By Emily Agee

“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; be cause I go unto my Father.  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.  If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:  but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless:  I will come to you.  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me:  because I live, ye shall live also.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you” (John 14:12-20).

Thought for the week: “The Star of Hope”

“It wasn’t just an evening star that shone o’er Bethlehem when Jesus Christ, our Saviour, came down here among men.  It was a star that spoke of hope, it pointed to the Christ; it led men to the Saviour, it was a light to guide.  It wasn’t just a nighttime star that God hung out at will; it beamed a starlit message that never will be stilled.  A message meant for all mankind, for rich and poor alike; the Saviour, Christ the Lord, is born, O blessed, holy night!”

Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison will celebrate its 110th Church Anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.  The Rev. Levore Lowery, pastor of St. James Baptist Church in Crenshaw County, will be the guest speaker.  All churches are invited.

Worship service at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service of prayer, scripture and songs.  The scripture was read by Charles Arrington with prayer by Pastor Dukes, Ministers Shaun Bailey, Kevin Nunn and Freddy Arrington.  Songs sung:  “One More Time,”  “Bless the Lord With Me” and “I Love the Lord.”

The morning message was given by Minister Shaun Bailey. His theme was “Three Reasons To Be Thankful.” These three reasons are the Birth, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus was born through faith of this great event to save us from our sins. No one took his life; he laid it down for us by sacrificing his life voluntarily as commanded by faith. He delivered us from perishing. He delivered us from the sin of death, the law and evil spirits.

We have a lot to be thankful for, but man has taken thanks out of Thanksgiving and Christ out of Christmas. Let’s be thankful for Jesus. Do you take the thanks out of Thanksgiving? Be thankful for life and keep your eye on the prize; the prize is Jesus. Be thankful for your life and everything God has done for you.

The service concluded with remarks by Pastor Dukes.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of Mrs. Queen Worthey, Mr. David McDaniel Jr. and Mr. Joseph Parker in their time of bereavement.  Mr. McDaniel was funeralized yesterday.  Mr. Parker’s funeral is today at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Prattville. Mrs. Queen Worthey’s funeral is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Maplesville. Agee Brothers Funeral Home directing.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Flora Franklin, Robert Spence, Joseph McCall and Lee Anna Worthey. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.