“Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies” (Psalm 54:1-7).

Thought for the week: “Just a Little More”

“Just a little more kindness to those you meet each day, and a little greater effort to aid them on their way. Just a little bit more sunshine along life’s weary road, just a little bit more ready to ease another’s load. Just to work a little harder for other people good, and to show a bit more friendship, my friend, that’s brotherhood. Just a little more determined to do the best you can, to help some other fellow and prove a friend to man.”

The United A.M.E. Church in Verbena will celebrate its annual Choir’s Anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Sammie Nelm is pastor. All choirs, groups and soloists are invited.

Pastor Faye King will celebrate her appreciation program as pastor of By Faith Christian Church in Jemison climaxing on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 3 p.m. All ministers and their churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs led by the praise team and members of the senior choir. Songs sung: “Come and Go To That Land,” “God’s Got Everything” and “We Need Your Spirit Now.” The scripture was read by Steven Nunn with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Bro Brown.

The morning message was brought by the Rev. Kenneth Dukes. His theme: “Things That Drive People Away from the Church.” Is your Church busy doing nothing? Are you growing as a Christian? Do you inspire learning and growth? Do you have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; do you have a Church that draws people? Does your love grow for others? Are you a busybody operating in the Church? Are you unruly?

There are right and wrong ways to work in the Church. It is wrong to work with purpose but not set goals. The right way is to work with purpose and set goals.

Don’t work with an attitude (read 1 Corinthians 10:32). Work for the glory of God; serve God in whatever you do without a bad attitude. Attitudes drive people from the Church. Everybody is not grounded in the Church; don’t work without consideration of God. Give thanks to God through Jesus. In all your ways acknowledge him. Do what your hands find you to do for him; work in a spirit of worship. Remember worship in isolation.

Two is better than one. A productive work is the result of partnership, so work together. Invite others to come in and help, especially new members. Don’t work to get all the credit. One sows and the other reaps. Work to get the job done, don’t work in your own authority. Live as a servant of God.

The service concluded with benediction and fellowship led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mr. Roy Rembert, Mrs. Lottie Underwood, Mr. Eddie Andrews and Mr. Nathan Pasley in their time of bereavement. Funerals are all Saturday, Aug. 16 as follows: Mr. Rembert at 11 a.m. at The New Jerusalem Christian Church in Calera; Mrs. Underwood at noon, at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton; Mr. Andrews at 1 p.m., at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Maplesville; and Mr. Pasley at 1 p.m., at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Verbena. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Mattie Nix, Linda Clay, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Lois Smith, William White, Luther Lee, Johnsie Walker and Nora Bell Barbour. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.