“And Hannah prayed, and said, my heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased; so that the barren hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He riseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifeth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed” (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

Thought for the week: “Hold Me, Jesus”

“Hold me, Jesus, when I’m sad and things are, oh so wrong; help me see beyond the hurt — place in my heart a song. Hold me, Jesus, when I cry and see the world through tears; comfort me with whispered words that drive away my fears. Hold me, Jesus, let me feel the wonder of Thy love; as I lift my eyes to Thee, send peace from up above. And when at last my heart is still, your loving arms around me, let me look upon Thy face and see Thy wondrous glory!”

The United A.M.E. Church in Verbena will celebrate its annual Family and Friends Day Program on Sunday, July 11 at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Sammie Nelms is Pastor. All churches are invited.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service by the youth choir with Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lowery directing. Songs sung: “Glory Hallelujah, “God is a Good God” and “Honor and Power To God.” The scripture was read by Freddy Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes and Shawn Bailey.

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme was “Building An Effective Church, Not a Building.” Talking about the church inside you: Is your building complete? How do you build an effective church? Start with yourself. Mobilize and get ready for the service; equip folks. Show love and respect for your pastor and you will be able to create peace among the brothers.

Don’t be indifferent about your church. Let your light shine and glorify God. Accept correction and guidance, have a desire to bless the person over you and encourage them. Create peace in and around the church. Warn people who just don’t care. Comfort the feeble-minded people who are quitters on God and won’t go unto the ends support the weak. People are afraid of change.

At the same time, be patient toward all men, and know that nothing happens overnight. Have a vision to help people.

Have foresight and insight to help people. Become empowered — ask God for help, and remember, you can’t do God’s business and leave God out. Trust God to bring these thing to pass.

The service concluded with the benediction led by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers:

Bertha Gates, Nathaniel Shortridge, Joseph McCall, Flora B. Franklin, Lee Anna Worthey, Queen Worthey, Earl Davis and Joe Ann Gill. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

–Emily Agee’s column appears each Thursday.