Church News

For week of Oct. 11

– from staff reports

Published Friday, October 10, 2008

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 2

If we seek God’s Will, He will provide for our needs. Speaking from Luke 12:16-21, 29-32, Brother Lynn Roe shared the parable of the rich fool and explains that God knows what we need.

Sunday night’s message to us was on the Record God is keeping of our lives. Psalms 139:1-7, Job 16:19, and Revelation 20:12 refer to recordings God keeps. Let our record read “Settled by the Blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross.”

We had two birthdays this week. Adrianne Lucas turned 15.

Jeff Giles celebrated his 40th birthday in fellowship with family and friends Saturday.

This month is busy with play practice, choir practice, and getting ready for our revival in November.

We are excited about our Fall Festival on Nov. 1, and everyone is invited.

Center Hill Baptist Church

Pastor Warren spoke on Ephesians 1:3-14, stressing the importance of who we are in Christ. Some supporting passages used are James 1:13, John 14:6, Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 7:14, and Galatians 1:4. For as Romans 3:23 says: “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” But thank God for that next verse too (24). We’ll let you look that one up yourself.

We are so grateful to have a pastor that preaches the Truth! (John 14:6) Praise to the Lord!

Bethany Baptist Church

Bro. Aubry’s Sunday morning sermon was taken from Matthew 15:21-28, about the woman whose needs were met with “crumbs from the Master’s table.” We might not need the whole loaf-just the crumbs.

Sunday night Bro. Aubry concluded his sermons in the book of Ruth. 1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us that we are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.

Our Thanksgiving Missions Offering goal this year is $1,500. We plan to reach this goal by Nov. 23.

Please remember to pray for those on our prayer list. Don’t forget to pray for our nation, especially our upcoming election. Be sure you are registered to vote, and...vote!

See you Sunday!

Jackson Chapel

Bro Dennis’ text Sunday came from 2 Kings 19:14-19 with a message entitled “Prayer Changes Things.” God is the only remedy than can help us, so we need to make up our minds if we’re going to serve Jesus or if we’re going to serve Satan.

The evening message came from Acts 17:22-33. We should be like Paul and use every chance we get to tell people about Jesus.

Happy birthday to Janie Smitherman (Oct. 4).

Please remember these people as you pray: Myrtle Cleckler, James and Marie Johnson, Winston Cofer, Devaughn Welcher, Jill Clark, Carson Riley, Todd Chambers, Linda Varden, Agnes Cleckley, Brittney Freeman, The Robert Howard family and our service men and women.

We are located at 4020 Yellowleaf Road in Clanton. Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 10, morning worship at 11, evening worship at 6, and Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible study at 7. We also have Kid’s Club on Wednesday nights at 7 for grades 1-6.

Oak Grove Church of God

Bro. Northcutt took his text from Mark 10:13-16; Genesis 18:17,19; 1 Samuel 1:20,24-28, 3:19; Deuteronomy 6:6,7; and Luke 2:21,22,40.

We held a baby and children dedication service on Sunday morning, and there were three babies and three very young children whose parents brought them to be dedicated to the Lord.

Christ said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God.”

We will be celebrating a special service on Sunday, Oct. 12 when the Rev. Melvin Massey will be speaking in both or morning and evening service. We are saying in these services, “It’s Your Season to Be Blessed.” Come join us and receive your blessing from the Lord!

We want to wish a happy birthday this week to Josh Williams and a happy anniversary to Edwin and Mavis Moates, both occasions on Tuesday, Oct. 7. We pray God will bless them with many more celebrations of these special occasions in the years to come.

We are so blessed of God at Oak Grove and we had several new people come join us in our Sunday worship services and we welcome them to be with us often. Oak Grove is a growing church and we received seven more new members yesterday, which totals twenty-one new members in the last three weekends.

Our 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.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

The speaker at our Brotherhood Breakfast was Tony Wearren from Clanton First Baptist Church.

Bro. Brad Eubank, our pastor, preached his message Sunday morning from Mark 8:31-37 and Ephesians 5:15-17. The message was entitled “Leaving Boldly.”

Our evening message was taken from 1 Samuel 4 and 9.

We were blessed again to have Stevie and Rena Winguard coming by letter, and to have another soul saved in Austin Courtney. God is working in our church.

Prayer list: Frank Smith family, Gilbert Green, Jared Duncan, Jean Pierce, Amy Hicks, Scott Harmon, our men and women serving our country, missionaries, our country and leaders, Carol Hayes, all shut-ins, Nolan Calloway, Mary Ann Messer, Paul Powell, Crystal Rhodes, Vera Franches, T.J. Cox, Cleo Pack, Arther Cooedy, Meade Bryant, Kathy Evans, Brandon Ward and Terry Collier.

Wednesday night is family supper at 5:45 followed by prayer meeting and choir practice for all choirs.

We had 31 birthdays this month; happy birthday to them all. Also, happy anniversary to Roy and Pattie Martin (21 years) and Jack and Brenda Lyster (six years).

Everyone have a blessed week. Remember, God is good. Share Jesus with someone this week.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

Bro. Jeff Carroll and members of Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church are inviting all local churches and members to come to Cedar Grove on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. for a special prayer service to pray for our nation.

Our nation is in a critical state and needs our prayer. Please come and take part in this special prayer service.

Happy birthday to Joyce Scott, Carroll Davis , Shannon Bullard and Stevie Bearden.

We welcome little Miss Tori Boothe into our world; she made her debut Oct. 3 weighing 9 pounds. The proud parents are Kevin and Kim Boothe, and her big brother is Tyler Boothe. We can hardly wait to see her.

Please remember Sis. Ellen Ruth Scott and Sis. Dollie Price (Woodrow). Both are home now and doing a little better but still need our prayers. Jason Patterson and his family need our prayers too.

Bro. Jeff preached a good sermon as part of a series asking the question, “What am I doing in the Church?” His text came from Acts 20:17-38.

Sunday evening, Bro. Heath Vines preached a good sermon entitled “The Power of God” from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Everything is going well now as for as the church building, if we can just get everybody well, over colds and coughs, etc.

We want to thank Bro. Harold Garrison for letting us have the privilege of seeing all the beautiful rolls of hay he has cut this year.

We welcome all our visitors; we are happy to have Cheryl Ray attending church with us now.

Remember the outreach at the Nursing Home every second Saturday at 2 p.m.

On Oct. 19, Bridgette (Ingram) Sullivan and the drama team from Wesley College will perform for the evening service.

The Maharrys will be here Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. as guest singers.

For more information call 646-2390.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Happy birthday and welcome home to Bro. Tony and Beth. They said they missed us, but not as much as we missed them.

Bro Tony’s message was from Psalms 31. He shared a story about a firefighter in California who found himself completely surrounded in a “crown fire” on his tractor with no escape. We must remember, it’s all about Him and not about us.

Our Communion date was changed to coincide with Worldwide Communion!

Our October birthdays: Bro. Tony and Dewayne Maddox shared Saturday, Chris Calloway (Oct. 22), Jenson Gore (Oct. 28), Johnny Mims and Jamie (Oct. 18), Jace Mims (Oct. 29), Allen Popwell (Oct. 12). Anniversaries: Linda Stewart (25), David and Debra Florea (14).

Please continue prayer for those in need; so many thanks for those who have remembered Lavada; please continue! Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again!

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Rules, rules, rules. It seems that everywhere we turn there are rules that must be followed. While it is true that we must learn to follow the rules, we need to remember where to find our ultimate rulebook and that is the Holy Bible. With all the headlines that ultimately have to do with the collection of world "things", remember that with Christ in your life these "things" mean nothing.

Read your Bible daily. Pray for our church, our country and the leaders of our country. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday morning was crisp and cool allowing us to witness the beauty of October's bright blue weather.

Today Dr. Mac Stinson preached using Matthew 21:33-46. This scripture again tells us of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, so that ancient scriptures detailing His entry thus could be fulfilled.

Today being Worldwide Communion Service, our service ended on that somber note with Dr. Stinson serving his congregation as they knelt at the altar.

Special prayer is requested for Ken Osborne who was recently in concert at CIMC. He is experiencing complications arising from a hip replacement. Sarah McEwen is also still hospitalized following double heart bypass surgery and we remember her and her family. Baby Jonathan Mason Hammaker is still in the hospital due to breathing problems. Remember also Randall Miller as he recovers at home following cancer surgery. Remember Laurel Lee Adams still recovering from foot surgery. Remember Charlie Hawkins.

We thank God for granting travelling grace for Dr. Phil and June Simms. Also Stacy Adams.

We wish to welcome several guests who worshipped with us today and invite them back.

Sunday night was Singspiration followed by barbeque with all the trimmings provided by Dr. and Mrs. Mac Stinson.

Remember to pray for our country at 8 p.m. each night.

Our planned trip to Israel for November was over booked and we were dropped by the tour company. Now we are again making plans for an 11 day trip to the Holy Land, Israel, Cairo and St. Catherine's. This tour will leave Atlanta March 17, 2009 and fly to Frankfurt, Germany, where we will change plans and fly to Tel-Aviv, Israel. Again Dr. Mac Stinson, Jr. (205) 669-6498 and (205) 835-6498 and wife, Glenda Stinson (205) 835-6495 will serve as tour host and tour co-host respectively. If you have never visited these sites before, we encourage you to join us on this most memorable trip. Come and experience the Holy Land with us. Scripture and reality become the same. Join us and experience the truth of our statement.

Lime Springs United Methodist

Our morning service was conducted by Bro. Gerald Stamps as Bro. Shannon took time from the pulpit to assist in an Emmaus Community event. Bro. Stamps brought an inspiring message. Holy Communion will be observed next Sunday morning.

Our Evening Bible study focused on Galatians 1-3. The study was conducted by June Traywick. We would like to wish happy anniversary to Angie and Kenny Bates and happy birthday to Angie Bates and Elijah Crawford.

We invite everyone to join us for worship at Lime Springs. Our Sunday school starts at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 11 a.m.; evening Bible study at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information please call 755-4950 or 755-6356.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

We had a great day of worship and fellowship with our Lord Sunday. The service continued as the people gathered in the sanctuary for the children's penny march.

Bro Ricky's sermon was “People.” The scripture was read from Matthew 9:32-38.

We would like to wish a happy birthday to Lauren Livoak and Jeff Higgins and happy anniversary to Hermus and Clara Campbell, Thomas and Louise Liveoak and Freeman and Frances Ray.

Our Sunday night service was special. We welcome our visitors Bro. and Mrs. Jimmy Simpler of New Hope Baptist Church in Elmore County. The message he brought for us was on tithes and offerings, “Cirrhosis of the Giver,” Malachi 3:7-12. We learned all the truths about tithing.

There will be a hay ride Oct. 31 for the youth and children. Come dressed up like animals for a hay ride and wiener roast.

Ladies, keep in mind that we will be collecting the Christmas child shoe boxes Nov. 17-24.

Children's choir practices Wednesday at 6 p.m. Adult choir practices Sunday night after evening worship. Come join our choir for the Christmas Cantata.

Always remember to pray for the names on our prayer list, military, pastors, and our nation and thank God for every blessing.

Calvary's Hill Church of God

“For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

Bro. Willard brought his message from Psalm 85:1-7 and Isaiah 35:1-6, 8. He preached on our revival, which was Oct. 5-8. Bro. Willard said there are three factors needed for a successful revival: #1 Realize there's urgency for renewing of our spirit because time is short, #2 have the Father, Son and Holy Ghost working in the church, #3 come expecting God to move.

Bro. Wayne Rouse, our evangelist, brought his message from Matthew 27; 57-61, which tells how Joseph of Arimathaea used his own tomb to lay the body of Jesus. When God forgave our sins, he took who and what we were and made something beautiful.

We would like to welcome our visitors and hope they will come again. We have a special prayer request for Joe Chandler, who is on dialysis and has other health issues. Also, remember our leaders, military, pastors, the lost and the upcoming election in your prayers. If you don't have a home church, come join us. Sunday school starts at 10 a.m.; worship service at 10:45 a.m.; Sunday evening at 5 p.m. and Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The church is located on Ala. Hwy 191, two miles outside of Jemison.

Heritage Church of the Nazarene

Today's services were a global celebration of the 100th year of the Church of the Nazarene. There are 150 World areas with 21,000 churches worldwide. Heritage Church of the Nazarene has been at its present locations for 7 years.

A Distinguished Service Award was presented to Keva Collum for seven years of faithful service. The radiant smile and Christ like attitude displayed by Keva demonstrates her love for Christ. She is always willing to assist anyone in need. She is an encourager, a teacher of teens and youth, a Board member, church treasurer, and a wife, mother, daughter, sister and a friend to all who know her. A missionary gift of $100 will be sent to the Missionary Health Care Fund. Congratulations, Keva for being chosen for the DSA!

Rev. Aldridge read letters of greetings regarding the Centennial celebration from President Bush, Governor Bob Riley and Alabama South Nazarene District Superintendent Dr. Mark Berry.

Rev. Aldridge spoke from Titus 2:11-14, a most fitting sermon regarding Holiness being an inward change which makes a difference in our life because we can now live a victorious life with Christ in our heart. A Communion service was held at the conclusion of the message.

Lunch was served and Pastor Gary Aldridge and family and Rev. Brett Medley, Associate Pastor, and family were honored with a monetary gift as October is Pastor's appreciation month. Everyone is welcome at Heritage. The church is located at 610 Dennis Street. For information call 205-280-6252.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

Rev. Oneal Cleckler's morning sermon was taken from Matthew 7: 13-14. We must make choices that reflect our character as Christians. We must follow Jesus' lead.

In our evening service Bro. Cleckler's message was from Psalms 105:1-7. We must seek the narrow way for it is the only way to enter in His presence.

We would like to wish Dawn Blow a Happy Birthday.

We invite you to join us for a time of worship and fellowship with our Lord. Sunday school starts at 10 a.m.; morning worship at 11 a.m.; discipleship training at 5 p.m. and evening worship at 6 p.m.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Mike's sermon was from Deuteronomy 33:27-28. The eternal God is our refuge. We need to make Jesus the center of our lives.

The evening service was from 2 King 5: 1-14. We are all sinners by nature.

Oct. 11 there will be a Bridal tea for Stefanie Pate at 3 p.m. She is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target and Crate & Barrel.

Oct. 14 Lisa and Donielle's class will go to Pennsylvania to visit the Amish country.

Oct. 26 there will be a bridal tea for Lauren Davis at 2 p.m. She is registered at Macy's, Target, Wal Mart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Oct. 27-31 is the Senior Adult Mission Trip.

Nov. 6 the ladies will leave at 7:30 a.m. for Christmas Village.

We would like to wish happy birthday to Cassie Wakefield and Callie Wyatt and happy anniversary to Jerry and Barbara Miller.

Those on our prayer requests are Eula Cleckley, Donielle Cleckler, Jeff Sumerall, Juanita Staggs, Anthony Bailey, Elizabeth Funderburk, Joan Allen, Paula Owens, McGuire family, Stefanie Pate and Brad Dearman, Earl Wilson, Lavon Prater, the upcoming election, our church and church family, Huey Wilson and the Gurtys Robinson family.

Old Macedonia Baptist Church

“There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus said to her, give me to drink.” John 4:7

This first Sunday in October found Pastor Derrell including the above scripture in our message, and folks let me tell ya, our pastor was fired up with the spirit this morning, overflowing as Jacob's well with his saucer, certainly running over.

Some beautiful music followed including Sister Dee Roper touching my heart with her rendition of “He Touched Me,” Sister Elaine Smitherman gave me the ol' chicken skin when she sang “You're Still God,” Sister Faye Rascoe and Co. had my toes a tappin with an old favorite titled “I'll Meet You in the Morning” and sister Lily Jones with parents touched everyone when they sang “Right on Time.” Our prayers go out to our sick and prayer list we wish them well, with a special hurry back to Bro. Robert Martin who we hope is feeling better. A glorious Happy Birthday to Bro. Ray Nichols and little sister, Lynn Stamps as we wish them many many more! A special welcome also goes out to the Hyde family this beautiful fall morning. Folks, if you are looking for a home church, or just for some old fashioned worshipping of our Lord Jesus Christ, we invite you to come visit with us “down on the river” at Old Macedonia Baptist Church. As Pastor Derrell says, “Let the spirit get hold of ya, it's better than banana pudding!” I do believe there is a hint of a fish fry in the air and believe me folks, you wouldn't want to miss that!