Christ Independent Methodist Church

What a beautiful day the good Lord blessed us with on Sunday past. He has dressed the trees in their colors to compete with fall’s blooming flowers. When I look at my own fall-blooming flowers, I hate to realize that Jack Frost is just waiting to zap their beauty.

Dr. Mac Stinson’s sermon title was “Don’t Make Me Come Down There.” His scripture was taken from Luke 18:1-8. This scripture is based on the parable of a widow and a judge.

Luke 18:2-3 says, “There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man, and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, “Avenge me of mine adversary.”

“This is a story not only about persistence in prayer; it is a story about justice and about God’s plan for God’s world. In effect, Jesus is having God say, “Don’t make me come down there.” I will not ignore the cries of those who are being exploited, those who are being abused. I hear their prayers and I will not forever abide the injustice they are experiencing.”

It is not a popular theme, but it teaches persistence in prayer and faith in justice. God hates injustice and people ought to hate injustice as well. “Don’t make me come down there” sounds like something we might say to our children when they disobey, but as children of God, we may ignore the same message received from our heavenly father’s displeasure.

Continue to pray for Dr. Stinson and his son, for Dell Moody, Mary Ann Carden, Bobbie Sammons, Roy and Sue Lauter and all dealing with illness.

Women’s coffee and dessert will be held at the Adams home on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.

On Oct. 27, we will enjoy our covered dish luncheon following the morning service.

The Harvest Supper is coming up soon. This special time will be Saturday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. We invite you to come spend the evening with us.

Remember to pray for our country, our leaders, our military and their families, our community, our church and each other.

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “Hallelujah, We Shall Rise.” Bro. Ken Daniel’s message from Luke 10:1-12 was titled “Reaping the Harvest.” He also preached from Revelation 2:8-17. The youth of our church went to “Judgment House” at First Baptist Church of Mount Olive.

Announcements

The G.A.s are collecting socks during the month of October for Canadian missionaries to give to people in need.

Oct. 31: Harvest Festival at 6 p.m. with games, food fun and fellowship

Nov. 3: Baby shower for Beth Whittle at 2 p.m. It’s a girl.

Nov. 7: Singing by the Dixie Echoes at 7 p.m.

Nov. 17: Harvest Supper and deadline for Christmas shoeboxes

Dec. 3: Annual Ladies P.J. Christmas Party at 6 p.m.

Dec. 15: “Breath of Heaven” Christmas cantata at 5 p.m.; Christmas supper at 6 p.m.

Dec. 31-Jan. 3: Youth Winter Conference in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

March 17-22, 2014: Trip to Lancaster, Penn.

Happy birthday to Andrea Wakefield, Diane Carden, Josh Jones, Brandon Martin, Aspen Martin and Regeana Funderburk.

Prayer requests: Ian Lee, Louise McReynold’s family, Cleveland Turner’s family, Betty James’ brother, Rachael Lowrey’s bother, Gale Cleckler, Fay Patton, Faye Honeycutt, Bob Schultz, Fay Fulford, Ty Strief and Gracie Hudgins.