Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Is God fair? Taking us to Matthew and the parable of the vineyard workers, Brother Willard impressed upon each of us that our “deal” is directly with God and is never to be measured against His “deal” with anyone else. Thanks be to God for His Amazing Grace.

Sunday night youth continues to enjoy our Bible Wheel as we explore His word through questions and research in a Bible drill setting. Join us at 5 p.m. each Sunday evening for the fun.

Congratulations to Carolyn Dobbins, the winner of the “It’s Sew Fun” quilt. Created by the ladies during the Thursday meetings, it was colorful and full of individual memories.

Our youth group fundraiser is in process with a beautiful hand crafted quilt by Allegra Glasscock. The vibrant colors and intricate quilted pattern make this quilt an eye catcher. Contact any church member if you would like to make a donation to our youth department and get your name in the hat for the drawing next month.

Pates Chapel

What a great 95th year/Old-Fashioned Day celebration we had. Thanks to all the visitors who came and shared our special day with us. A very special thanks to Southern Pride for the wonderful music and songs they provided,

Selena Price, Ron Maddox and Bill Short did some fine singing too. T.C. and Shelia Cobb did a splendid reminder Of a Sunday Morning in 1913. Our senator, Hank Erwin, county rep. Renae Powers and husband Tom Powers were our guests. The Senator was our special speaker. Many thanks to him.

Donnie and Katina Hayes and their niece did a great job decorating the FSH and doing the balloon release with the children.

Sign Me Up did a great job making our 15-foot banner with all our photos on it. If you did not sign it, please do so as we plan to keep it for our century celebration Thanks to all who shared their pictures and to Beverly Hamm for working on this.

We appreciate Zach Hamm for the fine job on the sound system, our pastor Bro. Clint and music director, Bro Bill for their work and patience.

Debra Dowdy our pianist, Mark Hamm and Rusty Robinson and all who helped make this a great day. A special thanks to Tom Dowdy for sharing his vintage car, {a beautiful model A or T} with us.

Today 7:30 TIL approx 11:30 will be a work-day doing a few special things here at God’s house. Please come help with this.

This Sunday night we will be voting on the purchase of a 26-passenger bus for our church.

Remember to pray for the request on our prayer list.

Lime Springs United Methodist Church

We continued our study on Revelation in chapter 17. Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Haggai 2:10-19 on the problem that often faces people when they desired a blessing from God. It is so easy to allow sin into our lives simply because we associate sin in this world. For this reason we need to separate ourselves from unclean things of this world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and cleanse ourselves from all filthiness. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Our evening Bible study was canceled so we could attend the Pumpkin Patch Revival.

We invite everyone to join us for worship at Lime Springs. Our Sunday school starts at 9:30 a.m.; Morning worship at 11:00 a.m. Evening Bible study at 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday Prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information call 755-4950 or 755-6356.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday was a great and wonderful day at CIMC. We are beginning our fourth year as a newly organized church and the day was perfect in every way. The good Lord got us off to a great start by giving us a cool, rain free day and people who love our church did the rest. Homecoming was truly a celebration Sunday and celebrate we did.

The Stewart family from Tennessee sang before and after lunch. The Rev. Jim Webster from Florence preached from John 14 and shared his personal testimony.

Lunch was served in the fellowship hall and we want to thank each person who contributed to the meal. We also thank all who came to help us celebrate this occasion and share in breaking bread with us. We invite you to come again.

There are still people among us who need our prayers. We ask you to join us in prayer for Randall Miller, Rev. Osborne, Sarah McEwen, Alex Dawson, Mae Hunnicutt, and Ashley Stewart. Our praise report is for Don and Jan Hammaker who welcomed their newborn son, Jonathan Mason. Andon gives his vote of approval to his six pound brother.

Single Senior Lunch will be served at CIMC Sept. 28.

Continue to pray earnestly and often that the right man will be chosen to lead our nation in November.

Calvary’s Hill Church of God

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1

Sunday was our homecoming and we had a wonderful crowd. Welcome to all our visitors. Our special singers were Southern Joy from Mobile.

Bro. Larry Wooten brought the message, taken from Isaiah 49:15-16 and 59:19-21, which tells how God has us in the palm of his hand, no matter what we’re going through. We can’t stay on the mountain top all of the time because, through our valleys we learn to trust God and grow. Everyone has experienced some kind of trouble or pain in their life and when we get knocked down, Satan will do all he can to keep us there but we should always remember God has given us the power to tell Satan to back off. We’re kept by a “mighty strong hand” and no matter what the situation, God is able.

After the service we went to the fellowship hall to enjoy a delicious meal. There was no service Sunday night. We will be having revival with Bro. Wayne Rouse on Oct. 5-8 with service beginning at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 and 7 p.m. Oct. 6-8.

Remember to pray for 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 p.m. and Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The church is located on Ala. Hwy. 191, two miles outside Jemison.

Heritage Church of the Nazarene

What a beautiful Sunday! Our Fall Sunday School Drive continues to be a race to the goal of souls for Jesus. We welcomed wonderful visitors. Everyone is welcome at Heritage. The church is located at 610 Dennis Street, across from the school on Temple Road.

After inspiring Sunday school lessons, the worship service began. Bill Collum led the congregational singing. Christy Garrison sang “Undo”. Prior to the sermon, Amanda, Britney and Bobby sang “Nail it to the Cross.” The Rev. Aldridge began by asking, “Are you being held captive?” He stated, “None of us are living up to the potential God has for us.” Sometimes we are held captive by our own busy schedules. Jeremiah 29:11 reads “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” As we seek God with all our heart, He will bring us out of captivity.

Heritage Church feels honored of God that people of the community and surrounding areas are placing their prayer requests in the community prayer box located in front of the church. Each request is lifted up to God and He will answer. We serve God who cares and He will answer in His timing and perfect will.

In the evening service, Bobby, Britney and Amanda sang “He Left It All.” Rev. Aldridge spoke regarding “How do you win a soul?” This is our most important thing to do as Christians. If you profess Christianity in your life, you are a witness for Jesus Christ. The worst thing a person can do it to profess Christianity but not live it. Without conviction there is no salvation.

Sunday, Oct. 5, Heritage will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene. The Church of the Nazarene began October 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas. Everyone is invited to this service at 11 a.m. There will be a special video presentation, communion and food. Birthday cake and ice cream will follow the service.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

We had a great day of worship and fellowship with our Lord Sunday. It started with our Bible study in Sunday school. Our Children’s Choir sang two songs.

Bro. Ricky’s sermon was taken from 1 Kings 17:1-16 entitled “When Heaven’s Closed” by staying on course and having a healthy knowledge of God’s word, you can reach the goal (Heaven). The choir special was a very pretty song “Manna from Heaven.” We would like to wish a happy birthday to Phillip Campbell and William Childress.

Saturday, Sept. 27 the youth will go bowling. We will leave the church at 6 p.m.

We had a great evening service. The youth gave a message in their puppet show. Bro. Ricky’s sermon was the parable of the Good Samaritan, “Who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29-37.

As you pray this week, please remember the names on our prayer list. Pray for our country and each person in authority. It is time to get serious in our prayer and talking to God.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Mike preached from Hebrews 12:1-3. All the promises of God are for all of us. God promises to accept and forgive all who come to him. Confess your sins; give your all to God. Through Christ we have our riches.

Happy Birthday to Shirley Cordes, Alisha Headley Callahan, Brandon Hunt, Mary Wyatt, Lallie Wyatt, Randall Wyatt and Lindsey Popwell.

Sept. 28 – Oct. 1 Revival with Bro. Robert Griffin

Oct. 11 Bridal tea for Stefanie Pate at 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall. She is registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target and Crate and Barrel.

Oct. 15-19 Donjelle and Lisa’s class will visit the Amish in Pennsylvania.

Oct. 26 Bridal tea for Lauren Davis, bride elect of Derek Collum, from 2 until 3:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. She is registered at Macy’s, Target, Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Oct. 27-31 Senior Adult Mission Trip. They will be working with Dr. Ken Taylor in New Orleans doing “hands on” mission projects.

Prayer requests for Judy Mims family, revival, Elizabeth Funderburk, C.J. Smitherman, Candace Pate, John Mills, John Davis, our schools and our nation.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a wonderful time in the Lord today. The service started with song, followed by prayer then we went into our Bible study classes.

Our Sunday school lesson was about Samuel and the roles her performed in serving the Lord. Samuel was called by God to be a prophet while he was still a boy. Under the guidance of the Lord, Samuel told the Israelites what they needed to do to regain their faith and put their trust in God. Slowly Samuel brought the Israelites back to the Lord.

The choir opened the morning service with two songs. Rev. Cleckler’s message was from 1 Peter 3:13-16. “What are your priorities?” The bible tells us that if we suffer for righteous sake we will be blessed and we are not to be afraid of those who persecute us. Jesus said, “If those in the world hate me they will also hate you.” As Christians we are set apart from the world, but we have to live in the world. We will face many who don’t believe in Christ so we must be able to face the world with the knowledge of the Word. When we are asked questions about our Savior and what He did for us we must be ready to respond. So what are our priorities? We must put God first above all else. If we do this He will help us with everything else.

Our evening service was cancelled so we could worship, along with seven other churches, at the Pumpkin Patch Revival. We would love to see you there.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Bro. Brad Eubank preached our morning message, “Loving Completely,” from John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16. This message was part of a series from the book entitled “One Month to Live.”

Our evening message, “David: A Heart Like His,” was taken from 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7.

Prayer request list: Charles Bryant, Brandon Ward, Jared Duncan, Jean Pierce, Hilda Allen, Lois Terrell, Amy Hicks, Scott Harmon, men and women in service, missionaries, our country and leaders, Carol Hayes, Jim Dilar, all shut-ins, Lisa Smith, Larue Smith, Frankie Baker, Russell Green, Jason Hill, Nolan Calloway, Mary Ann Messer, Paul Powell, Beau Franches, Crystal Rhodes, Johnson family.

Wednesday night is family supper at 5:45, followed by Mission Night for all departments and adult choir at 7:30.

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

Bethany Baptist Church

Homecoming is tomorrow (Sept. 28). Singing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the morning message from Bro. Paul Gray. We will enjoy our usual wonderful lunch and sometime during the service Bro. Ralph will present his great PowerPoint presentation with pictures old and new for us to enjoy.

Sunday morning, Bro. Aubry spoke again from Ruth 3 a message entitled “Ruth’s Hour of Faith.” Sunday night “Being on the Firing Line” was Bro. Aubry’s message from Mark 12:13-34. Jesus was constantly on the “firing line” from many of the Jewish leaders who tried to entrap Him with His words. Bro. Aubry said that Christians today are in a spiritual war and many times it seems Satan is winning, but he said, “I have read the last chapter in the book. You can count on it: we are going to win!”

Please don’t forget to pray for those on our prayer list.

Upcoming Events: (1) Yellowcreek Association in Winfield Oct. 4; (2) State Meeting, Dothan Oct. 10-11; New Building Dedication, Heritage Mission, Haleyville, Oct. 25.

See you Sunday! Bring someone with you.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Things are really happening at Cedar Grove. More work is starting this week.

We had a wonderful day in the house of the Lord. There was a good crowd. We welcome Bro. Earl Caton’s daughters, Linda and Rita, and the other visitors. We hope you will come again.

Happy birthday to Earl Giles, Belinda Mozingo, Naomi Gillispie and Margaret Limbrick; and happy anniversary to Chris and Renee Cleckley.

We have a very large prayer list; God knows who they are but we ask you to pray for everyone on Cedar Grove’s prayer list and also our country, our economy, the elections, and the men and women in harm’s way.

Several were anointed Sunday morning.

Bro. Jeff preached a wonderful message entitled “How many devils are wanting to attach themselves to you?” His text came from Matthew 12:38-45.

The evening service was good too; if we could get everyone who comes in the morning to come back at night, it would be wonderful. It is just an hour and a half. You would see what a good message Bro. Heath Vines can preach. Sunday night’s text came from 1 Kings 18:41-46. The title was “Preparing for Rain.”

We had some good singing by Bro. Alton, Sis. Amelia and Bro. Gary; they would have blessed your heart.

Put this on your calendar: Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m., The Maharreys will be at Cedar Grove as our guest singers.

Tomorrow night will be our regular fourth Sunday night singing. Bro. Alton said he had a surprise guest coming. Everyone is welcome to sing a song or come listen to the others. We promise you will enjoy yourself.

Keep Jason Patterson in your prayers. He was put back in the hospital with pneumonia, and also Sis. Ellen Ruth Scott and Sis. Dolly Price.

Oak Grove Church of God

Bro. Northcutt took his text from Matthew 25:1-13, and his message was titled “Oil Shortage or Oil Glut.”

Many people think the idea of Jesus coming again is a joke! The reality is that one day Jesus is coming again and we will have to give an account for our lives. None of us knows when it will happen, but it will happen. He is coming again and let us not be caught off guard. Just as in this parable we must be prepared and our light must be shining when He comes if we are to go with Him. It was a custom in the first century that there was a settlement between the father of the bride and the groom when they became engaged. The church is the bride of Christ and our heavenly Father has made a settlement between Jesus and His bride, the Church.

The Bridegroom would surprise the bride with a trumpet blast to announce his coming to take his bride to his father’s house for the marriage feast. This marriage feast would last for a week. The groom had to wait until his father told him to go, for he had to have finished building the wedding house for the bride. When Christ comes to catch away His bride, the Church, He has to wait for His Father to say when to come for the Church. His coming will be announced with a loud command, the voice of the archangel and with a trumpet call of God. Just as the virgins in this parable we must be ready at all times even if His coming is delayed.

The foolish virgins in this parable represent those in the world today that Satan has tricked into believing that there is plenty of time but we do not know when He is coming. Therefore we must be like the wise virgins and be prepared for His coming at all times even though His return may be delayed.

If you do not have a church home we invite you to come worship God with us. 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.

Jackson Chapel

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

Bro. Dennis’ text Sunday morning came from Deuteronomy 28:1-14 with a message entitled “Still Blessed.” If we as Christians will keep God’s commandments, he will bless us in everything that we do. We are some of the most blessed people on the face of the earth and we take for granted what we do have. God wants us to bless us more than we deserve but we have got to live our lives to the point that they will be pleasing to him, because if we are not faithful to God he will not bless us.

The service ended with several coming to pray.

Sunday evening, Bro. Dennis’ text came from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

We are to be good stewards with things that God has entrusted us with. If we are going to be stewards, we have got to be faithful to God. God doesn’t save us to just sit on a pew; he has a work for everyone and we need to use it to the best of our ability to praise God.

Happy anniversary to Bro. Hershell and Sis. Marie Rhodes for 62 wonderful years of wedded bliss, and happy birthday to Melba Adams.

Please remember as you pray this week: James and Marie Johnson, Winston Cofer, Larry Don Williams, David Riley, Gina Lynn Riley, Jessica Wilson, Juanita Wyatt’s sister Glenda, Billy Burnett, Winston Cofer 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.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

After the invocation Sunday, Bro. Tony Hughes had a time with the children. This is always a special time in our service.

Bro. Tony’s message was from Matthew 7:1-14. We shouldn’t spend our time in judgment of others; that’s not our job. Spend your time trying to cleanse yourself. How can you see a speck in my eye with a two-by-four in your own?

Don’t throw that which is sacred to the dogs; don’t throw your pearls to the feet of pigs; they will trample and devour you.

From verse 13 Bro. Tony said, “Enter into the straight gate; for wide is the gate, and wide is the way that leadeth to destruction.”

But verse 14 says, “Straight is the way and narrow the way to life, and few there will be that find it.”

Bro. Tony cautioned, “Why are we just making our own rules as we go? You’re OK, I’m OK; everybody just has their own, let’s call them, “alternative lifestyles.”

These words in Matthew are the words of Jesus to the people of God: “If we are teaching our children any other way, we’re sending them to hell!”

Life is a quest to know more about God, but it seems as if some have learned as much as we care to know. Are you satisfied or as John Wesley said, moving to perfection? Are you on your way to a better way, or are you simply satisfied?

The beautiful flowers were placed in memory of Popa and Moma Gilliland’s anniversary.

We were happy to have Earl Easterling in our service. We missed Myron Littlefield; he brightens our day.

Communion is a very holy time in church, and as Bro Tony said this morning, “It’s our way of sharing.”

Prayers for the sick: Larry and Evelyn Stapp, Moses and Glenda Sue Powell, Lavada Attaway, Diane Handley and Jonnie Gore.

Continue to enjoy the Bible study Sunday night with Bro. Tony and Wednesday Nights with Bro. Jim.

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 p.m.

Come join us.

Pray for our sick people, the lost people, missionaries, those in the military and the leaders of our country.

The offering for missionaries Jim and Carol McGriff will be received through this month.