Mt. Carmel No. 1

We had a wonderful and meaningful service Sunday. Bro. Derrel preached from Galatians 6:1-10. His message was entitled, “Spiritual Rebirth and Fruit of the Spirit Presents Christian Character.”

Paul writes to the church, “Brethren,” and here he is speaking to everyone.

Paul continues, “Bear ye one another’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ. Cast your burden upon the Lord.”

Sunday night’s sermon was “The Giver, the Getter and God” (Philippians 4:12-20). Paul was sending letters to the Philippians. He spoke lovingly and rejoicing to them. He let them know how he appreciated them.

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Our service was closed with altar prayer, remembering the storm victims and our sick people.

Adult choir practice will be Sunday afternoon at 4. Children’s choir practice is at 7 on Wednesday nights and 5 on Sunday nights.

The Senior Adult Evangelism Conference will be Monday, May 3 at Deerfoot Baptist Church in Trussville. Music will be presented by Squire Parsons, and messages will be delivered by Junior Hill and Richard Blackaby. We will be leaving the church Monday morning at 7:30. Please contact Louise Liveoak if you plan to go.

Sunday night Bible study is taught by Bro. Rick Cofer. Wednesday night we have trivia Bible study of the book of Genesis. Come join the Bible classes.

We always welcome our visitors, and remember to pray for the sick and the lost. Pray for our church and we will be praying for you.

The Church of God’s Word

Happy birthday to Pete Farmer.

Sis. Heidi Allen’s baby shower will be May 22 from 2-4 p.m. at 107 County Road 377 in Billingsley. RSVP to Vicki Crane at (706) 913-7326.

Sunday’s opening prayer was led by Bro. Ray Edwards. Our scripture passage for this week was 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.

Ministers of Satan will be judged and cast into the lake of fire. This is a warning of false teaching. Examine yourself to see if you live up to the word of God.

When we get to the place where we can read and understand the words of the Bible and live by it, then anything we put between ourselves and God is fornication and adultery. This is what happens when we walk out on God. If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.

Closing prayer was led by Bro. Joel Allen.

Remember Jimmy, Linda and Jacob Langston in prayer.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

Sunday was one of those perfect days when we are prone to greet each other thus: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Who would have thought at any point Saturday that the following day would be flawless. We need these kinds of contrasting events occasionally to reaffirm our faith that with God all things are possible.

He who can calm a stormy sea and make it a placid body of water has no problem in making a day like Saturday into the perfect Sabbath that followed it.

Dr. Mac Stinson used the 23rd Psalm for his scripture reading. Surely this is one of the most used, first learned, best loved passages in our Bible. It reflects the early life of David, who was a shepherd boy. He was the youngest son of Jesse and destined to become an ancestor of our Lord. Just another classic example of how Jesus repeatedly used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary results.

Psalm 23 also reflects on the beautiful relationship between David and his Lord, who was well aware of the demands placed on a shepherd. As we read the Psalms are credited to David, we can’t help but be aware of David’s good character qualities that made him a man after God’s own heart. Having said that, David was not a perfect man but asked forgiveness with a contrite heart for his shortcomings. He often glorified God and referred to him as his Shepherd. The Lord is our shepherd also.

Prayer is requested for Wilma Ellison, Horace Carden, Mae Hunnicutt, Penny Davis, Dwight and BeeBee Sammons and Michelle Lufta’s grandmother Davis.

We received a phone call from Dr. Mike Weldon of the Association of Independent Methodists in Mississippi that none of our AIM churches there were damaged by tornadoes. We give praise for this good news.

Have a blessed week.

Friendship Baptist Church

Bro. Gene’s message, “Problems of a Rich Man,” was from Luke 16:19-31. There was a rich man who had fine clothes and lived in luxury every day. At the rich man’s gate was a beggar named Lazarus, covered in sores and hungry. When both men died, Lazarus, the poor man, went with the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man, a sinner, was in hell and tormented. The rich man looked up and saw Abraham with Lazarus at his side.

The rich man called to Abraham and asked him to have pity on him and send Lazarus to dip the tips of his fingers in water and cool his tongue. Abraham asked him to remember in his lifetime with all the good things he received, while Lazarus received bad things. The man never tried to help Lazarus even though he had so many opportunities to do so.

The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house to his five brothers to warn them so they would not go to the place of torment.

During the evening service, Jessie Moore sang “Love Can Build a Bridge.”

Our message, “Spiritual Warfare,” was from Galatians 5:16-26. The spirit and the sinful nature are in constant battle. Conflict is everywhere.

There are many acts of the sinful nature. Those who live in this will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Those who feed on the fruit of the Spirit will inherit the kingdom of God.

This past Saturday, our ladies had their mother/daughter/friend banquet. It was based on the 1920s. They had food, fun, games and fellowship. Thanks for all the hard work, ladies, and to each lady who came, despite the bad weather.

Keith and Regeana Funderburk shared their experience of their medical mission trip. If you missed this and would like a DVD copy, please call Regeana at 755-2534.

Happy birthday this week to Susan Davis, Maggie Glover, Shay Dennis, Richard Norton, Alisha Glover, Donielle Cleckley and Caleb Wakefield.

Prayer requests: our church, Irby Fanning, Dianne Varden, VBS, Faye Powell, Angie Headley and Janice Hammock.

Mt. Springs Church

As the song says, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” The weather was so bad Saturday, but Sunday it was so beautiful. When storms come into our lives, just hold on; God will brighten tomorrow.

Kelly Bice sang “Who Touched Me” while little Conner Bice played guitar. We need to teach our younger children how wonderful it is to serve the Lord. Start them out young using their talent for God.

Bro. Don’s message, entitled, “Being Successful in Our Spiritual Life,” was taken from Philippians 3:12-14.

Saul was successful because he was sold out to Jesus. You have to put Jesus first in your life. We have to push forward and forget the bad things that happen to us, and don’t get discouraged; God can use you.

Press on to do what you feel God leading you to do. One day he will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” If we are faithful, even in our troubles and trials, we are considered successful in God’s eyes.

Our end-of-the-month singing was a night of praise and worship. God has truly blessed us with talented people who are willing to give of their talent to God. Thank each of you for coming our way and blessings our hearts. Anyone that doesn’t have a church family, we welcome you to come join us.

Service times: Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; evening service, 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. and children at 6:45.

Bethsalem Baptist Church

The morning service began with fellowship and congregational singing. Our call to worship was “Happy Day,” and the Celebration Choir sang “Paid in Full” for their special.

Bro. Brad Eubank preached the morning message, “The Pigpen Christian,” from 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:9.

Zack Martin and Brandy Edwards shared this year’s theme for Disciple Now, “Prayer, Study and Share.”

The evening message was brought by Bro. Cleve Mallory. The message, entitled, “Be Transformed Daily,” was from Romans 12:1-2.

Supper is served Wednesday nights at 5:45, followed by prayer meeting, choir practice and programs for all ages.

Pray this week for Lera Price, Hilda Allen, Shorty Mims, James Moore, Sue Thomas, Rodney Carroll, Brianna Frogg, Angel Baker, Jim Beck, Talon Hunter, Arthur Cooedy, Pete Burnett, Jacob Wright, Burton Huff, Sylvia Winard, Richard Davis, Sara Jo Gross, Sylvia Wingard, Kim Coxby, William Comer, Robert Kaylor, Glenda Mims, Randall Headley, Sally Smith, Elzie Sanders, Howard Short, Diana Wyatt, Shirley Hicks, Gavin Arnold, Toni Ousley, Dean Patterson, Kathy Evans, David Little, Toni Ousley, Rita Lawrence.

Pray for people who were in storm areas and lost their lives. Also pray for our country, all families who have lost loved ones, families affected by cancer, our shut-ins, and the people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

A men’s softball game will be played Tuesday and Thursday.

Next Sunday we will host a one-day revival with Dr. Jerry Pipes. You don’t want to miss it.

Have a blessed week and tell someone about Jesus. God is so good.

Come worship with us next Sunday.

Cedar Grove Methodist-Protestant Church

We are so blessed and thankful that the severe weather did not come our way and are so sorry for the people in Mississippi that had such terrible losses. Material things can be replaced, lives cannot. Pray for the families that lost their loved ones.

It was good to see Jeff Evans and Steve Cummings, and our other visitors in attendance Sunday. We hope you will come again.

“Jesus is Coming Soon” and “He Set me Free” got us in good spirit and ready for church.

Happy birthday to Earl Caton, Byron Cummings and Ralph Hayes. Happy anniversary to Billy Joe and Donna Caton.

Please pray for the Wyatt family, the Evans family, Dollie (Woodrow) Price, Patsy Gross, our military, leaders and many unspoken requests. We have a praise report that Minnie Childress is doing well. Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings.

The choir blessed us with several beautiful songs. The Lord came by, and blessings flowed. Chris Cleckley sang a heart rendering song, “And Now My Lifesong Sings,” and the altar filled.

Bro. Jeff preached a good sermon from Acts 19:40, John 16:1-12 and Acts 4:23-31. Bro. Gary Hubbard played “I Am Thine O Lord” for the invitation.

The evening service was as usual our fourth Sunday night singing, and we had several good testimonies.

Put May 1 on your calendar. The LeFevres will be singing at Cedar Grove at 7 p.m. Jeremy Easley, grandson-in-law of Alton and Ann Russell, is the tenor singer. Come on and enjoy some real good gospel singing.

For more information, call 646-2390.

Jackson Chapel

Bro. Dennis’ text came from Matthew 5:13-16 with a message entitled “Influential People.” We as Christians need to watch the way we live our lives in this world because we have an influence on other people around us. We need to also be vessels that God can use so when people look at us they can tell that we are Christians. We need to let the light of Jesus shine through us and not let it be hid under something.

The service ended with several coming to pray.

Bro. Gary Fant got our fourth Sunday night singing started off with “I’ll Meet You in the Morning,” “I’m Too Near Home to Go Back Now,” “What a Lovely Name” and “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.” Bro. Horace Wyatt sang “Till The Storm Passes By” and “Sheltered in the Arms of God.” Sis. Patricia Cofer sang “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus,” Glen Riley sang “Family Bible,” Bro. Dennis and Glenn Riley sang “God Has Been So Good to Me,” Hannah Burnett sang “New Day Dawning,” Olivia Hughes sang a song; Bro. Gary Fant, Angel Bavar, Glen Riley and Wanda Chadwick sang “Where Could I Go,” “Where the Soul Never Dies” and “The Old Rugged Cross”; and Bro. Dennis, Wanda Chadwick and Angel Bavar sang “What A Beautiful Day,” “On the Road to Emmaus,” “I Believe in a Hill called Mt. Calvary” and “He Touched Me.”

If you missed the singing, you missed a blessing.

Happy birthday to Rena Burnett, Jarrett Howell and Megan Howell.

Please remember these as you pray this week: the Dianne Wyatt family, Megan Burnett, Pete Burnett, Perry Salter, Wendy Smith, Nena Cole, Herschel and Marie Rhodes, Kevin Bavar, Kimberly Williams, our lost loved ones and our service men and women.

We are located at 4020 Yellowleaf Road in Clanton. Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 10, morning worship at 11, evening worship at 6, and Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible study at 7. We also have Kid’s Club on Wednesday nights at 7 for grades 1-6.

Samaria Baptist Church

A most beautiful Lord’s Day came after the storms of Saturday. We had a good crowd Sunday, and all received a blessing from being here. Our pastor, Bro. Charles Brooks, took his sermon text from Romans 15:1-13. Our prayer needs focus on John Shearon and his family, David Little’s healing, and his family, Johnny and Kim McDaniel, and the family of Steve Mims.

We are instructed from God’s word that the strong should take up the burdens of the weak. Many are overtaken in life by faults and burdens. Those who are strong in the faith should encourage and help those who are suffering. We are asked to hold each other up, as we are a family, and when one suffers we all take up the burden and pain of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the directive from our Father. Selfishness is forbidden — unselfishness is encouraged. All brothers and sisters need to walk in strength and faith. This helps us to grow and reach our growth potential in Christ Jesus. Unity comes when we unite in Christ — one mind, one mouth to glorify Christ, in one way.

Praise Him and glorify Him in place of complaining and fussing about all the faults of others. People are the problem; when you think everyone else is wrong, then the problem lies with you. God of hope fills us with joy. We have a wonderful place to worship and fellowship with one another. Share with others through the leading of the Holy Spirit. God gave the apostles authority to establish churches built on Jesus Christ. Self-denial exhibited the most complete way. Whatsoever was written aforetime was given to us for hope and inspiration. Jesus can heal our hurts if we are dependable upon Him and prove worthy of His trust. We share a common thread when we don’t measure up to the standards that God so lovingly designed for us.

Our Sunday night message was “Safety in the Storm.” Our special music was provided by Cherlyn Stoneback and her mother, Danan Millburne.

The Bible reading was from Acts 27:1-13.

Bethany Baptist Church

Our memory verse for this week is: “And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

We had a good service Sunday; we appreciate the visitors in the morning service. Bro. Aubry’s message was on the Trinity, the third of our Doctrinal Statements: “We believe in the personal triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in divine perfection.” He used as his text Matthew 28:19. You can hear his sermon 6 a.m. next Sunday on WKLF.

Sunday night Bro. Aubry’s message preached concerning the “Dark Caves of Life,” using 1 Samuel 22:1-4 and Psalm 61:1-2. David was going through a time of extreme loneliness, away from family and home and literally was in a dark cave of his life, hiding from his enemies. David knew he could turn to God in his times of trial (Psalm 61:2). Who knows what hardships we may have to face in our lives? God may teach us valuable spiritual lessons in these dark caves of our lives; lessons we might not learn any other way.

Prayer list: Lela Mae Courtney, Mildred Crawford, Ashley Friday, Jack Friday, Ernestine Hatch, Gloria and Ernest Headley; Mary Knight, our military, Doug and Helen Mims, Billie Neeley, Aubry Wallace and Shirley Wallace. Pray for those who suffered the loss of loved ones and damaged property during the tornadoes on Saturday.

See you Sunday.

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church

Our call to worship Sunday was “My Hope is Built.”

Those lifted up in prayer were David Little, storm victims, Gil Burchem, Kay Wade, Ruby Duke and Lavada Attaway.

Again using the word “hope” as our theme for April, Bro. Tony said the word “salvation” should be tied together with hope. Our hope went to the cross, making it possible for our salvation. Salvation is something that no one can give you or do for you; you do not inherit salvation, each one of us claims that for ourselves.

Our hymns are always so meaningful, especially the old ones. Bro. Tony shared a phone call he received from his sister, who was filled with excitement. She was in a meeting of Christians and shared how she was moved by hearing the young teenagers sing together as one, “Victory in Jesus.”

Bro. Tony mentioned another favorite, “Standing on the Promises.” We know that we can believe in the promises of God.

Bro. Tony asked, “Do you have someone that you can trust with anything or everything?” Then he asked, “Can they trust you?”

He said our children are like an arrow and it’s up to us to line them up with the target. You can’t line them up with the target unless they are extremely versed in their need for salvation in their lives.

The hymns were “Standing on the Promises,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” and “The Church’s One Foundation.”

What a time of fellowship as we enjoyed a spaghetti lunch by the youth. All proceeds will be going to Relay of Life.

Happy birthday to Gene Gilliland (5) and Beth Hughes (7).

Floyd Baptist Church

We had a wonderful Lord’s Day! Bro. Mike preached Sunday morning from John 15:16-17. The message was titled, “Chosen By God.”

God has chosen us by calling us to salvation after giving His Son to die for our sins. He chose us by calling us to action by putting us into the world to work for Him and spread His love to others. Lastly, He chose us by calling us to love one another. Jesus commanded us to love each other and said this was how the world would know we belonged to Him, so instead of bickering and fighting, we are to model His love toward others.

Sunday evening, Bro. Mike brought a message from Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 on “Encouraging Each Other.” Every day, in all situations, Christians should be encouraging those around them in all areas of life through prayer, encouraging words and encouraging actions. This is another way we show God’s love to those around us.

Happy anniversary to Ernie and Diane Moates, and happy birthday to Randy St. John.

Don’t forget, we are an Angel Food host site. For more information on this money-saving food ministry, contact Bro. Mike Jones at (205) 294-1577.

We invite you to join us at Floyd Baptist Church. We share a special godly love for each other and welcome you to join us in a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching, God-loving church!