Sunday

But God is wise and good.

Wise people understand

and they show that God is right.’

~Luke 7:35~

Macy Lee, daughter of Tim and Beth G. Lee, will be having her gall bladder removed on December 17th. Please be in prayer for Macy and her family as they look ahead to this procedure.

Smiley Conerly will be having his surgery first thing in the morning. Please cover him with your prayers.

The Lottie Moon Tea program yesterday involved lots of people. The tables were beautiful! My favorite part was the Lottie Moon Story by my friend and co-teacher of many years ago, Mrs. Irene Lascaro. A surprise was a father/son singing group who sang some Christmas songs. Many of us met the Blounts for the first time yesterday. I think we’ll be seeing more of them. Thanks to all you participated in the program and in preparations. Thanks to others who just came. It’s hard to cover every minute of the event, but let me end by saying, all together, it was a beautiful event.

Scripture Writing – December 8 – Psalm 72: 1-7

Tonight at 6 P.M., the children of FBC, Kentwood will present their annual Christmas program. You are invited to come. May lives be touched by this experience, especially young lives of those involved.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 8 – https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-8/

Today, we will read Luke 8.

Luke 8

The women that helped Jesus

1 After this, Jesus went to visit many towns and villages. He told people the good news about the kingdom of God. The 12 disciples were going round with him. 2 Some women were also travelling with them. These women had been ill, but Jesus had made them well again. One of the women was Mary from Magdala. Jesus had sent seven bad spirits away from her. 3 Another of the women was Joanna, the wife of Chuza. Chuza had authority over all the people that worked in the house of King Herod. Another of the women was Susanna. There were also many others. These women were using their own money to help Jesus and his disciples.

A story about a farmer that planted seeds

4 Lots of people were coming to Jesus from many towns. A large crowd had already come together when Jesus told this story:

5 ‘A farmer went out to plant seeds in his field. While he was throwing the seeds, some of them fell on the path. Then people walked on them. Birds came down and they ate those seeds. 6 Some seeds fell on ground with rocks in it. They started to grow. But the young plants died because the ground was not wet enough in that place. 7 Some seeds fell among thorn bushes. Those bushes grew up with the young plants. They stopped the seeds from growing into strong plants. 8 But some seeds fell on good soil. Strong plants grew from those seeds. Each of these plants made 100 seeds.’

When Jesus finished the story, he said, ‘You have ears, so listen well to what I say!’

Jesus explains why he tells stories

9 Jesus’ disciples asked him about this story. They asked him what it meant. 10 Jesus replied, ‘God has let you know what these stories mean. You understand how God rules in the lives of his people. But other people only listen to my stories. They look, but they do not really see clearly. They hear the words, but they do not really understand.’

Jesus explains the story about the seeds

11 Jesus went on to say, ‘This is what the story means: The seeds are like the message from God. 12 Some seeds fell on the path. That is like some people who hear the message, but they do not think about it. The Devil comes and he takes the message away from their minds. He takes it away so that they cannot believe it. Because they do not believe the message, God does not save them.

13 Some seeds fell on ground with rocks in it. This is like people who hear the message from God and they are very happy for a time. But they are like plants that have not grown down well into the soil. They believe in God for a short time. But when they have any problems, they stop believing.

14 Some seeds fell among thorn bushes. This is like some other people who hear the message from God. But they start to have many troubles in their minds about how they will live. They want to get more money and more things. They think that this will make them happy. So they do not let God’s message change them. They are like plants that do not grow into strong plants.

15 But some seed fell on good soil. This is like other people that hear the message from God. They understand the message and they keep it in their minds. They are good and honest. They continue to believe and do not go back. These people are like a good plant that grows well and makes lots of new seeds.’

16 Jesus went on to say, ‘People do not light a lamp and then cover it. They do not put the lamp under a pot or under a bed. Instead, they put it in a high place. Then other people that come into the room can see the light from the lamp.

17 God hides some things now. But there will be a time when people will see them. God keeps some things secret now. But there will be a time when people will understand those things clearly.

18 So you should think carefully about what you hear. The person who has received some things will receive more. But some other people have nothing. They think that they have a little bit. But they will lose even that.’

The mother and brothers of Jesus come to see him

19 Then Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to see him. But they could not reach him because of the large crowd of people who were there. 20 Someone told Jesus, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside. They want to see you.’

21 Jesus replied, ‘I will tell you who my mother and brothers really are. My mother and my brothers are those people who hear God’s message and do what he wants.’

Jesus stops a storm

22 One day, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples. He said to them, ‘We should go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they started to cross the lake. 23 While they sailed in the boat, Jesus began to sleep. Then a strong wind started to blow across the lake. Water began to fill the boat and they were in danger. 24 So the disciples went to Jesus and they woke him. ‘Master, master, we are going to die here in the water!’ they said.

Then Jesus got up and he spoke strongly to the wind and to the water. ‘Stop!’ he said. The wind stopped immediately and the water became flat. 25 Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Why do you not believe in me?’

All this frightened the disciples and they were very surprised. They asked each other, ‘Who is this man? He even tells the wind and the water what to do. He speaks and they obey him!’

Jesus makes a man well

26 Jesus and his disciples went to the place where the Gerasene people lived. This place is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus got out of the boat there, a man from the town came towards him. Bad spirits were living inside him. He had not worn any clothes for a long time. He did not live in a house. Instead, he lived in a place where they buried dead people. 28 When he saw Jesus, he screamed. Then he went down on his knees in front of Jesus and said in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, you are the Son of the powerful God above! We have nothing in common! Please do not hurt me.’ 29 He said that because Jesus had already said to the bad spirit, ‘Come out of this man.’

The bad spirit had often taken hold of the man and people watched him carefully. They held his feet with metal chains. But when the bad spirit took hold of him, he often broke the chains. The bad spirit then caused him to go into the wilderness.

30 Jesus asked the man, ‘What is your name?’ The man replied, ‘My name is Army.’ He said this because very many bad spirits had gone into him. 31 These bad spirits asked Jesus not to send them away to the world below.

32 There was a large group of pigs there and they were eating on the hill. The bad spirits asked Jesus, ‘Let us go into the pigs.’ Jesus replied, ‘You can go into them.’ 33 So the bad spirits came out of the man and they went into the pigs. All the pigs rushed together down the hill into the lake. They all died there in the water.

34 The men who were taking care of the pigs saw this happen. They ran away. They told the people in the town and in the villages what had happened. 35 So the people went out from these places to see what had happened. They came to Jesus. The man that the bad spirits had come out of was sitting there, beside Jesus’ feet. Now he was wearing clothes and his mind was well again. When the people saw this, they were afraid. 36 Some people had seen Jesus make the man well. They told the other people how he had done this. 37 Then all the Gerasene people who lived in that place said to Jesus, ‘Please go away and leave us.’ They said this because they were very afraid. So, Jesus got back into the boat so that they could leave that place. 38 Then the man that the bad spirits had gone out from said to Jesus, ‘Please let me come with you.’ But Jesus replied, ‘No. 39 You must return to your home. Tell everyone about all that God has done for you.’

So the man went away. He went everywhere in the town and told all the people, ‘Jesus has done very good things for me.’

Jesus makes a young girl well

40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the crowd was very happy to see him. They were all waiting for him to come back. 41 Then a man called Jairus came to see him. He was a leader at the Jewish meeting place. He went down on his knees at the feet of Jesus and said, ‘Please come to my house. 42 I have one daughter. She is 12 years old and she is very ill. She will die very soon.’

So Jesus went along. A crowd of people went with him and they were pushing against him. 43 There was a sick woman in the crowd who had lost blood for 12 years. She had paid all her money to doctors and she had no money left. But nobody could help her to become well again. 44 She came in the crowd behind Jesus and she touched the edge of his coat. Immediately she stopped bleeding. 45 Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’

Everyone round him said, ‘It was not me. I did not touch you.’ Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, there is a big crowd round you. Many people are pushing against you.’

46 Jesus said, ‘Someone did touch me. I felt it when something powerful went out from me.’ 47 The woman knew that she could not hide herself. So she was very afraid. She came to Jesus and she went down on the ground in front of him. She spoke so that all the people could hear her. She said, ‘I wanted to be well again, so I touched him. When I did that, I became well immediately.’ 48 Jesus said to her, ‘Young woman, you are well again because you believed in me. Do not have any more troubles in your mind.’

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone arrived from Jairus’ house. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he told Jairus. ‘Do not ask the teacher to come now.’

50 Jesus heard what the man said. So he said to Jairus, ‘Do not be afraid. Just believe in me. Then she will become well again.’

51 When they arrived at the house, Jesus would not let everyone go in. He took only Peter, John and James. He also let the mother and father of the girl go into the house. 52 All the people there were crying loudly because they were very sad. ‘Do not cry,’ Jesus told them. ‘The child is not dead. She is only asleep.’

53 But the people knew that she had died. So they laughed at him. 54 But Jesus went and held the child’s hand. He said to her, ‘My child, get up.’ 55 Then she became alive again. Immediately she stood up. Jesus said to her parents, ‘Give her something to eat.’ 56 They were very surprised. Jesus said to them very strongly, ‘You must not tell anyone about what has happened.’

Jesus is the reason for this great Christmas season!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:40~

Charles Howell McGregor

December 24, 1939 – December 06, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. He was born December 24, 1939 in Clarksdale, MS and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Brecheen McGregor; daughter, Dawn McGregor Bridges and husband, Oscar; son, Jay Michael McGregor and wife, Lisa; step-sons, Gary Conleay and wife, Emily, Randy Conleay and wife, Debra, and Justin Lehmann and wife, Courtney; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy McGregor Bourgeois; former son in law, Clayton Blades. Preceded in death by his parents, Prentiss and Thelma McGregor; son, Mark Howell McGregor; step-daughter, Audrey Conleay Lehmann; grandsons, Hunter McGregor and Aaron Cole Lehmann; sister, Marteen McGregor Ainsworth; and a special niece, Kim Brun. Special thanks to Diontrinise “Mooky” Westbias and the staff at St. Helena Parish Hospital. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 13, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Burdette Thomas. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Warren Hovis, Josh Conleay, Cody Waller, Quincy Hodges, III, Evan Lynn and Robert Strickland. Honorary Pallbearers will be Logan McGregor and Ryan McGregor. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The annual Lottie Moon Tea is TODAY!

Spring Creek Baptist Church
2:00 P.M.
Be inspired by the life of a great missionary lady in China.
Get in the Christmas spirit with carols.
Enjoy sitting at a beautifully decorated table.
See wonderful friends from throughout our association.

Scripture Writing – December 7 – Jeremiah 33: 14-16

LMCO – Day 7 – https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-7/

Special December Bible Reading – Luke 7

A Roman officer believes that Jesus can help him

1 After Jesus had finished speaking to the people, he went to Capernaum. 2 A Roman officer there had a servant that he liked very much. The servant was very ill and he was dying.

3 The officer heard about Jesus, so he sent some important Jews to speak to him. ‘Please go to Jesus,’ he said to them. ‘I would like him to make my servant well. Ask him if he would come to do that.’ 4 The Jewish leaders went to Jesus. They asked him, ‘Please would you do something to help this Roman officer. 5 He loves the Jewish people. He himself built a meeting place for us.’

6 So, Jesus went with them. When he was not very far away from the house, the officer sent some friends to talk to him. He told them to say to Jesus, ‘Sir, I do not want to be a trouble to you. I am not good enough for you to come into my house. 7 That is why I did not come to talk to you myself. Instead, just say that my servant will get better. I know that he will then be well again. 8 In my work, someone has authority over me. I also have authority over other soldiers. I say to one soldier, “Go!” and he goes. I say to another one, “Come!” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this!” and he does it.’

9 When Jesus heard this message from the officer, he was very surprised. He turned towards the crowd that was following him. He said to them, ‘I tell you, I have not found anyone like this man in all of Israel. Nobody else believes in me as well as he does.’

10 The friends of the officer then returned to his house. When they arrived there, they saw that the servant was well again.

Jesus makes a dead man alive again

11 The next day, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large group of other people went with him. 12 When he had almost reached the gate of the town, lots of people were coming out. They were carrying a dead man on a mat. They were going to bury him. His mother had no other sons and her husband was also dead. A large crowd of people from the town were going with her.

13 When the Lord Jesus saw her, he felt very sorry for her. He said to her, ‘Do not cry.’ 14 He went to the box and he touched it. The people who were carrying the box stopped. Jesus said, ‘Young man, I am telling you, get up!’ 15 Immediately, the dead man sat up and he began to talk. Jesus then gave him back to his mother.

16 Everyone there was very afraid. They praised God and said, ‘A great prophet of God has appeared among us. God has come to save his people!’

17 This news about Jesus went all through Judea. The people in the places that were near there also heard about it.

Jesus talks about John the Baptist

18 Then some disciples of John the Baptist went to visit him in prison. They told him about all the things that Jesus was doing. So John chose two of them to go to the Lord Jesus for him. 19 He said to them, ‘I want you to ask Jesus, “Are you the special person that God is sending to us? If not, should we still look for someone else?” ’

20 So the two men came to Jesus. They said to him, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you. He wants us to ask you, “Are you the special person that God is sending to us? If not, should we still look for someone else?” ’

21 At that time, Jesus was making many people well. They had many different illnesses. Some had bad spirits in them. Jesus also caused many blind people to see again. 22 Then he said to the two men that John had sent, ‘Go back to John. Tell him what you have seen. Tell him what you have heard. Blind people can now see again. People that could not walk can now walk again. People who had a bad illness of the skin are now well again. Deaf people can now hear again. People who had died now live again. Poor people are hearing God’s good news. 23 If anyone believes in me and does not turn away, he will be really happy.’

24 The two disciples of John then left. Jesus spoke to the crowd about John. He said to them, ‘You went out to the wilderness. What did you go there to see? Was it a tall piece of grass which the wind was blowing this way and that? No, you did not go to see that. 25 So, did you go to see a man who was wearing expensive clothes? No! People like that do not live in the wilderness. They have many beautiful things and they live in great houses. 26 So, what did you go to see? Did you go to see a prophet sent by God? Yes! But I tell you, John was even more important than a prophet. 27 This is what they wrote about him a long time ago in the Bible, when God said:

“Listen! I will send someone to go in front of you.

He will speak my message.

He will prepare a way for you.” ’

28 Jesus also said to the people, ‘I tell you, John is greater than any person who has ever lived up to now. But now anyone who belongs in the kingdom of God is greater than John, even the least important of them.’

29 Many people heard what Jesus said. Even the men who took taxes on behalf of the government agreed with his message. They had asked John to baptize them. They all said, ‘What God says about us is right.’ 30 But the Pharisees and the men that studied God’s Law did not want John to baptize them. They did not believe the message that God was giving to them.

31 Jesus continued to teach. He said, ‘I will talk to you about the people that are alive today. I will tell you what they are like. 32 They are like children who are sitting in the market place. They are playing games. They shout to other children,

“We made happy music on a flute for you,

but you did not dance.

Then we sang a sad song but you did not cry.”

33 You are like those children. When John the Baptist came, he often did not eat food for a time. He never drank wine. So you say that John has a bad spirit in him. 34 Then I, the Son of Man, came. I both eat and I drink. So you say about me, “Look at this man! He eats too much and he drinks too much. He is a friend of bad people and men who take taxes on behalf of the government.” 35 But God is wise and good. Wise people understand and they show that God is right.’

A woman pours expensive oil on Jesus

36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat a meal with him. So Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down to eat. 37 In that town was a woman who had done many wrong things. She heard that Jesus was eating a meal at the house of the Pharisee. So she took a small stone jar with oil in it, and she went there. The oil had a very nice smell. 38 She went into the house and she stood behind Jesus. She was crying and she made his feet wet with her tears. Then she made his feet dry again with her hair and she kissed them. She then poured the oil out of the jar on to his feet. 39 When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, ‘This man cannot be a prophet from God. If he were, he would know all about this woman. He would know that she is a very bad person. He would not let her touch him.’

40 Jesus said to him, ‘Simon, I want to tell you something.’ Simon replied, ‘Yes, Teacher, tell me.’ So Jesus told him a story about two men:

41 ‘Someone had lent two men some money. He had lent one of them 500 silver coins. He had lent the other one 50 coins. 42 Neither of the men had enough money to pay him back. Then the man that had lent them the money forgave them. “You do not need to pay back my money,” he said to them both.’

Jesus then asked Simon, ‘Which of these two men will love that man most?’ 43 Simon replied, ‘I think that it is the man that needed to pay back the most money.’

‘You are right,’ Jesus said. 44 Then he turned towards the woman. ‘You see this woman,’ he said to Simon. ‘When I came into your house, you did not give me water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and she has dried them with her hair. 45 You did not say “Hello” to me with a kiss. But this woman began to kiss my feet when she came in. And she has not stopped. 46 You did not put oil on my head. But she has brought oil with a nice smell and put it on my feet. 47 So I tell you, this woman has done many bad things. But I have forgiven them. She loves me a lot, because I have forgiven her a lot. If I only forgive someone a little, that person only loves me a little.’

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, ‘Woman, I forgive you for all the bad things that you have done.’

49 The other people at the meal talked among themselves. They said, ‘Who is this man? Can he really forgive the bad things that people have done?’

50 Jesus said to the woman, ‘You have believed in me, so God has saved you. You may go now, and be happy.’

Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Tea!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,

obeyed and went,

even though he did not know where he was going.”

~Hebrews 11:8 NIV~

Josiah Huckaby (written by his mom)

This boy was quite the little character last night! I was able to get a couple of videos of him “talking”. Shaking his head NO is definitely a favorite activity. He’s getting better at 1 syllable sounds (mostly yeah but he has started making some consonant sounds) & I even got “da” out of him last night.

Since his vent pressures are still a bit too high for him to start working with a speak valve (which changes the airflow so that air can pass over his vocal cords allowing him to talk with a trach), we have an evaluation next week to see if he qualifies for an AAC device to help him communicate his wants & needs with us while he is technically non-verbal. It will most likely be some type of tablet with special software that allows him to pick from several options on a grid. We are really excited about this opportunity!!!

Willie Hebert is my cousin Fran’s husband. He has been having some health issues lately and will be having some important tests on the 12th and 13th. Please pray for Willie and Fran.

Floyd Fowler continues to have issues with pneumonia. Pray for him and his doctor as he works for a solution.

John Truman Causey

December 31, 1930 – December 03, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born December 31, 1930 in Kentwood, LA and was 88 years of age. He was a U.S. Army Veteran during Korea. He was a dairy farmer, worked for the State of Louisiana in the Office of Motor Vehicles, and served as a bailiff for Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was a mason in the Spring Creek Masonic Lodge and a member and former Deacon for East Fork Baptist Church. He is survived by 3 nieces, Laurie G. Speed, Rae Lynn G. Simeon and Leslie G. Colvin; sister-in-laws, May Hoppe, Patty McDaniel and Nita McDaniel; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie McDaniel Causey; parents, Derrick and Carrie Adams Causey; 2 sisters, Ruby May Gill and Ada Causey. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:30AM on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Ernest Graham. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mr John and “Miss” Margie were camping friends with my parents for many years. We called momma, “Momma Dot”. Since my momma passed away, Mr. John has called me “Momma Dot”. He wasn’t confused, just letting me know seeing me reminded him of my momma. By the way, I don’t look like her.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Tea will be Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2 P.M. Ladies, young to old, are invited to join in the special day.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-5/

Luke 5

Jesus asks some men to go with him

1 One day, Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. A crowd was pushing to get near to him. They were listening to him. He was speaking God’s message to them.

2 Jesus saw two fishing boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left the boats there and they were now washing their nets.

3 One of the boats belonged to Simon. Jesus climbed into it. He asked Simon to push it away from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and he started to teach the people.

4 When Jesus finished teaching, he said to Simon, ‘Now take the boat out into deep water. Then put the nets into the water to catch some fish.’

5 Simon replied, ‘Teacher, we worked all last night and we did not catch anything. But because you say it, I will put the nets into the water again.’ 6 So they went and they put the nets down into the water. When they did that, they caught many fish. There were so many fish that the nets began to break. 7 So Simon shouted to the other fishermen that worked with him. ‘Come here!’ he said, ‘We need you.’ When they saw that, the men came in their boat. They filled both boats with the fish. There were so many fish that the boats began to go down under the water. 8 When Simon saw all the fish, he went down on his knees in front of Jesus. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘I am a bad man. So please go away from me.’

9 Simon said this because he was very surprised. He was surprised because they had caught so many fish. His friends in the other boat were also very surprised. 10 James and John were very surprised too. They were Zebedee’s sons and they worked with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. You have been catching fish. From now on you will catch people!’

11 After that, they went and they pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything behind and they went with Jesus.

A man with a bad illness of his skin

12 One day, Jesus was in a certain town. A man with a bad illness of the skin was there.

When the man saw Jesus, he threw himself down on the ground in front of him. He said, ‘Sir, if you want, you can make me well again. Please do it.’

13 Jesus put out his hand towards the man and he touched him. He said, ‘I do want to help you. Be clean again!’ Immediately, the illness left the man. 14 ‘Do not tell anyone about this,’ Jesus said to him. ‘Instead, go and show yourself to the priest. Take a gift to him for God. Moses taught the people what gift to take to God when they are clean again after this kind of illness. This will show everyone that you are now well again.’

15 After this, more and more people started to hear the news about Jesus. Crowds were coming to hear him teach. Sick people also wanted him to make them well. 16 But Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places.

Jesus makes well a man that cannot walk

17 One day, while Jesus was teaching in someone’s house, many people were sitting there. Some of them were Pharisees. Other people were teachers of God’s Law. They had come from many villages in Galilee, and from Judea and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there with Jesus to make sick people well.

18 Then some men arrived. They were carrying a man on a mat. The man could not walk or move his legs. They tried to get into the house, because they wanted to bring the man to Jesus. 19 But the house was full of people, and they could not get in. So, they carried the man on to the flat roof of the house. Then they made a hole in the roof. After that, they put the mat down through the hole. The man was still lying on it. He came down in the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 Jesus saw them. He knew that they believed in him. So he said to the sick man, ‘My friend, I forgive you for the wrong things that you have done.’

21 The Pharisees and the teachers of God’s Law were there. They heard what Jesus said. So they began to think among themselves, ‘Who is this man? He is speaking as if he is God. Only God can forgive people for the wrong things that they have done.’ 22 Jesus knew what these men were thinking. He told them, ‘You should not be thinking these things. 23 I said to this man, “I forgive you for the wrong things that you have done.” Instead, I could have said to him, “Stand up and walk.” Which one is easier for me to say? 24 But I want you to know this. I, the Son of Man, have authority here on earth. I can forgive people for the wrong things that they have done.’

Then he said to the man who could not walk, ‘I am saying to you, “Stand up. Pick up your mat and go home!” ’

25 Immediately, the man stood up in front of them all. He picked up the mat that he had been lying on. He went home. He was praising God as he went. 26 What had happened surprised everyone. They said, ‘God is great and powerful! We have seen very strange and special things happen today.’

Jesus asks Levi to come with him

27 After this happened, Jesus went away from that house. He saw a man that took taxes from people on behalf of the government. He was working in his office. His name was Levi. Jesus said to him, ‘Come with me and be my disciple.’ 28 So Levi got up and he went with Jesus. He left everything behind.

29 Soon after this, Levi made a large meal for Jesus at his house. Many people also came and they were eating with them there. Many of these people also took taxes on behalf of the government. 30 Some Pharisees and teachers of God’s Law saw them there. So they said to Jesus’ disciples, ‘You eat and drink with these bad people and men who take taxes on behalf of the government. That is not right.’

31 Jesus answered them, ‘People who are well do not need a doctor. It is people who are ill that need a doctor. 32 Some people think that they always obey God. I have not come to help people like that. Some people know that they have done wrong things. I am asking those people to come to me for help. I want them to change how they live.’

33 Then the Jewish leaders said to Jesus: ‘The disciples of John the Baptist often stop eating food for a time. Then they can pray to God a lot. The disciples of the Pharisees also do that. But your disciples never do that. They continue to eat and drink every day.’

34 Jesus answered them, ‘When a man marries a wife, his friends cannot refuse to eat food at that time. Nobody can stop them from eating while he is with them. 35 But there will be a time when people will take that man away from his friends. Then they will stop eating food.’

36 Jesus told them this story: ‘Nobody tears a piece of cloth from a new coat to mend an old coat. If he does that, he will have torn the new coat. Also, the piece of cloth from the new coat will not look the same as the old coat.

37 And nobody pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does that, the new wine will tear the old wineskins. He will lose the wine and the wineskins will also spoil. 38 Instead, you must put new wine into new wineskins.

39 Also, nobody wants to drink new wine after he has drunk old wine. He will say, “The old wine is much better.” ’

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

~Galatians 6:9 NIV~

Carl Wayne Stevens, 76, beloved husband and father, left this world peacefully to be with Jesus surrounded by his beloved wife and children on December 2, 2019. He entered this world on August 3, 1943 in Magnolia, MS, born to Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens.

He is survived by his wife Nora Hodges Stevens; his children, Carl W. “Rusty” Stevens II, M.D. (wife Cherilon) of Laurel, MS, Julee Stevens Pousson (husband Mitch) of Nashville, TN, Micah Stevens (wife Mica) of Laurel, MS, Matthew Stevens, M.D. (wife Lindsey) of Tupelo, MS; his grandchildren, Ben Stevens, M.D. (wife LeighAnn), Sara Beth Stevens, Mitchell Pousson II, Madeline Pousson, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, AmyBelle Stevens, Eli Stevens, Parker Stevens, Sawyer Stevens, Addison Kate Stevens; his sister, Denise Stevens of Houston, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens and his brother Preston David Stevens of Kentwood, LA.

Carl owned and operated a dairy farm for 29 years while also working as a rural mail carrier for 22 of those years. After retiring and moving to Laurel, MS he began a new career as owner and operator of Daylight Donuts. Carl was an absolute joy to everyone who knew him. He was known for his wit, kindness, sincere love for and acceptance of all. He put special emphasis on his relationship with his sister, children, and each of his grandchildren. He deeply loved and cherished Nora, his one true love of over 55 years and the life they built together. He loved well and was loved well.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Carl with his family during visitation at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS, on Friday, December 6th from 12:00 – 2:30 pm. Services will begin at 2:30 pm with interment to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pall Bearers will be; Ben Stevens, M.D., Mitch Pousson, Mitchell Pousson II, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, Mike Moise, Terry Bridges, Larry Sanders.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to: The American Heart Association and The American Lung Association.

1 Cor 13:13 – And now these three remain – faith, hope, love. But the greatest of these is love.

Operation Christmas Child – Our shoeboxes were sent to Dallas for processing. Boxes from there appear to be going to Central America, as usual, because that area is closer to Dallas than other processing centers.

Scripture Writing – December 4 – Isaiah 11: 6-10

Bible chapter to read today – Luke 4

Luke 4

The Devil tries to make Jesus do wrong things

1 Then Jesus returned from the river Jordan. He was full of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness. 2 He stayed there for 40 days and he did not eat anything. During this time the Devil tried to cause Jesus to do wrong things. At the end of 40 days, Jesus was very hungry.

3 The Devil said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, speak to this stone. Tell it to become bread.’

4 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says that food alone cannot cause people to live.’

5 After that, the Devil led Jesus up to a high place. In one moment, he showed Jesus all the countries in the whole world. 6 He said to Jesus, ‘I will let you rule the whole world. I will give you power over all these things. That power all belongs to me. So, I can give it to anyone that I choose. 7 Just go down on your knees and worship me. Then I will give you power over the whole world.’

8 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says,

“Only worship your Lord God.

He is the only one that you should obey.” ’

9 The Devil now took Jesus to Jerusalem. He took him to stand on the highest part of God’s Great House. Then he said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump down from here to the ground. 10 You know that the Bible says:

“God will tell his angels to keep you safe.”

11 “They will hold you safely in their hands.

They will not let you hurt your foot on a stone.” ’

12 ‘No!’ Jesus replied. ‘The Bible says,

“Do not do a foolish thing to see if your Lord God will save you.” ’

13 The Devil tried to make Jesus do many wrong things like that. When he had finished this, he left Jesus alone for a time.

Jesus goes to Nazareth

14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee. The Holy Spirit continued to give him power. Everyone who lived near there heard the news about him. 15 He taught people in the Jewish meeting places. Everyone said good things about him.

16 Jesus went to Nazareth, the town where he had grown up. On the Jewish day for rest, he went to their meeting place. This was what he usually did. He stood up to read aloud from the Bible.

17 They gave him the book of messages that God had given to his prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book. He found the place where Isaiah wrote:

18 ‘The Spirit from the Lord God is on me.

He has chosen me to tell good news to poor people.

He has sent me to tell people who are in prison, “You can go free!”

I must say to people that cannot see, “See again!”

I must cause people that are like slaves to become free.

19 I must tell everyone, “This is the year when God will be kind to his people.” ’

20 When Jesus had read this to the people, he closed the book. He gave it back to an officer of the meeting place. Then he sat down to teach the people. Everyone in the meeting place was looking carefully at him.

21 Jesus said to them, ‘Today this message has become true. It has happened while you were listening.’

22 Everyone was talking about Jesus. They were surprised at the good way in which he spoke. They said to each other, ‘He is really only the son of Joseph. Isn’t that true?’

23 Jesus then said to them, ‘Now you will tell me the proverb, “Doctor, make yourself well!” You will also say, “We have heard that you did many surprising things in Capernaum. This is your home town, so do the same things here!” 24 I tell you this, people do not accept a prophet of God who comes from their own town.

25 What I tell you is true. There were many widows in the country of Israel when Elijah was alive. At that time, it did not rain for three and a half years. So people were very hungry in all the country. 26 But God did not send Elijah to help a widow in Israel. Instead, God sent Elijah to the country called Sidon. There he helped a widow in a place called Zarephath.

27 Here is another example: When God’s prophet Elisha was alive, there were many people in Israel with a bad illness of the skin. But God did not make any of them well. Instead, he made a man well who was from the country called Syria. That man was called Naaman.’

28 The people in the meeting place heard what Jesus said. They became very angry. 29 They stood up and they made him leave the town. They took him to the top of the hill where the town was. They wanted to throw him over the edge to the bottom. 30 But Jesus walked through the middle of the crowd and he went away.

Jesus causes a bad spirit to leave a man

31 Jesus went to a town in Galilee called Capernaum. On the Jewish day for rest, he taught the people there. 32 The people were very surprised at the things that Jesus taught them. He spoke with authority. 33 In the meeting place was a sick man. He had a spirit of a bad demon that was living inside him. The spirit caused the man to shout loudly. 34 He said, ‘Jesus from Nazareth, leave us alone! Do not destroy us! I know who you are. You are God’s Holy One!’

35 Jesus said to the spirit, ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man!’ Then the bad spirit caused the man to fall to the ground in front of the people. It came out of the man but it did not hurt him.

36 All the people were very surprised and they said to each other, ‘Listen to what this man says! He has power and authority. He tells bad spirits to come out of people, and they come out.’ 37 So, they began to tell everyone about Jesus. Because of this, people in all the places near Capernaum heard the news about Jesus.

Jesus makes many people well

38 Jesus then left the meeting place and he went to Simon’s home. The mother of Simon’s wife was ill and her body was very hot. So, they asked Jesus to make her well. 39 Jesus came and he stood near her. He told the illness to go away and immediately she was well again. She got up and she prepared food for her visitors.

40 When the sun was going down, people in the town brought to Jesus all those people who were ill. They had many different kinds of illness. Jesus put his hands on each ill person and they became well again.

41 Also, bad spirits came out of many people. They were shouting, ‘You are the Son of God.’ The spirits knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Because of this, Jesus stopped them. He would not let them speak.

42 Early the next morning, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone. The people went to look for him. When they found him they said, ‘Do not leave us! Please stay here with us.’ 43 Jesus replied, ‘I must go to other towns to tell everyone the good news. I will tell them how God rules in the lives of his people. That is what God sent me to do.’

44 Then he travelled to many towns in the country called Judea. He went into the Jewish meeting places and taught people there.

Special Christmas related activities involving FBC, Kentwood this week:

Christmas lunch at the church this morning at 11 for senior adults
Lottie Moon Tea – Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2 P.M.

Yesterday was assigned a title. “Giving Tuesday”. Please don’t limit your giving to one day a year! Give of yourself regularly and without needing a special designation.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us.

By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”

~Ephesians 3:20 GW~

Kendal Pike Batuyong and her family live close to the area of the big gas explosion in Texas. Even though they had to evacuate, they are so thankful God protected them and so many others in such a crisis. They are now back at home.

Hugh Edward McGehee, Jr.

November 14, 1924 – November 28, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 14, 1924 in East Fork, LA and was 95 years of age. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Kentwood and was a Mason at Kentwood Lodge #248. He served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific areas in the Merchant Marines. In his early years, he was a brick layer with his father and grandfather. In his later years, he worked as a service manager at auto dealerships. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jeanette Singleton McGehee, Kentwood; son, Allan McGehee and wife, Rhonda, Denham Springs; 4 grandchildren, Greta Swarts and husband, Skeeter, Denham Springs, Wade McGehee, Kentwood, Erica Sepulveda and husband, Todd, Spring, TX, and Derek McGehee and wife, Jen, Denham Springs; 8 great-grandchildren, Randi Swarts Smith and husband, Daniel, Toni Swarts, Jacob McGehee, Justyn McGehee, Kaitlin Sepulveda Gandy and husband, Robert, Kyle Sepulveda, Nicholas Sepulveda, and Landry McGehee; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Deacon and Zadok Smith and Easton and Braiyah Swarts. Preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Edward McGehee, Sr. and Lena Day McGehee; son, Jerald Ray McGehee; daughter, Janet Kay McGehee. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lillie Louise Bell Graham

February 08, 1945 – November 26, 2019

Lillie Louise Bell Graham, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at her home. She was born February 8, 1945 in Augusta, AR and was 74 years of age .She loved the outdoors where she enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. She is survived by 5 children, Cathy Graham Moran and husband, Sam, Troy Graham, Jr., Linda Graham Dantin and husband, Mark, Earnest Graham and Brenda Graham Gill; grandchildren, Sean Moran, George Graham, Bobby Graham, Jimmy Graham, Jennifer Graham. Luke Dantin, Cody Graham, Kyle Graham, Stephanie Graham, Steven Williams and Brittany Templeton; numerous great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her father, Levy Thomas Bell; mother, Gladys Clayton Bell Boyd; grandson, Chance Moran; brother, George Bell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Monday, December 2, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Tommy Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing for November 30th – Choose and write your Scripture for today.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has been supporting international missionaries since 1888!

3,678

missionaries

*updated October 31, 2019

4.5 BILLION UNREACHED

847 people groups engaged

through the work of IMB in just the last year

I’ve already made my first purchases for Operation Christmas Child 2020. I hope you have too. Donations of items or funds can be turned in all year long.

Anna Lee

Monday

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

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

~Psalm 7:17~

Operation Christmas Child collection at more than 5,000 sites ends today. FBC, Kentwood will be open 8:00-10:00 and then transfer the boxes to the area collection site in Hammond. Just to make you smile, I’ll share that we collected 295 shoeboxes yesterday for a running total of 1.489 boxes this year. That is the most we ever collected in Kentwood and we still have one more day!

Peter Michael Chehardy

October 13, 1956 – November 23, 2019

Peter Mike, went to his eternal resting place on November 23, 2019 with his loving family around him. Mike a lifelong resident of Amite, was born on October 13, 1956 to George and Virginia Chehardy( both deceased.) He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Valerie Baxter Chehardy for 33 years. In addition to his loving wife, Mike is survived by a sister, George Ann Smith, who along with her husband, Ray Smith(deceased), raised him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by a brother Johnny Chehardy and a sister, Philomene Lacara. After attending Amite Elementary and Oak Forest Academy Jr. High, Mike attended the Vocational Unit of the Hammond State School. After graduating, he lived in Baton Rouge where he worked at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Government St. After a couple of years, Mike came back to Amite to be close to his family. He worked for the Town of Amite for ten years and for Smitty’s Supply for 20 years. He retired in 2016. Mike had a very high work ethic. He was punctual, dependable, and loved by his coworkers. Mike had many favorite activities. He looked forward to the first week in October every year when he and Val took their annual trip to Cruising the Coast. He loved sports and was an avid fan of LSU ,the Saints, and the Amite Warriors. Unbeknown to many people, Mike was an amateur stargazer. He kept up with special events in the sky and could be seen in his front yard with his telescope. But His favorite pastime was talking to his friends. He kept his OFA annual in his truck always looking for someone to share memories. Elvis was his favorite performer and he and Val enjoyed a trip to Graceland. He and Val also enjoyed trips to Disney World and New York City. The family would like to thank the many friends for their concern and prayers for Mike and for all the ways they made him feel special and loved. Special thanks to Dr. Derris Ray and his staff, St Joseph Hospice, especially Lisa King, and Bud and Ray and the staff of Thrift Town Pharmacy. Also thanks go to McKneely Funeral Home for their excellent care. But most of all we want to thank God for the many graces and blessings Mike has had all of his life. Family and friends are invited to join the visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Tuesday, November 26 from 9:00 until 11:30 A.M. The funeral Mass, conducted by Father Mark Beard, will be held at noon at the church. Interment will be at the Amite Memorial Gardens. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

David and I saw Peter Mike and Valerie at Master Chef. They always had many friends stop at their table to speak and were always very helpful to each other. I know Peter Mike will be missed in the Amite area.

Scripture Writing – November 25 – Psalm 118: 1-7

Pray for the youth and adults chaperones from our area churches as they finish up at the Youth Evangelism Conference and travel back to their churches today.

Thankfulness – Day 25: Today, I am thankful for the love in our family that makes us want to spend time together. We don’t usually get to be together as often as we would like, but we can enjoy the time we have together. I hope you will have an opportunity to spend some time with family this week. May your time together build the bond of love stronger.

This is a busy week for traveling. Pray for good times and safe traveling during this holiday season. Start making a list of people and things you are thankful for.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

~Hebrews 11:1 NCV~

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”

~Proverbs 3:5 HCSB~

Scripture Writing for Nov. 24 – James 1: 17-18

Operation Christmas Child: Monday ends the time to take your boxes to a collection site in 2019. FBC, Kentwood will be receiving “shoeboxes” today from 4-6 P.M. and tomorrow from 8-10 A.M. I can’t explain to you how excited I am that boys and girls get “shoeboxes”, a chance to learn about Jesus, and an opportunity to take Jesus into their heart. I appreciate how much love many of you have put into packing your shoeboxes.

This morning Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast. There is no charge for the breakfast, but donations are taken to help a family with a need. This is a great ministry of the ladies of Pine Ridge. They have been helping families for many years this way.

The Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea will be Saturday, December 7th at two o’clock at Spring Creek Baptist Church. Ladies and girls, plan to attend. You don’t want to miss this special event.

Thankfulness – Day 24 – Family gatherings! Yesterday, David’s family had a family gathering. It was a time to enjoy watching the children play, introducing some new family members into the family, to show respect to those who have now become the older generation, and to lovingly think back sweet memories of those who are no longer with us. Of course, there were lots of hugs and too much good food, but that’s the way families treat each other. Today, I am especially thankful for the sweet spirit of yesterday’s gathering and all the other ones I can remember.

Smiley Conerly has been searching for answers to his medical questions. He has learned a little more and will be having surgery on December 9th. Please add Smiley and his family to your prayer list if they are not already there.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Remember, it’s not all about food and family! What else do you have to thank God for this year?

Anna Lee

Saturday, Posted Early

“Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1 TLB~

The youth from our church will attend the yearly YEC, Youth Evangelism Conference, Sunday – Monday. Pray for them as they travel. Also, pray the conference touches many hearts and changes lives.

Smiley Conerly will be having surgery December 9th. Please pray for him and his family.

Operation Christmas Child continues. FBC, Kentwood collected 103 shoeboxes late yesterday. Saturday, the hours are 10-12, Noon. Sunday’s hours are 4-6 P.M. If you have boxes to turn in, please do so Saturday or Sunday, rather than waiting for Monday. Pray for the children who will receive a shoebox. Thank God for the many lives that will be changed. Thank God for each person who was involved in the shoeboxes in any way, the money invested in packing the shoeboxes, and the time that was spent creating or purchasing items for the shoeboxes. Use every opportunity God gives you to share about the shoeboxes. It is one of the ways we are missionaries. Remember, Matthew 28: 19-20 tells us to do to things, GO and TELL.

Scripture Writing – November 11-23 – Lamentations 3: 22-27.

Thankfulness, Day 23 – Today, I’m thankful for time. I get 24 hours each day to spend as I desire. My time also has responsibilities. I’m thankful for the time I have to live and pray I have pleased/continue to please God with the way I spent this precious time He gave/gives me. Some people refer to our lives as the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death. It’s up to us to make “our dash” count for Him. It’s the most important engraving on our headstones!

Anna Lee

Friday

We have multiple routine appointments today. I’ll post mid-afternoon.

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

~Hebrews 11:1 NCV~

Scripture Writing – Nov. 22 – Psalm 9: 1-2, 7-12

Thankfulness – Day 22 – Today, I am thankful for children and grandchildren who go out of their way to visit us, even it they come a few days early for brief visits. We won’t see everyone this holiday season, but six of ten is still good. David and I have made a tradition of spending the holidays, when we don’t have family with us, by going to Cracker Barrel in Brookhaven. We go there to enjoy a nice ride and see an area we don’t see too often. The meal is always good too! I hope you have an opportunity to be with your family this Thanksgiving and Christmas. If not, do something special! Make a new tradition! Invite someone who is not family to go with you.

Operation Christmas Child Collection at FBC, Kentwood is from 4-6 today, 10-12 Saturday, and 4-6 Sunday.

Our tests went well this morning.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

~Psalm 95:2-3~

Scripture Writing for Nov. 21 – Psalm 107: 28-32

Thankfulness #21 – Today, I’m thankful for social media. I know several people who are happy about not being a part of social media, but I think it is all what you make of it. I am thankful for social media and other things like this website that are above my technical skills to create or repair, but fully in my ability to use. I think it is like an automobile, you can drive it carefully or drive like you don’t want to live any longer. Everyone can make their own choice. For those of us who choose to use social media, let’s strive to maintain some values in the world of computers and other modern technology.

Mr. Ed McGehee is very sick at North Oaks. Pray for him and for his family as adjustments are made.

Mrs. Velma Anthony was bitten on both arms by a dog. Pray for her as she recovers.

Baby Hudson‘s surgeon said the baby’s heart is fixed. Now, the doctors will begin to work on his ability to eat and digest food. Please keep praying.

Emilie McKenzie is back in school and practicing for the Christmas program at church despite her broken arm. Thank God for her progress and pray for her as her treatment/healing continues.

Eleanor Morris’ sisters all went to her house Tuesday. While there, Evelyn fell and fractured her hip. Late yesterday afternoon, she had surgery and a rod was used to make her hip work better. Please pray foe Evelyn and those who will care for her while she is healing.

At about 5 P.M. yesterday, Hope Jones of Amite delivered the “shoeboxes” her church kids packed. Today, she will have back surgery in Baton Rouge. Thank God for her determination and priorities. Pray she will be back serving at her church real soon.

Please continue to pray for Rachel Morris and Irene Brumfield. I have been told they are both in Ochsner in New Orleans.

Today, I’m sharing about another former student who passed away.

Roger Navarra

August 11, 1958 – November 20, 2019

Roger Navarra, a resident of Independence, LA for the past forty years passed away peacefully at the age of 61 on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. Roger was born on August 11, 1958, in Amite, LA. Roger was valedictorian of his Oak Forest Academy class, an Honor Graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, and a member of the 13 Club. For 34 years he worked as a State Farm Insurance Agent where he served his community in Independence and Tangipahoa Parish. For the last 13 years, it gave him great joy to serve as Deacon of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, LA. His love for Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and its children were unsurpassed. Roger was a loving father and grandfather, and the highlight of his life were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte(Navarra) Phillips and spouse, Kevin, New Orleans, LA; his son, Dominick Richard Navarra and his spouse, Christine Lai, Denver Colorado; grandchildren, Miriam, Dominick, Alistair, and Martin Phillips, all of New Orleans; his sister-in-law, Lou Navarra, and niece, Brittany Navarra Lauzervich, husband, Clay and great niece, Sidney, all of Maurepas, LA; and his fiancé’, Traci Montgomery Beatty. He is preceded in death by his parents Dominick and Margarett Navarra, sister, Ramona Navarra, and brother, Dominick “Richard” Navarra. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Tickfaw, LA. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Joseph Michael “Mickey Joe” Guzzardo

October 20, 1947 – November 19, 2019
Independence, Louisiana
Joseph Michael “Mickey Joe” Guzzardo, Sr., age 72, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born on Monday, October 20, 1947, in Independence, Louisiana to Sam J. Sr. and Josephine Gulino Guzzardo. Mickey Joe was an Army veteran who served his country in Vietnam with duty, honor and courage. He enjoyed life and loved, fishing, classic cars, playing cards and going to the casinos, but he especially loved spending time with his family.
Mickey Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lena Domiano Guzzardo his daughter, Leanne Nicole Guzzardo, his son, Joseph “Joey” Guzzardo, Jr., his mother, Josephine Gulino Guzzardo, his sister, Sandra Guzzardo Morgan and her husband Wayne, his brother, Sammy Guzzardo, Jr., also many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mickey Joe was preceded in death by his father, Sam J. Guzzardo, Sr. and his sister, Diane Crowe.

A Visitation for Mickey Joe will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Mickey Joe’s Life will immediately follow visitation at 12:00 pm in the church. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence.

Mickey Joe’s guest book can be viewed at www.harrymckneely.com.

Do something today that will outlast your lifetime!

Anna Lee