“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the Lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny” (Matthew 20:1-10).

Thought for the week: “The Master of My Fate”

“He is the Master of my fate – he knows what’s best for me. I stand at His command and wait to learn my destiny. Two roads He gave me in my life, two ways in which to go. One led to darkness and to strife and one to sunshine’s glow. I took the wrong road at the start, not giving it much thought, but soon I learned with heavy heavy heart the pain that it had brought. But then, I saw just up ahead a sign in letters bold; a crossroad that I took instead and there, found joy untold. ‘twas there I met my Savior’ He helped me understand that life is sweet where’er we meet if you but hold His hand. He is the Master of my fate — he knows what’s best for me. No longer do I stand and wait…I found my destiny!”

Announcements

Union Baptist Church in Clanton will Honor their musician Freda Thrift tomorrow at 11 a.m. This will be Freda’s last Sunday at Union, and Pastor Hunter and the church congregation is asking everyone to come out and make this a special morning for Ms. Thrift.

Bro. Henry Witcher will Preach his first sermon tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Clanton. The Rev. Melvin Hunter is pastor. All ministers and churches are invited.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville will have their annual Watch Night service on Dec. 31 beginning at 10 p.m. until midnight. The Rev. L.C. Young is pastor. Everyone is invited.

Union Baptist Church in Clanton held their Christmas Noel Pageant on Friday, Dec. 19 sponsored by the youth department. The winners were: Little Miss Noel: Alyson Spence; Junior Miss Noel: Lesley Harton; and Miss Noel: Ariyan Sawyer.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture, songs and testimony.. The scripture was read by Papa Nunn with prayer by Rev. Dukes, Carl Singleterry and Steven Nunn. Songs sung: “I’ll Fly Away,” “I Have A Right To Praise” and “Amazing Grace.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “What Are You Waiting For?” God has already died for you (John 5:1-9). Are you two steps away from a miracle? Turn your attention to Jesus. Are you depending on other folks? Don’t depend on others; they need help also. Don’t wait for a special event; tomorrow is not promised. Waiting produces idle time. The time is when you make it. Stop waiting, doing nothing and produce nothing. What are you waiting on? Don’t always compete for a blessing, and don’t focus on the competition. Focus on Jesus, for he can bless all at one time. If it’s God’s will, you will be blessed. He came to give life more abundantly. Rise, take up your bed and walk, God has already blessed you. You are only two steps away from peace, joy, a financial breakthrough and some two steps away from salvation.

Remarks and the benediction were led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, Lee Anna Worthey, Milton Bryant, Queen Worthey, Wilbert Underwood, Sam and Vivian Hicks and Joseph McCall. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.