Samaria Baptist Church

Pastor Appreciation Day was celebrated with good preaching and a wonderful Thanksgiving meal after the service.

Darrell and Ashlyn Willis sang “I Saw God Today,” and did a wonderful job. Bro. Floyd Collins led a group that sang “Jesus is Coming Soon,” and everyone enjoyed the song.

Our birthday celebrant was Ashlyn Willis. Prayer requests go out to Paris, France, Walter and Drusilla Hudgins, Jay Patterson, and our nation’s leaders.

Bro. Shane’s message today was entitled, “Don’t Lose Heart.” He used several passages of scripture to bring out the message. II Corinthians 4:16-18, 11:23-29, and 1:8.

Of course, we felt heavy-hearted by the events of in Paris, France. This massacre conjured up by the devil in the name of some religion is another sign that Bible prophecy is being fulfilled.

The Apostle Paul endured many times of hardship as he ministered to people throughout his days on earth. He knew that even though he was put through so much torture and underserved punishment, God would never leave him without protection.

Paul knew that if he suffered death, it would be a gain to him. It would mean that God was pleased with him, and that his time of service was through.

Hope in the things of the world would have left Paul in a miserable state. We are in the same condition today. If all we have is our worldly belongings and the things that are earthly are the ultimate goal, then we will be most miserable at the point of death.

Paul’s faith sustained him. In Lamentations we find that the Lord’s compassions fail not and each morning are brand new. Our earthly lives are just a vapor that lasts for only a little while.

What we do to prepare for eternity is all that will matter in the day of judgment. Psalms 30:5 says that weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

When Christ returns every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord.

Paul lived through so much peril, but he never surrendered to those who hurt him. He knew his hope was in God Almighty, and that is exactly what we need to depend on today. Let him into your heart. It is just that simple.

May God bless all who read this word, and join us at Samaria for a time of worship and praise. To God be the glory.

Corinth Church News

We had a wonderful service this past Sunday. A big thank you to Bro. Joe for coming and speaking for us.

This Saturday we will be having our campout with sunrise service Sunday morning. If you would like to join us, we will begin at dusk. For more information and all the latest events, be sure to follow us on Facebook.

With everything going on in the world today, I just want to leave you with Proverbs 4:4-9 (HCSB) “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

Peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence, and if there is any praise – dwell on these things. Do what you have learned, received, heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you. We hope to see you soon!

Submitted by KJ Bowen

Bethsalem Baptist Church

We had another great day of worship Sunday morning. Bro. Justin welcomed everyone and gave our ministry opportunities.

Great singing was provided by Bro. Cleve, who directed our choir special “Beautiful Song Faces with Thank You.” Sharion Williams did a great job singing the soloist part.

Bro. Justin preached from Acts 2:41-47, “Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me.” What is it to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Evening service Bible study was held.

Wednesday night will be the family night Thanksgiving Supper at 6 p.m. followed by the church business meeting at 7 p.m.

Pray for our country and leaders, our homebound, assisted living/nursing home residents, all those facing cancer, those who need salvation, as well as Paul Price, Stephanie Hinton, Charles and Gladys Bryant, Amanda Cecil, Hanna Vines, Rhonda Bullard, Jackson Kelley, Jody Little, Ann Nelson, Nate Jones, Braxton Jones, Bobbie Tipton, Clyde Brasher, Judy Smitherman, Elaine Bridges and baby, Donna Vick, Marie Smith, Hunter Moore, Caleb Harrison, Pate Johnson, Charles Held, Lynn Cox, Mike Smith, Melissa Longford, Kathy Fitzgerald, Kyle Fulford, Michael Arnold, Kinlee Till, Peter Daugherty, Chad Mix and Chris Greenleaf.

Happy birthday this week to Chris Reid, Jeremy Headley, Adelyn Fulmer, Wilma Thomas, Ashley Connell, Peyton Blaloc. Jenica Wells, Hayley Cleckler, Kelsey Sims, Sara Kate Emmerich, McKenna Battaglia, Chris Arnold, Preston Pirkle, Gary Joes, Scotty Willis, Billy Fulmer, Mesha Stewart, Carson Chandler, Makenzie Edwards, Jackson Mallory Michelle Brady, Cooper Cassi. Cyrstal Lowrey, Hollan Horton, and Logan Pack.

During November, be sure to order your poinsettia for Christmas.

Come worship with us on Sunday, and have a blessed week.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wanted to say a special thanks to all who came and participated in services last week.

Sunday morning services included a message from II Corinthians 11:21-28 on “Are We Held Back or Are We Holding on for the Ride?”

Sometimes in life we can go through a lot of tough circumstances. When we look at Paul and see what all he went through and yet he knew he could do all things through Christ, and he did.

We looked at Paul’s persistence in labors, persecution in stripes, and all his perils in travels. Yet Paul had purpose in living a full life, as if running to win a race, and that was for the purpose and glory of Jesus Christ.

It was no longer Paul that lived that full life but rather Christ in him, which is also our hope of glory today. We pray that you are persistent in living a life full of purpose in bringing glory to our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday night services included a message from I John 3:16 about the eternal love that we have upon us from God.

Because of his love for us we also must have that same charity type love for others, especially our brethren.

We need to have a love that wants to make someone’s life a little better through what we do. We need to have a godly love, a giving love, and a graceful love, loving others because God first loved us.

We hope that you know, just like Jeremiah in 31:3 says, that God’s love is an eternal love. He never changes his mind about his children. He will never leave us nor forsake us. We may do something and be chastened, but that just proves that he loves us and wants the very best for us.

We hope that you know him and have a very close personal relationship with him. If you are not sure of your salvation or in what God’s will for your life is, we will be glad to help you find the answers in God’s word.

If you are looking for a church to visit this Sunday in Clanton, we would love to see you at Calvary! 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 beginning at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services Sunday at 10 a.m., Sunday night services start at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday services start at 6:30 p.m., and a bible study takes place on every other Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

The Lord’s day at Mt. Carmel started with a time of fellowship. It is always a blessing to have an opportunity to spend time with Christian brothers and sisters.

We invite any that would like to come. We meet from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. before Sunday School and have a light breakfast. If you cannot join us, please pray for us.

Sunday morning worship service began with Libby Warren playing “Noel” for our penny march. The money received through the penny march went into our Lottie Moon Christmas offering.

Jim and Pat Hayes provided our special music for the morning. They sang, “In the valley he restoreth my soul”.

Bro. Travis Burnett brought our morning message. He finished the message from last Sunday that God had given him from Jeremiah 1:1-9 on “The Call of God.”

Along with the facts that we have assurance and assistance in our call of God, we also have an anointing. First of all we must realize that we cannot accomplish our call on our own. Just as Jeremiah prayed for God to touch his mouth, we must have a touch from God.

Our stand for God will go against the ways of the world, because the things that the world embraces do not glorify God. We may face unpleasant circumstances, but God will not forsake us.

God knows where we are in our walk of life, our purpose for being where we are, and that we need him. When we seek him our needs will be supplied.

Christians are set apart by God for use in his kingdom. Our broken spirit and contrite heart will be made worthy by our complete surrender to God’s call.

We will be different from the world, and with God’s help we will be able to defeat the temptations of worldly desires. Each time we are able to overcome temptation we grow stronger in God.

Kaitlyn Burnett provided special music for our Sunday evening service. She played the piano and sang “Cornerstone.” She also signed to the very inspiring song “The Blood of Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:1-11 was the scripture Bro. Burnett used to bring our message on “God’s Discipline.”

As human parents, sometimes the discipline that is given to our children may be done out of anger. God, on the other hand, disciplines his children out of love. It is not a joyous time for God, but it is necessary.

If he did not discipline us, we would not grow and maybe even become as spoiled children are. God’s chastening and pruning of us brings forth better fruit.

There are things in our lives that we may not be aware of that are harmful to us. They may be harming our Christian testimony. We go through times of chastisement so that we can share in his holiness. It is for our profit.

Always remember that the hand of love holds our chastising rod. Be thankful for his chastisement. It is a sign that we belong to him.

We were thankful for the testimonies that were given regarding those who are sick on our prayer list. Grant Franklin, a baby, is doing a lot better with the possibility of being released from the hospital this week. Please continue to remember him and his family as you pray.

Jennifer Watley received an encouraging report from the doctors this week. She and her family definitely need your prayers. Others on our prayer list include Mary Dean Higgins, Minnie Childress, Leona Liveoak, Elladene Mims, Hilda Cary, Christy Lowery, George Campbell, Gladys Franklin, Mary Maudlin, Jenny Hayes, Jacob Jones, and Tammy Harmon.

Upcoming events:

Bro. Travis Burnett will bring our messages during November. Please join us for our Harvest Supper that will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22 and begins at 5 p.m. Our midweek service will be on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. Christmas play practice will be Dec. 5, 12, and 19 at 4 p.m. each day, while choir practice will take place each Sunday night following service. We will go caroling following lunch in the fellowship hall at noon on Dec. 12, and will be for all ages.

New Salem Baptist Church

Old-Fashioned Day at New Salem Baptist Church began at 11 a.m. with the adult choir singing “Soon and Very Soon.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing, “I’ll Fly Away,” as all congregational songs were from the old soft cover books, such as, “Come and Dine,” “The Old Gospel Ship,” and “Old Time Religion.”

The adult choir sang, “Thank God I Am Free,” while Matt Turner provided special music and sang “The Anchor Holds.”

Pastor Larry Reeser took Luke 19:1-10 as his text concerning Jesus’ meeting with Zacchaeus who had to climb in a tree in order to see Jesus, which indicates that in spite of his status and dignity, he was not ashamed to climb the tree in view of the crowd.

Jesus is quoted in scripture as saying, “if you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my father in heaven.” Yet there are many who are ashamed to show any humility or service to Christ when the crowd is present.

As Jesus approached the tree, he stopped and called for Zacchaeus to come down out of the tree because he had to go home with him. The crowd began to ridicule Jesus for association with a man such as Zacchaeus, who was a tax collector.

However, Jesus said that his ministry was to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus confessed his salvation by wanting to repay anyone he had robbed four times. This lesson shows us that if we sincerely seek Jesus, we will find him and he will say as he did to Zacchaeus. “Salvation has come to this house.”

The ladies of the church served lunch in the fellowship hall, and all enjoyed a time of fellowship. Evening services were cancelled.

The church will be traveling to the Kingwood Church in Alabaster on Dec. 12, to see “The Gospel According to Scrooge.” We will leave the church at 5 p.m.

The adult choir has worked very hard preparing for the Christmas Cantata which will be Dec. 20. during the morning worship service. The children will present their program at the 5 p.m. service and under the direction of Karen Reeser.

New Salem’s schedule of services are 10 a.m. Sunday school followed by 11 a.m. worship. The next worship service will begin at 5 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. Presently we are studying the book of Revelation.

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

Submitted by: Lucille Price Pierce

Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist Church met at 10 a.m. with the song “Joy Unspeakable” and a devotion “God Loves Variety,” from Romans 12:3-8.

We can look at our natural world and see that God does indeed like variety. Some examples are the many different animals, plants, etc. Spiritually and in the church there must be variety.

The human body is made of many different parts, each with a different purpose. The church is the same way, as different members have different roles to play in the church’s functions. Everyone cannot play the musical instruments, everyone is not the pastor, and everyone cannot speak before a crowd of people.

The word prophecy in this scripture means preaching. We all have a role in the teaching of the gospel. Every job in the church is important to God. We find that we must use our talents, not for our glory, but for the glory of God.

We were dismissed to Sunday School with a prayer, and afterward we sang “Be Ye Doers’ of the Word,” “Wonderful Story of Love,” “Dwelling in Beulah Land,” and “When We See Christ.”

Bro. Glenn Vines made the announcements, fifth Sunday services, lunch following the morning service and no evening services.

Prayer requests were for Henry Moore recovering from surgery, our pastor Bro. Aubry Wallace at home after aneurysm surgery, but we’re praying that he will soon be feeling much better. Myra, and Shirley are also in our prayers as they care for their patients.

The morning message brought by Bro. Glenn was, “Run Your Race,” II Timothy 4:1-8. The apostle Paul was writing to a young preacher, Timothy. Paul is responsible for most of the books that are the New Testament.

We have the gospels that give accounts of Jesus and how he dealt with the problems that we as humans have. Paul actually wrote letters to individuals and churches to encourage or rebuke according to their need.

We began by looking at Paul who had fought a good fight for the Lord, and was now nearing the end of his race here on earth.

Because of his faithfulness to God’s work he received a crown. He had not given up, but knew that his life would soon be over. He knew he would face trials and tribulations as he went out preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

In jail in Rome, he knew he was shut off from the world and that he would soon die. He was telling what would happen after he died by giving the example of the runner in a race. Living for the Lord is not just a race, but also a fight against the world.

Paul went through many obstacles while serving the Lord. Many people, including the Jew’s religious leaders did not like Paul. He considered his life an offering, and knew that Christ had covered his sin debt and therefore he was saved.

He was probably the best example we have of what you could go through in like if you are totally living for Christ. Many souls were saved because of Paul’s willingness to serve.

Today as in the days of the apostle Paul, there are many who do not endure sound doctrine. Today many churches do not teach God’s true word. The reason for this is that people do not want to hear about God’s wrath and that they are living in sin.

People do not want the truth they want a fable. They want to go to church but without being taught the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the true teachings of the Bible, groups of people are not a real, true church.

What is being taught in these churches? The things being taught are feel good stories, how God does not want you to want for anything, and that God will give you everything you want.

The truth is that if we do not suffer ridicule, then we are probably not really following Christ in the way that we should. The time will come when people will turn their ears from the truth.

In our life, as well as in Timothy’s, people turn from God. The Israelites turned to God in tough times. When things would get better they would forget about God, and turn to idol worship.

The book of Timothy was written to Timothy. We are in a relay. Paul had run all he could and was passing the torch to Timothy, telling him to preach the word. The same applies to all his churches. The responsibility to preach is not only for Pastor’s, but for every saved church member.

Everywhere we go, we should and must repeat God’s Word. It is not OK to preach just when we might feel like doing so, but teach people every time we see them. Teach and spread the gospel with patience.

The race to preach the gospel message is an ongoing mission, and it never ends. Paul had fought through hard times. Will we?

Morning services closed with a prayer and the hymn “My Latest Sun is Sinking Fast.”

We met at 4:15 p.m. for choir practice, and 5 p.m. for our worship service. We sang a hymn, “Where He Leads, I’ll Follow,” had a prayer and Bro. Glenn brought a thought, “Do You Remember.”

The world in which we live is a busy place. We are all so busy every day working and just trying to get through. Many things are also going on in the world. We must remember that God does not see little and big sin as we do, but to God, sin is sin.

The events of Sept. 11 were a horrible tragedy in our country and for the world as a whole. Fourteen years later, we think about it once a year. We heard a lot for a while, and then it became an afterthought.

The Israelites had lots of blessings from God, but after a while they forgot. They had to be reminded how God had cared for them in the past.

We have big spiritual events in our lives, such as our salvation. For a while after being saved, we are so excited and tell everyone we see what Jesus did for us, but after a while we tend to forget.

God blesses us on a daily basis as he did with Israel. People are getting as far away from God as possible. Take time to remember God and be thankful daily for what he does for us. He cares for us by just letting us wake up each morning, providing plenty of food, and keeping us safe while we travel and work.

We like to prioritize things, but the small blessings we receive from God each day are just as important as the big blessings. We minimize what God has done for us. Paul understood what God had done for him and we should remember that every thing we accomplish in life would not be possible without God, Philippians 4:13.

Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper before his crucifixion on the cross. He knew that we would soon forget what he did for us when he paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for us.

The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the church so that we will remember his death on the cross. Not only did he die for us, but he allows us to witness for him and stay safe each and every day.

We will be a more effective witness if we remember every day what God does and has done for us. We need to be more thankful so that we can better serve him. We were dismissed with a prayer.

Our prayer list includes: our church, missions and missionaries, Journey in Calera and pastor Bro. Paul Armstrong and family, Bro. Aubry, Shirley, Henry, Myra, Bro. Hubert, Grace, Debbie, Frankie, Jeanette and entire family, J.C., Charlotte, Vikii, Helen, Lisa R., all the unspoken requests, but most of all we need to pray for those who are not saved and that they will be saved before it is eternally too late.

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from Revelation 22:12-13. Jesus is coming soon, but no man knows the exact day or time.

He came the first time as a baby in a manger. He will come the second time as king of kings and lord of lords. The second time he will judge the world for the wrong it has done.

He will take the saved home with him, as the prominent subject of the New Testament is the second coming of Christ.

When we become Christians, we are to wait and watch for the coming of the Lord. The world is in turmoil today with terrorists popping up everywhere, America turning its back on Israel, and gay rights the law of the land.

God is not going to put up with it! Its evil and God is going to judge and punish such evil. He will take his people out of this world before that happens, as it will be an awful place. God will take his spirit out of this world, and the chaos will be terrible.

We should be prepared for his coming and not be like the five foolish virgins who did not bring enough oil with them. They were not prepared when the bridegroom came.

Floyd will be having its Thanksgiving meal on Saturday Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., and all are invited to attend.

Everyone is also welcome to worship with us. We are located at 3439 County Road 59 in Verbena.