Rocky Mount Methodist Church

Since most of us are starting to get a bit hungry anyway by the time the sermon starts on Sunday mornings, Brother Phil just helped that along a bit on Sunday (or not) as he had a lot of information about foods in his sermon.

There was talk of foods many of us might not even like the sound of, the smell of, or even the sight of! Raw oysters, raw eggs, certain cheeses (I’ll go no further on that one…you just had to be there!) So many foods are out there that are loved by some, but not to be touched by others!

Phil told the story of an agnostic that was talking before a crowd. A Christian walked up, saying nothing, peeled an orange and ate it, section by section. When he finished the orange, he asked the agnostic if the orange tasted sweet or sour. Of course, the agnostic said that he had no way of knowing whether the orange was sweet or sour since he did not taste it. There is the lesson!!!!

How can this agnostic, or any other non-believer, know what it is like to be a Christian, saved by our Lord Jesus, if they have never been to church, never learned about Jesus, never given their life to Christ? So many refuse to take that “bite”! Their days are numbered! But as you can read in Sunday’s scripture from John 10:22-30, no one will snatch you out of His capable hands. You can give your life to Christ and have eternal life!

Join us at Rocky Mount Methodist Church on County Road 51. Taste what we have to offer! “Try it, you’ll like it!”

Submitted by Betty Janney

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

I am sure that you have heard the saying “It don’t get much better than this on this side of Heaven”. The day we had at Mt. Carmel on Sunday could surely be described in that way. We praise God for all His blessings.

Our services started with Libby Warren playing “All in All” for our penny march. Following our congregation singing “Amazing Grace”, our special music was presented by Rachael and Alex Dawson. They did a wonderful job singing “The Body of Clay” and “Fourth Man in the Fire”.

Our speaker for the day was Rev. Taylor Robinson. We were blessed to have him and several members of his family. Bro. Taylor is a young man that at the age of six months was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Praise God that did not stop him from delivering a powerful message to us. He gives God glory and proclaims the fact that God has a reason for all things.

Bro. Robinson used the scripture found in Matthew 17:20 for God’s message to us on “Nothing is impossible with God”. He asked us a question on which we all need to ponder. He asked us if we are doing our part to help fill the empty pews that are in our churches today. Do we walk daily with Him and do we have the excitement in our lives that a day to day walk with Him brings? In order to have this we must keep God first all the time. The worldly things can’t have priority in our lives. God wants and needs to be our most important thing not just on Sunday, but every day. We can do this when we walk by faith and not by sight.

There will be times when our trails may cause our faith to falter and we feel that there is no hope. These are the times we must lean on God. He is there during these times just as He is during the good times. God uses circumstances and people that He puts in our lives to wake us up and show us the way we need to go. He is waiting to help if we will come to Him, lay down our doubts, and trust Him with all that we have. He is the King of Kings and loves us in spite of our sin and disobedience.

On Sunday evening our services were held in the Family Life Center. We had such a wonderful time of food, fun, and fellowship. The evening started with an abundance of finger foods and giving thanks to God for all His many blessings. Then we had the wonderful opportunity to see the movie “The Way Home”. This was a Christian movie that depicted how letting our priorities get out of order can result in disaster. It showed that even at those times in our lives, God is still in control and that He still grants us His mercy and grace. Thanks to everyone that had a part in making this evening such an enjoyable time for all that attended.

We have so many in and connected to our church family that are in need of a special touch from God. Some have physical needs, some material needs, and most of all there are those that have spiritual needs. Whatever the need may be we pray that God will have His way in all of them. Among those that we know about are Minnie Childress, Gladys Franklin, Elladene Mims, Hilda Cary, Phillip Campbell, Leona Liveoak, George Campbell, Robert Childress, Ryan Scott, Mary Dean Higgins, Ruthie Jean Giles, Mary Maudlin, Juanita Childress, and Christy Lowery.

If you do not have a place of worship that you attend, please know that you are welcome to worship with us at Mt. Carmel. We have Sunday School and Discipleship Training Classes for all ages and Bible Study Classes on Wednesday.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

 

Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, the congregation sang, “I Would Not Be Denied,” “Jesus is Coming Soon,” and “Fill My Way Everyday with Love.”

Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Matthew 16:26-27, Revelations 1:1-11, and Revelations 19:11.

After Sunday school, Kristin Thomas and Avree Parrish sang, “Sky Full of Angels.”

Bro. Travis Marler preached from Genesis 47:4 and Exodus 1:7-14. He titled his message, “Do you know who you are?” We are who we are, because He is who He is!

How do you go from blessed to bondage? Somewhere along the way, someone forgot who they were. They forgot what it meant to be a child of God.

God is the only one that matters. Your identity is in Jesus Christ. Don’t risk eternal things for temporary situations! Have you become so comfortable in your current situation that you don’t see the danger in it anymore?

Walking with the Lord has to go beyond profession… Start living what you believe. It cost nothing to profess Him, but it cost everything to follow Him!

Sunday evening, Ronnie Moates brought a devotion from Psalms 4:3. How blessed we are to know that we have been set apart. We are God’s people. We are not of this world. Always, in a moment’s notice, be ready to stand as a Christian. You never know when an opportunity will arise for you to share what God has done for you, or to tell someone about the wonderful love of God!

Avree Parrish and Kristin Thomas sang, “I Had an Introduction.”

Bro. Travis Marler continued his message from earlier that morning. If you don’t know who you are in Christ, you end up being in bondage. It doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gradual change. When you are a Child of God, there is never a valley so dark that the Lord’s light doesn’t shine. God provides a way!

When we realize who Jesus is, we will know who we are! No matter how hard the devil tries to destroy us, God always has a plan. Don’t waste your time being scared of the devil that is trying to shut you up. The devil is terrified that you will find who you are and who Christ is and who you will be in Christ. The devil cannot change that fact that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

We can have a life of purpose when we live for Jesus. We were never meant to be in bondage.

Submitted by Savannah P.

 

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who came out and participated in the services this past week. Sunday morning services included a message about “A Life Living by The Book.” We looked at Hebrews 4:9-16 and how the word has life, literal power, lasting effects, living witnesses and longed for hope. From the moment of salvation forward, the word of God is busy doing a transforming work on the born-again babe in Christ. There is no other book on earth today that is so relevant to life. We pray that you are saved and letting the word of God effectually work in your life today.

Sunday night services included a message from II Timothy 3:1-5, Ezekiel chapter 37 and Isaiah 55:1-12 on what we can expect to see in the last days of the church age. Revivals, rededications and young men getting saved and on fire for the word of God almost seems like a thing of the past. Yet we can see some of these very things because we know there is still power in the name of Jesus. The word of God will not return void and God’s will that men be saved and come unto the knowledge of truth is still true even today. We just have to be faithful to teach those who can go out and teach others also. We looked at the restoration that is by Christ, the redemption that is through Christ and the future resurrection that is in Christ.

We hope that you are trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross for salvation and faithfully serving him in a bible teaching and preaching church near you. If not, and you are looking for a church, we may be the church that you need. Come visit with us this Sunday at Calvary.

We are located in South Clanton just past Dollar General, right off 31 on Fulmer Drive. Our regular weekly services include Sunday School at 9:00 am, Children’s Church and Adult Worship Services Sunday Morning at 10:00 am, Sunday Night Services at 5:30 pm, Wednesday Night Services 6:30 pm, and a Bible study on every other Tuesday Night at 7:00 pm. For other services and events check us out on Facebook, Twitter, visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com , or call Pastor Oscar Mims at 205-755-9399.

Submitted by Oscar Mims

 

New Salem Baptist Church

The Morning Worship service began at 11:00 AM with adult choir performing “I’ll Fly Away.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “How Great Thou Art.” The adult choir sang, “The Longer I Serve Him.” Brother Reeser delivered the announcements and the prayer requests. Special music was by

Bill Norred singing, “Fill my cup, Lord.”

Brother Reeser’s text was from Job 1:1-22. His theme was “How Much Do We Love God”? Job was a righteous man perfect and upright. It seems God was bragging on Job to Satan. Because of Satan’s bragging that Job would curse God, he was given permission to try Job but he couldn’t inflict his body. After Job lost everything, and didn’t curse God, Satan was then given permission to touch his body but he couldn’t take his life. After Job endured his affliction and the accusing of his friends, including his wife, he still didn’t curse God. In the end God restored Job twice for everything he had lost. We could learn a lesson from Job that sometimes our problems are not of our own doings. Then, sometimes the tests are to make us stronger. Instead of asking God “Why” we should be asking “What”.

The evening service began at 5:00 pm with the congregation singing “Jesus is All the World to Me” and “Wonderful Words of Life.”

Brother Reeser continued the morning sermon from Job. Job asked God “Why is this happening to me?” God replied, “Who are you to question me?” “Where were you when I formed the earth or shut up the sea?” Then Job realized that he had been talking when he should have been listening. God then told Job’s four friends, “My wrath is kindled against thee; go to Job with a sacrifice and Job would pray for thee.” After all this Job lived 140 years and died being old and full of days.

Homecoming will be May 1, 2016. Special singers will be the Dennis Family.

New Salem Baptist Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us: Sunday Morning 10:00 am Sunday school; 11:00 am worship; 5:00 pm Evening worship service; Wednesday 6:00 pm Bible study and prayer meeting. Presently we are studying the life of Moses. 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

 

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our service began with Bro. Justin welcoming everyone and giving our ministry opportunities. Bro. Cleve directed us in several songs: “Make Us One”, “He Keeps Me Singing”, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”, “The Lily of The Valley, and Worthy of the Lamb” . The Celebration Choir’s special music was “Trophies of Grace”.

Bro. Justin preached from Genesis 18:16-33 on Abraham. The evening service included Bible study.

Wednesday night Family Supper is at 5:30 pm, Adult Prayer Meeting at 6:30 pm, The Outlet for students, and children’s choir.

Pray this week for: our country and leaders, our churches, homebound, assisted living and nursing home, all who are facing cancer, those who have lost loved ones and all those on our prayer list.

Happy birthday this week to Jasmine Headley, Renee Gather, Jubal Merril, Eric Chavers, William Killingworth, Caitlyn Cox, Hannah Horton, Kristin Corn, Betty Bennett, Lisa itchell, Kacy Barrett, Hailey Edwards, Kim Williams, Bailee Kirkley, Lenna Wilson, Sally Easterling, Mark Mims, Angie Sides, Christy Payne, Monya Hughes, Hayley Wright, Ryan Cox and Nathan Evans.

Have a blessed week. Come worship with us on Sunday. Our God Is Awesome!

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

 

Cedar Grove Methodist Church

Announcements: Radio Revival Saturday May 14, 2016, live from Goose Pond Park, sponsored by Cedar Grove, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Pastors from various churches will be bringing the Gospel. Broadcast from your local Clanton Radio Station WKLF. All are invited to attend and there will be food and drinks available.

May 5, 2016 Is National Prayer Day.

Prayer Concerns: Our pastors, our church family, our nation, those in hospitals and nursing homes, spoken and unspoken request.

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text came from 2nd Timothy 2: 3,4 “It’s Time To Fight”.

In everything there is a season. Fight for God, the things for right. There is an attack on the Christian faith. Satan is rallying the world for anything unbiblical, unchristian, against God. We are to strive to be the soldiers God has called to serve in his army; to be a good soldier we must be prepared. Our endurance level is only shown when we go through a battle. It is one thing to claim to be a Christian, than to stand to endure hardest as a soldier of Jesus Christ. Have you been the soldier Jesus expects you to be?

When all rules and laws have to be changed to appease a small group of people claiming offense by our faith, this is a major offense against God and his children. Wherever you are, if you hear someone saying something against God and the church we should stand up for God and our faith.

The battle lines are drawn when homosexuality comes into our churches, meaning you can be gay and not be a Christian, but you cannot be a Christian and be gay.

Church communism, socialism, is coming against our nation. No man can fight like he is supposed to unless he is prepared to serve. When men and women join the army, they go through boot camp, they are no longer their own, they belong to the army. The same applies to Christians when we are called to be a soldier in God’s army we die to self. Identification is very important to being a soldier you belong to Christ; you are no longer of this world.

In boot camp, the soldiers learn what they are there for, to fight for their Nation. As Christians, God has put us here for a reason, it is not for us to question or argue but trust and obey. The world is going to hell in a hand basket; churches today need to realize we are chosen to fight for God, to fight for everlasting life, live a life that might be pleasing to him. Church we need to please the Savior, and not worry about what humanity thinks. Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season.

In the last days the world will turn away from sound doctrine, truth. They will have itching ears and there will be false teachers that will tell what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. If a man tells you that you can live in your sin and still go to Heaven that is a lie straight out of Hell.

Christ died for our sins that we might be saved and go to Heaven.

In closing: “We must be ever watchful of what is going on around us. Endure we must, stay the course through the trials, even unto the end. We must work to be a blessing instead of always expecting a blessing. We must prove God Is real, fight the good fight, keep the faith to obtain our reward, the crown of righteousness. It is time to fight!”

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

 

Samaria Baptist Church

“Do you love Jesus enough?”. Brother Shane’s text initially came from John 2 v. 23-25. Many believed in Jesus during His time on earth because they saw Him perform many miracles. He had a power that could do wondrous things. We seem to be anxious to call on the name of Jesus in times of great distress and need. This could be referred to as the ‘spare tire syndrome.” Not giving much thought to the condition of a spare until we have a flat tire. Then it becomes an urgent priority. Jesus is there for us to worship in good times and in bad. He loves us when we are doing good as well as bad.

He just doesn’t love our sin. He paid an enormous price in order to save us from our sins and death. So, let us ask the question one more time. “Do you love Jesus enough?”

It’s human nature to call on The Lord in times of trouble. Thankfully, he promised never to leave nor forsake us, but when we are coasting along doing well, don’t we need to offer praise to Him? We need to seek Him, and to study to show ourselves approved unto Him. Do we read His Word? Do we pray and stay in an attitude of prayer? We are not to just listen to others who study, and clamp onto their interpretation of what God’s Word says to us.

God speaks to us personally through the scriptures. Our churches are the place of assembling together to worship, and give praise to our God. If we just show up once in a while, then we are not showing the devotion to the direction of the Words of Jesus. He expects us to be faithful. We should strive to be in service whenever it is possible.

We often have situations that prevent us from being able to attend services. If our prayer life is filled with devotion to Jesus, He will know and understand what may come our way that hinders us. Every now and again the proverbial ox gets in the ditch. We must be careful not to cause the ox to fall of our own doing.

If God loves us we ought to love one another. We must not be the hindrance of another soul, but choosing to allow a Christian’s imperfections to be our excuse for not seeking Jesus is just no excuse at all. Find peace in knowing that you have done what He wants you to do in your life.

“II Corinthians says ‘Come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing.” We are in the world, but not of the world, and we must seek Him and separate ourselves from the world.

Special music today was Jerry Greer playing his guitar and singing “Be Thou my Vision.”

Prayer concerns today are Paul Shearon, Ashley Minor, Matt Brander and family, Myra Burnett’s family, Ralph Esco’s family, Terry Cleckler, Kent and Maria Willis, and Brother Randy’s daughter.

We love Jesus here in our little church, and want to share this love with you. Our pastor is always sharing the Word of God and makes it very easy to understand.

Join us at Samaria… where Jesus is Lord.

Submitted by Diane Fisher

 

Friendship Baptist Church

Our call to worship was, “What if it Were Today?”. Our choir special was a solo by Dusty Dutton, “Midnight Cry”.

Bro. Ken’s message was from Act 2: 1-4 and 43-47. His title was “Experiencing Pentecost”. He discussed the purpose of Pentecost and the power of Pentecost.

During the Evening service, Bro Ken’s message was from Matthew 28: 18-20. His title was “Life on a Mission”.

Opportunities for the week are:

Wednesday- Fellowship Supper, WMU Italian Casseroles at 6:00 p.m; Prayer and Bible Study at 7:00 p.m; Mission Friends/R.A.’s, G.A.’s, youth at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday- Free guitar lessons for those with a guitar, dedication and willing to practice from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Friday- 9:30 a.m. Children’s trip to Desoto Caverns in Childersburg. The cost is $12.00. Parents, make sure Bro. Gary has you name on the list to go. We hope to return around 3:30. A sack lunch will be provided.

Saturday- Youth/College/Career trip to Six Flags in Atlanta. See Bro. Fred for details.

Opportunities for the future:

April 26- Bible Journaling Event from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Chilton Baptist Association Office. Free, but RSVP required by April 19th; call 205-755-3188. Discover a new way to spend time in scripture, led by Teresa Monroe, Store Manager, Lifeway Christian Resources.

April 27- The monthly business, due to a scheduling conflict.

May 2- Senior Adult Evangelism Conference, free admission and no registration at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery from 9:00-3:00.

May 8- Sandi Patty’s Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour at First Baptist Church in Prattville at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 (seniors 60+ $18.50).

May 12- OASIS ’16: A Refreshing Event for Senior Adults at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church with Allison Durham Speer, Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon and Frank Jones. Tickets are $15 if purchased by

April 22nd.

June 3- Men’s Fishing Trip, see Dusty for more details.

June 17-18- GRIDIRON Men’s Conference Legacy Arena Birmingham. Register at www.gridironmen.org.

June 20-24- VBS: Cave Quest.

July 18-22- 2016 Chilton Baptist Association Kid’s Camp, the cost is $190. (+Aqua Jump $14 all campers-Ropes course $18 6th grade only). Registration due June 1st.

October 17-20- Celebrator’s Conference in Pigeon Forge. www.celebrators.org.

Happy Anniversary to Mark and Michelle Riley.

Happy Birthday to Shay Dennis and Yvonne Byars.

Prayer Request: C.E. Cherry Family, Bobbie Jackson, Sue Roberts, Betty Mims, Carol Lowery Family, Tyler Smitherman, John Byars, Irby Fanning, Faye Honeycutt and Rachel Lowrey.