Christ Independent Methodist Church

On a cold and rainy day, it was a real pleasure to gather with friends at church and hear an always-inspiring message from our pastor, Dr. Mac Stinson. His sermon title was “The Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast: Gratitude or Entitlement?” Scripture was taken from John 6:25-35 and Luke 17:11-19.

Lets begin by clarifying these two terms: Gratitude means a quality or feeling of being grateful. Entitlement means to give a title or claim to something.

John 6:25-35: Then said they unto him, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said unto them, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” They said therefore unto him, “What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, he gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Then Jesus said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” Then said they unto him, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” And Jesus said unto them, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

Some people look at life as though everything should go their way. They think of themselves as smart, attractive and entitled to whatever they desire. Some people truly feel a sense of entitlement, and when they hit a rough road in life, they feel miserable. They pout and sulk, making everyone around them feel miserable too. Do you know people as I have described? Ask yourself if you feel a sense of entitlement. If so, pause long enough to give praise and gratitude for your many blessings. How long would it take you to make a list of twenty blessing for which you are grateful?

When you pray, remember Dr. Mac Stinson and his son, Mary Ann Carden, Roy Lauter, Annelle Smith and each other. Remember to pray for our military wherever they are, and pray for their families, as well. Pray for our country, our leader, our church, community and each other.

Look forward to Dec. 1, which is our Hanging of the Greens Christmas service at 5 p.m.

Our special thanks to all who contributed food and their time to make our Harvest Supper the wonderful affair that it was.

We welcome all visitors to come meet with us. Have a blessed week.

Mount Carmel No. 1

Songs and praise were given to the Lord this Sunday morning as we gathered in his house. God’s Holy Spirit unites believers for the cause of Christ. We are thankful for all who came to worship with us on this Sabbath.

Our worship service was opened with special music by Emily Jones. She sang “When I Finally Make It Home.”

Bro. Derrell took his sermon, “Carefully, I’m Watching You,” from Psalm 127:3 and Genesis 22:1-13. The Psalmist says that children are a heritage from the Lord and they are a precious gift of the Lord. Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord, all that walketh in his way and bring their child to be dedicated to the Lord.

Abraham was blessed with his son, Isaac, and tested by God. Abraham knew the importance of being obedient to God, and God did provide. Do we fear God and trust him when he says he will take care of us? Abraham feared the Lord, and everything he needed was provided.

The service was closed with the dedication of Mason Olivia Cluck, infant daughter of Anna Cluck and the late Mason Cluck. Anna is allowing God to use her as a parent, to lead, guide and bring up Olivia in the center of God’s will.

Sunday night, we studied from Exodus 14:15. Our lesson title was “God Always Has a Way Out.” The Lord spoke to Moses and said that the children of Israel should go forward. God is telling our church to go forward, just as he told the children of Israel.

Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. We look for you to join with us for Sunday service. Always pray for us, and we will be praying for you. Give thanks to God for all your blessings this season.

Upcoming events:

On Sunday night, Nov. 24, we will hold a dedication service for the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Please bring your boxes for this service. Our Harvest Supper will follow the evening service. Come join with us for this Thanksgiving event. We look forward to seeing you.

Please note this change for the mid-week service the week of Thanksgiving: For this week only, we will meet on Tuesday night, Nov. 26, instead of Wednesday night.

Practice for the Christmas program, “Two Nights Before Christmas,” will be each Sunday at 3:30 p.m. This is for all ages.

The Prayer Walk for the month of December will be on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. Come join with us and pray for our church and other prayer requests.