Christ Independent Church

On this perfect Mother’s Day, it is my sincere wish that if your mother is living, you spent this day with her. This day may also appropriately be named “Memory Day,” for if your mother is here, or has gone on, you must cherish many precious memories of her. Always, when I remember my mother, I remember how hard she worked for my family and me. I have a mental picture of her small hands, almost child-like in size, but seldom idle.

Dr. Stinson’s service title today was “The Philippi Mission,” based on scripture taken from Acts 16:16-34.

The early Christians became Christians either through personal contact with Jesus, or by the message of the disciples. These disciples were the first missionaries. Paul and Silas were two of these early missionaries.

“As these two men came up to Thyatira, which worshipped God, the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and beat them severely. They were stripped of their clothes, thrown in prison and they had their feet made fast in stocks. But one night a severe earthquake occurred that left the prison doors open. When the jail keeper saw this, he ran to the officials in fear for his life. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved and thy house.’ He and all his house were saved. They were baptized in God. And when it was day they magistrate let Paul and Silas go.”

Continue to pray for Dr. Mac Stinson, his mother and his son. Pray for Bobbie Sammons, Mary Ann Carden, Roy Lauter, Judy Atkinson and all in need of a healing hand. Pray for our country, our leaders, our military and their families, our community, our church and each other.

Our evening service continues with “The Handwriting on the Wall: The Church and the Tribulation.”

May 19: Senior Honor Luncheon following the morning worship service. Honorees are Anna Adams and Autumn Glass.

Congratulations to Michelle Lutza who passed her board exam.

Heart felt sympathy to the family of Jane Shafer, who passed away this week.

Have a blessed week.

Samaria Baptist Church

What a wonderful Mother’s Day in the house of the Lord. Barbara Collins and Betty McCary, along with Jeannie Mims, put together a special recognition to our mothers. It was a true dedication to our mothers, both past and present. Diane Fisher read a poem called “When I Must Leave You,” and Jeannie Mims sang “What a Friend We Have in Mother.”

Special guest singer today was Steve Roberson, who sang, “Mama’s Roses.

Bro. Charles sermon today was titled “The Greatest Woman.” His text came from 2 Kings 4:8-17. It features a woman with great perception; one who can know what is needed and can read a person, knowing whether they are genuine. The woman in these verses had such a perception. She knew the prophet was a true servant, and she wanted to enable him in his cause.

A Godly mother’s love is the nearest approach to Almighty God. A woman enduring childbirth walks in the valley of death to deliver a new life into the world. There has never been an act of heroism equal to that of a Godly mother and the support she gives her family.

A mother’s best friend’s name is Jesus. He is the source of her strength, and gives her courage and peace, as she needs it. When Jesus forgives, he no longer holds it over us, as many in life do. His forgiveness is forever, and even though he never forgets, he hides it far away from us. Mothers who depend on him can make it through anything. Jesus is the friend we can tell all our secrets to, and he is closer than our own breath. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is our advocate to the Father. He is able to save all who come to him. We wouldn’t be what we are if we had not called on Jesus to enter our hearts and live within us. Give praise and grace to mothers today. It is a wonderful thing to be called a Christian mother.

Remember our sick today: Horace and Gayle Cleckler, Bruce Moore, and our nursing home mothers.

Please join us at Samaria. God is here in the Holy Spirit. Come and meet him here. May God bless you.