But the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary;

you have found favor with God.

Luke 1:30

I’m back and better than I was last time. Let me explain, I have been fighting the same old cold everyone has had the last couple of weeks. and finally went to the doctor Monday after missing church Sunday. 

As the cold and the medicine fought each other yesterday, I lost control and slept for a few hours no matter what I thought I was going to do. My husband took over as “Drill Sergeant”. I only complied with a weak “Yes. Sir”.

After stopping trying to write TPL yesterday morning, I slept soundly for hours! By bedtime, I was alert and much stronger. When “Drill Sergeant” announced bedtime. I changed locations in bed, but wasn’t sleepy. Hours later, I coughed enough to take the cough syrup/sleepy time medicine. It took a while, but by then “Drill Sergeant” was up and urging me to move. He was unaware of my difficult night!?!?!

I think my thinkings and coordination are better. We’ll see.

PRAYER FOCUS

Before I forget again, Dan’l Johnson has had two trips to the hospital. He will be able to give you details by the time you see him at church.

Let’s of people are fighting the head congestion problems I had. 

Theople Hurst is fighting a battle with her foot still.

Pray for everyone who faces the ups and downs of LA temperatures!

I am thrilled to say Susan Rimes was able to attend church Sunday Night.

Read the Bible

Luke 18: 9-14

“Self-righteousness surfaces in me when . . . .”      

OBITUARIES

Gildra Mixon

December 10, 1940 – December 12, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital  in Covington, LA. She was born December 10, 1940 in Hammond, LA and was 83 years of age. She was retired from Lallie Kemp Medical Center. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and beloved fur babies.  She is survived by her daughters, Jill Mixon (William), Jackie Bertone (Phillip Bertone), and Suzanne Coates (Jack Stilley); son, Stewart Wesley Mixon (Jamie Mixon); 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Vesta Stewart; numerous nieces and nephews; Pets, Gus, Sweet Pea and numerous cats. Preceded in death by her mother, Era Page Starkey; father, Ehlert Starkey; son, Jerry Paul Coates; husband, Stewart Mixon; sisters, Dale Covington and Melba Carrier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 15, 2023. Services conducted by Neil Barberio. Interment Hennesey Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Eloise Marie Hampton

September 22, 1935 – December 13, 2023

Eloise Marie Hampton, 88, born September 22, 1935 in Greenwell Springs, LA. Eloise passed away peacefully December 13, 2023, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She is preceded in death by her parents: Jules Joseph Broussard and Doni Mary Morgan. She is survived by her three sons: Gerald “Smokey” (Becky), Randy, and James Lockhart; grandchildren: Eric (Chelsea), Kyle (Delyn), Lori, Neal (Marissa) Lockhart, Ginger (Kris) Wilkins, Natasha (Sherod) Rousse, Jennifer (Michael) Williams, Brandy (Steve) Newell, LeeAnna (Teddy) Lyons and Hunter Lockhart.  And numerous great and great great grandchildren. Her family was the love of her life! Family and friends are invited to join the family for a graveside visitation and service on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 2pm at the family Pisgah Cemetery located at 1608 Thompson Creek Road, Norwood, LA 70761.  Pallbearers will be Smokey, Eric, Kyle, Neal, Hunter and Ryder Lockhart.  Accompanied by Jara Lockhart who was a faithful granddaughter and friend who held her hand during this difficult past 5 years. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit https://www.mckneelys.com. 

Robert “Randy” Noland

May 30, 1952 – December 1, 2023

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born May 30, 1952 in Oceanside, CA and was 71 years of age. Randy retired from Dow Chemical in 2006 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Chandler Noland; 2 sons, David Noland (Sara) and Geoffrey Noland; daughter-in-law, Manettta Noland; 4 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; 1 aunt, Mary Smith; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe Goynes and Leona Goynes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Griffin and Christine Chandler; son, Christopher Noland; sister, Tanya Harrison. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday, December 18, 2023. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

CHRISTMAS

1 – God

2 -Mary

3 – To be added tomorrow

Bolivar Baptist Church

Live Nativity & Hot Chocolate

Saturday, December 23

6-8 P.M.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Shout for joy, you heavens;

rejoice, you earth;

burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

ISAIAh 49: 13

Prayer Focus the Week Leading Up to Christmas

Let’s focus on everything about Christmas that is noncommercial

 Let’s add a bit more each day.

Our Biblical Christmas – How do we spell Christmas in seven words?

Day 1. -GOD

Obituaries – Click on the link to McKneeley’s on the side.

I’m sorry, but I cannot type any more.

Anna Lee

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Pray for students in area schools and churches who have had deaths in their family or little worlds.

Lottie Moon

Thank you Bro. Darryl for showing the Lottie Moon Video yesterday morning. As we pray for those in the video and their needs, may our prayers and giving be abundant this year

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Luke 7: 36-50
• Romans 10: 1-4
• “When I look at sinners like this, I . . . .”

Prayer Concerns

All those with flu, coughs, and colds

Bro Darryl as he has started monthly injections

Military and those serving our country

Thank-you for reading and praying for the many with needs.

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.

Luke 2:10

Read the Bible

• Matthew 23: 1-12
• Luke 14: 7-11
• I Peter 5: 5-6
• “If Jesus would talk straight to me, he probably would say . . . .”

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Lottie Moon Kids Activity Guides

https://www.wmustore.com/missions-resources/international-mission-study/zambia-2023

These can be used at any time.

It’s never too late to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Have a Wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.

Jeremiah 23:5

Prayer Focus for Today

Pray for early travelers for the Christmas season. They may be ahead of the rush, but there is always anxiety about traveling for Christmas

Read the Bible Today

• Proverbs 29: 23
• Isaiah 57: 15
• Micah 6: 8
• Matthew 5: 5
• “The rewards of humility are . . . .”

Use your prayer list as your guide today

As you pray today, do some Christmas activities with you children, grandchildren, roommates, class mates, siblings, etc.

OPERATION Christmas Child

Please reply to the link of TPL that says CONNECT.

JESUS is the reason for the holiday season!

Anna Lee

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.

Jeremiah 23:5

Update

Dan’l Johnson in better. He suffered a stroke, but has made a partial recovery. Additional treatment should show even better progress.

Read the Bible

• Matthew7: 21-23
• Matthew 9: 10-13
• Matthew 16:6
• “The self-righteousness of the Pharasies is seen in . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for those with coughs and colds. I have a cough that seems to. be cleared up only to return. 

Christmas Music

The OFA choir sang at our church last night. If you did not see it live, you can watch it on the church’s facebook page. I saw a portion of the recorded performance last night. I hope you can see all of it today.

Pray for the Lottie Moon giving at your church, across our association, state, nation, and worldwide.

Anna Lee

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 3:1

What is Lottie Moon known for?

Lottie served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province. She taught in a girls’ school and often made trips into China’s interior to share the good news with women and girls. Lottie Moon was passionate about people knowing Christ.

Read the Bible

• Proverbs 25:14, 27
• Jeremiah 9;23-24
• II Corinthians 10:12-18
• “What I am tempted to brag about is . . . .”

Prayer Focus

Use you personal prayer guide for your prayer time.

Update on Bro. Darryl

Bro. Darryl led prayer meeting last night. If you missed being there or watching in real time, you can watch it at your convenience. 

Prayer Need

Please pray for Dani’l Johnson, Sr. He is hospitalized at East Jefferson Hospital.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Please share that message.

Anna Lee

“. . . . and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Genesis 22:18

Prayer Focus

There are many deaths in our community.  Please pray for the families.

Deaths

Pam Cook Forrest

April 9, 1956 – December 10, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born April 9, 1956 in Tylertown, MS and was 67 years of age.  

Pam was a co-owner with her husband Craig and his sister Kathy Dale of Forrest Hill Dairy for 34 years from 1984 to until 2018. While living the life of a dairy farmer’s wife, she also worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. In her high school years, she played basketball for Mt. Hermon High School and was a four-time All-District standout and a two-time All-State performer who led Mt. Hermon to the 1974 Class C title. She was the team’s MVP for three straight years, an all-district MVP for two years, and the state’s Class C MVP in 1974. She had the highest free-throw percentage, most steals and most rebounds for Mt. Hermon and was the leading scorer in school history. She participated in the first LHSAA Girls’ Basketball All-Star Game and was named the first Miss Basketball in Louisiana in 1974. She was inducted into the LHSAA Hall of Fame in 2007. She was the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship to LSU, where she played for one semester. She then followed her high school coach by transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University where she helped them win an AIAW Division II national championship. Pam was selected as LAIAW MVP three years in a row, was a college All-American two years in a row and played in the first All-America game for women. She was inducted into the SLU Hall of Fame in 1998, and her jersey hangs in the SLU University Center. She became the third women’s basketball player in SLU history to have her jersey retired (2012). In the first ever women’s professional basketball draft, Pam was picked by the Milwaukee Does, but requested to be traded to the New Orleans Jazz. Pam was also an active member of the Positive Role Models Involved in the Development of Excellence dedicated to the SLU Women’s Basketball Team for 15 years. Other passions included annual trips with Craig and friends to the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and attending the Women’s College Final Four tournaments every year. Pam loved her family dearly and enjoyed following her son and daughter throughout their athletic careers and filming every ball game they played.  She adored and spoiled her four grandchildren. 

She is survived by her son, Trent Forrest and wife, Macy; daughter, Traci Forrest Jennings and husband, Ryan; grandchildren, Connor and Kale Forrest and Parker and Peyton Jennings; mother, Elaine Cook; sister, Tam Brooks and husband Luke; brother, Brad Cook and wife Leslie; brother, Randy Cook and wife Dawn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman “Craig” Forrest; father, W.C. Cook; and sister-in-law, Kathy Dale Forrest. 

There will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 PM. Services will be conducted by Dr. Danny Smith and interment will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Chuck Wilkes, Al Branch, Jr., Kenneth Ray Gill, Robin Burch, Mitch Small, and JoJo Norris. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Neurological Medical Rehabilitation Center in Baton Rouge, the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, and McKneely Funeral Home of Amite and Kentwood.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice House (www.richardmurphyhospice.com) or the SLU Lady Lions PRIDE program, (SLU Women’s Basketball PRIDE, SLU Box 10309, Hammond, LA 70402).  

Condolences may be left in Pam’s online memorial at http://www.mckneelys.com. 

Lillian Orgeron Gaubert

December 6, 1923 – December 8, 2023

A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family in Ponchatoula, LA. She was born December 6, 1923 in Gretna, LA and was 100 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Mildred Gaubert; 4 sons, Roy J. Gaubert, Jr., James Gaubert, Lionel Gaubert, and Melvin Gaubert, Sr.; 11 grandchildren, Warren, Anthony, Roddy, Heidi, Heddi, Jennifer, Bridgett, Aaron, Melvin, Ryan, Danielle; 15 great-grandchildren, Timothy, Kenneth, Seth, Thomas, Brittany, Aaron, Jr., Tabby, Leslie, Hannaha, Austin, Meghan, Abagail, Luke, Kyra, Melvin, Jr., and Lexi; 10 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Roy Gaubert, Sr.; son, Daniel Gaubert; grandson, Anthony Gaubert; parents, Joseph and Gladys Rogers Orgeron; 2 brothers, Ernest and Andrew Orgeron. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until 10:15AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30AM at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. Services conducted by Fr. Miles Walsh. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Seth Gaubert, Thomas Gaubert, Roddy Gaubert, Warren Gaubert, Melvin Gaubert, Jr., and Cody Wilkerson. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Gildra Mixon

December 10, 1940 – December 12, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital  in Covington, LA. She was born December 10, 1940 in Hammond, LA and was 83 years of age. She was retired from Lallie Kemp Medical Center. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and beloved fur babies.  She is survived by her daughters, Jill Mixon (William), Jackie Bertone (Phillip Bertone), and Suzanne Coates (Jack Stilley); son, Stewart Wesley Mixon (Jamie Mixon); 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Vesta Stewart; numerous nieces and nephews; Pets, Gus, Sweet Pea and numerous cats. Preceded in death by her mother, Era Page Starkey; father, Ehlert Starkey; son, Jerry Paul Coates; husband, Stewart Mixon; sisters, Dale Covington and Melba Carrier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 15, 2023. Services conducted by Neil Barberio. Interment Hennesey Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lynette Templet Costanza

Dec 12, 2023 Updated 17 hrs ago

Lynette Costanza (nee Templet), 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday the 9th of December 2023. She was surrounded by the people that loved her. Lynette was born on the 11th of November 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Lynette attended Redemptorist High School, and Louisiana State University. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Vernon and Sarah Templet.

Lynette retired from her career with the State of Louisiana as a Child Protection Agent, where she was a supervisor and dedicated to protecting children’s rights. She was involved in her local Catholic Church in Amite, LA, where she volunteered and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Through her career and volunteer work, she strived to embrace the principles of faith, justice and the equality and advancement of human dignity for all.

She loved to travel and explore new places with her friend, Ms. Teri Bass. They traveled to many places in the States and abroad. Visiting Ireland and another trip off the coast of Canada where they enjoyed whale-watching was a particular highlight of her many travels and adventures.

She was artistic and made stained glass, painted on glass, and was a talented jewelry designer.

Lynette was a loving Mother and Grandmother, she adored her family and was happiest when reading books, gardening, listening to music and being with her family.

Lynette is survived by her husband Salvador “Sonny” Costanza, as well as her three children and their families; Jessica and Islay; Candice and Wade, Caden and Leighton; Caleb and Kelly and Dallas.

Family and friends will be received at St. Helena Catholic Church, 120 S. First St., Amite, Louisiana 70422 on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 8:00 am until 10:15 am.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, 120 S. First St., Amite, Louisiana 70422 on Friday at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

Lynette is the sweet lady who came to Kentwood with my sister to help will OCC.

Read the Bible

• Week 47: Self Righteousness
• Deuteronomy 8:11 – 9:6
• “I would define self-righteousness as . . . .”

Lottie Moon

American missionary who served in China.

The yearly international offering was named for her because she constantly wrote to the International Mission Board about the shortage of money for missionaries and their projects. She was a small woman who basically starved so she could feed others. She died on a ship in Japan on December 24th as she was. traveling back to the US.

PRAYER MEETING

6 P.M. tonight at FBC, Kentwood

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Mary Fay Williams will be bringing her concert choir from OFA to sing at our church tomorrow night. I hope you will be able to attend too.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for this holiday season, not a bearded man in a red suit!

Anna Lee

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Prayer Focus

Continue to pray for Mrs. Theople Hurst, Brett Frazier, and Bro. Darryl Miller as they recover from surgery at home.

Also pray for Dorothy Wall and her family as well as the families of Pam Forrest and Lillie Estay.

Read the Bible

• II Timothy 3: 1-7
• Titus 3: 3
• I John 2: 15-17
• “That possession that is damaging my relationship to Jesus is . . . .”

Christmas Celebrations

Enjoy the celebrations of Jesus’ birth that are on your calendar this week. Remember, if you miss them this year it will be a whole year before you have another chance to enjoy them.

Don’t sit around and wait for someone to do something special for you. Get out and enjoy doing something for someone else.

Sunday School Scriptures

The Sunday School Scripture for Sunday are from Genesis 3. If. you have not been in class earlier this month, you might want to also read chapters 1 & 2.

If you don’t have a Sunday School classs, we have one for you. Ask me. I will gladly help you find one or classes for each of your family members.

Operation Christmas Child

It’s time to think about items for pencil bags. This includes, but is not limited to pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, and calculators. When you see any of these items, you might want to pick them up. You can hang your bag of purchases on the OCC room door (second door on right in hallway under the sanctuary).

Thanks to the lady who gave me money Saturday to make some of these purchases. You and your gift are appreciated!

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Don’t forget the offering that goes 100% to support missionary work all around the world. This may be you best opportunity each year.

Enjoy the cooler weather.

You might want to check with someone who is unprepared for the cold weather. You might could help with broken pipes, move some plants, get an extra heater from storage, etc. It is always a good time to check on others who might need to have some light bulbs replaced.

Christmas has lots of spellings.

It is spelled “JESUS”!

It is spelled “OTHERS”!

It is spelled “SHOPPING”!

It is spelled “RAKING”.

It is spelled “PICKING UP OUTSIDE”.

How can you spell it?

Anna Lee

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

John 1:9

Read the Bible

• Luke is one of the writers who shares the message of Jesus’ birth.
• Luke 14: 15-22
• “The earthy concern I put above spiritual concern is . . . .”

Prayer Concerns

It doesn’t seem like happy and sad times go together, but very often they do. Pray for families facing this reality this week.

Today, one family facing this reality is Dorothy Wall’s family as they bury her mother today in Bogalusa.

Please pray for each grieving family this week.

Obituaries

Lillie Ann Grabert Estay

November 10, 1937 – December 9, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Grace Nursing and Rehab in Slaughter, LA. She was born November 10, 1937 in Lockport, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Verna Estay Thompson and husband, Ladale; 3 sons, Michael Paul Estay and wife, Catherine, Joe Joseph Estay and wife, Paula, and Lionel Joseph Estay and wife, Michelle; 1 sister, Louella Grabert; 7 grandchildren, Landon Estay and wife, Alicia, Jarod Estay, Crystal Durbin and husband, Dusty, Jason Thompson and wife, Laura, Jacob Thompson and wife, Ashley, Gavin Estay and Gabriel Estay; step-granddaughter, Haley Broyles; 8 great-grandchildren, Abigail and Caleb Estay, Micah, Wyatt and Hallie Durbin, Cherokee  and William Thompson, and John Thompson. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Paul Estay; parents, Wildon and Noelie Grabert; daughter, Veronica Estay; 2 great-grandchildren, Claire and Noah Estay; brothers and sisters, Leola Griffin, Lula Mae Griffin, Lorella Estay, Lorrina Folse, Deme’ Grabert, and Elyose  Eschette. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Services conducted by Dr. Dusty Durbin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Kedron Baptist Church Children’s Playground, St. Jude’s, or the Alzheimer’s Association. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I understand the services for Pam Forrest will be Thursday at Spring Creek. Hopefully, there will be an obituary soon. Please say special prayers for Pam’s children in the coming days.

Prayer Update

Update on Mrs. Theople Hurst – She’s doing fairly well and is at home. She will appreciate your prayers for her family as you pray for her.

Children’s Program

• The program last night was precious.
• Many people were involved in practicing for and presenting the program.
• The program was shared live online, so look of the church’s webpage on Facebook.
• Thanks to the children, their parents, and the talented leaders who worked with the children, Those of who who only had to watch at the proper time were so blessed by the program and all those who worked to present it.

Have a great holiday! Say special prayer for those who need them.

Anna Lee