“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven’” (Matthew 18:1-10).

Thought for the week: “While There Is Time”

“When we come to the end of that long, long road, no matter how clever or shrewd we’ve been through the years, how will we react when the book of our lives is viewed? Whatever success we have managed to gain, in spite of each brilliant degree. What do you suppose His judgment will be when God looks inside you and me? For it isn’t the money we have in the bank, the prudent investments we prize, it isn’t our status among the elite that counts for a thing in His eyes. When we entered this world we had not a shred, and we’ll not take a thing when we leave, depending upon the seeds we have sown, the welcome we’re apt to receive. So while there is time let us see to the things we cannot afford to neglect, and by all the good we can possible do, insure the reward we expect. For moments are fleeting, it may be today, might be the last one you shall see – and we must have an answer, for Jesus will ask, “What have you accomplished for Me?”

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will Honor their musicians Jennifer Peoples and Julian Lucas with a musician appreciation program Sunday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. All choirs, groups, soloists and singers are invited. The Rev. Kenneth Dukes is pastor.

Ordination services for deacons at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wilton will be held Sunday, Sept. 7 at 3 p m. The Rev. L. C. Young, pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. A. L. Jones is pastor. Everyone is invited.

There will be a community gospel event to be held at Morning Star Baptist Church in Clanton on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. This event is to help Connye Bryant “bring it back to Alabama.” Connye has been nominated for the 2008 Radio & Recording personality of the Year Award. This special event is in Austin, Texas later this month in September. Her gospel radio program is live each morning Monday through Friday from WHLW – 104.3 in Montgomery FM 6-10 a. m. For more information contact Flo Spence, Bobby Agee or Lagora Bryant Lykes.

Worship services at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with devotion by the male chorus and senior choir. Songs sung: “Glory Hallelujah,” “Oh What He Done For Me,” “What The Lord Has Done For Me.” The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Carl Singleterry and Bro. George Brown.

Pastor Dukes brought the message. His theme was “The Result of Unity.” In the Church the majority should be together. Unity is blessed when the people serve God. Are you ready to become successful and powerful? Try God.

There is blessing in unity. How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. That’s a compliment from God; the devil is the author of confusion. God used unity as precious ointment.

Unity is a refreshing thing. It’s refreshing to be around unity and not negative people. Some would rather believe negative than positive. Unity means you have an abundance of blessings from God. You can prosper if you are together in your home we need togetherness for harmony, the abundance of peace and joy.

Wherever there is unity, God commands blessings. The peace of unity is presence. In unity you enjoy living with family. Because we are together among the family of God, unity is about walking together. It’s about doing what God said. Unity started when God said let us make man, the Father, son and Holy Spirit together.

The Altar call and benediction were led by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Vera Brown and Mr. Horace Stewart in their time of bereavement. Mr. Stewart will be funeralized today, Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church in Thorsby. Mrs. Brown’s funeral is tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at Old Kingston Baptist Church in Prattville. Agee Brother’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Luther Lee, Frankie Penn, Linda Clay, William White, Walter McCall, Jr. and Lois Smith. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

Note: Emily Agee is a religious columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Saturday.