Mt. Springs Church

Even with the weather being overcast and cool, the atmosphere inside God’s house was filled with joy and a warm spirit Sunday. We continue to have the Spirit of the Lord come by to bless us.

Bro. Kenneth led us in a few congregational hymns, “I’ll Be Somewhere Listening,” “I’m Going That Way,” “The World is Not My Home” and “Anywhere is Home.”

Our church family is a very caring and prayerful church, faithful to remember those that are sick or in need. The Lord knows our needs. We have not because we ask not.

Bro. Don took his sermon from Acts 18. Have you ever been discouraged, ready to quit with your chin dragging the ground? The devil’s number one tool is discouragement. Bro. Don mentioned many men of the Bible who were in similar circumstances of defeat, but they didn’t quit. The Lord said he will be with us; we are not alone. God gave us the promise of protection.

Sunday night’s devotion was led by Bro. Wayne Barnett. Our testimony service opened with prayer.

Bro. Don’s sermon was taken from 1 Corinthians 1:4-5. God has enriched our lives. He has enriched us with the special privileges of prayer, the word of God, promises of God and worship.

God has provided privileges, now we must use them as he instructs. Philippians 4:23 reminds us, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

We welcome one and all to come worship with us Sunday at 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. for children and 7 p.m. for adults.

Remember to pray for our upcoming revival in April.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Dr. Mac Stinson prayed a prayer of thanksgiving on Sunday, then announced his sermon topic as the Prodigal Son based on Luke 15:11-32.

Jesus told this story of the man with two sons dealing primarily with one son to the detriment of the other. The greatest lesson here is that it illustrates no matter how low a person may stoop, we can still come home and know that we are loved.

Still, perhaps the father exceeds rational behavior in rewarding greed and selfish behavior on the part of the prodigal son to the detriment of the “stay at home,” hard-working son. Yes, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. I definitely believe in forgiveness. I also believe God expects steadfastness, hard work, responsibility and those virtues exemplified by the “stay at home” son to receive equal appreciation. This dad appears to have been very short sighted in dealing with the prodigal son and ignoring the other son’s years of service and devotion. The prodigal son’s lack of any expression of contrition is a glaring lack of character.

Continue to pray for the Clarence Hilyer family, Ellen Hepinstall’s son, Mable Mitchell, Mae Hunnicutt, Robert Cowart, Mavis Sallas, Margie Abernathy and O.J. McGriff. Pray fervently for our church family members, those who will be traveling during the coming week, our military, their families, our church and community.

Next Sunday, March 21, our pastor’s son, Dr. Mac Stinson III, will bring the morning worship service. Our one-dish dinner will be served in the fellowship hall following the morning worship service.

All church family members are urged to be present to help welcome our guest minister.

Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

Praise God for another wonderful Lord’s Day at Mt. Carmel. We were truly blessed by the morning message brought by Bro. Derrell from Jeremiah 18:1-6 entitled, “Messed Up, Expect in the Hands of the Master.”

We are vessels made of clay. As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are we in the hands of God. As Bro. Derrell closed his sermon, he and his family came forth to unite with our church family at Mt. Carmel. We love them and thank God for their family and the work they are doing for the Lord.

Sunday evening, Bro. Derrell’s sermon, “Greed, Nothing Good About It” was from 1 Kings 21:1-7.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Tony Liveoak in their time of bereavement. Funeral services were Saturday at 2 p.m. Remember to pray for this family when you pray.

Upcoming events: Trivia Bible study Wednesday night; church cleaning Saturday, March 27 at 8 a.m.; children’s Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the church; benefit singing for Relay for Life April 10 at 6 p.m.

A retirement reception is planned for Louise Liveoak on March 21 at the Calera Community Center from 2:30-4:30 p.m. No gifts, please.

Adult choir practice is held Sundays at 4 p.m. We are working on our Easter cantata, “Man of Sorrows, King of Glory.”

Our church will host the main Vacation Bible School clinic March 30 at 7 p.m.

Join us this week as we pray daily for all the names on our prayer list.

We welcome and invite visitors to join us for worship. Sunday School is at 10 a.m., followed by Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. Children’s Church is held during morning services, and a nursery is provided for both morning and evening worship services.

God is the only one who can give us exactly what we need. Praise the Lord.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

We had a great time of worship Sunday. We started our service with a song of praise followed by prayer.

On the front of our bulletin, it read, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow: Praise Him, all creatures here below: Praise Him, above ye heavenly hosts: Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

How much of our time do we actually spend praising our Lord?

The Rev. Oneal Cleckler’s morning sermon was taken from Ephesians 5:1-6. In Paul’s letter to the church, he wrote for the people to be imitators of himself. Paul was a man of God and upheld God’s commandments. His character was above reproach. He was asking the people to follow his godly example. The church was doing things in the wrong way, and Paul knew it. He was trying to set them straight on God’s standards. They were committing sinful acts. Sin has no place in God’s kingdom. His kingdom is here with us today because the Holy Spirit is with us. We must set an example before the world that God resides in our lives.

Bro. Cleckler’s evening message was from Genesis 6:1-7, “As the Day Was So Shall It Be.”

We would like to wish a happy birthday to Allie Yeargan and Barbara Thompson.

We also want to wish a happy anniversary to Jackie and Brenda Hucks.

Visitors are invited to join us for worship and fellowship. Sunday School is at 10 a.m.; morning worship at 11; Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. and evening worship at 6.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene’s sermon was from Matthew 28:18-20. This passage contains the Great Commission.

Bro. Gene posed the question, “Who or what is a missionary?” He spoke about missionaries, different missions and different types of workers. Mainly, he spoke about Annie Armstrong and the many things she accomplished in her life.

Annie Armstrong was very committed to the Lord. She loved all people. She could see a need and find a way to do it.

Today, she is still remembered as we collect the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering each year.

Sunday evening’s message was from John 4. We must worship from the heart. This helps God do things in our lives.

Upcoming events:

March 20: youth horseback riding

March 27: children’s farm day at 9 a.m.

March 28: last day to bring items for Easter baskets for the nursing home and homebound church members. Things needed are tissue, chapstick, lotions, perfumes and candy.

Happy birthday to Katie Petty, Keith Funderburk and Ruth Ann Waters.

Prayer requests: travelers, our church and teachers, our pastor, deacons and the home bound.

Thanks to all who supported our youth fundraiser. We look forward to another one soon.

The Church of God’s Word

Bro. Ray Edwards opened our services with prayer Sunday. We sang “Happy Birthday” to Bro. Jimmy Langston and Sis. Jackie Hayes.

Bro. Joel Allen’s church has a Passover celebration scheduled for March 31 through April 1-2. Revival will be starting April 5 with Bro. Joel Allen here at our church beginning at 7 p.m.

Our Sunday School lesson came from 2 Corinthians 9:1-7. After prayer requests, Bro. Joel Allen brought the message from Philippians 3:8-11.

It was good to see Sis. Jackie Hayes and Sis. Mary Roberson back after being in the hospital.

Closing prayer was led by Bro. Willie Beasley.

The World’s Church of the Living God

The World’s Church of the Living God has scheduled its 33rd Church Anniversary and Pastor Appreciation for Sunday, March 28 at 11:30 a.m. The church will recognize Pastor Elijah Good and his wife, Ruth Good, for their tireless labor and sacrifice to the ministry and community.

The theme of this year’s anniversary, “Giving God the Glory” is supported by Luke 5:25 which says, “And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” And, Luke 17:15 which says “And one of them when he saw he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.”

The special guest for the celebration will be Bishop W.C. Hunter, the General Overseer of all World’s Church of the Living God churches. Bishop Hunter will arrive from Chattanooga, Tenn. accompanied by his wife Mrs. Peggy Hunter. Other sister churches scheduled to attend includes churches from the following locations: Memphis, Tenn.; Jackson, Tenn.; Sommerville, Ga.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn. and Port St. Lucie, Fla. A special program will be held for visiting and local guests on Saturday, March 27 at 5 p.m. at the church.

The anniversary celebration will be held at the World’s Church of the Living God in Clanton located at 1205 Second Ave. N. All friends are invited to attend.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

What a blessing to be back to worship in Gods house after a little surgery and special care for Lavada. Thanks for the assistance from those that offered to help during this time.

Sunday, Diane Handley presented a good program for the children, “Ambassador for Christ.”

The ladies of Walnut Creek will honor Laura Cook with a bridal tea Sunday, March 21 from 1:30-3 p.m.

The beautiful flowers were in honor of Virgina Littlefield by Roger.

Sharing joys and concerns — Remember the following in prayer: Myron Littlefield (in hospital), Mr. McGriff, Richard Davis, Gerald Smitherman (surgery Wednesday), Ken Messer, Kay’s brother, Moses Powell, Ray and Myrtice Enfinger, and Margarett Druckemiller.

In his message, Bro. Tony spoke about faith from Matthew 6 and Luke 8-9. He said the word “faith” is made up of a composite of words like confidence, trust and loyalty, and faith is fidelity and steadfastness. In our scripture we read of “lack of faith,” “little faith” and “loss of faith.” Still, God acted. Jesus Christ knew God’s plan perfectly, yet when he got down to the bitter cup of crucifixion, he asked, “Father, if this cup should pass from me, let thou will be done.”

It does not matter who we are or whose hour it is, it must rest finally in the hands of God. In Hebrews we learn that faith makes it happen.

The Lenten services have been a great success again this year, as all those before. If you haven’t been yet, join us Wednesday, March 24 at noon.

Our service times are Sunday School at 10 a.m., worship at 11, and evening services at 5:30. Visit us and we will make you feel welcome.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our men met for brotherhood breakfast with special guest speaker Cleve Mallory. Our morning service began with fellowship and congregational singing. The choir special was “Come to Jesus.”

Bro. Brad preached his morning message, “Delivers Us from Evil,” from Matthew 6:13. Sunday evening’s message, from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, was about how to share the Gospel message.

Wednesday night is family supper at 5:45, followed by adult prayer meeting, The Outlet for students, children’s choir and adult choir practice.

Pray for the families of Stanley Cost, Randall Moore, Burton Huff, Sylvia Wingard, Jessie Hucks, Christy Harmon, Hailey Wingard, Glenda Mims, Richard David, Louise Kelley, Louise Christmas, Carol Hayes, Buddy Baker, Talon Hunter, Clyde Hughes, Richard Hughes, Sara Jo Gross, Janie Bates, Candy Cleckler, Ray and Jean Granger, Kim Coxby, Raymond Allen, those who lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, out shut-ins, and those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Also pray for those who have lost their jobs.

Happy birthday to Harlie Hucks, Jenny Summerlin, Dylan Chavers, Oakley Yeargan, Jeff Mims, Phillip Barber, Allie Stange, David Hand and Reba Tuggle.

Remember, do your prayer driving.

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus. God is so good.

Rocky Mount United Methodist Church

Do you know anyone these days with the name Judas? Do you even know a dog or cat named Judas? Chances are that you answered “no” on both questions. Judas used to be a common name, just like John, Mike or even Joe. But that all changed when one person committed such a terrible act that nobody wanted to name their child with the same name.

According to the Gospels, Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus by handing him over to the chief priests to be murdered. He would identify Jesus with a kiss on the cheek. In return, he was paid 30 pieces of silver. Since Matthew writes that Judas asked, “What will you give me if I deliver (Jesus) to you?” we are left to believe that greed was his motivation. Whatever led him, he followed through with his plan. Greed, even so long ago, was a very powerful motivation.

Jesus knew he would die and that he would be betrayed by one of his own. At the Last Supper, Jesus reveals this fact to his 12 apostles: “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

Jesus forgave them, including Judas, as he died on the cross and asked for their forgiveness in, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas repented his betrayal and tried to return the silver to the chief priests, throwing the coins on the Temple floor. There are differing accounts on his death — the main one being that he committed suicide by hanging himself. The other (from the book of Acts) is a bit different and somewhat more controversial, but that wasn’t part of Sunday’s sermon and we’ll leave you a little bit to investigate on your own.

What can you learn from this scripture account? Several things. One, greed is a big temptation. It can make people commit many a wrong deed. Two, if you have been caught in some misguided temptations, go the Lord and ask for his forgiveness. You can be cleansed and born again.

Join us in our walk leading up to Easter Sunday. Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!

Samaria Baptist Church

On this Sunday before spring break in Chilton County, our attendance was down some. Our youth went on a camp outing and will be back on Tuesday. Our pastor, Bro. Charles Brooks, will be in revival meetings this week at Pleasant Valley. Bro. Charles’ message text came from Hebrews 10:26 -32. Forgiving one another is the way to increase God’s love in our church. Obedience to God is the key to church growth and prosperity. Loving people that we do not like is commanded of God. He loved us in our sinful state. God forgave us, and it is not our right to judge. We must love the unlovable. Bro. Charles spoke about the perils of apostasy. The greatest thing we have is the Holy Spirit to reveal to us who we are. The word of God mirrors to us our strengths and weaknesses, and spiritual needs from Him.

Special prayer is requested for Pud Moore and Barbara Collins, following surgeries. We are convicted by God’s Spirit as our sins are brought to our attention. There is no halfway with God. Either we are in or out, and there is no in between. People who continue to sin willfully though they know the difference have no further sacrifice for their sin. This is the terror of apostasy. An individual who knows the truth but rejects the pulling power of the Spirit of God is in a state of apostasy. Rejection of God cannot continue, for He will remove His Spirit from man who continues to reject Him.

Our message Sunday night was brought by Paul Brooks. His message came from John 15:7-17. Paul’s message was entitled “My friend Jesus.” Paul shared many of his instances in life where God had been the difference in his life and death. If we ask God for blessings, believing, we shall receive them. Happiness comes from forgiving those who have wronged you. Repenting to others brings relief for us when we sin against them. We have joy and peace for doing what is right in God’s sight.

May the grace of God the Father bless all who read this news today, and may you always know that God loves you and will bless your heart at Samaria Baptist Church.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings this week and for most of the members remembering to run their clocks up. A few came in when Sunday School was about over.

Bro. Jeff brought his message from 2 Chronicles 6:32-35, “Concerning a Stranger.” He went to 2 Chronicles 7:12-22.

Pray for our sick and shut-ins, military, leaders, country and state.

It was good to see Bro. Earl Caton back at church. He has lost 30 pounds, but if he will be around some of us, he will soon gain it back because we all like to eat.

Our dedication service began at 2 p.m. It was a joyful time. Tears were shed, some tears of joy and some tears of sadness.

Bro. Jeff thanked everyone for their offerings of labor, money, their support and prayers. People who gave offerings that didn’t go to church anywhere helped out, and other churches gave large donations. It is wonderful how people come to help when you need it. He shed a few tears because we lost some members because of the collapse.

He also shed tears because of being so proud of the ones that have been so faithful.

We had a good crowd. Several other churches were represented there, and it was so good to see all of them.

We want to thank the Chilton County News and The Birmingham News for their article in the paper about our dedication service.

The fourth Sunday night of this month, our regular singing night, Elevate will be our guest singers. So put that on your calendars for something you don’t want to miss. It starts at 5:30 p.m.

Come on out and join us in our services. You will love the people, and you can feel the Spirit of God when you come in.

We are located three miles south of Thorsby just off County Road 37 next to Garrison’s Farm. For more information, call 646-2390.

Jackson Chapel

After the good singing Sunday, Bro. Dennis Smith and Glenn Riley sang “Where Could I Go” and while they were singing, several came to pray and the Holy Spirit was present. Nick Burnett blessed us with “When We All Get To Heaven.” Bro Dennis’ text came from Luke 10:38-42. We as Christians miss out on some of the greatest blessings because we want to leave God out of things that we do in this life. We have so much going on and we get so busy that we also miss out on what God is trying to tell us. We need to stop worrying about the things of this world and let God bless us the way he wants to bless us. The service ended with several coming to pray.

Sunday evening, Bro. Dennis’ text came from Psalm 127:1-5. We can have all the entertainment that anyone could ever want, but if we take our eyes off Jesus, we have missed the mark. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus in everything that we strive to do. If we will do that, God will bless us in ways that we could never imagine. The service ended with several coming to pray.

Please remember these as you pray this week: Kathy Waites, James and Marie Johnson, Hershell and Marie Rhodes, Margie Baker, Faye Baker, Henry Burnette, Ken Messer, Pete Burnett, our lost loved ones and our service men and women.

We are located at 4020 Yellowleaf Road in Clanton. Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 10, morning worship at 11, evening worship at 6, and Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible study at 7. We also have Kid’s Club on Wednesday nights at 7 for grades 1-6.