John 12:26

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for opportunities to be a servant as God leads us and in a way that honors Him.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 26
• Zephaniah 1:1-3:20
• Psalm 147:7-14
• Proverbs 31:18-19
• Revelation 17:9-18:8

Updates

Bill Sellers reported yesterday that his dad, David, was improving and would possibly be moved from ICU.

Majel Dean reported that even though Jesses was able to leave ICU, he still had more improvements and procedures to accomplish in the days ahead.

Pray for these two men and the many others whose names are listed on your prayer list.

Prayer List

My list continues as we move into a new calendar. Some people will begin a new list when the new year arrives. Either way is fine. The key is to have a prayer list and to pray for those listed there.

Obituary

Theresa “Tisa” Scheurer Cooper

March 24, 1949 – December 22, 2024

Theresa “Tisa” Scheurer Cooper, 75, of Amite entered eternal rest lovingly surrounded by her family on December 22, 2024. Tisa was born in New Orleans and was a resident of Metairie until her family moved to Amite in 1983 where Cooper’s Bakery found its new home. Here, she worked side by side every day with the love of her life, Johnny, for 41 years. Her fondest memories were found in a deer stand in the woods or on her boat, Tisa’s Toy, off the coast of Grand Isle hunting or fishing with those she loved most.

She is preceded in death by her parents William “Billy” and Lucille Scheurer and her brother Lenny Scheurer.

Tisa is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John “Johnny” Cooper; four children, Yvette (Dean) Barr, Troy (Becky) Cooper, Kevin (Shannon) Cooper, and Stacie (Tommy) Ball; Denise Peltier, her beloved sister-in-law; thirteen grandchildren, Austin Barr, Corinne Barr, Brittni Cooper, Carson Cooper, Braden Cooper, Kayla Cooper Foy, Brandi Cooper Hartley, Emily Cooper, Gabby Abril, Dre Abril, Sophie Abril, Sydney Ball, and Dylan Ball; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones close this holiday season and donate a prayer to our family and those in need.

(I taught some the these family members during my career.)

Ending 2024

As this year ends, are there things you had planned to accomplish this year? If they can be accomplished in a few days, you might want to work to accomplishe them in the coming week.

Anna Lee

 
 

‘Glory to God’ (Lk. 2:13-14)

“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…”

Happy Birthday, Jesus! Merry Christmas!

The candlelight service was well attended and special, as it always is. I hope you were able to attend.

Scripture for Today

I hope you as a family will read Luke 2 today.

Read Luke in December

If you have been reading with us, today we are on Luke 23.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 25
• Habkkuk 1:1-3:19
• Psalm 147:1-6
• Proverbs 31:15-17
• Revelation 16:12-17:8

A Good Report

Jesse Dean is better and out of ICU.

Bible Reading Plan for 2025

https://www.christianity.com/bible/year/niv1984/njan01.htm

This is the Bible Reading plan I have chosen for 2025. I hope it appeals to you and you will be reading with me in 2025. If you have never read the Bible according to a one-year plan, I hope you will choose to do so this year. This plan will begin for us on January 1st.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at FBC, Kentwood

The service was good and well-attended. If you missed it last night, mark your calendar for next year.

Have a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for the Day

Today let’s remind ourselves and others this day is a celebration of Jesus!

Celebration of Jesus

Tonight at 6:00, we will have a special service at FBC, Kentwood. It is a candlelight beautiful service! It is from 6:00-6:30. We would love to have you and your family. The service is for anyone who wishes to attend. If your church is not gathering tonight, fell free to join us. See you tonight!

Read the Bible Every Day

• Christmas Eve
• Nahum 1:1-3:19
• Psalm 146:1-10
• Proverbs 31:13-14
• Revelations 15:1-16:11

Read Luke the Month

Today, we will read Luke 22.

Obituary

Mattie Purser Bishop

September 6, 1927 – December 20, 2024

A resident of Collinsville, AL and a former resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 in Collinsville, AL. She was born September 6, 1927 in Hazlehurst, MS and was 97 years of age. She retired from South Central Bell with 35 years and 4 months of service and a member of First United Methodist Church in Amite, LA. She is survived by daughter, Sally Bishop Sterling and husband Ken; 2 grandchildren, William Stanley Hand and John David Hand; 3 great-grandchildren, Mary Grace Hand, Anna Leigh Hand, and Elizabeth Claire Hand. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Bishop; parents, Will and Sally Purser; sister, Mary Purser Ragland; and brother, Woodrow Purser. Visitation at First United Methodist Church of Amite from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Barnes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(This is the mother of my school years friend, Sally. Sally, her parents, and grandmother were always so sweet to me.!)

Baptist Press

https://wordpress.com/post/theprayerlink.com/44086

Have a wonderful day. Find a way to show your love for someone who is not a member of your family.

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. This picture reminds me of the Causeway. The verse is certainly appropriate for all of us.

Prayer List

Please add Jesse Dean to your prayer list. He is currently hospitalized.

Don’t forget to read and pray from your own prayer list too.

Prayer Focus

Today as we have Christmas in mind, let’s work to do something for others.

Also, I’m thankful to report that Jacob Tolleson, my young Texas cousin, who had his second heart surgery is now at home. Thank you for your prayers for him.

Reading Luke

Today, please read Luke 21.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 23
• Micah 5:1-7:20
• Psalm 145:14-21
• Proverbs 31: 10-12
• Revelations 14:1-20

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

I encourage you to attend the Christmas Eve Service at FBC, Kentwood if your Church is not having one at the same time. Our service is at 6:00 is will be finished at 6:30.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season we are celebrating.

Christmas Season.

No matter how large your crowd or if you are the only one there, please take time to read the Christmas story at a time that is appropriate for your family. If you have children or teens in your home, please consider allowing them to read the Christmas story from the Bible (Matthew 1 or Luke 1) or from a children’s Christmas book. Take a few minutes to talk about the why, what, and the who of this wonderful holiday.

A Wonderful Christmas Gift for Yourself

With the year 2025 just around the corner, this is a wonderful time to buy yourself or others a special notebook(s) dedicated to the Scripture list each day and/or to your daily prayer list. A simple &1.00 notebook from the dollar store is sufficient.

Anna Lee

A cold, but happy, greeting I send to you today. Have a great day in the Lord’s house today!

Prayer Focus

Today, I pray you will be in a church somewhere. After all, we celebrate this season of the year, Christmas, because of Christ. I know you will be blessed by being in God’s House today.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 22
  • Micah 1:1-4:13
  • Pssalm 145:8-13
  • Proverbs 31:8-9
  • Revelation 13: 1-18

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for others to learn about Jesus this Christmas season and to decide to live for Him all the remaining days of their lives.

Read a Chapter of Luke

Today, we should read Luke 20.

Obituary

John Alan Schumacher

February 1, 1960 – December 19, 2024

It’s not the two dates that John would want us to focus on, but the time in between. John was never one to live inside the boundaries. He lives still because his faith in Our Savior means that John is merely gone from our sight and his flesh. He is rejoicing with his family that went before him and he is in The Presence of Our Lord. John, aka Top Dollar or Shu Shu, was a very unique guy. He lived large. Laughing, joking and telling stories was what he did best. He loved his family and he loved his friends and he loved life. John is survived by his sister Joan Schumacher Settoon (Dudley) and numerous family members and friends that he loved as family. John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Algie and Frank Schumacher, his brothers, Tommy and Larry Schumacher, his sister, Cindy Schumacher Varnado and his nephew, Tommy Hood. His welcoming party was beautiful indeed. He will be dearly missed by his sister, Joan, and all who knew and loved him.

John will be celebrated by immediate family and there will be no open services. In lieu of flowers, just donate a prayer to our family or any person in need of one this holiday season. We will all benefit from that.

Reason for the Season – Jesus

Please don’t leave Jesus out of you celebrations this season of the year.

Anna Lee

Our Christmas season is a celebration of the giving of His son as a baby in Bethlehem longago!

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for those who do not feel they have any family or friends around this Christmas season.

A DAY OF PREPARATION

If you are not already prepared for church tomorrow, today is the day to get ready by studying your lesson, preparing food, cleaning up, washing clothes, etc. Do the things that are most important to you so you don’t have to worry about then on Sunday. In case you do not have the quarterly we are using, the Sunday School lesson is from Luke 1:26-38.

Christmas Eve Service

• FBC, Kentwood
• Tuesday at 6:00
• 30 minutes
• Dress as you desire
• Everyone welcome
• Candles
• Nursery provided

Reading Luke this Month

Read Luke 19

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 21
• Jonah 1:1-4:11
• Psalm 145:1-7
• Proverbs 31:4-7
• Revelation 12:1-18

Please add our friend to your prayer list.

Joan(ie) Scarle of Montpelier, formerly of Fluker

Please also pray for all those listed on your prayer list.

Weekly Service Times at FBC, Kentwood

Morning – Sunday School at 9:15 and Wroship at 10:30

Evening – 6 P.M.

Wednesday – 6 P.M.

The church always provides numerous Sunday School classes before our worship time. Sunday and Wednesday evenings, we provide classes for babies, children, and youth while the adults meet in the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome. I don’t think I have ever mentioned them, but we have some awesome musicians at church!

Obituary

Rebecca “Becky” Bates Wood

May 25, 1949 – December 19, 2024

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born May 25, 1949 in Alanta, TX and was 75 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Robin H. Wood (Chris); 2 sons, Robert Wayne Wood, Jr. (Tammie) and Ed Wood (Kim); 1 sister, Joan Church (Roy); 2 brothers, David Bates (Genny) and Maxwell Warden; 4 grandchildren, Robert Wayne Wood, III (Elizabeth), Cheyanne Braswell (Patrick), Haylie E. Wood (Jake), and Jase E. Wood; 4 great-grandchildren, Lila Wood, Oliver Braswell, Kellin Braswell, and Wilder Wood. Preceded in death by her mother, Tommy Warden; father, Owen Warden; husband of 31 years, Robert W. Wood, Sr.; brother, Maxwell Warden; brother-in-law, Freddie J. Wood, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Brandon Phillips. A private family burial to follow services. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

This lady was the mother of Robert, one of my former students.

No service on the 25th

We will not have a service on the 25th due to the service on the 24th.

Christmas is a season to celebrate Jesus! LET’S THANK GOD FOR SENDING HIS SON TO DIE FOR OUR SINS!

It is also the season to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports international missionaries. We will still accept Lottie Moon gifts after Christmas.

Have a great day of worship. If there are people you do not know in your church today, introduce yourself and get to know one new family today.

Thank-you for reading TPL today. Please let me know if I missed something/someone I needed to include.

Anna Lee

Good Morning. I hope you have a great, chilly day!

Enjoy some sunshine!

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 20
• Amos 9:1-Obadiah 21
• Psalm 144:9-15
• Proverbs 31:1-3
• Revelation 11:1-19

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OBITUARY

Wendy Sue Phillips Johnson

June 27, 1960 – December 19, 2024

A resident of Lenoir City, TN, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at her daughter’s home in Amite, LA. She was born June 27, 1960 in El Paso, TX and was 64 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Glenn Johnson, Jr.; 3 daughters, Crystal Atkinson and husband, Gene, Tracy Summers, and Brandy Butrick and husband, Matthew; son, Landell Norris, Jr. and wife, Toni; step-son, Chris Johnson and wife, Heather; grandchildren, Samantha Summers, Brittany Atkinson, Katie Summers, Allison Atkinson, Tyler Butrick, and Landell Norris, III; step-grandchildren, Aniston Johnson, Dalton Johnson, and Maddie Johnson; 2 brothers, Edward Earl Phillips and wife, Anita, and Patrick Eugene Phillips; and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Earl Thomas Phillips and Ola Mae Smith Phillips; and her sister, Bonnie Marie Phillips. A very special thank you to Anita Phillips, the greatest sister-in-law ever.  Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Carl Adamson. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Christmas Activities

There are lots of Christmas activities for young and old during this time of year. Today, the New Hope Sunday School Class will celebrate at Judy Liberto’s class at 10:00 A.M.

Next week, FBC, Kentwood will celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve from 6:00-6:30. Everyone is invited to attend.

Sunday School

Sunday’s lesson will be from the first chapter of Luke.

Reading Luke

If you are reading Luke this December, you will need to read chapter 18.

Stamped Christmas Cards

I like to think the cards we bought and prepared for the inmates have been written and are in the mail to loved ones by now. Thank-you for participating in this mission project of Women on Mission.

Have a wonderful day. Be sure to do something for others today.

“See” you tomorrow.

Anna Lee

Christmas Eve Service

FBC, Kentwood will have a candlelight service from 6:00-6:30 Tuesday. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and reminds us of family and friends. If you do not have plans to attend a service somewhere else at that time, feel free to join us.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 19
• Amos 6:1-8:14
• Psalm 144:1-8
• Proverbs 30:29-33
• Revelation9:13-10:11

Prayer List

Please add my daughter-in-law’s mother, Donna Robertson of Gonzales, to your prayer list.

Operation Christmas Child

I thank you so much for helping us collect, remove cardboard, organize, and pack the shoeboxes for 2025. You were so helpful in 2024! We will begin collecting items for our 2025 shoeboxes in January.

Remember the most important thing the children receive in the shoeboxes is not a notebook, a hygiene item, a school supply, or even a toy. It’s the opportunity to learn about Jesus!

Women and Girls on Mission will not meet this month, but will be back in January. Our December mission project was to take stamped Christmas cards to the prisoners in the parish jail.

Churches in Tangipahoa parish had their cards delivered to the jail in Amite. St. Helena churches had their cards delivered to the parish jail in Greensburg.

Thank-you for helping by providing cards and stamps. Now, lets pray as prisoners get to write cards and family members will receive them.

Stay tuned to learn about the January mission projeck.

Baptist Press

This is a unique idea:

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/stroke-of-genius-kentucky-church-shares-christmas-story-through-mini-golf/

Today’s news:

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read Luke in December

Today, you should be on Luke 17. Even if you didn’t start with on on Luke 1 or have missed some days, read with us now.

Sunday School Lesson

We will leave Exodus on one Sunday and study the Christmas story from Luke 1:26-38 this week.

Christmas Projects for Older People to Give and to Receive

• Leaves and small limbs picked up in yard
• Simple, new decoration for a table or door delivered and put in place
• Christmas food delivered (pie, dressing, fruit salad, candy, ham, etc.)
  • A time of caroling
• Reading and discussion of the Christmas story
• Children visiting with adults who don’t see children ofter
• Listening ears to introduce the subject of past celebrations and then listen
• You can add to this list….

Have a wonderful day. Be sure to share with others as God would have you to do. One of the very best things to share is your time!

Until tomorrow,

Anna Lee

• 
  

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus for the Day

Today, let’s pray for those who do not know Jesus.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 18
• Amos 3:1-5:27
• Psalm 143:7-12
• Proverbs 30:24-28
• Revelations 8:1-9:12

Prayer Requests

Please pray for these people:

• Jacob Tolleson – a young cousin in Texas who had major heart surgery yesterday
• Kathy Dunn – a friend who could use your prayers for her health concerns

Pray for groups and classes in area churches as we have Christmas Parties to celebrate Jesus.

Obituary

Kathy Penny Willson

October 19, 1947 – December 17, 2024

A resident of Liberty, MS, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Claiborne Nursing Center in McComb, MS. She was born October 19, 1947 in Pride, LA and was 77 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Malcolm “Coon” Willson; daughter, Sherry Dixon and husband, Justin; 1 granddaughter, Leanne Turnage and husband, Eli; great-grandchild, Amelia Rose Turnage; sister, Cynthia “Dicey” Smith; 2 nieces, Penni Hopson and Carrie Bays; special aunt, Carolyn Reeves. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Carrie Penny; infant daughter, Dana Lou Willson; son, Todd Ray Willson. Visitation at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 4923 Mt. Vernon Rd. Liberty, MS 39645, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, December 20, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Brad Fitzgerald. Interment Stewart Wall Cemetery, Liberty, MS. Pallbearers are Mantle Austin, Joe Venable, Wendall Reeves, Josh Austin, Mackie McMillan, and John Dixon. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read a chapter in Luke today. If you are on schedule, it will be Luke 16.

Sunday School Lesson

I am a believer in studying our lessons at least twice each week. By now, you should have already done so. If not, do that today.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Some of today’s articles:

Christians in Nigeria approach Christmas amid fear of repeat of past violence

IMB missionaries in Japan see ‘unprecedented responsiveness’ to Gospel on college campuses

Dew reminds NOBTS graduates of the ‘why’ behind ministry

Pack a small gift for someone who is not expecting it and tell them how you appreciate them.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on the real reason for Christmas. Let’s pray peeople understand that and celebrate Jesus!

Read Luke 15 today.

Read the Bible Every Day

• December 17
• Joel 3:1-Amos 2:16
• Psalm 143:1-6
• Proverbs 30:21-23
• Revelations 7:1-17

Pray for the various classes and groups as they celebrate Christmas that they will be celebration Jesus, not decorations, music, food, or anything else.

Pray for families as they meet to do so as honoring Jesus, not each other. Pray for families that haven’t been together to be able to gather and celebrate this year.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Pray for churches as they gather that they will focus on our most important missions offering, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering that enables missionaries to serve in many other parts of the world, not just North America. May we always strive to provide for those who dedicate many years of their lives to tell others about Jesus. Give so others may go!

Obituary

Maybelle Forstall Givens

October 27, 1941 – December 12, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. She was born October 27, 1941 in Harahan, LA and was 83 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Penny Null and husband, Charles and Lisa Graham and husband, Joe; 2 grandchildren, Brandon Dufreche and wife, Kayla and B.J. Graham and wife, Robyn; 3 great-grandchildren, Caiden Graham, Kylan Graham, and Sebastian Dufreche; 2 sisters, Barbara Piediscalzi and Irma Wehner. Preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Maybelle Forstall; husband of 60 years, Leon Givens, Jr.; 2 sisters, Darlene Marquez and Roblyn Pitre. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Christmas Card for the Prisoners to Write and Send to Family Members

The Two Rivers Women on Mission and Women’s Missionary Unions met earlier this month. I do not have a count of cards the the St. Helena ladies gave, but the ladies of Tangipahoa Parish gave 270 stamped Christmas cards so prisoners who cannot be with family in their usual celebrations can at least write and send the cards to family members.

Ladies, thanks for investing in the lives of the prisoners. Pray for families who meet together, but without some members who are behind bars. That is surely a hard position to be in during the Christmas season. Ladies, you made a difference in some lives at Christmas this year!

Christmas Lights: I hope you will find time to enjoy some Christmas programs at churches and/or schools this year, experience Christmas music and or Christmas lights and other decorations. May you be able to do these things and focus on Jesus and what His life means to our lives.

Operation Christmas Child: I have not checked on the destination for the shoeboxes the churches in our area packed, but I understand many of the boxes who went through Dallas this year went to Honduras. Think how happy the boys and girls there will be as they open ane enjoy the contents of the red and green boxes. Also, realize each box gives eight people the opportunity to hear about and take Jesus into their lives. Shoeboxes are much more than Christmas gifts. They include Jesus to the children and their families! I can think of no gift that would be better!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Anna Lee