Mt. Springs

Sunday morning, Ricky Cleckler led the congregation in the following hymns, “Victory in Jesus,” “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again,” and “I Want to Be Ready To Meet Him.”

Bro. Roger Cleckler brought a devotion from Genesis 3:20. Eve was the first mother; she witnessed the first murder, and the first funeral.

Many people always want to be the first at this or that. It’s not about being first, but it’s about WHO we put first. Good godly mothers put the LORD first!

Ricky Cleckler sang, “My Momma’s Prayer” after Sunday school.

Bro. O’Neal Cleckler preached from Luke 1:28-33. Mary was highly favored with the Lord. Can you imagine the feelings Mary had knowing her Son was destined to die for the worlds sins and to rise again? She was told her Son was the One Who would rescue the world from their sins. God loves you and cherishes what you do for your children!

Sunday night, the choir sang the hymns of, “Glory to His Name,” and “I Shall Not Be Moved.”

Bro. Ronnie Moates brought a devotion from 2 Timothy 1:1-6. The grandmother passed Jesus down to the Mother and the Mother passed Jesus down to Timothy. Timothy wanted to stir up what was instilled in him. We should want to get stirred up in God!

Bro. O’Neal Cleckler brought his message from Exodus 12:1-6. Every area of the door in the land of Egypt was to be sealed by the blood of the lamb. Those people who abided by this command were preserved. We are preserved by God! Nothing can erase the Blood!

God also told the land of Egypt to be prepared for departure in a moment’s notice! If we are a child of God, we can go back with Him when He returns for His children! Now is the time to get ready for departure. Today is the day of Salvation!

When we allow Christ to apply the blood, it’s through obedience. It’s nothing we do, but everything that He does! We can only give obedience. The Blood protects us from spiritual death. Has God applied the Blood of the Lamb to your life? Have you been washed by the blood?

Submitted by Savannah P.

 

New Salem Baptist Church

Mother’s Day service at New Salem Baptist Church: 11:00 am service opened with the adult choir singing “I’ll Fly Away.” The congregation then sang “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” This song was written by Joseph Scriven in 1855, as a poem to his mother in Ireland, and was originally titled “Pray without Ceasing”. Later when set to music, it was renamed to “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” After 161 years it can still be an inspiration to mothers. Special music was by Paul Hilyer singing “You raised me up.”

Brother Larry Reeser read his text from 1 Samuel 1:1-10. Hannah one of two wives of Elkanah had no children and was continually mocked by Peninnah the other wife who had children. Hannah went to the temple to pray and made a vow to God that if He would give her a son she would dedicate him to God. As she prayed the prayer, only her lips moved and no sound was heard. Eli the Priest assumed she was drunk, but she assured him she was not and explained her mission. Verse 18 says that after she prayed her countenance changed and she was sad no longer: she left her problem at the altar.

God answered her prayer and she delivered a boy and named him Samuel. After he was weaned she carried him back to Eli the Priest, reminding him that it was she who had prayed before, and now God had given her the child, which she left with Eli for the boy to be dedicated to God. Hannah, a praying mother, kept her promise to God.

Fathers are important in the home; however, mothers are the anchor of the home and where would we be without praying mothers?

Evening service was cancelled. 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

 

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

Calvary Independent Baptist Church wants to thank everyone who attended services this past week. Sunday morning services were centered on the thought of “Happy Mother’s Day 2016.” We looked at scriptures about a mother’s care, concern, call, and comfort. No matter how hard one tries, no man can ever fill the position of mother in a family. The woman was created for that position and purpose and a man just cannot bring to the family table that which a mother has to offer.

We love, honor, and appreciate the ladies in our lives and the mothers in our families. We pray that you have godly women in your life to make a positive influence, not only in your life, but also in your faith.

Sunday night services included a message from Hebrews 10 and other passages about “atonement.” We looked at scriptures concerning “deliverance from the penalty of sin, the pleasure and power of sin, and the presence of sin.” We all have disagreements in our families and amongst friends but we need to get past those things and find the way of reconciliation. Man could not be reconciled with God if it were not for the sacrifice that God himself made to pay the ransom for sin; the atonement through his shed blood that we now have, even the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is the way, not only for our reconciliation with God, but also for our reconciliation with one another. Do not let the power of sin hold you back when Christ wants to set you free. When we find forgiveness for ourselves we also learn how to forgive those around us.

If you are looking to visit a church in Clanton this Sunday, come visit with us at Calvary.

We are located South Clanton just past Dollar General, right off 31 on Fulmer Drive. Our regular weekly services include Sunday School 9:00 am, Children’s Church and Adult Worship Services Sunday Morning at 10:00 am, Sunday Night Services 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

 

Cedar Grove

Announcements: Radio Revival Saturday 05/14/2016 will be brought to you live by your local radio station WKLF 95.5 To be held at Goose Pond Park from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Pastors from various churches in the community will be bringing The Gospel Of Jesus. Everyone is invited to attend, if you are unable to attend please tune in to be fed with the word of God. Remember God’s Mercy and Love Ministry in the Old Cedar Grove Church Fellowship Hall they are in need of food and monetary donations please give if you can.

Attention, Attention, we at Cedar Grove now have a new youth leader Meshia Mayfield, all are welcome to attend Wednesday night service starting at 7:00 pm. We are expecting exciting things to be happening for the youth, as well as the adults of the church. We would also like to invite everyone to Wednesday Bible Study with Bro. Dewayne Castleberry leading the service.

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

Pastor Jeff Carroll’s text was from 1st Corinthians 14: 33-35 and titled “Early Seed Planting”.

Today is Mother’s Day, we would like to recognize all our mothers by saying Happy Mother’s Day. There are some things in a home only a mother can do. When a home is in operation the way God would have it to be, the center of the home is the mother. It is her responsibility to help rear her children to know and obey God. The Seed of Faith has to begin somewhere, as with Paul’s writings Timothy’s faith began with his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. We see in the world today, especially the United States, that satan is attacking families.

We regrettably see that homes are being torn asunder and are in chaos. Mothers are responsible for organizing the home. The same way our mothers and grandmothers taught us about Jesus, we as mothers must also teach our children and grandchildren about our Lord and Savior.

We reap what we sew; one of the greatest problems in the United States today is there are fewer faith sewers than sin sewers. The young and old alike today seem not to have a clue of the consequences of sewing sin instead of faith. The seed of faith we begin planting at an early age, just as with seeds that are planted for harvest, the sooner the seeds of Faith are planted in the minds of our children and grandchildren the greater the harvest there will be for Christ upon his return. In closing “A virtuous woman is hard to find, but not impossible for in Christ all things are possible. A few attributes of a virtuous woman, her worth Is far above rubies, strength and honor are her clothing, she opens her mouth with wisdom, on her tongue is the law of kindness, she watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness, her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband also praises her, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised.” Mothers raise your children up in the ways of the Lord! We as mothers must plant the seed of faith early for our children to grow in Christ.

Submitted by Naomi Gillespie

 

Mt. Carmel No. 1 Baptist Church

As we start our new week, are you one that may be looking around at the material things you have in your life and feel that you are missing a lot of what this world has to offer? If you are blessed to have (or have had) a Christian mother, you have something that material things can’t compare with. A Christian mother is more precious than the richest man’s bank account. It is also more secure and lasting. Money and material things can be lost, but a mother’s love is permanent. And mothers, if you have children that love God and strive to live for him, be thankful. That is also a wonderful blessing that can’t be bought.

Our morning service started with Libby Warren playing “When the saints go marching in” for our penny march. Following several congregation songs, all the ladies in attendance were presented with a gift in honor of Mother’s Day.

Bro. Travis Burnett used scripture from Luke 1:26-38 to bring us a wonderful message on ‘What makes a good mother’. Three characteristics of a good mother that he brought out were humility, selflessness, and love. His focus was on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being Mary? As mothers today, we have no idea what the future holds for our children. On the other hand, Mary knew that her baby boy was God’s Son and that He was born for a special purpose in life. Even though we don’t know what is in store for our children, as mothers we must humble ourselves before God and to His will for their lives. A Christian mother also shows humility toward all those that are in her life whether it be family, friend, or yes, even foe. A good mother also has selflessness as a trait in her life. She accepts the God given responsibilities that come with the ‘job’. She takes on the positions of man’s helper, provider of child care, supervisor of training for her children and maybe other children that her life touches, maid, chauffeur, nurse, cook, and any other that may arise. She is willing to make sacrifices and put the needs of others ahead of hers. She does all this without complaining. Why would anyone want to take on this job? Love is the answer. A Mother has a love that is the closest thing to God’s love that man will ever experience. She is willing to give up anything for others, even her life. A mother must have the understanding of God’s will in their life. Without God’s help the job of a mother can’t be done. Praise God for each Christian Mother and all the she does to make this world a better place for everyone.

We did not have evening services in order to give time for families to spend with each other and enjoy time with Mother. Don’t just wait until Mother’s Day to do something nice for your mom, do it every day. Saying I love you doesn’t cost anything, but it means so much!

Our prayer list this week includes George Campbell, Gladys Franklin, Elladene Mims, Mary Ellen Campbell, Libby Warren, Hilda Cary, Mary Maudlin, Pat Hayes, Ruthie Jean Giles, Leona Liveoak, Joyce Hill, Elijah Warren, Minnie Childress, Mary Dean Higgins, Marlene Hayes, Reba Chandler, Robert Childress, and Christy Lowery.

Upcoming events that have been scheduled include: Starting May 11th our Wednesday evening services will begin at 6:30 p.m. The first in a series of financial classes will start that day. There will also be a Bible Study for those not attending the financial class; Deacons meeting May 15th at 4:00 p.m.; May 21st Ladies Prayer Breakfast at 10:00 a.m. with Kayla Carroll as special speaker. All ladies are invited to join us.

 

Corinth Church News

We had a wonderful service this past Sunday. It was truly a blessing to honor all the wonderful Mother’s.

Don’t forget about our annual homecoming service this coming Sunday the 15th from 10:00 am till noon. Feel free to bring a covered dish and join us for dinner on the grounds immediately after. We will also be having our Vacation Bible School June 18th from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm. Follow us on Facebook for all the latest happenings and events.

You can always join us for our regular services; Wednesday night Bible study from 6:30 – 7:30pm and Sundays -10:00am – 11:00am Sunday School and 11:00 am – Noon worship and preaching!

We hope to see you soon!

Submitted by KJ Bowen

Samaria Baptist Church

Today was a beautiful day to worship and to honor our Mother’s in the house of The Lord. Ms. Barbara Collins gave a moving story regarding babies lives saved from abortion in our county. She also read a very special poem. Ms. Alice Fraser read a most heartwarming poem about Mother’s Day, that she has had since she was a young married woman. Both of these ladies are wonderful Mothers and we appreciated their contribution to the service today. Diane Greer sang “Celebrate Me Home,” and Brother Shane’s Message today was entitled, “How to get more.” His text originated from 1st Kings 5 v.5-14.

Prayer concerns today are Gerald family, Bobby Easterling, Peggy Harris, Ashley Minor, John May, Eli Patterson, Paul Shearon, Kenneth Patterson, Tucker Jones, and Lauren Wyatt’s friend in need of tests this week.

Solomon began his Kingdom reign as a humble servant. His only claim was that he wanted to follow God’s direction. He stated that he didn’t know what to do, and wanted God to fill him with direction as to how to be a King. God was pleased with Soloman’s attitude, and blessed his life in many wonderful ways. Solomon’s willingness to serve God in the ways of God, rather than his own ways was what pleased The Father. He was blessed abundantly for the heart felt prayer of submission to God’s will. We must surrender ourselves and empty our will to The Father, in order to be filled totally with Him. We don’t always know what we need. Never a day passes that God doesn’t know our situation, and what is best for us. We work for our living, but we must allow that work to consume us totally. God must be alive in our every situation. He knows what is best, and will provide as He did for Solomon. No, we aren’t Kings, but if we allow Jesus Christ to be King of our lives, we will be richer than we could ever imagine. Riches aren’t always counted in dollars, but surrendering to Christ gives us the awareness that He will provide all we need. Our nation is in a struggle. The worldly influence has taken its toll on our leaders, as well as society. God’s ways are not popular with the worldly crowd anymore, but we must not allow this falling away to influence our decisions about our Savior.

It doesn’t matter how old we are. It is not too late to find God’s will for our lives. Putting self aside and making Him the Lord of our lives is the key to seeing a difference in our homes, churches, towns, states and nation. We all have struggled with the decisions of life, and often we want to invite God to go along with our choices and plans. We don’t know the meaning of appropriate decision making until we allow The Master to provide us with His wisdom. Samaria welcomes you to worship with us. May God bless all our Mothers today with the riches of His Glory.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

Our day of worship began with our Music Makers singing “I Spy”, “Thank Him for Everything”, “The Mud Puddle Song”, “I Will Sing Praise” and “Sing for Spring”.

The congregation sang “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families” and “God is so Good.”

Our young musicians sang “Again Our God Is Alive, This is Amazing Grace, Your Grace Is Enough, and I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, They Did Great.”

Bro. Justin preached a great sermon from Ephesians 6:1-4 titled A Mother’s Nurturing. We wish ALL mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.

Young Musicians closed out our service singing “You Never Let Go.”

Wednesday Night 5:30pm Supper Adult Prayer Meeting F A I T H, The Outlet for Students and Children’s Choirs at 6:30 pm.

Pray for our country & leadership, Allen & Casey Daniel, Jeff Thrasher, Syd Griner, Donald Johnson, Lori Rogers, Ashley Minor, Susan Harrison, Peggy Harris, Charles Bryant, Betty Prewitt, John Flowers, Walter Arron, Debra Mims, Caleb Harrison, Kathy Fitzgerald, Stephen Hinton, Paul Price, Sally Davis, David Reed, William Comer, those facing cancer, our homebound, assisted living/nursing home and all who need salvation.

Happy Birthday this week to Aimee Destiny Griffen, Adam Barrett. Dobbs, Joseph Nixon, Alivia Grace Wright, Emily Merritt, Helen Carnes, Alexis Burnett, Dayton Porter, Tara Chavers, Zachery Hunter, Jason Barber, Kiya Hilyer, Henry Moore and Jason Chandler,

Sunday, May 22nd will be out graduate recognition ceremony. We will be honoring them during morning service and a luncheon after.

Have a blessed week. Come worship with us.

Submitted by Elvie Patterson

Floyd Baptist Church

Bro. Mike Lawerence’s message was from Genesis 4; Mother’s Day. We should honor mothers more often than we do. God said, “Be fruitful and multiply”. God intended for the family to grow. God ordained the home, not the herd. The home is a place where God can be honored, not where you have kids and just turn them loose.

God performed the first surgery. He took a rib from Adam’s side to create Eve. Not from his foot so he could walk over her or from his head so he could have authority over her, but from his side next to his heart.

We should take a moment and thank God for our mother who are still living or passed on and the influence they have had on us.

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

 

Friendship Baptist Church

We recognized our mothers for Mother’s Day.

Dusty (Dutton) sang a special Mother’s Day song, ” Mama Like the Roses”.

Bro Ken’s message was from Luke 1:30-31. His title was “Motherhood”.

Mary faced many difficulties. She did have many resources. Mainly, she has The Lord. She had her cousin, Elizabeth.

Check out our website www.friendshipbaptist.com

Watch us on the web. We are webcasting our services on “Ustream” under the title of “Friendship Baptist Church”.

We are still looking for a part-time youth minister.

Opportunities for the Future

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

May 22- Senior Recognition for Jessie Moore and Maggie Clover

June 3rd- 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 Assoc. Kid’s Camp Cost: $190 (+ Aqua Jump $14 all campers- Rope Course $18 6th grade only) Counselors needed.

October 17-20- Celebrators Conference in Pigeon Forge. www.celebrators.org

Baby Bottles for CareNet Pregnancy Center; Please take a baby bottle and return it Father’s Day with change and bills. The goal is for each bottle to contain at least $10.

Freindship Baptist Church (1916-2016) celebrates 100 years. The Homecoming Committee is looking for old pictures or mementos to use for Homecoming. We are especially looking for pictures of the old church. Please let Doris Wyatt , Yvonne Bryars, or Dianne Varden know if you find anything of interest. Continue to pray and help the Homecoming Committee as they plan our 100th Anniversary.

Prayer Request: Bailey Staggs, Gerald Bradberry family, Danny Myrick and family, travelers, Betty Mims, Dakota Caldwell, Sandra White, Irby Fanning, Matthew Jones, John Bayars, Faye Honeycutt, Jeanette Hamm, Sue Roberts, and Eddis Wilson.