Lime Springs United Methodist Church

Our Sunday School lesson focused on Revelation 4.

Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Genesis 19:15-26 on Lot and his family being stuck in a sinful lifestyle in Sodom. Bro. Shannon reminded us that it’s easy to find ourselves in such a situation. The key to getting out of spiritual mud is to look for help in God (Psalm 121:1), try to move toward good (holy) ground (Exodus 3:5), move out of our comfort zone (Matthew 19:29) and never look back at the sinful lifestyle we leave behind (1 John 1:9). Being stuck in the mud happens. When it does, we must be willing to leave Sodom before it is too late.

Our monthly congregational meeting was held after the morning service.

Our Sunday evening Bible study was entitled “The Significance of the Blood: Old Testament.”

Happy birthday to Rick Hurst and Barbara Petty.

Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship at 11; evening Bible study at 5:30; and Wednesday night prayer meeting at 6:30.

For more information concerning Lime Springs, please call 755-6356.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday our pulpit was filled by the Rev. Jim Popwell, who once served this church full time. We welcomed him again and appreciate him coming to serve our church in the absence of Dr. Mac Stinson.

Rev. Popwell took his scripture reading from Mark 4:35-41. These verses tell the story of how Jesus quieted the sea and stilled the wind. This story illustrates one of the most dramatic examples of the power Jesus possessed.

Mark 4:39 says, “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still.’”

And the wind ceased, and there was great calm. A number of ship crews who feared their little crafts would be swamped by the waves now found themselves on smooth seas out of harm’s way.

All of us face physical and mental storms in our lives every day. If we only believe and ask the same God who calmed the Sea of Galilee to calm the storms that threaten our lives, he is willing and able to calm those storms as well.

Rev. Popwell was accompanied by his wife, whom we welcomed back also.

Special prayer requests were made for Opal Miller, Wilma Thrash, Horace Carden, Dr. Mac Stinson, Kim Seals, Mae Hunnicutt and the family of Judy Conway, who passed away this past week. Remember Major Rowland, who will be returning to Afghanistan this week after visiting his family here. Remember each of the brave men and women serving in our military and their families.

We invite you to join us Wednesday night for small group Bible study at 6:45 for our “Intro to Revelation.” This will be the beginning of a series of lessons based on the book of Revelation. Join us for insight into this fascinating study of God’s word on the last days.

During the month of August, our youth will meet each Friday night from 6-9 for a time of praise and worship, games and fellowship for ages 6-17. If you are in this age group, come spend Friday night with us.

Following our Singspiration service Sunday night, the young group presented special music. This was followed by a fellowship meal.

Have a blessed week.

Mt. Springs Church

Last Thursday night we had our monthly ladies meeting. Val Smitherman was in charge of our devotion and did an outstanding job. It is so good for our ladies to get together and share what’s on their hearts. It has been said that the ladies are the heart of the church when they are praying together and their hearts are united with God.

Psalm 95:1 says, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Andy Vines recorded our song service for his sister, Hannah. God is working a miracle in her and the whole church as we pray for her. Remember Bobby Lewis and his family with the loss of his mother.

Ricky and Roger Cleckler and Geneva Johnson sang “Did I Mention,” and you could feel the Spirit as they sang. God is so good to us. When is the last time you thanked him for all he does for you? Do you love him?

Roger’s devotion was taken from Psalm 122:1. When you come to the house of God, you are in the best place. According to statistics, the safest place to be is in church. So to be safe, attend church and read your Bible.

What a wonderful time of prayer as people came forward to have prayer cloths anointed for their loved ones.

Kellie Bice sang “He’ll Make a Way” and “Homesick,” and Bro. Don preached from John 13:31-38.

How fine are you? When people ask us how we are doing, more than likely we say we are doing fine, even though we may be broken and wounded inside. We are afraid of what others will think of us. We need to examine our lives. We need to have a desire to glorify God through our lives, to have an unfailing love one for another as God loves us, and we need to be loyal to God and not let things come in our way to separate us from God. When you are asked how you are doing, what will you say?

Sunday night, Bro. Don continued his series of messages on Psalm 23. This week’s message was on the fourth verse. There will be dangers we face in this life, but Christ will be there to lead us through. Everyone has a valley they are either facing now or will have to go through, but God knows his children by name and he will never leave you alone. When the trial is over, we can sing a victory song.

Canaanland, Roger, Ricky, Amelia and Gary sang “He’s in the Mist” and “Wait Until You See My New Home.” It was good to have Gary and Amelia with us again.

Join us for services Sunday at 9:45 and 11 a.m., Sunday night at 5:30 and Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

We would like to thank all who joined together at Isabella and all other schools Sunday afternoon for the prayer walk. Remember to keep the children, teachers, administrators and all the workers in your prayers as school starts this year.

The choir and congregation opened our morning service by singing “The Family of God” and “Let’s Just Praise the Lord” as we welcomed visitors and each other. Special music was sung by Holly Smith and Debbie Lockhart, “He’s All I Need.” God sent a special blessing as the people began to stand and give their testimony as to what God has been to them and what he has done in their lives.

“Faith and When It’s Put to Use” was the title of Bro. Derrell’s message taken from Joshua 2:1-15 and 6:20-23. God can change lives and put true love in your heart.

Sunday night our message came from Romans 4:18-25, “Geritol, Diapers and the Word of God.” This is the story of Abraham and Sarah and how they trusted God so much that Abraham became the father of many nations when he was about 100 years old.

Wednesday night Bible study is taken from the book of John. Study chapters 4, 5 and 6 for the week of Aug. 18. This Wednesday night will be a meeting of all the organizations.

Please remember these as you pray this week: Steve Liveoak, Robert and Minnie Childress, Faye Franklin, Johnny and Ruthie Jean Giles, Cecil Franklin, Bro. Derrell Jones, Shelia Robinson, Durwood Ray and Marty Gentry in the loss of his home. Pray for us and we will be praying for you. Go to church somewhere Sunday and celebrate the Lord Jesus in praise and worship.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church

What a wonderful day of fellowship and worship we had Sunday. It started with a song of praise followed by prayer. Then we went into our classes for Bible study.

The choir opened the morning worship service with “Redemption Draweth Nigh” and the choir special was “When My Feet Touch the Streets of Gold.”

The Rev. Oneil Cleckler’s morning sermon, “Be Filled with the Spirit,” was taken from Ephesians 5:18. This one scripture says you don’t need wine for you to experience the effects of it. If you are truly filled with the Spirit, it is indescribable. By one Spirit we are baptized into one body; it doesn’t matter who we are. John the Baptist saw the Spirit come down in the form of a dove and sit on Jesus’ shoulder after Jesus was baptized. When Jesus died on the cross, he left the Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter. The Holy Spirit is equal to God. The filling of the Spirit comes only when we want it to be there. When we ask for a filling, we need to be prepared to do God’s work.

Bro. Cleckler’s evening message, “The Reigning Lord,” was taken from Revelation 19:11-16, 6:2 and 22:10-14. John had a glimpse of heaven. He saw heaven open and he saw a white horse and the One who sat upon it, who was called Faithful and True. He was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood and his name is called the Word of God. He had armies following behind him clothed in fine linen and riding white horses. And he had on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 22:13). “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and last.”

We want to wish a happy birthday to Brad Mathis, Elvin Ellison and Morgan Norwood.

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.

Bethany Baptist Church

Our memory verse for this week is Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Bro. Aubry’s message was taken from Matthew 16:27. God deals with His children as you and I deal with our children. He chastises (with love) and he rewards His children. When we accept the Lord as our Savior, we become a member of the family of God. So what next? It is imperative that we begin the process of faithfulness and obedience toward God.

Sunday night we watched a wonderful message given by Dr. David Barton, on whether America is a Christian nation. He shared a wealth of historical information on the founding of this country.

Upcoming events: Wednesdays at 8 a.m., WKLF Bethany broadcast; Aug. 8, election of new officers and teachers; Sept. 26, Homecoming at Bethany; Oct. 8-9, annual state meeting at Bethany.

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

Happy birthday to Glenn Vines (Aug. 2) and Barbara Avery (Aug. 29). Happy anniversary to Lori and Chris Knight (Aug. 5).

See you Sunday.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

It’s hard to believe that it’s already August. Some of the shops have Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations already.

We had a glorious day Sunday with a good Sunday School lesson, singing and sermons.

Remember in prayer our church family, pastors, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the lost, our country, president, leaders, soldiers, unspoken requests and spoken requests.

Happy birthday to Dollie Jean Price, Kenneth Robinson, Joey Patterson, Billy Caton, Bobby McNeel and Cody Hubbard. Happy anniversary to Kevin and Kim Booth, Ralph and Juliet Hayes and Ruby and Eugene Neeley.

We thank Brother David Bullard for taking over for Brother Steve Price. He did a good job. Steve is singing with the group Gaining Ground, and if you get a chance to hear them, you will enjoy it.

We welcome our visitors today, it was good to meet Tina Larid and Jordan , hope all enjoyed the service and will come back. It was good to have Brother Alton Russell back with us today.

We had two beautiful special songs Sunday morning, “I’m Amazed” sung by Brother Gary Hubbard and “I Won’t Have To Worry Any More” sung by Sister Norma Muir.

Brother Jeff was back after running a revival in Mississippi last week. His sermon was entitled “Come Out From Among Them,” taken from 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Sister Amelia Hubbard sang the invitation song, “I Claimed The Blood.” The altar filled with many prayers.

The evening service was Cedar Grove Youth Night.

After the welcome and introduction, Jordan Harvely sang “Shouting Time” and “We Will Ride,” and the congregation sang praise and worship songs “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “My Savior, My God” and “Amazing Grace.” Brother Clay Collins brought the message entitled “Rejoice” from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

The drama team put on a very eye-opening program; you missed a blessing if you were not here to see and hear it all.

Brother Chris Cleckley sang the invitation song. After the program was over, we all watched a video from youth camp. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Our Homecoming will be at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 22 with Brother Randy Perry the guest evangelist. He will be running our revival through Wednesday night, Aug. 25. Revival starts at 7 p.m.

The Kelleys will be our guest singers at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, come on out and receive a blessing from the message as well as the singers.

For more information, call 646-2390.

Jackson Chapel

Bro Dewayne Castleberry taught a good Sunday School lesson entitled “Origin and Nature of Sin.” Bro. Gary Fant got the morning worship service started off with “At Calvary” and “At the Cross.” Nick Burnett sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and this was a blessing to everyone present. Bro Dennis’ text came from 2 Timothy 4:1-5 with a message entitled “Looking Down the Road.” We as Christians need to look down the road and not what is just right in front of us, because down the road we will stand before Jesus Christ and give an account of how we lived our lives on that day. We need to stop looking like the world and live our lives according to the word of God. We need to be people God can use because Jesus has done so much for us we ought to want to serve him with our whole heart.

Bro. Gary Fant got the evening service started off with “Just Over in the Gloryland,” “Send the Light” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Bro. Dennis and Glenn Riley sang “I Saw the Light,” “I Will Trade this Old Cross for a Crown” and “House of Gold”. Bro Dennis’ text came from 1 Samuel 25:2-5. There are people in this world who, if they find out we are Christians, will come to us for advice. Most of the time, they want us to tell them that doing worldly things is OK. If we are the Christians we should be, we need to let this world know what we stand for. If someone comes to us for advice we need to be very careful about what advice we give them. If we give someone bad advice, down the road it could cause that person to go down the wrong road and never recover from it.

Happy birthday to Horace Wyatt.

Ernie Dawson and Heirline will be with us on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.

Please remember these as you pray this week — Geraldine Smith, Shirley Burnett, Betty Mims, Doris Smith, Daniel Cleckler, Pete Burnett, Brook Bone, Margie Waites, Ann Booker, Danny Ray Ferguson, Glenda Hill, our service men and women and our lost loved ones.

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.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Our call to worship Sunday was “God Answers Prayer,” followed by responsive reading and announcements from Jerry Tippett.

Bro. Tony told of his trip to Houston and visiting Gordon Powell in the hospital, and they asked to be remembered in prayer. Sunday began our focus on prayer for the month of August; someone or something is in need of prayer all the time. It’s our holy gift, so let’s use it.

During our time for children, Diane Handley talked about sharing, not being greedy and remembering the needy children.

Our hymn of celebration was “I Am Thine, O Lord.” Other songs were “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” “More to Love Thee” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Joys and concerns: Gordon Powell, Tom Seals and Doris Maddox are having tests. Also remember Ellie Reese and Kay Wade. Prayer was requested for those going off to school.

Our scripture and message was from James 5:13. Bro. Tony began by saying, “I have learned during my many years throughout my calling to bring God’s word, that the Bible will teach itself, if you will let it.”

As we focus on prayer, there is no better example than in verse 13: “Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Bro Tony said, “When troubles come, pray about it — nobody knows your troubles more than God. Make your prayers in the name of Jesus Christ.” Let’s become a people of prayer.

Happy birthday to Paisley Bice (Aug. 4), Jerry Wayne Tippett (Aug. 4), David Florea (Aug. 17), Jeanette Hughes (Aug. 28), Ray Enfinger (Aug. 30) and Duane Jones (Aug. 31).

Happy anniversary to Roger and Virginia Littlefield (Aug. 21), Allen and Denise Popwell (Aug. 13), Danny and Glenda Popwell (Aug. 3) and Jerry and Nina Tippett (Aug. 24).

Everyone had a great time at our fellowship meal. We are so blessed to have those who prepared meals to benefit the building fund.

Floyd Baptist Church

We are thankful that God kept Bro. Mike and his family safe during their trip to Gatlinburg, TN and Saturday when two of his children were in a wreck.

Sunday morning Bro. Mike preached from Ephesians 1:1 – 7 on “Our Freedoms as Christians”. We are free from sin as Christians because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We have been justified, forgiven, cleansed, and given access to God because Jesus paid our sin debt for us. Many try various ways to get to heaven, but the only way is by going through the blood that Jesus shed for us, all other ways fail!

Sunday night Bro. Mike brought a message on “The Church’s Great Future” from Matthew 16:13 – 20. The church has a great future for several reasons. God delights in using imperfect people: through our weaknesses, God brings glory to Himself and to be used all we have to do is be willing to be used, sold out to the Lord, and available for His use. Christ is the One building the church, not man and as long as we rely on Him, follow His direction, make His will our will, and live a holy life for Him, Satan can attack but he will never overcome because we have victory in Jesus Christ and He is the future of the church. Praise God!

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.