Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Bro. Ken Daniel’s message was taken from 2 Timothy 3:14-17 titled “Instructions Included.” In the passage, the apostle Paul gives an example and teaching on scripture.

In the evening service, Bro. Dusty Dutton’s special music was “To God Be the Glory.” Bro. Ken’s message was taken from Revelation 4 titled “Heavenly Worship.” It was about the throne of God in heaven.

Our youth spent New Year’s Day in Gatlinburg, Tenn., where they attended the Xteme Winter Conference.

Happy birthday to Jessie Moore, Mark Riley, Steve Jones and Jerry Wilson.

Prayer requests: Linda Dorminey, Betty Jones, Jeanette Seals, Charles Funderburk, Beth Kryscuck

Melvadean Dobbs, Fay Honeycutt, the Carden family, Josh Varden, Gerald Chatman, Anna Bryars, Jane Chism, those traveling, Kylie, Cox and Tori Griffin.

Upcoming events:

Jan. 14: Sew for Fun at 9 a.m. This group is sewing clothing for children living in the garbage dumps of Guatemala. Next month, members of our church will take the clothing to the children.

Feb. 26: Medical mission trip to Guatemala

March 17-22: Trip to the Lancaster, Penn. There are three openings left and the total cost for the trip is $540.

Mount Carmel No. 1

As we gathered in the house of God on Sunday, we were thankful for his grace and the teaching of our Sunday school lesson, “A Fight You Can’t Win by Yourself.” We are not alone in facing our struggles with sin. Thank God that Christ is your source of strength to overcome obstacles.

There was a special service for the first Sunday of the new year. Bro. Derrell’s first message of the year was from Jeremiah 52:31-34 titled “Communion With the King.”

God has long-range plans for the restoration of his people in 2014. Our scripture finds Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, in prison. The king of Babylon brought him out of prison for a day of communion. A continual diet was given to him until the day of his death. The example here is for Christians to proclaim the Gospel even when being ridiculed. Trust God even when disaster strikes.

We closed our service with communion and a closing prayer at the altar.

The evening message was titled “The Man Who Kept the Oil” from 1 Chronicles 27:25-34. Joash was the keeper of the oil. His job was to guard the oil, which was kept in the cellar. In this post, Joash was alone in the dark cellar, but it was an honor to serve the king. Of all David’s officials, Joash was chosen for this job. God searcheth all hearts and understandeth all thoughts; if thou seek him, ye will be found, but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. Christians, serve with a perfect heart and a willing mind as Joash served.

We must remember the importance of prayer. Our church prayer walk will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m., weather permitting. Meet with us at the church.

Join us this Wednesday night as we gather in the house of the Lord for our organizations meeting. We invite you to come.

The baby shower for Geoffrey and Abby Lockheart’s baby boy will be held in the fellowship hall on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.

We still have several members who are out due to sickness, while others are having surgery or tests run. Remember these in your prayers: Libby Warren, Pat Hayes, Horace Jean Campbell, Robert Childress, our shut-ins, our church family, and our pastor, Bro. Derrell.