Shepard, Kaylynn Culp, Sonja Cox, Morgan Bradberry, Lyda Beadlecomb.

Congratulations to Blake and Emily Edwards on the birth of their 8-pound baby girl, Makenzie Nicole Edwards. Grandparents are Frankie and Carol Smith, and David and Idils Edwards.

Remember, the GA’s have set up their Christmas card post office. Also, it’s time to order poinsettias.

Pray and give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Help us reach our goal.

Everyone have a blessed week. Remember, God is so good. Share Jesus with someone this week. Come worship with us on Sunday.

We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Mike’s sermon Sunday was from 2 Corinthians 9:11-15. He made the following points:

• The gift of God’s precious word will stand forever.

• No gift could compare with that of God’s Son.

• The gift of his keeping power means he is with us in all times of need.

• The gift of a home in heaven means he has paid our way. All we do is believe and follow.

During the evening service, we had a beautiful Hanging of the Green ceremony.

Happy birthday to Dewayne Cleckler.

Prayer requests for this week: our children’s play, church finances, Leah Pate, Sandra’s family, Stephen Fanning, Billy Jo Sanders, our Christmas cantata, Sue Payton, Judy Baker, Aldene Lowman, Florence Hardin.

Upcoming events:

• Dec. 2: Ladies’ Christmas party at Regeana’s at 6 p.m.

• Dec. 6: Children’s Christmas activities — IMAX and Christmas party.

• Dec. 14: Children’s play.

• Dec. 21: Cantata at 5 and Christmas supper at 6 p.m.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 1

Bro. Ricky’s message was entitled “A Psalm of Praise” (Psalm 100:1-5), a song that came from David’s heart. Serve the Lord with gladness. Ask yourself, “Why do I go to church?” The little children’s choir sang for us this morning and did a great job singing “Lord I Left Your Name On High.” The adult choir special was “He Knows My Name.”

Happy anniversary was sung to Phillip and Mary Ellen Campbell, Jeremy and Shanda Griffin, and Earnest and Sue Davenport. Happy birthday to Johnathan Bowman.

Our church-wide post office for Christmas cards will be set up from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21. Postage donations go to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering; Laura Jones is your contact.

Tomorrow morning we will observe Hanging of the Green; come have a part in the decoration of the sanctuary for Christmas. Our baby dedication is Nov. 30; it will be based on the scripture in Genesis 22:1-13.

Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. is the Christmas party at the home of Hershel and Sarah Scott for adults and Prime-Timers. Bring your favorite finger food and a Christmas dish. Bring a $5 gag gift for the fun time.

Our old-fashioned Christmas dinner is Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Set your family table and prepare your favorite family recipes and enjoy this special evening.

God is so good. Take time to witness to someone today. Remember the names on our prayer request list. Keep them in your prayers. Come and worship with us Sunday.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a great time of worship and fellowship this Sunday. The sweet Spirit of the Lord was felt in every phase of our service. After a few words from our Sunday School director, we went into our classes for Bible study.

We did not have a preaching hour since we had guest speakers from the missionary field. Our speakers were Josh and Rebecca Jones, and their mission field is the Canary Islands. They are affiliated with Assemblies of God World Missions.

The main religion on the islands is of a Catholic upbringing. They do not have a personal relationship with our Lord. Josh and Rebecca have made a great difference in their lives, bringing the word of a Savior who died and rose from the grave for every human being.

The Rev. Oneal Cleckler’s evening sermon was from Hebrews 11:5-7. Enoch was a man who had a close walk with God. His relationship with God could be seen through his actions. He communed with God and had a desire to be close to his Lord, and his Lord was pleased with him.

Because of the relationship Enoch had with God, he didn’t have to suffer a physical death. God just took him home to be with him.

Happy birthday to Feba Hardyman, Kaleb Martin, Becky Vines, Teresa Norwood and Amy Hucks. Happy anniversary to Jessie and Amy Hucks.

Visitors are invited to join us for worship and fellowship. Sunday School is at 10 a.m.; morning worship at 11; Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. and evening worship at 6.

Center Hill Baptist Church

Pastor David Warren led the children’s sermon, and Jo Layne Chapman led the children’s church time. Bro. David preached on Luke 17:11-19, on the 10 lepers that Jesus healed, and only one came back to Him to give thanks and praise to God. Bro. David pointed out that we should really think about and realize what our blessings are and thank God for them, not just around Thanksgiving when the calendar tells us to, but every single day. Blessings are things that money can’t buy and that death can’t take away. He described how the leprosy that plagued the 10 lepers explains exactly what sin does in our lives. It is incurable apart from a miracle of God. The miracle that Jesus performed on those 10 leprous people was only appreciated by one, because only one came back to actually show thanksgiving to the One who had made him whole. May we all remember not just during this season, but every day, to be like the one that came back to say, “Thank you,” and to give praise to the One worth of praise. “Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift!”

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 2

This Sunday was a Sunday of Thanksgiving. Dale Williams shared his 8th birthday with us.

Bro. Lynn Roe opened services by reading from Psalms. Afterward, the service was an old-fashioned service of testimony of thankfulness. Many, many church members shared what they were thankful the most for. We are all thankful to be born in the United States of America where we are free to share our testimony with each other. We are also thankful for the blessings of family (here and the ones that have gone before us), friends, church family, and most of all, for God’s Love. This holiday season, let’s not forget to tell those around us how much they mean to us and thank them for all they do. Let’s be sure to show our appreciation to those that God has brought into our lives and Thank God for all He’s done for us.

Next Sunday night, we are having our first ‘Hanging of the Greens’ ceremony. Services start at 5 p.m.; please feel free to come join us.

Oak Grove Church of God

Pastor Northcutt’s scripture text: Nehemiah 6:5 - 9, his message title: “Promises and Pitfalls of Detour.”

During the time the interstate highways were being built, traveling the highways then had a lot of detours. Along these highways there were a lot of crazy billboards that promised all kinds of goodies just 50 miles off the main highway. Many people wanted to have an adventure, and the billboards promised them if they just go off the highway. They were never what the billboards looked like or promised. Many would say, “seeing the country, seeing the parts of our country the main road doesn’t let you see.” Some detours would take you through the same area several times in one day, which made you to travel in a large endless circle, in other words you go no where for a good chunk of the day.

This is also true spiritually, so many Christians fall into simple detours that seem to promise them more and better, only to discover later that it took from them instead of giving to them. And then when they realized it, they used excuses or logic like many have said, “Well, you got to see some things you would have missed otherwise” to talk themselves into thinking the consequences weren’t so bad; the truth is, it is sometimes better to not see some things or experience some of Satan’s detours because the consequences can be quite painful and long lasting.

If you do not have a church home we invite you to come worship God with us and be a part of our church family at Oak Grove. Service times are: Sunday School at 10 a.m., worship service at 10:45, Sunday evening service at 5:30 and Wednesday night service at 7. We also have children’s church each Sunday.

Our church is easy to find. When you leave Clanton heading south on US 31 turn left at Peach Park and follow the signs to Oak Grove Church of God.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

We had a good attendance today, it being pastor appreciation day, Thanksgiving dinner and old fashion day.

We really love and appreciate our pastors and their wives more than we can possibly tell them.

Happy birthday to Rachel Hubbard, Freda Vines, Dawson Jones and James Howard. Happy anniversary to Frankie and Norma Muir.

Please remember the Hubbard family. Bro. Cecil went on to be with the Lord last night (Nov. 22 ). His family and friends are saddened but he has gone home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife.

Several were anointed and prayed for. Please remember all on our prayer list, for the Lord knows who they are.

Bro. Jeff Carroll’s message was “In Everything Give Thanks.” Even in troubled times, give thanks. His text came from 1 Thessalonians. 5:18 — 4:13 -18.

“What a Friend” was the song of invitation, and several came to the altar.

Everyone went to the fellowship hall for a bountiful meal, some of us declared we didn’t ever want to eat again but you know how that goes. We have excellent cooks at Cedar Grove. If in doubt, come eat with us sometime.

Due to a death in the church family, evening service was canceled.

Remember to pray for our country, military, leaders, sick and shut-ins and the lost in sin.

God bless and we hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.

Bethany Baptist Church

Bro. Aubry’s Thanksgiving message was called “Grace Illustrated” taken from 2 Samuel 9. Grace can be defined as receiving something that we don’t deserve. In this scripture the grace that David showed to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth, the crippled young man, can in a small way be compared to the wonderful grace that God bestows on us undeserving ones. All Mephibosheth had to do was just accept this gift of “salvation.” John 1:12 says, “As many as receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” We are so thankful for God’s grace.

Sunday night in Bro. Aubry’s messages on the Gospel of John, he concluded the first chapter with verses 43-51 concerning two apostles, Phillip and Bartholomew (Nathaniel).

We are thankful for everyone’s generosity in our Thanksgiving Missions Offering. Our goal was $1,500, and we exceeded that by far, with a total of $2,000. We know the missionaries who receive this special gift during this season of the year will be appreciated.

Please don’t forget to pray for those on our prayer list.

See you Sunday!

New Covenant Fellowship

Did you know that the message of the gospel is conveyed in our partaking of the Lord’s Supper? In this Banquet we are reminded that Christ became a curse for the human race. This Supper reminds us that Christ was made sin for the world. This Feast reminds us that our life is hidden with Christ in God. As we eat this Meal, we are reminded regularly that everything necessary for our forgiveness was done in and through Jesus’ death. By eating and drinking, we proclaim that God did what had to be done to reconcile us unto Himself. In this Ceremonial Dinner, God not only speaks the message of redemption, but He also reenacts that message. We cannot take part in this Feast without remembering the high cost of forgiveness. In the Lord’s Supper, we witness an inconceivable exchange-His death for our life. It is through faith that we receive the grace that is portrayed in the Lords’ Supper. We cannot assemble around this table without reflecting upon the death of Jesus as the atoning act of God. As we participate in this Meal, we see the love of God for sinful humanity. We see God bearing the sins of the world. We see the incarnation. We see eternity coming into the midst of time. The Lord’s Supper is God’s way of reaching our hearts with his scheme of redemption in and through Christ. In the Supper, the past becomes alive in our minds about the Atonement made upon Calvary. This Memorial Feast portrays our deliverance from the world of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Precious People, if you are struggling in your faith, take the Lord’s Supper. You may break down and cry, but in so doing, you will be drawn closer to God. Randy Strattis — 755-7571.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

What a glorious day to be in God’s house to worship. He has given me the strength to care for my darling wife, Lavada, who remains ill and needs our prayers.

Bro Tony reminded us that this is the last Sunday in the Christian church calendar for the year.

Time With Children: Bro Tony talked about all the beautiful decorations that will decorate our beautiful sanctuary as he explained, “There is a sanctuary in each of you, and God is the only one who can decorate it, only if you invite him in.”

Some of those needing prayer were Sharron Melton, Jerry Gilliland, Ray and Myrtis Enfinger (celebrating with family in Florida for a couple of weeks), Sue Belcher (recouping from surgery), Christian Smith, Kay’s nephew’s family, Moses and Glenda Powell.

Bro Tony’s sermon was from Psalms 65: 11. He opened by asking, “How many of you have plowed a mule? Laying off that first row was very important; you had to look forward, usually lining up with a stump, etc. We may need to straighten out some curves or little mistakes we might have made. We need to regulate how we please God. Sometimes we start by putting ourselves first, others next, maybe God third. We must be a thankful people. Come ye thankful people, come.”

Is my life guided more by seasons of faith or by the year? Is Christmas a holiday or a holy day? Have I been blessed? My friends, if we can’t answer in a blazing affirmative, something is wrong! Bro Tony says,” Be a child of God or kid of the kingdom.” God will not save you against your will. Elijah looked everywhere for God before finally finding him, inside his own heart.

Coming events at Walnut Creek:

• Nov. 30, 5 p.m.: decorate FLC and bring refreshments.

• Dec. 2, 10 a.m.: FLC outreach Christmas party.

• Dec. 7, noon: lunch for the building fund.

• Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Christmas musical, 5 p.m. Christmas party.

• Dec. 24, 5 p.m.: candlelight Communion.

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---