Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

~Psalm 34:8~

TIME CHANGETI CHANGE

Sunday night’s service, a fifth Sunday singing, will be help at Spring Creek Baptist Church beginning at 5 P.M. A meal will be served following the singing.

OBiTUARIES

Jade Buckley’s mom’s service will be at 3:00 this afternoon at FBC, Kentwood.

Cynthia Ann Roberts

August 11, 1956 – January 17, 2023

Cynthia Ann Roberts, of Roseland, LA formerly of Metairie, LA, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in her home, peacefully asleep. She was 66 years old. She was the only daughter of Leroy Adele Wilson and Jacquelyn Veronica Greig Wilson. She was born in New Orleans, LA on August 11, 1956. She graduated from Boothville Venice Highschool. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include a son Curtis Allen Roberts, Jr. and wife, Tiffany, a daughter Jade Andrea Buckley and husband Taylor. Two brothers Leroy Wilson and wife Sue and Craig Wilson and wife Tanya. Five grandchildren who were all her favorites and two precious great grandchildren. She was a sweet soul who loved football, crawfish boils and spending time with her family. Memorial Services at 3:00PM on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Daryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Dorothy Easley Monk

August 27, 1928 – January 14, 2023

Dorothy Easley Monk, a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away January 14, 2023 at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by parents, Beatrice Lee and Walter Easley, sisters, Rema Biondo (Anthony), Nan Anderson (Roy), and Odette Sitman (Alphy). Brothers, Worth Easley (Irene) and D.J. Easley (Ola Mae) and husband Jim Monk. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Burial in New Zion Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE

Matthew 5

“One area I am going to improve today is . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s focus on the illegal drugs, especially those coming into our country through our open border, that are killing so many young people. Pray for the sources to dry up and for the young people of our country to realize the danger of the drugs and to stop taking them. At the same time, pray for the many families touched by this problem every single day. Pray people will choose God over drugs.

MISSION FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for Ellen Burford nd her personal ministry, MOVING MOUNTAINS MINISTRY, which is housed in our church. I thank Bro. Darrell for allowing her to use our church to store all the many things she needs so they will be available when a child goes into a new home. I’ve seen her “in action” a number of times as she helped the foster mothers and as she struggled to keep her room organized despite all the opportunities to give items away.

You may want to become more familiar with Ellen and her wonderful ministry. Check out her site, https://movingmountainsla.com/.

YOUR TURN – God uses people in many ways. How does he use you? How does he want to use you? Are you willing to be used?

Anna Lee

 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Ephesians 3:16

OBITUARIES

Jason Wayne Addison

December 23, 1981 – January 19, 2023

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born December 23, 1981 in Independence, LA and was 41 years of age. He is survived by his father and step-mother, Raymond and Donna Callahan; mother, Ellen Belinda Addison; step-father, Joseph Rumfala; brothers and sisters, Joey Addison, Jennifer Addison, Matthew Addison, Twyanna Callahan, Raymonda Callahan, Iriael White, Shavanna Burton, Dwayne Watkins, and Diontae Cannon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by grandparents, Gertrude Sharp and Sam Rumfalo. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Interment Durbin Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Lindsey Strickland

August 14, 1940 – January 22, 2023

A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born August 14, 1940 in Greensburg, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her 2 brothers and 1 sister, John Leon Lindsey, Margie Lindsey Lascaro and husband, Anthony and Tommy Lindsey and wife, Becky; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey; brother-in-law, Warren Coates; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Harold Strickland; parents, John and Elaine Lindsey; 3 sisters and 1 brother, Nell Matherne and husband, Leroy, Pearline Williams and husband, Bob, Fred Lindsey, and Lida Coates; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey. Pallbearers are Tommy Lindsey, Anthony Lascaro, Corey Smith, Curtis Matherne, Scott Lindsey, and Fred Lindsey. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Henri Melindy Sumner

December 26, 1956 – January 15, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023 at University Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. She was born December 26, 1956 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 66 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sisters, Rindy Williams and husband, David and Cindy Landry; 1 nephew, Nathan Williams; 1 niece, Mikel Brown; 1 great-nephew, Jayton; 2 great-nieces, Asia and Stella. Preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Melba Whidden; husband, Brady Sumner. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, we need to thank God for sparing us from the potentially disastrous weather that came through last night. It could have been so much worse for us individually and as a community. Pray for those who were not so fortunate.

We also need to pray for others who had damage to their homes and communities. Then we need to “Put feet to our prayers”. That means we need to help others though Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief and other proven organizations that use their funds to help those in need. It also means you can use the skills you learned through Louisiana Baptist

READ the BIBLE

John 8: 15-58

I need to be set free from . . . .

TEXT for PRAYER MEETING

Tonight at FBC, Kentwood

“The Downfall of Man”

Romans 6: 12-21

OCC DONATIONS

Your gifts for OCC can be placed in the basket in the front of the sanctuary tonight or on Sundays. Thank-you for giving school supplies and other items. If in doubt, ask me. I will be glad to give ideas to chasses or individuals. Thanks to those who have already stepped up to help bring items to fill our 400 “Shoeboxes”.

Anna Lee

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

~Isaiah 40: 29~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

January 24

John 6: 25-59

Of these promises, the one that is most significant to me is . . . .

HEALTH CONCERNL

BRETT FRAZIER is slightly better, but continues to need our prayers for his neck problem.

OBITUARIES

Mary Lindsey Strickland

August 14, 1940 – January 22, 2023

A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born August 14, 1940 in Greensburg, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her 2 brothers and 1 sister, John Leon Lindsey, Margie Lindsey Lascaro and husband, Anthony and Tommy Lindsey and wife, Becky; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey; brother-in-law, Warren Coates; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Harold Strickland; parents, John and Elaine Lindsey; 3 sisters and 1 brother, Nell Matherne and husband, Leroy, Pearline Williams and husband, Bob, Fred Lindsey, and Lida Coates; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey. Pallbearers are Tommy Lindsey, Anthony Lascaro, Corey Smith, Curtis Matherne, Scott Lindsey, and Fred Lindsey. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Pamela Morris Smith

October 23, 1964 – January 21, 2023

A resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at her home. She was born October 23, 1964 and was 58 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Wall and husband, Joseph; 2 granddaughters, Jayde and Jolie Wall; sister, Vickie Futrell; niece, Jennifer Martin; nephew, Jase Martin; and brother, Phillip Morris and Debbie Rhodes. Preceded in death by husband, Kerry V. Smith; son, Jason Phillip Smith; parents, James E. Morris and Mary Kathryn Morris; brother-in-law, Mitch Futrell. Graveside Services will be held at Montpelier Cemetery at 1:00PM Thursday, January 26, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those around us who don’t know Jesus. Let’s focus on one thought, “What more can we do to lead them to Jesus?”

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING

Remember one fact: 100% of the funds you give through your church go directly to missionary work around the world as the missionaries represent us in telling the lost about Jesus. That is my mission thought for the day!

Anna Lee

I can do all this through him who

gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Update on Barbara Hutchinson

“Miss” Barbara is home and feeling much better. She will be going back to the doctor for one more test. Keep on praying.

Prayer service for Donald Duncan

The prayer service for Donald Duncan and his family was just that, many prayers by friends. If you were unable to attend, you can pray for him now, wherever you are. God hears every prayer we utter, no matter wen or where we pray.

Prayers needed by Mrs. Laurie Miller

Pray for Laurie, Bro. Darryl’s wife, as she endures back issues. Her plans are to wait until the end of the school year to have back surgery. Pray her pain becomes more endurable or she finds a way to have surgery sooner. We missed her at church yesterday.

Obituaries

Joseph “Jody” Columbus Abbott

October 31, 1949 – January 20, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at The Butterfly Wing in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 31, 1949 in Pride, LA and was 73 years of age. He is survived by daughter, Jennifer Abbott Blackwell and husband, Craig; 3 granddaughters, Reagon Campbell and husband, Chase, Raini Blackwell, Brooke Perry and husband, Adam; 4 great-grandchildren, Windham Perry, Rowdy Perry, soon to be George Perry, and Lane Campbell; 3 sisters, Ovelene Spears, Janice Hutchinson, and Charlotte Boyer; 1 brother, James Abbott. Preceded in death by parents, Columbus and Margaret Abbott; 4 sisters, Wilmagene Abbott Powers, Jenny Willie, Evelyn Umfress, and Carnelia Stidham; 5 brothers, Paul Abbott, Charles Abbott, Lowell Abbott, Olan Abbott and Timothy Abbott. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a funeral service at 6:30PM on Wednesday January 25, 2023. Interment will be private at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Pamela Morris Smith

October 23, 1964 – January 21, 2023

A resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at her home. She was born October 23, 1964 and was 58 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Wall and husband, Joseph; 2 granddaughters, Jayde and Jolie Wall; sister, Vickie Futrell; niece, Jennifer Martin; nephew, Jase Martin; and brother, Phillip Morris and Debbie Rhodes. Preceded in death by husband, Kerry V. Smith; son, Jason Phillip Smith; parents, James E. Morris and Mary Kathryn Morris; brother-in-law, Mitch Futrell. Graveside Services will be held at Montpelier Cemetery at 1:00PM Thursday, January 26, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer focus for today

Today, lets pray for our country. Several places in our country had terrible events harming and/or killing innocent people. Pray for those who are struggling with desires to commit such crimes. Pray for families as they are left to a life with injured/traumatized loved ones or without their loved ones. Pray for troubled family members. May troubled people learn to trust in God and that actions like these are not the solution to their problems. Trusting God will guide them to finding better solutions

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Matthew 12: 46-50
• * Mark 3: 31-35
• *The area of my life that I have difficulty submitting to God’s will is . . . .
• (This was discussed in my Sunday School class yesterday. Some people said “WORRY” was hard to turn over to God and leave it with Him. Others have learned to “give worry to Him and to move on”. I think recognition of a shortcoming is a step toward working through the issue. I thank God for Sunday School classes and the lessons we study each week.

Today is a good day to take action! You might want to do one or more of the following:

• Call to check on someone who is not feeling well.
• Visit someone you have missed at church and deliver a Sunday School book or magazine.
• Take a portion of your meal or fast food to someone who might not be cooking today.
• Deliver a plant to gift certificate to them.
• The list is endless. Do what fits your and your lifestyle best.

Taking Action

I was always taught that words without actions somethines do not have the same effect/benefit. My mother set a good example for me by delivering cookies or a pie as we visited church friends and family members.

Think about that. Maybe, you need to take action to help others in some way this week. Sometimes small actions on our part make a big difference to others. It may even dry an example fort your children and/or grandchildren.

Anna Lee

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

~Psalm 29:11~

READ and WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY

*Matthew 12: 1-8

*Mark 2 :23-28

*Luke 6: 1-5

When religious people try to “trap me”, I . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Pray for yourself and others in church today. May each person have open ears and an open heart to what they hear.

The adult Sunday School Scripture is Genesis 3: 1-6.

Bro. Darryl’s message is”Worship is Wonderful” from Nehemiah 9: 5-6.

I hope to see many of you in God’s house today. I’m excited as I anticipate being there and hope you feel the same way.

Don’t forget the prayer service for Donald Duncan today. Donald has been diagnosed with a blood disease. The service be at New Zion Baptist Church at 2 P.M.

Anna Lee

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

~Proverbs 18:10~

Prayer Requests

Kelsey, and Miranda, Erwin are home with Kelsey feeling much better. Thank you for praying for them.

Donald Duncan requests your prayers. He has been diagnosed with a blood disease and will soon begin treatment. Also, please remember the prayer service for him tomorrow at New Zion Batprist Church at 2:00.

Brett Frazier has a problem with an infection. He and Susan request your prayers.

Obituaries

Dora Jean Miller Edwards

August 15, 1935 – January 20, 2023

Dora Jean Miller Edwards was born August 15, 1935 and died January 20, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank M. Edwards, Jr., and is survived by seven of their children: Alice Edwards Stevens (Alvin); Frank M. Edwards, III (Kathy Sue); Clay Edwards (Dianne); Andrew Edwards (Belinda); Morgan Edwards; John Bel Edwards (Donna); and, Daniel Edwards (Blair), all of Tangipahoa Parish. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Brenda Brister Edwards, 24 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Dora Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her son, Christopher Edwards, Sr.; her parents, Rudolph H. Miller, Sr. and Ouita Husser Miller; her sisters, Ouita Karney and Joan Wallace; and her brothers, Rudolph H. Miller, Jr., and Richard J. Miller.

Dora Jean graduated from Amite High School in 1953. She went on to graduate from Our Lady of the Lake nursing school in 1956. Dora Jean spent the majority of her career as a registered nurse serving in the emergency department at Lallie Kemp Charity Hospital in Independence.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Helena Catholic Church, Dora Jean also offered her time as a catechism teacher and an RCIA instructor, preparing others to join the Catholic Church. Along with her husband Frank, Dora Jean was active for many years in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul seeking charity and justice for the less fortunate in Tangipahoa Parish. Dora Jean reigned as the Amite Oyster Pearl, alongside Frank as the Oyster King, in 2009.

Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite on Monday, January 23, with visitation from 8:30 until 11:30 in the church hall and Mass of Christian burial at noon in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, Dora Jean requested that donations be made to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), at give.lopa.org, or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 1119, Amite, Louisiana, 70442. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Cynthia Ann Roberts

August 11, 1956 – January 17, 2023

Cynthia Ann Roberts, of Roseland, LA formerly of Metairie, LA, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023 in her home, peacefully asleep. She was 66 years old. She was the only daughter of Leroy Adele Wilson and Jacquelyn Veronica Greig Wilson. She was born in New Orleans, LA on August 11, 1956. She graduated from Boothville Venice High school. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include a son Curtis Allen Roberts, Jr. and wife, Tiffany, a daughter Jade Andrea Buckley and husband Taylor. Two brothers Leroy Wilson and wife Sue and Craig Wilson and wife Tanya. Five grandchildren who were all her favorites and two precious great grandchildren. She was a sweet soul who loved football, crawfish boils and spending time with her family. Memorial Services at 3:00PM on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ THE BIBLE

January 22

• Luke 15: 11-32
• In this parable, I identify with . . . .

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Reminder

You have two more weeks to purchase the item your class has been requested to purchase for OCC. Your items can be placed in the basket located at the front of the sanctuary. All your help is greatly appreciated!

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Pray for all the hands that will be involved in shoeboxes – clerks in stores, purchaser, shoebox volunteers who prepare items and pack shoeboxes, volunteers at drop off location and collection site, shoebox checkers at processing sites, hand that help pack crates (two times – locally and again at the processing site, hands involved in transportation via plane, boats, trains, cars, bicycles, camels, hores, etc., and pastors and teachers at dectination sites where they are distributed to boys and girls. Finally, pray for the families of the children. All this equals HELPING HANDS FOR MISSIONS!

Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Please pray for our friend, Loren much McElveen. He is in ICU at North Oaks with heart issues.

Taylor Buckley is home following his procedure yesterday morning. He is expected to feel much better in a few days.

Kelsey Erwin, granddaughter of Frank and Barbara Erwin and Bryan and Rita Tate has been admitted to a Texas hospital this morning with respiratory issues. Please be in prayer for Kelsey and her family.

Nora Alma Scott

March 25, 1949 – January 19, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at St. Helena Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born March 25, 1949 in Plaquemine, LA and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her sons, Tommy Boswell, Harry Boswell, and Daniel Boswell; daughters, Sheena Boswell, Holly Boswell, and Ramona Boswell; grandchildren, Joshua, Abel, Hailey, Brittni, Cameron, Evan, and Ethan; brother, Calvin Scott; sister, Lizzie Stark. Preceded in death by her parents, William Calvin Scott and Margaret Ellen Scott. Memorial Services will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE

January 20

Matthew 25: 14-30

The talent I could use more for Jesus is . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s consider all the unused and wasted talents we have. May each person who reads this will think about their own talents and give them to God so He can use them in His ways.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are some great articles for us to read today.

MOVING MOUNTAINS MINISTRY is housed in our church. I frequently see Ellen, her daughter, and other volunteers working to heep the room stocked and organized so new foster parents can get clothing, toys, and supplies they need to get started with a child who can not live with their parents for a while. Ellen has such a heart for what she does and gives her ministry many hours at any time of the day or night she is needed. I wish you all could talk to her and gain some of her desire to serve others as needed. She also encourages families to learn about and pray about becoming a foster parent. Check out her website. Pray about how you might could help her.

https://movingmountainsla.com/

Refer to the incomplete sentence following the Scripture at the top of this post. What is your talent? How can you use it?

Have a meaningful day as you seek to serve for Him in our community or wherever He sends you.
Anna Lee

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

~Habakkuk 3:19~

Pray for Jade Buckley. her brother. and their families. Their mother, Cindy Roberts passed away suddenly yesterday. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Taylor Buckley, Jade’s husband, who will be having surgery for kidney stoned today.

READ the BIBLE

January 19 – Matthew 18: 21-35

The most forgiving person I know is . . . .

Bro. Darryl’s Sunday Messages

Morning – “Worship is Wonderful” – Nehemiah 9: 5-6

Evening – “Reunited” – 2 Samuel 5

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

What has God got in store for you today?

Be ready! Answer the call!

Anna Lee

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3~

ILLNESSES

There will be a prayer service for Donald Duncan Sunday at 2 P.M. at New Zion Baptist Church.

Please pray for Virginia Sanders who is in North Oaks with a bone infection.

OBITUARIES

JoEtta Pittman Miller

October 11, 1956 – January 12, 2023

      JoEtta Pittman Miller, 66, belovedly known as Nana, of Kentwood, passed away at 11:00am on Thursday, January 12,2023 at St. Tammany Hospital.
      JoEtta was born October 11,1956 in Independence, LA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bobby Ray, Sr. and Bertha Gill Pittman; her siblings, Dudley “Chuck” Pittman, Bobby Ray Pittman, Jr., and James “Jimmy” Pittman; her son, Jacob Robert Crow; nephew, Christopher Pittman and niece Candice Adams Cash.
      She is survived by her husband, Terry Miller; their four children, Rebecca Naquin (Chuck), Daniel Miller, Taylor Miller,and Christy Brooks (Garrett). Nana had five grandchildren, Lundon Barrilleaux (Rusty), Hunter Naquin, Tucker Fogg, Eli and Dax Brooks; three great-grandchildren, Cohen, Baylor and Brinley Barrilleaux; siblings, Marie Pittman Kimble (Milton), Roger Pittman (Lois), and Janet Pittman Tigner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
       Services for JoEtta will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 9:00am until religious services at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Edith Irene McMillan Maurer

• 3Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home
• Jan 15, 2023 Updated Jan 15, 2023

Born in Pike County, MS on December 25, 1951.

Edith loved and cherished her family and friends.

She enjoyed traveling to see her family every chance she got. Edith loved spending time with her mother and siblings , she would always go out of her way for any of them! She always remained positive in every aspect of life and was often referred to as being tough like Kenneth Wayne! She was an amazing cook, and enjoyed the life she shared with those that she loved! Her children meant the world to her and she will be deeply missed by them all

Edith loved her children with everything she had, but her grandchildren topped it. Her pride and joy was Maddie, her granddaughter and partner in crime. Edith didn’t do anything without talking to Maddie.

She is survived by her mother Lucille Bates, three sons, Anthony (Whitney) Maurer, David (Amy) Maurer, and Jason (Ashley) Maurer; one sister Anita (Frank) Gerarve; four brothers, Kenneth Wayne (Nancy) McMillan, John Alton (Martha) McMillan, Hewitt and Richard McMillan; Grandchildren, Trey Maurer, Matthew Maurer, Madelyn Maurer, Joey and Parker Bates, Kaleb Martin, Bradyn and Heath Howell; great grandchild, Justine Martin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Spencer McMillan; stepfather, Hollis Bates; twin sister, Evelyn McMillan; and her two brothers, David McMillan and Robert McMillan.

Her final days were Spent with family & friends at her dear sisters home, who cared for her till the end!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Old Gillsburg Cemetery.

To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com

Jade Buckley’s mother passed away. An obituary is not yot available.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

January 18

Matthew 13: 1-30; 36-43

The weeds I need out of my life are . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for those who live alone. Then, let us act as God leads us. I think God is pleased when we act as He leads us to do something.

Anna Lee

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.  

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall

into the heart of the sea, 

 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

~Psalm 46:1-3~

OBITUARY

R. Stephen Raacke

October 29, 1942 – January 15, 2023

R. Stephen Raacke of Hammond, La. passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his home. He was born October 29, 1942 in Amite, La. to Heloise Ellis Raacke and Norbert E. Raacke. As a young man he worked for Boh Brothers Construction and was proud that he drove some of the piling for the New Orleans Superdome and One Shell Square. Later he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a police officer when he joined the Hammond Police Department. HPD sent him to the FBI Academy to further his law enforcement education and training. Throughout his career he worked with various agencies on the Local, State and Federal level. He retired as a Lieutenant. After retirement he worked 12 years for the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. He then fulfilled another dream by moving to Middle Tennessee to manage a 230 acre horse farm where he loved working outdoors with the horses in the beauty of the Tennessee foothills which stirred his soul. After 12 years of management he moved back home to Tangipahoa Parish to be near his family and friends. He is survived by his favorite wife of over 35 years Penny Lyons Raacke, his son James Raacke (Tammy), of Littleton, Colorado and his daughter Ginger Raacke McKinney (Jeff), of Ponchatoula, La., his brother Norbert E. “Tippy” Raacke, Jr. of New Orleans, La., five grandchildren and passel of great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Clinton Stephen Raacke. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

READ the BIBLE

January 17

Luke 18: 9-14

Matthew 6: 1-18

If this tax collector came to my church, he would be treated . . . .

TODAY”S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for our churches. Many have been growing since Covid. Pray each church finds ways to include new families by involvement other than worship services and Sunday School.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Last week, i told you we needed spoons for our shoeboxes. That day, we found two stores with over a hundred spoons costing 3/1.00 or 4/1.00. We still need about 300, but we have a good idea where to shop – Family Dollar and Dollar General. When you pass one of these stores, stop and check for teaspoons and tablespoons, please.

Today, before an appointment in McComb, we will be shopping for OCC. I am working on a shortage of calculators. Please pray for us to find more calculators. We need many more before we can pack the 200 “pencil bags” for the girls. If you happen to see any solar calculators ($1.00 – $1,25). please pick up some for us. You can leave your “find” in the basket to the right at the front on the church. We appreciate your prayers and your shopping.

I’ll try to keep you updated about our current shopping needs. I hope you will join in the fun of shopping. Any number is helpful!

More ideas will be shared later. For now, the focur is spoons and calculators.

FIFTH SUNDAY SINGING

This month, we (FBC) will be traveling to/sharing with Sp2ing Creek Baptist Church. Make plans to join us there on the fifth Sunday, January 19th.

Thank you for reading, praying, and taking action.

Anna Lee

READ THE BIBLE