Bethany Baptist Church
We are a small congregation, but we have good fellowship and try to sincerely worship God in our services. Our choir sang, “His Blood Can Never Lose Its Power,” and our pastor sang, “Who Am I?” Bro. Steve continued his teaching in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. The Apostle Paul is a good example of what a pastor should be. We can see many attributes in these verses: his boldness, his sincerity and humility; he preached to honor God, not man. These verses are a challenge for not only pastors, but all God’s servants to live godly, walking worthy so people can see God in us.
Sunday night after monthly business meeting Bro. Steve brought a message, “Tired, But Still Going,” using Galatians 6:9.
October birthdays and anniversary: Oct. 10, Jean DeLoach; Oct. 10, Elaine Staton; Oct. 16, Shirley Wallace; Oct. 22, Barbara Miller; Oct. 23, James and Jean DeLoach (Anniversary)
Prayer list: Betty Biggs, Carl Gray, Ellen Gray, Ophelia Griffin, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria Headley, Mary Knight, Larry Miller, Billie Neeley and Jesse Wallace. We thank God for answered prayer on behalf of some of our members.
See you Sunday.

Bethsalem Baptist Church
Our service began with a welcome and fellowship time. The Celebration Choir sang “I Stand Upon the Rock Medley,” and Bro. Brad preached the morning message, “God’s Call at Work,” from Ephesians 6:5-9. Be filled with the Spirit and show, serve and share Christ.
The evening message was “Limits of Our Liberty” from 1 Corinthians 9. Let’s pray that we will be able to keep our eyes on the eternal.
Pray for Randy and Anna Thompson, daughter Lilianna, J.D. Jones, Dylan Cullum, Bro. James Moore, Charles Bryant, Irene Courtney, Debra Mims, Jeanette Smitherman, Patsy Lockhart, Tonnia Spigner, Hazel Boswell, Les Ray, Tricia Coles, Janice Blackmon, Paul Green, Pete Burnett, Phillip Plyler, Pamela Howell, Mrs. Davis, Jeff Brasher, McCoy Durren, Vic Lawrence, Jimmy and Jetti Durbin, Elaine Boddie, Richard Ferrell, Allison Willis, our missionaries, those in storm areas, the family of Bernice Caver, those who have lost loved ones, our homebound and our country. Pray for revival.
Remember, bring your friendship connect card next Sunday.
Have a blessed week. God is so good. Come worship with us Sunday and get connected. Tell someone about Jesus this week.

Calvary Independent Baptist
Calvary Independent Baptist church in Clanton would once more like to thank our visitors that came and worshipped with us this past weekend.
Sunday morning services included a message delivered by our pastor, Rick Hatchett, on the subject of apologetics. He preached on the biblical account of the creation of the world and all things that are therein. We who claim to be Christ’s representatives (Christians) are to be ready to give an answer to the ones who do not know the truth according to the scriptures.
Sunday night service continued in Revelation 12 with Associate Pastor Oscar Mims.  We have many standing in need of prayer on our church prayer list; please remember and lift them up to Jesus in your prayers. We want to remind everyone this Sunday, Oct. 16 will be our Homecoming (Old Fashioned Day) and the Lord Jesus Christ’s singing group JUSTIFIED will be singing right after lunch starting about 1 p.m.
Also, Oct. 17-19 at 6:30 p.m. each night we will have revival meetings with God’s spokesman Bro. Chip Coleman preaching each night. Everyone is invited to attend any, or better yet, all of our services. We are located south of Clanton just past Dollar General right off Highway 31 on Fulmer Drive.

Cedar Grove
“Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to his love, and the future to his providence. God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Our heartfelt sympathy to Gayla Popwell in the loss of her father, Larry Latham; please keep her in your prayers. She lost her mother in June and is having a hard time. We love you, Gayla.
Please remember our church family; several have sickness and some have family problems. Remember our country, military, leaders, nursing home residents and those in the hospital.
Happy birthday to Tori Booth, Jesse Hunt, Cameron Dutton and Mary McGuire. Happy anniversary to Joyce and Douglas Scott.
In the absence of Brother Jeff Carroll, Brother Heath Vines preached both sermons. The morning sermon was entitled “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” from Joshua 24:14-25. It was about Joshua and the people of Israel.
The evening sermon was entitled “Resisting The Devil” from James 4:1-10. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The altar filled, and we had an anointing service for Brother Jeff, praying that he will be well soon.
Come visit with us at Cedar Grove. For more information, call 646-2390 or visit cedargrovethorsby.com.

Christ Independent Methodist
Dr. Mac Stinson’s message on this beautiful Sabbath day gives a command to “Come to the Banquet.” His scripture background is Matthew 22:1-14. When the four Gospels were grouped together at Ephesus near the end of the second century A.D., Matthew was placed first.
In this scripture recorded by Matthew, Jesus is preaching by parables as he so often did. A parable is a form of teaching by which moral or religious truth is set forth through analogy drawn from common experience. It points out or merely suggests similarities that appear to exist between the natural and spiritual worlds.
Our prayer list for this week includes Opal Miller, Cindy McCavitt, Anne Glass, Herman Glass, Keely Parker, our church family, members who are traveling, our military, community, church and each other.
Join us next Sunday as we welcome Bro. Mike Weldon, A.I.M. executive director, as he ministers to us Sunday morning. We will have our one-dish dinner following the services.
Our youth will have a lock-in at CIMC Friday night, Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. Bring sleeping bags and dress to be outside.
We will continue our study of Revelation on Oct. 19. Pray for Christians around the world and little Israel.
Have a blessed week.

Church of God’s Word
Bro. Jimmy Langston opened the service with prayer.
Bro. Ray Edwards talked about the kids that are being bullied at school and taking their lives. He said it was time for the Christians to take a stand and to take back the schools for Christ.
Bro. Ray preached that it is time to start doing what is right and stop putting Jesus on the back burner. We are in this world, but we are not part of this world. It is time for us to take a stand for what is right. We need to have the backbone to stand up for Jesus.
If you’ve been born again and washed in the blood of the Lamb, if you don’t want to be talked about, then compromise with them. If you do something to help somebody, people are going to get mad at you. God said if you were ashamed of him then he would be ashamed of you.
Faith will move God; faith will move mountains. God loves you, but he saved us for a purpose. Since you have been saved, you have a story to write about that Paul and all of them wrote about in Acts. How many times have you blamed someone else for the way your life has turned out?
We had two birthdays this Sunday, Jacob Langston and Ashlyn McCory.
On Oct. 28 we will be having a weenie roast at the church, and everyone is invited to attend.

Jackson Chapel
Bro Gary Fant got the morning worship service started with “There Is Power in the Blood” and “When We All Get To Heaven,” and after the good congregational singing, Bro Gary Fant blessed us with “O What a Moment.”
Bro Dennis’ text came from Acts 17:24-31 with a message entitled “Watch Your Step.” We as Christians don’t need to wait until tragedy strikes to call on God; we need to carry him with us wherever we go. We need to know that God is with us at all times and he will always help us in our time of need. We as Christians need to watch our steps down life’s road because one step can lead us to eternity. We need to always make sure that we are ready to meet Jesus Christ because no man knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return to get his people.
The service ended with several coming to pray. Three people went forward and joined the fellowship with us here at Jackson Chapel, and we praise the Lord for what he is doing in our church.
Bro Gary Fant got the evening service started with “Glory To His Name,” “Canaan Land Is Just In Sight” and “Victory Today Is Mine.” Bro Dennis blessed us with “Master of the Sea.” We had several to give testimonies on how God had blessed them this week or things God had done for them. Bro Dennis’ text came from Ecclesiastes 5:1-2: Jesus doesn’t want us as Christians to come to church burdened and not be able to enjoy the presence of the Lord. Jesus wants us to come to church ready to worship and receive blessings from him, but if we’re bound with the cares of life we can’t worship Jesus like he wants us to. This will cause us to miss out of some of the greatest blessings that God has in store for his people.
Please remember these as you pray this week: Susan Smith, Harold Sansom, James and Marie Johnson, Jean Mayfield, Juanita Wilkins, Faye Baker, Glenn Riley, Josh Chapman, Frances Cleckler, our service men and women, and our lost loved ones.

Lime Springs United Methodist
We continued our study on the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Sunday School.
Bro. Shannon brought the morning message from Hebrews 12:1 on “Traveling Light.” He reminded us of the importance of packing the only items really needed when going on a vacation. This is especially true when flying. The extra baggage we might want to carry can cause undo expense, take up valuable room and cost us valuable time.
The same is true when running the Christian race that is set before us. Paul encouraged us to lay aside the extra weight that might hold us back from reaching the finish line. In other words, we need to travel light in our Christian journey.
Bro. Shannon reminded us of how Jesus taught this same lesson to 70 of his disciples, as they prepared to enter into the world to witness and minister to others. He challenged them by faith without luggage, extra clothes, money, etc. (Mark 10:4). Indeed, we need to learn to travel by faith by getting rid of things that might burden us. These things include sin (Acts 22:16), family and friends (Mark 3:31-35), traditions (Colossians 2:8) and doubt (Romans 14:23). Leaving these things behind will help to make our journey in this world more successful for God.
We closed the service by receiving Holy Communion.
Our Sunday Bible study continued on our study of a summary of the Old Testament.
Happy birthday wishes to Angie Bates and Elijah Crawford.

Mt. Carmel No. 1
God is so good to us and blessed us very much this Sunday. As we welcomed our visitors and home people, we enjoyed two great messages as Bro. Derrell spoke to our children first taking his “Sermon in a Sack.” A large group of children were very attentive as Bro. Derrell taught them a message on “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
The morning sermon was entitled “Something Out of Nothing” (John 1:43-46). Philip findeth Nathaniel and saith unto him, ‘We have found him, Jesus of Nazareth.’”
How about your church, your community, your county? Can any good come out of these?
Jesus saith, “Thou shalt see greater things — follow me.” Our service was closed with people gathering at the altar and praying for the requests of the people. The Lord was with us Sunday.
Come join us and our youth on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Zaxby’s from noon until 3 to help support our youth as they plan for their trip. Come dine in or drive through for Zaxby’s Spirit Day.
Remember the WMU is sponsoring a canned food drive for the emergency assistance center. Bring canned food to fill the box from now until Nov. 20.
Oct. 30 is Youth Sunday. The youth will teach all the Sunday School classes, and Geoffrey Lockhart and Chad Foshee will be the speakers for the day. We will observe Pastor Appreciation Day, and lunch will be served following the morning service.
Special prayer needs are always requested. We ask you to join us daily in prayer for all the requests. Pray especially for the sick and lost. We welcome you to worship with us at Mt. Carmel No. 1.

Mt. Springs
Services began Sunday, October 9 with Bro. Kenneth Moates leading the church in the following hymns: “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” “I Would Not Be Denied,” “Where the Soul Never Dies,” and “I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him.” Bro. Roger Cleckler’s devotion was taken from Acts 3: 1-5. We should expect great blessings every time we come into the house of God.
After Sunday School, Bro. Kenneth led the church in the hymns “Glad Reunion Day” and “Heaven’s Jubilee.” Geneva Johnson and Roger and Ricky Cleckler sang “Did I Mention” and “Dare to be Different.”
This Sunday was pastor appreciation day. We are very fortunate at Mt. Springs Church to have a wonderful leader in Bro. Don Vanderslice. He and his wife, Mrs. Florence have truly been a blessing to our church.
Bro. Don’s message was taken from Matthew 18: 1-7. “Becoming Building Blocks and not Stumbling Blocks.” We as Christians should always strive to be building blocks for Christ. We should do our best to help people be what God wants them to be. Christians should never forget that someone is always watching us. Are we being a stumbling block or a building block for Christ?
Sunday night started the community revival service. The Johnson family blessed us with special singing and Bro. O’Neal Cleckler preached the evening service. Bro Cleckler preached from John 14: 1-6. John 14:1 states, “Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God believe also in me.” Many hearts were uplifted and encourage through his message. We are very excited about our revival service this week. We look forward to the great things that God has to offer.

Rocky Mount United Methodist
As we move into this fall season of 2011, which so quickly will be the holiday season, we continue seeing our prayer list grow. Please remember the many people of our community and church family and friends that need the help of our prayers.
Our Wednesday night Bible study class has just started a new study on the book of Revelations. The books of Daniel and Ezekiel will be included as part of this study. Come join us at 6:30 on Wednesday evenings to let that book be revealed to you in ways that you might not have previously realized.
Remember to support our Youth Department as they take donations on a beautiful quilt to be given away to some lucky winner on Dec. 18. Contact the church at 688-2204 for more information on how you can help them.
“What is a Born Again Christian?” That was the message that Brother Willard brought before us Sunday morning. Just as Jesus spoke quietly, in the night, to Nicodemus, and Brother Willard reminded us that we must be cleansed by the water and the Spirit to be a Christian. This is a gift that you can’t inherit, and you can’t just be baptized to receive it. You must come to Jesus in faith and accept him and what he claims.
You must turn from a life of sin and self-destruction and let Jesus be the Lord of your life. If you have any questions about your status, get on your knees and ask for Jesus to lead you. You might not have time for any delays.

Samaria Baptist
Our prayer concerns continue to focus on Ray and Phyllis Hardee, and Horace and Gayle Cleckler. We praise God that they have come home from the hospital, but we still need to lift them up in our prayers. We thank God for the improvement that has enabled them to go home from the hospital.
Our pastor’s message Sunday came from Proverbs 3:1-12. It is our most important responsibility to honor the Lord. We should hear His voice through His word and obey Him. Reading the word of God enables us to receive life instruction. Let your heart keep my commandments, saith the Lord.
Abraham was obedient to God. Hannah received a son from God and kept her promise to return Samuel to Him. David sinned and killed to cover it up. Sounds like a modern day newspaper doesn’t it? Sin is never hidden. God reveals all sin. Hiding sin doesn’t work; He already knows. Forget not the call of God on your life. Peace cannot be found for those who deny the calling of God. People may not always keep your confidence if you share secrets of your heart with them. We can sell out to God, and confess our sins, especially since he knows already everything about us. He is ready to forgive and renew our spirit. God has power, might, love and forgiveness to offer us.
Trunk or Treat will be Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Bring candy, dress up, and we will have food and fellowship. Don’t forget to sign the sheet up front. Revival services begin Oct. 30. We will have morning services at 11 evening service at 5, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday services will be at 7. Our speaker will be Bro. Don Graham, a wonderful man of God.

Walnut Creek United Methodist
What a beautiful day to begin worshipping God, an absolutely perfect fall day topped off by breakfast.
After Sunday School, we had a few short minutes to greet others. Our call to worship was “Love Lifted Me” followed by our hymn of celebration, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence.”
Following the invocation by Bro. Tony, Diane led the time with the children, and joys and concerns were shared for the following: Gene Gilliland, Jerry Gilliland, Dave Hanline, Ray and Myrtis Enfinger, the Bice family and Doris Maddox’s mother.
Bro. Tony used the books of Matthew and James as he brought us the message.
Bro. Tony asked, “Will God always hear your prayers?” He answered, “He who embraces the world — you are turning your back on God! God is no longer with you because he can no longer hear your voice.”
The choir special was “Pass It On.” There was a beautiful offertory special by Joan McGriff and Carolyn Maddox.
In the afternoon, we had our missions picnic at Ollie Park with a great turnout. Next Sunday for lunch, we will have a playground fundraiser special.