Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson focused on Revelation 12:1-17.

The morning message was taken from Hebrews 12:12-17 on the importance of making sure we finish our spiritual race without stumbling or becoming fatigued. One of the main problems we often face in running our spiritual race is trying to drink the wrong things when we become thirsty. Too often we try to mix the things of this world with the things of God.

Bro. Shannon reminded us that, like orange juice and chocolate milk, some things just don’t mix! Only drinking pure and undefiled water will satisfy our spiritual thirst. That source of satisfaction comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is the same living water Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the Well of Jacob. Bro. Shannon invited everyone to come to the altar and leave behind the things that don’t mix with a righteous life, drink of the living water Jesus offers, and depart running the race before us with confidence and energy.

Our Sunday evening Bible study was cancelled so we could hold our annual Charge Conference at Walnut Creek UMC.

Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship at 11; evening Bible study at 5:30; and Wednesday night prayer meeting at 6:30.

For more information concerning Lime Springs, please call 646-2399 or 755-4950.

Mt. Springs Church

The song service began with “Jesus is Coming Soon,” “Heavenly Sunlight,” “Sweetest Song I Know” and “Getting Ready to Leave This World.” Then Bro. Roger Cleckler’s devotion was from 1 John 3:1-3, 2:28. How many people believe in the Second Coming of Christ? The answer is about 60 percent. We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are ready to meet him. Are you ready?

Kelly Bice sang a great song, “I Keep Praying.” What a blessing. It doesn’t matter what we are going through, Christ is our only answer.

Bro. Don’s message was taken from Genesis 42:21-22, “Meeting Our Sins Again.” Just because we think we are getting by with our sins, they will come back to us. God has given us a memory, and it can either bless us or curse us. It will remind us of what we have done in our lives. The only way that God will not remember our sins is if they are covered by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Confess your sins to Christ and turn from them and he will forgive you.

Sunday night we sang from one of the old books we have at church. They look ragged and some of the pages are torn, but the Lord blesses each time we sing those old songs.

Bro. Kenneth’s devotion was from Psalm 46:1-2. God is! That is all that matters. What a wonderful time of testimonies.

The Johnson family sang “He Calms Me.” They always do a great job. We always miss Roger when he has to work, but God worked a miracle for Roger this Sunday and kept him protected from serious harm. We praise him for that.

God moved on Geneva’s heart and she sang “Did I Mention” with Roger Cleckler and Ricky Cleckler helping her. The Spirit began to move and the altar filled with people praising him.

Bro. Roger Cleckler sang “Thank You Lord for Your Blessings On Me” and “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” How God blessed in our little church. It seemed like the Spirit moved across the church. If you have never been in a service like this, it is hard to explain how God blesses people.

Bro. Don wanted us to sing “What a Day That Will Be” and to encourage each other that we love them and are praying for them. If you don’t have a church, we welcome you to Mt. Springs. Our service times are Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m., worship at 11, evening service at 5:45, Wednesday night youth service at 6:45 and adults meet at 7. Come be with us.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a great time of worship and fellowship with our Lord. It started with a song of praise followed by prayer, after which we went into our classes for Bible study.

The choir opened the morning worship hour with “Trust and Obey,” and the choir special was “Victory in Jesus.” We also had a special from Tina Littleton, “Then Jesus Came.”

The Rev. Oneil Cleckler’s morning sermon was from Matthew 18:11-14 and John 16:7-11, “Search and Rescue.” We all know the story in Matthew of the Shepherd who left the 99 sheep and went to look for the one that was lost. Sometimes as Christians we lose our way and need God to search out our hearts and rescue us. We don’t realize sometimes that we are lost because we have lived on that crooked path so long that it seems normal to us. But thank God that he is on the job and knows when we stray.

Zaccheus climbed the tree out of curiosity to see Jesus, but Jesus was on a search and rescue. He called Zaccheus by name; he was the one Jesus was looking for.

Peter denied Jesus three times and Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected. Jesus came out on a search and rescue to find him and he found Peter fishing. You see we can’t hide from Christ. He knows just where to find us.

Bro. Cleckler’s evening study was in Revelation 9:13-18. As the sixth angel sounded, a voice came from the four horns (four large projectiles protruding from the four corners) of the altar. It is God’s voice saying, “Loose the four angels that are bound in the river Euphrates.” These are demonic angels who God is giving power to kill a third of the population. They will loose an army so massive it will be impossible to stop. The army will be 200 million and they will move all at one time. The sad thing is that no matter how much pain and death they cause, people will continue to worship the evil and demonic things of this world.

Visitors are invited to join us for worship and fellowship.  Sunday School is at 10 a.m.; morning worship at 11; Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. and evening worship at 6.

The Church of God’s Word

Bro. Jimmy Langston opened with prayer this Sunday. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Nicole Edwards.

We need to be like Moses and keep on going. The closer to time for his return, the harder it will get, so we need to be on our toes at all times and get in the presence of God.

Our Sunday School lesson came from Galatians 1:1-24. Be sure that God is pleased with what you say and do. Work on your life and try to encourage others to work on their lives. If we waver to the left or right, we should repent.

God loves us. His only Son died on the cross for us. We need to be as children of God and go to him.

Sis. Marie Williams closed our service with prayer.

Please remember our street ministry in prayer this week.

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “The Longer I Serve Him.” Bro. Gene Hitchcock’s message was from Ephesians 2:1-10. The message was titled, “Alive But Dead: Dead But Alive.”

Because of God’s great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.

During the evening service, Bro. Gene’s sermon was from Ephesians 2:11-22, “What a Difference Christ Makes.” Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The cross got us to embrace. He created us as equals and so made us equals. Through him, we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.

Our children went to the Pumpkin Patch after the morning service. They certainly had a great time.

Our fish fry will be Oct. 23 beginning at 4 p.m. Plates include fish, baked beans, slaw, bread and dessert (eat in or take out) for a donation of $6. Tickets are available from any member of the WMU. Proceeds go to the building debt of the church.

Our annual Christmas village trip is scheduled for Nov. 4. We will leave the church at 7:45 a.m. See Regeana Funderburk for tickets.

Happy birthday to Regeana Funderburk and John Jones.

Happy anniversary to Gene and Peggy Hitchcock.

Prayer requests: Unspoken requests, Bradberry family, Faye Powell.

Mars Hill Baptist Church

Eternity is a trip we all go on. It has two destinations, heaven or hell. Which will be your destination?

Sunday was a most beautiful day to praise God. Have you looked at all the colors of the leaves? Not all of us can take a trip to the mountains, but we can all look out our doors and see the glory of God all around us. Just take a drive out to the river, and you will see that each tree is more colorful than the last one. How can one not believe in a much higher power?

We were rather like the “walking wounded” at Mars Hill this past week. There were casts, crutches and stitches with everyone being thankful they were as well off as they were. These accidents could have been a lot worse.

We welcome our visitors to Mars Hill and invite you to visit if you are looking for a church home. Our worship opportunities are Sunday School at 10 a.m., morning worship at 11, Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. and evening worship at 6. Choir practice is after Sunday night services. Wednesday night services are at 7 p.m. We invite you to come worship with us. We are located at 4301 County Road 42 West, Jemison. Children’s church is during the regular Sunday morning services. Their leaders report a great response from the children.

Our fall festival will be Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. Bring your children for a time of good, clean, safe fun. We have started our Operation Christmas Child project, and our goal this year is 75 boxes. We need the help of everyone to make these events and projects a success.

Remember us and all our churches in your prayers.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday, Dr. Mac Stinson took his scripture reading from Luke 17:5-10, and his sermon was titled, “The Power of Faith.” This scripture states, “And the apostles said unto the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” This statement brought forth the well-known words of Jesus equating faith with the grain of mustard seed. Faith being the hallmark of our religion often times indicates that we need to put into action the faith that has been given to us rather than a total lack of faith.

We are told that faith can move mountains if we have sufficient faith. Faith, like all other virtues, must be nourished.

We request continued prayers for Dr. Mac Stinson, his wife Glenda, Adell Edmondson, Kelly Parker, Cindy McCavitt, Jean Gilmore, Wilma Ellison, Opal Miller and the Kade Bradberry family.

Pray for our country, military, their families, our church, community and each other. Traveling grace is requested for family members who are on the road and present.

We welcome our visitors always and invite you back.

Our one-dish dinner will follow our morning worship service Sunday. We invite you to join us for fellowship shared over food.

Bible study resumes Wednesday night. Join us for this time of learning more about the Good News shared in our Bible.

Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

Our morning service began with opening prayer and welcoming our visitors. It’s always good to have visitors come worship with us. You are always loved and welcomed.

Bro. Derrell entitled our morning message, “Making a Choice,” taken from John 6:66-67. The questioning disciples; some went back and walked no more with Jesus. Jesus is the Bread of Life, know today that you have eternal life. Jesus said, “He that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.”

Wednesday nights at 7 will be the Bible study for the adults, youth Bible study and drama practice, and children’s choir practice.

Please remember the emergency assistance food collection project during the month of October. Your help with this project will be appreciated.

On Oct. 29 we will have Trunk or Treat for the children. Dress up in your costumes for this event.

Fellowship night will be Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. There will be old-fashioned congregation singing, solos, duets and special music. Finger foods and refreshments will be served following the singing.

We want to thank everyone that helped with the supper last Friday. We served the Isabella High School football teams and coaches.

Sunday night’s message was taken from 2 Chronicles 20:20-24, entitled, “How Singing Praises Can Move God.” Jehoshaphat was king. He told the people to praise the Lord. He appointed people to sing unto the Lord. These were songs of praises of beauty, of holiness. They were placed out in front of the army, and the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, and they were smitten.

God will take care of all. Bro. Derrell asked the church to come together with singing praises for the Lord.

Please join us in prayer for the sick and shut-ins. We ask that you call Danny Childress’ name out to the Lord as you pray. God will answer our prayers if we only ask. More time in prayer and in God’s house will bring better times in our own homes and lives.

See you in church Sunday.

Bethany Baptist Church

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Sunday morning Jeanette Jessop and J. C. Collins sang “Where the Roses Never Fade.”  Bro. Aubry’s sermon was taken from Galatians 4:1-7 concerning the fundamental truth about salvation.  The Jews were not saved just because they were Jewish; neither are we saved by just belonging to a church.  Romans 11:6 says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.”  Remember, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Upcoming events:  A special offering for widows of deceased ABA pastors; Oct. 31, Fifth Sunday service and meal; November, our Thanksgiving offering for missionaries; goal $1,800.

Happy birthday this month to: Jean DeLoach (10th);  Shirley Wallace (16th), and Barbara Miller (22nd).  Happy anniversary to James and Jean Gray (23rd).

Prayer list:  Lillian Burkhalter, Sherry Cooper, Lela Mae Courtney, Ashley Friday, Jack Friday, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, our military, Nell Mims, Billie Neeley, Pvt. Josh Pepper, Aubry Wallace and Shirley Wallace; rain, revival in America. Please pray for the family of Mildred DeLoach.

See you Sunday!

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Our call to worship was “The Family of God.”

Our fall festival is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Nov. 7. We will celebrate Myrtice Enfinger’s 90th birthday. Also, a youth sponsored spaghetti lunch will be held Oct. 24.

Our theme for the month of October is “Reflection.” We should reflect Jesus in our everyday lives.

Our celebration hymn was “Open My Eyes That I May See,” and the choir sang “Welcome to the Family.”

Prayer is requested for the Bradberry family.

Taylor played football in Maryland this past week. We are so proud of our youth as they are off to college. We pray that they will be safe.

Also pray for Evelyn’s great grandson during an upcoming test, and remember Jerry Woods, Buddy Baker, Marilyn Popwell and Lavada Attaway.

Our speaker this week was John Sherrer, truly a great man of God who brought us the message, “Called to Serve and Witness” from John 15:1-8. Bro. Sherrer told us that even though these words were written thousands of years ago, they apply to us the same today. He pointed out that the word “abide” appeared eight times in these few verses, so it must be very important. We know that abide means, without objections and that as we serve and witness we must worship, and that worship is not optional. People of God; that’s us — are we just standing on the premises or are we standing on the promises? Are we fruitful or are we hanging on? We must not let the attitudes of the world penetrate the church.

We don’t need any “secret agents” in the church, we must “tell it on the mountains.” Don’t look for the short cuts, stay on the main highway; too many people want to be served by the church but don’t want to serve in the church. What is God going to do with you? God has a plan for you. It’s never too late to serve God. You have never had this much experience before! What a future and it still lies ahead. We are judged every day. We should be hoping to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

After being fed the word, we enjoyed a fantastic meal by the good cooks of Walnut Creek.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our morning service began with fellowship and congregational singing. Special music by the Celebration Choir was “God Says You’re Gonna Make It.”

The morning message was from 2 Timothy 2:1-13, “Be Strong in Grace.”

During the evening service, Roy Martin and Cleve Mallory sang “I Will Follow Christ” for special music. Our message was from Daniel 3:1-30, “Crumbling Culture.”

Wednesday night is family supper at 5:45. There will be prayer meeting, choir practice and The Outlet program for youth.

Pray this week for Charles and Gladys Bryant, Jeremy and Valerie Bradberry family, Sue and Robert Bradberry, James Moore, Terry Johnson, Kacy Barrett, Jean Hucks, John Porter, Clyde Smith, Brent Jackson, William Jacks, Glenda Mims, Pettus Smith, Cathy Patton, Anna Clemmons, Barbara Caruthers, Mildred Atkins, Candy Cleckler, Hershel Blalock, families who have lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, out shut-ins, and residents of nursing homes.

Happy birthday to Cameron Wright, Brandon Blow, Destin Ellison, Beau Battaglia, Hope Wilson, Michelle Wright, Cathy Willis, Emily Powell, Grady Cobb, Joy Smith, Eddie Salim and Kyle Pack.

A wedding shower will be held for Gary Paul Hand and Tracy Cooper next Sunday, Oct. 24 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus.  God is so good.

Jackson Chapel

Bro Gary Fant got the morning worship started off with “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “Amazing Grace.” During prayer service there were several people that came forward to be anointed and prayed for, and the Holy Spirit was truly present.  Gary McKee blessed us with a beautiful song, “These are Just a Few Questions I Have.” Bro Dennis’ text came from 2 Kings 5:1-14 with a message entitled “Better or Bitter.”  When we as Christians go through things in our lives, it will either make us better Christians or bitter Christians.  When we ask God for something and he gives us no for an answer, we don’t need to turn bitter but we need to realize that he has everything in his control.  We also need to get our heart right with God and we won’t have to worry about turning bitter when bad things come our way.

Bro Gary Fant got the evening service started off with “I Want To Be Ready To Meet Him” and “Victory In Jesus.”  Bro Gary Fant sang “Come Rest A Little While,” Glenn Riley sang “Take My Hand Precious Lord” and Bro Dennis, Angel Bavar and Wanda Chadwick sang “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary” and “What A Beautiful Day,” and these were a blessing to everyone present.

We were blessed to have Bro Jimmy Wilson from Glascow, Ky. to come and preach to us. His text came from 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 with a message entitled “The Great Escape.” The God that we serve will give us a way of escape for every situation we go through.  The things we go through here on earth are temporary, but if we would just hold on a little longer, these things will come to an end when we get to heaven.  When we face situations in our lives and people we come in contact with see that we’re not going to quit, that enhances our witness and makes us better Christians.

The service ended with an awesome altar service and the Holy Spirit was present in a mighty way.

Happy birthday to Leona Patterson.

Please these as you pray this week: Bro Dennis Smith, the Earl Davenport family, Janie Smitherman, James and Marie Johnson, the Bradberry family, Herschel and Marie Rhodes, Margie Waites, Gary Fant, Danny Rhodes, the Paul Bryan Edwards family, Jerry Castleberry, Janice Jones family, our lost loves ones and our service men and women.

Samaria Baptist Church

What a beautiful day for worship at Samaria Baptist Church.  Our prayer concerns focus on Wendy Stone; Kade Bradberry family; family of Ms. Linda Silas’ sister; Paul Johnson and family; and the Donna Howe family in her death.  We offer up a praise report for the healing of Mike Hahn. His pet scan showed no cancer, and we praise God for this good news.

Our pastor’s sermon text was from Nehemiah 1, entitled, “Prayer of a Righteous Man.”  Nehemiah was not a prophet or priest, but he was a man that God used from his position in the Persian empire.  When God has a work to do, He always has a tool by which to accomplish this work.  Christ chose 12 disciples, and they did the work to fulfill God’s plan. God designs plans, and knows who he needs for a specific task; he will make the person fit for the task.

He always chose those who He knew would abide in Him.  Even Judas, had a God called purpose, to be the one to betray Jesus. Affliction is necessary to endure as we serve God, and embrace His will for our lives.  Men and women come to the church and give their lives to Jesus, and many may be saved elsewhere due to the witness of a faithful Christian testimony.

Nehemiah was used because of his faithfulness. Moses was chosen this way, and never took credit for the things God was doing in people’s lives.  Nehemiah’s prayers and pleadings to God were for His blessing on Nehemiah’s people.  He prayed over the desolation in Jerusalem.  His pleadings to God were done in humility and giving God all the glory for any good thing that was accomplished.

Let us all remember something about our Lord and Savior.  When He makes a promise, he keeps it. He knows our hearts–He knows our minds, and our desires and sins.  He already knows all this; but He wants us to speak our wrongs to Him, asking for His forgiveness and cleansing.  Nehemiah exhibited the broken-heartedness of a leader who loved his people, and repented before God, as he prayed in all humility.

Brother Floyd Collins sang our special music, “Mansion over the Hilltop.”

Please visit with us at Samaria, especially if you need a loving church family to call your own. May God bless those who have great need, and may we always know that God is blessing us no matter what may come.