Calvary’s Hill Church of God

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, he may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

Praise God for all His many blessings. Bro. Willard brought his message fro Jeremiah 23:1-8 titled “Remnant Rising Up.” The definition of remnant is a small remaining part or leftover. Being called a leftover normally wouldn’t be a good thing, but in this case it means you are one of the few remaining with Christ. There are many people who profess to be Christians, but very few actually live what they profess. God is preparing His people for Christ’s return and everyone, even those in authority, will answer to a higher power – God.

Sunday evening, Bro. Ricky Cleckley brought the message from 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 14-22. God is gracious and merciful to forgive our sins if we seek His face and have a repentant heart. We’re to humble ourselves as a little child, trusting and believing. When we pray, a lot of times we seek answers for our needs, not asking what we need to do for God. He asks that we love Him with all of our heart, soul and might and we need to stay spiritually ready to meet Him at all times. The bridegroom, Jesus, is coming back for His bride, the church.

Special prayer requests are for Ricky Thomas and Joe Chandle, who are having health problems, Johnny Roulaine’s mother and Jackie Roulaine’s father. Also remember our leaders, military, pastors and the lost.

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 and Wednesday night at 7. The church is on AL Hwy 191, two miles outside of Jemison.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Our pastor, Dr. Mac Stinson was absent today as the result of having foot surgery on Friday. Isn’t it wonderful how God never closes a door without opening a window for us? So He did today. Our pulpit was filled by Bro. Ron Mensinger, a chaplain and counselor.

Bro. Mesinger used Genesis 37 for his scripture reading. He talked about the pits and bumps we must overcome in life, but he said that God always has a plan for us. Sometimes when we are in the pits, we may lose sight of Jesus and His plan for us, but Joseph always kept himself open to God.

The description of Joseph is for us today. He was literally cast into a pit by his brother for sharing his dreams and, of course, because of the coat of many colors given to him by their father. His brothers conspired against him, sold him to the Ishmaelite who carried him down Egypt and sold him to the pharaoh’s captain of the guard. As part of God’s plan, a famine covers the land of Egypt and people come from great distances to buy grain that Joseph has stashed away in storehouses during past years of plenty. In due time, his brothers arrive to buy grain, but do not recognize their brother whom they hated and sold so long ago. We know the powerful ending as Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.

Our Sabbath ended with the beginning of Vacation Bible School following the theme of Holyland Adventures.

We ask you to join us in prayer for the family of Lulah Milam who passed away last week. Also pray for Dr. Mac and Glinda Stinson, BeeBee and Dwight Sammons, Penny Davis, Royce Mae, Carden Little who will begin chemical treatment for cancer this week, Nancy Rogers, our military, their families, our country, our leaders, our church, our community and ourselves.

Men of CIMC will meet at Cracker Barrel on Monday night for dinner and fellowship.

If you are new to this area, we invite you to worship with us at CIMC. Also if you play the organ, we invite you to come and play ours. We have a beautiful instrument that no one plays.

Have a blessed week.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a great day of worship Sunday starting with a song of praise followed by prayer. Afterward we went into our Bible study classes.

Before the sermon began, we had an old-fashioned testimony service. The Holy Spirit was moving in the congregation. Lives were being touched. We need to let God have control more often.

The Rev. Jim Burnett brought our morning message, “Bringing Change,” taken from Isaiah 55:1-3. God’s word can change us, but we have to seek his voice and listen to what he is telling our hearts. We need to open our eyes and see the love and goodness of God. There is something we have to do before our eyes are opened to his truth. We have to accept him as our personal Savior.

Bro. Burnett’s evening sermon, “Worthy is the Lamb,” came from Hebrews 12:1-2. All glory and praise are due our Lord; He paid the ultimate price for our sins. Some buckle under the weight of worldly ways, but we must stand fast and not let anything of anyone hinder our worship and praise to him. We are saved by his grace. It is a precious gift from God. God is worthy of our praise.

We would like to wish a happy birthday to Ray Dennis, Chris Blaisdell and Kyle Jones.

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.

Jackson Chapel

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

Bro Dennis’ text for the morning message came from Genesis 19:12-16. He brought a wonderful message on how this world is full of people who know God but they think God is a joke. One day they will die and go to a burning hell and they will realize that God was never a joke. We as Christians never stop to think of who gives us all the blessings that we have, but if it wasn’t for God we would not even be able to enjoy any of those great blessings.

During the singing Sunday night, people went to the altar seeking God for various needs, and the Holy Spirit was present in a mighty way.

Bro Dennis brought another great message taken from Genesis 19:26, and he brought out that the devil will make us believe that everything is greener on the other side of the fence. It is up to us, however, to decide whether or not we are going to cross the fence. We as Christians need to stand up for what is right so when the devil tries to come against us we will not fall into the trap the devil has set up when we fail.

We would like to extend a very happy birthday to Susan Smith on July 15.

Please remember these people as you pray this week: Kathy Waites, Todd Chambers, Oliver Evans, Jason Patterson, Wendy Bryan, Gina Lynn Riley, Patricia Johnson, Angie Davenport 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

Pastor Northcutt’s scripture text was Revelations 4:1-9, and his message was titled “The Chorus.”

The revealing of the future to John starts with a withdrawal from earth to heaven. We call this the rapture of the Church, or as the Bible calls it, the ‘blessed hope” of the believers. The anticipation of the rapture of the Church should be in the heart of every Christian and in the uttermost consciousness of every Church. The early Christians were looking not for a cleft in the ground called a grave but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory. They were watching not for the ‘undertaker’ but for the ‘uppertaker.’ If we are not ready for the imminent return of Jesus, we are not ready for the future. The scriptures teach us that the future is certain, that God has a wonderful plan and reward for His Church, to catch it away to heaven.

We would like to wish happy birthday, to Donna Williams (July21) and to Savannah Johnson (July 25). We pray for them to enjoy this birthday celebration and that they will celebrate many more in the future.

Oak Grove Church is looking forward to our revival with the Rev. Stanley Owensby in August. He will be with us on Aug. 17-20, and with God’s blessing this revival will continue beyond these dates. Make your plans to join us in this revival and pray with us that many sinners will be saved!

We are so blessed of God at Oak Grove and we are continuing to see new people come into our services. We thank God for them and want them to know that we love them and they are always welcome.

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.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

The service began in a very special way, as we were blessed to have Bro. Ned and Carol Lowery to bring our music and song.

Over the prepared Communion table, Bro Tony said, “This table has been prepared for over 2000 years. How many more opportunities will we have?”

The sermon was from 1 Peter 5:1 in his letter to the Church: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share the glory to be revealed; Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must but because you are willing; as God wants you to be.”

“There are so many more powerful images than shepherds, but I can’t think of one,” said Bro. Tony. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” Do we see ourselves as shepherds? Are we willing to be a shepherd in the Body of Christ?

So what is a shepherd? First, he is a guide of the sheep, and willing. Second, he cares about us, He died on the cross for us, fully man yet fully God, exposing what God is like. Third, he is willing to make a sacrifice. My friends, that’s what the good shepherd does, and that’s what the Church does.

Bro Tony shared a story like nobody else can: “At the end of the day, the sheep are herded into a ‘draw’ (narrow place), so the shepherd could see each sheep as they came through. With a pan of ointment to the side, he carefully ran his hands through the wool of each sheep that had injuries or sores. He applied the ointment to each sheep, and when finished, Bro. Tony had taken a kneeling position and finished the story by saying, “then the shepherd knelt there and slept with his sheep making sure they were safe!” Are you ready to be a shepherd?

The altar flowers were placed by Bro. Tony and Beth for the birthday of their son Thomas.

It was great to see Ruby Duke and Glenda Powell this Sunday, as well as Myron Littlefield, who has almost completely healed from his burns.

Bro. Tony recognized Suzanne Thurlow, Mrs. Nell Klinner’s granddaughter, whom we all know and love. Come again soon!

We certainly missed everyone’s favorite, Mr. Ray Enfinger. He says he is fine but that he just can’t be outside for a while, or shave!

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Rocky Mount is so invigorated, enthusiastic and filled with the love of Jesus Christ as we close our week of Vacation Bible School. We were so delighted to have had the pleasure of fulfilling God’s commandment to go forth and spread the word that Jesus is real, that Jesus is the only way to God, that the Bible is God’s word, and that our actions show what we believe. While the adults will admit to being tired after this week, it is such a good feeling to know that we might have played even a small part in helping to show the love of Jesus to the children in attendance. We truly appreciate all the older youth and the adults that so generously gave of their time to participate.

Sunday morning we were able to share some of our activities with those who were not able to attend our night Bible school. We held our commencement and included our pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible as we did each evening in our rally. Then, the children, (and yes, some of the adults), shared their theme song, complete with the hand motions. We all close this year’s Bible school with many fond memories that will live on with us forever.

Sunday, July 27 is Homecoming Sunday at Rocky Mount. We will begin singing at 10. At lunch we will come together to share a meal and then continue singing. We are delighted that we can share an air-conditioned room for our “dinner on the ground”. Come join us.

First Baptist Church of Lomax

Our pastor, the Rev. Harold M. Clements, and Sunday School director Gilbert Green invite you to join us for Sunday School at 10 a.m., Discipleship Training at 6 p.m. and Wednesday night Bible study at 6.

Come join us.

Pates Chapel Baptist Church

Attendance was great Sunday. We had 146 for Sunday School and more for worship. Bro. Clint has a challenge for us. If we have 200 in Sunday School, he will shave his head. Come on out folks, let’s scalp our pastor. Let his wife LeAnne have a bald-headed husband.

Morning worship began with the baptism of master Bailey Jones. Be much in prayer for him.

Angela, Morgan, and J.J. McCaffee, Tabatha Cleckler and Justice Young all joined our church Sunday morning and night and will be baptized later. We are delighted to have them as new members. Make these folks welcome as our brothers and sisters and pray for God’s blessings on their new lives.

Stephanie Price accompanied by Alex Pollock and Bro. Bill blessed us with a great song, also Gidgette Burnette and Mike Jones did a wonderful duet.

Bro. Clint brought two wonderful messages that were enjoyed by members and our many visitors whom we welcome anytime.

Except for a three-mile hike turning into a seven-mile hike, our youth enjoyed a great camp-out. We may need a class on map reading. Huh??

The lunch and auction provided by the youth was fantastic. They wish to thank all who attended. They raised enough money for their upcoming rafting, Braves game, and Six Flags trip.

The children are at kid’s camp this week. Pray for their safety.

Special prayer for little Kate Burnette and her family, Patsy Mims and all those on our prayer list is needed. Remember these, our military folks and for God’s way in choosing the right president for our country.

Anyone interested in an adult New Orleans mission trip Oct. 10-13 see the sign-up sheet in the hallway. Cost will be minimal.

A few church members are needed an hour every 4-6 weeks in children’s church during worship service. Please help.

Our 95th anniversary along with old timey day will be celebrated Sept. 14. Our church was established Sept. 18, 1913. Charter members were J.A. Cleckler, Pearl Cleckler, T.A. Caton, Rebecca Caton, Madison Hubbard, Joycie Hubbard, Lucy Robinson and her daughter-in-law Maud Robinson, G.W. Nasworthy and Isom Pate.

If you are a descendent of these please add your name to sign-up sheet in hall or call church office. If you have old pictures, especially folks in wagons or buggies, please bring to Ronald Maddox. He will scan and return. Let us all make this a great day. Some old time singing {FA-Sol-LA} and fun things are being planned.

Center Hill Baptist Church

Praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing praises! Thank God for a pastor and minister of music who believe in praising God!

We hope that Danny Varden and Nettie Scott had a happy birthday. We wish a happy anniversary to Bob and Chiko Wilkins.

We have some of our church family in Shelby Medical Center, including Betty Collins and Imogene Maddox. Charles Elmore is home, recovering from surgery. Please remember these in prayer.

Casey Varden is home until Aug. 11. Then, his company will be leaving again for six months to a year. Remember him and all of our people in the service.

When you miss Wednesday night service, you sure miss a blessing. Bro. David speaks mostly to Christians. This week he spoke about how blessed we are and that we don’t claim those promises of blessings.

Please join us Saturday, July 26 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 at 11 and 5 for our revival. Our speaker for Saturday will be Dr. Hugh Huguley from Southeastern Bible College, and Sunday will be Dr. Teman Knight of the ALSBOM. Delina Lenoir from Maplesville First Baptist Church will be singing for us during all three services. We pray you will join us.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

Mt. Carmel will be celebrating “Homecoming 2008” on July 27. Our services will begin at 10 a.m. with praise and worship. Former pastor Mike Lawrence and his wife Rita will be with us as our guest speaker and the Gospel Aires will be out guest singers for the day. Out services will conclude with a fellowship dinner. We hope that you can make plans to come and celebrate this wonderful day with us here at Mt. Carmel No. 1 and also see our new facilities God has blessed us with. Keep Mt. Carmel in your prayers that we will always be a beacon for Christ.

Our message for this Sunday was “A Great Supper” taken from the book of Luke 14:7-24. Bro. Ricky made the focus verse 16 for the main topic of his sermon. Take time to read these verses from Luke.

We had several celebrating birthdays this week: Madison White, Joyce Moates and Vickie Cummings. Anniversaries included Jeremy and Jessica Taylor.

Missy Mandrell will be in charge of the children’s church for this Sunday. Nursery workers are Wendy Avery and Pricilla Winslett.

Remember the marriage of Tabitha Parker and Jeremy Bowman on Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. Mt. Carmel Baptist Church family and friends are invited.

Youth event on Friday, August 1. Supper and bowling leave the church at 6 p.m.

Our Bible School commencement on July 13 was great. We are thankful for all the children that attended and the ones that were saved.

Sunday night service was a blessing. Bro. Ricky baptized five people: Carl Watley; Libby Warren, daughter of Jon and Crystal Warren; Keyla Davenport, daughter of Ryan and Rita Davenport; Kyle Griffin, son of Jeremy and Shanda Griffin; Turner Watley, son of Wade and Jennifer Watley.

We welcome all the visitors in our service, families and friends of the baptized are always welcome.

Our prayer list continues to be long. Please remember Leatrice Liveoak, as she is in the hospital. Pray for the program our pastor is working on at this time, “A vision for Mt. Carmel.”

Come join us in our services.