Category: Other Churches

Sunday

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

~ Luke 1:68-70 (NIV)~

 

 

Mrs. Norma Muse is doing better.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:30-34

 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”                                                                                                            ~Micah 5:2~

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

 

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

 

I’ve been posting some options for young adults to serve with the IMB.  There are many more, but today I will begin to list some opportunities for those who are older/retired.  I want to give you a number of ideas about service you may want to be involved with in the future.

ESL Teacher (ESL= English as a Second Language) . Please note that this particular article is for teachers for fall of 2016, but there is an ongoing program for ESL.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=0e0db33f-0ca5-4bb6-8b72-02d1301af399_3197e86d-9f2f-4551-a76f-2915e18069ac&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-retirees/

 

 

Breakfast at Pine Ridge this morning at 8:00.  Donations will be used to help with a need in the community/church family.

Many churches will have Christmas musicals and/or Christmas caroling today.  May you be able to attend one and be  touched by what you hear.

Most churches have altered their schedules for the holidays.  Many churches are having a service Christmas Eve.  Some churches will not meet Christmas.  Be sure you become informed about what’s happening at your church.  You may want to attend a service at another church during this time.  Check their schedule this week.

 

The weather is nasty outside, but please don’t let it keep you away from God’s house today.
Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6~

 

Sandy Bennett Morgan has been feeling better.  She goes back for lab work on the 27th.  Let’s pray for a good report.

Hazel Allen is now living at Kentwood Manor.  Pray for her and for her family as they make the adjustment.

Mary Criswell said her oldest brother, Max (Brent) of Ohio, passed away.  Please pray for the family as they face this loss.

I received work that Gail Morris Miller Smith has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for her and for her family as she takes on this battle.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as she faces another day post shoulder surgery.

Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she builds up strength and looks forward to company at Christmas.

 

Sherida “Sheri” Bridges

August 14, 1948 – December 14, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4041108&fh_id=10545

Arvy Cutrer

January 02, 1941 – December 11, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4038296
Patricia Corbin 
August 10,1960 – December 12, 2016.
Services will be at New Covenant Church Tuesday, December 20th from 5-7pm.
Scripture Writing – Luke 1:26-29
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
                                                                                                                                   ~ Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) ~
“Away in a Manger”
  • Lyrics – https://www.carols.org.uk/away_in_a_manger.htm
  • Story – https://bibleheartburn.com/2013/12/11/the-story-behind-away-in-a-manger/
  • YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnwO_0DrpCk
  • I would like to honor Rev. Bill Ichter today.  It was Bro. Bill who taught me in the first church choir that I can remember and this Christmas carol that comes to my mind.  He later served as a music missionary to Brazil for many years.  He and his wife now live in the Shreveport area where he recently celebrated his 90th birthday.  He has generations of family defendants who have served/are serving as missionaries around the world.  He is one of my heroes!
Breakfast Buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church tomorrow morning at 8 A.M.
Donations will be received for a worthy need.
IMB Need (for students) – Web Devveloper – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=09fad0b3-77d0-441a-a947-132614d3ec2f&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/
Jesus come to earth to provide an opportunity for us to have everlasting life.  As we celebrate that wonderful gift, let’s do something to pass His love on to others.
Anna Lee

Friday

[Mary’s Song] And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

— holy is his name.

~Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NIV)~

 

Susie Sharkey’s surgery went well, but she is having trouble with pain.  Pray she gets relief today.

 

We had a great time at the cabin last night that included three new families and guests from seven different churches.  David and I are so blessed by your presence each month. The Christmas carols were a real blessing to my heart.  Mark all the third Thursdays on your 2017 calendars. 

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:7-12

Mission Opportunities for Students – “One House, One Well” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=028f0699-555e-4196-bc87-1438375d12f4&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

Friday Morning Bible Study – 10 A.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood

 

I’m making copies of a Scripture Reading Plan for 2017 today.  This one will take us through the whole Bible in book-by-book order.  See me if you would like to have one.  Now is the time to make your plans and choose your Bible reading system for the coming year.  I hope you will follow some plan, even if not the one I have chosen, to read God’s Word daily and from cover to cover.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net.

 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” – I was able to share with the children at church Wednesday night how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem rather than Nazareth, the place where He grew up.  If you had a child in class Wednesday, ask them to read Luke 2:1-7 to you.

 

Look back to the previous post to read of events/services you might want to attend.

  • Some churches will add a special Christmas Eve service.  Check around and find one that suits you and your family.  I’m sure any church you select will welcome you with open arms.
  • Although some churches will not be having services Christmas day, most area churches will, even if the schedule is different on the 25th.  If you find yourself in such a situation, check the other churches and find one that meets your need.  They will be glad to have you in their services.

Anna Lee

 

 

Friday

“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~

 

David had three good doctor visits in the last week.  I told you Dr. O’Sullivan, the retina specialist, said David’s eyes looked the best he has seen since we started there.  Monday, David saw Dr. Paddock to get a lens prescription for the right eye.  Glasses will be ready in a couple weeks.  Wednesday, he saw the heart electro physiologist who did the heart ablations.  If David has one more good visit, in three months, he will be released by that doctor.  Thanking God for traveling this journey with us and carrying us when we had those days when the medical reports were so difficult to hear.  We knew there would be more good days and thankfully, David is driving again, able to lift more, etc.  How wonderful it is to get to this phase of life at the Christmas season!

I need to report that David and I delivered 639 stamped Christmas cards from Kentwood and Spring Creek churches to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail Wednesday.  While waiting for someone to come out to us, a lady who came in shortly after us commented on my purse (that I had made for Momma).  Later. she heard us talking to the prison employee about the cards.  As we turned to leave, she very sincerely thanked us for providing the cards so the inmates can write to their family members.  She was there to turn in some paperwork.  Apparently, one of her children is an inmate.  She was so appreciative of the cards you helped to provide.  I will remember her comments as I affix stamps to cards next year and in the years to come.  (Remember, right after Christmas is a good time to get some religious Christmas cards for next year.) . What a blessing it was to meet her and to see through to a mother’s heart!  Thanks-you to all who provided cards or stamps for this mission project.

Yesterday, FBC Kentwood provided Christmas and a devotional for the residents of Kentwood Manor.  Another group will be going on the 21st at 5 P.M.  Please join us!

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“And they devoted themselves to . . . prayer . . . And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved”.                                                                                        ~Acts 2:42, 47~

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

 

Now is the time for the faithful of the Lord to “share the good news that Christ was born”!

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

“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~

 

This season is about giving in many ways, not receiving.

I’ll try to do some catching up….

Ora Lee Wilson had outpatient surgery and is home recovering.  She won’t be down any longer than necessary.

Andy Taylor is staying in during this colder weather and getting better following the procedure he had Tuesday of last week.  He and the doctor both think he is getting stronger.

Kenneth Birch‘s had surgery at Our Lady of the Lake yesterday.  He’s still in ICU, but will hopefully be able to be moved to a room soon.  The medical staff plans to get him up tomorrow.

George Eddie Lee got home late this afternoon.  I’m sure he was glad to see his own chair after being in the hospital for over a week.

Coach Elton Shaw is getting his strength back after his brief hospital stay last week.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is more homebound than before.  Pray for her as she adjusts to not getting out as much.

Hazel Allen will be in rehab in Hammond for a while.  Pray for her and for her family.

Mr. Earl and  “Miss” Nadine Council are in good general health although both of them have/are facing some minor issues.  They send their greeting to all their Kentwood friends.

Scripture Writing – I’m trying to be sure you didn’t/don’t miss any days.

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer

 

FBC hosted the Associational Lottie Moon Tea Sunday.  Despite the bad weather there were 70 ladies in attendance.  The young ladies sang and blessed our hearts.

FBC held their holiday meal for senior adults Wednesday.  The food was delicious!  The attendance was good.

Children in Action boys and girls are collecting money in their mission banks for Lottie Moon.  They will have a birthday party for Jesus next Wednesday and go caroling with the adults and youth the next Wednesday.

There will be NO Friday morning Bible Study tomorrow, but we will begin John 13 the following week.   Join us if you can.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”                                                                                                   ~John 14:6 (NIV)~

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

 

Area churches will be sharing their Christmas programs.  Check the schedules so you don’t miss ones you plan to attend.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Monday – Again!

Therefore Jesus said again,

“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.

I am the gate;

whoever enters through me will be saved.

They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.

~ John 10:7, 9-10 (NIV)~

 

Please pray for Kenneth Birch as he has more back surgery later this week in Baton Rouge.

Pray for Debi Bales and her siblings.  Their mother is sick.

Frances Strickland is back at Landmark Nursing Home.  She had an infection.

 

I think I may have confused my day and given you the wrong Scripture to write.  Here’s the correct Scriptures.

  • 1st – Isaiah 7:14-17
  • 2nd – Isaiah 9:6-7
  • 3rd – Isaiah 11:1-5
  • 4th – Isaiah 11:6-10
  • 5th – Isaiah 40:1-5

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Thanks to all who attended the Lottie Moon Tea yesterday.  Special thanks to all who provided food, dishes, or time.  I think when we think of all the smiling faces, we will be so thankful God allowed us to be a part of such an important event.  Special thanks to the girls who sang Christmas songs for us.  You certainly blessed our hearts.

 

There will be no Friday morning Bible study this week.  We will meet the remaining Fridays of the month as usual.

The mission classes for children will meet at Kentwood every Wednesday at the regular time.  This is a special season of missions for us!

 

Week of Prayer for International Missions, Day 2 – https://www.imb.org/2016/12/05/week-of-prayer-day-2/

 

“Go Light Your World” – This song was sung by Wendy Fowler and the girls of FBC yesterday at the tea.  It was beautiful.  As we watched the girls, we all had smiles on our faces.

I think this is God’s assignment for each of us no matter where we live!

 

This is a good day to light of candle of God’s love in our community.

Anna Lee

 

 

Sunday

Let us acknowledge the LORD;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

~Hosea 6:3~

 

Today marks the first day of the Week of Prayer for International Mission, commonly call the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer.  Lottie was a faithful, dedicated missionary to Chine who saw the needs of additional funds for additional missionaries . She wrote many letters back to the states encouraging those who couldn’t serve international to give so that other could.  The first week of December each year is our Lottie Moon Week of Prayer.  I hope you will follow me as we remember those who are serving internationally and pray about what God would have us to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Day 1 – The Harrell Family in Mozambique – https://www.imb.org/day-1/ and https://www.imb.org/2016/12/04/week-of-prayer-day-1/

The Two Rivers Associational WMU will celebrate with a Lottie Moon Tea today at 2 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.  All ladies from 3 to 103 are invited to come celebrate with us.  You do not have to be a member of WMU to attend or even Baptist.  Come learn a little about missions and enjoy our “tea room” setting.  I want to say a special thanks to all those who helped prepare in any way for this wonderful event.

Scripture Writing – Isaiah 40:1-5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A1-5&version=NIV

Dr. Waylon Bailey  of Covington– waylonbailey.com

Dr. David Crosby of New Orleans – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7RiTklhjkg

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Ponder Anew – https://www.facebook.com/ponderanewworship/

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12 (NIV)

“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

 

As we move from a season to thanksgiving to the Christmas season, please find time to focus on and share the origin of this holiday, the day Jesus came to earth as an infant knowing He would give His life for out sins so we might live eternally with Him in heaven if we make that life-changing decision.  I hope you already have.  If not, today would be a perfect day to do so.

Anna Lee

Saturday

But be sure to fear the LORD

and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

 

New Baby! – Tanner Cayle Miller, son of Josh and Nikki, was born at 9:45 yesterday morning.  He weighed 6 lb. 13 oz. and is 20 in. long.  His big brother is excited!

 

Coach Elton Shaw came home last night. Please pray for him as he continues to improve.

Mrs. Anne Hurst also came home.  Ten days was a long stay for her.  Pray for her continued health.

David received another good report yesterday!  We are so thankful!  The doctor was as excited for David as we were.  God was given all the credit.

Jean Gunnells Trout

August 22, 1944 – December 02, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4028443&fh_id=10545

 

Spring Creek Baptist Church will present “Meeting at the Manger” tomorrow morning at 11 A.M.  You are invited to attend.  It’s always a blessing to see children in a Christmas program.

Two Rivers WMU will have their annual Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M. for all ladies from 3 to 103.  You are invited to come begin the Week of Prayer for International Missions with us.

 

Scripture Writing – Isaiah 11:1-5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A1-5&version=NIV

 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35 (NIV)

“Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

 

Do something today that will impact a life forever.

Anna Lee

 

Friday

You, LORD, reign forever;

your throne endures from generation to generation

~Lamentations 5:19~

 

It was good to be with David yesterday and get to visit Jimmy Schwartz.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Pray for Andy and Betty Taylor as Andy regains his strength and gets some more resting time.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A+6-7&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers”

                                 ~Ephesians 6:18b NLT, 2nd ed.~

“Angels from the Realms of Glory”

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Tea!  

  • Ladies, we’re still in the getting ready stage, but the fellowship hall is taking on a special spirit.  I hope you will know you are invited to participate.  We especially want girls in your families to be able to attend with you.  We think this will be a special occasion you will want to share with more than one generation of your family.  The girls will be our entertainment.  It will be fun and encouraging to hear their voices.
  • It’s also encouraging to see the ladies and girls from our neighboring churches.  It helps build unity of spirit even though we attend different churches.
  • What a great way to being the Week of Prayer for International Missions!
  • FBC, Kentwood has 427 stamped Christmas cards for the parish prisoners to send to family members.  Ladies from our association are welcome to bring their cards to the tea Sunday.  I can deliver them to the jail Monday for you when I deliver our cards.

 

We will have Bible study this morning at 10.  I’ll give you your next lessons today.

 

Share some of the sweet Christmas spirit with others today!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

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~

 

I know you may be interested in checking of some people today via visits, calls, or cards.  This information may be helpful to you.

North Oaks

Elton Shaw – may be coming home today

Frances Strickland

Hazel Allen

Greensburg

Anne Hurst

Shira Easley

Kentwood Manor

Catherine Yarborough

Home

Andy Taylor

Margaret Callihan

Jimmy Schwartz

 

Opportunities

Lottie Moon Tea – Sunday at 2 P.M. (Don’t let a little rain keep you away from this wonderful opportunity.) . I’m looking forward to the girls of our church and other churches serving and singing.  I especially  look forward to the excitement of the girls who will have wonderful memories of this day and who will learn so much from this day.  I quote one little girl, “I’m going to a tea party, Mimi!  I’m going to a tea party.”  I look forward to all the little girls from all the churches as the ladies of our association give their girls this awesome opportunity!   I’m thankful that party will be at church! 

Bible Study – 10 A.M. Friday morning – John 12

 

Mission Offerings

Georgia Barnett – We exceeded out goal for Louisiana Missions

Lottie Moon – Our efforts for International missions begin Sunday with the Week of Prayer and the Lottie Moon Tea Sunday.

 

Scripture Writing – December, Day 1 – Isaiah 7:14-17

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

The Word Became Flesh] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.                                           ~ John 1:1-2, 14 (NIV)~

“There’s a Song in the Air”

Lyrics – http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh249.sht

Story – http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-theres-a-song-in-the-air

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaE1ce7JY-Q

I hope that song and the spirit of the song follow you throughout this day.

Anna Lee