Church News

Published Friday, October 17, 2008

Jackson Chapel

Bro Dennis’ text came from Genesis 6:1-8. We have so many people in this world today that doesn’t want a part of God. We look for everything that will give us peace and the whole time all we need to do is turn to God. We need to always make sure that we move when God moves because we not always get that opportunity again to make things right with God. During the altar service several more people came to pray.

Sunday evening, Bro Dennis’ text came from Luke 17:7-10. We as Christians should be servants for Christ. We should be as faithful to God as he is to us, and we should also be someone that is willing to be used by God. We should let God be first in everything that we do and we should also follow Jesus instead of trying to get ahead of him. The service ended with several coming to pray.

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.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Sunday we held a baptismal service for Shane, Kelly and Austin Courtney. They are a great family.

Pastor Bro. Eubank preached the morning message, entitled “A Life With No Regrets,” from Ecclesiastes 11-12.

The evening message was based on the story of David and Bathsheba found in 2 Samuel 11.

Prayer request list: Gilbert Green, Christy Harmon, Matthew Eubank, Adrienne Rohrbough, Kim Hicks, Lois Blalock, Joyce Moore, Meade Bryant, Susan McCary, Arthur Cooedy, Cleo Pack, Andrea Deneke, Paul Powell, Vera Francis, T.J. Cox, Bertha Headley, Brandon Ward, Peggy Smith, Tony Williams.

Our new LifeTracks session is beginning again. Come get connected.

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

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

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

It really felt like a fall day going to church this morning, with the cool and misting rain. Soon God will paint all the leaves and we will be seeing their breathtaking beauty.

Sis. Ellen Ruth Scott is doing better and so is Sis. Dolly L. Price. We praise the Lord for that. A year ago today Jason Patterson had his accident. Keep him and his family in your prayers. Remember to pray for Butch Evans; we found out that he is home and doing pretty good. We will be having a special prayer service on Wednesday nights for our nation, and everyone is welcome. Service begins at 7 p.m.

Happy birthday to Cameron Dutton, Mary McGuire, Paden Payton and Janet Wyatt. Happy anniversary to Douglas and Joyce Scott.

There’s no excuse for being sleepy before preaching. I promise you with Bro. Jeff you won’t even think about getting sleepy. His sermon for this week was entitled “What Am I Doing In This Church.” His text came from Ephesians 5:25-27.

Sunday evening, Bro. Heath Vines preached a good sermon from James 1:12-16. The title of his message was “Trials and Temptations.”

“Kneel at the Cross” was the song of invitation. Several came to the altar to pray.

Sunday night, Oct. 19, Bridgette Ingram Sullivan and her drama team from Mississippi will be here at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 16, The Maharreys will be our guest singers for the 5:30 p.m. service.

We welcome our visitors and hope you will come again.

Everyone please pray for our nation, economy, elections and most of all pray that we will all have a closer walk with the Lord. If we all do that, everything will just fall into place like it should.

God bless you all.

Oak Grove Church of God

We were blessed Sunday to have with us the Rev. Melvin Massey for special services intended to let our people know, “It’s Your Season To Be Blessed.” Bro. Massey took his text from Titus 2:11-14 and dealt with the Second Coming of Christ.

There are not many messages being preached in our churches today about the second coming of Christ. As a matter of fact in some quarters we are hearing preachers telling us that there will not be a calling away or rapture of God’s people. We are hearing some say that we just need to be working to make the world a better place and then Jesus will simply return and set up His Kingdom here. We are seeing just this week where the world powers are coming together in an attempt to set up a one-world economy. This is a fulfillment of the end time warning of the coming of the antichrist when he will control our ability to buy and sell through this one world economic system. It is obvious today that things in the world are not getting better as evidenced by the economic crisis we find our world in. Many people are truly worried about their financial well being, and rightfully so, but how many are as concerned about their spiritual well being? We as Christians know that as God’s word tells us that the things of this world will not last. So the only really important thing for us to be concerned about is not where does our bank account stand but what is our standing relationship with God.

We want to wish a happy birthday this week to Nickii Easterling (Oct. 18).

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 as we have received twenty-three new members in the last three-month. To God be the Glory! We thank God for them and want them to know that we love them and welcome them into the fellowship of our church.

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.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

While unable to attend Sunday services at church, I am doing my best to care for my loving wife, Lavada. I know that the Sunday morning services were exciting. I was told of the testimonial part of the service, and it sounded very inspirational. I wish we could have been there.

I know the prayer warriors have been working overtime, and we appreciate it so much; all the kind words of care and concern will always be with us.

If there has been a highlight to this ordeal, it was Sunday evening after the youth service. They showed up to surprise us. Wow! If you know these young men, what they stand for and how much we love them, you know how great that made us feel. As if their presence was not enough, they brought her flowers. We are still excited.

We can’t say enough about those who called, came by, brought flowers or brought cookies, for fear that we might overlook someone. So, we will just say thank you to the church and others who have shown their concern. May God bless.

If you have not visited us at Walnut Creek, you are certainly welcome. Service times are as follows: Sunday School at 10 a.m., morning worship at 11, UMYF and adult Bible study at 5 p.m.

On Wednesdays, our nursing home ministry starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday nights, our fellowship meal is at 6 p.m. followed by Bible study at 6:30 and choir practice at 7:15.

Mt. Carmel No. 2

Sunday was Pastor Appreciation Day. Bro. Lynn Roe’s sermon was one on appreciation, speaking from 1Timothy 1:12-16. There, Paul writes how thankful he is to the Lord for calling him into the ministry. Bro. Lynn expressed his thankfulness for God, his family, his country, and for our church members. We are also thankful for Bro. Lynn and his family. His wife Kelly is so sweet and kind, and his sons John and Joey are good, upstanding young men who our young boys can look up to. God has blessed us by bringing them into our church. We did not have services Sunday night.

As for church news, Tim and Keela Mims celebrated their 9-year anniversary. Our Harvest Festival is Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Our revival is going to be Nov. 16-19 with Bro. William Short bringing our messages. Please come and be prepared to receive a blessing.

Samaria Baptist Church

Bro. Charles Brooks spoke on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, stressing the importance of a life well lived.

We had a great homecoming with guest singers Southern Pride, a good sermon and lots of food for lunch afterwards.

Also it was Bro Charles Brooks 68th birthday, so happy birthday again.

Samaria will be having revival Oct. 19-22. Bro. Glen Bonds will be our guest speaker.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Fall is in the air, the trees are beginning to change colors and there was a breeze in the air this Sunday morning. All these factors felt wonderful, but also might be some of the reasons we were missing some of our regular members. The slimmer than usual crowd had an interesting timing as the sermon came from the scripture in Matthew 22: 1-14, The Parable of the Wedding Banquet. While the sermon was titled, “The Kingdom Snub,” Brother Willard paralleled the two. When you do not accept the invitation of God, you’re snubbing him. We all need to do everything we can to prepare for “the big event,” in our case not the big wedding, but getting ready for God. We need to get into Bible studies, go to church and be involved in our churches, preparing in every way possible to put on our “wedding” clothes and shedding our dirty, sinful clothes. I guess Brother Willard kind of struck a cord in most of us as he mentioned how we sometimes let other activities keep us away from worship services. It is not necessary to complete an application, there is no need for fingerprint background checks, there is no waiting list. Just open your heart and your mind to Jesus and come join us to prepare yourself. God loves you and so do us. You are always invited and welcome to join us at Rocky Mount. We’re located at 14731 County Road 51 near Jemison Elementary School.

Sunday was also the day for our cluster charge conference. We are getting ready for a new year with new officers and leaders in our church, just as we prepare for the new officers and leaders of our country. We pray for those who are courageous enough to step up to the plate in both venues.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Today Dr. Mac Stinson chose for his sermon title “You are Invited” and for his scripture reading Matthew 22:1-14. In this chapter, Jesus is again teaching in parables. This parable deals with the account of a rich man who was giving a banquet for his son. Banquets are not a new innovation. There are many accounts of banquets given in the Bible. We all recall that the first miracle performed by Jesus occurred at a wedding banquet in Cana when Jesus turned water into wine. This banquet was proceeding according to schedule when the wine ran out and at the request of his mother Jesus rose to the occasion by providing wine as his first miracle.

While most banquets are scenes of joy and great merriment, that is not always the case. Two classic examples are when King Nebuchadnezzar saw the handwriting on the wall and when John the Baptist lost his head.

Our request for prayer continues: remember Sarah McEwen who is recovering from heart surgery, Randall Miller, Ken Osborne and our missionaries who are being forced out of several countries. Pray for our leaders and help us to choose those best able to guide our country. Remember to pray for our country each night at 8 p.m.

Our young people are planning a Lock-In for Oct. 24.

Dr. Mac Stinson and wife, Glenda, are co-hosting a trip to Israel and Egypt that will leave the U.S. on March 17, 2009. This is an 11 day trip and the cost is $2,694. There will be a meeting in the Fellowship Hall of CIMC on Sunday afternoon Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m. Come join us and get all the information on this trip.

Have a blessed week.

Friendship Baptist Church

The morning message was taken from Matthew 19:16-30. “Making the right investments.” The choir special was “I’ve got a Heavenly Father.”

Most investments are material. There are spiritual investments we can make: In the spirit of God. The rich dividends of these investments.

Pam Jones brought special music in the evening service. Bro. Mike’s message was from Titus 2:11-15 “The Grace of God.” Grace is a gift that should be shared. Jesus showed us grace so that we can show it to others. We are saved by Grace. We are taught by Grace and we are encouraged by Grace.

Upcoming events: Oct. 14-19 the young adults will travel to Pennsylvania to visit Amish Country. Oct. 19 is the Brotherhood Breakfast Oct. 26 there will be a Bridal Tea for Lauren Davis at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. She is registered at Macy’s Target, Wal Mart and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Nov. 6 we will go to Christmas Village. If you are interested please see Regeana or Janice. Cost is $10 per ticket and we will leave the church at 7:45 a.m.

We would like to wish Happy Birthday to Diana Varden, Lucille Price and Mandy Farmer.

Please pray for Elizabeth Funderburk, the Rodney McGuire family, the young adults traveling to Pennsylvania, Brad Dearman and Stefanie Pate, Tammy Cordes, Lois Mims, Carl Popwell, Brenda Seawood, Gerald Saunders, Bobbie Price, Burnie Mullins and Debbie Hansel.

Calvary’s Hill Church of God

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

Praise God for his many blessings. Bro. Willard brought his message from Ezekiel 9:9 titled “where are we today?” The United States was once considered a “power” nation but, because of what has been allowed in the U.S., we’ve lost our standing. Our leaders look everywhere but to God for answers to our financial situation and are selling out the U.S. to foreign countries who don’t believe in God. They’re trying to use a band aid on a bleeding, gaping wound but it doesn’t stop the flow, only slows it down. The world is becoming more wicked every day, but God is about to shake it up. Psalm 9:17 says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” It pays to be prayed up, packed up, and ready to go when Jesus returns for his people.

Sunday evening, Bro. Bill Ridgeway spoke to us about missions and how they have helped Navajo Indians on a reservation have a church with running water and restroom facilities. He said it takes everyone doing their part to help those less fortunate and, as the Bible says, one man will plant, another will water, but God will give the increase. We are laborers in the field and what we do to help others will be blessed.

Starting Oct. 15, each Wednesday after church we will be having a soup supper. Come and be fed spiritually with the word, then physically after. Please remember to pray for our leaders, military, pastors, the lost, and the upcoming election. 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 Alabama Highway 191, two miles outside Jemison.

Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday school lesson focused on Revelation 19. Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Psalms 91:1-13 on the role of Guardian Angels. He reminded us that angels played an important role in ministering to the needs of Christ, at his birth, during his ministry, at his death, burial and resurrection, and in heaven today. Bro. Shannon reminded us of the promise of John 14:12 that we are given authority by Christ to do the greater things than he did. Therefore, why is it difficult for us to believe that we can’t call guardian angels to help us in our time of need? Indeed, angels are all around us, many times unaware (Hebrews 13:2). We need to seek their help when faced with a difficult situation in our lives. We closed the service with Holy Communion.

Our monthly congregational meeting was held after the service.

Our evening Bible study focused on Galatians 4-6.

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

Our Sunday morning service was opened with our attention on the showing of the film “Operation Christmas Child” with Bro. Franklin Graham. This is a project we all can take part in to show the love of Jesus to a little child that might not have a Christmas without our help. The shoe boxes are due Nov. 17-24. Fill the boxes with gifts to delight a child, but most of all remember to pray for the child that will receive the gift.

The children collected the money for their penny march and then blessed us with their song for the morning, “How Great is our God.”

Grace alone was the title of the choir special today. Pray for Bro. John and our choir members as they begin to practice for the Christmas Cantata.

Bro. Ricky’s message was taken from Acts 28: 1-15 “Snake Bit.” Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, there came a viper out and fastened his hand. He shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm.

The message Sunday evening was taken from 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11. The puppet drama Sunday evening was “Grace and Rewards” put on by our youth, Chad Foshee and Austin Liveoak.

We would like to wish Happy Birthday to Heather Smith and Cheylee Cleckley.

The hayride will be held Oct. 31. We still need chips, candy and drinks.

The fall festival for the church will be held Nov. 8. We will have chili, hot dogs, games and fun. It starts at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26 will be our Pastors Appreciation Day. All month we have had daily Bible reading and prayer for our pastor, Bro. Ricky Coburn. Bring a filled basket lunch for that day.

Our congregation will join with others Wednesday night service at Cedar Grove Church for the National day of Prayer. Service will begin at 7 p.m.

Nursery worker for Oct. 19 will be Linda Cummings. Please pray for the names on our prayer list. Everyone is welcome at Mt. Carmel No. 1.