Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson focused on Revelation 18.

The morning message was taken from Luke 2:8-14. We began the service by lighting the Second Advent candle of love. Bro. Shannon then shared the story of the shepherds receiving the Good News of the birth of Jesus by the angelic host. Through this sharing of the Good News, God showed the shepherd three important facts: First, God knew them and they were important to him. This was important to the shepherds, as society often deemed them uneducated, dirty and low in stature. God shares that same fact with you and I today through the birth of his Son. Regardless of what others think, he knows us and thinks we are important.

Second, the shepherds were reminded that their lives mattered because God loved them. In fact, he loved them so much that he sent his only begotten Son into the world to become their Messiah. The same is true for you and I today. Jesus came into this world in flesh and died on the cross for our sins. Why? John 3:16 reminds us because of his great love for us.

Finally, God reminded the shepherds that their faith really mattered. They returned from Bethlehem praising God and telling others what they had witnessed. So it is true for you and I. As we come this season to experience the Christ child, our faith matters, and we should share the Good News with others. Reminding us that God thinks we are important, loves us and believes our faith matters makes Christmas a season of love.

Bro. Shannon closed the service with the words of the great Christmas hymn, ╥Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down.╙

Our Sunday evening Bible study focused on James 3:1-18.

Happy birthday to Kristen Harris and Affie Martin.

Happy anniversary to Jackie and Ernie Parker.

We invite everyone to join us for worship at Lime Springs. Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship at 11; evening Bible study at 5; and Wednesday night prayer meeting at 6:30.

For more information, please call 755-4950 or 755-6356.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene Hitchcock╒s sermon was from Matthew 28:18-20. The sermon was titled, ╥Missions Are╔╙

We are to make disciples of all people. The Lord is with us always to the very end.

During the evening service, Bro. Gene╒s sermon came from Luke 2:1-10, ╥No Room for Jesus.╙

Happy birthday this week to Raymond Powell, Pauline Little, Donielle Cleckley and Ruby Jones.

Prayer is requested for Ruby Jones, the McCalls, the pulpit committee, unspoken requests, the Dyriece Croft family, Gene Lowery, Elise Lowery and Frankie Bowers.

Upcoming events:

Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.: WMU pajama Christmas party at Regeana Funderburk╒s home.

Dec. 12, 5 p.m.: the adult choir will present their Christmas music, ╥I╒ll Be Home for Christmas.╙ Following the music we will share a meal in the fellowship hall. Please join us.

Dec. 19, 5 p.m.: our youth will present their Christmas play, ╥The Christmas Invitation.╙ Want a blessing? Don╒t miss it.

The ladies had a wonderful trip to visit the Amish community in Ethridge, Tenn. on Saturday.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

On this cold but beautiful Sunday, we entered a warm building with candles glowing in the windows and the Advent Wreath waiting for the lighting of the Second Advent Candle. This second candle is the candle of love. When the candle of love is combined with the candle of hope, you have created a powerful force.

The Advent Calendar of Devotions uses the story of Ruth to illustrate two kinds of love: ╥the love that is expressed through family loyalty and the love that exists between a man and a woman.╙

Ruth is depicted as one of the ancestors of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that they can demonstrate they are his followers by loving one another.

Dr. Mac Stinson took his scripture from Isaiah 11:1-10. The sermon title was ╥There Will Be Peace.╙

We need peace in the world today more than anything else. But war continues because there are people who do not want peace. Thus, our wish is not the wish of the whole world.

The 20th century has been a time of war. War should be a last resort because Christ says we are all brothers and sisters of one big family. But sometimes we have to go to war in defense of our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Wars are fought with many different names, in many different places and for various reasons. Wars have been fought somewhere during my entire lifetime. We are longing for peace. Will wars ever cease? Yes, according to Isaiah (read Isaiah 11:6-16).

Our hope for peace on earth and life eternal afterward had its beginning in the birth of Jesus more than 2,000 years ago.

As we approach the Christmas season, let us continue to pray for all who are dealing with health problems, our military, their families, our country, our church, our community and each other.

Sunday night Bro. Mac and Glenda hosted our church family in their Christmas home fellowship. BeeBee Sammons hosted our ladies Christmas coffee and dessert at her home Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

Plans are underway for CIMC╒s live nativity scene. See next week╒s paper for details.

Our Carols and Candles Service will be Sunday night on the third Sunday of Advent beginning at 5 p.m.

We welcome our visitors this week and invite them back.

A note from our church bulletin: ╥Without the light of Jesus, we would be in the dark about God.╙

Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

Sunday we observed the Hanging of the Green Service. Our sanctuary was beautifully decorated by our young people as Christmas carols were sung and the meaning of the evergreens and decorations were told by Holly Smith, our director. The evergreen shows life even in the winter months. Christians take this as a symbol of the everlasting life ╤ unending life, when we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The choir special was ╥Mary Had a Baby.╙ It was a very special song from our Christmas cantata. You are invited to come and hear and see our program, ╥The Christmas Song,╙ on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

Our church had received a letter and prayer request from Bro. Roger Vines and his wife. Bro. Derrell read the letter; it was all about Bro. Vines╒ mission work and his request for our prayers. Remember Bro. Vines and his work as you pray.

╥The Most Important Decoration Of Them All╙ (Matthew 3:1-12) was the title of Bro. Derrell╒s message for this Sunday. Repentance is the most important decoration of all. We focus on the nativity scene, the star, the Christmas tree, but the most important time of the season is when we open our hearts and homes to the Lord Jesus. True repentance is pouring your heart out to the Lord and truly repenting of your sins.

Congratulations are in store for our college students that will graduate this month, Jeffery Lockhart, Danielle Ault and Landon Lowery. We pray God╒s blessings on you.

We are very thankful for all that had a part in our fellowship service Sunday night. After a short devotion and song service, we gathered in the fellowship hall for a bountiful meal and pounding for our pastor and his family.

Saturday night, Dec. 11 at 6 will be our WMU Christmas party at Cattleman╒s Restaurant. We will be doing a money tree for a needy family. Everyone is invited. Husbands and wives, please come and take part.

As the week goes by and Christmastime is coming, remember to pray daily for each other, pray for all the names on the prayer lists everywhere, and especially our service men and women. Call Derek Griffin╒s name in prayer; he and his unit left for overseas duty this past week.

Take time to go to church somewhere every Sunday. Give God the praise for your life and all the blessings. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

The Celebration Choir sang, ╥Can You Hear the Angels Sing╙ for their special music Sunday.

Bro. Brad Eubank preached the morning message, ╥The Call to Stand: Be Certain╙ from 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

The evening service was our first Super Sunday Night and international missions emphasis on what God is doing around the world.

The Golden Agers held a luncheon and soup and chili supper and had a great day.

Remember, Wednesday night is family supper night, along with prayer meeting, choir practice and programs for all ages. The Outlet for students begins at 6:30 p.m.

Pray this week for Kennly Hunter, Ralph Smith, 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, Jessie Easterling, Melton Short, Gladys and Charles Bryant, Ricky Kendrick, Vickie Knight, Jessie Easterling, Brent Jackson, Renee Taylor, Hershel Blalock, Mary Ann McGee, Mary Bellman, James Harris, James Smith, Talon Hunter, Cody Carroll, Myra and Pete Burnett and Hunter Moore.

Pray for all families who lost loved ones, those affected by cancer, our shut-ins and the people who are in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Happy birthday this week to Chris Baker, Matthew Eubank, Dalton Spigner, Antonio Chavez, Halle Pegram, Tori Potts, Tammy Wingard, James Moore, Bel Baker, Christy Harmon, Trey Norman, Laylon Hayes, Caleb Mims, Rhea Burnett, Wendy Glasscock, David Acker, Marie Smith, Charlene Yeargan, Rebecca Eubank, Pam Shepherd, David Wilmoth and Robin Crawford.

Happy anniversary to James and Norma Willis.

Next Sunday our Lottie Moon offering goal is $13,000. Let╒s reach it. Remember our Lottie Moon post office; mail your Christmas cards.

Next Sunday night at 6 p.m. our Celebration Choir and older children will present ╥Voices of Christmas.╙

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus.

Cedar Grove

Our morning service began with Brother Steve Price leading the congregation in singing “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” followed by “Joy To The World.”

Ken Robinson is a little better but keep him in your prayers. Also remember Dollie Price (Steve╒s mom), all the sick and shut-ins, spoken and unspoken requests.

Gary Hubbard, Amelia Hubbard and Alton Russell sang ╥The Lighthouse╙ for our special song during the morning service.

Bro. Jeff Carroll╒s message was entitled ╥Everlasting Kingdom╙ and came from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

The song of invitation was ╥Kneel at the Cross.╙ The altar filled with praying and being prayer for. We had a wonderful morning service.

The evening service began with some good toe-tapping, hand-clapping songs, ╥Where the Milk and Honey Flows╙ and ╥Heaven╒s Jubilee.╙ Alton Russell and Amelia Hubbard blessed us by singing ╥God Will Do the Same For You and Me╙ followed by ╥Who Touched Me.╙

Bro. Heath Vines╒ message, ╥How My Life Represents God,╙ came from 2 Timothy 2:9.

Chris Cleckley sang the song of invitation, ╥The Anchor Holds,╙ and several went to the altar for prayer.

It was good to have Betty Robinson with us Sunday morning. Ken is very sick; keep him in your prayers.

We are proud to display the Christian flag and American flag on each side of our church sign. Bro. David Bullard and Bro. Ralph Hayes are responsible for them.

Dec. 19 is our Christmas program scheduled for the evening service. We will let you know the exact time next week.

Our Christmas supper is Saturday night at 5:30. The men need to bring a $5 men╒s gift and the ladies a $5 ladies╒ gift. They will be put together unmarked and we will play dirty Santa. We are also having soup, sandwiches and desserts.

For more information, call 646-2390.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

As Brother Willard read the prophecy as recorded in Isaiah 11:1-10, we were reminded that the small helpless baby will not be the way we see Jesus when He returns.╩A powerful leader, cutting through the false teachings of the day with the Sword of His Holy word, Jesus will command every knee to bow and every tongue confess when He returns. ╩

We will have no more earthquakes, wars, drug abuse, famine or disease when we come into the full knowledge of our Lord. ╩In this the second Sunday of Advent, the Snow family added a candle of peace to our wreath that was lit last Sunday with the candle of Hope.

Next Sunday at 11 we continue our Advent lessons. ╩Mark your calendars for Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. and join Rocky Mount as we praise and worship our Heavenly Father with a drama presentation by our youth department. ╩Following this drama, we will have a special visitor, then snacks. ╩Call our church office at 688-2204 for more information.

Bethany Baptist Church

Memory verse: ╥Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool╙ (Isaiah 1:18).

Bro. Aubry╒s message concerned being blinded by Satan taken from 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.   The devil has many, including God╒s people, blinded; he is still ╥the prince and power of the air.╙ The devil is a powerful individual and we need to be constantly on guard against him.   He can blind people to the goodness of God, the guilt in our souls, the gift of God and the word of God.  He can also blind us to the fact that hell is a place of suffering, and to the glory of heaven.

Happy anniversary to Henry and Myra Moore (on Dec. 19).

Prayer list:  Lillian Burkhalter, Sherry Cooper, Jean DeLoach, Ashley Friday, Jack Friday, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, our military, Larry Miller, Nell Mims, Billie Neeley, Pvt. Josh Peppers, Jesse Wallace, Pastor Wallace; revival in America.

Don╒t forget the Reason for the season!

Samaria Baptist Church

Today was our celebration of our pastor. We enjoyed a wonderful slide show of photos from him since he was a baby, and throughout his and Ms. Patty’s lives together.╩ Several members of our church stood and shared what Bro. Charles means to them and their families, and there were times that emotions were high.╩ Our pastor is there for us when we need him, and he doesn’t seem to notice that he’s not as young as some ministers, because he is devoted to tending his flock.╩ We are so thankful for Bro. Charles, and his family, and hope we have him as our pastor for many years to come. Not a single family has not experienced his devotion and love when losing family members or having serious illness. Charles Brooks is a prayer warrior, and with his guidance we have improved in our prayer lives at Samaria.╩ May God Bless you all this Christmas season.

If you need a church home or just a stirring sermon from this awesome preacher, please join us at Samaria Baptist Church at 9:45 and 5 on Sundays.╩ Prayer services are Wednesday at 6:30.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the end of our service today, and of course, that is something we Baptists thrive on.╩ God bless you all.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Sunday was a beautiful winter morning in the sanctuary, which was decorated to celebrate the second week of Advent. The worship service began with a prelude by Joan McGriff and Norma Popwell, ╥I╒ve Got the Joy.╙ Joy was in our hearts during the responsive reading.

The ladies outreach luncheon will be Tuesday at Magnolia Rose; we will meet at the church at 10:30.

Walnut Creek brought home first place for best float in the Clanton Christmas Parade and contributed the $150 prize money to Raleigh╒s Place. The Nativi-tea Saturday was a great success and raised $500 for Raleigh╒s Place.

The Kempter family will present a Christmas concert Sunday at the 11 a.m. hour. Charlotte Mims and Edward Easterling will be joined in holy matrimony in our sanctuary Saturday at 6 p.m. A special thanks to Debbie Popwell and Ray and Myrtice Enfinger for the beautiful pieces of decorations.

It was a special time for the lighting of the second candle of Advent. Bro. Tony called Myrtice Enfinger up to the altar and announced she was brought to the same altar 90 years ago as she was baptized into Walnut Creek UMC.

Our celebration hymn was ╥There╒s a Song in the Air.╙

We welcome new visitors David and Tonya Horn.

Prayer is asked for Ruby Duke, Bill Ekes, Buddy Baker, Marylin Popwell and Lavada Attaway.

Bro. Tony brought his message from the Gospel of St. Luke. ╥The world needs shepherds today,╙ he said. ╥You may not be as perfect as our Lord and Savior, and it may be only one, but you will have a flock.╙

The Bible said they left the 99 and search for the one ╤ why? Because he was lost. We don╒t have to go to the other end of the earth; there are those right here in Chilton County that need to hear what a child of God should be able to tell them. Two things happened: Jesus gave his life and his father accepted it.

The world needs dedicated shepherds that will say, ╥Send me, God. I will walk the way.╙ Come to the light!

The benediction was brought by Bro. Jim Popwell.

A wonderful meal was enjoyed at our monthly building fund meal.

Mt. Springs

What a brisk and beautiful Sunday morning it was as at Mt. Springs as we gathered for Christmas breakfast in the fellowship hall. ╩Thanks to everyone who had a part in preparing it. ╩Everything was delicious.

We had wonderful fellowship with each other before Sunday School. ╩The attendance for Sunday School was 82 and we wish happy birthday to Candace Cleckler and Florence Vanderslice.

Brother Don╒s scripture text came from Isaiah 55. ╩╩He began the message talking about invitations and the type of information they include. ╩This led into the invitation Isaiah gave to the people of Israel and the invitation that God gives to the world. ╩The invitation is to ╥Everyone who thirsteth.╙ ╩The cost of the invitation has already been paid by Jesus Christ on Calvary, and there is no admission fee. ╩The invitation is no good to us unless we accept it. ╩The directions for accepting the invitation are ╥Come in repentance.╙ We must repent of our ways and our thoughts. ╩Where are we invited? ╩Our invitation is to heaven, but the invitation does not last forever. ╩If you do not accept now while He is near, there will come a time when your heart will be hardened and you will not feel God╒s touch. ╩Call upon Him now while He is near and mercy is offered. ╩Don╒t wait until it is too late.

Sunday night, we had a beautiful Hanging of the Greens service. ╩It is always a special experience to watch the sanctuary transform for the celebration of Jesus╒ birth. ╩Much hard work goes into this program and we give thanks to all those involved in it. ╩Come join us during this Christmas season.

Service times: 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.

Mars Hill Baptist Church

The Sunday sermon came from the book of James. I find the book of James has some very good instructions for living. The choir set the tone for worship with their singing.

We still have several out because of sickness, injury and surgery. Always remember to pray for people going through trials. It’s always a comfort to know that someone is praying for you.

Next Sunday night we will be having a time of fellowship and finger food. We always enjoy these times and they are special to us. Come join us at 5 p.m.

Dec. 19 will be a big and busy day for us. The adult choir will present “O Holy Night” in the morning service and then Sunday night the children will present their program. Also on this day we will take up our Lottie Moon offering.

We have our Angel Tree. This is for children in our church or neighborhood who would not have Christmas if we didn’t help out. It is truly a blessing to be able to give to others. Times are hard for everyone right now and young children don’t understand the problem of finances. We need everyone in the church who can to help with this project.

Have you ever wondered just what love is? I recently received this. There was a 4-year-old boy whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” Sometimes love does have to help us cry.

Our Sunday School is at 10 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m. Children’s Church is during this time. Sunday night Discipleship Training is at 5 p.m. and Evening Worship at 6. Wednesday night Bible Study is at 7. Come join us for any and all these services. You are always welcome at Mars Hill.