Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene’s message was from Ephesians 6:10-20 and was titled “The Whole Armor of God.” We must put on the full armor of God so we can take a stand against the devil’s schemes. When the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground. We need to stand firm with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

During the evening service, the message topic was proper behavior for children and parents.

Our children have been working very hard on the upcoming Christmas play, which will be Dec. 19. The title is “The Christmas Invitation,” written by Andrew Liles. These plays get better every year. Please join us.

Our gift project for Thanksgiving is to help provide a meal for five families. Last week they asked us to bring boxes of macaroni and cheese and stuffing.

We are also buying gifts (unwrapped) to deliver to Hatley Health Care for the residents of the nursing home to choose to give to their families for Christmas. Deadline for this is Dec. 3.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry to send shoebox presents to needy children worldwide. We have brochures to give guidelines and suggestions for items to be included and things not to include.

Our annual harvest dinner will be Sunday, Nov. 21.

Dec. 4 we will leave from the church at 7 a.m. for a day trip to Etheridge, Tenn. to visit the Amish community.

Happy birthday to Richard Barton, Mary Foshee, Wayne Wyatt and Jane Cleckler.

Prayer requests: Juanita Staggs, Ralph Price family and Faye Powell.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday, Dr. Mac Stinson took his scripture reading from Luke 21. His message was “Jerusalem the Beautiful City.”

Across the ages people have been drawn to this city. Then as now, Jerusalem has been seen as a gateway to that part of the world. It comes as a shock when walking through this old walled city today to see signs reading “money changers” outside buildings, not signs informing you that a bank is located within if you need to withdraw money, cash checks, etc. Jerusalem, then as now, has always been declared a holy city by three major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jesus, being a Jew, has declared Jerusalem his favorite city and the Jewish people his chosen ones.

At the time Jesus lived on earth, Solomon’s Temple crowned the temple mount. Josephus, ancient Jewish historian, has written extensively of this temple and its grandeur. Few buildings today can even come close to the size of that temple that was destroyed about 70 A.D. when 97,000 people were taken captive, not counting those killed. Luke tells us in 21:6, “As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Today all that remains of that temple is a stonewall that was part of the temple wall foundation. Jesus called the wall the “Western Wall.” People who are not Jews refer to it as the “Wailing Wall.” Jews go there still and weep as they pray for the lost temple and wait looking forward to the rebuilding of the same. Their faith is so strong that their prayers will be answered that they have furnishings for the new temple ready and waiting for it.

In Luke 21:8, Jesus tells us, “Take heed and be not deceived by those who will come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ.’ Go not after them.”

We are all in God’s hands, and he is great enough to handle us all. Don’t be misled. The end will come, but we have been given a road map to escape the holocaust if we believe and follow that map.

When you pray this week, remember the Shelby County family who lost a mother and two of her three children in a terrific automobile wreck.

Pray for Christian people around the world and in our own country who are being persecuted.

Remember the following: Kelley Parker, Aiden Parker, Opal Miller, Wilma Ellison, Jean Gilmore, our military and their families, our church, community and each other.

Our harvest dinner Saturday night was a wonderful time of fellowship shared over a bountiful meal. We thank all our guests and invite them to visit us whenever their schedules allow. We thank our own members who provided the food and other services for the meal.

Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

God blessed us Sunday with two wonderful sermons. We loved and enjoyed worshiping together with our church family and visitors as Bro. Derrell spoke to us from Job 1:6-22 and 2:8-10. His message was entitled “Our Duties While in the Valley.”

Our first duty is devotion to God. Let nothing come between you and the Lord. Job lost everything, even his sons and daughters, but Job fell down and worshiped and said, “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

We will observe men’s day Sunday. Remember to be much in prayer for all our men that will teach a Sunday School class or take part in singing in the choir and other services for our Sunday morning worship.

On Sunday night, Dec. 5 we will honor our pastor and his family as we combine pastor appreciation day and our harvest supper after the Sunday night service. We encourage all our church family and visitors to take part in this fellowship.

“Marks of a Mature Christian” was the title of Bro. Derrell’s sermon for Sunday night, taken from Ephesians 4:11-22. To be mature Christians, we cannot be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. Speak the truth in love, put away lying, speak every man in truth; for we are members one of another. One day we will become as perfect men unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

After a great sermon, the children marched up the church aisles to the altar, bringing all our filled shoeboxes for the dedication service of Operation Santa Claus. A chain prayer was held as the boxes were placed on the altar. Thanks to all that had a part in this service.

The Sunday morning service was closed with our people gathering at the altar to pray for all our prayer requests, one especially for Bryant Robinson and his friend. Their guardian angel was watching over them this past week in their accident. We are thankful no harm came to them.

God bless you this week, and we always offer a special invitation to you and your family to come worship with us.

Floyd Baptist Church

We were honored to have with us Sunday Brother Larry and Judy Felkins; we really appreciate all that Bro. Larry and Mrs. Judy do for our association and our churches! Bro. Mike brought a message entitled “The High Cost of a Free Gift” from Romans 6:23. We recognized our veterans and thanked them for their service. Many today think that they can earn their way into heaven, which is totally against God’s word; it is a gift that no one can earn, but it comes at a great price. It cost God the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. It cost Jesus having to leave heaven to come to earth as a man and face all that we have to face along with the limitations of a fleshly body, and it cost Him being mocked, tried, beaten, tortured and executed through crucifixion. It also cost those of us who accept Jesus as Savior. Many today think that salvation comes with “no strings attached,” which is incorrect. We have to live a life pleasing to God, denying self, and accepting the responsibility of taking the Gospel of Christ into the world.

Sunday night Bro. Mike brought us a message on “How to Ambush Your Ai” from Joshua 8:1-35. The people of Israel suffered a great defeat at Ai because of the sin of one man. However, when that sin was taken care of, God sent His people back with His plan to take the city. Joshua and the people of Israel were able to go back and take the city of Ai by setting an ambush according to the plan of God, and that is a lesson that we need to learn today. God has given all Christians victory, the problem is many times we allow Satan to tell us we are defeated and we begin living as such. Why will we listen to the enemy and not believe the promises of the Father? If we will heed God’s word, follow His plan, wait upon Him in His time, and live the victorious life He promises us, we will be a much happier and productive people. Friends, stop listening to Satan tell you all that is wrong with you, all that you have done wrong, and how you can’t be a victorious Christian because of these things and start telling him what a glorious God we serve, who forgives our sins and loves us for who we are. Listen to God when He tells you that you are a victor, and then allow Him to fight the battles Satan brings along and you will see victory in your life!

If you would like to learn more about our Angel Food Ministry and how you can save on your grocery bill, call us at 205-294-1577. If you are looking for a God-loving, Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church where you will be loved, join us for Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., Discipleship Training at 5 p.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Wednesday night Bible study and prayer at 7.

Jackson Chapel

In the absence of Bro. Gary Fant, Horace Wyatt got our morning worship service started off with “I’ll Be Satisfied” and Keep On The Firing Line.”  We had a little special treat during the worship hour and we were blessed to have Bro Dennis, Wanda Chadwick and Angel Bavar to sing for us and as always they did a great job.

Bro Dennis’ text came from Matthew 21:28-32 with a message entitled “Second Chances.”  We should be thankful that we have second chances in life because not everyone is fortunate enough to get a second chance in life.  We are not promised but one chance, but we serve a merciful God that will allow us at some point in our life a second chance.  We as Christians at some point or another have all sinned, but we serve a God that forgives us, and all we have to do is ask him and he will forgive us.  The service ended with several coming to pray.

Happy anniversary to David and Stacy Mitchell.

Happy birthday to Linda Varden.

Please remember these as you pray this week: the Margie Waites family, the Gary Fant family, James and Marie Johnson, Janie Smitherman, Herschel and Marie Rhodes, our service men and women and our lost loved ones.

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.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Sunday we held a baptismal service for Lena Wilson, Kelsey and Lena Cox, Kristal Gray, Renee Wingard and Dylan Chavers.

The Celebration Choir sang “So High the Price” for their special music Sunday. The message from Bro. Brad Eubank was “Be Firm In His Word” from 2 Timothy 3:10-17.

Sunday evening, we held a baptismal service for Sonya Norman. The evening message was from Daniel 6 and titled, “Follow God No Matter What: Stay the Course” by Bro. Brad.

Also, Jeff Pack joined our church by letter.

Wednesday night is family supper at 5:45 p.m., followed by business meeting, The Outlet for students, and choir practice for adults and children.

Pray this week for Nate Jones, Katrina Thrasher, Caleb Mims, Kacy Barrett, William Jacks, Glenda Mims, Pettus Smith, Cathy Patton, Rita Brasher, Don Knight Sr., Billy Ray Mims, James Smith, Vickie Knight, Jessie Easterling, Brent Jackson, Renee Taylor, Hershel Blalock, Mary Ann McGee, Mary Bellman and James Harris. Pray for all families who lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, our shut-ins, and the residents of nursing homes.

Happy birthday this week to Roger Yeargan, Jeremy Headley, Ashlyn Willis, Wilma Thomas, Peyton Blalock, Jerrica Wells, Marshal Green, Haley Cleckler, Sara Kate Emmerich, McKenna Battaglia, Chris Arnold, Tamara Poarch, Gary Jones and Makenzie Edwards.

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus. God is good all the time.

Cedar Grove

News will be short and sweet this week. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we didn’t make it to the evening service.

We had a wonderful Sunday School lesson entitled “The Birth of Samson.” The lesson came from Judges 13:8-16, 24, 25.

Golden text: “Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing” (Judges 13:4).

Bro. Steve Price led the congregation in singing “Everybody Will Be Happy Over There” and “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.” The choir blessed us with several songs.

We were very sorry to hear about the passing of Rosemary Carroll. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to John and the rest of the family.

We have many on our prayer list. Bro. Ken and Sis. Betty Robinson, and Hayley, Roger Perry’s daughter, who was in a bad accident; keep her lifted up in prayer. There are many others that God knows all about.

Happy birthday to Clay Collins and Cody Belk.

Bro. Jeff brought a good message Sunday that went along with the rest of the service. The message was entitled “What a Prayer of Dedication Can Do.” His text came from 1 Samuel 1:1-28.

Master Jacob Heath Vines, son of the Rev. Heath and Freda Vines, was dedicated to the Lord Sunday. He had a host of relatives to be with him, including grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They all came to show their love for him and the Lord.

We had a great service Sunday with wonderful singing and preaching; just a great day to be in the house of the Lord.

Next Sunday will be our pastor appreciation day, old-fashioned day and Thanksgiving dinner. Come dressed old timey, bring a covered dish and join us in the festivities.

For more information, call 646-2390.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

David Florea is accepting gifts for Jimmie Hale Mission, for those who wish to donate a Thanksgiving gift to the needy.

Nov. 17 will be our nursing home ministry, and on Nov. 21 we will observe Hanging of the Green at 6 p.m.

Remember the following in prayer: Jerry Gilliland, Doris Maddox, Peggy Cleckler, Jean Worthington (Gail Nettles’ mother) Moses Powell, Taylor and Mary Peyton Hughes, Margilena Erkes and Lavada Attaway.

The invocation was brought by Bro. Tony, and our celebration hymn was “O For a Thousand Tongues,” followed by the affirmation of faith and time for children presented by Diane Handley.

Special music by the choir was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” followed by “Holy, Holy Holy” and “Blessed Be the Name” (John 9:24).

The message by Bro. Tony was based on the word “praise,” our theme for the month of November. It would be difficult to define without exploring a wide range, but four definitions are used in the teaching of the New Testament: 1) to celebrate God in song; 2) to give honor to God; 3) to give adoring thanks to God; and 4) to give tangible praise to God. The greatest praise of all is giving of yourself!

When we think of how we give praise, there are more ways beyond these definitions. In fact, there is a multitude of ways of giving thanks for the things that God has done for us.

Praise God for all things, in all things give God the honor and praise. When things seem to be going bad for us, we must know that God is still there. A part of praise should be prayer; a part of prayer should be praise — God will be there all the time. You may not be able to see it in the windshield, but you can see it in the rearview mirror. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. We are called for the purpose of God. How is your praise life?

Our regular Building Fund Lunch was moved back to this week. The food was great as always; these ladies can really cook. If you don’t have a church home, we would love to have you at Walnut Creek.

Mars Hill Baptist Church

After hearing about God’s goodness toward us, I began to wonder about out goodness toward God. Do we even remember to say “thank you”? For instance, we pray a simple enough prayer, “Please help me with this pain”, “Please send us a good soaking rain.” Then when the pain gets a little easier and we have a good rain, do we say “Thank you, God”? As with our own children when we do something for them, wouldn’t it make us feel so much better to hear “thank you”?

Nov. 19 and 20 our WMU and Youth will be having a huge yard sale in the fellowship hall of the church. Come and go shopping; there will be bargains for everyone.

Our church wide supper was wonderful. Just to be able to smell that food brings back memories of being a child when Mama would roast a chicken and Grandma would make a fresh coconut cake. Perhaps if you were lucky you got a bit of the milk when she stuck a hole in the coconut. Thank goodness for the deli, but it sure has messed up old-fashioned cooking.

We have several out with sickness, injury, surgery and deaths in their family. Please remember to pray for people who are going through these trials, next week it could be you and you will certainly need your church family.

Come visit us for any and all of our services. Sunday school is at 10 a.m., Sunday morning services at 11 a.m. with children’s choir at this time, Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. and Sunday night services at 6. Also, Wednesday night Bible study is at 7. You are always welcome at Mars Hill.

See you in church Sunday.

Samaria Baptist Church

“If any man put others ahead of me, he cannot be my disciple.”  Jesus bore the Cross for you and me. “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?  We were all represented there when Jesus died for you and me.  Jesus ministered to the children and they were drawn to Him.  “Let the children come unto me.” He hears our prayers and He alone can answer the prayers we pray.

“The Cross Of Redemption” was our pastor’s message Sunday.  Jesus is the answer of things to come. Christ died for all of us, and that leaves nobody out.  He was humble as a Lamb headed to the slaughter.  Seek the Face of God, repent of our daily sins, and seek cleansing everyday. These are directives to live by.  Salvation comes once, but sin cleansing must be daily as we live in a sinful world.  When Jesus cried, “It is finished,” he meant his suffering was over for us.

Our prayer concerns are James Earl Smitherman, James Milford, Wendy Stone, Chase Brown and our military all over the world.

Eloise Voyles played piano for us Sunday night, and we certainly enjoyed this.  The importance of the local church in a community is astounding.  Jesus provided parameters for the church’s formulation.  He says the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.  By preaching the Gospel, people’s hearts are convicted, and they come to know the Lord.  By our faithfulness we are known a testimony of Christ.  Jesus gives us gifts to help services along. Gifts of God provide for those He calls to service.  He doesn’t always choose the prepared, but He certainly prepares the chosen for His work in our world.

Jesus died for all who will come to Him.  We know not the day nor hour He will come. Trials that Jesus suffered when mocked by men didn’t stop Him from laying down His life for mankind.  As the thief on the cross received a promise from Jesus to be with Him in Paradise, we also can be there if we merely accept Him, repent of our sin, and admit that we need a Savior.  May God bless you all this week, and may you enjoy a peaceful and joyous Thanksgiving season.  You are always welcome to worship with us at Samaria.

Mt. Springs

The Sunday morning worship hour began with the congregation singing “Victory in Jesus.” We had an attendance of 72 and several of them are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.  We wish happy birthday to Rickey Cleckler and Jenny Thomas.  We also want to wish happy anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Vines and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bailey.  Rickey and Sherri Williams blessed us in song with “I’ve Got More to Go to Heaven for Than I Had Yesterday.”

We’d like to invite you to some upcoming events at our church.   Sunday night, Nov. 21, come out and join us in our Community Thanksgiving Service at 5 p.m.  It will be followed by a meal of your favorite soups, cornbread and crackers!  Please come and join us as we give thanks to the Lord.  Our ladies are having their monthly fellowship and Bible study this week, Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 in the fellowship hall.  Ladies, come out and join us for a guaranteed blessing.  The next thing you don’t want to miss is our “Hanging of the Greens” service on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.  Come and watch the sanctuary transform to its Christmas attire as we ready ourselves to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord.   The ladies will be having their annual Christmas fellowship/party on Dec. 9 at Michelle Coker’s house.  If you’d like to join in on the Dirty Santa game, all you need to do is bring a $5 Christmas ornament.  Our church is planning to have the annual Christmas party with finger foods and Dirty Santa ($10 gift swap) on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.  On Sunday night, Dec. 19 at 5:30, we will get to hear the Christmas musical that our youth have been working on.  They have been working very hard for some time now so I’m sure you will miss something really good if you don’t come.  We’ll be looking for you!

Brother Don brought a wonderful message from Psalms 19:7 entitled “The Law of the Lord is Perfect for its Purpose of Converting the Soul.” God’s word is holy and perfect.  The more time we spend in it, the more it will transform us into the image of God.  We will reflect Him to the world.

Sunday night, we were blessed by the reports our youth gave of their outing to SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology).  SIFAT is located in Lineville and is involved with mission training.  People from other countries come to them with problems such as needing clean water and needing a day care so that parents can work to provide for their family.  SIFAT will help them develop a plan and teach them how to carry out the plan when they go back to their home.

Our youth spent the night in a simulated village in Uganda, Africa and experienced a little bit of what it might be like to live in a place without the many luxuries we take for granted.  Listening to them made all of us a little more conscious of the blessings that God has given us here in America and how missionaries serving in other countries make such tremendous personal sacrifices when they answer God’s call to serve.   Everyone who made the trip enjoyed it and learned a lot about missions.

As I close out this week’s news, let me invite you to join us for Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Sunday morning worship hour 11 a.m., Sunday Evening Worship at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday night services at 7.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

The blessings were many Sunday at Rocky Mount Methodist.  The Sunday School class attendance was probably at its highest in a very long time.  This is always a great thing because so much is learned in these smaller, more intimate groups.

We were blessed to have as our guest, Phil Alfrey, a missionary serving in Europe and Asia who helps and ministers to teens of military families.  While this author really expected to hear mostly about the teens, their situations and the “job” of these missionaries, it turned out to be so much more.  The entire congregation remained captivated by Mr. Alfrey’s powerful message that included so many directions of trust.  Trust requires faith, obedience and response.  That trust was tested as we studied Luke 5:1-11 and also through his more current examples.  God is calling us to a place of trust.  We all must become fishers of men, just as Jesus told Simon and his friends.  Accept the challenge of speaking up in your community to share the love and blessings of Jesus.  Jesus asked Simon to do something he really didn’t want to do (go back into the boat and begin fishing again).  We all must step up to do what Jesus asks us to do…step up, go back into the waters of our community and continue to look for the lost souls.  Are you filling your life with everything but Christ?  While each of us cannot and should not go onto foreign soil to find a lost soul, we can try to touch the lives of those living right here in and around Chilton County and let them know that Jesus Christ is here for them.

You are invited to join us for communion on Wednesday evening, Nov. 24, the night before Thanksgiving.  We hope that as you celebrate Thanksgiving day next week, you will truly count your many blessings and rejoice in the freedoms you are privileged to have.  Go into the Christmas season remembering the real reason for this season and keep “Christ” in your Christmas!

We, at Rocky Mount, are here for you.  We invite you to join us and find out what Jesus has for you.