Samaria Baptist Church

We celebrated a wonderful but chilly Palm Sunday at Samaria.

Our prayer list includes Walter Hudgins, Deborah Taylor, the Eunice Mims family, Greg Mims in the loss of his mother, Nita Smith, Mr. Littlefield, Jacob Jones, our nation and especially our military serving the world over.

Birthdays are for Reba Tuggle, Barbara Collins and Alice Fraser.

Special music was “For These Tears I Died” and was sung beautifully by Cherlyn Stoneback and her mom.

Bro. Shane’s message was entitled, “Preparing the Soil,” as Mark 4:1-9 was the initial scripture for Sunday.

As we prepare the soil every Spring for gardens or flowers, we know that the important part of a healthy garden is making sure that the soil is well tilled and prepared to receive the seedlings or plants that we choose to grow.

In a similar fashion, we must be spiritually prepared for the insertion of the Holy Spirit within our soul.

We must have a receptive foundation in order to grow as a new Christian. We must be ready to receive the power and direction and to allow our love to flow to others.

If seeds are blown around, they may fall on fallow ground. They may not be productive, and therefore will not produce fruit.

In this same way, if we do not cultivate our spiritual growth, then we may wither like a plant without adequate nourishment.

Conversely, if we plant the good seed of righteousness, we will reap a harvest of love.

Non-productive seeds that we sow will always reap disappointment and grief. We need to be recommitted to the growth of the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives.

We can be changed into a wonderful productive tool of God, but we must be faithful in prayer and studying God’s word in order to grow in grace.

Spring has arrived again, and we should be ready to renew our dedication to the service of a living Lord. His death and resurrection made all things new.

God bless you and we invite you to join us at Samaria for a message of truth.

Our church enjoyed a wonderful meal, and It is always a joy to fellowship together with our church family.

Submitted by Diane Fisher Greer

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “Grace Medley,” and Bro. Ken Daniel’s message was from Colossians 1:24-27.

His title was “Beyond the Cross,” and focused on how hope endures through suffering, sustains our purpose and awaits a reward.

Our children were recognized for learning Bible drills. We had two that were presented with Easter baskets for answering the most questions.

Congratulations to Brayla, Brady and Benjamin.

During evening service, Bro. Dusty Dutton sang “Love Grew Where The Blood Fell.”

Bro. Ken’s message was from II Corinthians 10:1-13:14. His title was “The Personal Challenges of Ministry.”

Paul’s strength was in the power of God. Paul commented to his ministry and condemned all false ministries by confronting a ministry.

Upcoming events include:

April 3: Pray for schools.

April 9: Save A Life Walk–See Alisha for more details.

April 10: The Blackwood Quartet will be in concert at Friendship during the evening service. The group has asked for a $10 donation at the door. The group will share a tribute to Elvis during the concert.

May 2: Senior Adult Evangelism Conference at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and no registration is required.

May 8: Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church in Prattville at 6 p.m. The cost is $25 and $18.50 for seniors 60-plus.

May 12: OASIS ’16: A Refreshing Event for Senior Adults will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Habron West Baptist Church with Allison Durham Speer, Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon and Frank Jones. Tickets are $15 if purchased by April 22.

June 3: Men’s fishing trip. See Dusty for more details.

June 17-18: GRIDIRON Men’s Conference at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Register at www.gridironmen.org

June 20-24: VBS Cave Quest.

Oct. 17-20: Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. with Max Lucado, David Jeremiah, Phil Waldrop, Dennis Swanberg, Greg Buchanan, Michael W. Smith, Steve Green, The Gather Vocal Band and Charles Billingsley. Visit www.celebrators.org.

Happy birthday to C.J. Christensen and Yoshi Ishida.

Prayer requests are for Doyce Overton, Tommy Littlefield, Tyler Smitherman, Rachel Lowrey, Fay Powell, Beth Evans’ family and Patty Headley.

 

Corinth Baptist Church

We had a wonderful service Sunday, and it was wonderful to see everyone.

We would like to invite you all to our annual Easter Social on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. We will have food, fun and games for the whole family.

For those of you who would like to stay, we will be camping out and will have a special sunrise service Sunday at 9 a.m. (This will be the only service.)

We hope you can come out and join us.

Ah, the Easter Bunny. What does he/she look like to you? How do you describe him/her to your kids?

Is it a big bunny? Little bunny? Fluffy tail and floppy ears?

I personally like how they portrayed him in the movie “Rise of the Guardians.”

No matter how you imagine the Easter Bunny looks, have you ever wondered what the connection is between a bunny that brings eggs and goodies to the resurrection of Christ?

Well, to be blunt… nothing. Easter is simply an adopted pagan tradition for Christians.

Historically, the rabbit and hare are associated with life, death and rebirth. Bundle the bunny, the celebration of the fertility goddess Eostra and the death/resurrection of Christ, and you have our current Easter tradition.

People buy new clothes, have parades, egg hunts, and let us not forget the candy.

It is really interesting to learn of all the history that surrounds our current traditions. There is so much that I cannot cover in a simple article.

However, you can head over to our Facebook page for an in-depth look at the tradition and history of Easter and how Christianity has become woven within.

In the end, the Easter Bunny is pretty cool, but that elusive rabbit’s goodies cannot compare to Jesus’ gift.

This Easter, do not forget to thank the one who sacrificed it all to give us the ultimate gift of eternal life.

He has risen!

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

Submitted by K.J. Bowen

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

Every Lord’s Day is a special day, but last Sunday was a little more special to a lot of people.

We are grateful for the event that happened a little over 2,000 years ago that we celebrate as Palm Sunday.

The streets of Jerusalem were lined with people anxious to see Jesus, as he rode a donkey through town.

They shouted and gave him praise, and he still deserves our praise and honor today.

It would be a dreadful time if we fail to praise him and he had to call upon the rocks to proclaim his glory.

This is just one of the events that happened during the week leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave that we observe on Easter Sunday.

If you do not have a place of worship that you can attend to celebrate this blessed event with other Christians, please know that you are welcome to worship with us.

We will have our regular Sunday School followed by the adult choir singing the cantata, “Nail Scarred Hand.”

We will not have any evening service on Easter Sunday.

Our services began with Libby Warren playing “When the Saints go marching in” for our penny march.

Our special music was presented by Mr. Jim Hayes who sang “Then came the morning,” and was followed by the singing of Kaitlyn Burnett.

Bro. Travis Burnett used scripture from Mark 4:35-41 to bring God’s message to us. It was entitled “Peace, Be Still.”

It does not matter what trial we are going through, because God knows what we need.

We can have peace in any circumstance when we cling to this promise from God. When we go through these pains and heartaches, the victory is so sweet.

The dark hours that we face are just temporary, and the storms teach us more about the love and grace of God.

If we never had a storm in our life, we would never get to experience the time when God says “Peace, be still.”

We would never get to see his power, for he is in control and knows that the storms are coming. They never take him by surprise.

During the stormy times we may think that he does not care, but he absolutely does. He can see the other side of the storm and knows what is going to happen on our journey of life.

Our faith may grow weak, but that does not limit God’s power. He can and will make a way when we think that there is no way.

We cannot calm the storms of life, but we must call on the master to do this. All the praise and glory belongs to him.

On Sunday evening, Bro. Travis looked again at John 3:16-18 to bring us another wonderful message on how “Love always gives.”

These verses are the basis of the old story of Jesus and his love.

We really should take a regular visit to Calvary. The story is simple – Jesus came to save those that are lost.

Who is this? All mankind is lost without Christ. We are the object of his love, and we as humans usually give love to those we feel deserve it and those that can return it to us.

That is not what Jesus did. His love is extended to everyone. Jesus just did not use words to express his love. He used his actions instead.

We need to follow that example as we live out each day. Our actions should shout out love and grace.

Jesus lifted burdens and became the object of mockery for us. Why?

He did so to make mankind the object of his grace and mercy. There are numerous self-help programs available today, but not one of these programs will take sin from your life.

Only your acceptance of Christ as your Lord and Savior can do this.

He is always reaching out to all. He gives exceedingly above anything that we can comprehend, and he does not withhold anything.

The only change that is every made in his love is that it grows deeper.

We have some very urgent prayer needs in our church. At the time of this writing, baby Jacob Jones is in a Children’s Hospital and his condition is serious.

We pray God’s riches and blessings upon him and his family and ask that you join us in this prayer.

Also, Minnie Childress is not doing well. Please say a special prayer for her.

Others in or connected to our church that need prayer are Ruthie Jean Giles, George Campbell, Mary Dean Higgins, Elladene Mims, Hilda Cary, Gladys Franklin, Mary Maudlin, Libby Warren, Elijah Warren, Mary Ellen Campbell, Leona Liveoak, Juanita Childress, Wayne Cummings, Marlene Hayes, Reba Chambers and Christy Lowery. On Saturday beginning at 9 a.m., there will be an egg hunt at the church for children of all ages. There will be a hot dog lunch following the egg hunt, and everyone is welcome to join us for this event.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

 Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our service opened up, as Bro. Justin welcomed everyone and gave our ministry opportunities.

Our celebration choir blessed us by singing “Blessed Is He” for the call to worship.

We had “Passion Week” overview observance of the Lord’s Supper.

Celebration choir special was “The Power of the Cross,” which set the mood for the sermon.

Bro. Justin preached “Jesus and the Cross” from John 12:12-1 and Revelations 7:17.

It was a great sermon and spiritual service.

Bible Study will be held Wednesday with supper at 5:30 p.m. and adult prayer meeting along with the Outlet for Students and children’s choirs at 6:30 p.m.

Pray this week for Caleb Harrison, Mike Smith, Lynn Cox, Melissa Langford, Kathy Fitzgerald, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, Dreama Thomas, Charles Bryant, Allen and Casey Daniels, Myra Burnett, John Flowers, Walton Aaron, Bob Thrasher, Debra Mims, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glasscock, Bobbie Tipton, Elaine Bridges and her baby, our country, those facing cancer, our homebound, assisted living and nursing home residents, and all those who need salvation.

Happy birthday to Gavin Wilson, David Hand, Rory Thomas, Chris Lockhart, Mark McCary, Mary Cullum, Grace Mitchell and Bradley Bardett.

Next Sunday is Easter. Come worship with us, and enjoy the great things going on.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in the hymns of, “Glory-Land Way,” “At the Cross,” “Fill My Way With Love” and “Come and Dine.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought devotion from Psalms 77:11-12, 14.

Think of those times when you know it was the Lord that came on the scene.

We should never forget what the Lord has done for us in the past. Think of the good things the Lord has done for us.

After Sunday School, Roger Cleckler sang, “Just Any Day Now,” and Bro. O’neal Cleckley preached from Matthew 26:36-41.

Sometimes there are things in our lives that we do not want to face or do. Will we acknowledge it and face it? Or will we run from it and ignore it?

Not once did Jesus fear death. It was being separated from the father that bothered him.

When Jesus went to the garden to pray, he did not pray for himself. He was praying for you and me.

How much does it mean to you? It took hours of praying from Jesus to get us where we are today. Will you say yes to this man that said yes to carry your sins?

Mt. Springs’ Sunday evening service began, as the choir sang “Victory in Jesus” and “Where the Milk and Honey Flows.”

The Mire family sang, “He Didn’t Say No” and “Thank You Lord.”

I Corinthians 15:51-58 is where Bro. Buddy Hayes preached from.

We are on a journey and we have fellowship with the Lord. Without Jesus Christ, we are nothing.

Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, and we need to be focused on the Lord. God wants us to be ready when Jesus comes back.

Submitted by Savannah P.

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

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

Sunday morning services included a message about Palm Sunday, as we looked at scriptures from Matthew 21 and Luke 19.

It is referred often times as the “triumphant entry into Jerusalem.”

The ones traveling with Jesus were excited about all the things the Lord had done. Yet, as Jesus looked at the city he wept because there were so many others that just were not ready for Jesus.

As we come upon this time of year here in America we should be very concerned that many people of our day just may not be ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

We hope you have an opportunity and the desire to hear and learn even more about the Lord Jesus Christ during this season, when we reflect upon our risen Savior.

Be in church somewhere and get excited about what the Lord is doing in 2016.

Sunday night services included a short song service, a short message from I Samuel 12 and other passages about grace to live by.

We are saved by grace, taught by grace, blessed by grace, and encouraged by grace.

We can thank God that we have grace, which always gives us hope that help is on the way in times of trouble.

We pray that you are saved by God’s amazing grace and are serving the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully through a bible in a believing and teaching church near you.

If you are looking for a church to visit with in Clanton this Sunday, 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 at 9 a.m., children’s church and adult worship services at 10 a.m. and final Sunday services at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday services are held at 6:30 p.m. and a Bible study is held 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.

Submitted by Oscar Mims

New Salem Baptist Church

The worship service began at 11 a.m. with choir performing the call to worship with “This is the Day.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “One Day.”

Bro. Reeser made the announcements and presented the prayer requests. There was also a baby dedication for Brody Alan Reeser, son of Alan and Tammy Reeser.

Special music was perfromed by the adult choir that sang “Victory Medley” from the Easter musical and “Calvary’s Love.”

Bro. Reeser’s text was from Matthew 21:1-22, and focused on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

The disciples were sent to get a donkey which was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.

Three lessons are taught by this Scripture: Verses 1-11, deals with the presentation of the temple; verses 12-16 pertains to the purifying of the temple; verses 17-22 the barren fig tree.

Like healthy fruit trees, Christians are to bear fruits of this salvation. Like fruit trees that fail to produce fruit, Christians will also wither and die.

The Bible tells us that Christians are to be different, and that they are separated from the world as Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 and II Corinthians 6:17.

Jesus was upset because his house had lost its purpose and become a den of thieves.

Many of our churches today have departed from their true purpose and lost their respect as well.

Lunch was served by the ladies of the church, and was followed by an egg hunt for the children.

Evening service was called off.

This week is Lexie Matson’s birthday, while Alan and Tammy celebrated their wedding anniversary.

Our children’s choir will present their Easter program on Sunday at the 11 a.m. service.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome for all to worship with us.

Sunday School starts at 10 a.m and is followed by worship at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meeting is held Wednesday at 6 p.m. Currently, we are studying the life of Moses.

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

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Announcements: Sunday services will be held at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Keep watching for the confirmed date of our “Radio Revival” brought to you live from Cedar Grove on WKLF.

Prayer concerns include our nation, the lost, our church family, those in hospitals and nursing homes and the spoken and unspoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text was from John 19:1-24,28-42 and was entitled “From The Garden To The Cross.”

What if to be a Christian, you had to literally carry a cross on your back to be recognized as a true child of God?

God’s word does say to “take up thy cross and follow me.”

The greatest trip ever taken by anyone was the trip Jesus took from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross of Calvary.

Jesus was questioned at length ridiculing him, mocking our Savior, slapping him across the face.

The worst part of the torture began with him being scourged using a cat of nine tails (a whip made of leather, metal, glass,) across his back and body to the cries of the Jews to “crucify him” while the skin was being torn from his body.

This was done at about the sixth hour (preparing time of the lamb for sacrifice).

Then large thorns plated together to make a crown were placed on Jesus’ head and forced down so it would not fall off, but caused more of his blood to flow down his body.

The Roman soldiers placed a purple robe about Jesus body, saying here is your King, “King of The Jews.”

Jesus was made to carry his own cross up a hill to a place called the place of the skull, which is Golgotha.

The High Priests, Sadducees, Pharisees, were not satisfied with just the torture as horrible as it was, but they wanted Jesus to die by crucifixion.

They studied to find the most agonizing form of torture and death for Jesus who was wounded for our transgressions and our multitude of sins.

Think if you will of all the love you have within your power to give your neighbor, that is what Jesus did for all of us, and more.

Note: In the world of today our government is trying to find the most humane easy fast form of death for those on death row, but our Savior had to be humiliated, tortured, in his innocence, because he chose to that we might go free.

Jesus is the truth, the life the only way to God the father is through Jesus. He was hung on the cross between two criminals one who mocked and blasphemed Jesus (saying “if you are a king save us”), one who asked father remember me when you come into your kingdom to which Jesus replied “Assuredly I say to you today you will be with me in paradise!”

We need to get a clear picture of what Jesus did for us. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ robe, when Jesus asked for a drink they gave him sour wine, after he had received the wine it said it is finished and gave up the ghost.

The soldiers came back as was custom to break the legs of the crucified to make sure they were dead, it was prophesied that not a bone in Jesus body would be broken they did break the thieves legs at the knees, but when they got to Jesus one said he is already dead we do not have to break his legs.

However, another pierced Jesus’ side to make sure, and the life of human kind flowed from his side as water and blood.

This is blood we cannot live without when it is lost, while water we can live three days with, but, but will surely die.

Without Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will surely die and go to Hell and miss the eternal life of Heaven.

Are you where you need to be with Jesus today?

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie