By Emily Agee

“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us, Selah.  That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy:  for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.  Let the people praise thee, O God; let the people praise thee.  Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.  God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him” (Psalm 67:1-7).

Thought for the week: “Hymn”

“Lord Jesus, once you spoke to men upon the mountain, in the plain; O help us listen now, as then, and wonder at your words again.  We all have secret fears to face, our minds and motives to amend; we seek your truth, we need your grace, our living Lord and present Friend.  The Gospel speaks, and we receive your light, your love, your own command.  O help us live what we believe in daily work of heart and hand.”

Congratulations to Sister Jeanettea Brooks on completing and receiving her ServSafe Food Certification.  Brooks is the oldest one in the county to achieve this award.  She lives in the Campbell Settlement Community, 82 years young, a member of Union Baptist Church of Thorsby where the Rev. James Adams is her pastor.  Again, congratulations, Mrs. Brooks.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of scripture, songs and prayer.  The scripture was read by Gary Davis with prayer by Carl Singleterry and Pastor Dukes.  Songs sung included, “Come and Go To That Land,” “Joy To The World” and “Glory Glory.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes.  His theme:  “The Attitude For Success.”  We should do our best to make our church the best place in the community, and in our efforts to do so, we should welcome people to make them feel like family.  Be aware of some things to make this happen.

Your attitude can change things People who have problems with a bad attitude affect their church, home and family. Attitude is a powerful thing. Focus on yourself and what you can do for the Church. The Church is a living body; come on, let’s go into the house of the Lord.

The Church has a vision. You must take the Church forward — the whole Church, not just the part you like. Invite people to come to be part of the Church.

What’s your attitude in Church? Do you focus on unity? Is your Church completely together? The Church is a storm shelter. Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Stay with Jesus and the devil can’t touch you; he will make the devil a toothless tiger.

Finally, have a thankful attitude.  Thank God for saving you.

The service concluded with a benediction and remarks by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mr. Frank Davis Sr. and Mr. Stanley Frazier in their time of bereavement.  Arrangements are incomplete on Mr. Frazier.  Mr. Davis will be funeralized today, Thursday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church in Thorsby.  Agee Brother’s Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Robert Spence, Joseph McCall and Lee Anna Worthey.  May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.