Mt. Springs Methodist Church

Sunday morning, Kelvin Vines led the congregation in the hymns of, “Are You Washed in the Blood?” and “Glad Reunion Day.”

Brad Shaw brought the devotion from Psalm 50:15 and Amos 2:9-12. God can help us through our weaknesses. The Lord brought the Israelites through 40 years. They failed God, but God stayed with them through every stage of their life! We need to get down on our knees and ask God to help us with our weaknesses.

After Sunday school, Hannah Vines did sign language to the song, “The Anchor Holds.”

Bro. Travis Marler preached from 1 Samuel 15:1-14. In spite of where we are, Christ loves us. Every sin that you commit, God knows about it. God is everywhere!

Sin is sin. There is no big sin or little sin. Sin is when we choose our own will over the known will of God. We sin because we choose sin. To be forgiven, able to repent, and started on a new path is a gift from God!

There comes a time when sin has to be dealt with. No matter how far away you try to push your sin, God still hears and sees it. If you don’t destroy your sin, that sin will destroy you! There comes a time when something in your life has to die. What means more, the pleasure of life, or the life that God gives? Look at your life, see what is wrong, and repent. God is worth more than whatever that sin is!

Sunday night, was Mt. Springs’ end-of-the-month singing.

Submitted by Savannah P.

Cedar Grove Methodist Church

Announcements: Upcoming events: May 5 is National Prayer Day, occurring on the steps of the Capital in Montgomery, Alabama. Please take a moment of your time to pray with us all for our Nation and it’s leaders. May 14 is the “Radio Revival”. We will be coming to you live from Goose Pond Park from 10 am until 3 pm. Brought to you by our own local radio station WKLF. Pastors from surrounding churches will be bringing the Gospel. There will be food and drinks available, all are invited to attend. “We Want America Back”

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text came from Romans 1: 16 -32: “The Guiltiness of Man.” We are in guilt, man is condemned and judged. In the eyes of God, no one is righteous, no not one. We are condemned without Jesus. We are a sinful nation before God. The City of Sodom and Gomorrah that Abraham begged God to save if it had down to just ten righteous within, but not even ten could be found, so only Lot and his family were spared, from total destruction because of their wickedness. The once great nation of ours, the United States, has gotten to the point of Sodom and Gomorrah and beyond in it wickedness. Sin and iniquity are running rampant in its people, only Jesus can save us from a devil’s hell.

America needs the gospel, not preachers that just encourage their flocks to try to do better, but ones that warn them of the coming judgment of God, hell and damnation if they do not repent. Chaos and destruction will be brought to bear. Faith to faith, God is revealed from one generation to the next. Someone before you prayed for you to repent, you will pray for someone after you.

The wrath of God is being revealed all around us: destruction, havoc, chaos, floods, earthquakes and violence. People, God is trying to tell us it is time to wake up and realize he is in control. God wants you to know him, to understand the creator. We cannot see God but we see evidence of God. The downward journey, no one can claim he/she does not know there is a God. “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse.”

No one wants to glorify God anymore, but God demands we honor and glorify him. Mankind has started taking credit for what God has done. There is a lot more people that will call on God for his help, than give him thanks for what he is doing in their lives. The president of this country, and his followers, has led this country to the edge of a cliff of wickedness. The next step is to tell them to jump on into hell fire with him, because he is pretending to be something he is not, their redemption for change. Dark hearts that do not know Jesus, wickedness, sinfulness, a nation that forgets God will be turned into fools. There is only one true God, and he is a jealous God, we are to serve only him. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, the real nastiness is worshiping the creature not the “Creator”. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions, for even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise men also leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful and receiving in them, the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” Today it is about as wicked as it gets; God turning over to a reprobate mind, as with the transgender issue and bathrooms, boys are boys, girls are girls. We are inviting more crime, injustice, confusion, upon our children, because rest assured, “who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same thing but also approve of those who practice them.” The leaders of this country not only are allowing these vile things to happen but approve and practice the same themselves.

In closing, people are celebrating all over the world in their sin, but the party is almost over, Jesus Is Coming Back! We as Christians have hope in Jesus. We need to be in the battle until Jesus comes. If you get on the politically correct bandwagon, it will take you down the road to destruction and hell. Only by the Grace of God, Christians know who wins the battle between good and evil… Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior, Praise the Lamb!

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our day of worship began with Bro. Justin welcomed everyone and giving our ministry opportunities. Bro. Cleve directed us in several songs. Our young musicians sang, “This Is Amazing Grace.” Our Celebration Choir special was “Offering of Praise.”

Bro. Justin preached from Ruth 2:17 about Five Team Prayers: Abraham, Barbraus, Andrew, Timothy and Ruth.

During the evening service we had Bible study classes.

Wednesday Night is family supper at 5:30 pm. Adult prayer meeting, The Outlet for Students and children’s choir is at 6:30 pm.

Pray this week for: Allen & Casey Daniel, Susan Harrison, Peggy Harris, Charles Bryant, Betty Prewin, John Flowers, Walter Aaron, Debra Mims, Bobbie Tipton, Elaine Bridges & Baby, Caleb Harrison, Kathy Fitzgerald, Stephanie Hinton, Paul Price, Sid Grimer, Bud Pike, Lora Roger, Ashley Minor. Pray for the family of Myra Burnett and Cindy Smitherman, those facing cancer, the homebound, those in assisted livings and nursing homes, our country and leadership.

Happy birthday this week to: Kim Benson, Danny Blalock, Brandon Wright, Collin Fulmer, Dylan Cullum, Glenda Mims, Tomerria Scott, Tara Smith, Makenzie Barrett, John Ryan Wood, Pat Kriston, Summar Gaither.

There are lots of activities coming up. Have a blessed week. Come worship with us on Sunday.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

New Salem Baptist Church

The morning worship service began at 11 am with adult choir performing “I’ll Fly Away.”

J.C. Pierce led the congregation in singing “Amazing Grace.” The adult choir sang, “In the Garden.”

Brother Reeser delivered the announcements and the prayer requests. Special music was by

Mrs. Karen Reeser singing, “Look for me at Jesus’ Feet.”

Brother Reeser’s text was from Ezra 6:7. His theme was “The church is losing warriors every day.”

These loses are the results of those compromising the Word of God; too many are back-sliders who have either lost or abandoned their faith. Just as Jesus told the disciples, “Let’s go to the other side,” he’s telling us if we follow him we will reach the other side. God needs our full attention and service.

As Paul wrote to Timothy, too many are teaching what people want to hear. Also, too many are preoccupied with things that prevent them from serving God.

Some of those things are alright in their place, but when it is time for worship, we need to put away the things that hinder out worship of the One True God. Just as weeds left alone will completely choke out a garden, soon you can’t see the fruit of the garden, or the fruit of the Christian as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. God is looking for those that look to Him. God’s laws take priority. When we submit to the powers of temptation and the world, we are allowing Satan in our lives. Remember, God doesn’t take us from troubles, but He will go through it with us.

The evening service began at 5 pm with the congregation singing “Turn your Eyes upon Jesus” and “Open my Eyes that I may see.” Brother Reeser’s text was Micah 6:6-8. His theme was “Preparing our hearts for worship.”

Five examples of preparing our heart are: 1.) Worship is a matter of the heart. There must be a response of the heart, not just lip service but love and service from the heart. 2.) It helps to realize our dependence on God. God sends us the Holy Spirit and we must realize that we can do nothing with the Holy Spirit. Our fellowship and dependence of the Spirit must be constantly. 3.) We must have a sense of exactly what the Holy Spirit wants us to do. The Spirit is speaking and it is our responsibility to hear. 4.) Our heart worship makes us more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s movements. 5.) Heart worship keeps us focused on what really matters, our relationship with God and our worship to Him.

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 am Sunday school; 11 am worship; 5 pm evening worship service. Wednesday night: 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, please call 205-389-1102.

Submitted by Lucille Price Pierce

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week. We are especially thankful for the visitors we had and invite them to come back for any of our services.

Sunday morning services included a message from Isaiah 52:1-10 on how the church seems to be slumbering. God’s people in the past needed to awake unto the things of God, shake off the dust that had collected and get busy letting people know who God is and what He is doing. We the church are in that very same dilemma today, caught in bondage and shut down by the oppressors and it should not be that way. We are called to be soldiers, standing for the truth of God’s word and fighting the good fight of faith.

We pray that if you are saved that you are not letting dust settle on your bible, your church membership and not on your feet. Be a faithful messenger of the good tidings of God.

Sunday night services included a short song service, a message from Romans 8:31-39, and then we went downstairs for food and fellowship celebrating this month’s birthdays and anniversaries.

If you are in or near Clanton and looking for a church to visit with, we would love to see you 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 am, Children’s Church and Adult Worship Services on Sunday morning at 10 am, Sunday Night Services at 5:30 pm, Wednesday Night Services at 6:30 pm, and a Bible study on every other Tuesday night at 7 pm.

For other services and events check us out on Facebook, Twitter or 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 we gathered in God’s house last Sunday, it was such a blessing to have a great number of our members assembled to worship and especially great to have all our visitors. We pray that you received a blessing as well as being a blessing to us.

Our services began with Libby Warren playing “When the Saints Go Marching in” for our penny march. Our special music was presented by Kaitlyn Burnett, who sang the very inspiring song “It’s under the Blood”. There is such a message in the words of that song. It reminds us that Satan can, and will bring up all the bad things of our past. Thank God, as Christians we can just proclaim to Satan that it is under the blood.

Bro. Travis Burnett was back with us after having the honor of being with Bro. Buddy Hayes on Sunday, April 17, to help celebrate Bro. Buddy’s 50 years in God’s service as a minister of the gospel. Bro. Travis used scripture from John 1: 6-8 & 15-34 to bring us the first part of God’s message on ‘The Man, Mission, and Message of John the Baptist.’

John understood his place as a mere man. A man that was sent from God, and being used by God, for a special mission – to prepare the way, for Christ our Lord and Savior. John esteemed Christ so high above himself that he stated he wasn’t even worthy to untie the shoes of Christ. John’s life showed so much of the love of Christ that the people asked him “Who art thou?” John boldly proclaimed again that he was only a messenger sent to tell of the coming of the Messiah. He was secure in the fact of who he was and what his purpose was.

God has a plan and purpose for everyone. We need to, with God’s help, be what He has called us to be. If we are trying to please man instead of God, we will miss out on God’s peace and blessings. We will be miserable when we are not following God’s will. We will be rewarded for following Him and being obedient to His will. Just as John knew who he was and what his mission was, we are who we are by the grace of God. We have a purpose that no one else can fulfill.

On Sunday evening our service was very special. It started with the congregation singing several old hymns including “Somebody Loves Me” and “Standing on the Promises”. Bro. Travis brought a message from I Corinthians 11:17-34 on ‘Communion – The Lord’s Supper’. Why should we celebrate the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper? We do it in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ. How often in our daily life do we forget Him and all that He did for us? We forget about the suffering He endured for us. Participating in this ordinance is a reminder to the believer. Who should not take a part in communion? The scripture tells us those who have never accepted Christ as their personal Savior, those that have not been born again, and the unrepentant Christians who are living in open sin will be bringing judgment upon themselves by partaking of this unworthy. Who should take part in communion? Those that have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, willing to ask for forgiveness for sins in their lives and are striving to live a life in the center of God’s will. How should communion be conducted? It is a very serious act. It should be conducted and participated in with reverence and thoughtfulness. Following the message and a time of prayer, Bro. Travis and the Deacons led the congregation in the ordinance of communion.

Items of interest that need to be put on your calendar: May 1 at 4 p.m. there will be a planning meeting for all departments; May 8, which is Mother’s Day, there will not be any evening services; May 11 there will be a Dave Ramsey financial class started for those that would like to participate. There is a cost involved. Please see Mark Jones if you are interested. There will also be a Bible Study during the same time period for those that do not take part in the financial class. Deacons meeting and business meeting have been changed to May 15 due to Mother’s Day. May 21 there will be a Ladies Prayer Breakfast with Kayla Carroll as special speaker.

Our special prayer list this week includes Minnie Childress, George Campbell, Elladene Mims, Hilda Cary, Gladys Franklin, Marlene Hayes, Vicki Potts, Ashley Minor, Reba Chandler, Hudson Steele, Phillip Campbell, Robert Childress, Ruthie Jean Giles, Mary Maudlin, and Christy Lowery. Our sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Myra Burnette. May God bless you during this of sorrow.

Submitted by Louise Liveoak

Samaria Baptist Church

Our very special music today was our Pastor’s wife, Stacey Wyatt, singing, “This is the Promise.” Stacey is such a blessing to all of us here and we appreciate her service for Jesus as well as Brother Shane.

Prayer concerns today are for the Lottie West family, Jimmy Jones family, Buddy Howell family, The Deason family, Ms. Nita Smith, Tucker Jones, Bro. Randy’s daughter, and the family of ‘Big Country”, the young man who passed away from an accident this past week.

Celebrating a birthday this week is Jerry Greer; and even though he wasn’t with us, Buddy Johnson will celebrate a milestone birthday this week.

Today is the day of salvation. There is no better time than right now. John 3:16 is the most important of Bible verses with great promise. God sent His Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. We have heard this scripture our entire lives. We can memorize it, as our children can. How much stock do we put into the meaning of this verse? It is a promise, but is never to be skipped over, and not taken very seriously. It is the promise that by The Blood of Jesus we can be saved for all eternity. Even though Satan cannot regain a soul after it is committed to Our Lord, doesn’t stop him from giving us grief and trouble.

When we are a new creature in Christ, we have His renewed strength that we didn’t have before we came to know Him as Lord and Savior. For those who are born again, it is important that the world can see a difference in us. It is up to us to make sure that our light for Jesus is shining, and there is no doubt who our Savior is. Jesus has never missed a single day looking after us, and we should never quit on Jesus.

Time is growing short to seek the lost and be the ‘Jesus’ in the lives of people who need to know how to meet Him. If we are given the opportunity to witness to someone, The Holy Spirit will provide all that we need to make this happen. Living for Jesus is the best witness; however, sometimes the need to share the plan of salvation is available to us. Do we take advantage of these times? We should never withhold God’s blessings that He has given to us.

Share Jesus to a lost and dying world today. Be willing to be a vessel of The Master’s Hands today.

Join us for a message from Jesus at Samaria Baptist Church. God bless all who read this today.

Submitted by Diane Fisher

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawrence’s message was from John 15. Jesus is the true vine. We are the branches. Without Jesus we are nothing, we would wither up and die. Every time Jesus says “I am”, He says “I am the” not “I am a”. There is no substitute. Jesus is the only hope we have. Jesus is the light of the world. Our lives should reflect the light of God. The moon doesn’t generate any light of its own but reflects the light of the sun. We as Christians should reflect The Light of the Son, Jesus.

Jesus is the true vine. We are the branches. God expects us to produce fruit. He expects us to manifest the fruits of the spirit and to lead others to Christ. Sometimes God has to prune some branches to remove things that hinder production of fruit.

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

Friendship Baptist Church

Our choir special was “There is No Other Word for Grace, but Amazing”.

Bro. Ken’ message was from Exodus 34: 29-35. His title was “A Shining Example”. Moses’ face is radiant after being with God. Moses experienced the Presence of God. He now spoke with authority-God’s message. The glow on Moses’ face reflected God’s love.

During the evening service, Bro. Ken’s message was from Matthew 24: 6-14. His title was “Life on a Mission: Brokenness”.

Our special was “In the Garden” by Dusty Dutton and Mary Foshee.

Our world is broken. Families are broken; we are broken. We will deal with hurt and we must call to God.

Watch us on the web at Ustream under the title, “Friendship Baptist Clanton”.

Opportunities for the week are:

Wednesday- Fellowship Supper, BBQ at 6 pm; Business meeting at 7 pm; Mission Friends/R.A.’s, G.A.’s, youth at 7:00 p.m and adult choir rehearsal at 7:45 p.m.

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

Opportunities for the future:

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

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

May 12- OASIS ’16: A Refreshing Event for Senior Adults at 1:30 pm at Mt. Hebron West Baptist Church with Allison Durham Speer, Bro. Billy Bob Bohannon and Frank Jones.

May 21- 6:00 a.m. Yard Sale. Please bring your donations to the gym. Contact Pam Marcus at 205-299-4626 if you have any questions.

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.

Some men are going to Romar Beach Baptist Church/Retreat to do some maintenance projects. Your only expense will be for food. The retreat is furnishing sleeping arrangements. We will leave Thursday, May 5 after work and return Saturday afternoon, May 7. This is an excellent opportunity to help someone with a need and experience missions at its best. See Bro. Ken for details.

Happy Birthday to Susan Davis, Susan Daniel and Alisha Glover.

Prayer Request are Burl Vines, Sue Roberts, Rachel Lowrey, Faye Honeycutt, Irby Fanning, Betty Mims, JoAnn Lyles, John Byars, Patti and E.J. Headley, Fay Patton, Willodean Easterling and Lucy Norton.

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

We had a wonderful service Sunday.

Don’t forget about our Homecoming service coming up on May 15! We start singing at 10 am and go until noon. We will have special music as well as good old fashioned congregational hymn singing. Bring a covered dish and join us afterwards for dinner on the grounds.

Our Vacation Bible School this year will be Christian Olympics. It will be held Saturday June 18 from 9 am till 1 pm. Mark your calendars!

As you go through your week, don’t let life get you down. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. Take a step back, breathe deeply, and relax. You got this! You were given this life because God knew you were strong enough to live it! Put Christ in the center of your home, make Him a guest at every meal, and know that He listens to every conversation. It just takes a little faith. Just remember; faith makes things possible… not easy.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you and we hope to see you soon!

Submitted by K.J. Bowen