Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson began a series on the Hebrew names of God.

Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Acts 16:25-34 on how we may free ourselves from the things in life that bind us. Bro. Shannon reminded us there are many things in this world that can “imprison” us from doing the will of God. Sickness, depression, economic woes, loneliness and addictions are just a few of these things.

Following the example of Paul and Silas, we find three keys to unlock our prison doors. First, we must learn to pray. Second, we must praise God in even our hard times. Finally, we need to proclaim Jesus Christ to someone we find in a worse condition than ourselves. These three jailer keys — prayer, praise and proclamation — will unlock any prison door of life and set us free.

Our Bible study focused on the Lord’s Supper.

Happy birthday wishes to Mack Traywick and Judy House.

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 755-6356.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

God blessed us Sunday with a great Sunday School lesson and then two wonderful sermons. We loved worshiping together with our church family, friends and visitors.

Bro. Derrell spoke to us from Jeremiah 1:5, and the message was entitled, “Big Numbers — little ones.” God knew you, God picked your parents, and God loves you more than you love yourself. Out of all the 446 years of war catastrophes, abortion is a larger number, around 4,000 per day. Speak up for the “little ones.” Who will cry out for them? Why is it so important for us to speak out for these “little ones?” Because every one is created by God in his image and for God. God loves them.

Wednesday night Bible study is at 7. Read Proverbs 9, and come study the Bible with us.

Calling all workers and helpers: There will be a Vacation Bible School meeting Sunday at 4 p.m. Contact Holly Smith if you can help.

For men’s softball team signups, see Geoffrey Lockhart. The girls’ softball team will be combined with Liberty Hill girls. See Laura Liveoak.

Deacons, pastor and wives breakfast at supper will be Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Thorsby First Baptist Church. Reservations are due on Feb. 4.

We ask you to pray for the bereaved family of B.J. Lockhart. Our church family extends Christian sympathy to Jeff and Debbie Lockhart and their family in the loss of their brother.

Sunday night, Bro. Derrell spoke to us from Isaiah 6:8, and the message was titled, “Ready for Service.” Isaiah teaches us these words: “Here I am, Lord; send me.” The voice of the Lord may come in a small, soft voice, or as rolling thunder, but be ready and listen. God can fashion you for his service.

Our prayer is for God’s blessings to be upon you this week. Remember to pray for us and we will be praying for you. Please call these names in prayer as you pray: Minnie Mae Childress, Duvard Ray, Scotty Bright, Debbie Lockhart, unspoken requests, all the sick and shut-ins, and military personnel.

The Church of God’s Word

We are going to have a singing next Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Everybody is welcome.

Our Sunday School lesson came from Ephesians 5 and was about being Christ-like and walking in his ways.

We can talk about it with our mouths, but the way we handle ourselves tells the truth of how we live.

The message was brought by Bro. Jimmy Langston from John 14:1-7. The way to heaven is the word of God through Jesus Christ. We should love one another as Christ loves us.

The closing prayer was by Ruth Lewellen.

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “Redeemed.”

Bro. Gene Hitchcock’s message on heaven was from John 14:1-6. Heaven is so real; it is where we are meant to be. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The way to Jesus is to admit you are a sinner, believe in the Holy Bible and make a commitment to honor him.

Bro. Gene’s sermon for the evening service was from Romans 12:1-2. The title was “Doing God’s Will.” Bro. Gene spoke about living sacrifices to God. God’s will is with us. We must ask for guidance. His will is good, acceptable, pleasing and perfect.

Welcome back youth and adults from Gatlinburg. Praise the Lord, each came back safely. They got to see lots of snow and said it was really cold. They also visited with Gatlinburg Baptist Church.

The youth are ready for their fundraiser to “Give Kids the World.” We had such a blessed trip last year and are expecting another one this June.

On Sunday, Feb. 6 we will watch a movie, “Faith Like Potatoes.” Third grade and younger will have regular class during the movie.

Friday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. we will have a Valentine banquet with prizes and entertainment. Admission for couples is $15 and for singles is $10.

March 12, the Red Cross will be training people to work at an emergency shelter during a disaster, severe weather, etc. The training will take place here at Friendship from 9-1 a.m. There is no charge.

Also, our pancake breakfast will be from 7-11 a.m. The cost is $4.

Prayer requests: Helen Albert’s brother, Tiffany Moore, Jerry Milford, Ralph Sanders, Bill Tipton, Billy Joe Sanders, pastor search committee and Pauline Little.

Happy birthday to Martis Wyatt, Michelle Riley, Lauren Conradi, Brenda Conradi, Don Jones, Josh Cleckley, Alyssa Riley, LeAnn Walters, Jennifer Walters, Pam Jones and Jerry Wilson.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday we studied our fifth consecutive Sunday School lesson taken from Isaiah. These lessons have dealt with God’s repeated assertion that the Jewish people are his chosen people, but more importantly that Jesus came into the world that Gentiles might be adopted into the kingdom of God. Isaiah 49:6 says, “I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou may be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Isaiah contains chapters containing the so-called “servant songs,” which talk about the servant of God. Sometimes the reference appears to be meant for an individual, and sometimes to Israel or to Jesus himself.

Some information is too succinct to read once and pass on. Such are the following comments:

In reference to the Jews: “They are not afterthoughts in God’s plan. God chose them from their inception.”

“He grants that Israel is despised, even abhorred by the nations and is forced to serve foreign rulers in humiliation and disgrace. But this is not Israel’s final lot. Israel will no longer live in shame if she takes seriously her mission allowing God to gather his people and then send out as his light to the gentiles. Kings and princes will pay respect when that happens…the Holy One will not fail to accomplish what he wills to accomplish through Israel.”

God requires us to be his hands and feet on earth.

Remember to pray for our military, their families, our country, our community and for each other. Remember our pastor, Dr. Mac Stinson, Opal Miller, Wilma Ellison and all others dealing with health problems.

I request special prayer for the family, relatives and friends of Jeanette Mims Frost, who passed away at her home Jan. 21 following a lengthy illness. She will be a precious memory always to those of us who loved her.

We continue our study of Revelation on Wednesday night. This week we study chapter 5.

Sunday nights are devoted to a study of the book of Acts. We invite you to come study along with us. We welcome our visitors. If you were absent Sunday, know that you were missed.

Have a blessed week.

Cedar Grove

“Just a Little Talk With Jesus” was the beginning song of the service, followed by the good old favorite, “Where the Soul of Man Never Dies.”

Happy birthday to Chris Wyatt, Amelia Hubbard and Marie Popwell.

Brother Mark Lambert, president of the Alabama Methodist Protestant Conference, will be speaking here next Sunday morning, Jan. 30. He is an excellent pastor.

“Living By Faith” and “Everybody Will Be Happy Over There” were the songs to get everyone ready for worship service.

The choir sang several songs, and Jordan Harvely sang a special, “Lay Them Down.”

We have a praise report: Brother Ken Robinson is doing so much better, so is Ruth Kate Parr. Be much in prayer for Brother Dovard Ray, Brother Wendall’s father; he is in the hospital at this writing.

Our heart goes out to the Duren family in the loss of their loved one (my nephew) Ronny, who passed away Thursday in Macon, Ga. There will be a memorial service at Cedar Grove on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. More about it in the news.

We have talked about a revival (maybe spring), and we have three young men who plan on running a three-day revival. These are Brother Heath Vines, our assistant pastor; Brother Clay Collins, our youth director; and Brother Jimmy Flowers, who the Lord has called to preach. It will be an exciting time, and we are looking forward to it.

Brother Jeff Carroll  preached a good message Sunday; he is continuing the message on Christian influence (Matthew 5:13-16).

Brother Chris Cleckley sang the song of invitation, “I Wish We Had All Been Ready.” The altar filled, Brother Earl Caton was anointed and prayed for.

We welcome all our visitors, and we are so glad to have you. Welcome back Tabitha Wood and her husband Gary. We were glad to see Sister Ruby Neeley able to be back with us after a bout with the flu.

Well, I didn’t make it to the evening service, it was our fourth Sunday night singing. Every time I miss, something good happens. Little Mason McGuire sang “Jesus Loves Me” for the first time. Maybe we can get him to sing it again.

I was told it was a very good singing and that several went to the altar and several were anointed.

We hope everyone has a blessed and happy week,

Bible study is Wednesday night at 7 p.m. We are studying Romans. Come and join us, we would love to have you.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our morning service began with ministry opportunities and welcome. The fellowship chorus was “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know,” followed by “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

Jodie Bice presented special music, “If We Are the Body,” and the Celebration Choir sang “In the Cross Alone I Glory.”

Bro. Brad’s message, “Captivated By Our Calling,” was from Mark 8:31-38. We welcomed another soul into God’s Kingdom and our church, Blake Wess.

During evening worship, we sang “Every Last God,” “Great Are You” and “Majesty.” Bro. Cleve taught from 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:1 after our youth gave their testimonies from their trip to Tennessee.

Wednesday night is family supper at 5 p.m., prayer meeting, choir practice for all choirs, and youth gathering at 6:30 p.m.

Pray for Logan Lawson, Eudora Pastnic, Hazel Green, Alex Willis, Hazel Boswell, Nate Jones, Hunter Moore, Jean Hucks, Larry McCary, Iella Vance, Linnie Hathcock, Pete Burnette, Shorty Short, Bro. James Moore, Mary Cleckler, Candace Cleckler, Carol Hayes, Brent Jackson, Bill Tifion, Dale Gandy, Herb White, Susan Carter, Jasmine Smitherman, Bill Tipton, Wendy Bush, Joyce Moore, Lucia Terry and Wendy Beanmon.

Happy birthday this week to George Edwards, Donald and Ronald Spigner, Jim Mitchell, Hazel Boswell, Randy Thompson, Janet Willis, Rita Brasher, Tern Williams, Krystal Willis, Kate Ousley, Shae Williams and Syd Giner.

Sunday, Feb. 6 is the first supper and Sunday night singing. God has blessed us with talent.

Come worship with us and have a blessed week. Tell someone about Jesus. God is so good all the time.

Come worship with us at Bethsalem.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

“Pay Attention…Don’t Drift Away.”  That was the topic of our sermon Sunday at Rocky Mount.  Brother Willard shared words on salvation.  It is so easy to say, “I’m tired and I quit,” but salvation isn’t handed out to be put on the shelf and dusted off occasionally.  Once you accept Christ you can’t give up and quit working, you must continue to move forward.  The devil will work toward helping you push Jesus to the back burner, but you must work harder.  We all need to repent and clear the air on a regular basis because we are saved sinners.  Coming to church and being with fellow believers can help lift you up.  Our friends are there to help uphold each other.  Remember that your actions, your words and your deeds will help.  Your GPS might get you to the street address you’re searching for, but it won’t get you to heaven.  The Bible, with God’s help, will get you there.

Remember to read your Bible and to pray each and every day.  There is so much sickness all around us and so much pain that so many people are dealing with, both physically and emotionally.  God is there for all of us.

We invite you to join us at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 14731 County Road 51 in Jemison.  Call the church office at 688-2204 for more information.

Mt. Springs

Worship began with singing “Victory in Jesus” and “I’m Getting Ready to Leave This World.” Our attendance was 94, a really good crowd.

We wish happy birthday to Cathy Bailey and Anna Beth Gray.

Don’t forget to join us next Sunday afternoon at 2 at Hatley Health Care.

Please sign up for the Valentine Banquet to be held Feb. 12. Brother Tim Henry will be our guest speaker.

Debbie Barnett and Sam Ross blessed our hearts in song with “Somebody Prayed Me Out of Harm’s Way.”

Brother Don’s text came from Psalms 40:8 and 143:10, and he spoke on understanding God’s will in your life.

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is God’s Will for my life?”  Many times we ask this question when trying to make a decision, when tragedy strikes or when facing failure. When one seeks God’s will, they want to be in line with God’s plan for their life. Sometimes God’s will comes through circumstances we don’t understand.  It is not always clear to us, but the Psalmist said “I will delight in the will of the Lord.”  We should desire to get into the will of God.  It should be our prayer to know and do God’s will.  Sometimes our will is contrary to God’s will and that leads to a state of turmoil. There are three things that are in God’s will for every one of us, no matter who we are or what our circumstances are.

First, it is God’s will that we be saved.  He doesn’t want anyone to go to hell. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  When God wills something for us, He always makes a way for us to accomplish that will.  He hasn’t called us to be saved without making a way for us to be saved.  We are born in sin and separated from God. Christ was our substitute.  He died for the ungodly, you and me, that He might bring us unto God.  God wills that you be saved.  He sent His Holy Spirit to convince so that we might see our need and call us to God.  He sent His word to teach us and His love and mercy give us a desire to do His will. He sent the church that stands on the word of God and is pointing for us to look up to God.  He sent all these so that we can be in His will, to be saved.  He promised to forgive and save our soul.

Second, His will for us is to live righteously and holy.  His will for every one of us today is to strive for holiness.  To perfect something, you keep working at it.

Sometimes you may have to start over until you come out with the product that you want. He made a way for us to do that through salvation.  Salvation is more than being forgiven.  It is being spiritually born again, cleaned out and filled up with His nature.  If you have a new nature, you will follow that new nature.  This new nature changes our life.

Third, it is His will for us to serve Him.  He saved us to spare us from hell, to give us heaven, to give us a new nature and make us more like Him.  He gives us opportunities to serve Him.  Serving others is serving God.  When you’ve done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.  We all can help someone and serve God with the opportunities that he gives us and with what He has given us.

God will not ask you to do something without making a way.  He will enable you to do His will.  When you get right down to it, understanding God’s will isn’t complicated. Walk in holiness and serve others.

Through the Grace of God Ministries

This week’s morning hymns were “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.”

The morning sermon was taken from Mark 1:23, 3:11-12 and 5:1-20. Bro.  C.H. Nevett reminded us that men and women of God today must publish good news of Jesus Christ so that men and women, boys and girls might experience the joy of deliverance from sin and Satan.

We are called to go and tell story of what God had done for us.

This week’s events are as follows:

Jan. 27: fellowship clothing and meal, 5-6 p.m.; preaching with Tammy Gentry at 6 p.m. Tammy preaches with fire and excitement. Come join us and let the spirit of the Lord move you with her message. At 6 p.m. we will enjoy music by Fred Gentry with John Falotico.

Jan. 28: fellowship clothing and meal, 5-6 p.m.; singing by Gary L. McKee, Steve Roberson, Dena Bond and many others at 6.

Very exciting things are going on at Through the Grace of God Ministries. God is blessing us each day. We request your prayers that we may continue to grow.

We invite everyone to join us for worship. Sunday morning worship is from 9-10. For more information, call Bro. Ralph Bingham at 755-8199.

Through the Grace of God Ministries is a non-profit ministry working through the grace of God, providing services for those in need.

Donations may be made to Through the Grace of God Ministries by contacting Ralph Bingham.

May God bless you and your family.

Samaria

Our service Sunday was very special. God’s Spirit was moving in our hearts, and we had a visitor come to claim his salvation.  Our pastor’s sermon focused on the “I wills of God.”

God made himself known to us and promised us many things. He promised Jacob the promised land.  He promised not to leave us nor forsake us.  He always keeps His word.  God never disappoints. His answers to prayer may be yes, or no, or not now. But, he never fails to answer our prayers.  Jesus paid it all with His blood. We are not required to present blood sacrifices as in the older days.

God brings us out of bondage, and frees us from the persecution of the devil and his evil ones.  Our Father’s Spirit lives in us. He helps us with our burden. He lifts us up when we are down and out.  We are in the world, but not of the world.  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and we should not fear death.  Jesus is the only remedy for sin. Death ends life, but eternal life lives on.  In spite of how we are before salvation, we are forgiven and have mercy from Him.

America today has allowed the sins of the world to infiltrate every facet of life.  Homosexuality is an abomination to God. He hates it.  But he loves the person and will save them, if they will come to Him.  Preachers today are in danger of arrest and criminal charges when they condemn this lifestyle, and it is even in the category of a “hate” crime.  How awful to think that in America we can be condemned for trying to help the lost meet the Savior.  Pray for our nation and our leaders, even if they are not of our choosing.  Our prayer requests focus on Jerry Milford, Ray Hardee, James Earl Smitherman, Kay Wade family, and other bereaved in our area.  Of course we remember our military, and those families who have lost a fallen soldier.  May God bless you and yours. The Spirit of God is alive at Samaria. Please join us if you are looking for a place to worship. You will be our honored guest, and hopefully one of us.

Jackson Chapel

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Sis Marie Rhodes taught the Sunday School lesson entitled “Basis for Christian Ethics.”  Bro Gary Fant got the morning worship service started off with “At Calvary” and “There Is Power in the Blood.”  Bro Horace Wyatt blessed us with a beautiful song “My Real Home.”  Bro Dennis’ text came from Haggai 1:2-7 with a message entitled “Remember, Repent and Return.”  We as Christians need to remember what it was like when Jesus Christ first saved us and what joy we had.  As Christians we have to remember that things will happen in this life that will cause us to lose the joy we once had, but we’ve got to remember where Jesus has brought us from to where we are today.  Jesus does so much for us every day, and we don’t have time to quit.  The service ended with several coming to pray.

Bro Gary Fant got our fourth Sunday night singing started off with “When I Wake Up To Sleep No More,” “No Not One” and “Turn Your Radio On.” Bro Gary Fant blessed us with “I Like To Sing,” “Bro Horace Wyatt sang a beautiful song “How Great Thou Art,” Hannah Burnett blessed us with “New Day Dawning,” and Jenna Clark blessed us with “Do Lord” and “Jesus Loves Me.” Bro Dennis Smith and Glenn Riley blessed us with “God Had Been So Good to Me,” “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” “House of Gold” and “In The Garden.”  Bro Dennis Smith, Angel Bavar and Wanda Chadwick did an outstanding job as they sang “Glory Road,” “What a Meeting,” “I’ve Got Something to Praise God For,” “When My Feet Touch the Streets of Glory,” “They’re Holding Up the Ladder” and “I Hold a Clear Title.”  Angel Bavar blessed us with “It Is Well With My Soul,” and the service ended with Angel Bavar and Wanda Chadwick singing “Sweet Sweet Spirit” and people began to come pray as they were singing.

Please remember these as you pray this week: Geraldine Smith, Margie Baker, Devaughn Welcher, Janice Williams, Pearline Davenport, Jerry Castleberry, Myrtle Cleckler, our lost loved ones and our service men and women.

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.  We also have Kid’s Club on Wednesday nights at 7 for grades 1-6.

Mt. Pisgah

As usual, Brother Glenn Walker preached a wonderful summon on “How People View the Church.” He told us how we should celebrate our strengths and not our differences. We welcomed our choir back. There had been many out due to illness and travel.

This Sunday will be our fifth Sunday lunch at the church. It’s a wonderful time to eat and fellowship.

We have already started on our February calendar. Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. we will have a guest speaker from the Society of St. Andrews to share with us ministry opportunities. We invite anyone who is looking for an outreach opportunity to come join us. Our big event is to be held on Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. It’s the 22nd annual Easterling Singing. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy yourself. The cost is only $10 a person to hear some great Gospel singing.

Mt. Pisgah is now on the Web. To reach us about upcoming events or just to keep in touch, you may reach us at gbgm-umc.org/mountpisgahumc or by calling Teresa Walker at (334) 349-5725.