MONDAY

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Psalms 127:1

Prayer Focus

Today is Monday, the start of a new work week for most people and the start of a new school week for many students and teachers. Let’s pray for each of them to have a safe and productive week.

Prayer Concerns

Bro. Darryl – sick over the weekend

Nathan Daniels – planned back surgery

Ruby Schwartz – planned neck surgery

Amy Tolar – surgery in Florida this week

Bryan Tate – at home

Dorothy Wall – able to walk some; anxious to walk again

Bobby Raborn – at home

Kenneth Birch – at home

Cete Dillon – at home

There are others who need out prayers, but they were not on my list today. Please pray for those listed here and for those on your prayer list. If you know of someone I need to list, please send me the name. Thank-you.

Read the Bible Every Day

  • September 9
  • Job 36:1-37:24
  • Psalm 105:32-39
  • Proverbs 22:7-8
  • I Corinthians 14:1-25

Sunday School

We had a good lesson from Acts 13 yesterday and will continue to learn more about Paul’s travels to different places to tell the Gentiles about Jesus. You are invited to my class, New Hope, or to any other class you choose. Studying God’s Word helps us understand who God wants us to be.

Children’s Christmas Program

The leaders and children met for the first time last night. If you have a child ages 4 – 6th grade (I think.), they can participate. The children will meet again next Sunday afternoon. It is not too late to begin to practice for the December presentation. Contact Nikki Rhodus or Wendy Fowler for more information.

Two River’s Associational Meeting

The meeting Saturday at FBC, Kentwood went well. The focus was on the Georgia Barnette offering for mission work in Louisiana. Many of the mission projects were discussed.

The next meeting will be Saturday, December 7th at Spring Creek Baptist Church. We will focus on Lottie Moon and the missionaries who serve internationally. All ladies and girls are invited to attend.

Thanks

Thanks for reading, praying, and all you do to help or encourage others. May we all be faithful to do the things God asks us to do including church attendance. You are appreciated!

Help needed?

If you need help learning more about FBC, or any other church, contact the church office, a church member, or look on the computer/phone for services available online and for the church’s website.

Anna Lee

SUNDAY

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

Today’s Focus

Let’s pray for those who have been invited to church this week. I pray that those who choose to attend will realize they want and need to attend regularly

Read the Bible Every Day

  • September 8
  • Job 34:1-35:16
  • Psalm 106:24-31
  • Proverbs 22: 5-6
  • I Corinthians 12:21-13:13

Sunday School Focus Today

Acts 13

Associational Meeting Yesterday

Yesterday was a great day. The associational meeting was very good. Thanks to everyone who came. Special thanks to the ladies from Kentwood who worked so hard! I’m proud of you and thankful for you!

Fall Food Round-Up

If you have purchased food for the fall food round-up, you can leave it in the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall. Their greatest The items will be picked up on the 16th, so be sure to get your’s to the church no later than the 15th.

Have a wonderful day. Be a blessing to someone in some way!

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

 “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Exodus 34:21

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for students and parents who have free time on the weekend. Let’s pray they choose their activities carefully and are aware all day of being safe and helping others around them be safe.

Read the Bible Today

  • September 7
  • Job 32:1-33:33
  • Proverns 22:3-4
  • I Corinthians 12:1-20

Thankfulness

Dorothy Wall broke her hip three weeks ago. She has had surgery and rehabilitation. Yesterday, she was able to go home. Pray for the adjustment she is making now. Thank God all has gone well in her treatment. I expect her to be back at church as soon as she can manage the walking.

Obituary

Wayne Wyatt Dixon

September 10, 1953 – September 3, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at The Richard  Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. He was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his brother, John Steve Dixon; niece, Kimberly Russell; nephews, John David Dixon and Daniel Lee Dixon; great-nieces, Chelsie Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Verberne (Corey Cloutre), and Carlie Verberne (Hayden Varnado); great-great-nieces, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Cloutre. Preceded in death by parents, Estelle and John Baptist Dixon; sister, Wanda W. Holden; brother-in-law, Bruce E. Holden; nephew, John Wayne Dixon. Graveside Services will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Randy Foulks. Pallbearers will be David Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Brandon Russell, Dakota Russell, and Allen Bickford. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Saturday

Today, is the day for the Two Rivers Associational Meeting at FBC, Kentwood. All ladies and girls are invited to come enjoy learning about the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions. The meeting begins at 10:00 in the church sanctuary and will be followed by a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall. Our next meeting will be the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, December 7th.

Fall Food Roundup

Every year we send items and checks to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. This year the items they need most are cleaning supplies, but you are also welcome to send paper supplies such as paper towels, gift cards to fast food outlets, or personal checks made out to them. If you have a bag of supplies, please place your items in the area beneath the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall building. The pickup is early on September 16, so try to get your items/checks to the church sooner.

Use today wisely.

Be a helpful friend or neighbor today. Help someone who is having a difficult time because of sickness, a death, etc. Invite some families to attend church with you. Prepare for church by getting clothing ready for your family members. Study your Sunday School lesson or read Acts 14 from your Bible. I think you get the idea.

Thank you for joining me today.

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

Revelation 7:17

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s pray for our extended families today.

Read the Bible Every Day

  • September 6
  • Job 30:9-31:40
  • Psalm 106:1-12
  • Proverbs 22:1-2
  • I Corinthians 11:17-34

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I hope you read the story about the man who sold his beautiful old car to buy a piece of equipment for Disaster Relief yesterday.

Sadly, I saw the article about China closing their adoptions of other children. David has two beautiful great nieces who were adopted from China more than twenty years ago. Many American families will be affected.

Two Rivers WMU Meeting

  • Tomorrow morning at 10:00
  • Leadership meeting at 9:00
  • FBC, Kentwood
  • Focus on Georgia Barnette Offering
  • Potluck lunch to follow the meeting
  • All ladies and girls invited to come

Fall Food Round-Up

  • Give items for use at the Children’s Home this year
  • Greatest need – household cleaning supplies
  • Get your items in soon. Pick-up will be on the 16th. Get your items to the church office or the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall soon.

Starting Sunday – Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette Offering for work in Louisiana.

You can look this up online or pick up a brochure at your local Baptist church.

Be an Encourager Today

Thank-you for joining me this morning.

Anna Lee

THURSDAY

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Today’s Prayer Request

Pray for students and teachers around the world as they go to schools with the news of an incident in Georgia that cost the lives of students and teachers yesterday.

Read the Bible Every Day

  • Job 28:1:30:8
  • Psalm 105:37-45
  • Proverbs 21:29-31
  • I Corinthians 10:25-11:16

Pine Ridge Bible Study

There were 25-30 ladies present for the first Bible study of Seamlesss by Angie Smith. Many of the ladies shared prayer requests. Please pray for these requests as a unit. May God bless each of the ladies as they study God’s Word in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

You are invited to meet with the ladies of Two Rivers Baptist Association as they learn about and celebrate the many mission projects through the state every year. The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. and conclude with a potluck lunch.

Obituary

Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr.

December 14, 1980 – September 1, 2024

Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr. was born on December 14, 1980. He was born with a song in his heart and a laugh in his belly. He was an affectionate, adventurous, fearless, joyful, and witty boy. He started playing drums with pencils and sticks, long before he ever touched an instrument. If he wasn’t tapping on something, he was tapping his foot, whistling or singing. If you spent a day with him, you’d leave him with an annoying song stuck in your head. If you ever woke up in a house with him, you enjoyed a shower serenade that would put a Grammy winning artist to shame.

Mark makes you fall in love with him. You can’t help it, really. He gives himself so freely to anyone he meets and offers vulnerability and raw emotion to everyone; whether in an elevator conversation with a stranger or a heart to heart with a lifelong friend. Everyone is like family to Mark and everyone feels like family when they’re with Mark. He wants it that way. It is his super power. His heavenly gift. It is his purpose every day. He loves intimate conversations and closeness and straight talk. When he is shining, he will make divine connections and in more scenarios than we’ll know this side of Heaven, those connections made eternal impact. There is no prerequisite with Mark, no walls, no expectations and God knows, NO boundaries! Right now, you can probably recite a tacky joke he told you. He is generous with his big heart and gives it away to anyone who will receive it. In that way, Mark is a faithful servant. He didn’t hide his talents.

Mark has been son, brother, friend, husband, and Daddy. Daddy was his favorite. He loved all kids but his three girls, they were his glory. He was the kind of daddy that kept his home full of magic and laughter, and the occasional toe touch competition. He loved his three girls with all he had and if you felt loved by Mark, imagine the love he gave them, that they will pass on and carry forever.

He loves the beach.
He loves driving fast.
He loves karaoke.
He loves baseball caps.
He loves live music.
He loves at least 3 beverages choices with each meal.
He loves too much cologne.
He loves a good plate lunch, and everyone he had was the best one yet!
He always has a wad of gum in his mouth or on the rim of his cup.
He loves to cook and if you’ve ever had his delicious cuisine and picked up a little something you couldn’t quite put your finger on, it was cinnamon or ketchup.
He will make you laugh at the most inappropriate time.
He plays drums like a professional.
He can sell you something you don’t want, for twice what it’s worth.

Mark is a worshipper. He loves to sit at the feet of Jesus. It’s where he is most peaceful, where he feels most at home. He returns there often, worshipping through a battle or celebrating a victory. He was made to worship and he can lead people in from the back pew at a packed church, with his sacrifice-arms stretched as high as he could, offering himself to his Savior.

Mark gets to worship at the throne of his King, forever. He entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on September 1, 2024 and he wants to invite you to sing with him there in eternity.

Visitation at Cornerstone Church of Amite from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Phil Nicaud and Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment will be private. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Requests

Before you pray today, take a few minutes to update your prayer journal.

Thank-you for reading and praying each day.

You make a difference in many lives.

Anna Lee

WEDNESDAY

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.

Psalms 128:1

Prayer Focus Today

Wednesday’s Bible Study at Pine Ridge

Saturday’s WMU Associational Meeting at Pine Ridge

Read the Bible Every Day

  • September 4
  • Job 24:13-27:23
  • Psalm 105:28-36
  • Proverbs 21:27-28
    • I Corinthians 10:6-24

Two Important Events this Week

Today – Bible Study at Pine Ridge: Seamless by Angie Smith and taught by Kathy Wales. Meet at noon to enjoy a lunch prepared by Chris and Kathy followed by the Bible Study.

Saturday – Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood at 10 A.M. (Leadership meeting at 9:00. The emphasis will be on the Georgia Barnette Offering for all the many missions done in Louisiana. Bring a dish for the potluck meal that will follow the meeting.

Obituaries

Orlando Baños

November 3, 1934 – August 31, 2024

Orlando Baños passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children, Saturday, August 31, 2024, after a 20 year battle with dementia. Orlando was born November 3, 1934 in San Antonio de las Vegas (a providence of Havana, Cuba). He married wife Dalia Labrador Baños and after witnessing the revolution and takeover by Fidel Castro of their beloved country, they fled to live the American Dream. A resident of Amite, Louisiana for 57 years, Orlando was well known for his joyous spirit and kind heart. He worked hard to provide for his family and embodied American Patriotism. His infectious laugh, love of music and dance, and can-do attitude will be passed down from his children and grandchildren for generations to come. Orlando is survived in death by his three sons Orlando Baños and wife,  Ann, of Austin, TX, Omar Baños and wife, Laura, of Amite, LA and Oscar Baños and wife, Rita, of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren Allyssa, Candace, Ariel, Trey, Brock, Alex, Dakota, and Sara; seven great grandchildren; and three step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Baños, Brock Baños, Alex Baños, Dakota Baños, Ryan Hillderbrand and Bradley Hillderbrand. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until 10:40AM on Friday. Religious Services at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00AM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Patsy Puckett Boyd

November 22, 1940 ~ September 2, 2024 (age 83)

Mrs. Patsy Puckett Boyd, 83, a lifelong resident of Utica, Mississippi prior to a debilitating stroke passed away peacefully Monday, September 2, 2024, at Vicksburg Convalescent Home where she was a resident. She joyfully entered her home in Heaven to abide eternally with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Patsy was born in Utica, MS on November 22, 1940. She was the daughter of Douglas “Boots” and Grace Puckett. She was a graduate of Utica High School and went on to begin Nursing School at Mississippi College. She was a lifelong member of Utica Baptist Church faithfully singing in the choir. Following her marriage to Richard “Larry” Boyd she was an exceptional homemaker for her family. She was always well put together with a perfectly clean home and delicious food especially her famous fried chicken! She especially enjoyed preparing for the holidays! She invested her life in tender care and gentle nurturing of her daughter and two sons and later her four grandchildren. Patsy enjoyed reading and has collected many books over the years. She also enjoyed exercising and has walked many miles on treadmills and trails. Patsy was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on Ole Miss and the Utica Goldwaves! Her generosity was appreciated by the many charitable organizations to which she and her husband  contributed. Her gentle spirit was recognized by family, friends and many animals. She loved playing with and caring for her many cats and they loved her! 

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard “Larry” Boyd, daughter Penny Allen, Utica; and two sons Richard Bradley “Brad” Boyd (Charlotte), Utica and Robert “Robby” Earl Boyd (Karen), Vicksburg and four grandchildren, Kaylee Elizabeth Eisman (Ben), Greenville, SC; Rebecca Lauren Cochran (Jacob), Vicksburg;  Emily Grace Davis (Jacob), Pattison; Ryan Bradley Boyd (Kaylan Gray, Fiancee), Philadelphia, MS and a step grandchild, Skylar Colbie Singleton (Raeven), Amite, LA and four great grandchildren Saylor Davis, Levi Eisman, Colbie and Hudson Singleton and a brother-in-love, Earl Mathes, Clinton, MS as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas “Boots” Puckett and Grace Sisk Puckett, sister, Doris Ann Mathes, three brothers, Douglas “Sonny” Puckett, Lawrence Puckett and Bruce Puckett as well as a son-in-law, Dexter Allen. 

Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 at Utica Baptist Church with a memorial service immediately following for family and friends. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Vicksburg Convalescent Home and Dr. Sam Pierce for their faithful care to Patsy. We would also like to thank the many friends and family members that have prayed for and supported her throughout the past five years. 

In lieu of flowers  gifts may be given to Utica Baptist Church in her memory.

Thankfulness

Today, I am very thankful for the ladies and girls who have shown a new interest in various mission opportunities.

Anna Lee

TUESDAY

Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalms 5:12

Read the Bible Every Day

  • September 3
  • Job 22:1-24:12
  • Psalm 105:16-27
  • Proverbs 21:25-26
  • I Corinthians 9:13-10:5

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on the upcoming week of prayer for Louisiana Missions, the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana. Also, please pray for Saturday’s Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood. The associational leadership will meet at 9:00 followed by the regular meeting at 10 A.M. Then, a covered dish lunch will conclude the meeting.

Anna Lee

Labor Day

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

Read the Bible Every Day

  • August 30
  • Job 13:13-15:13
  • Psalm 104:24-40
  • Proverbs 21:15-16
  • I Corinthians 6:1-20
  • August 31
  • Job 15:14-17:16
  • Psalm 104:31-35
  • Proverbs 21:17-19
  • I Corinthians 7:1-24
  • September 1
  • Job 18:1-20:11
  • Psalm 105:1-6
  • Proverbs 21:20-21
    • Corinthians &:25-40
  • September 2
  • Job 20:12-21:34
  • Psalm 105:7-15
  • Proverbs 21:22-24
  • I Corinthians 8:1-9:12

Wednesday

  • Pine Ridge Bible Study Seamless by Angie Smith
  • Noon
  • Kathy Wales, Teacher

Saturday

  • Two Rivers Associational WMU Meeting
  • FBC, Kentwood
  • 9:00 – Leadership
  • 10:00 – Meeting followed by a potluck lunch
  • All ladies and girls are invited to participate.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Anna Lee

SUNDAY

Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king”.

Nehemiah 1:11

Update

Dorothy Wall had more physical therapy this week at Hood Memorial. She thinks she was making good progress, but may will have a long weekend without therapy due to the holiday tomorrow.

Funeral Service for Mr. Billy Ray Gill

The service yesterday at Mt. Hermon was very personal and included Rev. Butch Reviere singing “Thank You” and “Because He Lives”. It was good to see and hear him again.

Obituary

Irene Oliver Blades

November 7, 1929 – August 29, 2024


A former resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Landmark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Monroe, LA. She was born November 7, 1929 in Mt. Hermon, LA and was 94 years of age. She was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School and loved flowers, gardening and playing cards with her family. During the holiday season, her meals included turkey, dressing, ham, German chocolate cake, and fruit salad. She is survived by her 3 sons, Jerry E. Blades of West Monroe, LA, Larry M. Blades and wife, Patricia, of Dubach, LA and Lonnie E. Blades and wife, Denise, of Sterlington, LA; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Merton E. Blades; father, Jimmy Oliver; mother, Pearl Schilling Oliver Mulkey; daughter, Connie L. Peacock and her husband, Jerry. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The Pine Ridge Bible Study

will begin again Wednesday. Kathy Wales will lead the study of Seamless by Angie Smith. The study will include weekly videos which I assume will be similar to Beth Moore studies.

Two Rivers Associational WMU

will meet Saturday at FBC, Kentwood. Leadership will meet at 9:00 followed by the meeting at 10:00 which will conclude with a covered dish meal. The focus will be on Georgia Barnette and her missionary work in Louisiana.

Sunday School Lesson Today

Today’s lesson is about Paul’s first missionary journey, in Acts 13:1-12, entitled “Sent”.

It’s good to “visit” with you this Sunday morning. Have a fantastic Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
Genesis 12:2

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all the travelers on this holiday weekend. Many people will travel some this weekend. Let’s pray for all to be safe on their holiday travels.

Rehabilitation

Please continue to pray for Dorothy Gill as she continues the rehabilitation process. A break can happen quickly, but rehab takes much longer.

Obituary

Frieda Melton Jones

December 29, 1947 – August 28, 2024

Frieda Melton Jones, age 76, went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, August 28, 2024.

A resident of Bogalusa, LA, she was born on December 29, 1947 in Funston, Georgia to the late Mary and Charlton Melton. She was a member of White Sand Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Frieda loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending church and talking to her family and many friends. She was faithfully devoted to her family, friends and God. After retiring from her career in education she spent hours listening to sermons, reading her Bible and praying for her family and friends.  The members of her church were her “spiritual” family who loved and cared for her as she did for them.

She leaves behind her son Tim Jones and grandson Brysen of Elk Park, NC.  Also her younger son Brad Jones and granddaughter Raynee Jones of Bogalusa, LA.  Her surviving sisters are Mary-Ellen Gaines of Funston, GA and Sandra Croy of Florida.

Frieda is preceded in death by her husband Tim Jones Sr, her parents Charlton and Mary Melton, her brothers Wayne and Larry Melton, and her sisters Jane Morgan and Anita Rosich. She will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Frieda’s life at White Sand Baptist Church (2037 Highway 26 West, Poplarville, MS, 39470) on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family receive friends and have visitation from 12:00 pm until services, Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to White Sand Baptist Church or The Gideons International (PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN, 37214-0800).

Poole Ritchie Funeral Home, (985) 732-4721.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Have a safe weekend!

Anna Lee