Lime Springs United Methodist Church
Our Sunday School lesson continued our series on the Hebrew names of God. This Sunday, we studied El Roi, “the God who sees.”
Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Romans 12 on the gifts (talents) God gives to each of us by faith. Bro. Shannon reminded us that God has blessed everyone with something they can do for his kingdom.
The problem tends to surface from two mindsets: I can’t or will not use my gifts for God’s kingdom, or I think I’m so important to God’s kingdom that I have to do everything, even when I have no gift to give. The key is to find what we are good at and give it back to God, regardless of the magnitude of the talent. Why? It satisfies the great commandment of Jesus Christ to “love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
In other words, using the gifts of God gives us for his kingdom is a means of giving back our love to God and others. Failure to do this is a sin! Just as Jesus gave us the example to follow in the washing of the disciples’ feet, so we must serve one another in love.
Our Bible study looked at the five Hebrew sacrifices and offerings mentioned in Leviticus 15.
Happy birthday to Hollie Connell.
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 755-6356.

Christ Independent Methodist Church
On this perfect Sabbath morning we gathered to praise our Lord and Savior. Dr. Mac Stinson’s service was entitled, “The Light Still Shines,” associated with the manifestation of light given by the Star of Bethlehem. This is the season of Epiphany observed on Jan. 6 as a Christian festival for the Gentiles in the persons of the Magi.
Epiphany means, “light.” Throughout the book of Isaiah, Christ exhorts the elect to follow the light of the world and God will reward their service. Isaiah tells us that our light has come and the Lord will reign over us. As the familiar little song tells us, we need to let our little light shine as we go about our Father’s business.
In the Gospel of Matthew 2:2, we read where the wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
Thus the light of the world was manifested in the little baby the wise men sought. Sometimes we may wish that little light was shining brighter, but as Christians we know that the darkness of this world can never overcome the light of God. We have his word that he will gather the elect from all parts of the earth and that his word will never pass away.
So take heart, rejoice, and as we go about our Father’s work always let our little light shine. In a world of darkness, a cluster of little lights will make a difference.
Please continue to pray for Everette Bagby, Larry Cobb and our pastor’s son, Mac Stinson III, who are all awaiting surgery. Remember Carl Glass who took a painful fall Friday. No bones were broken, but he has suffered much from the fall. Remember Bonnie Headley, Opal Miller and Wilma Ellison.
Remember our students taking graduation exams this week.
Also traveling grace is requested for our church family members who will be flying this week.
Our praise report this week is for Dr. Mac Stinson and Glenda’s daughter, Ann, who has arrived safely back to Alabama from a mission trip to Africa.
Sunday night is Singspiration Night. We invite you to come and help us sing. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the singing.
If you have been among those missing from our church recently, know that you have been missed and that you have been needed. We remember you in prayer.
Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1
Our Sunday morning service was great with the teaching of our Sunday School lessons to a large number. The Sunday School director was praising the Lord for the attendance that came to study the Bible and worship with us this Sunday.
As the worship service began, the visitors were welcomed. The choir was filled and the song service was wonderful with praises sang to the Lord. The choir special was “I’m In This Church,” followed by our children’s choir singing “Jehovah-Jireh,” then a special by Libby and Josie as they sang “The Healing One.” They all did a very good job, and praise and thanks to our children’s choir and Mrs. Pat Hayes.
The message for Sunday morning was entitled, “Servants and Stewarts.” Bro. Derrell took his scripture from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. Paul was writing to the Corinthian church. He said “Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ.” The definition for minister is servant. As servants we all labor together for God in order to move the church forward. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Stewards are required to be faithful. Can God look upon your life as a faithful servant of God? Are you a good steward?
Sunday night our message was “You Can Do It” (Galatians 2:20). “I am crucified with Christ” were Paul’s words. Paul was changed; he accepted the Lord as his Savior and said, “Now I live. Christ liveth in me.”
Christians, reject all sin and transgression; stand fast in the freedom of Christ. Have faith that “you can do it.”
Our Sunday night service will be combined with Liberty Hill Baptist Church at 6 p.m. We are looking forward to the singing of the Ugandan Thunder choir, the children from Africa. Come go with us.
Our senior celebration is Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church. The guest speaker will be Daniel Wilson, and special music will be presented by Paid In Full.
Our men’s softball team practice is off to a very good start. If you have an interest in playing, see Geofery Lockhart.
Deacons, take notice of the change of the first-of-the-month deacons meeting. The meeting will follow the morning worship service on Sunday, March 6 at 12:15 p.m.
The Mt. Carmel choir and youth are practicing for the Easter Sunday service. Come join with us and help celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
As this week goes by, remember to pray daily. Pray for us and the names on our prayer list, and we will pray for you. Go to church somewhere Sunday.

Jackson Chapel
Bro Dewayne Castleberry taught a good Sunday School lesson entitled “Ethical Issues” Part 2.  Bro Gary Fant got the morning worship service started off with “Standing on the Promises” and “I’ll Fly Away.”  Bro Horace Wyatt blessed us with “The Haven of Rest.”  Bro Dennis’ text came from Acts 17:22-27 with a message entitled “What The Altar is For.”  If we as Christians are going to get to where God is, we’ve got to put away some things we may have in our lives that are not pleasing to God.  If we have things that are not pleasing to God, we need to kneel at the altar and get those things out of our lives that may hinder us from serving Jesus Christ.  We as Christians need to find a place at the altar and stay there until we make sure our lives are right so when our time comes to die we can know that we’ll make it to heaven.  The service ended with several coming to pray.
Bro Gary Fant got out fourth Sunday night singing started off with “Nothing But the Blood” and “Where The Roses Never Fade,” and our choir blessed us with “Victory In Jesus.”  Bro Gary Fant sang “I Got To Go On For My Lord,” Randall Edwards blessed us with “I Want My State To Be An Altar,” Gary McKee blessed us with “Glorious Day” and “I Met An Old Friend Day,” Bro Dennis Smith, Angel Bavar and Wanda Chadwick blessed us with “How Great Thou Art,” “God Had Been So Good To Me,” “I Hold a Clear Title,” “I Am Redeemed,” “When My Feet Touch the Streets of Gold,” “They’re Holding Up The Ladder” and “A Land Of No Goodbyes.”
Please remember these as you pray: Geraldine Smith, the Lena Dennis family, the Jerry Pilkerton family, Pearline Davenport, the Ronny Gothard family, Mike and Pam Jones, Robert Holloway, our lost loved ones and our servicemen 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.

Bethsalem Baptist Church
Our morning service began with ministry opportunities and a welcome to the congregation and visitors. Our fellowship chorus was “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know,” followed by the call to worship, “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.”
Special music by the Celebration Choir was “Cross of Love” and “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.”
The message from Bro. Brad was Ephesians 1:15-23, “Our Infinite Inheritance: God’s Incredible Resources.”
Bro. Cleve Mallory preached our evening service from Luke 14:14-25 on the purpose of the parable.
Wednesday night is family supper at 5 p.m., followed by prayer meeting, choir practice for all choirs, and children and youth at 6:30 p.m.
Pray this week for Kayla Knight, Charles Bryant, Jeanette Smitherman, Edward Moore, Zoe Roper, Hazel Green, Hazel Gothard, Betty McGee, Jewel Robinson, Hunter Moore, Tony King, Lisa Lockhart, James Harris, Nat Jones, Jean Hucks, Nell Mims, Iella Vance, Logan and Lawson Crawford and their mother, Kevin Ray, Pete Burnette, Bro. James Moore, Charles Cobb, Jimmie Smith, Durward Gray, Ella Grace Reece and all our shut-ins.
Happy birthday this week to Christine Carter and Scott Harmon.
Next Sunday will be our First Sunday Super Night. Come worship with us in prayer and praise.
Have a blessed week. Tell someone about Jesus. God is so good all the time. He is worthy of our praise.

Samaria Baptist Church
On our final Sunday in February, Brother Floyd Collins sang, “Til the Storm Passes By” for special music.  Our church family recited our pledge to the American Flag.  Prayer requests include Steve Caton, James Smitherman, Ray Hardee and Drusilla Hudgins’ mom.
Brother Charles’ message came from Hebrews 2:5-9.  Christ afflicted those comfortable in their relationship with Him, in order to bring more concern and effort into the church.  How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?  The Lord is comforting the afflicted who seek him.  Dangerous times are going on in the world today. Christians are being murdered throughout the world for sharing their faith.
God’s people are given a significance and an ultimate plan for our lives.  Angels minister God’s work in the world.  Jacob saw angels ascending and descending in his vision.  Angels co-minister under God’s direction.  We experience the work of God in our lives today.  He loves us in spite of our sins and unworthiness.  How excellent is the name of God  in all the earth.
God is worthy of our praise.  God’s purpose and place for man, a little lower than the angels.  Jesus came to accomplish the restoration of the earth’s people who had fallen away from God.
Sin separated us from God. Salvation is given us by His grace through faith as we claim Him savior and Lord over death.  Jesus died to save us from sin, and He continues to live in the hearts of those who will receive Him.
Please join us for wonderful worship at Samaria and you will be our honored guest.  May God bless all who read this, and may your prayers all be answered in Jesus’ Name.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
Our call to worship began with the choir singing “What a Mighty God We Serve.” The hymn of celebration was “Rescue the Perishing,” and in his invocation Bro. Tony said, “The works of the church are embodied in the words of that great hymn.”
We had an opportunity to greet some folks who have been brightening up our congregation in the last few weeks — some friends from not so long ago, Danny Eiland and his beautiful wife, Ann; Nikki Gore’s dad, wow! We do go back a while. We hope to see them again soon. It’s always good to see our great friend Jerry Patterson.
As the children gathered, Diane talked about little acts of kindness. We were also touched by Nikki Gore telling of her spiritual experience this week. She always has a glow about her that warms your heart, but after those special 72 hours of prayer and studying God’s word without interruption, you will come away an even more dedicated Christian.
We read scripture from Matthew, and our affirmation of faith was presented by Sonya Horn. Announcements were shared by Jerry Tippett.
Service times for Sunday, Feb. 27 are: Sunday School at 10 a.m., morning worship at 11. The church-wide bowling trip at Vestavia Bowling Alley has been reserved for March 12. We will leave the church at 3 p.m. and bowl from 4-6. See Joe Bice for more information.
Remember Nikki Gore, Jerry Patterson, Danny and Ann Eiland and Ruby Duke. Lavada Attaway is at Hatley Health Care still struggling but she can find strength for a smile. She still enjoys her visitors. Ask Ray about his kiss and one of her “boys” that got her to drink some milkshake. Way to go, guys! Thank you for the prayers.
Special music was “The Longer I Serve Him” followed by “Here I Am, Lord” and special music by the men, “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.”
During the message from our Lord, Brother Tony said, “What a wonderful day to serve the Lord!” He told of being so touched by hundreds that work for weeks to give of themselves — people not seen, not even had their name called — to make these wonderful experiences as Nikki had; “experiencing God through serving.” We cannot get salvation just by trying to escape hell; it must be valid.
Jesus said, “If you want to follow me, you must learn to serve by being a servant.”
Is God still having his way with me or am I still attached and don’t hear his still voice? Where are you serving?
A fellow told me the other day, “I read how that church is growing. I delivered some building material yesterday and saw what you  are talking about!”
For evening worship we had our first Fourth Sunday Singspiration and a fun time as we worshipped in song. There was a song for everyone. As the lady closing said, “I’m so excited to see how God is working at Walnut Creek.”

Mars Hill Baptist Church
Our sermon Sunday focused on Luke 10 with the question of, “Who is my neighbor?” With that thought in mind, I think of the little 5-year-old boy whose next-door neighbor had just lost his wife. Seeing the man sitting alone in his yard, the little boy ran over and climbed into his lap and stayed there for an hour or so. When the mother asked the child what he had said to the man, he answered, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” So, the answer to “who is my neighbor” is simply anyone who needs your help.
We had altar prayer for more sick in the church. These needs are urgent and we ask you to remember them also. Prayer is very powerful, only God knows how much weight they carry. Nothing can surpass the peace we get from prayer.
The Senior Supper was a huge success with a circus theme. The food was good and the entertainment was wonderful. So good in fact that they put it on again Sunday afternoon for the children of the church to enjoy. Thank you, young adults.
Remember to attend the church of your choice, and if you don’t have a church home, we welcome you to Mars Hill.
In all things give thanks.

Cedar Grove
Methodist-
Protestant Church
Worship is giving to God the best He has given us.
He has blessed us with beautiful weather that has brought forth the blooming of the tulip trees and buttercups, yellowbells, oh! It is so wonderful to see.
Well, the power went off at the beginning of Sunday School, making us appreciate  electricity more. A dear little squirrel went where he shouldn’t have. It didn’t slow down the lesson. It came back on in about 30 minutes.
Happy birthday to Robin Horton, Landon Horton and Frankie Muir. Happy anniversary to Michael and Sachea Crowe.
We have many on our prayer list, including Jewel Robinson, Robin Horton (Robin is to have brain surgery March 8), Kimberly Hyde, Derek Gray, Wendy Bryan and Ken Robinson. Pray like you are talking to your best friend (by the way, He is our closest friend).
Folks, intercessory prayer is God’s favorite kind; he is moved when we take time to bring the needs of others before Him.
We had several congregation songs. Sam Price blessed us by singing “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand” and several came to the altar.
Brother Jeff Carroll preached a good sermon from Mark 8:34-38 entitled, “Taking Up Your Cross,” and the song of invitation was “At the Cross.” Again the altar filled.
This was our fourth Sunday night singing and it was a good one.
Bro. Gary Hubbard, Brother Alton Russell, Little Mason Price (“Jesus Loves Me”) Mary Price, Chris and Renee Cleckley, Patricia Cleckley, Jim Lowery, Lauren Wyatt, Jordan Harvely, Kim Boothe and Russell Wyatt, Norma Muir and Kevin Boothe were among the singers. Everyone did a spectacular job singing, but I want to brag on Sister Patricia Cleckley playing the guitar and singing “He’ll Hold My Hand.” Sister Amelia Hubbard accompanied her; it was just beautiful. Brother Russell Wyatt sang “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet.”
Remember Wednesday night Bible study in Romans beginning at 7 p.m.
Welcome to our visitors (one was Tyler Jackson). We are doing so well here at Cedar Grove. The Spirit of God is with us, and you can feel him when you walk in the door.
Mark your calendar March 12 to run your clocks up one hour.
God bless and have a good week. For more information, call 646-2390.

Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church
We had a good crowd at church Sunday.
It was so nice to see everyone well again. Brother Glenn Walker gave the message on “A Lesson on Life.”
We welcomed Bethany Baugh to our church family as she received the sacrament of baptism.
Our church has gotten together a boys softball team.
Special thanks to all who helped make the Easterling singing a success. The singers were fantastic.
We have a number of activities coming up. On March 9, we will have an Ash Wednesday service to be held at 6 p.m. We will also be hosting a UMW District Day Apart on April 9. The Society of St. Andrews is looking for volunteers to help prepare community garden plots in Birmingham March 12 and 19.
The garden will be at 7753 First Ave. S., where the summer farmers market is held. Lay leader gatherings will be at Blue Lake on April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 13-17 will be our Vacation Bible School. This is for children age 3 to 13.
The church bus is available for those who need a ride. For more information on any of these events, you may contact Teresa Walker at 334-349-5725 or visit our website at gbgm-umc.org/mountpisgahumc.

Center Hill Baptist Church
Free ballet classes for girls ages 5 and up have begun!
These classes will be held every Tuesday night at 6:30.  Please contact Amanda Varden at 205-688-4332 for more information.
A new children’s ministry, “Olympians,” meet every Wednesday night from 6-8.  Dinner is served for children and their families.
Please contact Tim Crist at 205-688-4332 for more information.
Youth Disciple Now Weekend is Friday, April 8 until Sunday, April 10.  Please contact Tim Crist at 205-688-4332 for more information about this incredible opportunity.