Samaria Baptist Church

May God bless our pastor and his party as they minister for a few days in Belize.

We ask you to help us lift him up for safety, health and well-being as well as God’s empowerment as they serve him.

Other prayer concerns are for Lisa Shearon, Diane Bullard, the Easterling and Davis families, Mandy Jamison and our law enforcement and military as they face danger every single day.

Happy birthday to Jerry Milford.

Our guest speaker was John Jamison from Coosada Baptist Church.

Bro. John’s text came from Phillipians 3, and he chose “Breaking Through” as a topic, but his sermon title was, “Making Sure We Know Him, And Make Him Known.”

Special music was sung by Diane Greer, “When He Was On The Cross.”

As we focus on the things that matter in this New Year, we often tried to make resolutions in order to see improvement in our lives.

People will offer a fast of some kind. However, giving up things that we normally enjoy, or fasting to eliminate certain foods is often just an effort without result.

If we seek God, and we fill our ‘fast” with more of him through prayer and Bible Study, then our result will be to know him more.

This will bring us closer to him, and when we belong to him we are assured that he never leaves us.

Paul was known as a persecutor of Christians, and he did everything he could to undermine the cause of Jesus Christ. However, when Paul truly saw Jesus for who he truly is, he experienced a complete turn around.

He did not just have an emotional feel good moment. Paul’s experience brought down every wall he had built against the work of Jesus.

He reached out to the one who had reached out to him.

The very same Jesus who saved Paul (Saul), and turned his life around is with us by way of the Holy Spirit today.

Knowing scripture front to back is not going to provide salvation. Head knowledge is a good tool, but we must have the change in our heart that comes when we invite Jesus to come in and be our Lord and Savior.

Let your life reflect that you have grabbed hold of Jesus, because he has grabbed hold of you.

When Jesus is the Lord of our lives, we cannot keep it to ourselves. It spills over, and others see Jesus in us.

For a small town full of churches, there are a lot of people in Clanton that may not know the Savior in a personal way.

Share your salvation, and let others know what has changed your life.

God bless you and join us at Samaria for a blessing from God’s word.

Submitted by Diane Fisher Greer

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “There Is A River,” with a special part performed by Diane Varden.

Bro. Ken’s (Daniel) message was from Mark 14:17-25. It was entitled “Do You Remember? I do.” The Last Supper so prepared.

We observed the Lord’s Supper.

During evening service we sang from a couple of our old hymns. We have several to sing solos.

A special thanks to Gary Smitherman, Dusty Dutton, Bill Davis, Ken Daniel, Doris Wyatt, Jasmine Moates, Pam Marcus and Mark Conradi.

We celebrated the retirement of Fred Glover for 20 years of service.

We had 36 children and adults go to the circus. What a good time they had!

Opportunities for the week include.

Tuesday: Deacon’s Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Fellowship Supper with casseroles at 6 p.m.; Mission Studies at 7 p.m.; Friends/R.A.’s, G.A.’s, Youth at 7 p.m.; Adult Choir Rehearsal at 7:45 p.m.

Friday: Game Night at 6:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: IF Gathering at 1st Methodist Church from 6-9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday. Call (205) 755-7854 to register or visit www.ifgathering.com; Youth Discipleship at Valleydale Church. The coast is $50 and let Fred know if you are interested in going.

Sunday: We will begin the winter bible study in 2 Corinthians during evening worship. Student books are $8, if you would like to purchase a copy.

Opportunities for the future include.

Feb. 13: Valentine Supper for college/career and adults at 5 p.m. Crystal Russell “Claudine” will bring a bit of humor after supper. The menu will consist of pork chops or baked chicken, roasted potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert. The coast is $6 per person, and senior adults will be shuttled from their home and back. The sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board.

Feb. 20: Antiquing from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch at Steak ‘N Shake.

Feb. 27: Renew, a day away with friends will be held for women of all ages from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster. The coast is $35 and register at www.AlabamaWMU.org by Feb. 18.

Feb. 28: G.A. Recognition Service.

March 4-5: Complete, a gathering for girls in grades 7-12 at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery. The coast is $35 (includes lunch and t-shirt) and register with www.AlabamaWMU.org by Feb. 15.

March 3-6: Ladies’ Beach Retreat costs $150 to attend. See Anita ASAP if interested.

May 2: Senior Adult Evangelism Conference. Admission is free and no registration is required. It will be held at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 8: Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church in Prattville at 6 p.m. It costs $25 and $18.50 for seniors ages 60+.

Happy birthday to Glenda Oliphant and Brenda Conradi.

Prayer requests go out for Eli Sansom, Debbie Easterling and family, Rachel Lowrey, Deby Fanning, Stephanie Rigsby, Tyler Smitherman, Anna Byars, Shirley Waites and family, Jimmy Bice, Patty Headley, Johnny Mack Smith and family, Firby Varner, Mary Alice Ray, Janice Porter Martin and family.

Cedar Grove Baptist Church

Announcements: The live radio broadcast that was brought to you through the local radio station this past Saturday from Cedar Grove church will be broadcast again each night beginning at 6 p.m.

A Valentine Banquet will be held Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the church.

Prayer Concerns are for our pastors, our church family, those in hospitals and nursing homes, those to have up coming surgeries and those that have recently lost loved ones.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text came from John 16: 17-33 and was titled “The Last Words Of Jesus Part Two.”

In a place of sorrow Jesus wants us to know there is a better day coming.

There are things that must come to pass, before the better things come to pass. God has a plan to prepare you for the next world to come to heaven.

It sounded bad for Job in the beginning, but it did turn out for the good when God fulfilled his plan. This too shall pass.

Jesus was trying to prepare his disciples for his death on the cross, but the Jews were rejoicing about Jesus’ crucifixion.

On the third day, Mary and Martha went to the empty tomb and an angel of the Lord asked them why seek ye the living among the dead he is not here. Jesus is alive and well and lives today!

We know that everything is great as long as everything is going great, like when the roof fell in on the church there was a wedding that took place.

When something goes wrong you find out who you are and the faithful are, or who your real friends are for instance.

Heaven is for those that live to make it through the fire. When we walk through the “Pearly Gates” we will not be disappointed. Weeping shall endure for the night but joy shall come in the morning. Sorrow only lasts for a season.

In that day whatever you ask in the name of Jesus the Father will give you. Ask and you shall receive so that your joy may be full. Gaining the wisdom of God is a process.

When you get saved you just need to know the saving wisdom love of God at that moment. To have a relationship with God, from that moment on you have to stay in God’s word asking him to guide you in the right direction, along the right path.

Any man that lacks wisdom need only ask God and this will be pleasing to God. The more you learn about Jesus the more you want to learn.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have Peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have over come the world.”

In Closing: It is our Choice to stay in Joy and Peace with Jesus or choose to leave Jesus and let Satan steal your joy and peace.

Jesus will show you how to put the past behind you! What will your choice be?

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from Phillipians 4:6-9 and entitled “Staying Positive In A Negative World.”

We live in a negative world. We have violence, war, vice, alcoholism and more.

You cannot trust God if you are negative about everything in your life.

Christians should be the happiest people in the world. Christians have the promises of God to look forward to.

How can we stay positive in a negative world?

We should respond to God’s love with prayer and supplication.

We are bombarded with negative things from the news. The downside to this age of instant communication is that we get the bad news instantly.

Constant listening to bad news will cause stress and other physical and mental problems. We should have faith building input.

We should have a devotion to God and the church. We should have a daily bible reading and prayer time. This will help us get through the negativity of the world around us.

We should look at the fields and not the faults.

The fields (unsaved people) are white for harvest (telling them about Jesus and salvation).

Everyone is welcome to come worship with us at Floyd. We are located at 3439 County Road 59 in Verbena.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our day of worship began with Bro. Justin welcoming everyone and giving our ministry opportunities.

Bro. Cleve directed us in lots of songs with our celebration choir special as “Was My Heart, Your Home.”

JoAnna Hill sand a soloist part which was very beautiful.

Br. Justin preached from Gal. 2:21-27, 5:16-26 and Acts 2:41-47. It was entitled “Victory Through Prayer.”

Our evening service Bible Study followed.

There will be a Wednesday Family Supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by Adult Prayer Meeting at 6:30 p.m. as well as Outlet for Students and Children’s Choirs.

Come join in our service on Wednesday nights.

Pray for our weekly special concerns that include our country and leadership, Allen and Casey Daniel, Wendell Hand, Evelyn Green, Zoey Neiman, Mike Farmer, Joan Moore, Brayden Cooper, Heather Headley, Myra Burnt, Betty McGee, Debra Mims, Brooke Bone, Fred Glasscock and family, Bobbie Tipton, Judy Smitherman, Donna Vick, Hunter Moore, Caleb Harrison, Lynn Cox, Mike Smith, Melissa Langford, Kathy Fitzgerald, Michael Arnold, Kinlee Till, Peter Daugherty, Chad Mix, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, those facing cancer, our homebound, assisted living and nursing home residents and all who need salvation.

Happy birthday this week to Darlene Fleharty, Johnna Ellison, Tommy Lyod, Jasmine Willmon, Mary Roper, Allison Kelley, Amy Spigener, Tyler Hill, Jeremy Bradberry, Scottie Cleckler, Jaden Williams, Kim Edwards, Greg Kelley and Sjona Pierce.

Have a blessed week and come worship with us.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

On Sunday morning, the congregation sang the hymns of, “Jesus is Coming Soon,” “I Want to Know More About My Lord,” and “I Want to Be Ready to Meet Him.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from 2 Corinthians 5:20, while Bro. Roger defined an ambassador as someone who shares the thoughts and desires of Jesus with others.

He said that Luke 4:18-19 describes our duties as a Christian. Be an ambassador for Jesus Christ.

After Sunday School, Roger Cleckler sang, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”

Bro. O’neal Cleckley preached from Matthew 26:31-35, and titled his message, “When I fail.”

Failure is a part of our lives, and only Jesus understands it. We are going to fail.

Bro. Cleckley talked about Peter and how he denied Jesus. Once he repented, he came back stronger.

He then shared the verse Galatians 6:1 and pointed out three words.

Overtaken: we will get caught by the Lord in our sin.

Fault: deliberate overstepping of Divine boundaries.

Restored: mend or repair; bring back to formal moral conditions.

Jesus will always love you and accept you back.

We can grow through our failures.

Submitted by Savannah P.

New Salem Baptist Church

Morning worship at New Salem Baptist Church began at 11 a.m. with the adult choir’s call to worship, by singing “Soon and Very Soon.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” and the adult choir sang “Where could I go?”

Pastor Larry Reeser made the announcements and read the prayer requests.

Special music was provided by Bill Norred who sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

Pastor Reeser’s text came from Genesis 6:5-18.

God was sorry that he ever made mankind and it broke his heart. He chose to destroy all mankind and beasts.

However, one man, Noah, had found grace in the eyes of the Lord. This is the first time in the Bible where grace is found.

God told Noah to build an ark and gave him exact specification and design. It was to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. But there was no mention of a bow or stern.

There was no helm because the Lord was going to control where it went. Noah was told to put a window in the top so that when he looked out, he had to look up. The gopher wood would not decay; the pitch (tar) that Noah used would keep out the water, which was the judgment of God.

God then told Noah, his wife and three sons and their wives to “come into the ark” (verse 18) and he would close the door.

Notice God was already in the ark because he said “come in.” Really, God was saying, “Come on in, I’ll close the door, and steer the boat.”

That is the message to us today: get in to boat with Christ and know that he will steer us where he wants us, and he will close the door to protect us.

The sealing, verse 14, is the problem with some boats today; they are sinking because they are not sealed.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “In him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13)

The 5 p.m. service opened with a congregation song. There was a short memorial service to honor Bell Ivy who went home to be with the Lord last week. This was led by Bill Norred.

We then proceeded with our fifth Sunday night singing. There were several who sang, including Karen Reeser, Heather Turner, Matt Turner, Kay Turner, Bill Norred and J.C. Pierce.

We extend a cordial welcome to our new members and welcome all to worship with us.

Sunday at 10 a.m. we have Sunday School followed by 11 a.m. worship, while the evening service begins at 5 p.m.

Bible study and prayer meetings are held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Presently, we are studying the book of Revelation.

You are invited to join with us at any of our services and if you need additional information call (205) 389-1102.

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

We once more want to thank everyone who attended services this past week at Calvary Independent Baptist Church.

We were glad to see visitors again this week and we want to invite you back for any and all of our services.

Sunday morning services included a message from Isaiah 22:15-25 on “A Nail In The House Of God.”

We looked at being someone who is handy, hammered in, holding on and also one who is being held on to.

When people pull out sometimes they are unaware of the ones who are holding on to them.

There are people watching our witness and seeing our walk and when we pull out and fall they fall as well. We want to encourage you to be one that is serious about having a right relationship with God and serve him in and through a bible believing and teaching church near you.

Sunday night services included a study through chapter 3 of James.

The tongue is such a small member and yet it has such a great impact on the people around us each and every day. Our tongue is hard to control all the time and yet we are responsible for all that we hear and all that we say.

We make our own choices and we have consequences that will come when we make the wrong choices. We pray that you use wisdom to think before you speak especially when upset or angered.

From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and sometimes we have too much junk in our heart and not enough of the word of God.

We encourage you to hide the word of God in your heart that you might not sin against God, and at the same time you will also build up your faith because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If you are in or near Clanton this Sunday and looking for a church to visit with we hope that you will consider visiting with us at Calvary!

We are located in South Clanton just past Dollar General right off U.S. 31 on Fulmer Drive.

Our regular weekly services include Sunday School at 9 a.m., Children’s Church and Adult Worship Services Sunday at 10 a.m., as well as services starting at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday services are held at 6:30 p.m., and we have a Bible study on every other Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Check us out on Facebook or Twitter, and for other services and events visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com or call Pastor Oscar Mims at (205) 755-9399.

Submitted by Oscar Mims

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

As you are probably already know, God has an endless supply of blessings. He so graciously sent an abundance of them to us at Mt. Carmel last Sunday.

Some of them came in the form of everyone that was in attendance for our services.

One of the greatest was the message God sent to us through Bro. Travis. He used the scripture found in Genesis 1:20-25 to bring us a message on “Making Preparations.”

These verses contain the first mention of living creatures being created on the fifth day of creation.

Everything that had been created was done in preparation for this event. All these divine beginnings were done in making preparations for the creation of mankind. All things were ready.

We should be making preparations in our lives for eternity. This is a personal task that each of us must do. It is the greatest preparation we will ever make.

We must look to God, because this preparation cannot be done within ourselves. God’s presence was in creation, is in the present time, and will be in eternity.

Our evening message began with Kaitlyn Burnett signing “Strong God.”

Bro. Travis delivered a message to us on “Glory Awaits” using scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and Romans 8:18.

In our human bodies we have a lot of sufferings. There is everything imaginable around us to weigh us down. These hindrances and sufferings hurt us severely, but they can’t compare to the glory that awaits a child of God.

The joy there is unspeakable and full of glory. Nothing here can fulfill the longing of a Christian. Even though we are granted glimpses of glory, a Christian’s thirst will never be quenched until we reach eternity.

Everyone will spend eternity somewhere. Will you be in the number that will receive the glories of Heaven?

When we are faced with trials and sufferings let us use it as a time of learning about the love of God. When a Christian gets through them our appreciation of God increases.

Following our morning service we enjoyed a wonderful lunch and time of fellowship.

Upcoming events include a Valentine party being planned for the children. The time and date will be announced.

On Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. there will be a supper in the fellowship hall for the adults with the youth and children doing the serving.

We thank God for the prayers that have been answered and we still have a lot of prayer needs.

Those having special needs this week include Mary Dean Higgins, Hilda Cary, George Campbell, Mary Maudlin, Debbie Young, Ruthie Jean Giles, Francis Higgins, Douglas Scott, Leona Liveoak, Benji Childress, Pat Hayes, Tammy Harmon, Minnie Childress, Donald Liveoak, Derrick Griffin, Marilyn Griffin, Joyce Hill, Gladys Franklin, Robert Childress, Hermas Campbell and Christy Lowery.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist met Sunday at 10 a.m. and sang “I Lay My Sins On Jesus,” with a devotion entitled “Promise of Forgiveness” from I John 1:8-10.

Part of the background to these verses of scripture is that many of these people claimed to be Christians, but did not think it was man’s nature to sin.

They did not want to hear the truth of God’s word that “all have sinned,” according to Romans 3:23.

There are many people today think that they do not sin, which is false. In verse 10, we see that if we say no sin, we are calling God a liar. If we say we do not sin, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus was in vain.

In verse nine, we find that if we confess our sins. In order to get forgiveness from Jesus Christ, we need to agree with God that we have sinned. To truly confess, we need to ask God to help us to stay from the things that tempted us.

To ask forgiveness with the intention of committing that sin again is not true confession.

Even if we do not confess, God knows the truth. Confession is an important part of our prayer life if we want to grow spiritually.

We were dismissed to Sunday School with a prayer and afterward we sang “To God Be The Glory,” “How Great Thou Art,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Why.”

Bro. Aubry announced our fifth Sunday meal following morning services with no evening service. The AMD and state meetings will be held at Bethany on March 4 and 5. Bro. Aubry presented his final message in the series on Elijah, titled “Back in the Saddle Again,” from I Kings 19:13-18.

Elijah had a need for fellowship with the Lord’s people. In the New Testament Jesus told his disciples to go out in pairs of two.

Elijah had felt as though he was alone in standing for the Lord. Pastors today need other pastors with whom they can have fellowship. It is also important for church people to have fellowship with others in the church and association.

God put Elisha in Elijah’s life because he needed someone with whom to talk. Elisha was to be friends with Elijah. As Elijah ascends to Heaven in a chariot of fire Elisha was watching.

According to Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Pastors need a friend. A friend will love you regardless of who you are. Even with the Holy Spirit living in us, we need a friend.

To have a friend, we must be a friend. A friend sticks closer than a brotherand will always be there for you.

Never get discouraged and quit on God. Be saved so that when you die, you will go to Heaven to be with the Lord forever.

Jesus is the closest friend you can ever have. He died for our sins so that we would not have to die and go to Hell.

We closed the morning services with a prayer and a song, titled “What A Friend.”

Our prayer list includes: our church, missionaries, Journey Baptist Mission and the pastor’s family, Bro. Aubry and Shirley, Grace, Lisa R., Jenny H., Colyn, Barbara T. W., Henry and Myra, Vikii, Helen, Charlotte K., Evenyn K., Debbie R., Frankie, Jeanette, J.C., Harold T. and all of Debbie R.’s family as they are going through a difficult time right now.

They are a very special family to all of us at Bethany Baptist Church.

Submitted by Jane Vines