Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Great day in the morning!  Yes, it was a great day in the morning at Rocky Mount!  We learned more about our mission project for this Christmas and we look forward to filling shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse project that sends gift boxes to some of the most hurting places in the world. If you would like to help, call 688-2204 or 688-1922 for details. We invite you to fill a box, donate as much or as little as you are able or would like, or donate items to include in the boxes. Flip flops, crayons, individually wrapped hard candies, pencils, small toys, balls and little toy cars are some of the items you can use—just let your imagination be your guide. Have fun and know that your gift will be so thrilling for a child who has so little. There is only a small window of time to fill these boxes, so get shopping and be filled with love as you share your blessings!

Our scripture came from Luke 17:11-19. As in the scripture, we heard stories of competitiveness, hardheadedness and tenaciousness. If God is for us, who can be against us? God loves us and wants us to serve him. God is a god of inclusion, not exclusion. God doesn’t want to see souls thrown to the side and cast away; he wants them to be made complete and be included in the many bounties of being a Christian. We all need these attitudes of being competitive and strong-willed in our Christian lives. We also need to be thankful for the many gifts that God has given us.

In the scripture we learn of the ten lepers being healed, but only one goes back to Jesus. Do you take God and his blessings for granted, or do you thank him for the many things he has done for you? God challenges us to be more like Jesus, and the best way we can strive toward that goal is to share the marvelous love of Jesus with the entire world.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

As we gathered in the house of the Lord Sunday, we were thankful for his grace and the teaching of the Sunday school lessons.

In the passage from Luke 10:38-42, conflict can arise because of different priorities. Martha and Mary had a conflict. Let’s not allow our conflicts to be the reason someone rejects Jesus.

Our worship service was opened with our children gathering money for their penny march while Libby Warren played the musical march. The congregation was led in singing “Wonderful Words of Life,” “The Way of the Cross” and “Heavenly Sunlight.” Afterward, we enjoyed special music by Tori Mims as she sang “Rock O’ My Soul.”

“Losers and Winners,” from Philippians 3:4-8, was the title of Bro. Derrell’s sermon. Paul said, “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. I have suffered the loss of all things that I may win Christ.” Paul, aka Saul, was a law-abiding man until the experience on the Damascus Road. The scales fell from his eyes and he knew he was serving in vain. Paul was teaching the law. He heard the high calling of God. Why does the world call Paul a loser? Because he chose to serve the Lord, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection.

Sunday night’s message was taken from the book of Luke 10: 38-42 titled “A Place of Stillness.” Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Martha was serving, but Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and heard his word.

Focus on the priority of being in a place of stillness, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Don’t let your troubles rob you of God’s blessings. Leave your burden with the Lord.

Upcoming events:

The WMU ladies of our church will have a prayer walk at the church on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Please join with us and pray for our church, the lost, our nation and other requests.

Oct. 27 has been set aside as Pastor Appreciation Day for Bro. Derrell and his family. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following the morning service.

The Prime-Timers fellowship will be held at Sue davenport’s home on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Please join us for fun, fellowship and fishing (bring a fishing pole).

Trevor Coffer invites everyone to the rededication ceremony of the old Rasberry family cemetery in the Isabella community. The ceremony will be held on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. You are invited.

Remember our prayer time on Sunday morning following Sunday school. Meet with us in the prayer room for a few moments of prayer for our church, our service and all other requests.