Bethsalem Baptist Church

Bro. Bobby opened our day of worship with ministry opportunities and by welcoming everyone. Great songs were sung by the congregation. On the first Sunday of Advent, the Prophecy Candle of Preparation was presented by Bro. Bobby, the children, and Earl and Janet Willis.

The Celebration Choir sang “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The message was taken from Luke 3:1-6, 16 titled “The Call to Prepare.”

In the evening service, the Christmas concert was provided by Voices of Victory senior adult choir from Heritage Baptist Church. They were great and we had great fellowship and food.

Wednesday night: Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. with service at 6:30 p.m., prayer meeting for adults, Team Kids for children, Student’s Outlet.

Happy birthday to Wendy Glasscock, Andy Ellison, Rhea Burnett, Marie Smith, Charlene Yeargan, Rebecca Eubank, Pam Shepherd, Kendal Roper, David Ih, Robin Crawford, Zoey Edwards, Laura Green and Winter Watkins.

Pray for Charles, Bryant, Rebecca Martin, Hunter Moore, our Pastor Search Committee, Jennifer and Brandon Teel, George and Diane Williams, Wendy Speigner, Hayley Boyd, Renee Dobbins, Bobby Bush, Johnny McClain, Eric Myers, Harold Patterson and Marie Smith.

Next Sunday evening, the Celebration Choir cantata will be held at 6 p.m. Come and enjoy our choir.

Rocky Mount UMC

Rocky Mount members and friends came together Sunday morning, where inside it was beautiful, dry and inspiring! We celebrated the second Sunday of Advent with scripture from Romans 15:4-13. As Bro. Phil talked about the difference in victims and victors, we paused to ponder the difference between the two. We all can be victorious because we know Jesus. Just as Hannah in the book of Samuel became victorious in her faith in God and became the mother of Samuel, we too can be victorious and dedicate ourselves to God.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, laid out the many sufferings he had endured, yet he remained hopeful. He goes on to write a letter to the Philippians, and even though he was in prison, he was joyful. As a result, many people read his letter and have been saved. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, “Rejoice!”

We Christians are not immune to adversity, pain and suffering, but we must be encouraging because we know Jesus. There is something better than all that is going on around us.

We are the light of Jesus Christ. Welcome Jesus and welcome others to know him. Jesus Christ came to give us hope. We have the opportunity in Advent to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The world is desperate. Who will be his ambassadors? Who will share this message if it is not us?

Along with our regular schedule, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus by offering Holy Communion at our church on Christmas Eve from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome and invited to come and join us. This is a “come and go” event during this hour.