Calvary Independent Baptist Church

We want to thank everyone for attending services on Sunday. Sunday morning’s service included a Christmas program that was truly a blessing. We sang several songs from hymnals in honor of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the reason for the season and the hope for a better America. We had a message afterward from John 2:1-11 about how joy in our marriage and family life can soon run out. Only through the presence of Jesus can we have an everlasting joy in our marriage and family life. When everyone else is ready to walk out, Jesus Christ wants to walk in. Have you invited Jesus Christ into your life?

Sunday night’s service included a message from Exodus 4:1-4 titled “What Is In Your Hand?” Sometimes, the things we hold on to and think we have control of are the very things that are controlling us. Is there something keeping you from making God’s will for your life, your will?

This coming Sunday, Dec. 23, we will have a communion service at the end of the 10 a.m. worship service. The 5:30 p.m. service will include a Christmas program, followed by a short message and a fellowship meal downstairs.

We want to invite you to visit and worship with us during any of our services. We are located south of Clanton, just past Dollar General, off U.S. Highway 31 on Fulmer Drive. Sunday School at 9 a.m., Children’s Church and adult worship service at 10 a.m., Sunday night service at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday night service at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399.

Mount Carmel No. 1

We were blessed with good fellowship this weekend as we gathered on Saturday afternoon to help celebrate the beautiful wedding of Little Jones and Casey Brand. Our prayers are with this young couple as they unite their love and begin their lives together. May God always be the head of their home and their lives.

On Sunday, our special music was provided by Libby Warren. She played some Christmas carols on the piano as the children gathered the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

In the absence of our paster, Bro Derrell Jones, Bro. Nolin Mauldin brought the morning message, “A Place of Torment,” taken from Luke 16:19-31. The passage states, “And in hell, he lift up his eyes, being in torments.”

We need to carry The Word to our lost brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors. We need to tell them to be born again, and to have their names in the Lord’s Book of Life. Be sure you have your own personal relationship with the Lord. What is important is how you feel in your heart, not what the one next to you feels.

The evening message was taken from Acts 2:1-8: “Does the Church Have Power?” What does it cost to be a Christian? It costs you your life. Old things have passed away; new changes and growth in our lives are credited to Jesus. Let your light shine and get on fire for Jesus. The church does have power, and we should be where God wants us to be. Pray daily for the Lord’s leadership. Let your light shine in the world to reflect Jesus in your work, your attitude and everyday living. Shine like stars in the world around you.

Calling all children: Meet us at the church on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. to go caroling and deliver gifts to all of our sick and shut-ins.

Come and see “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” on Sunday night, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m. The children of our church will be presenting this program and you are invited. There will be an hour of fellowship in the fellowship hall following the program. Bring finger foods. We’ll be looking for you and your family.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Donna and William Childress, and Mrs. Nell Littleton, in the loss of Donna’s brother, Danny Ray Littleton, who passed away on Dec. 13.

Today, we pray especially for Danny Childress and the others on our prayer list. There seems to be a lot of sickness and heartache all around us. Let us band together and pray with a heart of sincerity for one another, our nation and our leaders.