Christ Independent Methodist Church

In this beautiful Sabbath day, Mr. Charles Tew brought our morning worship sermon. His scripture reading was taken from Hebrews 5:24 and several other scripture passages used to make a variety of points. His sermon was entitled “A Case for Righteous Living.” He emphasized that one of the main jobs for Christians is to exhort one another. Many of the people we are in contact with daily are waiting to see us live a sermon rather than preach one. He used Noah as an example to just such a man. Noah walked with God and was rewarded for doing so. Each of us are given the same opportunity if we run the good race and follow the plan laid out for our life and covered by the little dash that separates the date of our birth from the date of our death. That little dash represents our total life span and all that we accomplished or failed to measure up. The way we live makes the difference. We all like to remember that God has prepared a place for the righteous when this life is over. What we often fail to consider is that He has prepared two places; one is also for those who have chosen to live immoral lives, God gives each of us free will to make the choice, but once the little dash is engraved on our tombstone, the choice we chose in life is incontrovertible.

We thank God for Mr. and Mrs. Tew’s willingness to come and minister to us again as they have done in the past. His sermon was insightful and highly interesting.

Our sermon Sunday night came via DVD featuring the Rev. George Holley, one of the evangelists at Beulah Camp this year. He brought a powerful message, titled “Is it True?” from Daniel 3:14.

We request special prayers for the following who are in need of a touch from God’s healing hand: Opal Miller, Horace and Mary Ann Carden, Wilma Ellison, Jim Ellison, June Simms, May Hunnicutt and the Rev. Roy Weaver.

Let us not forget to thank God for bringing our summer travelers home safely.

Pray for our military, their families, our church, our community and for each other. Pray for relief from the oil spill in the Gulf.

Our service Sunday closed with the congregation singing the wonderful old hymn “Near to the Heart of God.” Where better place could we be?

Have a blessed week.

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Mt. Springs Church

Pastor: Don Vanderslice

What a wonderful time we had Saturday night. Canaanland and Canaan’s Crossing did a fantastic job singing God’s praises. Thank each of you for coming. We had 20 churches representing the community and beyond. Sunday morning opened with singing the wonderful songs of Zion. Brother Roger Cleckler’s devotion was taken from Psalm 147. A recipe for a good service is to always praise God from your heart. It should be about Him and not about us. We can mess up a service when we get the focus off Christ and on to us.

Our Sunday school lesson was in I Corinthians 12:30-31.

Brother Kenneth Moates explained when God gives you a gift, it should be used to the glory of God. Seek the gift that can be used to benefit the church. The gift of love can be obtained by everyone and be shown in our lives. Gifts without love are like a body without a soul.

Debbie Barnett sang “The Potter Knows the Clay.” She always sings from her heart. Brother Don dedicated Bryan and Brittney Moates’ baby, Elizabeth Joy, to the Lord. Brother Don challenged them to serve God and to bring their children up in church.

Brother Roger Cleckler sang “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” As Brother Don came to give the message, he spoke to the congregation about their lives in Christ. Brother Ken led the congregation in singing “I don’t Know About Tomorrow,” and the altars filled up with people seeking God. As people prayed, we sang “Living By Faith,” and we finished with “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”

What a wonderful preacher we have to let God lead him in the morning service. Sunday night was another great service with a devotion given by Brother Kenneth from I Corinthians 15:51-58.

Christ is coming, and we need to be prepared and steadfast. Victory is ahead. Debbie Barnett sang “I’ve Made Up My Mind.” Have we made up our minds to serve Christ no matter what comes our way? Brother Don is doing a series of messages in the 23rd Psalm. Tonight’s message was on the third verse, Restoration of the Soul.

We are restored because he loves us. Sometimes, we get hardheaded and want things our way instead of God’s way. He wants us to walk in righteousness, so that we may draw closer to Him. The things that can draw us from Him are wrong companions and an indifferent spirit. God cares for you and wants you in His will. Stay close to God. Come be with us at Mt. Springs. Pray for our youth and their counselors next week, as they attend camp. We expect great things as they share their experiences with the church. Sunday morning service 9:45 a.m. Worship 11 a.m.; Sunday night 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday night 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited.

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Mt. Carmel Baptist Church No. 1

Brother Derrell’s text for Sunday morning was taken from I Samuel 17:1-11 and 32-51. The message was entitled “Have We Forgotten?” This message goes along with our Sunday school lesson, “The Power of Courage,” David and Goliath. Picture two armies as they face each other. They forgot their God. They were filled with fear. David came and said, “Thy servant will go and fight with the philistine, Goliath. The Lord will deliver me because I serve a living God. Have we forgotten who we serve?”

We had a very good attendance for worship Sunday, and we are thankful for each one. You are welcome at our church. We would love to have you join with us and attend a Sunday school class for bible study. There is a class for you.

We are thankful for each one that came Sunday afternoon to help celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of James and Mary Dean Higgins and John and Ruthie Jean Giles. May God bless you.

A blessing was received Sunday night when Brother Derrell, Tammy and Lilly sang “It’s Good to be on This Road to Gloryland.” A song like this makes everybody want to sing. The message for Sunday night was entitled “He Started It,” taken from the book of Matthew 11:10-13. John the Baptist started a new thing for the church. The message was repent, be baptized, come to Jesus and be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.

You are invited to come worship with us on Sunday, July 25. As we celebrate our 75th year for our church, “Homecoming.” The guest singers will be “Four Given Voice” and others. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m., and lunch will be served afterwards.

We serve a mighty God who loves us. Only God knows our needs. Pray daily. Pray for the church, the sick ones, shut-ins and the prayer requests. We will be praying for you.

Come worship with us at Mr. Carmel Sunday. Sunday school will be at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., discipleship training at 5 p.m., Wednesday night prayer meeting at 7 p.m. Brother Derrell Jones, Pastor.

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Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson focused on Chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation.

Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Romans 12:1-2 on the importance of being totally committed to Christ. He used the illustration of four barnyard animals in regards to breakfast. The horse is an observer, who benefits from being in the barnyard but does not contribute to breakfast. The cow is a participant in breakfast by giving milk when it is convenient and satisfies a need. The chicken is dedicated to breakfast by working hard to produce an egg when needed but quickly returns back to searching the barnyard for food. It is the pig that is totally committed to breakfast.

In a similar manner, we can find these four spirits in church today. There are people who benefit from church without contributing. There are people who participate in church only when it is convenient or satisfies a need. There are some dedicated Christians who are willing to work when a need arises but quickly return to a life of worldly pleasure once the task is completed. However, very few Christians are willing to totally commit to God.

Paul understood it is the spirit of total commitment God needs in the church today. This is why he presented three requirements to consider. We must present our bodies (physical commitment), mind (mental commitment) and will (spiritual commitment) to God. Bro. Shannon reminded us that often the problem is not committing to God but staying committed.

It is for this reason we must follow the words of Paul as recorded in Philippians 3:13-16 and not waver in our faith as we keep moving toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Indeed, the church has plenty of horses, cows and chickens in the barnyard; we need more pigs!

We concluded the morning service with Holy Communion.

Our monthly Congregational Meeting was held after the morning service.

Our Sunday Evening Bible Study focused on Hosea.

Lime Springs service times are: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Sunday service at 11 a.m., Sunday Bible Study at 5 p.m., Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 755-6356.

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The Church of God’s Word

We sang Happy Birthday to brothers James and Jordan Wutke.

We will have church services Sunday at the church, and then we will have fellowship outside the church on Tuesday and Thursday at anyone’s house who wants to get involved or is interested in having a fellowship at their place. For more information, call Mary Edwards at 755-4719 or Joel Allen at 755-5988.

On Saturday at Bro. Joel Allen’s house, we had a word from Bro. Jimmy Langston: “Who’s for God today-are you giving lip service or is it from the heart.” The message came from Jonah Chapters 1 and 2. “If we can dance in the street, why can’t we dance in Church?”

We all fall short of the glory of God. Bro. Allen had Sunday School. If you follow someone and they never move, where are you going to go.

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Samaria Baptist Church

Our pastor’s message was entitled “Marks of an effective church.”

Prayer requests were given for Mike and Jennifer Hahn, and Sue Culp Thomas and her family.

The No. 1 thing that makes a church effective is Godly leaders. Jesus invested in his disciples, who became the core of the church. These were ordinary men but men who sought the leadership of Jesus and followed His direction.

Prayer changes things, and when we pray earnestly, we should be able to receive the blessings of Christ and the answers to all our prayers—in God’s time, not in ours. A man must exhibit appropriate character to be used effectively of God and His church.

The No. 1 goal should be to worship in spirit and truth, and prayer is the utmost key to church growth and individual expansion. There is no status quo; we fall back if we do not move forward as Christians.

By the Holy Spirit of the Living God, we are equipped to serve in His churches, if we are submissive to His direction and follow Him by faith. We need to visit, pray for and witness to those who are not Christians or who have backslidden from service and worship.

We must be mindful of the needs of our fellow Christians, and we must forgive each other’s faults and pray for each other in sincerity. Christians who please God are never stumbling blocks to those who need Him.

We need unity to seek the power of God. Our churches must see revival, and it must begin in the individual heart. We must acknowledge that worldliness is killing our nation and our families. Homosexuality is an abomination to God and family. Abortion is a deadly assault against innocence and life. Women’s rights are already in God’s word, but those who are seeking something ungodly are wrong and will not succeed. Loyalty to family has been dissolved by the power of the evil spirit of Satan in our nation today.

As the things of the world offer so much competition for our time and loyalty, our families are falling apart. Let us seek God’s face and His will for our lives, and let us not fail to train our children. The future of our children is only safe in the arms of God.

Please join us at Samaria. We welcome you and yours to worship our Heavenly Father with us.

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Bethsalem Church

In the morning service, the call to worship was with the congregation singing “Somebody Loves Me.” Then, there was special music by Celebration. The choir sang “In The Cross I Glory.” Pastor Brad Eubanks’ message came from Psalms: He is my sustainer.

During evening worship, the message was from 1 Corinthians: “We are learning how to stand firm in a decaying world we live in.”

On Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. was the Prayer Meeting. The RA’s and GA’s adult choir held practice at 7:15 p.m.

Pray for Lera Price, Marie Smith, W.L. Broome, Joanna Cobb, Hazel Strength, William Jacks, Paige Finch, Sue Thomas, Destiny Griffen, Pettus Smith, Ellie Grace Reese, Glenda Mims, Gayle Driscoll, Ray Parrish, O.J.McGriff, Mrs. Worthy, Hannah Vines, our country, all families who have lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, our shut-ins and the people who are in nursing homes and assisted livings, people who have lost their jobs, all unspoken requests and those on mission trips.

Happy Birthday this week to Angie Carroll, Kennly Williams, Haiden Boyles, Austin Courtney, Joe Cox, Harold Patterson, Chad Jones, Tony Thomas, Landon Schmidthorst, Preston Wallace, Rosemary Johnson and Keliey Taylor.

Have a blessed week, and tell someone about Jesus. God is so good. Come worship with us next Sunday.

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Floyd Baptist Church

We had a wonderful day in the Lord’s house today! Bro. Mike brought a message from several books of the Bible, beginning with Genesis 3:2-6, on “Mistakes in the Bible”.

The world wants to argue that there are mistakes “with” the Bible, however, we know God’s word is perfect. There are mistakes “in” the Bible, though, and this is what Bro. Mike preached on. Eve made the mistake of listening to Satan, and sadly, there are others who do this daily. Moses made the mistake of smiting the rock, the Jews made the mistake of not recognizing their messiah and the scoffers made the mistake of saying He isn’t coming again. Many today are making these same mistakes, and, as Christians, we need to be in the world warning them.

On Sunday night, Bro. Mike brought the message, “Spiritual Fitness Plan,” from 1 Timothy 4:7-8. Just as our physical bodies need regular exercise to stay healthy and fit, so do our spiritual bodies. Bro. Mike introduced several “exercises” that we can do daily to help us be more spiritually fit. They are: read the Bible, spend time in prayer, sing praises to the Lord, fellowship with brethren and do good works.

If we practice these five spiritual exercises daily, we will become closer to the Lord and stronger Christians. God needs spirit-filled Christians that are willing and ready to stand in the gap of the battle we are fighting daily. Are you spiritually exercising and facing the enemy for the Lord daily? If not, now is the time to join the fight as the day of His appearing draws nearer!

If you would like to learn more about our Angel Food Ministry and how you can save on your grocery bill, call us at 205-294-1577 for more information.

If you are looking for a God loving, Bible believing, Bible teaching church where you will be loved, join us for Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., Discipleship Training at 5 p.m., worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesday night Bible study and prayer at 7 p.m.

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Jackson Chapel Church

Bro. Dewayne Castleberry taught a good Sunday school lesson entitled, “David at Worship.”

In the absence of Bro. Gary Fant, Nick Burnett led the congregation in “There is Power in the Blood” and “When We All Get to Heaven.” Bro. Dennis and Glenn Riley sang, “I Saw the Light.”

Bro. Dennis’ text came from Genesis 4:3-7 with a message entitled, “If.” We as Christians should not have to wonder if we’re going to Heaven or not. We should have our minds made up that we’re going to do whatever it takes to get there.

We need to be very careful about what road we go down because, if not, we will start listening to Satan, and he will get us on a road to leads to destruction. The if’s in life will lead us to God or away from God. If we’re going to follow God, we need to follow him with our whole heart. The service ended with several coming to pray.

Nick Burnett got the evening service started off with “I’ll Fly Away,” “O, How I Love Jesus,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Nick Burnett sang “Amazing Grace,” Olivia Hughes sang “Did I Mention,” Bro. Dennis and Glenn Riley sang “God Has Been So Good to Me,” and “I Will Trade This Old Cross for a Crown” and “In The Garden,” and Bro. Dennis, Wanda Chadwick and Misty Burnett sang “He’s In the Midst.”

Bro. Dennis’ text came from Ephesians 5:1-8: As Christians, we should not strive to be popular because, if we are truly the Christians that we should be, we should all be striving for one thing and that is going to Heaven. We should abstain from all appearance of evil because, if we don’t, Satan will eventually have us back in the world. God is looking for people who will truly serve him with their whole heart and who will vow to leave evil alone.

Happy Birthday to Devaughn Welcher.

Please remember these as you pray this week: Bro. Horace and Juanita Wyatt, James and Marie Johnson, Hershell and Marie Rhodes, the Karen Carr Family, Cole Riley, Sue Thompson, Gary and Gail Fant, Glenn Smith, our service men and women and our lost loved ones.

We are located at 4020 Yellow Leaf Road, Clanton, AL 35045. Our service times are: Sunday School at 10 a.m., Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship at 6 p.m. and Wednesday evening prayer meeting and bible study at 7 p.m.

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Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

The Call to Worship was “In the Presence of Jehovah,” sang by the choir.

Announcements were made by Jerry Tippett. Jerry said the crowd was “thin.” We had some very special visitors: Neil Bice’s son Joe, his charming wife Trish, and their beautiful Paisley, who stole the hearts of everyone. Pam Headley’s grandson Jace was also outstanding. Ya’ll come back.

Jerry recognized Bill and Lavada Attaway as having an anniversary on July 8.

The lighting of the Christ Candle is always reverent.

Time for children. Diane Handley always brings a good message; today’s was on “lifting hands.” Sometimes, we lift our hands in praise and prayer, but unfortunately, sometimes they are lifted in anger. Paul said “lift your hands in prayer, not anger.”

Special music was by Jerry Tippett, Norma Popwell, Shirley Henley and Irene Croissant, and Bro. Tony brought us, “It Is No Secret.”

Bro. Tony recognized Joan McGriff and Norma Popwell for bringing our music, and I would like to add our outstanding sound man, Roger Littlefield, for sharing his talents and his loyal and dedicated service.

Bro. Tony asked for prayer time for Ray and Myrtis Enfinger. Taylor Hughes was recognized for being selected to participate in the North/South High School All-Star Week in Huntsville. We wish him well and a safe return. Also on the prayer list was: the family of Melissa Bailey, who went on to be with the Lord last week; Buddy Baker; Tim Littlefield and his family as they travel this week; Thomas Seale; Glenda Gray; Mr. Johnnie Ratliff and Lavada Attaway. Praise report: Debbie’s mother got to see her first grandbaby this week, and her niece will play in the girl’s 6- to 8-year-old softball championship in Panama City, Fla.!

Bro. Tony’s sermon was taken from the book of Romans, Chapter 8. In keeping with our theme this month, Freedom, last week we talked about freedom of our country, and this is good, even though there are some things wrong with our country, there are lots of things good about America—and it’s good that we celebrate our freedom and be patriotic about, love and serve this great country.

There is a greater freedom: the freedom from sin. Listen to what Paul said: “Through Jesus Christ the law from the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Bro. Tony said he asked the Lord, “What would you want us to know about freedom. As I thought about it and prayed, there are four things about these two freedoms that are similar:” 1. These freedoms must be claimed, and they are not free. 2. We should live like an American because the Word of God should be imbedded in Americans as simple as “the right thing to do.” 3. This freedom should be safeguarded and fought for. We don’t have to be perfect because Jesus Christ was! 4.These freedoms must be offered and shared.

Turn your eyes toward Jesus.

The food was great for our fundraiser for Building Fund. Thanks to everybody that helped; the fellowship was terrific.

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Bethany Baptist Church

Our memory verse for this week is Romans 5:8: “But God commandeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The 14th chapter of John was Bro. Aubry’s text for his sermon regarding Christ’s promise to prepare a place for His own and to return and receive us unto Himself. Christ lived on this earth, died, rose again and returned to heaven, where He makes intercession for us, which is wonderful. But we also have the hope and promise that He will return to take us to be in heaven with Him for eternity.

First Thessalonians 4:16 says: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Sunday night, Bro. Aubry read the first verse of Romans chapter 6. The writer asked the question, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” When the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us when we are saved, we are a new creation. We are convicted when we sin and have a desire to turn away from sin. If a person confesses to believe in Christ for salvation and there is no change in his life, something is wrong.

Birthdays and anniversaries: July 2, Shirley and Aubry Wallace anniversary; July 4, Helen Mims; July 4, Wanda Wilson; July 20, Trae McCullar; July 24, Jean and Junior DeLoach anniversary.

Upcoming events: On Sunday at 6 a.m. weekly begins the Bethany broadcast on WKLF.

Prayer list: Sherry Stroud Cooper, Lela Mae Courtney, Mildred Crawford, Ashley Friday, Jack Friday, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, our men and women in the military, Doug and Helen Mims, Billie Neeley, Aubry Wallace and Shirley Wallace, and revival in America.

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Cedar Grove Church

Praise the Lord for His gift of salvation through His son Jesus.

What a great day to be in the house of the Lord!

We began with a ride on “The Old Gospel Ship” to the “Gloryland Way.”

A good Sunday School lesson, “Justification by Faith,” was taught by Bro. Gary Hubbard, and the text came from Galatians 2:15-21, 3:23-29. Golden text: “But that no man is justified by law in the sight of God, it is evident for the just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11.We had good discussion among the class, which we all enjoyed.

We welcome all our visitors; we hope you enjoyed the service and will come again.

Happy birthday to Kimberly Crowe and Jacob Moore.

Bro. Steve Price led the congregation in singing “Heavens Jubilee” and “What A Day That Will Be.” The choir, directed by Sister Amelia Hubbard, sang several beautiful songs. The special songs for the morning were sung by Chris Cleckley, and his son Kip, and a solo by Chris, “Homecoming Day”—both were beautiful. (Chris and Kip sang “All of Creation.”)

Bro. Jeff Carroll preached a good message entitled, “What is your life.” He took his text from James 4:13-15. God has a perfect plan for you to be a child of God.

Sandra and Chris sung the invitation song, “Beneath His Wings”, and the altar filled.

Please pray for all the sick and shut-ins: Norma Muir’s mother is ill at this time; say a very special prayer for her. Pray for our country, military, leaders, our church families and all the people that are looking for work.

The evening service began with Bro. Steve leading “He Set me free” Bro. Jeff prayed for all the prayer requests. “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” was the last song before the choir singing began. They sung a beautiful song, “Lord I Lift Your Name On High.” Cody Hubbard played the guitar for his mom to sing, “How Great is Our God” with the choir doing back up. Bro. Alton and Jim and Sister Amelia sung “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow.”

Bro. Heath Vines preached a powerful message on faith and believing Jesus is able to answer your prayers. Text: Matthew 9:27-31 We need to go to Jesus expecting a miracle and never give up. He used Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, 7 for further examples of faith.

Imagine Noah building a boat when, up to this point, it had never rained. James 1:5-6.

Our faith is the key to God answering our prayers.

“Just a Closer Walk With Thee” was the song of invitation. Brother David Bullard dismissed the service with prayer.

You are invited to The Heart of a Woman Ladies Conference on July 17 at Clanton First United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The program will be “Pulling All Christians Together.”

If you are looking for a home church, come to Cedar Grove. We have two very good pastors, good singing and music. We also have Children’s Church, a nursery, and several other youth classes. Our basement is in use now for Sunday school rooms. For more information, call 646-2390.