Bethany Baptist
Bro. Steve’s sermon Sunday morning was taken from the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes, “Life Under the Sun.” The writer, called the “Preacher,” whom we believe is Solomon, wrote this book from a human perspective, not necessarily from God’s view. You can read chapter two to see all the pursuits and possessions of Solomon — anything his heart desired. True satisfaction and security come from God. The things “under the sun” do not bring satisfaction that we need in our hearts.
Sunday night, “Looking Backward” was the title of Bro. Steve’s sermon. In Luke 9: 62 Jesus told a would-be follower, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Looking back to past failures or even accomplishments can cause us to be discouraged and cause us to fail to keep our “hand on the plow.” As a result, we may suffer loss of rewards when we meet God.
Our Homecoming at Bethany is this Sunday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome!
Happy anniversary this week: Phyllis and Steven Vickers (Sept. 20).
Prayer list: Betty Biggs, Carl Gray, Ellen Gray, Ophelia Griffin, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, Larry Miller, Billie Neeley and Jesse Wallace.
See you Sunday.

Bethsalem Baptist
We were blessed again by another soul being saved, Dalton Spigner, the son of Donald and Amy Spigner.
Our morning service began with a time of welcoming, fellowship and singing. Special music by the Celebration Choir was “The Heart of Worship” followed by a message from Bro. Brad, “God’s Plan for Marriage: Part 2” taken from Ephesians 5:22-33.
The evening message from 1 Corinthians 8 was entitled “Limits of Our Liberty.”
Pray for Randy and Anna Thompson and daughter, Lilianna; J.D. Jones, Bro. James Moore, Charles Bryant, Jeanette Smitherman, Sylvia Wingard, Noah Waters, Janice Blackmon, Billy Ray Mims, Paul Green, Tyler Harmon, Joe Ann Adams, Clyde Hughes, Ella Vance, Donald Cleckler, Tomerria Scott, Jetti Durbin, Scott Blankenship, Pete Burnett, Joe Wingard, Austin Hicks, Jeff Brasher, Macoy Durren, Perry Jacks, Bic Lawrence, Jimmy Durbin, Robin Mims, those in storm areas, families that have lost loved ones, our homebound and our country. Pray for revival to come.
Have a blessed week. God is so good. Tell someone about Jesus this week.

Calvary
Independent Baptist
Calvary Independent Baptist Church had good fellowship with great services Sunday. During the morning adult worship service, Pastor Rick Hatchett preached on passages from Ephesians. He explained about the blessings we have now as Christians and how we are even now seated in heavenly places and blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. Evening services continued in the last half of Revelation 11 with our Associate Pastor Oscar Mims.
Our Youth Pastor Kevin Shaw will be bringing the message during the morning service on Sunday, Sept. 28. We would like to encourage everyone to come out and visit and fellowship with us for this service or any of our other services.
We are looking forward to having a Homecoming Day on Oct. 16. There will be three nights of revival on Oct. 17, 18 and 19 with God’s spokesman Bro. Chip Coleman. Everyone is invited.

Cedar Grove
We have had a beautiful week with just the right temperature. Chilton County is a perfect place to live (I think).
Our Sunday morning service began with a good hand-clapping song, “I’ll Fly Away,” followed by “He Set Me Free.”
We welcome our visitors; among them were Junior and Adam Mims and Genendal Fratantuono. She came to the Price reunion held Saturday. She is the daughter of the late Tom Price. We missed getting the names of other visitors, but we hope you will come again.
Happy birthday to Sherry Ray, Naomi Gillispie and Sara Hubbard. Happy anniversary to Chris and Renee Cleckley.
Brother Steve Price led the congregation in singing “Jesus Hold My Hand” and “Living By Faith.” Sister Sandra Carroll blessed us by singing “He Left It All.”
Brother Jeff Carroll brought a good message entitled “What Mean These Stones” from Joshua 4:19-24.
Brother Gary Hubbard sang the song of invitation, “He Didn’t Throw The Clay Away.” The altar filled.
The evening service began with “Camping In Canaan” followed by “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.” The choir blessed us with several beautiful songs, and Chris Cleckley sang “Rise Again.”
Brother Heath Vines brought the message Sunday night from Matthew 26:30-35, entitled “But After I Am Risen Again.”
Please remember to pray for everyone on our prayer list. If you have a computer, go to cedargrovethorsby.com; you can see everyone on the list.
We have a very special prayer request. Pray for a very special family from our church that is having major family problems. God can take care of anything; they all need a special touch now.
God bless.

Center Hill Baptist
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This was the theme of the choir special, “Go Light the World.” We are all to carry our candles throughout the world, letting our light shine for Jesus.
Tracy Cobb led in our family altar time. Tracy seems to always know the words that we need to hear to lead our church in this special time of prayer.
Bro. Jeff Champion’s sermon was part 3 of “How to Have an Effective Ministry.” Sunday his sermon was entitled “You Need to be in God’s Hall of Fame.”
Wouldn’t it be great to have had your own name listed in Romans 16? Paul was commending those who had been such faithful servants in the church.
Paul called many of these men and women “beloved.” Could he say the same of us? Are we trustworthy servants in the church? How do people see us in our church work?
Are we helping or hurting the church? These were just a few of the thought provoking questions that Bro. Jeff asked.
During announcement time, Dusty reminded us all of the upcoming Fall Festival. This will be held Oct. 29 at the church. It isn’t too soon to start planning to help and participate.
As always, remember our children’s ministry, the Olympians. We meet every Wednesday night, mealtime is 6 pm and classes start at 6:30.
We are thankful for every member and visitor that worshiped with us.
Remember that God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, but He does promise us eternity!

Christ Independent Methodist
Sunday was homecoming at our church, and the good Lord gave us a perfect day in every way. The weather was perfect, the preaching inspiring, the food bountiful, Holy Destiny kept our hands clapping and our hearts rejoicing and regretting how fast the day passed by. We appreciate the presence of each of you who came to share the day with us.
The Rev. F.B. Martin and his wife came down from Guntersville to bring our morning worship service. His sermon title was “Holiness is Beautiful.” He divided his sermon into 10 points backed by scripture from several different books of the Bible plus Psalm 96.
Then Holy Destiny took the floor to bless us with two beautiful hymns before lunch. After lunch, these gifted young men sang for us until 2:30.
Thanks to each of you who contributed in any way to making this day the joy that it was.
We ask special prayer for the family of Wilma Thrash Collison, who passed away Sept. 14. Ms. Wilma was our oldest church member and greatly loved by friends of all ages. She attended church on a walker for several years but rarely missed a Sunday.
Also on our prayer list: Dr. Mac Stinson, Cindy McCavitt, our military, their families, our church, country, community, Israel and her people, and each other. Remember our family members who will be traveling.
Have a blessed week.

Church of God’s Word
Sister Kellie opened up with prayer. We went into praise and worship, then we sang “The Lighthouse.”
Pastor Ray got up and preached from Daniel 4 about King Nebuchadnezzar and all that came upon him because he became too proud. The king spoke and said, “Is this the great Babylon that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?”
What happened to Nebuchadnezzar was that he got too high and proud. God warned the king what was going to take place, but the king did not listen to him. God speaks to us today, but we get stubborn and go ahead and do it our way. If we don’t want to end up like the king, we need to start listening.
God made the old king eat grass with the oxen for seven years, but when he looked up to heaven and saw that God was his helper, then he repented and God restored him of all things. When we repent and turn from our thinking and start listening to God, he will restore us. But we need to start praising him and giving him the honor.
Today is the day of salvation.
We will be having homecoming Sept. 25 with guest speaker Bro. Pearson from Atmore and guest singers Bro. Jeff and Sis. Carolyn Mims of Clanton, and also Bro. Randal Edwards and guests of Clanton. Everyone is invited to come. Church will start at 9:30 with praise and worship and preaching at 11. The singing will start after lunch.

Friendship Baptist
Bro. Ken’s message was from Habakkuk 3:2, titled, “The Reality of Revival.”
Habakkuk prays for mercy. We need to get our family and friends more involved with Christ. We must represent God, but first we need to make sure we are right with God. It’s God’s glory when there is a revival. Prayer changes lives.
Last week, we had a great homecoming with Bro. Alan Johnston, a former pastor, and The Lowerys opening up our worship in song. It was so good seeing everyone.
During the evening service, Bro. Ken’s message was from Matthew 17:19-20, “Mustard Seed Faith.”
Our air conditioner balance is $3,917. Total donations to date add up to $2,733.
Our WMU group is collecting teddy bears for the police and fire department to give out in stressful situations to children.
Happy birthday this week to Randal Wyatt, Beth Whittle, Tim Wakefield and Claudine Daniel.
Prayer requests: Logan Pledger, Jerry Miller, Holly Shirley, Betty Wilson, James Wilson, Huey Wilson, Tiffany Hughins, Lillianna Thompson, Kay Fanning, Evelyn McGuire, John Bucklew; Jennifer, Tori and Lindsey Griffin; and Jean Tidwell.
Upcoming events:
Sept. 25: The youth will go to Janice and Wayne’s home after the evening service.
Sept. 27: WMU will pass out literature at the county fair.

Jackson Chapel
Bro Gary Fant got the morning service started off with “The Unclouded Day” and “The Glory Land Way,” Bro Horace Wyatt blessed us with “All Because of God’s Amazing Grace” and Bro Dennis Smith blessed us with “Glory Road.”
Bro Dennis’ text came from Exodus 14:1-14 with a message entitled “Who’s After You.” We as Christians are to live our lives the best that we can because Satan is waiting right around the corner to try to destroy us. Satan is after us because he doesn’t like us serving God. We’ve got to realize that God loves us and he has a hedge built around us that causes Satan not to be able to get to us, but when God allows the hedge to be dropped he does this to test our faith just to see how we will handle situations that come against us. The service ended with several coming to pray.
Sunday evening, Bro Dennis’ text came from 2 Timothy 1:3-7. Happy anniversary to Johnny and Marie Burnett. Happy birthday to Melba Adams.
We would like to congratulate Adam Pate and Candis Higginbotham, who were united in marriage Saturday afternoon, and we wish them many years of happiness together.
Please remember these as you pray this week: Ann Rutherford, Juanita Wilkins, Harold Sansom, Janie Smitherman, Jean Mayfield, our lost loved ones and our servicemen and women.

Lime Springs United Methodist
Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from 1 John 4:7-8, entitled, “Surprise: Not Everybody Loves You!” Bro. Shannon reminded us that love is the very foundation of faith. In fact, we are reminded in our scripture text that we must love one another because God is love and loved us first. Jesus reminded us of this fact in Matthew 22:37-40: “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul…and love your neighbor as yourself.”
The problem is we try to love while living in a world of hate. In fact, not everybody loves us! It would be easy to hate those who hate us, but Christ commands that we must love our enemy and those who despise us.
Bro. Shannon reminded us that there is one exception to this rule. Satan hates us, and it is OK to hate Satan. Bro. Shannon gave three reasons Satan hates us: First, we assemble together on Sunday as a community of faith (Hebrews 10:24). Next, Satan hates it when we speak the name of Jesus. Jesus has ultimate power and authority to defeat Satan, and when we speak His name we have the same authority (Philippians 2:10). Finally, Satan hates it when we worship God.
Happy birthday to Betty Brant and Nancy Shannon.
Our evening Bible study continued a series on the Old Testament: a summary. We studied  the book of Jeremiah.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist
We had a blessed day in God’s House. Bro. Derrell started our worship service with a sermon in a sack for the children. This week’s sermon was centered on a container of rice (indicating the fun things of life) and a tube of tennis balls (representing church attendance, Bible study and prayer). He illustrated when we fill our lives with the fun things first, we can’t fit the things of God into them. If we fill or lives with the things of God first, the other things fit just fine.
His sermon for the morning was “The Christian Race.” His scripture was Hebrews 12:1-2. In the Christian race there is no distance limit or does it require a lot of physical ability. It does require preparation (laying aside the sin in our lives), faithfulness, trust, sacrifice, patience and obedience. It is the best race that anyone could ever be a part of.
On Sunday evening as we gathered for worship, Bro. Derrell and Tammy Jones opened our services by singing “Don’t that sound like Heaven.” Following several great testimonies of God’s blessings, Bro. Derrell brought a message titled “Jesus and Wash Pans.” This message was from Matthew 27:22-24.
We concluded our services with an altar prayer with all students in the center surrounded by the adults.
We still have several in our church that need special prayer. Please remember Robert Childress, Minnie Childress, Elladene Mims, Ruthie Jean Giles, Hershel Scott, Sarah Scott and Cecil Franklin.

Mt. Springs
Services started on Sunday, Sept. 18 with Sherrie Williams leading the church in the hymns “I Feel Like Traveling On” and “Heaven’s Jubilee.” Rickey Bice gave a devotion from Colossians 2:6. When the storms of life come, just keep on looking up to the Lord and he will lead you to great things.
Bro Don’s message was taken from Ephesians 4:17-32. “Giving the devil his place.” We have to guard ourselves from the devil so he won’t come into our lives. He knows our weaknesses so we have to do our part to not be tempted by peer pressure. When the devil gets a place in your life he will cause you to fall.
The service ended with the hymn “Hand in Hand With Jesus.”
Sunday night the service began with Bro. Kenneth Moates leading in the hymns “I’ll Fly Away,” “Heavenly Sunlight,” “This World is Not My Home” and “Life’s Railway to Heaven.” Kenneth Moates’ devotion came from Acts 16:14-26. We’re all going to have bad days, but God expects us to work through our circumstances. We had a wonderful testimony service after his devotion; the spirit of the Lord moved in a mighty way.
Here’s a verse for you this week: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Rocky Mount
United Methodist
Sunday was a gorgeous day with a hint of fall in the air and a day full of reasons to sing praises to the Lord!
Every day we see so much sadness here on earth as we lose loved ones and send them on to their heavenly rewards. The families are left behind to deal with the loss and make so many decisions. One decision that must be made is what to say of the departed both at a funeral and on their headstone. Brother Willard’s message this week was entitled “A Four-Word Memoir.”
For the last several years, the youth of Rocky Mount Methodist Church in Jemison have opened their hearts to help a family in need at Christmas time. They have bought toys, filled propane tanks, supplied food, cooked and served food, bought clothes and a variety of other things to fill needs of neighbors less fortunate and struggling during the holiday season. Not only are they helping these families, but they are learning lessons in sharing. We hope that you will find it in your heart to do what you can to help these youth in their endeavor.
You may help by donating money to their fundraising project for this mission. For every two dollars that you donate, you will have a chance to blessed in another way. On Dec. 18, one lucky helping partner will receive a beautiful, handmade quilt. To make a donation and receive your chance for the quilt, contact any of the Rocky Mount youth, their leaders or the church office at 688-2204. Someone will get back with you.

Samaria Baptist
Samaria Baptist Church wishes to thank Brenda Popwell for playing for us Sunday and Sunday night. Diane Fisher sang “Shepherd’s Point of View.” Our prayer concerns focus on Ray and Phylis Hardee, Horace Cleckler, and Drusilla and Walter Hudgins.
Brother Charles’ message began with Mark 7:14 and Luke 10:38-42. God speaks to us through people. Many things in life are troubling to us, and sometimes we miss the necessary things in life, because we are distracted by other things.
What happens in our hearts is important to God. God’s love is permanent. Our character can change when Jesus is involved in major decisions of life. We get too busy to let God speak to us through His word. How can we know His will if we don’t research the roadmap her gave us: the Bible.
Jesus said we need to listen to Him. We are duty bound to follow the directives given to us in God’s word. We preach the word, as this is commanded that we do.
God is against adultery, homosexuality and all immorality.
However, our lawmakers are making it tough for God’s opinion to be heard, and if churches bear the resemblance of condoning this kind of lifestyle, then we are very out of focus with God’s will.
On Oct. 29 at 5 our church family will have a “trunk or treat” party. Please sign the sheet for what you can bring, and of course bring lots of goodies for the kids.
May God lead you to a soul-winning church today, and when you are looking for a church home…you are always welcome at Samaria.