WEDNESDAY

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:10

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on knowing Christ better.

Do we need to study our Sunday School lessons deeper?

Do we need to rewatch our church services or watch those of other churches?

Do we need to spend much more time on Bible study?

Do we need to study more Christian books explaining the Bible?

Do we need to take a seminary courses/courses focusing on the Bible?

Etc.

Let’s ask God to teach us more using the method(s) of His choice.

Read the Bible Every Day?

  • Deuteronomy 4:1-49
  • Psalm 40:1-5
  • Proverts 10:6-8
  • Luke 5:21 – 6:11

Happy OCC Shopping this month!

  • Red pens
  • Sewing measuring tapes
  • Small cars
  • Calculators
  • Small dolls

Fabric Cutting for OCC

Thanks to those who have helped cut fabric for the totes we send to boys and girls. We will be scheduling another, our third, fabric cutting day soon. Pay attention to the date. Bring your fabric cutting shears or rotary cutter. Thanks for this means of helping with OCC.

Obituaries

Deacon Michael Anthony “Mike” Agnello

September 29, 1946 – April 1, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at his home. He was born September 29, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 77 years of age. He served in the US Army Reserves as a MP. He was Owner and Operator of Himel’s Napa Auto Parts in Amite and Kentwood. He also served as an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula. A former assistant to the director at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home. Recently retired as a Genealogy Assistant at the Tangipahoa Parish Library. His proudest achievement was his work with the T. Harry Williams Center at L.S.U creating Sicilian Italian Culture project. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and served as a Chaplain. He served on many civic organizations and community boards throughout Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by wife, Valerie M. Agnello; 1 son, Mark J. Agnello; 1 daughter, Melanie A. Johnston and husband Jason; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Agnello, Hannah Vizena, Sarah Agnello, and Hailey J. Peek and husband, Matthew; 1 great-grandchild, Adelynn Dean. Preceded in death by parents, Salvadore “Sam” Agnello and Mary Graziano Agnello; brothers, Joseph Agnello, Salvador Agnello, and Ciro Agnello. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a Vigil Service at 6:00PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  Visitation from 8:30AM until 10:30AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite Thursday, April 4, 2024 with Funeral Mass to follow at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. We thank St. Tammany Hospice for their great care.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Frank M. Fox

April 26, 1942  –  March 31, 2024

Frank M. Fox of Gastonia, NC died peacefully on March 31, 2024, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s. He was born April 26, 1942 in Memphis, TN to the late Lowry S. Fox Sr. and Avis Smith Fox.

Frank grew up in Kentwood, LA. After graduating from Kentwood High School in 1960, he attended Louisiana State University. He would later obtain a Master of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Following graduation from LSU, he began his service with the US Air Force where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a medal for extraordinary achievement. When stationed in Goldsboro, NC, he met his loving wife of 52 years. They settled in Kentwood where he taught at Kentwood High School before retiring and moving to North Carolina. He then worked as a mail carrier with the US Postal service until retiring to his favorite role of Paw Paw to his seven grandchildren.

Possessing a true servant’s heart, he dedicated his entire life to helping others. As a young man, nothing was more important to him than caring for his mother after they lost his father. In his twenties he focused on serving his country, moving through the ranks of the military, and completing his service as a Captain. His next years were spent dedicating everything he had to his wife and three daughters. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, where he served as a deacon. After moving to North Carolina, he volunteered with the American Red Cross and Parkwood Baptist Church through organizations like the Salvation Army and PCO.

A true country boy at heart, Frank spent as much time as possible outdoors.  He loved fishing, hunting, model trains, and caring for cows on his dairy farm. An avid LSU fan, he loved watching his Tigers play baseball and football.  The only thing that could keep him from his Tigers was the chance to attend any of his grandchildren’s events. He spent many hours supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow and excel.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Alice Fox; three daughters, Lori Vail (Bob), Rebecca Backus (Aaron), and Leigh Ann Mantecon (Lito); seven grandchildren, Ellie Vail, Wes Vail, Will Backus, Lindy Sell, Henry Backus, Lito Mantecon II, and Tristan Mantecon. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Lowry Fox Jr., his honorary brother and cousin, Rod Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Parkwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 prior to the service.

The service will be live streamed via the following link for those who are unable to attend.

LiveStream Link Below (Copy & Paste)

https://boxcast.tv/view/frank-fox-memorial-service-o9b3tui8blwnfdzwe1az

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Parkwood’s PCO or James 1:27 Fund located at 1827 Dixon Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO BOX 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

Condolence messages may be made online at http://www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Fox family.

Thanks to the family for providing this link to the service. Many of us who cannot attend in person will be watching.

Thanks for reading TPL today and for allowing me to share some requests.

Anna Lee