Great peace have those who love your law,

and nothing can make them

Psalm 119:165

“When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads,

because your redemption draws near.” 

~Luke 21:28~

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in Christ.

As we enter a new year,

give us opportunities to share this hope 

and the Good News that Christ has paid for our sins.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Urilda “Willie” Taylor Lewis

February 12, 1936 – December 28, 2021

Willie Lewis, age 85, passed away December 28th at 11:00 pm in Amite, La. Born February 12, 1936 to Rock (Barney) and Winifred Taylor, she grew up in Metairie, Louisiana where she enjoyed fishing with her dad. She was married for 63 years to her college sweetheart Don Lewis. They owned Western Auto in Kentwood for 40 years and she currently worked at the Tangipahoa Water Works. She played the organ at Lewiston Baptist Church for 40+ years and served as the church’s secretary. She enjoyed reading, watching westerns with her beloved pet, Trixy , Louisiana history, and cross stitching. Survived by: Husband of 65 years, Don Lewis, 2 children: Vandy and Lyn Lewis and Cindy and JoJo Norris all of Kentwood. 6 grandchildren and spouses: Misty (Kelly) Alford, Ricky Lewis, Taylor (Jeremy) McKenzie, Cody Lewis, Cynthia Schilling, and Cassye Jo Norris. 7 great grand children, 1 sister in-law: Barbara Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents Rock and Winifred Taylor, and her brother, Buddy. Visitation will be January 1st from 9-11 at Lewiston Baptist Church with funeral services beginning immediately after officiated by Brother Corey Morris. Burial will follow in the Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 30th Readings
REVELATION 15:1-18:24

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Covid cases/deaths seem to be increasing again.

1. Pray for the families dealing with covid and covid deaths.
2. Pray for your family’s protection from covid and covid deaths.
3. Pray for your church’s protection from covid and covid deaths.
4. Pray for your local schools’ protection from covid and covid deaths.
5. pray for your local nursing home’s protection from covid and covid deaths.

A new year will be beginning in two days. Pray about how God would have you read your Bible next year. I will be including a plan that focuses on a different topic each month. I hope you will join me in reading each day. The reading will be easier and shorter. The emphasis on a topic will be a good change. Give it a try beginning on January 1.

Our church packed 454 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child in 2021. We also packed and additional 350 pencil bags with pencils, pens, erasers, markers, pencil sharpeners, stickers, glue sticks, small toys, etc. That means we impacted 804 children. With each box having an impact on 7 people, that means our church impacted 5628 people with the Gospel! Thank you for your support! Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you! You will be blessed for your support.

We were also able to supply items for two different local ministries, about 20 different children.

Thank-you for your support of the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. That’s another way you impacted the world for Jesus. Every penny of that money goes to support missionaries and projects they do to introduce people to children.

It’s great there is leadership for various mission projects and lots of you who join in and do your part. Thank-you so much.

As 2022 approaches, I hope God stirs your heart to do and to support mission projects for the coming year.

Anna Lee

“Come to me,

all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.”

~Matthew 11:28~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 29th Readings
REVELATION 11:1-14:20

May the lives of each of us shine with the knowledge of knowing, loving, and serving Jesus each day.

Anna Lee

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

~Psalm 55:22~

I know this verse is a helpful reminder to many people this morning. I’m certainly casting my cares on Him today.

Geraldine Baker Sanchez

October 05, 1941 – December 27, 2021

Geraldine Baker Sanchez, Granny, born October 5, 1941,age 80 went to Heaven on Monday, December 27, 2021. She was a resident of Harvest Manor Nursing Facilty & Rehab, Denham Springs, LA and native of Amite, LA. She is survived by her nieces that she loved like her own children, Elizabeth “Ann” Cheek and fiancé Melvin Roe, Sr., Margaret Rutland and husband Robert, Barbara “Boo” Rutland and husband Roger. Along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as her aunts. Preceded in death by her husband Olan Sanchez; parents, J.D. Baker and Willie Mae Price Baker; sister, Georgia Mae Baker Cheek; and brother-in-law, Bobby Clyde Cheek; great nephew, Kristopher Robert Rutland. Special thanks to the Harvest Manor staff & Elsie Tuminaro of Amite, La. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 30, 2021. Interment will follow in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your charity of choice or to Full of Grace at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Paul Joseph Laurent

February 03, 1962 – December 25, 2021

A resident of Independence, LA, Paul passed peacefully on Saturday, December 25, 2021. A loving father, brother and son, he was born February 3, 1962 in New Orleans, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his loving daughter, Lakin E. Laurent; 2 of the best sisters, Barbara M. Laurent and Hilda M. Laurent; 1 adoring brother, Melvin J. Laurent, III; and his beloved daughter’s mother, Debbie Anthony Scott. Preceded in death by his parents, Melvin J. Laurent, Jr. and Joella Lewis Laurent; sister, Ruby Lorraine Laurent Seal; brother, Barney Larry Laurent. Graveside Services will be held at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA at 2:00PM Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. John Chetta. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com mckneelys.com.

I know of another death, but am waiting for an obituary. Maybe it will be ready in the morning. Continue to pray for families as they struggle in various ways. Struggles during the holidays seem extra hard for many.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021.

December 28th Readings
REVELATION 7:1-10:11

Coming soon . . . the 2022 Bible reading plan. Just a few days . . . .

Baptist Press today includes the 10 most read articles of 2021.

https://www.baptistpress.com

Gift Certificates for Kentucky Tornado Victims

January will be here in a few days. It’s not too early to purchase some gift certificates that will be sent to victims of the tornadoes that hit in Kentucky recently. I think David and I will purchase some from Walmart since they can be used for clothing, food, household items, etc. You can turn them in at the church office of FBC. We will collect all during January. Other store that would be good choices would be the building supply stores, dollar stores, etc. Bro. Stan Statham will help us get them to the people who need them most. He is the new director of LA Baptist Disaster Relief.

OCC January Workshop

We will not meet Saturday. If this decisions changes, I will let you know.

Today, I am thankful to have met some wonderful people yesterday. God sends them to us just when we need them most and in places and ways we would have never expected. I hope He will send you to someone to bless you and them in the next few days. What a way to end 2021!

Anna Lee

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures

and presented him with gifts of gold,

frankincense

nd myrrh.  

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:11-12

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021

December 27th Readings
REVELATION 3:1-6:17

Anna Lee

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,  

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:13-14~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 26th Readings
JUDE 1:1-25
REVELATION 1:1-2:29

I was back in the ER yesterday. Please continue to pray.

Anna Lee

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah,

the Lord.  

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

~Luke 2:10-12~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 25th Readings

ZECHARIAH 8:1-23
REVELATION 16:1-21
PSALM 144:1-15
PROVERBS 30:29-31

The Christmas Story – Luke 2

Anna Lee

While they were there,

the time came for the baby to be born, 

and she gave birth to her firstborn,

a son.

She wrapped him in cloths

and placed him in a manger,

because there was no guest room available for them.

~Luke 2:6-7~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 24th Readings
1 JOHN 1:1-4:6

Read the Book of Luke in December

Today’s reading – Luke 24

I trust reading Luke this month has been a blessing and added special meaning to the Christmas holidays.

Don’t forget the FBC, Kentwood Christmas service from 6:00 – 6:30 tonight. Guests are welcome to celebrate Jesus with us.

Please continue to pray for me (and David). I am having issues that took us to the ER in Covington yesterday. We had a great experience and are praying for positive results.

Anna Lee

“Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things,

but few things are needed—or indeed only one.

Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her.’”

~Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)~

Good news from the Hood family. Tommy recently had a six month evaluation at MDA and passed with very good results.

Mr. Bobby Raborn was scheduled for a defibrillator procedure yesterday and will have two valve replacements after Christmas. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Please pray for two WMU friends from Montpelier. Barbara (and John Forshag) had a long trip with no problems, but she now has the flu. Charlene Addison has pneumonia, but was sent home from Hodd Memoria for recovery and protection from Covid. Please pray for good recoveries for these ladies.

Roy E. Spears

July 12, 1962 – December 21, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born July 12, 1962 in Amite, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his sister, Tanya Gorman Weatherby; brothers, Ray “Bubba” Spears, Louis Wayne Spears and wife, Dina and Gerald Scott Spears; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Spears. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Betty Dees Cade

November 02, 1943 – December 21, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home in Kentwood, LA. She was born November 2, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robert Cade; 2 daughters, Julie Williams and husband, David and Dee Johnson; grandchildren, Nikki Swearingen, Dalton Bridges, Katelyn Welch and husband, Colton, Maddox Williams and Rowdy Pete Williams; 3 great-grandchildren, Jayden Swearingen, Gabriel Salassi and Ridley Salassi. Preceded in death by her parents, Hamilton Dees and Bernice Mothershed Dees; son, Barry Swearingen; brother, Benjamin Dees; sister, Shirley Dees Haynes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Carolyn Badon Price

September 23, 1947 – December 21, 2021

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

A resident of Greenwell Springs, LA, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. She was born September 23, 1947 in Magnolia, MS and was 74 years of age. She was a dedicated and compassionate nurse specializing in Geriatric Psych. She is survived by her husband, Gary H. Price; daughter, Missy Dickson Miller and husband, Todd; son, Michael K. Dickson and Ashleigh Stagg; sister, Karen Badon Carruth and husband, Greg; 2 brothers, Doug Badon and wife, Jackie and Donny Badon and wife, Sara; 4 grandchildren, Candace Anthony and husband, Justin, Christian Miller Strahan and husband, Roy, Blair Dickson and Michael T. Dickson; 2 great-grandchildren, Livi Anthony and Kinley Anthony; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; her 3 faithful companions, Timex, Rolex and Buster; close friends, Pat Tynes, Lee Bonocarso, JoAnn Price and Tina Marcant; cousin and friend, Linda Glascock. Special Thanks to Dr. Chad Domangue and Dr. Derris Ray. Preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Esther Badon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

New State WMU Leader in January

Christine Gill answers the call as Louisiana Baptists new WMU strategist

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 23rd Readings
1 PETER 5:12-14
2 PETER 1:1-3:18

Read the book of Luke in December

Chapter 23

FBC, Kentwood Christmas Eve service

6:00 – 6:30 P.M.

Be a blessing to someone else today,

Anna Lee

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

Richard Jenkins

January 31, 1947 – December 20, 2021

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born January 31, 1947 in Franklinton, LA and was 74 years of age. He served in the United States Army and Army National Guard and was a heavy diesel mechanic till he retired. He loved working on motorcycles and building them. He loved his children and grandchildren and watching them play sports. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and jeep. He also enjoyed drinking coffee and having breakfast with his best buddies. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Brigette Whaley and husband Jeremy and Sherry Knight; mother of children, Paulette Rogers Jenkins; grandchildren, Alyx Bush, Adam Bush, Lily Hall and Ella Hall; sisters, Florine Sorrell and husband James and Lola Beto and husband, Jerry; brother, Samuel Charles Jenkins and wife, BJ; step-father, Gus Conglio; step-children, Frank Saizon and Jason Saizon; step-grandchildren, Jason Saizon, Hunter Saizon, Elizabeth Saizon, Carla Gilless and Samantha Saizon. Preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Faye Jenkins; parents, Sam Jenkins and Elsie Mae Coniglio; step-grandson, Wolfgar Saizon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. David Pigott. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 22nd Readings
1 PETER 2:4-5:11

Read about the Birth of Jesus

Today’s reading – Luke 22

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Great Video!

Tonight – Regular prayer meeting service at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M.

Friday – Christmas Eve service at FBC, Kentwood (30 minutes)

Have a wonderful, cooler day!

Anna Lee

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

Read the Christmas story one chapter at a time!

Today – Luke 21

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021!

December 21st Readings
HEBREWS 13:1-25
1 PETER 1:1-2:3

Jobe C. “JC” Blades

November 27, 1939 – December 15, 2021

Jobe C. “JC” Blades died Dec. 15 , 2021 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, La. he was born November 27, 1939 in Greensburg, La to Ephrem and Ruby Blades. After a few years in the Army, JC began a welding career and in 1970 he opened JC Blades Construction. His company became one of the biggest welding contractors in the south. He retired in 2000, but he never really stopped working. He became an avid golfer and fisherman. JC was a BMW motorcycle rider and traveled to 49 states and he was awarded the 200,000 mile rider by BMW for 200,000 miles traveled on BMW motorcycles. He finally parked his bike 2 years ago at 80 years old. JC, was survived by a brother, Paul Blades of Saucier, MS, granddaughter Chloe Whiddon, Independence, La, and son in law, Matthew Michael, Deadwood, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Lebo Blades, daughter, Debra Michael, 2 brothers, Charles “Stud” Blades, and Johnny Blades and his parents, Ephrem and Ruby Blades. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

First Baptist Church is having a Christmas Eve program at 6:00 Friday night. Bro. Darryl promised it will end by 6:30 so you will have plenty of time for other events. You are welcome to spend that 30 minutes with us and be truely blessed.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee