Monday

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

~Isaiah 60:3 HCSB~

There are many with cold, allergies, flu, bronchitis, etc. First, pray for those you are aware of. Second, do something to help them out.

There have been a number of deaths in our community lately. Please pray for the families who have lost their loved ones during the holiday season.

Sunday, December 17th, FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Lottie Moon Missions March. Come walk inside the walls of our sanctuary to say you support missions. It’s also a good time to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.

“Why the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Collected at Christmas” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/06/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-collected-christmas/

Read the Bible – I John 1-2, Psalm 36, & video on I-III John

Baptist Press –http://bpnews.net

Ladies’ Bible Study – We missed class Friday due to the snow. We will put Friday at 10 A.M. back on our schedule for this week.

Next Week

Tuesday (19th) – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party celebration at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
Thursday (21st) – Third Thursday at the Cabin at 6:30 P.M.

I think the snow was pretty, but I’m glad it is melting away now. Let’s keep praying for those who still do not have electricity!

Anna Lee

Saturday

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,

not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

~Titus 3:4-7~

Please pray for the families that have had recent deaths. The days following deaths when the weather is difficult seem to be more stressful. Pray a little extra for these families.

Read the Bible – I Peter 3-5 and Psalm 34

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 7 – “What God Has Done” – https://www.imb.org/day-7/

Days seem much longer when we cannot go about our normal activities. I’m thankful to be able to say I have “normal” days. I also think of those who live in war zones and for other reasons do not know “normal”. I’m also thankful for those who worked hard yesterday and continue to work hard to help us all get back to “normal”. Yesterday, as we were talking about the electrical workers out working, I was reminded of growing up knowing that when the weather made life difficult my neighbor, Johnny Pritchett, who worked for the power company and my daddy, Grant Smith, who worked for the phone company world be called upon to help restore “normal” to the lives of others.

Let’s show our appreciation to all those who step up and help us in our times of difficulty – electrical workers, telephone workers, police, EMTs, firemen, pastors, truck drivers, store owners and employees, hospital workers, military, etc. It doesn’t hurt us at all to say “thank-you”, but it certainly encourages others.

Be an encourager!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“We know that in all things

God works for good with those who love him,

those whom he has called according to his purpose.”

~Romans 8:28 TEV~

There are many people having tests, waiting for results, dealing with cancer treatments, having surgery, etc. Please pray for those that you are aware of.

Students are facing semester tests in some schools. Pray for them as they prepare.

Rusty Benoit‘s heart surgery went well at Ochsner yesterday. He’s in ICU now. Please continue to pray for him, the medical staff, and his family.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will continue the study of Ezekiel Friday.

Read the Bible – James 4-5 & Psalm 32

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Day 5 – https://www.imb.org/day-5/

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

The weather has been both cold and wet. Be careful to stay healthy and safe.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

~James 1:17 NKJV~

Here is a prayer request I’ve been waiting to be able to share. Rusty Benoit will be having open-heart surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, at Ochsner. Please pray for Jana, Reece, Jack, and other family members as you pray for Rusty.

We know that, unfortunately, the holiday season leads to an increase of criminal activity. A friend from Montpelier Baptist Church said someone took the petty cash ($54.00) and all the church’s historical records Sunday night. Let’s pray the records are found and returned and that people will not choose to steal and commit other crimes but learn about loving God and others. Montpelier had the solution to the needs of the person(s), but it isn’t petty cash and church historical records. It’s Jesus!

I spent some time assessing the results of the Lottie Moon Tea we had Sunday afternoon. We had almost 120 people in attendance representing at least 13 churches and almost 1700 stamped Christmas cards turned in which will be delivered to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail this week. I don’t have a count of the cards for the St. Helena Parish Jail, but some cards will be sent there by the St. Helena Parish churches. We have a good many Bibles which will be distributed at the jail too, but I don’t have all of them here to count. We also had many, many people who learned about loving people and doing missions. Thank you to all who attended and/or supported the tea and projects in any way!

Read the Bible – Hebrews 11-13 and Psalm 30

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com

No matter what is on your agenda today, I hope you remember that the celebration of the birth of Jesus is the true reason for this annual holiday season.

Anna Lee

Friday

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of Your people Israel.

~Luke 2:30-32 NKJV~

Rob Anderson, son-in-law of Robert and Ora Lee Wilson, is back in the hospital. He’s having severe pain. Let’s pray for his problem to be identified and cleared up quickly.

“Miss” Ruby Dillon is home again! She came home early yesterday afternoon.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford of Holden, sent an update that said the doctors are considering three options. A decision will be made December 11th. Jimmy asked for your continued prayers.

Ladies who need to decorate a table for the tea will meet at the church at 10 A.M. Saturday unless other specific plans have been made. The tea is Sunday at 2 P.M. It will be a time you shouldn’t miss, but if you do, there is no second opportunity to attend the annual Lottie Moon Tea for 2017.

Sunday is the time to bring your STAMPED Christmas cards that will be given to area prisoners so they can send messages home at Christmas. The more we get, the more families we can touch this holiday season.

Our friend who has religious services at the prison said we have been an awesome source of soft-cover Bibles for her to distribute. If you have some you are not using, please get them to me. Thanks!

The ladies Bible study group will meet in the Heritage Room this morning. We will be studying Ezekiel 22 today.

Read the Bible – Hebrews 3-4 & Psalm 26

November, our special month for thankfulness, is being replaced by December, our month for celebration of Christ’s birth. I cannot think of any better reason to celebrate!

Anna Lee

Sunday

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~

Read the Bible today – I Timothy 5-6 & Psalm 21

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Baptist Message – http;\://baptistmessage.com

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

Tuesday
11 A.M.
The Cafe
Honors ladies with November birthdays

Coming Soon – Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea

FBC, Kentwood
Sunday, December 3rd
2:00 P.M.
Speaker – Rachel Robbin, served in Czech Republic
For ladies of all ages
Music provided by children of various churches

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

~Jonah 2:9~

First of all, I want to give you the Operation Christmas Child totals for the FBC, Kentwood Drop-off Location.

1705 shoeboxes
87 cartons of shoeboxes
12 volunteers
92 hours worked during the week

The Hammond site were our shoeboxes went to yesterday collected 14,120 shoeboxes from 8 drop-off locations.

All these boxes are being shipped to Atlanta this year.

Thanks to the many people in each church who participated by making donations, buying the items, packing the shoeboxes, and delivering them to the drop-off locations around the world this past week. Focus on the many, many children who will receive a shoebox, the families who will be touched, and all those who will learn about Jesus and ask Him into their hearts because of a simple shoebox.

I have some new ideas for OCC next year and can hardly wait to begin packing the next boxes this time next year!

Steve Miller of Line Creek had a successful hip surgery yesterday. Pray for him as he heals.

Read the Bible – I Thessalonians 3-4 & Psalm 16

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Hymn of the Day – “What a Day that will Be”

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Hymns with a Message – http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-day-that-will-be.html

U-Tube of Hymn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40lCmHvmcCY

I’m thankful you read and pray each day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

~John 14:2-4~

Read the Bible today – Philippians 1-2, Psalm 11, and the video about Philippians

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Ora Lee Wilson’s nephew, 50, who had two heart attacks is better and stable. Thank you for your prayers for him.

Michelle L. Murphy and Ferrie Gene Blackmon both are facing surgery soon. Pray for them.

Andy Taylor was able to be back at church last night. Please continue to keep his foot problem in your prayers.

The Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Location at FBC, Kentwood is looking forward to receiving lots of shoeboxes today that were packed at churches last night. Each box is special to those who collected items and packed the box, but much more important to the child and family that receives the box. The drop-off sites will be open daily through Monday. The site in Kentwood will be open 10 – 12 noon today, Thursday, and 4-6 P.M. Friday.

Churches that are a part of Two Rivers Association are collecting STAMPED, RELIGIOUS Christmas cards until December 3rd. Then, they will be taken to the local parish jails in Amite and Greensburg and given to prisoners so they can send messages to family members.

Friday Morning Bible Study will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. and continue the study of Ezekiel.

Plans for the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea for churches in our area are progressing. It will be December 3rd at 2 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. Children will be singing Christmas songs for us. Ladies will be decorating tables with their personal sets of dishes. It will be beautiful and meaningful.

The children in the missions class of FBC, Kentwood were able to hear the first part of the story of the early years of Lottie Moon’s life last night. They will hear more next week. Hopefully, as they grow they will remember her story and how important international missions are.

TONIGHT, we will meet at the cabin at 6:30. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you. We will add a talented musician, Kaye Roberts. She will be playing some piano offertories for us. Join us and be blessed.

Tuesday, November 28th, the “young” ladies of out church will gather at The Cafe at 11 A.M. to honor ladies with November birthdays. Feel free to join us.

Thank-you for reading and praying for those listed and the events listed here today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you,

and do not worship other gods.

Rather, worship the LORD your God;

it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

~2 Kings 17:38-39~

Please pray for Ryan “Rufus” Williams who is now in ICU with pneumonia. Pray his doctors can get the infection cleared up quickly.

Please pray for Phil Connelly today as he has a check-up following recent surgery.

Dr. Jerry N. Barlow

Posted: Monday, November 13, 2017 | Views: 54

Crain Funeral Home

DR. JERRY N. BARLOW, AGE 72

And a resident of Covington went to be with the Lord on Saturday night November 11, 2017 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. He was born on June 13, 1945 in Petal, MS and graduated from Petal High School before studying chemistry at William Carey College. During his time there, Jerry was selected to work at the Oak Ridge nuclear power plant in Tennessee, an honor he was always very proud of. Jerry joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam Era. Upon returning, he surrendered to the ministry which would remain his devotion for the next 40 years. Jerry graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and after short tenures at various churches his family moved to Franklinton, where he served at First Baptist Church from 1981 until 1996. He always had a desire to be a church pastor as well as being a teacher so he returned to NOBTS and began serving in that ministry that continued until his passing. Jerry taught in the Leavell College, as well as the Master’s Program and also served as Dean of the Graduate Studies Program. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors. Jerry cherished the time spent with his family and adored his young grandchildren. He had a saying “I’m gonna live until I die, and I’m gonna serve the Lord until I die”, and he most certainly did.

Survived by:

Wife of 47 years: Lynne Barlow of Covington

Daughter and Son in law: Cathy and Kirt Edmonston of Prairieville

3 Grandchildren: Sarah Jane Edmonston,
Spencer Edmonston,
Susanna Edmonston

4 Brothers and Sisters in law: Larry and Sandy Barlow of Tallahassee, FL,
Gary Barlow of Chicago, IL,
Barry and Dina Barlow of Warrenton, VA,
Carey and Janet Barlow of Petal, MS

Mother in law: Betty Oberst of Hattiesburg, MS

Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Bettye Tyner of Hattiesburg, MS,
Robert Oberst, Jr.,
Ricky and Barbara Oberst all of Petal, MS

Also numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents William G. Barlow and Nordeen Sanders Barlow, father in law Robert Oberst and brother in law Thomas Tyner.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held Thursday November 16th at First Baptist Church of Covington (16333 Hwy. 1085, Covington, LA 70433). Visitation will be from 2 pm until the time of the service at 4 pm with Dr. Waylon Bailey, Rev. David Rockett, Dr. Charles Kelley, and Dr. Larry Barlow officiating. A family graveside service and burial will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery in Petal, MS on Friday with Rev. Grant Stegall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (ATTN: Student Aid Fund, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126) or to Louisiana College c/o Jerry and Lynne Barlow Scholarship Fund (LC Box 587, 1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71360)

Operation Christmas Child – Drop-Off Day #2

FBC, Kentwood will receive “shoeboxes” from 1-4 P.M. today and 4-6 P.M. Wednesday. We had a good day yesterday and anticipate more boxes today.

Read the Bible – Ephesians 3-4 & Psalms 9

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Third Thursday at the Cabin – 6:30 P.M. Thursday

God has created this special November day for us . Let’s use it wisely!

Anna Lee

Saturday

For the grace of God has appeared

that offers salvation to all people.

~Titus 2:11~

We saw Beth Brabham Thursday. She had problems last weekend and had to return to the doctor to Monday. This added several more weeks to her recovery. Pray for her to feel better soon.

We saw the Harrells yesterday. Mr. Phillip and “Miss” Annie Bell both look good and seemed to enjoy our visit. We certainly did enjoy seeing them.

Mrs. Anne Hurst is better and is able to get out and about again.

Phil Connelly is recovering and is back at work in a limited way.

Mrs. Mildred Birch is wearing a back brace. This seems like all the doctors can do for her. The back problem and brace are not slowing her down very much. Pray for this lady as she “keeps on keeping on”!

Read the Bible – Galatians 3-4 & Psalm 6.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-off Week begins Monday. FBC, Kentwood is a drop-off location again this year. Monday, our hours will be 10:00 – 12:00. Sue Connelly is my co-coordinator. One, if not both, of us will be present each day. Volunteers are needed to help pack the big boxes. If you have not already done so, please sign up to help. The sign-up list is on the table under the balcony stairwell.

Ladies and girls, be sure your calendar is marked for the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea which will be at FBC, Kentwood. It will begin at 2 P.M. We will serve Lottie Moon tea cakes, tea of various flavors, lots of finger foods, and lemonade. The tables in the fellowship hall will be decorated by ladies from various churches in the association. Children from different churches will sing. Both girls and teens will be serving us. Rachel Robbins, a former missionary, will be our guest speaker. You don’t want to miss this special event!

Stamped Christmas cards can be turned in at the Tea. The cards will be given to the inmates at both St. Helena and Tangipahoa jails. Be sure you purchase religious cards to help share the Good-News to the inmates and their families.

Third Thursday at the Cabin will be next week. We meet at 6:30. Ya’ll come!

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Tell someone about Jesus!

Anna Lee