Happy Lord’s Day! Don’t forget to include Him today!
A Verse for Today
As we live here, we have to trust God. We do not yet see the things that belong to heaven. II CORINTHIANS 5:7, EASY
Sunday School Teaches the Bible to Us.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more from the book of Matthew this morning and to hear the pastor’s message as well, as to learn from the hymns we sign today.
Pray for the opportunities available in all the area churches this morning. Let’s pray people take advantage of this opportunity in a chosen church today.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
A Challenge for Today
When you are at church today and see someone you do not know, introduce yourself. Then ask about them. Write their name down and try to remember them. Call that person by name today and again when you see them. Keep your list of “new friends” handy to refer to as needed. If you know a couple things about them like family, location of home, job, etc., you will find it easier to speak to them the next time you see them and hopefully, you will remember something about them from each conversation. It not difficult! Pray now, then meet someone new today.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 1Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Prayer Focus Today – Others
What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, etc.?
Read the Bible in 2026
May 16
Numbers 7
Obituary
Clay A. Bankston, Jr.
November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026
Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 1Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Prayer Focus Today – Others
What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, a graduate, etc.?
Read the Bible in 2026
May 16
Numbers 7
Obituary
Clay A. Bankston, Jr.
November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026
Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
— 1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV
Prayer Focus
The above Scripture tells us pray for those in authority so we can live quiet, peaceful, and godly lives. Be sure your personal prayer list has a list of people in authority for you to pray for. It can include world leaders, local leaders, political leaders, giants of your profession, etc.
Let’s pray for our newest graduates to live a life that is a reflection of Christ on a daily basis.
FBC, Kentwood will honor our graduates Sunday.
If you would like to mark a Scripture in their Bibles, you may do so today in the hallway of the fellowship hall during office hours. Be an encourager! The graduates will be honored during the 10:30 service Sunday morning.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
— Philippians 2:4, ESV
Missions
Missions projects are always ongoing at church. Each one has its own focus. I hope you will find one at your church and volunteer to participate in that mission ministry. If you need assistance, I will be happy to help you with information and/or guide you to more information. Mission projects require time. If you want to volunteer time, your help would be greatly appreciated. Bro. Darryl may be good in guiding you to a leader of one of our mission projects. Just ask!
Coming Soon – VBS
June 1-5
8:30-11:30 A.M.
Nursery is provided for young children of those working in VBS.
I apologize. I forgot to write when I got home after working on shoeboxes. I got a lot accomplished this morning! My driver had an early schedule!
A Verse to Ponder On
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
— Philippians 2:4, ESV
Obituary
Hilda Diane Buckley
May 16, 1946 – May 13, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at her home. She was born May 16, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Guy Franklin Buckley, Jr.; 1 daughter, Chantell Buckley Cortez; 2 sons, Guy Franklin “Trey” Buckley, III and wife, Rachel, and Trenity Wade Buckley and wife, Shelli; 1 sister, Donnie Mae Givens; 8 grandchildren, Tayler Buckley and wife, Jade, Calin Buckley and wife, Samantha, Tyler Cortez and wife, Rachel, Chesney Cortez, Gage Cortez, Trevor Buckley, Tanner Buckley and wife, Hailey, and Turner Buckley; 10 great-grandchildren, Eva Cortez, Adler Cortez, Sayler Cortez, Willow Cortez, Cora Buckley, Easton Buckley, Charleigh Buckley, Taton Buckley, Beau Buckley, and Lexi Buckley. Preceded in death by her dad, Luther Strickland; mom, Hilda Mae McElveen Strickland; brother, Gene Strickland; and sister, Trenia Faye Feldman. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for the Buckley family and other families during their time of loss.
Read the Bible in 2026
May 14
Numbers 3-4
Pine Ridge Bible Study
The group will take a summer break and resume in September. If you would like to join the group, ask me. I will help you get connected. You can get your book and be ready to join us in September.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
— Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Don’t Forget
Senior Dedication at FBC, Kentwood Sunday at 10:30.
Paul “Mike” Reeves passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 76. Mike had longed to go to Heaven to be reunited with his Savior, his mother, and his beloved son, Hunter Reeves.
Mike enjoyed the simple things in life and found great happiness spending time fishing and making memories with his grandson, Christian Reeves. He also had a special fondness for Chocolate Lab dogs, which brought him much joy throughout the years.
Above all, Mike loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Reeves Harrison; sons, Christopher Reeves (Kachada) and Austin Rushing (Delaine). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Harley Jones, Dustin Reeves, Seth Reeves (Rhea), Ainsley Reeves, Chelsey Harrison, Hannah Crapanzano (Michael), Christian Reeves (Macy), Caitlin Reeves (Skylar), Kali Reeves, Miles Coleman, Landen Coleman, Journie Rushing, and Amelia Rushing, along with numerous great-grandchildren.
Mike is also survived by his sisters, Paula Gennaro (Emile), Lisa Cutrer (Andy), and brothers, Bubba McCory (Sherri), Johnny McCory (Annie), Tommy Kelly (Callie).
He was preceded in death by his sons, Paul Michael Reeves Jr and Hunter Reeves; his mother, Maxine Wallace; stepfather, Warren Wallace; sister, Sharon McNutt; and son-in-law, Roy “Trey” Harrison.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wetmore Cemetery, officiated by Bro. Darryl Miller.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(This passage is referred to as the “Hymn of Christ”!)
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s continue to pray for our graduating seniors as they begin their post high school days, trade school, or college. Pray for them as they make plans for their future. Pray for maturity and good guidance in their decision making.
Read the Bible in 2026
May 12
Leviticus 26-27
This completes another book of the Bible! Tomorrow, we begin reading Numbers.
Obituary
Audrey Young Milton
May 11, 1937 – May 10, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at her home. She was born May 11, 1937 in Kentwood, LA and was 88 years of age. She is survived by her 3 sons, Marlon Milton (Kim), Kenneth Milton (Toye), and Doug Milton (Brandy); daughter, Stacey Milton; grandchildren, Matthew Milton (Ashley), Ashley M. Boesch (Danny), Jason Milton (Haley), Dusty Milton (Timberly), Jamie Milton (Natalie), Jesse Milton, Hailey McDonald (Jesse), Jenna Springer (Eric), and Donna Milton; great-grandchildren, Easton Milton, Emarson Boesch, Jorja Boesch, Grayson Boesch, Lawson Milton, Bregman Milton, Jerry Christopher McDonald, and Audrey Lauree Milton, Bailey Burdette, Braelyn Milton, Brantley Milton, Leanna Milton. Preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, James Milton; mother, Vivian Young; father, Jesse C. Young; infant sister, Alice Irene Young; infant brother, Walter Euliss Young; brother, William Clayton Young; infant great-grandson, Sawyer James Milton. Pallbearers are Dusty Milton, Jamie Milton, Jesse Milton, Matthew Milton, Jason Milton, and Danny Boesch. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew Gazaway. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
After reading a little from this site, and looking forward to reading more, I foresee you wanting to read some of these articles too.
Senior Recognition
We at FBC will recognize our 2026 graduates Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. Until then, we have the opportunity to mark a passage and/or write a brief message in Bibles for each of them. The Bibles will be available in the hallway of the fellowship hall all this week during church office hours. I haven’t been there yet, but will be sure to do so. Be sure you do so too.
Coming Soon – V.B.S.
Traditionally, we have VBS the first week of June. This year, VBS will be June 1-5, 8:30-11:30 A.M.. Registration can be done now in the church office or online.
Now is the time to begin praying for our leaders as they are already preparing for another wonderful week. A nursery will be provided for the children of adult leaders.
A program is usually held Friday night. Plan to attend at 6 P.M.
Special Prayer Requests Today
Homebound
Families who recently had deaths
Families of Graduates
VBS Workers
Children who will be attending VBS in 2026
New Deacon Selection at FBC
Families with Sickness
Families making travel plans for the summer
Children and youth who will participate in camp
Senior adults
Families with new babies
As you pray, ask God to guide you in service to Him.
This is the first Vacation Bible School verse I remember learning.
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.“
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
FBC VBS
Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood will be the first week of June. If you have children who would be interested in attending, please get them registered.
Last Tuesday, another reader of TPL introduced themselves to me. I knew her mother, but don’t remember meeting her before. Her mother was involved in missions in one of our area churches and a special friend. I’m thankful for her investment in my missions “journey”.
Have a great day, but don’t be selfish with it. Spend part of this day doing something meaningful for someone else.
ichard “Tippy” Tipton passed away on April 30, 2026, from Alzheimer’s Disease at 80 years old in Mandeville, LA.
Tippy was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 13, 1945, in the midst of a hurricane to Harry Britt Tipton and Henrietta Marcelle Steadman Tipton. The family moved to Hammond in Tangipahoa Parish when his father became the GM of JC Penney following Tippy’s birth. His mother died when he was 6 years old, and he eventually moved to a ranch in Amite, LA. There he lived with relative, Bolivar E. Kemp, and had a wonderful upbringing. Tippy graduated from Amite High School, followed by LSU. It was there in college he received his favored nickname of “Tippy”.
Tippy was friend to many and had an ebullient spirit that was irresistible.
Smart, funny, quirky, and a great dancer, he excelled at all things social. He was always the warm and wonderful life of every party.
As an adult, he channeled that winning personality and intelligence into his long and successful career in media sales (radio in the late 70’s and early 80s: WGSO, WTIX to name a couple ). Then, followed by local TV sales for WNOL and WGNO, he sold media analysis technology. Tippy was the top biller wherever he worked.
Tippy is survived by his adoring wife, Sally Rodman; his beloved daughter, Jennifer Tipton Kropog (Ryan); 3 grandchildren, Ella (6), Zachary (5), and Cameron (2); 5 nieces and nephews, Harry Maxwell Tipton (Julie), Edith Marcelle Tipton Hermes (Peter), Heather Maureen Tipton Lindquist (Benjamin), Andrew Bartholomew Steadman Tipton (Melia), and Marilyn Elizabeth Tipton Osborne (Jeffrey); and his brother, Ronald Britt Tipton (Berit).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1026 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM and eulogies beginning at 11:30 AM.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Tipton’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” Exodus 20:12 NIV
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for families as they honor mothers, those who are living and those who are deceased. Also, please pray for those who raised children who were not their born to them.
Today’s Sunday School Lesson
“ALERT”
Matthew 24:36-51
Obituary
John Leon Lindsey
July 4, 1945 – May 8, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 4, 1945 in Independence, LA and was 80 years of age. Mr. John was a U. S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War and was a retired tool pusher and superintendent with Nabors Industries after 46 years of service. He is survived by his son, Tommy Lindsey and wife, Rhonda; daughter, Toni Wilson and husband, Richie; grandchildren, Tyler Lindsey and wife, Kalin, Trevor Lindsey and wife, Destiny, Brandon Wilson and wife, Kayla, Ashley Wilson and husband, Kyle, Sarah Howell and husband, Matt, Sadie Wilson, Megan Wilson, Calum Dillon, and Ava Dillon; great-grandchildren, Stella, Holland, and Finley Lindsey, John Leon Lindsey, II, Reece, Maddox, Wyatt, McKinley, and Ramssey Kate Wilson, Lydia Howell, Kanen, Tucker, Adley and Oakley Huguley; sister, Margie Lindsey Lascaro and husband, Anthony; brother, Tommy Lindsey and wife, Becky; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey; brothers-in-law, Steve Christ and wife, Brandy, and Tap Jarreau; special friends, Janie Lundbom, Pam Gill, Clayton Blades, and Christian Trahan. Preceded in death by the love of his life, his loving wife, Barbara A. Lindsey; parents, John Lamar Lindsey and Elaine Brabham Lindsey; sisters, Nell Matherne and husband, Leroy, Pearline Williams and husband, Bob, Mary Strickland and husband, Harold, Lida Coates and husband, Warren; brother, Fred Lee Lindsey, Sr.; special nephew, Leroy Matherne, Jr.; special niece, Karibeth Lindsey Barbary. The family would like to thank Jeannie Cox, Hospice of Baton Rouge, Renae Laird, Rhi Strong, Mary Perkins, Chris Chavers, and Charity Spears. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Tyler Lindsey, Trevor Lindsey, Brandon Wilson, Calum Dillon, Jay McGregor, and Fred Lindsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Clayton Blades, Christian Trahan, and Scott Lindsey. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Another Scripture
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” PSALM 121:1-2
Read the Bible in 2026
May 10
Leviticus 22-23
It’s never too late to begin a Bible-reading plan.
Graduates
Our 2026 graduates will be honored next Sunday during the worship hour.
First, we have a week to mark a Scripture and sign our name in the Bibles that will be given to them next week. (The Bibles are located in the hallway of the fellowship hall. Go by at your convenience today or any day this week.)
Prayer List
Use your personal prayer list to guide you in praying today. Update your list, if needed.
Thank-you for being an encourager to others. You have an impact on others!
The Prayer Link 
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