Church news for the week of Dec. 24, 2015

Published 4:26 pm Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week.

Sunday morning services included a message from Luke 24:13-26 on “This Is The Season for Reasoning.”

We looked at how we as individuals must know what we believe concerning the life of Christ, the death of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, and the truth of Christ according to the scriptures.

We need to communicate with one another and reason within ourselves to let the Holy Spirit of God teach us the truth of the scriptures.

If we take the time to examine ourselves according to the truth in the scriptures, we can really know what we believe and why.

Communion was observed at the end of the morning services while Sunday night services included a short song service, a message from Luke 1:26-33 and a fellowship meal downstairs that celebrated this month’s birthdays and anniversaries.

We hope that you really do have a great personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and have received the greatest gift that anyone could ever have, the gift of eternal life.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the reason that so many celebrate Christmas, and we pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you are in Clanton and have an opportunity to come visit with us this Sunday, we would love to see you at Calvary! Come visit the place where faith and fellowship meet.

We are located in south Clanton just past Dollar General right off U.S. 31 on Fulmer Drive.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services Sunday’s at 10 a.m. Sunday services start at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday services start at 6:30 p.m. and we also have a bible study on every other Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Check us out on Facebook or Twitter, and for other services and events visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com or call Pastor Oscar Mims at (205) 755-9399.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

On this wonderful Lord’s Day before Christmas Day we, as a lot of other churches, had a special service to honor the birth of our Lord.

The story of Christmas was told in scripture and sung by the adult choir.

Pat Hayes sang “Mary Did You Know” and Jim Hayes sang “O Holy Night” as specials during the presentation.

Following the choir singing, Bro. Travis Burnett read II Corinthians 9:15. This verse stated thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Have you ever tried to guess what gift might be inside a wrapped package? We do not have to guess what this unspeakable gift is. The scripture that tells the Christmas story plainly declares that unspeakable gift is Christ, and that he came to earth as a baby.

He lived a sinless life and gave his life in order for us to have salvation. We all can have this gift if we accept it by grace through faith. It is free.

The youth presented our Sunday evening service. They presented the Christmas story in a different and fun way by performing the play “Frosty Did You Know?”

Thanks to Hayes and Crystal Warren for their hard work in putting this together for our enjoyment.

After the play, Bro. Travis read Luke 2:7. This verse told us that the greatest gift ever given was not in a beautifully wrapped package beneath a Christmas tree, but wrapped in swaddling clothes and lay in a manger.

There was no room in the inn for the Christ child. Are you willing to make room in your heart for him today or will he be turned away because there is no room for him?

Following the evening services, we had a visit from jolly old Santa Claus. He had a gift for all the girls and boys. We had a time of fellowship and finger foods when Santa’s visit was over.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Greg Robinson and his family in the loss of his mother, Janice Robinson. May God grant them comfort and peace during this time of sorrow. Please keep them in your prayers.

Also, at the time of this writing, Grant Franklin and Jacob Jones are in the hospital. We ask that you pray for them and their families.

Others on our special prayer list are Elladene Mims, Minnie Childress, Leona Liveoak, Mary Maudlin, Jenny Hayes, George Campbell, Ruthie Jean Giles, Gladys Franklin and Christy Lowery.

Everyone at Mt. Carmel would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and say a very special happy birthday to Jesus Christ our Lord.

New Salem Baptist Church

Morning worship at New Salem Baptist Church began at 11 a.m. with the congregation singing, “Away in a Manger.”

Pastor Larry Reeser made the announcements and read the prayer requests.

The Adult choir performed the Christmas Cantata, “Tell The World Jesus is Born.” The choir did a superb job, which the congregation received with joy.

The 5 p.m. service began with Matt Turner who sang “No Place for Jesus,” and was followed by children who performed their Christmas program, led by Karen Reeser.

Their performance showed they had spent much time in practice, as they sang and spoke without making any mistakes. The props and the costumes were perfect as well.

The church was packed with families who kept praising how wonderful the program was.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior we should not forget that he is the reason we celebrate, and the fact that he came to give his life so that we might live.

John wrote that we could have everlasting life if we believe (John 3:16).

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all who worship with us. Our services include Sunday at 10 a.m., Sunday School and worship at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting is held Wednesday’s at 6 p.m. Presently we are studying the book of Revelation.

You are invited to join with us at any of our services, and if you need additional information call (205) 389-1102.

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce