Mt. Carmel No. 1
The presence of the Lord was with us this beautiful Sunday morning. Our song service was greatly enjoyed, and the children held their penny march to the tune of “Do Lord.”
Special music for the morning service was brought to us by Tammy and Lilly Jones.
“The Low Road to High Places” (James 4:9-10) was the title of Bro. Derrell’s message for this Sunday. The book of James tells us, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.” Humble yourself as a little child; the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. God rewards our lives; it will outshine all else this world has to offer.
Sunday night Bro. Derrell spoke on “limited visions” from Matthew 13:54-58 and Matthew 16:13-16.
Our sympathy is extended to Hermus Campbell and his family in their time of bereavement, as the Lord called Clara Campbell home on Wednesday of last week. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor who will be truly missed. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).
A date to be remembered is July 9. We are planning a prayer breakfast Saturday morning at 8. This will be a time of devotion, prayer and breakfast. Everyone is invited to join us in the fellowship hall.
July nursery workers: July 3, Tammy Jones; July 10, Laura Liveoak; July 17, Missy Mandrell; July 24, Marlena Hayes; July 31, Pat Hayes.
Homecoming at Mt. Carmel will be July 24, beginning with singing at 10 a.m. by the Coleman Family as our guests. Lunch will follow the services.
Wednesday night is Bible study; come and study with us. Remember to read your Bible and pray daily; walk close to the Lord.
You are always welcomed to come worship with us at Mt. Carmel.

Christ Independent Methodist Church
Sunday, in the absence of Dr. Mac Stinson, the Rev. Charles Tew filled our pulpit. He took his scripture from 1 Corinthians. This scripture stressed the importance of being the best that we can be. In biblical vernacular, we all need to let our little light shine. We all have the opportunity to be an influence in our church, school, community, social clubs and in the work force: anywhere people gather and observe us and our behavior. We are to love our brothers and sisters. We are to love those who despitefully use us. God put all of us in somebody else’s life to impact them. Be sure the influence you impart is for the better.
There was a celebration of life memorial service for Everette Bagby at Johns Ride Out Memorial Chapel earlier this week in Homewood. His widow, Robbie, was in charge of organizing the service in accordance with their mutual wishes. Dr. Mac Stinson, pastor, also had a role in the service. All of us at Christ Independent Methodist Church where Everette and Robbie were members will miss him and extend sympathy to Robbie and their families.
Continue to pray for Dr. Stinson and Glenda, Wilma Ellison, Mable Mitchell, Paul Dean, our military, their families, our country, our leaders, our church and each other.
Wednesday night worship service will resume in July.
If you were absent Sunday, know that you were missed. If you are not associated with another church already, we invite you to CIMC.
We extend a special “thank you” to the Rev. Tew for ministering to us.
Have a blessed week.

New Salem Baptist Church
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms…”
The words of an old hymn describe the fellowship and joy received when worshiping at New Salem.
We announce Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday, July 10 at 5 p.m. and continuing Monday through Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m. All children ages 3-12 are invited to participate.
The Kellys, a singing group from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., will be singing July 24 during the evening service. You are cordially invited to attend. A love offering will be received for their expenses.
New Salem continues to have many visitors at its services. We welcome and appreciate all those who come to worship with us. The new facilities really enhance the time of worship, and God’s power continues to save and heal the brokenhearted.
Looking for a church home? Consider New Salem, His church, where the difference is worth the distance. The church is located just off Highway 31 on County Road 29. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., and worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Bethsalem Baptist Church
Our service began with a baptism celebration for Dylan Cullum and Jeffery Thrasher. We then held Fuge commissioning and prayer for all students and teachers.
Our service began with singing “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know,” followed by special music by the Celebration Choir, “Had It Not Been.”
The message by Bro. Brad for the evening service was “God’s Call to Follow the Leader” from Ephesians 5:1-7.
God saved Jennie Chandler, Sarah, Hanna and Tracy Jones. We are blessed.
Happy birthday this week to Sally Davis, Chris Cox, Kelsey Stange, Logan Cox, Vickie Pool, Tyler Harmon, Susie Chavez, James Gleen, Brittan Stange, James Wells, Anabeth Polk and Kelsey Cox.
Pray this week for our youth while in Fuge camps in Mississippi. Also pray for James Moore, Charles Bryant, Elza Enriquez, Dylan Cullum, Chris Cullum, Betty McGee, Chris and Sonja Cox, Jim Beck, Pete Burnett, Rita Brasher, Vicki Knight, Larry Little, Kyle Pack, Catherine Gillespie, Alan Adams, all people in storm areas, our missionaries, all families that have lost loved ones, and for revival to come.
Thursday at 8 p.m. our women’s softball team will play Clanton First Assembly, and at 8:30 the men’s softball team will play Clanton First Baptist.
There will be no evening service next Sunday. Come worship with us and get connected.
Have a blessed week. Jesus loves you.

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church
It’s summer and a lot of our members are traveling.  We pray for their safe return.
An organizational meeting for the Chilton Christian Community Theatre was this past Tuesday, but it’s not too late to sign up.  We hope to grow this theatre group into a countywide effort.  The CCCT will perform a couple of family-friendly plays each year, providing opportunities for personal testimonies and to show the world that Christians can have fun.  If God is calling you into drama as a ministry, please contact us!
Congratulations to Greg Owens and Lisa Mims on their marriage on Saturday.  We pray for an abundant and happy life in God’s grace.
We send a special prayer of thanks that Baby Callie finally got to come home.  Congratulations to her parents, Jake and Brandy Cleckler!  What a miracle baby you have received!
Brother Glenn preached a powerful sermon on “The Ultimate Test of Faith,” based on Genesis 22 where Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac.  Again, Abraham’s faith and trust in God was rewarded as God provided a ram for the sacrifice, thus saving Abraham’s son from death.
We are still offering wall panel memorials for $50 each.  You can dedicate a wall panel in memory or honor of a loved one in our Family Life Center.
For more details of church events and ministries, visit gbgm-umc.org/mountpisgahumc.

Jackson Chapel
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Bro Dewayne Castleberry got the Sunday School hour started off with a good lesson entitled “Pursue Christ.”  Bro Gary Fant got the morning worship service started off with “The Old Gospel Ship” and “He Set Me Free.”  Glenn Riley blessed us with two beautiful songs entitled “How Great Thou Art” and “In The Garden.”
In the absence of Bro Dennis Smith, Bro Dewayne Castleberry brought the morning message entitled “Have You Left Your First Love” taken from Revelation 2:1-7.  God knows our hearts and he also knows that we as Christians can’t bear people who are evil.  We can’t hide anything from God, and he knows every thought we have, so we need to be very careful about what we think.  If we listen to other people, they could lead us in the wrong direction, but if we go by the word of God that will never lead us in the wrong direction.  We should make sure to put Jesus Christ first in our lives and everything else will fall into place.
The service ended with several coming to pray.
Happy birthday this week to Carson Riley.
Please remember these as you pray this week: Marie Rhodes, the Earl Caton family, Derek Gray, Guy Gray, 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.

Calvary Independent Baptist Church
Calvary Independent Baptist Church reflected back on last week’s VBS and the many blessings we all had in being a part of that ministry. God has really been blessing our efforts as we strive to serve Him.
Bro. Randal Mims preached during this Sunday’s morning service and delivered a message about God knocking on our hearts’ door. The evening service continued our journey through the book of Revelation at the end of chapter six.
Calvary is actively involved in outreach and bus ministries as a focus of our children’s ministries. For these God has truly blessed our efforts and even now is still opening windows of opportunity for us to serve Him in new and exciting ways.
Come be part of any or all of our services: Sunday School at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship service at 10 a.m., Sunday evening service at 5:30 and Wednesday night service at 6:30.
We are located south of Clanton just off U.S. Highway 31 on the right past Dollar General, on Fulmer Drive.

Mars Hill Baptist Church
What another wonderful day to serve the Lord. I’m so glad we can go to the church of our choice without fear. Not everyone in the world can do that.
We had special altar prayer for Kurt Grooms, the young man who was injured in an automobile accident Friday. Kurt is in ICU at UAB and needs our prayers. He is doing fairly well at this time, but remember to pray, not just for him, but for all the sick, injured and unsaved.
The sermon for the day came from Romans 10:17, and Bro. Terry spoke on “Connect with Faith.” Faith comes by hearing the word, and if you are saved then at some point the word of God came to you.
Vacation Bible School has been a success and much fun for the younger ones. The children are always excited to attend VBS and Sunday School. We have Children’s Church during regular adult worship services on Sunday morning, and they are always ready to go to their very own services. It is hard to tell who is more eager, the children or their leaders.
Teddy Bear Month brought many teddy bears for the fire and rescue units in our area. We thank all of you who had a part in this. A teddy bear to hold on to when a child has been injured helps calm them.
Come visit us at Mars Hill. You are always welcome for any and all services. We are located on County Road 42, west of Jemison.
We know that God’s blessings continue to come into the lives of His people, even when our faith is at its lowest. Continue to pray for our churches and each other.

Bethany Baptist Church
We are glad to have our pastor and his wife back from the national association in St. Louis.  They gave us a report Sunday night on the good messages and fellowship, reports from missionaries and business that was transacted.
Sunday morning Chris Knight sang a special, “Who Am I?” Bro. Steve’s message was taken from Psalm 122.  The Psalmist David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”  In our terms, we might say David was glad when he got an invitation to go to church.  There are some wonderful things we can say about going to the house of God:  It is important to assemble together as believers, to stand together, fellowship together and give thanks together.  And God gives us His provision and protection.  Be glad when you go to church, and bring someone with you.
Prayer list:  James Bixler, Lillian Burkhalter, Ashley Friday, Carl Gray, Ellen Gray, Ernestine Hatch, our servicemen and women, Larry Miller, our missionaries, Billie Neeley, Pvt. Josh Peppers, Aubry and Shirley Wallace, Jesse Wallace, and our pastor and his wife, Steve and Phyllis Vickers.
See you Sunday!

Cedar Grove
Thank you, Lord, for all the rain you have blessed us with this week. Everything is looking so green, and the peas are already on the vines. Homegrown tomatoes are ready; there is nothing any better than a good homegrown tomato sandwich (to name a few).
We want to express our sympathy to Sister Wanda Bullard and her family in the loss of her father, G.W. Whitfield, to the Davenport families, James Earl and Shirley in the loss of their brother Steve.
A longtime member of Cedar Grove, Brother Earl Caton, went on to be with the Lord this week too. He will surely be missed. He was the oldest member of our church and fought in World War II. He testified about his time there and always cried; he always had a good testimony how the Lord took care of him.
Happy birthday to Heather Wood, Libby McGuire, Krista Jones and Jacob Popwell. Happy anniversary to Gwen and Gary Vines, and Clay and Heather Collins.
The youth are gone to camp this week; they will get a lot of good Bible teaching, good preaching and have a great time near Mt. Cheaha. They will see how much fun they can have without a TV and video games.
We sang several songs, no specials Sunday, and no evening service because of a funeral service.
Brother Heath preached a good message about “God’s Comfort” from 2 Corinthians 1:1-4.
Come visit with us next week, we are sure you will enjoy the service.
Remember all the ones on the prayer list, the sick and shut-ins, our military, leaders, church family and our pastors.
God bless and keep you in his arms.

Samaria Baptist Church
It is a tragic thing to be in the hands of an angry God.  This message was preached many years ago in Connecticut by Jonathon Edwards.  He knew it was a revelation from God that he preach this, because he did not want to talk about the anger of God.  The Holy Spirit reveals our sins, and we must repent.  Hundreds of people came to know Jesus through this shattering message.  The people did not take care of God’s business and His house the way it should have been. They were in a state of apostasy. Christians’ lives testify Christ in life. Be a testimony, and make sure you know where you would go if your life ended today.
The rejection of Jesus Christ as he knocks at our heart’s door is a step toward a state of degradation.  The Holy Spirit tugs at our hearts and lets us know that we need to repent and come to Him.  If we continue to refuse to do this, we will commit the sin of denying the conviction of Christ, and one day He will no longer knock. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Dying without Jesus is an endless death. If you think you are above Christianity, you are walking a very dangerous road.
Otherwise intelligent people who deny God in their lives are no match for the intelligence of God our Father.  Christ is forever. Accept Him today, and He will never fail you.
Our prayer needs today are Horace and Gayle Cleckler, Cheralyn Stoneback, Bro. Gary Voyles, Erlene Head, Dot Moore, the Milford family, the Johnson-Silas families and the Brown-Lockhart families in their sorrow.
Samaria is a loving church that has room for you.  Please visit us if you are in need of a godly sermon, or if you are looking for a new church family. We welcome you!

Rocky Mt. United Methodist Church
There is a good bit of news to share with you this week from Rocky Mount.
Beginning on Sunday, July 17 and continuing through Wednesday, July 20, we will be holding a summer revival. Leading the services will be Brother John Mooney.  We will also have special music including Brother Mooney’s talented daughters.
On Sunday, July 31, we will celebrate our annual homecoming.  Plan to come join us and see old friends and make new friends.  There will be plenty of wonderful singing going on and a shared meal.
Thursday, June 30, at 11 a.m. our own Cindy Vining will have the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for her new venture, the Jemison Wedding Chapel.  We hope you can attend the open house on Thursday, Friday or Saturday to see the new facility.  It is the old Jemison Methodist Church.  Turn off Highway 31 between Regions Bank and the municipal building.  Go across the railroad tracks to the stop sign.  Turn left onto Main Street, then right onto Thomas Street.
Having just celebrated Mother’s Day in May and then Father’s Day in June, Brother Willard’s scripture and sermon were perfect for a “Parent’s Day.”  This week’s scripture was from Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23.  This is the Parable of the Sower.  Jesus told the story of the seeds and how they might or might not thrive based on the place they landed and the care they received.
Brother Willard began with a question, “Are you satisfied with the religious faith community of your children?”  If no, “To what extent do you blame yourself?”  We must all remember to raise our children in a Christian home.  Let our lives be an example.   Do the best job that you possibly can to teach them the way of our Lord.  God sends his word to all, just as the seeds were sown on all the ground.
Call 688-2204 for more information.