Christ Independent Methodist Church
On this beautiful first Sunday of the New Year, Dr. Mac Stinson took his scripture reading from John 1:1-18. Both John’s Gospel and Genesis share the same profound beginning informing us that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Then, Dr. Stinson proceeded to build his sermon on the dynamic power of words, illustrating that power with specific examples of words and what they exemplify, such as soft words that sooth, encouraging words to build on, angry words that lead men into battle, eloquent words that inspire, etc.
Some words stay in our hearts forever once spoken for better or worse. Three little words, “I love you,” bring joy, but change one word to say, “I hate you,” and you have words as lethal as a bullet to the human psyche. That is why the love of God is so important to us. God never changes. Jesus is the word of God. He came to earth to make God accessible to us.
Dr. Stinson says, “God whispers in our ears when we come to church.” Listen for his voice.
Our Sunday night service was a word-for-word drama of the Gospel of Matthew. This was a continuation of Gospel scriptures.
Jan. 24, missionary Andy Bowen, his wife and two small children will be our guests. Join us to hear firsthand of the work being done on the mission field.
We request your prayers for Dr. Mac Stinson III, Jim Ellison, Melvin Crowe, Horace Carden, Mable Mitchell and Marie Williams.
We were so pleased to have Kathy and George Lutza from Ohio attend our church and grace our fellowship activities with their presence while visiting their son, David, and his wife, Michelle.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
Happy New Year! 2010 is here and apparently ready to make its appearance known. There is so much sickness right now. We wish blessings and quick recoveries on the large number suffering from colds, flu and other such ailments. We also ask for special blessings for those suffering from many illnesses and accidents that are much more serious. Be with these patients and their caregivers as they deal with the special circumstances of each.
For Sunday’s sermon, Bro. Willard shared with us a love story. Not the usual type story you would label as a love story, but still the story of great love. After Saul had broken Joshua’s solemn oath to the Gibeonites, it was with great regret that David complied with their request and took seven descendants of Saul and executed them. Rizpah, the mother of two of those executed, braved fierce heat of summer to protect the bodies she loved from the jackals and vultures. Respecting such grief, David gave the remains an honorable burial in the family tomb of Kish. What a turn of events and all because of one woman’s love. God loves each of us, sinners that we are. Open your heart and let his love work and show through you.
“It’s Sew Fun” will continue for 2010, beginning on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 9:30 a.m. Come join us for fun, food and fellowship.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church
Happy birthday this week to Fay Cunningham and Austin Wood. Happy anniversary to James and Naomi Gillespie and Wanda and David Bullard.
Bobby Jones is doing better. He is home from the hospital now and hopefully recuperating. Bro. Earl Caton is not doing too well at this writing. Sis. Ellen Ruth Scott is doing better. Bro. Jim Scott is not doing too well. Our pastor’s wife, Sis. Sandra, had surgery this week, so pray for her that she continues to improve.
Please pray for all these as well as our military, leaders, and the families that have loved ones who have gone on to be with Jesus.
Bro. Jeff preached a good sermon, “The Work of God,” from Ezekiel 37:1-13 and Ephesians 2:1-6. Several went to the altar to pray and be prayed for.
Sunday evening, we had a wonderful testimony service and anointing service. Bro. Heath Vines preached a good sermon, “The Best is Yet to Come,” from John 2:1-11.
We had a great day at Cedar Grove. Even though our attendance was down as far as church members are concerned, it was brought up by all the new visitors.
We are located three miles south of Thorsby just off County Road 37. For information, call 646-2390.