But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

I Samuel 12:24

Read the Bible

• Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11
• Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14
• “The only thing of real value is . . . .”

Thankfulness

Today, we all need to thank God for the rain we have received and the rain headed our way in the next few days. We had our brown cedar tree, and other trees, cut this week. I’m thankful not to see that big brown tree and look forward to some spring planting after the winter days that are ahead.

Prayer Concerns

Winter brings sore throats, coughs, sneezes, colds, and flu. We were in the cold too much this week. I had a slightly sore throat, but David was outside more and got sicker than I did. Will we ever learn? Have you learned that lesson yet? Please pray for all those who enjoyed too much time outside this week.

Obituaries

Wanda Wynette Holden

September 10, 1953 – November 30, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. She worked at Leon’s Shoe Store in Amite for 32 years. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Bruce E. Holden; only child and daughter, Kimberly Holden Russell (husband, Brandon Russell); 3 beautiful granddaughters, Chelsie Lynne Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Leanne Verberne (Corey Clouatre), and Carlie Lauren Verberne (Hayden Varnado); 2 beautiful great-granddaughters, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Clouatre; grandson, Dakota Russell; twin brother, Wayne Wytte Dixon; older brother, John Steven Dixon; one sister-in-law, Sue Holden Deakles (Gene Deakles); niece, Valerie Deakles Willman (Brett Willman); and great-nieces, Emilyn and Elisabeth Willman; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Estelle Dixon; father, John Baptist Dixon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Jim Thornhill. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Conly Asher Chavers
March 31, 2004 — November 29, 2023
Hammond

Conly Asher Chavers, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away at North Oaks Medical Center on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 19. He was born on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of Chris and Diedra C. Chavers.

Asher was a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. He was a proud dishwasher at Cate Street Seafood Station. He was a funny young man with a witty sense of humor. His love and compassion for other people was always strong. He had a big heart and loved animals especially birds.    

Asher is survived by his parents, Chris and Diedra C. Chavers, sister, Sophia G. Chavers, grandmother, Iris Cleveland, grandparents, Reggie and Joette Chavers, grandfather, Chris Johansen; aunts and uncles, Kim  Adams, Jessica and Tony Hopkins, Stephanie and Jonathan Hetrick, Charlotte Sylve, and David and Monette Cleveland, numerous cousins and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his “Pop”, Starret Cleveland, grandmother, Christine Johansen, and great-grandmother, Dora Lee Chavers.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely   Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. 
A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev Robert Parkin and Dr. David Cranford officiating.

Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Sunday School Preparation

Genesis 1-2

Head’s Up

The Wednesday adult Bible study will be held in the fellowship hall again this week because the children are practicing in the sanctuary again this week. I don’t know about the Sunday night service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.

Week of Prayer

December 3–10, 2023

Southern Baptists observe a Week of Prayer for International Missions each year for the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® emphasis. Will you join your heart with others to pray for missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel?

You can give to the three Southern Baptist Mission Offerings all through the year. Be sure to mark your envelope and check “Lottie Moon” for international missions.

The missionaries thank you for providing the funds that provide for their mission projects all through the year. Without your gift, …..

Operation Christmas Child

OCC functions through Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham’s organization that works diligently to meet so many needs. “Shoeboxes” are one of it’s projects and has provided for underprivileged children in countries where the government does not help children. During the twenty years of OCC, 200 million shoeboxes have been given to children in 175 countries around the world! I am so blessed to be a small part of accomplishing that monumental task! Join me as we soon begin the 2024 Shoebox year.

Saturday = Preparation Day (for Sunday)

Do what you can today to make your Sunday run smoothly.

Anna Lee

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Lamentations 3:22

RAIN

We finally had rain. I know it was in God’s perfect timing! Look for more later. Let’s be sure to thank God for the blessing of rain He sent us!

OCC Thank-you!

Thanks to a lady from Hammond who periodically send money for us to spend as needed. You are greatly appreciated!

I also have received gifts from a mother and daughter at church. I look forward to beginning the shopping real soon for the 2024 year!

One of our first needs is for people who sharpen pencils. Please let me know if you can help do this.

SENIOR ADULT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

We will have our annual Christmas luncheon Wednesday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Thank-you to the senior adult committee at church who plan, decorate, cook, and serve us this delicious meal.

NEW UNIT of STUDY in ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM – Genesis!

Come join us Sunday as the new unit begins. Sunday school begins at 9:15 and ends in plenty of time to get into the sanctuary for the 10:30 worship time.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

The week of prayer begins Sunday.

SINCE 1918

What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence.

She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.

Look for the brochure in the back of the pews Sunday!

Prayer Concerns

I have several friends having surgery soon. You probably do too!

Please be in prayer fo all who are having end-of-the- year and start-of-the-year surgeries.

Christmas Decorations

Towns are putting out their Christmas decorations. Please let me know if you see any religious one. We don’t want Jesus left out!

Thank-you for your faithfulness in reading this post.

Anna Lee

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He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Revelation 14:7

Prayer Concern

The switch to colder weather causes many people to get sick. This includes the younger people as well as the older ones. It also includes those with less immunity than most people because of sickness, weather exposure, etc.

Today’s Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for those with colds, flu, and viruses.

Obituary

Joyce Lee Doyle, née Beraud

February 26, 1948 – November 28, 2023

Joyce Lee Doyle, née Beraud, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon at the Claiborne at Shoe Creek. A resident of Greensburg and a native of Plaquemine, La., she was 75 years old. Joyce is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gary Doyle; four children, Lisa Doyle and husband Michael Avant; Aimee Doyle, Jeffrey Doyle and wife Catherine Doyle, and Timothy Doyle and wife Meghan Doyle; one sister, Sharon Kay Pierce; and five granddaughters, Ella, Addison, Beatrice, Aldyn, and Audrey. Preceded in death by her parents, George Beraud and Shirley Lee Beraud; sister Marion “Dianne” Irwin, and brothers, George Allen “Butch” Beraud Jr., and Mike Beraud. Joyce was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and in her chosen profession of teaching, she shared her great love of reading with her first grade students. In her retirement years, she enjoyed traveling with her family, and was a loving and devoted grandmother to her many beautiful granddaughters. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, December 1, 2023 at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, La from 6:00PM until 9:00PM. A private interment in Grace Memorial Park will follow. The family would like to thank the staff at The Claiborne at Shoe Creek for the kindness, loving care and friendship given to our mother. 

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/send-relief-videos-show-baptist-work-in-war-torn-israel/

Send Relief videos show Baptist work in war-torn Israel

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/send-relief-videos-show-baptist-work-in-war-torn-israel/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Examples of how your donations can be used.

Your generosity directly supports missionaries

$30

Rents out a local cafe for gospel conversations in Europe

$200

Completes 2 Bible story videos for Deaf people in Central Asia

$450

Buys gospel-focused teaching materials for an ESL class in Asia

$1,000

Funds 1 week of evangelism by local believers

Thanks for reading, praying, and other responses.

Anna Lee

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

I learned that Bro. Darryl’s surgery will be next Tuesday, not yesterday. I was only told “Tuesday”, so later I did not read that section in the bulletin. My mistake, but your prayers are still effective. Thank you for your prayers for him. Keep praying!

Other Prayer Requests

Brett Frazier will return to the doctor Monday to schedule his upcoming prayers. Please begin praying for him now. It’s not too early.

Also, pray for Pam Forrest.

Obituaries

Gene Edwin Swindle

July 30, 1951 – November 26, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Tylertown, MS. He was born July 30, 1951 in Magnolia, MS and was 72 years of age. He graduated from Kentwood High School in 1970, where he was given the nickname “Speedy” for running first place in track. He served in the U. S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Payne. He received a diploma from the United States Army Chemical Center and school at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also loved to fish.  He is survived by his 2 daughters, Christina Satterfield and husband, Steve and Jennifer Taylor and husband, Mike; sister, Peggy Vick and husband, ML; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; lifelong friends, Pearl and Gary Woodard. Preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Pauline Swindle; and 2 nephews, Brian Vick and Steven Vick. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Karen Vines Thompson

June 23, 1950 – November 26, 2023

A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Post Acute Medical Hospital in Hammond, LA. She was born June 23, 1950 in Winnfield, LA and was 73 years of age.

She is survived by her husband, John Robert Thompson, one daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Mike Murray of Ponchatoula; two grandchildren, Brittany Amanda Jarred of French Settlement, and Corey Michael Jarred of Ponchatoula; and five great grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia, and Sophia Ogmibene, and Emma and John Jarred.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugean and Sybil Vines; and her brother, Iven Glynn Vines.She would always put others first as a devoted wife, mother and Grandmother.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until Memorial Services at 2:30PM on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Avery Dixon. A private graveside will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.READ LESS 

Focus on New Members

We have a number of new members that are going through a special class, taught by Joe Cutrer, that meets each week. They have the opportunity to learn about our faith and our church. I’m thankful for the class and for Joe’s faithfulness in teaching it.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the new Christians in our churches. Pray for churches to teach them about our faith and how our church functions (Everything from doctrine to classes available to each member of their family).

Read the Bible

• Deuteronomy 8: 13-14
• Matthew 19: 16-24
• “Every blessing I have came from . . . .”

Coming Soon – Lottie Moon Offering for International Mission

100% of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering enables gospel transformation among the unreached.

Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence.

She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.

Thanks for “tuning in today”.

You daily prayers are greatly appreciated. A person can never have too many.

Anna Lee

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for hostages who have been released. I just saw that more will be released today. I’m thankful these innocent people, who have been held against their will, are free to again live life as they choose. Thank-you, God!

Read the Bible

• I Chronicles 29:12
• Ecclesiastes 5: 10-19
• “Every blessing I have came from . . . .”

Prayer for Health Concerns

Today, we will pray for ladies who are receiving health care.

• Pam Forrest
• Velma Anthony

Please continue to pray for Gary Callihan who had heart surgery yesterday.

Also, please pray for Bro. Darryl as he gets a stent in his leg today.

OCC Update

The eight processing centers around the country are busy preparing our boxes for shipment. Please continue to pray for the children and families who will receive each box.

Mission Offerings

Southern Baptist have three mission offerings.

• Annie Armstrong – North America
• Georgia Barnette – Louisiana
• Lottie Moon – International

We will soon begin collecting the Lottie Moon Offering. It provided for my children and grandchildren all the years they served in Brazil, Romania, and the Czech Republic. This offering provided housing, transportation, etc. as needed in each place. Without it, they would not have been able to live overseas to tell others about Jesus. Let’s provide for those who are dedicated to telling others about Jesus all around the world.

Thank-you

for you many actions that show that Jesus is important in your life and the life of others. Always try to allow Jesus to live in and through you.

Anna Lee

I will praise God’s name in song

and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalms 69:30

Thankfulness

This morning, I’m thanking God for hostages in Israel who have been released and hopeful for more today.

I am thankful for the rain in our area. We only had a little, but even for that amount, I’m thankful!

I am thankful for the youth, both boys and girls, who participated in leading in morning worship yesterday for Youth Sunday.

I’m also thankful for those who made decisions at church yesterday. One was a former student, Charlotte Boyd and her husband, Brad.

I’m also thankful all my holiday company came and then made it safely home yesterday. Jennie had 15 hours of travel. Thank God for those who made special efforts and long journeys to visit relatives.

One more thankfulness to share today. I am thankful for the ladies in my Sunday School class. They are so knowledgeable of God’s Word!

What’s of your list of thankfulness today?

Prayer Focus

Today, I will pray for more hostages to be released and for more rain, There was a sign on the news a couple minutes ago. It said, “Let my people go!”

Read the Bible

• Week 45 – “Materialism: Fool’s Goal”
• I Timothy 6: 3-10
• I Timothy 6: 17-19
• “If I inherited a million dollars, I would . . . .”

Illness

Judy Fowler is able to attend church again, but is still having foot trouble.

Yvonne Birch was at church again yesterday. Improvement is slow.

Several families have had a virus.

Some people have other short-term problems.

Pray for Glenda Womack Harrell who fell at Scott’s house Saturday.

Bro. Darryl will have a stent put in the problem area where the doctor worked last week. Please pray for him.

There are other issues, but these are the ones that come to God right now.

Pray also for the names you have on your prayer list.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There’s always an article or two I am especially interested in reading.

Another Thankfulness

I’m thankful for you reading this post today. Be sure to follow-up with prayer.

Anna Lee

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12:4

I thought about posting TPL earlier this morning, but decided to wait until everyone got up. Then, I enjoyed my company. After that, I totally forgot you until now. Sorry!

Read the Bible

• December 26
• Revelation 21: 1 – 22:5
• “The promise of Heaven makes my life . . . .”

Four cars of our family members are on their way to Georgia and Texas. It certainly was wonderful having them for Thanksgiving/Christmas. I hope your holiday was a blessing to you.

On to a more normal Sunday schedule . . . .

Anna Lee

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness;

I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalms 7:17

Thanksgiving

I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving and could recognize many of the blessings in. your life. Any day is a good day to be thankful, so spend some time thinking of all the many blessing in your life.

Sunday

The youth will be leading in worship Sunday. Make plans to be there to support them.

Read the Bible

• John 11: 25-27
• I Corinthians 15: 19-20
• I Corinthians 15:51-52
• I Corinthians 15: 56-58
• “I will rise from the dead because . . . .”

Christmas Plans

Just as many of you have made plans for the Christmas season, plans are made at church. Don’t miss out on anything because everything is special.

Sunday School

I hope you are part of a Sunday School class or group. There are many benefits but the main one is Bible study. No matter how many times you read a passage, you can always dig deeper and learn more than you knew before. Studying Mark seems to be an easy repeat for many people, but it can have new meaning every time. Come join us as we did deeper and learn more.

Safe Travel

Family members have the opportunity to travel by various means. Safety mainly depends on us. Be careful and avoid injuring yourself and/or others.

Prayer Journal

Pray for those on your personal prayer list.

Anna Lee

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

1 Timothy 4:4

Read the Bible

• I Timothy 1: 15-16
• Romans 8:28
• “In spite of our failures, God promises . . . .”

Thankfulness

We have a house and cabin full of company, family plus two others we just met! Our driveway is beginning to look like a Walmart parking lot! We are blessed and thankful for each one who came and for the others who had obligations that kept them away.

We ate well yesterday and still have leftovers! It was all delicious! How blessed we are!

I think most of you could said basically the same thing. Now, let’s turn it around and think about all those who have issues that made this holiday less than ideal. As we thank God, we also need to pray for the others too.

Looking Ahead

Some of you are planning on doing some shopping. Others may have already done your shopping or even do very little shopping. Let’s not forget the greatest gift the world was ever given, Jesus. As we move through the Christmas holidays, let’s focus on Him, not the jolly man dressed in red.

Anna Lee

I wish all of you a wonderful day full of new memories and blessings!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalms 100:4

UPDATE

Bro. Darryl got to come home after his surgery Tuesday. The family will bring/prepare lunch at his house today.

OUR THANKSGIVING

We have most of our family here for Thanksgiving and are eating well and having fun. They have a Turkey Trot (footrace) planned for first thing this morning. Thankfully, they allowed me to be the official for the race.

READ the BIBLE

• Thanksgiving
• Phillipians 4: 6-7
• Phillipians 4: 11-13
• “To trust God to work in my life means . . . .”

Reread the Scripture

What two things do you need today (and every day)?

• Thanksgiving
• Praise

Those two works should be our “marching orders” today!

Anna Lee