Christ Independent Methodist Church

The predicted rain for Sunday morning held off for Mother’s Day. We give thanks for that.

Our morning worship praise began with the hymns, “Come, Thou Almighty King”, “Surely Goodness and Mercy”, and “Satisfied.” Our closing hymn was, “The Longer I Serve Him.”

The Rev. Mac Stinson’s sermon was titled, “A Mother and Her Son.” His scripture was taken from Acts 1:12-14. It’s never been easy being a mother. Do you think it was any easier for Mary, the mother of Jesus? Life was no picnic for the wife of a carpenter in Nazareth. They were not an affluent family.

The scripture tells us that when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the temple, the offering they made was only two turtledoves. This was the offering prescribed for poor families. There were other children in the family besides Jesus- a house full, in fact. There were four additional boys and an unknown number of girls. And then, after Jesus’ twelfth birthday, we don’t read any more of Joseph. He probably died young as many young men did back then.

How did Mary and her children survive? She never remarried. How did she support them? Have you ever thought of Mary as a single mom with a house full of children? Maybe this is why Jesus delayed beginning his ministry until he was thirty. Maybe Mary needed help raising his younger siblings.

Children can break your heart. It broke Mary’s heart to see Jesus hanging on the cross. Children also fill our lives with joy. They give our lives meaning and purpose. Mary was baffled by her son but she loved him and stood by him to the end. That is what life is all about. Love within the human family and the divine family, the love that comes from the heart of God.

Continue to pray for the family of Holly Wadleigh, June Simms, Bobby Varden, and Mary Ann Carden, as well as the Beulah Camp Meeting. Remember our yard sale coming up June 7. The money raised will go toward our Community Fund to help others in need. Anything you would like to get rid of, we will be happy to put in our yard sale. Contact Michelle Lutza to make contributions to the sale.

Your May calendars for church are now ready. If you are without a home church, we invite you to join us. Have a blessed week.

Mt. Carmel No. 1

Our service began with a welcome and fellowship time. Many visitors came to worship with their mothers who are a part of our church family. We gladly welcome and invite them to come again. All mothers were recognized and presented with a gift. A full time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in a woman’s life, since the payment is pure love.

Our special Mother’s Day music was sung by Charity Lockhart, Bro. Derrell, Tammie, and Lanelle. Mother’s Day also celebrates the American Centennial that was signed by Woodrow Wilson on the second Sunday in May 1914.

We had a glorious time in the house of the Lord as Bro. Derrell spoke from the book of II Kings 4:8-35, “The Signature Mom Dish.” Signature means something special. To make a great mom, it takes special ingredients. A great woman must have character and intricate. She will want to please her lord and have a general portion of hospitality. When Elisha would come, she offered him bread and a chamber with all the comforts of home, but Elisha was troubled. There was something about this woman, so he asked, “What is to be done for thee?” Verse 4:13. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, answered, “She hath no child and her husband is old.”

A mom has to have a child in her life to be a great mom. She raises her child to the best of her ability. The Shunem woman’s child became sick and died. She went to Elisha and he went to where the child was and ministered the child. The child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. Gehazi, the servant, called the Shunammite and she came in and took up her son. She bowed herself at the feet of Elisha, but we learn from the book of Kings to look to the power of Christ and his spirit.

Our services were dismissed for Sunday night so that we might spend more time with our mothers and families.

We continue to get ready for a great VBS that will take place June 22-27 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A kick-off family fun night will be held June 14 at 5 p.m. Finger foods will be served and games will be played. Come join us for lots of fun. Remember our services May 18 as we honor the 2014 graduates of our church. Mark your calendars for the Benefit Revival for little Jacob Jones, which will take place on June 7 at 6 p.m. Rev. Robert Griffin will be the guest speaker and Justified Gospel Group will present the special music.

Our prayer concerns for the week include: Kaye Franklin, Ryan Scott, Anna Bolton, Hermas Campbell, Sandra Gail Campbell, and Edith Benson. Come worship with us this Sunday, as we gather in his name to worship him and now depart to serve him.