Church News for Aug. 6

Published Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson focused on 1 Corinthians 2:9-10. Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from 1 Kings 21:1-29 on the end of the life of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The title of the sermon came from the hit song, "Who Let the Dogs Out?"

Bro. Shannon reminded us of how King Ahab had desired the land of Naboth but was rejected by Naboth when he made an offer to purchase it. The reason for the rejection was because it would have been against the law of God to have the land change hands outside of the tribe it was allotted. Because of his refusal, Queen Jezebel trumped up charges against Naboth and had him killed, thus giving Ahab the chance to take the land.

Elijah went to Ahab and informed him of the judgment of God that would come upon him and Jezebel. Dogs would lick his blood up and devour the body of Jezebel. Although Ahab repented of his sins for a short time, God's judgment did come against both just as God said.

Indeed, we should take note that there will be a payday some day for everyone, even the Christian. We must be careful to not allow sin to devour our lives, but rather turn to God for repentance and forgiveness.

Who let the dogs out? In the case of Ahab, it was God!

We are excited to have two new members at Lime Springs. Rick Hurst joined our church membership by letter of transfer several weeks ago and Peter Ellis was baptized last Sunday. We welcome Rick and Peter to our church family.

Happy birthday to Barbara Petty.

Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship at 11; evening Bible study at 5:30; and Wednesday night prayer meeting at 6:30.

For more information concerning Lime Springs, please call 755-6356 or 755-4950.

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Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a great service Sunday. It started with a song of praise followed by prayer. You could feel the presence of the Spirit throughout the service.

The Rev. Oneal Cleckler's morning message, "The Living Water," was from Psalm 1:1-3.

In John 7:37-38 it reads, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. The man that walks in a godly way will be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters. He will bring forth fruit and not wither. These are wonderful promises of our Savior. They will comfort and reassure us in troubling times.

Our evening sermon, "Spiritual Gifts," was from 1 Peter 4:10. As children of God we all have spiritual gifts. We may not know what they are or we may know, but we are not using them. We should not ignore the gift God has given us. He gave it to us to use for his glory. There are different gifts but all come from the same Spirit. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. So when you are asked to fill a position in church, give it a try; it may be your gift.

Happy birthday to Morgan Norwood and Elvin Ellison.

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.

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Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene Hitchcock preached from Matthew 28:16-20. If we love the Lord, we need to talk about the Lord. We need to share the Good News, make disciples, teach and lead.

Sunday School is the main outreach in a church. We must reach people. Starting in Sunday School will bring them to preaching and to other places in church.

During the evening service, Bro. Gene's message was from Matthew 14:22-33, "Get Out of the Boat and Walk on Water." It is time to get out and have faith.

Happy birthday this week to Cayleen Wakefield.

Upcoming events:

Aug. 15: Children's back-to-school splash at Mrs. Janice's, 3 p.m.

Sept. 12: Chilton Baptist Association's Tablescapes, 9-11 a.m.

Sept. 24: Chilton Association Mega Day training conference, 7 p.m. at Jemison First Baptist.

A very special "thank you" to the ladies who went to Gees Bend this past Saturday to help people in need. They had a medical clinic with Dr. Sandra Ford. Clothes and school supplies were given to those in need. Lisa Botts, Diane Varden and Regeana Funderburk went from our church, along with Karol Collier from Verbena Baptist Church and Joan Ehlman from Helena. For more information, see www.spiritofluke.com. Thanks to all who donated items.

The next trip will be Sept. 5 to Camden, Ala. For more information, call Regeana Funderburk at 755-2534.

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Christ Independent Methodist Church

Bro. Ron Mensinger continues to keep us enthralled with his charismatic preaching during Dr. Stinson's absence. He continues to focus on 1 Samuel, and his sermon Sunday dealt with relationships, especially the triangulation of relationships between King Saul, his son Jonathan, and David, a shepherd boy destined to become a great king.

Some points emphasized by Bro. Mensinger include his belief that there is a special blessing that comes to us when we answer the needs of others.

Continue to join us in praying for Dr. Mac Stinson and wife, Glinda; their son, Dr. Mac Stinson III; brother John Davis, Dr. Phil Simms, Raymond Brown, Michael Stroud and mother Shirley, Dwight Sammons (who injured his hand in a fall), Helen Satterwhite, Mary Ann Carden and Mavis Sallas.

Pray for young Dylan "Dilly" Payton whose father, Steve Payton, was found dead Saturday morning. Include prayer for Steve's widow, Betty Sue; his brother Tom, sister Jacque and all family members.

Remember the family of John Strain, who passed away this past week.

Next Sunday our special visitor will be Holly Mulhiesen. This young lady will be traveling to Japan as a missionary later this year. Come join us in wishing her goodbye and best wishes.

We urge all members of our church family to bring food for our "one-dish meal" on Sunday coming up. You will enjoy the food and cherish the fellowship.

Carl Glass flew to Washington, D.C. on July 29 as a member of the Honor Flight program that takes World War II veterans to our nation's capital to visit the memorial dedicated to them. Carl wishes to thank the Chilton County News, The Clanton Advertiser, and all the home folks who turned his arrival home party into a joyous occasion at the Birmingham airport.

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Chestnut Creek Baptist Church

Welcome to Chestnut Creek Baptist Church. God is the King of all the earth. The Bible says in Psalms 47:1-2 (NKJV): "Oh, clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth."

What a beautiful day it was to worship and shout praises to our Lord. Our Associate Pastor Bro. Jim delivers our 9 a.m. praise and worship service each week. Bro Jim is a dedicated servant to our Lord and Savior. There is perhaps no man alive who loves to preach the word of God as does Bro Jim Collins. Come and worship with us at 9 a.m.; you will be blessed. Chestnut Creek / New Day Ministries: What is New Day Ministries? It is the church membership organized into various groups/programs to enable the church to extend its ministry to the community. Bro Gene Headley will lead this ministry starting after Labor Day.

Happy birthday this week to Whitney King, Roger Moates, Tommy Beadlecomb, Timmy Wells, Judy Mims and Hollie McNatt.

Happy anniversary to Lane and Mary Thompson. Don't forget "Christmas in August." Our Second Service began with worship music lead by BJ Parson and Leslie Deavers with both giving testimonies of how the children camp had blessed their spirit by the witness of the children.. Thank you, God, for our children.

Bro. Derek brought to us a soul-searching message titled "Get out of the Boat" Passage from Matthew 14: 22-33.

We love you at Chestnut.

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Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 2

Brother Lynn's message was titled "What Will You Do With Jesus?" based out of Matthew 27:22.

Pilate asked this question. He tried to find a way to release Jesus or at least spare His life. He did not see any reason to crucify him, but the chief priests would have none of that. We are faced with the same question in life. What Will We do with Jesus?

There are four things that people usually do with Jesus. First, they are indifferent to accepting Jesus. We can tell ourselves we have plenty of time, the truth is we only have whatever time God allows. Second, we can be like the angry mob and reject Him and be rid of Him. Thirdly, we can serve him reluctantly. It is hard for people to accept that we are saved by grace and not works, so they feel compelled to do works. All the work has been done for us, we should celebrate that fact and that leads us to the fourth thing we can do with Jesus, which is serve him Joyfully. When we really let Jesus in our lives, our Need to serve is replaced by the Desire to serve. Jesus is what makes the difference, not what we do or who we are.

Sunday nights sermon came from Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus sent his disciples out on a mission, but did not say it was a solo journey. the power of our faith makes a difference. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and knowing things that are unseen. The value of faith cannot be estimated. The vision of faith is only limited by our doubt. The venture of faith is a must. Then we can have the victory of faith in Jesus.

Please join us Sunday, Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m. for our homecoming services featuring the Samaritans. Our message will be brought to us by former pastor Ralph Esco. Remember to pray for our country and our service men and women.

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Bethany Baptist Church

Fifty-two Weeks to a Better You: Memory verse for this week is 1 John 2:17: "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Our attendance at Sunday School was up. Sunday morning Bro. Aubry's sermon was from Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75. If there was ever anyone who knew the "ups" and "downs" of life, it was Simon Peter. As a follower of Jesus Christ he was adamant that he would never let Him down; probably the biggest "down" moment of his life was when Jesus was arrested and Peter denied that he even knew Him. But Christ forgave him, and Peter went on to do great things for the Lord. Aren't we thankful that God is a God of second chances! When we confess our sins and repent we will be forgiven. Failure does not mean this is the end for us. We can still have opportunities to serve the Lord.

Sunday night Bro. Aubry preached from 2 Peter 2, "Wells Without Water." Peter compared false teachers, teachers of heresy, as wells without water (verse 17). Bro. Aubry mentioned other examples of wells without water: religion without regeneration; prayer without faith; servants without love; churches without mission programs.

August birthdays and anniversaries: Glenn Vines (Aug 2); Chris and Lori Knight (Aug. 5); Ron and Melissa Peppers (Aug. 25); and Barbara Avery (Aug. 29).

Prayer List: Bonnie Burks, Lillian Burkhalter, Lela Mae Courtney, Junior DeLoach, Ophelia Griffin, Doug and Helen Mims, Ellen Gray, Billie Neeley, Pastor and Mrs. Wallace.

See you Sunday!

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Jackson Chapel

Bro. Dennis' text came from Matthew 15:21-28 with a message entitled, "The Faith of a Canaanite Woman." When we get to a point in our lives that we can't do anything but look up, we will call on Jesus. When a situation happens in our lives and we think there is no way out, all we have to do is call on Jesus because he is always there for us. We as Christians need to always have our guard up because Satan is always standing there waiting to get his foot in the door and destroy everything that God has blessed us with.

Sunday evening, Bro. Dennis' text came from Genesis 45:1-8. Sometimes God's plan for our lives is not our plan for our lives. We should always want God's plan for our lives because he knows what is best for our lives and where he wants us to be. God knows exactly what he is doing in our lives and he doesn't need our help all he wants out of us is our obedience.

Happy Birthday this week to Horace Wyatt and James Smith.

Please remember these as you pray this week: James and Marie Johnson, Geraldine Smith, Patricia Cofer, Bro Herschell and Sis Marie Rhodes, Devaughn Welcher, Juanita Wyatt and her sister, Glenda, Nathan Wallace, Rolin Smith, Billy Waites, Jean Mayfield, Sandy Strength, Billy Burnett, Ellis Hughes, Sabrina Lett, our service men and women and our lost loved ones.

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.

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Oak Grove Church of God

Bro. Northcutt took his text from Genesis 14: 18-24 and the title of his message was "Jehovah-Elyon (The Lord God Most High)."

Abraham was returning from a great victory where he has rescued Lot and his family among other captives. He was greeted upon his return by Melchizedek, king of Salem high priest of the Most High God with bread and wine for Abraham's refreshment from the weary battle. Melchizedek also blessed Abraham as belonging to the Most High God, who had delivered his enemies into his hands. Abraham then gave Melchizedek tithe of all the goods he had recovered. The King of Sodom offered Abraham all the spoils of the battle in return for the subjects of his kingdom but Abraham refused to accept them for he did not so it could not be said that the King of Sodom had made him rich. Abraham rather would rely on God to provide for him. Abraham was more interested in the "Bread and Wine" from God's servant than he was for the loot from the King of Sodom. Unlike the King of Sodom, the King of Salem had come to strengthen Abraham spiritually and emotionally -- not just materially. Abraham was not concerned about material things.

Abraham belonged to the Most High God and that was where his heart was and being blessed of God was far more important to him than material things. Where is your heart today? Some have said dedicate the heart and the money will follow. God's word puts it another way, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". If your treasure is wholly dedicated to God then your heart will also be dedicated to Him. God can bring true happiness and it will last, material things can't do this. Abraham cheerfully gave tithe of all and was blessed by God. We need to bless God with our tithe not only of our money but also of our time and our talents. Giving of these other things are not in place of the tithe but in addition to them. Whoever or whatever is most high in our mind and heart will determine the kind of belongings we receive! What's most high in our heart will be most high in our devotion. Is God "Jehovah-Elyon" (God Most High) in your heart?

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Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

Things are happening at Cedar Grove. The old church (known now as Cedar Grove Hispanic Church) is singing and worshiping the Lord again. Pastor Ruben Gonzales and his family had church there Sunday for the first time. They have it cleaned up so nice and are going to keep it in good repair. The old church has been something we all worried about because when something is not in use, it really goes down.

Happy birthday to Bobby McNeel, Joey Patterson, Billy Caton and Cody Hubbard. Happy anniversary to Ralph and Juliet Hayes.

We welcome all our visitors and hope you will come again.

Bro. Roger Vines was our guest speaker. A video was shown and he told us about the conditions in Nicaragua and about Love's Child Ministry. If you would like to sponsor a child, contact EMI P.O. Drawer 550, Thorsby, AL 35171 or call 755-0680.

We are so blessed to live in a place and have the convenience of running water, good churches to go to. Their churches are four miles apart because they have no cars; they all walk to church and the churches are full. Look at us; everyone has more than one car and empty seats in our churches!

Bro. Roger Vines had the service tonight also. His text came from Hebrews 10:10-14. He wanted to know if we knew when our names were put in The Lambs Book of Life? He discussed different Bibles and suggested the ones not to use.

Please remember to pray for all the sick and shut-ins, the ones on our prayer list, our country, leaders and military men and women.

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2.

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Bethsalem Baptist Church

Bro. Brad preached from Acts 2:37-47 a message entitled, "Being Intentional: Connect in the Key."

We had two more joining our church Sunday, Hillary and Hannah Horton.

Pray this week for Charles Thomas, Elbert Baker, Mable Ousley, Nell Williams, Charles Bryant, Tamara Barron, Talon Hunter, Randy Martin, Myra Burnett, Pete Burnett, James Moore, Debra Mims, Delea LeBlane, Hunter Moore, W.L. Broome, Cleo Pack, Margaret Wyatt, Alexis Willis, Stacy Johnson, Kim Sorenson, Jesse Lewis, Harold Deavers, Hazel Green, Larry McCary, Charles Blow, Nell Williams, Clarence Beadlecomb, J.T. Loyd, Annie Bell Causey.

Happy birthday this week to Sidney Norman, Jessica Boddie, Doug Willis, Kyle Mims, Steven Wingard, Kerri Blow, Heidi Connell, Zachary Tuma, Kenneth Boswell, Bobby Mims, Amber Pike, Wendell Hand, Whitney Gray, Luke Thomas, Carlee Wright, Jody Deavers.

Happy anniversary to Bill and Shirley Smith (45 years), Robert and Sue Bradberry (27 years), Harold and Elvie Patterson (50 years).

Tell someone about Jesus this week.

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Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

"Have you eaten yet?" I'm sure that question stirs some delicious thoughts in your mind as we constantly pass the enticing signs of Jack's, McDonald's, Cattleman's, etc. That quick meal might taste wonderful, but how long will it satisfy you? What if you aren't in need of physical food to curb your stomach pains? What we all really need is the food that endures for eternal life. Try reading John 6: 24-35. While Jesus was able to feed the multitudes with such a meager start, he was also able to feed the multitudes with what their eternal souls needed. This can still be true for you. Read your Bible and do your research. Don't just depend on others to tell you what's in the Bible, check it out for yourself. Jesus didn't want to be loved just for what he could do for people, there's much more to him than that. Let others see Jesus Christ in all you say and do.

We were delighted to have Mike and Teresa Speakman, along with their sons, Chris and Nick, join our church family Sunday. Daughter Anna will be placed on our preparatory rolls. Welcome Speakman family!

Join us for a revival on Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1 and 2. Warren Ford will be our guest. Services begin at 7 each night.

"Exposure to the Son can keep you from burning."

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Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Bro. Tony said, "Good morning. It's all about Jesus Christ," as he quoted Paul this past Sunday.

The beautiful flowers were placed in memory of Wayne "Sunflower" Maddox.

Bro. Tony introduced his very good friend, Joe "Coach" Nettles and his new bride who were visitors and welcomed by the membership. We had several other visitors that I missed their names. Please come again.

Diane Handley showed Grayson and Truett a bag of "two-in-one Blow Pops." Do you know why they are two in one? That's the way it is with Christians; God is always with us and we will be rewarded one day.

The prayer list was quite long: Michael Maddox is not doing well after his surgery; Damieon Floyd, the 16-year-old involved in the automobile accident; Myron Littlefield's son, and a special prayer for Myron himself; Travel mercies for Ben Handley while in Montana.

Bro Tony's message was from John 6: 22-35. John, the apostle of little children, said, "Love on another, love God but love one another."

Love is what it's all about! This is the time of the miracles. Tony reminded us that man doesn't perform miracles, God does -- and he does it every day multiplied by thousands. As the crowds were wondering about the signs, one asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me not because you saw all the miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill."

They asked, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The works of God is to believe in the one he has sent."

Jesus Christ is the bread of life!

A wonderful time was had by all at the fellowship lunch.

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