Rocky Mount UMC

On Palm Sunday we were asked to remember some basic facts about the life of our Lord and Savior. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha and the Omega; yet he was born in a stable to a dirt-poor couple. The first disciples he called were uneducated people who made their living by the sweat of their brow. He was executed as a common criminal and buried in a borrowed tomb. So what about this triumphant entry? This itinerant preacher rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey surrounded by shouts of Hosanna. When no war broke out and no aggression toward the Roman occupation was exhibited, the crowds left him to go about the business of daily living. So what makes us worship this man who was confident without being puffed up? This man who was humble without being a door mat? The only begotten Son of God gives us hope in times of hopelessness. His humility tells us that man cannot fix anything. We need our Heavenly Father. So during this highest holy season in the Christian church, take time to pray for the strength to be the kind of follower Jesus would like—one that sees the truth of his resurrection and is willing to step up and step out in his holy name.

Join Rocky Mount this Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m. for a Communion Service.

And as always, look for ways during this coming week to let those around you see Jesus in your actions, words and deeds.

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

Happy Easter wishes to all of you from the congregation at Mt. Carmel. As we are into this Easter week, let’s not just think of this as a time of colorful eggs, brightly colored candies, pretty new clothes and bunny rabbits. Let’s not forget the real reason we are celebrating—the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our morning message was based on Matthew 5:43. It was titled “The Borrower.” Just think about the items in your surroundings. Do you sometimes have the need to borrow something from someone or does someone borrow things from you at times? Jesus instructs us not to turn away from requests that are made from anyone that ask of us. Instead, think about this: Isn’t everything we have just borrowed for a little while?

Jesus knew what it was like to borrow things. His life started in a borrowed stable. He preached from a borrowed boat. He borrowed a young lad’s lunch and fed a multitude. He borrowed a coin to illustrate a point because he did not have one. He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed colt. He was crucified on a borrowed cross (a cross that should have been mine as well as all other sinners). After Jesus’ death on the cross, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. Praise God he only needed it for three days until he was able to come out of it alive and well. He is still living today!

On Sunday evening, we looked at Mathew 27:32 to see a glimpse of “Simon’s Testimony.” In this Easter season we will have the opportunity to witness and hear many reminders of the happenings of this time.

Even though there isn’t much mentioned in the Bible regarding Simon, the task he was compelled to do was overbearing. He was pulled from the crowd that gathered along the way to Calvary’s hill and ordered to help carry the cross of Jesus. As Christians, we are compelled to carry the cross of Jesus daily. Our lives can be lived in a way that does not put more agony and pain upon him. He gave his all for us; let us strife to do all we can for him.

Please remember Mary Maudlin, Tammy Harmon, Jenny Hayes, Jacob Jones, Elladene Mims, Doug Liveoak, Kay Franklin, Sarah Scott, Shelia Robinson, and Frances Higgins as you pray this week. The needs in the lives of these are great, but we know we serve a great and powerful God that answers prayer.

On Saturday, April 19, there will be an egg hunt at the church at 2 p.m., followed by a hotdog cookout. Everyone is welcome to join us. We would like each child to bring at least six eggs if possible.

Don’t forget our Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m., followed by a prayer breakfast. Our morning services will begin after we are finished with breakfast. There will be no evening services at Mt. Carmel on Easter Sunday.