Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them; but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:1-9).

Thought for the week: “God Has a Way of Loving”

“God has a way of loving when the world seems to pull you down; His arms will reach out and hug you, His hands will sorrow unbound. God has a way of uplifting a heart that has broken in two, He’ll heal and mend each heartache with a touch of heavenly glue! God has a way to comfort when grief overshadows the way, He speaks of hope and resurrection and sends sunshine to brighten each day. Don’t ask me how God does it – but He’ll never let you down. Just keep focused on His very special love and you’ll be so glad you kept Him around! God has a way of loving that’s very unique indeed. You’ll never fully understand it – but just trust Him and you’ll see!”

The New Life District Fellowship will meet at Beulah Baptist Church in Thorsby on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m. The Rev. Davis is pastor. All churches are asked to attend.

There will be a benefit program for Mrs. Mattie Mae Nix at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville Sunday, June 29 at 5 p.m. Everyone is asked to come and give a donation. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison started by devotion by the junior choir in song, prayer and scripture. songs sung: “Nothing But The Blood,” “Pass Me Not,” “Because He Lives” and “Trouble In My Way.” The scripture was read with prayer by Pastor Dukes.

Pastor Dukes brought the morning message with the theme “A Fresh Start or A New Beginning.” We all need a fresh start from time to time, and Jesus offers us a new beginning when we fall. Then we can go forward after we repent. Then, serve with your whole heart, for God is a God of a second chances.

Don’t hold on to your past; no one is perfect. A just man falls several times and rises up again, but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Don’t let falling be the last thing you do. When you fall, get up. Repent and go on. Do what the Lord wants you to do.

God loves you too much to leave you the way you are. Jesus is alive and well, offering you a fresh start and a new beginning. Start with a clean slate. You are a new creature if you are in Christ.

The service concluded with fellowship by Pastor Dukes, deacons and the congregation.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Linda Clay, Rebecca Johnson Roberts, Queen Worthey, Joseph McCall, Luther Lee, Sam and Vivian Hicks and Sue Mims. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Note: Emily Agee is a religious columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.