Lime Springs United Methodist Church
Our Sunday School lesson focused on Adonai, the Lord is Master.
The morning message was taken from Luke 23:39-43. Bro. Shannon reminded us of the crucifixion story and how one of the thieves asked Christ to remember him in his kingdom. Christ assured him he would be with Him in paradise before the day was through. From this story, a picture of a good man is presented in the life of the thief. However, looking back at Matthew 27:44 we find this was not always the case. At the beginning of the crucifixion, this thief rebuked and reviled Christ, just as the other thief.
What caused the change? Bro. Shannon reminded us of three characteristics the changed thief may have witnessed about Christ. First, he was able to witness great compassion from Christ for others (Luke 23:27-28). Second, he was able to witness great forgiveness from Christ (Luke 23:34). Third, he was able to witness great love from Christ (John 19:26-27).
Bro. Shannon stressed that these three things may not have been the turning point for the thief, but they should be the turning point for us today. Christ died on Calvary because of compassion, forgiveness and love. When we realize this, then we too can be changed from a life of sin to a life of redemption.
We ended the sermon with an altar call and the great hymn, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling.”
Our Sunday evening Bible study used Acts 10 as the foundation to examine if a good man can make it to heaven without Christ.
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, call 755-4950 or 755-6356.

Christ Independent Methodist Church
Sunday it was our pleasure and great honor to have John and Priscilla Kunkle and their children, David, Jonathan, Tiana and Anthony, attend both our morning and evening services. John and Priscilla are missionaries who have served in that capacity in Bolivia for several years. They are currently en route to their new assignment in Texas that accounts for their presence in Chilton County. While here, they are house guests of Dr. Phil and June Simms.
John and Priscilla combined talents to bring our morning service. John’s message was “What is Means to Follow Christ.” He explained his message as “investing in eternity.” He used several different scriptures beginning with Matthew 6:19-21, “Lay not up for yourself treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Moving on, he referred to Luke 14:27-35, which begins with the admonition that “whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” These verses from Luke continue to point out the folly of builders who begin projects without first considering cost, the foundation laid, labor needed, etc. Jesus did likewise in making his disciples aware of what was expected of them if they chose to follow his invitation to “follow me.”
Following Jesus requires those who choose to do so to walk in the light. Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John says that we are not to love the things of this world.
These missionaries were inspiring to hear them preach the word and witness to their personal steps of walking in the light.
Special prayer is requested for Horace Carden’s daughter, Lissa Moore, who is recovering from a major surgery. Remember Bobbie Sammons and her family. Her mother passed away this past week. Also on our prayer list: Dr. Mac Stinson, Opal Miller, Wilma Ellison, Bonnie Headley and Dwight Sammons.
Wednesday night we will resume our study of Revelation beginning at 6:45 p.m. You are invited.
Traveling grace is requested for loved ones of our church family who will be flying to San Antonio, Texas, and Hawaii during this week.
Continue to pray fervently for the countries in our world that are struggling with riots and other problems. Remember our servicemen and women serving in war areas.
Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1
We praise God for the beautiful day he gave us and our visitors this past Sunday. Bro. Derrell brought a great message entitled “Tokens” from John 12:1-11. A token of service is when we do something or a service for someone. In our scripture, we find Martha serving. Mary also served when she anointed the feet of Jesus.
Service should be for the glory of God. Service should be offered with a smile on our face, without a dread or grudge; we should serve for the glory of God. No service will be in vain if it’s done for the glory of God.
Sunday evening’s service was a very inspiring message, taken from Hebrews 13:9 and entitled, “Be Your Own Boss.” In our Christian lives, we need to discipline our time to read our Bibles daily and study God’s word. Pray and don’t let doubt interfere in your life; take it to the Lord in prayer.
We welcome all our visitors to come and worship with us. This Sunday it was good to have Bro. John Dennis and family, and we hope to see them back very soon.
Prime-Timers, if you missed our Valentine’s supper this past Saturday night, well, I feel sorry for you because it was enjoyed by all. We appreciate the ones that worked to get this together. We especially want to thank the young people who helped with the serving of the food and waiting on tables. A big thanks to Bro. Roland Davis for the entertainment and fun time shared with him.
All that would like to take part in a softball team age 14 and up should contact Geofery Lockhart.
Union Grove Baptist Church is the place for the senior celebration Tuesday, March 8 from 10 a.m. until noon. Reservations are due by Feb. 28.
Sunday night, March 6 we will carry our evening service and join with Liberty Hill Baptist Church for the African children’s choir Ugandan Thunder. Come go with us and enjoy the children.
Remember to pray for all the sick and shut-ins. We have a long list of names that have asked for prayer, and the Lord knows each name.
Have a blessed week.

Bethsalem Baptist Church
Our morning service began with ministry opportunities and a welcome to the congregation and all guests. The fellowship chorus was “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know” followed by the call to worship “Happy Day” and special music by the Celebration Choir singing “Come to Jesus.”
The message by Bro. Brad was “Our Infinite Inheritance: God’s Incredible Master Plan, Part Two” from Ephesians 1:1-14. The evening message was “The Secret to Joy” from Philippians 2:12-18.
Wednesday night is family supper, followed by prayer meeting, choir practice for all choirs, and children and youth at 6:30 p.m.
Pray for Kayla Knight, Charles Bryant, Jeanette Smitherman, Edward Moore, Madison Green, Zoie Roper, Eudora Pastnic, Hazel Green, Hazel Gothard, Leslie Hughes, Hazel Boswell, Hunter Moore, Edward Moore, Tony King, Lisa Lockhart, James Harris, Nat Jones, Jean Hucks, Nell Mims, Iella Vance, Faye Legendre, James Harris, Logan and Lawson Crawford, Kevin Ray, Pete Burnette, Bro. James Moore, Mary Cleckler, Carol Hayes, Brent Jackson, Jasmine Smitherman, Bill Tipton, Brett Jackson, Charles Cobb, Jimmie Smith, Luci Terri, Durward Gray, all shut-ins, families affected by cancer, those who have lost loved ones, and servicemen and servicewomen in the military.
Happy birthday this week to Patty Cleckler, Jeff Pack, Seth Wendell, Tracy Hand, Dallas Mims, Tammy Jones, Brandon Wells, Isabel Baker, Trudy Wells, W.L. Broom, Brandon Williams and Christine Carter.
Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus. God is so good, all the time. He is worthy of our praise.
Come worship with us at Bethsalem.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church
What a great day Sunday, inside and outside, at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church! We had the wonderful pleasure of an invitation issued and answered visit from our District Superintendent, the Rev. Ron Schultz. Why is that previous sentence worded like that? Well, Rev. Ron said he not always a welcome face to see at your church because it often means there is trouble. This visit wasn’t like that. We had to wait our turn, but we invited Rev. Ron to just come visit with us and bring us our morning message, enjoy a meal and fellowship with us.  The wait was well worth it as he brought us a wonderful message from 1 Corinthians. Rev. Ron reminded us of some of the basic ideas we all need to keep in mind regarding our church (the church) and church business. Jesus is the foundation of the church and our church. Everything else is built on that foundation. Just as in any building, you must remember how important that foundation is and not vary from that original blueprint. Be careful of the walls you build inside that foundation. Don’t let those walls divide instead of unite, and don’t let them get separated from the original foundation.
Saturday evening, Feb. 26, beginning at 6:30 is our quarterly singing. You are promised a blessing if you can come join the fun. Being able to sing is not a requirement for having a good time. We invite you to come and bring a carload of friends with you. The cost is free, but the rewards are many. These quarterly singings feature convention style/gospel songs.
Remember the many prayer needs out there right now, but also be sure to praise God for the many blessings he has bestowed on each of us.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
Our musicians got this day of worship started with a blessing, and the day was a special day as we celebrated the marriage of two very special people, and they have been married for 70 years (Ray and Myrtice Enfinger).
Our call to worship as presented by the choir was “There’s Power in the Blood.” We had lots of visitors; some were present to help celebrate the Enfingers’ anniversary. The hymn of celebration was “At the Cross,” followed by the invocation from Bro. Tony. Then the children gathered with Diane Handley and learned about love.
Don’t miss next Sunday night, Feb. 27 for our fourth Sunday night Singspiration; there will be music for everyone.
It was great to have Marilyn Popwell back after surgery. Dwayne Maddox is having heart problems. Lavada Attaway continues to struggle with very little progress; she was scheduled to return to Hatley Health Care on Monday, Feb. 21. Please continue to remember these in your prayers.
Ray and Myrtice both are in need of prayers, and also remember Peggy Cleckler.
A special congratulations to one of our special youth, Triston Gore, for making the all A honor roll.
The choir sang “Cross Medley,” which was very good, followed by our hymn of preparation “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross,” our offertory, “Doxology” and special music “When He Was On the Cross” by Mark McPherson.
After we shared the Bread and the Cup of Communion, the invitation and benediction were given and the postlude was “Power in the Blood.”
Following the service we enjoyed a very special anniversary lunch to honor Ray and Myrtice Enfinger.

Mars Hill Baptist Church
The choir set the tone for worship with “Come Unto Me.” We should live each day knowing that today could be the day that the Lord will say to us, “Come Unto Me.” What will we be doing when that call comes?
The sermon came from the book of James and centered on how to respond to our hardships. How do we respond, do we blame others or look to God for a solution? Our struggles should be a time for spiritual growth. God will not leave us alone in our struggles.
We had altar prayer for some in the church who will be having surgery this week. These are serious surgeries and we ask you to pray with us for them. Science has proved that prayer makes a difference in people who are prayed for. Of course, we believers have always known that.
Our Senior Supper will be Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. We “old folks” look forward to this. The Baptist Association will be having the annual Seniors Conference in March. It will be at Union Grove, and the group Paid In Full from Mississippi will be singing. This group of young men will bless you with their music.
Please attend the church of your choice this Sunday. If you don’t have a church home, come visit us at Mars Hill.

Cedar Grove
Methodist-Protestant Church
We had a wonderful morning service, especially a great Sunday School lesson from Matthew 7:1-12. Verse 7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened for you.”
We were discussing prayer, and I told them about a time not very long ago, we were in another state and I received a call from my daughter that she had an infection in her foot and was afraid she was going to have to have it removed. I was terribly worried, I sat down in my chair, closed my eyes and began to pray that God would take care of her, and a feeling I can’t explain came over me, and I knew she would be alright. I know God answered my prayer. I called her and told her about it and she said she knew and the next day the doctor said she had a pulse in her foot and he thought everything would be alright. She is fine now. I felt like I needed to share that with someone. Prayer does work; it might not work always the way we want and as soon as we want, but God will never fail you.
It was good to have Sister Peggy Pearson and Brother Byron Cummings back with us Sunday and also our visitors Mr. and Mrs. Clark Watley and family. We enjoyed having you; Larry and Beth Bailey, we loved seeing you again, as well as our other visitors. We hope you will all come again.
Happy birthday to Robin Horton.
Remember the family of Butch Collum in prayer; he went on to be with the Lord. Also remember Jeanna Ray Headley’s husband, Tommy. Both of these families need our prayers. Tommy was only 40. We have a number of prayer requests for different reasons; the Lord knows all about them.
Brother Steve Price led the congregation in singing “When We All Get to Heaven” and “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” We enjoyed the choir as usual. Sister Amelia Hubbard sang “How Great Thou God” accompanied by her son Cody on guitar and husband Gary on piano. She also sang “My Heavenly Home” with Brother Gary. Needless to say, it was great.
Brother Jeff Carroll is preaching on “The Thoughts of God,” and his scripture came from Jeremiah 29:11-15, Isaiah 55:7-9 and passages in Revelation. Many went to the altar.
The beginning songs for the evening service were “O What a Savior” and “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.” The choir blessed us with several songs before Brother Heath’s message.
Brother Heath Vines’ message was entitled “Our Weapons.” His scripture came from 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesians 6:10-13.
Next Sunday night will be our fourth Sunday night singing. Bring a song and come join us or just enjoy the others. We really have a lot of talent, so come on out. The service begins at 5:30.
We are studying the book of Romans on Wednesday nights at 7. Also mark your calendar for our spring revival April 17-20 with Brother Heath Vines, Jimmy Flowers and Clay Collins.
Things are really happening at Cedar Grove, everything is going great. For more information, call 646-2390. The church address is P.O. Box 973, Thorsby, AL  35171.

Jackson Chapel
Bro Dewayne Castleberry taught a good Sunday School lesson entitled “Ethical Issues,” and Bro Gary Fant got the morning service started off with “The Glory Land Way” and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.”
Bro Dennis blessed us with a beautiful song, “If I Could Telephone Heaven.” His text came from Psalm 150:1-6. We as Christians need to praise God in the sanctuary, and as bad as this world is, we should be able to praise God as we go about our day-to-day lives. We should also praise God just because of everything he does for us, and we should praise Him every day of our lives just because he allows us to wake up to another day.  The service ended with people coming to pray.
Bro Gary Fant got the evening service started off with “I Want To Be Ready To Meet Him,” “Come Morning” and “Send the Light.” Bro Dennis, Wanda Chadwick and Angel Bavar blessed us with “No Goodbyes Will Be Spoken” and “I’ve Got Something to Praise God For,” and our children blessed us with “Jesus Loves Me” on the hand bells.
Bro Dennis’ text came from James 5:7 and 11. We as Christians will never find happiness going about trying to find it the wrong way.  We must be patient with our helpmates because if we are not careful, Satan will use things that come between us that will not only drive a wedge between our human relationships but also our relationship with Jesus Christ. If we’re not careful when division comes between us and our spouses, it will also lead to destruction in our homes. We need to look for happiness in the ways of God because he gives happiness beyond anything we could ever imagine.
Bro Dennis and Sis Susan renewed their wedding vows for their 30th anniversary, and Sis Betty Smitherman, Angel Bavar and Wanda Chadwick sang “I Hope We Walk the Last Mile Together.” What a joy it is to have Bro Dennis and Susan as a part of our church family.
Happy birthday this week to Marie Rhodes. Happy anniversary to Dennis and Susan Smith.
Please remember these as you pray this week: Geraldine Smith, Janie Smitherman, Margie Baker, Susan Cagle, Marie Johnson, Robert Holloway, Lena Dennis, Billy Crumpton, the Ronnie Gothard family, our lost loved ones and our servicemen and servicewomen.

Mt. Springs
Happy birthday to Elizabeth Moates, Debbie Barnett, Geneva Johnson and Michelle Coker.
Brother Don’s message came from 1 John 3:2, “What Will We Be In Glory?” We shall be like Him, the image of Him. We will be as He is. As we are in the likeness of His nature, we will take on the nature of His love. We will know and understand it, and also exercise it with everyone. We will take on the nature of His humbleness and submissiveness, that of an obedient servant. We will take on His nature of perfect forgiveness and we will take on His perfect body. The work of what we will be begins with new birth. If you don’t allow God to begin His work in you (with new birth), you are not allowing Him to finish and change you to be like Him.
Sunday night’s message was taken from Hebrews 12:15 on “Dealing with bitterness.” Bitterness is a disease that brings about destruction emotionally, spiritually and physically. Most bitterness comes from a root or cause. It could be a family circumstance, an accident or jealousy. The way to handle the root of bitterness so that it doesn’t always bother us is to give Jesus total control of our life. The love of Christ will allow us to gain control over the root of bitterness. This is not an overnight process and will take some time.
There are three things one needs to do to move toward killing the root. They are: pray for those you are bitter toward, do good to them, and speak well of them. If you don’t kill the root, it doesn’t hurt the person you are bitter toward. It hurts you and causes you to relive the hurt over and over again. You can never have peace from the hurt. Do you want to live with bitterness or kill the root of bitterness in your life?

Through the Grace of God Ministries
Sunday’s message was “Always Pushing Ahead” from 2 Corinthians 1:15.
The purpose of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was to assure them of his intent to visit their church again.
His presence was still needed.
The church at Corinth had many problems and needed Paul’s direction. Great moral and sexual sins had created gross errors in the body of believers.
They needed a second chance. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of another chance. God’s love provides for man’s repentance.
Corinth needed a second chance. Unfortunately, the church today mirrors society rather than the kingdom of God. Today we must have the determination of Paul, always pushing forward, searching for those needing a second chance. We are Christ’s representatives to a dying world that Jesus Christ is still the answer for the world’s problems.