Lime Springs United Methodist Church
Sunday morning, Bro. Shannon presented the message on healing depression. He took the message from 1 Kings 19:1-18.
Bro. Shannon shared that scientists believe depression is higher during the last week of January than at any other time of the year. There are several reasons for this, including the winter weather, Christmas bills start to arrive in the mail, and we have had four weeks to realize our New Year’s resolutions are not going to be kept.
He further explained how depression is a serious emotional state that is experienced by most people at some time in life. The key is to address depression quickly and effectively before it lingers too long. He reminded us that the prophet Elijah was a man who experienced great depression. The means by which God handled the prophet is the way in which we should handle depression ourselves.
First, God realized Elijah’s depression was not an imaginary problem and therefore allowed the prophet to rest.
Second, God sent him to Mt. Horeb (the mountain of God), where he found someone willing to share his burden.
Next, God allowed Elijah to tell him what the problem was instead of trying to force his opinion upon him. This allowed God to deal with the false beliefs and ideas that were fueling the depression.
Finally, God gave the prophet something to do, as busy hands will help a person focus on others and not themselves. The end result was the depression that engulfed Elijah went away.
The same is true today. When we find ourselves dealing with depression, we should rest, go to church, talk to God and get busy for the Lord.
Our Sunday evening Bible study focused on Lamentations.
Happy birthday to Benton Moore, and happy anniversary to Billie Ruth and Alan Harris.
Our service times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Wednesday at 6:30.

Christ Independent Methodist Church
In the absence of Dr. Mac Stinson and Glenda on Sunday, our pulpit was graced by lay speaker Randy Nix from Birmingham. He was a dynamic speaker as well as an inspirational song leader. His attitude, tone and words combined to praise God with enthusiasm, reverence and joy.
His scripture reading was from Acts, beginning with 4:24. Rev. Nix’s sermon was like a string of pearls with each of us challenged to center our lives by the following suggestions and others contained in the prayers of Acts 4.
Do not pray about church conflicts; but about you. Never ask God to change problems, but ask that he change you. Ask God to give you a heart that loves his word. Ask God to give us the ability to be bold in supporting him, and tears will dry up in your souls.
Next Sunday night is our Singspiration service at 5 p.m. If you like to sing or listen to others, come join us for this program. If you have a favorite hymn, come and help us sing it.
Pray fervently for all who are in need of healing. Also pray for our country, military and leaders that all their actions may be acceptable to our Lord.
We invite you to small group Bible study each Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.
We pray for traveling grace for church family members who are on the road or in the air.
Thought for the week: Have you ever dared to love an unlovable person?
Have a blessed week.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church
It took almost four years for us to be back in the new sanctuary, but by the grace of God and all the help from many churches and individuals, we had services there Sunday.
Bro. Steve Price led the congregation in singing “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “When we All Get To Heaven.” Then Bro. Billy Caton dismissed us into our Sunday School classes.
We welcome Bro. Roger Vines, also Michael Haney and the other visitors that came Sunday and hope you will come back.
Happy birthday to Renee Cleckley, Ruby Neeley, Sandra Carroll and Preston Porter.
We have so many on our prayer list. Bro. Steve’s mother, Dollie Price, is not doing well. Also pray for Ellen Ruth Scott; we know she is going through a hard time since Bro. Jim went on to be with the Lord. Pray for our country.
Sis. Amelia and Brother Alton sang two specials for us, “When He Reached Down His Hand For Me” and “I Could Still Go Free.”
Bro. Jeff Carroll preached a good sermon from Psalms 122:1 and 2 Samuel 7:1-10 and John 2:12-25.
Psalms 122-1 says, “I was glad when they said let us go unto the house of the Lord.”
We don’t have our sound system working yet, but Bro. Jeff said he didn’t need a microphone. God blessed him with a good loud voice so we didn’t have a problem hearing him.
We would love to have you come to our church if you don’t have one. Our hours are as follows: morning service at 10 a.m., worship at 11, evening service at 5:30 (choir practice at 4:30) and Wednesday night at 7.
We want to say good morning to J.R. Lowery, an avid reader of Cedar Grove News, and also to Minnie Mae Childress.
For more information, call 646-2390.