Lime Springs United Methodist Church
Our Sunday School lesson continued on a series focused on a biblical view of the church and the means to true worship.
Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 entitled “Christ Is Our Solid Rock.” Bro. Shannon shared the two stories of Moses and the rocks in the wilderness, which brought forth water for the children of God. In the first story, taken from Exodus 17, Moses was instructed by God to strike the rock. He did so, and sustaining water came forth.
Unfortunately, Moses disobeyed God and struck the rock in anger, asking the question, “Shall I bring forth water for you?” This disobedience caused Moses to miss entering the Promised Land. Why was God’s punishment so strict? The answer lies in the symbolism of the rock. I 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, we are told that Christ was that rock from which the sustaining water (often referred to as living water) flowed. It was OK to strike the rock the first time, as it fulfills Isaiah 53:4-6, “He was smitten by God, and afflicted.” However, the rock only needed to be struck once, just as Christ had to die just once for our sins. To strike him again is disrespecting the sacrificing he made for us on Calvary.
Moses disobeyed God, but worst, he disrespected the sacrifice made by God to save the people and tried to direct the glory toward himself! Hebrews 10:26-31 warns of the judgment that will come to us when we disrespect the sacrifice of Christ by continuing to sin, even after receiving salvation. However, the grace of God is ever present. When we sin, he provides a means of forgiveness. We simply must come to the Rock of Ages and speak to Him!
We held our monthly congregational meeting after the morning service.
Our evening Bible study continued a series on the Old Testament: a summary.
Happy anniversary to Hollie and Kenny Connell, and Judy and Bill 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.

Christ Independent Methodist Church
On this warm but beautiful Sabbath Day, Dr. Mac Stinson took his scripture from Matthew, relating to one of the greatest miracles among the many attributed to our Lord.
This miracle that Matthew relates in 14:22-31 tells how Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee to the wonder and awe of his disciples.
This event follows the feeding of thousands of his followers with two small fish and five small loaves intended as a lunch for one small boy. The crowd had gathered on the shore to hear Jesus preach but had not come prepared for lunch. When the lunch hour passed, the disciples asked Jesus to send the crowd away but he proceeded to feed these hungry people before sending them on their way. That accomplished, he told the disciples to get in a boat and cross to the other side of the sea. While crossing, Matthew says, “The wind was contrary,” tossing the boat about putting the men in fear for their life. At that point they saw Jesus walking toward them across the water. They did not believe what they saw. Jesus saw their fear and said, “Be of good cheer; it is I.” Still they doubted.
Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee.”
We know the Lord said, “Come,” and Peter started toward him, but as the water became rough Peter was afraid and cried, “Save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand to Peter and caught him from sinking but said, “O thou of little faith.”
These two miracles vie for greatness among many others performed by our Lord. God performs miracles every day, I believe. That is his business. We see miracles every day but fail to recognize them for what they are. Like Peter, we allow fear to be a powerful force in our life and prevent us from recognizing the glory of God and the miracles he sends our way.
Our prayer list this week: Dr. Mac Stinson, Wilma Ellison, Dwight Sammons Alex Dawson, Paul Dean, Bonnie Headley, and the family of Wilma Connell, who passed away this past week.
Say a special prayer for a small girl who is a cancer victim. God knows her name.
Our study of Revelation continued Wednesday nights at 6:45.
Pray for the families of our servicemen their families, our country, our church and each other. Remember Israel. Have a blessed week.

Bethsalem Baptist Church
Happy birthday this week to Carlee Wright, Charlie Elgin, Joy Deavers, Jennifer Harmon, Maci Hucks, Terry Johnson, Talon Hunter, Jacob Carroll and Joseph Wells.
Happy anniversary to Harold and Elvie Patterson (52 years, Aug. 7) and Bill and Shirley Smith (47 years, Aug. 9).
Our morning service began with a welcome and fellowship time shared by the congregation. We sang “I Sing Praises,” “My Savior Lives,” “He Lives,” “Serve the Lord With Gladness” and “One Day We Shall Behold Him.”
Special music was presented by the celebration choir, “You Can Know Him” with soloist Hailey Wingard. A great job, Hailey.
The message by Bro. Brad was entitled “Stewardship: The One Thing You Can’t Get More Of” and came from Ephesians 5:15-17 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
During the evening service we had lots of fun and great fellowship at Bridgestone campground.
Pray for Myra Burnett, Charles Bryant, Angie Henley, Lily Michelle Wilson, Chris and Sonja Cox, Lynn Minor, Linnie Hathcock, Joe Ann Adams, Jetti Durbin, Christy Gandy, Lynn Minor, Angie Tigor, Sid Griner, Bro. James Moore, Pete Burnett, Linda Henley, Hunter Moore, Austin Childress, Jim Beck, Diane Latham, Sue Coleman, Grace Williams, Donald Cleckler, Betty Pruitt, Jennifer Walls, Wayne Summerlin, those in summer areas, our homebound and families who have lost loved ones. Also pray for revival to come.
Wednesday night is family night, and supper begins at 5:30 p.m.
Next Sunday is a church leadership meeting at 4:45 p.m.
Come worship with us on Sunday and get connected with us. Tell someone about Jesus this week.

Mt. Pisgah
Mt. Pisgah had a wonderful week. Our summer revival went very well, with guest speakers Donna Martin and Bo Deloach. The theme for the week was “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” as we all prepared for the spiritual battle going on in the world today. Special music was provided by Percy and Tootsie Scott, Carla and Anna Wilson, Cheyenne Popwell, Shay Gibson, Randall Edwards, Joe Raspberry and the Mt. Pisgah Choir.
Our Wall Panel Memorials are still available to those who would like to purchase one in memory or in honor of a loved one. To purchase one, you may contact Glenn Walker at (334) 349-5422.
Thanks to Percy Scott for making his fields available for the mission group from Indiana to pick the remaining crops from his fields. The group gleaned 20 bushels of peas in just a few hours.  The harvest will be used in local food banks by the Harvest of Hope ministry through the Society of St. Andrews.  Our special prayers go out this week to Percy as he recovers from heart surgery.
A Gideons’ speaker will be sharing this Sunday, Aug. 14, and a special offering will be taken up for this Bible placement ministry.  Our annual homecoming will be on Sept. 18.  Spread the news.

Mt. Springs
Following Sunday School, Bro. Kenneth led the church in the hymns “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All” and “Heaven’s Jubilee.” Sheri Moates sang “For the Life of Me” and blessed many hearts with such a wonderful song.
Bro. Don preached from Titus 1:16. What does your life give evidence to? We are living in a world today where people proclaim to be Christians but in works they deny God. There must be a change in your life if you are true Christian for God. If not then it will always seem as if something’s missing.
The service ended with “I Must Tell Jesus” led by Bro. Kenneth Moates. Sunday night’s service began with the songs “Getting Ready to Leave this World,” “I’ll Have A New Body,” “I Want to Know More” and “I’ll Have A New Life.” Bro Kenneth Moates’ devotion came from Matthew 11:28-30. If we cast our burdens on the Lord he will do the rest.
The Hoggle family sang two wonderful songs. We were thankful they stopped by and shared their talent God has blessed them with.
Bro. Don’s message came from Ephesians 1:17-20 and was the second part to the message he preached last Sunday, “The Riches of God’s Grace.” He wanted the church to think about how rich we are for the Lord. God has provided a comforter to every person that is born again in Christ. We are rich because we have the comforter to walk with us in life. Cherish all the riches God has blessed you with because you never know when the devil could take them away.
The service ended with a birthday celebration for our pastor Bro. Donald Vanderslice. We hope we will be able to spend many more birthdays with him and his wife, Florence.
Remember the services begin Sundays at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Night service is at 5:30, and Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Bethany Baptist Church
Bro. Steve’s message Sunday morning was taken from Proverbs 4:23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”  Each person is who they are, inside the heart.  We are to use all diligence to safeguard (protect) our heart.  To be careful what we let in.  What we see and hear—our thoughts and desires.  It is important to identify and remove all harmful things from our heart and to deposit in our hearts those things that allow us to live fruitful lives that touch and edify others.
Sunday night Bro. Steve continued his message on the King James version of the Bible as the preserved word of God.  He reminded us the scriptures are clear that we are not to add to or take away from the word of God.  (Read Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:6 and Revelation 21:19.)
Happy birthday this month to Glenn Vines (Aug. 2) and Barbara Avery (Aug. 29).  Happy anniversary to Chris and Lori Knight on Aug. 5.
Prayer list:  Betty Biggs, Lillian Burkhalter, Carl Gray, Ellen Gray, Ophelia Griffin, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, Larry Miller, Billie Neeley, Jesse Wallace, and Steve and Phyllis Vickers.
See you Sunday!

Mt. Carmel No. 1
It was a great blessing to have a wonderful group gathered in God’s house for our worship service this past Sunday.  After a great Sunday School lesson, our morning service was started with some great testimonies, singing of some old favorite songs and special music by Tammy Harmon (singing “He’ll Do It Again”) and Lillie and Tammy Jones (singing “Lord Keep Me in Your Will”).  Just before Bro. Derrell brought his message titled “Reasons Heaven will be a Blast” he sang “The Good News is the Bad News was Wrong.”  His message was taken from Hebrews 11:13-16.  There is a better place prepared for the family of faith.  A place where there will be rejoicing, not complaining.  There will be no imperfections in body or mind.  No time limits will be set, because it will be eternal.  But the best reason is we get to see God Himself.
The evening message that God sent to us through Bro. Derrell was “The Thrill Has Gone” taken from Psalms 51:12-13.  Have discouraging events in your life caused this to happen to you?  These verses can minister to you if you are feeling this way.  God is still the same as He was at the time you first accepted Him as Saviour and was on fire for Him.  Whatever caused you to no longer have the zeal you once had can (and does) hinder your witness.  God will restore this joy unto you if you are willing to repent and ask Him to do so.
As always we covet your prayers for those of our church family that have special needs in their lives.  Among those on our prayer list this week are Sarah Scott, Hershel Scott, Cecil Franklin, Frances Higgins, Robert Childress, Minnie Childress, Elladene Mims, Christy Lowery and Ruthie Jean Giles.
If you do not have a church home, you are always welcome at Mt. Carmel.  Our Sunday services begin at 10 with Sunday School, Worship at 11, Discipleship Training at 5 with worship at 6.  We have Wednesday evening services at 7.

Cedar Grove
Happy birthday this week to: Patricia Cofer, Faye Lowery and Stacy Wyatt. Happy 50th anniversary to Brother Jim and Sister Faye Lowery, and happy anniversary to Cody and Rachel Hubbard.
Please keep Guy Gray on your prayer list; his mother, Sister Corine, said he was very ill at this time. Pray for Brother Jimmy Flowers’ family; his mother  went on to be with the Lord this past week. We love Brother Jimmy and his family and are thankful that they chose Cedar Grove for their church.
After singing “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “I’ll Fly Away,” Bro. Alton Russell blessed us by singing “The Greatest Thing Jesus Ever Did.”
We had a wonderful attendance for worship service. We were glad to have Chris Wyatt and his friend Tiffany with us among other visitors. We are glad to see new people come; it means that something good is happening at Cedar Grove. When you walk in the door you can feel the Spirit of Jesus.
Brother Jeff Carroll is still preaching about the “Holy Spirit Within.” His scripture came from John 14:15-17, Ephesians 3:14-21, Hebrews 2:17-18 and 2 Timothy 17, 18. God made us to be filled with his Glory.
Sister Stacy Wyatt sang the song of invitation, “Nailed It to the Cross” and the altar filled with praying and to be prayed for.
The evening service got off with a bang: “When the Saints Go Marching In” followed by “I Shall Not Be Moved.” The special for the evening was sung by Bro. Alton, “The Sun’s Coming Up in the Morning,” a beautiful song.
Bro. Heath Vines brought the evening message, “How Is Your Prayer Life?” His scripture came from James 5:13-15.
The song of invitation was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The altar filled.
Remember our revival Aug. 26-27 beginning at 7 p.m. each night; Brother Tim Scott will be bringing the message.
Sunday, Aug. 28 is Homecoming Day 2011. The morning message will be brought by Brother Tim Scott, and guest singers will be Canaanland. They will sing morning and afternoon. Come on out and join us for the good message, singing, food and fellowship. You will be blessed.
Pray for all the sick and shut-ins, our country, the economy and a special prayer for the people that are against prayer in school and everything that real Christians believe is wrong — they think is right no matter what the Bible says about it. Real Christians know what I am talking about. God bless you.

Samaria Baptist Church
Prayer concerns continue for Horace and Gayle Clecker, Drusilla and Walter Hudgins, Phyllis and Ray Hardee, as well as our military, and especially the families of soldiers who lost their lives.
Our pastor, Brother Charles Brooks, seems to get better with every sermon. We appreciate him so much, and thank God for giving him the messages we need each Sunday.  Brother Charles is truly a man of God, and Ms. Patty is a faithful partner with him.
Sunday’s message came from Hebrews 3:1-19.  Jesus is the great high priest, who gave us eternal life as a gift from God.  We have authority over the devil and false prophets who would seek to destroy God’s people.  They just need the Savior that you and I have.  Jesus faithfully discharged his duty on earth and in heaven. We should faithfully discharge the duty we have been given as Christians and servants.  Each day we meet folks who are in need of a Savior.  Jesus is our advocate with the Father and intercedes for us and for our well-being.
With God as our Father, we are never fatherless, never orphans, and never neglected by His love.  God doesn’t need a telephone to call us. We can hear from Him through prayer and reading His word.  We need to memorize the Bible and apply it to our hearts so we can draw the strength and guidance from therein.
The Lord is the light unto our path. Jesus will provide what we need to serve Him.  We must provide a willing heart; ready to serve….Please join us at Samaria and receive a wonderful blessing in worship of Him….God bless you all!

Calvary
Independent Baptist Church
Calvary Independent Baptist Church had a great time of fellowship fishing Friday evening and Saturday morning. Saturday evening everyone enjoyed a fish fry at the church with plenty of fun and food. Sunday morning we were blessed with more visitors and had a great time in our Sunday School classes. Our bus ministry is going strong for Jesus, and our children’s ministry is awesome! Thanks for all your prayers.
During the adult worship service our pastor, Rick Hatchett, brought a message about the necessity of humility in a person’s life and how it is a vital part in a person’s salvation. Our youth pastor, Kevin Shaw, announced an upcoming swimming trip Aug. 13. Everyone planning on going will meet at the church to leave around 9 a.m. and plan on staying until 5 p.m. Sunday night service continued with a message on Revelation 9 with Associate Pastor Oscar Mims.
We want to welcome everyone to come visit and fellowship with us during any of our services.  Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Children’s Church and adult worship services at 10 a.m., Sunday evening service at 5:30 and Wednesday night services at 6:30. We are located in south Clanton past Dollar General off Highway 31 on Fulmer Drive.
Aug. 14 during the Sunday evening service, the message will be brought by Youth Pastor Kevin Shaw. If you’ve never heard him, maybe it would be a good reason to visit; come on out and worship with us. For more information, call Pastor Rick Hatchett at 256-786-0977, Associate Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399 or Youth Pastor Kevin Shaw at 205-351-4585.