Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson continued on our series of the Hebrew names of God. This Sunday we studied Elohim, God the creator.

Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from 1 Kings 19:2-4 on how Elijah was a godly man who knew the importance and power of prayer. However, Elijah was also a man who had trouble facing his greatest fear. In this case, Elijah’s greatest fear was the threat Jezebel placed upon his life. Because of this fear, Elijah ran, hid and pouted.

Bro. Shannon reminded us there are many fears we might have in life, and our tendency might be the same as that of Elijah. Often we may want to run from our fears. Instead, we must face our fears by seeking God’s will for our lives. Sometimes we try to hide from our fears by putting on a mask or pretense. We ought to let Jesus light up the darkness we try to hide.

Finally, we often sit and wallow in self-pity when fears grip us. Instead of having a “poor, pitiful me” attitude, we ought to get busy for Christ. All three of these solutions center around Christ. This is why 1 John 4:18 is so true: “Perfect love casts out all fear.” When fear comes upon us, we must surrender it over to perfect love, Jesus Christ.

Our Bible study focused on faith.

Happy anniversary wishes to Billie Ruth and Alan Harris.

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.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday, Dr. Mac Stinson began his sermon by comparing the beautiful weather to that of Saturday, which he called, “A day of promise.” So it was because the newspapers and television weather casters had predicted rain, which never came. I appreciated the opportunity to rake leaves that had accumulated on paved areas and threatened to inundate those same areas. It was a small price to pay for the blessed shade of summer under the trees that dropped the leaves I raked.

For the morning worship hour, Dr. Stinson’s sermon title was, “Whose Voice Do We Follow?” A glib answer is quick and easy. Give it thoughtful consideration and the question becomes quite provocative.

He continued by telling us that he often hears the voice of his father who passed away many years ago. He told how his children always identify themselves first thing when they call him over the phone. But he already knows who is calling because he knows the voice of each one. Isn’t it a miracle to talk to someone thousands of miles away and know who is speaking when we hear the voice? Add to that your mental view of the person speaking and you have the whole picture.

Our prayer list includes Dr. Stinson, Bobbie Fay Lowe, Opal Miller, Wilma Ellison, Dwight Sammons and a prayer of gratitude for Horace Carden’s good progress report.

Pray for our church, our community, our homes, our military, their families and for each other.

Pray fervently for the tiny nation of Israel surrounded on all sides by larger hostile nations. Remember that God promises to protect his chosen people, the Jews, and others who support the Jewish nation.

We continue our Wednesday night study of the book of Revelation beginning at 6:45 p.m.

I want to extend a warm welcome to those who visit our church. You are welcome and we invite you to come back.

Have a blessed week.

Through the Grace of God Ministries

The morning service began with singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The Rev. C.H. Nevett continued his message from Mark 5:21.

The fifth chapter of Mark describes a man who has lost his spirit, soul and body to demons. They completely control his life. The spirit of God in him, that part of God that is given to each of us, the part that endures the grave and is eternal, was under the control of demons. His soul, the essence of his being, his personality and his inner focus were under the domain of demons. He has a body cut and destroyed because it is lost to Satanic powers. He is now a pathetic and undone being bound for hell.

The only hope for his deliverance was Jesus. Jesus speaks to the demons and orders them out. The man regains control of his spirit, soul and body. Reverently, he bows at the feet of Jesus and worships him.

We had a great turnout Thursday and Friday night on our clothing ministry, giving out many clothes to those in need in our community.

Our food ministry is in need of canned food items and other non-perishable food to give to the less fortunate in our community.

Feb. 3: free fellowship meal, 5-6 p.m., followed by music and message ministry. Bro. L.C. Jenkins will be ministering to us.

Feb. 4: free fellowship meal, 5-6 p.m., followed by music and message ministry with Dena Bond and friends.

Feb. 5: Don’t miss The MaHarreys Saturday night from 5-6.

Feb. 7: A new ladies group called Lydia’s Hands will meet from 6:30-9:30 p.m. This group will help to organize area churches, individuals and groups that want to help in one of the many ministry opportunities we offer the community. This is an information meeting to help you get connected to the needs in our community.

Come join us for Sunday morning worship from 9-10.

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 at 205-755-8199.

We would like to thank those who have already helped us in so many ways.

May God bless you and your family.

The Church of God’s Word

Bro. Ray Edwards opened with prayer, and this week’s Sunday School lesson came from Ephesians 6. This passage talks about proper behavior for servants and masters.

We would like to thank everyone that came out for our singing. It was a blessed day.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene Hitchcock’s message was from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. The title was “Proclaiming the Lord’s Death.” Forgiveness is not cheap, but it is free.

During the evening service, Maggie Glover played “When the Saints Come Marching In” on her clarinet. Great job!

The evening message, “The Cause and Cure of Discouragement,” came from 1 Kings 19:1. Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah.

Sunday night we began our first fundraiser for our youth mission trip to “Give Kids the World.”

On Feb. 11, our Valentine’s banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Admission is a donation of $15 per couple and $10 per single. The menu includes spaghetti, lasagna, salad and dessert. There will also be entertainment. Encourage your friends and family to share this event.

March 12 is our pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Tickets are $4 apiece. Please come to help support our youth mission trip.

Happy birthday to Glenda Oliphant.

Prayer requests: Helen’s brother, the Lockhart family, Bill Tipton and our pastor search committee.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

As the worship service began, visitors were welcomed. We were blessed with two great messages on this Lord’s day. Our attendance was good, and it was very good to see some of our sick ones back in church. We encourage our members to attend our services and always welcome visitors.

The message for Sunday morning was entitled, “P-R-A-Y-E-R” from Philippians 4:6. Bro. Derrell called our attention to the need for Christians to take time to pray, take time to pray more, and take time to talk to God.

“P” stands for prevail. Prayer needs prevalence. If your prayer is serious and you pray hard to God, you will prevail.

“R” stands for requesting. Be careful what you pray for; your answers may not come in the form of a shape you expect.

“A” is accepting. Whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believe and accept. Have faith that God will hear and answer your prayer.

“Y” means yielding to God’s will and not your own. Jesus yielded to the Father’s will.

“E” stands for evangelism. The prayer of a righteous man or woman is effectual and availeth much. Our prayers carry evangelism.

“R” is rejoicing. A prayer needs to have rejoicing because of answered prayers.

Sunday night’s message was “How to Beat Boredom” from Isaiah 40:31.

Special music for Sunday night was presented by Lilly and Bro. Derrell, entitled, “God’s Got a Bigger Thing Going On.”

Thanks, and may God bless each one that had a part in placing the items in the box we filled to be mailed to Derek Griffin, who is serving in the military.

Contact Geoffrey Lockhart for church softball team signups for ages 14 and up.

Deacons, pastors and their wives will meet for a “breakfast at supper” at Thorsby First Baptist on Friday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is free, and music will be presented by The Uplanders Singing Band.

The Prime-Timers will hold their Valentine’s party and supper Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Please let Sarah or Louise know if you plan to attend.

Pray for the Freeman Ray family in the death of his father Durvard Ray, the Jeff Lockhart family in the death of his nephew Brandon Lockhart, and Vickie Edwards in the death of her stepfather Bud Roper. Please call Johnny and Ruthie Jean Giles as you pray this week.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our morning service began with ministry opportunities and a welcome to the congregation and visitors. The fellowship chorus was “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know,” followed by the call to worship “Hear Our Praises,” the children’s message and the choir special, which was “God So Loved.”

The message by Bro. Brad Eubank was from Acts 1:1-11 and entitled, “Captivated By Our Community.”

During evening worship, Bro. Cleve Mallory preached from Hebrews 8:1-13, “Out With the Old And In With the New.” This message was about a superior high priest, a superior covenant and a serious choice.

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

Pray this week for Eudora Pastnic, Hazel Green, Allison Willis, Hazel Boswell, Hunter Moore, Jean Hucks, Larry McCary, Iella Vance, Linnie Hathcock, Pete Burnette, Bro. James Moore, Mary Cleckler, Carol Hayes, Brent Jackson, Herb White, Dale Gandy and Payton Wallace. Also pray for all families who have lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, our shut-ins, the residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and those serving in the military.

Happy birthday this week to Syd Giner, Steve Gray, Jenae Pierce and Elsa Enriquez.

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

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus. God is so good all the time. Come worship with us at Bethsalem.

Mars Hill Baptist Church

We had wonderful services at Mars Hill on Sunday. The choir gave us “Mansion On the Hilltop.” Those old songs have great messages in them. Then Bro. Terry’s sermon asked, “Where are you, God?” Have you ever felt that God has left you alone to fend for yourself? He didn’t because He has promised in His word that He will never leave us.

We welcomed the return of some who had been sick, and it was good to have them able to be back at church and about their normal daily activities.

The plans for our senior adult supper is in the works. This is always a fun event for our older adults. An evening of fun, food and entertainment is planned. Start making your plans to attend. The date will be announced later.

We are already making plans for our Vacation Bible School; anyone who can help please sign up.

We meet on Sunday at 10 a.m. for Sunday School and 11 for Sunday worship services. Children’s Church is during this time. Discipleship Training is at 5 p.m., and evening worship service is at 6. Wednesday services begin at 7 p.m.; this is our Bible study time. We invite you to attend any of these services at your first opportunity. Our nursery is open and staffed by competent and caring people during all these services.

We welcome you to come visit with us at any time. Here we worship in spirit and truth and Jesus Christ is Lord.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the potter; I am the clay! Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” That was on the front of our church program and I just felt like putting it here, it is so beautiful.

We had a very good attendance for Sunday School and worship service, a lot of visitors that we welcome with open arms.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith (Peggy) came to visit with us, and we were so glad to meet them. They bring so much joy to our family and others at Christmastime with their beautiful Christmas decorations. We would leave church at night and go by just to see all of them. They are very special people, and they are building memories for children (of all ages) that will never be forgotten.

Happy birthday to Marie Popwell, Buddy Popwell, Renee Cleckley, Ruby Neeley, Sandra Carroll and Preston Porter.

Welcome to our world Master Caden Nathaniel Bullard, son of Robin and Shannon Bullard, who made his appearance Jan. 26 weighing in at 4 pounds 10 ounces. He has a very happy mom and dad, and from the bright faces of the grandparents, I believe they are a “little” proud too.

We went to see Dutchie Minor, and he is doing better at Chilton Medical Center at this time.

Several families are sad due to the loss of loved ones; you have our deepest sympathy. These include the Duvard Ray family, the Lockhart family, the Woodley family, the Duren family and the Ellison family. You are all in our prayers.

On a happier note, Rosa Cleckler and Betty Robinson were able to be back with us after being sick, and Brother Kenneth Robinson is better. Praise the Lord.

Brother Mark Lambert, president of the Alabama Methodist Protestant Conference, was our guest speaker for the morning. His sermon was entitled, “Having the Mountains We Face in Life” from Joshua 14:6-9, 10.

Brother Heath Vines’ message for Sunday evening was “God is Able,” from Romans 4:11-21 and Hebrews 11.

We want to thank everyone for the wonderful memorial service that was held Saturday, Jan. 29 for Ronny Duren. Thanks to Percy and Tootsie Scott for singing, the ladies of the church for preparing a wonderful spread of food, Chris Cleckley for taking care of the sound system and Brother Jeff Carroll for the special way he handled the service. I am so proud of my church family and love every one of them.

We are located just off County Road 37 , three miles south of Thorsby. The church may be reached at 646-2390 or P.O. Box 973, Thorsby, AL  35171.

Bethany Baptist Church

“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).

Our call to worship on Sunday was “I Would Not Miss It, Would You?” followed by “I’ll Make It My Home,” the choir special “Little Is Much When God Is In It” and “All Alone.” Pastor Aubry Wallace delivered our morning message.

Our Valentine’s banquet is Feb. 11 at Kountry Kitchen beginning at 7 p.m. Our Wednesday night service has been temporarily discontinued; there is no change in the Sunday services at this time.

Remember those on our prayer list: Lillian Burkhalter, Sherry S. Cooper, the family of Jack Friday, Ellen Gray, Jean DeLoach, Ophelia Griffin, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Zachary Jackson, Mary Knight, our military, Nell Mims, Larry Miller, Billie Neeley, Lori Knight, Jesse Wallace, our church as we search for a pastor, Jackie Neeley, Ricky Paschal, Pvt. Josh Peppers, Nadine Roberson, Elwyn Robinson, Shirley Wallace and Aubry Wallace. Also pray for revival in America.

What if we treated our Bible like our cell phones? We would carry it with us all the time. We would refer to it several times a day. We would use it in times of emergency, and anytime we needed directions. Every time you use your cell phone, ask yourself, “How would my life change if I treated my Bible like I do my cell phone?” (excerpt from The Christian Working Woman broadcast).

Ushers this month are James Gray and Glenn Vines; next month’s ushers are Jerry Vines and Ralph Wilson.

Elaine Staton will bring our special next Sunday.

Jackson Chapel

Bro. Dewayne Castleberry got the Sunday School hour started off with a good lesson entitled “Christ’s Law of Love.” Bro. Gary Fant got the morning worship service started off with “When We All Get To Heaven” and “The Old Rugged Cross,” and, after the good singing, Bro. Dennis sang a beautiful song called “My Home.”

Bro. Dennis’ text came from Mark 9:17-23. We as Christians need to make sure that all the “ifs” we have in this life line up with the word of God.  When we begin to look at all the “ifs” in our lives, we are the reason that we end up in certain situations.  The reason we are tempted in this life is because we put ourselves in situations that we have no business getting into, and we need to quit blaming God for these things.

Our youth took charge of the evening service. The worship service began with “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Glory Land Way.” Ashley Campbell blessed us with “I Can Only Imagine” and Ashley Campbell and Hannah Burnett blessed us with “Help Is On The Way.” The children played “Deep and Wide” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” on the hand bells, and what a blessing this was to everyone present.  Cole Riley spoke about “In Perspective” taken from 2 Timothy 3:16. If we had God’s perspective, we would have quite a different outlook on things.  Sometimes we need to look through God’s eyes and just see what we see for the way we act because we would probably be very surprised.  We as Christians need to get our lives in perspective so we can please God.  We need to pray and read our Bibles daily because there is an answer for every situation.  We need to make sure God is a priority in our lives because whatever our priorities are shows where God is in our lives.

Happy birthday this week to Mallory Mitchell (Sweet 16).

Please remember these as you pray this week: Hershell Rhodes, Margie Baker, Geraldine Smith, Jean Mayfield, James and Marie Johnson, Billy Crumpton, our lost loved ones and our service men and women.