But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

I Samuel 12:24

Read the Bible

Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11
Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14
“The only thing of real value is . . . .”

Thankfulness

Today, we all need to thank God for the rain we have received and the rain headed our way in the next few days. We had our brown cedar tree, and other trees, cut this week. I’m thankful not to see that big brown tree and look forward to some spring planting after the winter days that are ahead.

Prayer Concerns

Winter brings sore throats, coughs, sneezes, colds, and flu. We were in the cold too much this week. I had a slightly sore throat, but David was outside more and got sicker than I did. Will we ever learn? Have you learned that lesson yet? Please pray for all those who enjoyed too much time outside this week.

Obituaries

Wanda Wynette Holden

September 10, 1953 – November 30, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. She worked at Leon’s Shoe Store in Amite for 32 years. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Bruce E. Holden; only child and daughter, Kimberly Holden Russell (husband, Brandon Russell); 3 beautiful granddaughters, Chelsie Lynne Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Leanne Verberne (Corey Clouatre), and Carlie Lauren Verberne (Hayden Varnado); 2 beautiful great-granddaughters, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Clouatre; grandson, Dakota Russell; twin brother, Wayne Wytte Dixon; older brother, John Steven Dixon; one sister-in-law, Sue Holden Deakles (Gene Deakles); niece, Valerie Deakles Willman (Brett Willman); and great-nieces, Emilyn and Elisabeth Willman; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Estelle Dixon; father, John Baptist Dixon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Jim Thornhill. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Conly Asher Chavers
March 31, 2004 — November 29, 2023
Hammond

Conly Asher Chavers, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away at North Oaks Medical Center on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 19. He was born on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of Chris and Diedra C. Chavers.

Asher was a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. He was a proud dishwasher at Cate Street Seafood Station. He was a funny young man with a witty sense of humor. His love and compassion for other people was always strong. He had a big heart and loved animals especially birds.

Asher is survived by his parents, Chris and Diedra C. Chavers, sister, Sophia G. Chavers, grandmother, Iris Cleveland, grandparents, Reggie and Joette Chavers, grandfather, Chris Johansen; aunts and uncles, Kim Adams, Jessica and Tony Hopkins, Stephanie and Jonathan Hetrick, Charlotte Sylve, and David and Monette Cleveland, numerous cousins and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his “Pop”, Starret Cleveland, grandmother, Christine Johansen, and great-grandmother, Dora Lee Chavers.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev Robert Parkin and Dr. David Cranford officiating.

Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Sunday School Preparation

Genesis 1-2

Head’s Up

The Wednesday adult Bible study will be held in the fellowship hall again this week because the children are practicing in the sanctuary again this week. I don’t know about the Sunday night service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.

Week of Prayer

December 3–10, 2023

Southern Baptists observe a Week of Prayer for International Missions each year for the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® emphasis. Will you join your heart with others to pray for missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel?

You can give to the three Southern Baptist Mission Offerings all through the year. Be sure to mark your envelope and check “Lottie Moon” for international missions.

The missionaries thank you for providing the funds that provide for their mission projects all through the year. Without your gift, …..

Operation Christmas Child

OCC functions through Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham’s organization that works diligently to meet so many needs. “Shoeboxes” are one of it’s projects and has provided for underprivileged children in countries where the government does not help children. During the twenty years of OCC, 200 million shoeboxes have been given to children in 175 countries around the world! I am so blessed to be a small part of accomplishing that monumental task! Join me as we soon begin the 2024 Shoebox year.

Saturday = Preparation Day (for Sunday)

Do what you can today to make your Sunday run smoothly.

Anna Lee