Category: Other Churches

Christmas Eve

While they were there,  

the time came for the baby to be born,

and she gave birth to her firstborn,

a son.

She wrapped him in cloths

and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

~Luke 2:6-7~

 

Tornado Damage

I’m thanking God for the lives spared when the tornado hit the area of highway 16 and Chicken Farm Road just east of Amite.  These families will have much to thank God for this year.  At the same time, I pray for the families of those lost in Columbia, MS.

Aubrey Stokes’ Obituary

December 14, 1925 – December 20, 2014

http://www.crainfh.com/mobile/obituaries-details.cfm?o_id=2879304&fh_id=13316&forcelayout=mobile#obituaries

Christmas Eve Services

  • Pine Ridge United Methodist Church – 5:00 P.M.
  • Hillsdale Baptist Church – 6:30 P.M.
  • Osyka Baptist Church – 6:00 P.M.

Christmas Service

Spring Creek Baptist Church

  • 6:00 Thursday in new church facilities
  • Silent Lord’s Supper

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Great articles for the Christmas season!

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Give so this family and other families like them can stay on the field another year to share the gospel message.

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/videos/view/missionaries-celebrate-christmas-in-west-africa

Devotionals, Scriptures, and a Song

  • http://odb.org/2014/12/23/what-really-matters-4                                                                  ~2 Corinthians 9:15~
  • Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!                                                                                                                                              ~2 Corinthians 9:15~

 

  • http://odb.org/2014/12/24/lasting-peace/
  • He Himself is our peace,                                                                                                                                       who has made both one,                                                                                                                                 and has broken down the middle wall of separation.                                                                                                                                                      ~Ephesians 2:14~

Be sure to invite Jesus into your family time this special day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

But when the time had fully come,

God sent his Son,

born of a woman,

born under law,

to redeem those under law,

that we might receive the full rights of sons.

~Galatians 4: 4-5, NIV~

 

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Christmas Eve Services

  • Pine Ridge United Methodist Church – 5:00 Wednesday afternoon
  • Hillsdale Baptist Church – 6:30 P.M.

Christmas Service

Spring Creek Baptist Church – 6:00 Thursday in new church facilities

What a blessing!

An electrical fire at Tangipahoa United Methodist Church did no structural damage. The Tangipahoa Church will meet with the Pine Ridge Church Sunday.

What an opportunity!

Many area church collected shoeboxes of gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and are now collecting funds, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO), to support missionaries and their work.  Missionaries Boyd and Jennie Hatchel will be sharing at FBC, Kentwood at 10:30 on Sunday, December 28th.  They and their ministry, including giving out the OCC shoeboxes, are supported through the LMCO.  You are invited to join us for the service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 

“Because You Gave” – a photo essay –http://www.commissionstories.com/asia/interactives/view/because-you-give-chalkboard-gives-insight-to-imbs-work

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

But when the time had fully come,

God sent his Son,

born of a woman,

born under law,

to redeem those under law,

that we might receive the full rights of sons.

~Galatians 4: 4-5, NIV~

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

Anna Lee

Sunday

Shout for joy, O heavens;

rejoice, O earth;

burst into song, O mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)

Church News for Today
  • Line Creek
    • Santa Claus in the Fellowship Hall @ 4:30 p.m
    • Christmas Candlelight Service @ 6:00 p.m.
  • New Zion
    • Christmas Lunch following morning worship
    • No P.M. services
  • FBC, Kentwood
    • Missions March and Lord’s Supper at 10:30
    • Family Supper at 5:00
    • Candlelight caroling at 6:00
Ethel Nettles Hyde

Born: December 09, 1936
Died: December 20, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2877718

Good Reading 

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Just the Right Time” – http://odb.org/
  • Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come.                                                                                                                                                        ~Hebrews 9:11~                                                                    And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,                                                        keeping watch over their flocks at night.                                                                                              An angel of the Lord appeared to them,                                                                                              and the glory of the Lord shone around them,                                                                            and they were terrified.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ~Luke 2:8-9 NIV~
  • “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm

This season is about Jesus.  Please go to Sunday School and church at the church of your choice.  Attend some special Christmas events.  Thank God for the greatest gift ever given, Jesus.

Anna Lee

Thursday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

Mrs. Alice Faye Lee fell Tuesday night and broke her shoulder.  She saw a specialist in Baton Rouge yesterday.  Pray for her as she heals.
Clinton H. “Bud” Callihan, Sr.

Born: May 19, 1929
Died: December 16, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2865611&fh_id=10545

Shared by my friend, Carol Bennett Sealey, who worked processing “shoeboxes” in Atlanta last week:

Just learned that yesterday the Atlanta Processing Center finished processing 1,445,117 boxes for 2014. Wow!!! That’s a lot of souls that will be touched and witnessed to. I am so excited that I was able to be a part of a group from our church that went and participated in this awesome event.

Spring Creek Baptist Church Drama Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEoX9X46W0k&sns=fb

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  •  Sunday, at FBC, Kentwood, we will have a missions march to show support for missionaries.  Gifts can be received at that time or later.
  • Quotes from Lottie’s time in China
    • “What we need in China is more workers. The harvest is very great, the laborers, oh! So few. Why does the Southern Baptist church lag behind in this great work?”
      Nov. 1, 1873, Tungchow
    •  “How many there are … who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God.”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow
    • “Why should we not … instead of the paltry offerings we make, do something that will prove that we are really in earnest in claiming to be followers of him who, though he was rich, for our sake became poor?”
      Sept. 15, 1887, Tungchow

Third Thursday (TONIGHT) – Tonight at 6:30 at the Alford cabin

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Tomorrow at 10:00
  • Studying Lois and Eunice
  • Acts 16:1-3 &  2 Timothy 1:1-8

Pregnancy Testing, Questions Answered, Information Shared 

  • Friday (9:00-4:00)
  • The vehicle will be parked at Hope Center on Highway 51 in Roseland.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Share the spirit of Christmas and the true reason for Christmas with someone today.

Anna Lee

Monday

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 (NIV)~

 

Thank God for the progress Cindy Carmadelle has made.  Her leg is much better.  Doctors are still keeping a careful watch.  She’s had such a beautiful attitude despite her injuries.

Kathy Jo Thompson had another brain surgery last week.  There were some complications, but this is what she has to say about her present situation, “God has his hands on everything!”  She is such an inspiring young lady.

Mrs. Mildred Birth got a good report from Dr. Liner yesterday.  The area they have been considering a mass seems to be scar tissue from three previous surgeries.  Thank-you, God for giving this friend a good report and making lots of family and friends have a happier holidays because of it.

Nancy Carruth continues to deal with kidney stones.  Pray for her to get past this problem so she can continue to pass on her happy attitude that overflows from her all the time.

There have been so many difficult situations lately, I thought we needed to focus on the good reports today!  I hope this gets your day started off “on the right foot” so that you can have a positive attitude all day long!

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

See if you can locate the following statements.

“While still working on his master of divinity degree, Rice was called to serve as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Greensburg, La. He served the church for three years.”

Devotional, Scriptures, Quotes, and a Song

  • “A Ukrainian Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/16/a-ukrainian-christmas/
  • Glory to God in the highest,                                                                                     and on earth peace,                                                                                             goodwill toward men!                                                                                                                              ~Luke 2:14~                                                                                        For there is born to you this day in the city of David                                     a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                                                                                                                                                            ~Luke 2:11~
  • “Christ is born!”                                                                                                                                                     “Let us glorify Him!”                                                                                                                                                                            ~Our Daily Bread  (12-16-14)~

Lottie Moon – http://scottsvillemuseum.com/portraits/homeRS15acdRS04.html

Read this short article to gain more insight into the heart of someone whose greatest desire was for others to have Jesus in their hearts.  The more we understand her heart, the more our heart will be touched to share Jesus in the ways He has called us to share.

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis has a sweet, easy singing voice.  She will be singing Christmas music today at New Zion Baptist Church at 10:30.  Come get some Christmas joy today!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“But as it is written:

‘Eye has not seen,

nor ear heard,

nor have entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared f

or those who love Him.'”

~1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV~

Mrs. James (Pat) Frazier is doing very well following knee surgery.  Thanks for praying for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birch has an appointment to see Dr. Liner Monday.  Pray for her and her family as they prepare for this appointment.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast early this month.  It will be at 8:00 this morning.  The breakfasts are a special time to donate to a worthy cause.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  • Video –  “A global-minded village”
  • “Our Obligation to the Lost” – by David Platt, President of the International Mission Board

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis will be singing Christmas carols at New Zion Baptist Church Tuesday at 10:30.  This will be followed with lunch.  You’ll be blessed if you hear this sweet lady with the gift of singing so sweetly.

Don’t forget your opportunities to hear/see a presentation of the birth of Jesus through music and/or drama in area churches today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.  

~Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)~

 

Ora Lee Wilson said her sister and both nephews who were so sick last week are all home and hopefully continuing to improve.  She and her family are thankful of your prayers.  Please continue to pray for them.

Bobby Lawson was able to come home from North Oaks midday yesterday.  The family thanks you for praying.  Please continue to do so.

Martha Traylor seems to have had a reaction to medication and an infection.  More tests are being done.  Please pray for her and her family.

Porgie Scarle has completed the 4th round of chemo.  He’s weak, but hanging in there thanks.  His family is very supportive.  Please pray for Porgie and his family as they endure these difficult days.

Billy Hawkins

Born: December 22, 1934
Died: December 12, 2014                                                                 http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2859953

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helps to support the Lane family and many others around the world.  After watching the video and reading the story, consider supporting their missionary endeavor in Sudan.  You can do this through any Southern Baptist Church. 

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/videos/view/its-risky-business-for-missionaries-serving-in-africa

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,                                       that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                                                                         ~John 3:16~

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Another Hero of Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/13/another-hero-of-christmas/
  • Joseph her husband,                                                                                                   being a just man,                                                                                                       and not wanting to make her a public example,                                               was minded to put her away secretly.                                                                                                                                  ~Matthew 1:19~
  • “Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine” – http://www.oldielyrics.com/christmas/joseph_dearest_joseph_mine.html

I do not know the Christmas carol, but found it this morning after reading the devotional for today.  As you look and listen to it, notice the many stanzas, quite different from the current style of writing.  Joseph was surely a special man to have been chose to be the earthy father of Jesus.

Looking ahead to tomorrow.

  • Line Creek will have their Christmas musical tomorrow morning.
  • FBC, Kentwood will have their musical, “Joy, Joy, Joy”, at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow.
  • New Zion Baptist Church will do their musical tomorrow morning.
  • I’m sure there are others, but I don’t know of then.  Let me know this morning and I’ll post them later today.

May God by richly blessed by all the church musicals this year, especially those involving children because they teach the “only reason for the season” which children often miss or consider secondary to the jolly man in the red suit.

Anna Lee

Thursday

”Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

 

Theresa Flores’ daughter, Chaire, received a kidney form a cousin yesterday.  The latest report I received was that both were doing well.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker had shoulder replacement surgery yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery/rehabilitation time for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birth saw Dr. Liner yesterday.  He will not be doing surgery right away.  More tests are scheduled, but hopefully the most she will need a to “blast” some kidney stones.  Please keep praying.

Mr. Bud Callihan is now at the Old Dixon Hospital.  Please pray for him and his family.

Andy Taylor’s sister, Cindy Juban, received a good report.  Please continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is in Southwest at McComb.  Her great-granddaughter, Riley Titus, is in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  Please pray for both of these people and for the family as they care for two hospitalized relatives.

Mr. Bobby Lawson is doing a little better.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Remember Wayne Criswell and Ray Blackwell who are both receiving hospice services.

Karen Miller’s mom. Nyra Rigby, passed away yesterday afternoon about 4:15. Arrangements will be made today.  Please pray for Karen and her family.

Marty Simpson‘s arrangements have not been made yet.  I’ll post them when they are available.

The choir of FBC, K will be presenting “Joy, Joy, Joy” at 6 P.M. of Sunday December 14th.  They will be accompanied by an orchestra.  You are invited to attend.

Pancakes & Sausage with Santa!

  • Saturday, December 6th
  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am
  • First Baptist Church, Amite
  • **Bring your camera**

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer, Day 5: “A New Wave of Church Planters” –

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13045&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

“Record-Setting Football Coach Credits Faith”

http://www.bpnews.net/43842/recordsetting-football-coach-credits-faith

“‘Hard to Argue with’ CP Success”

http://www.bpnews.net/43850/hard-to-argue-with-cp-success-pastor-says

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Called by Name” – http://odb.org/
  • [Jesus] looked up and saw him, and said to him,                                     “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,                                                          for today I must stay at your house.”                                                                                                                                          ~Luke 19:5~
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” –

http://johntroutman.com/lyrics/hiseyeisonthesparrow.html

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTVF-uc1u4 (Ethel Waters)

Even with a high temperature of 77 degrees on December 4th, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,  

 and each one will receive his own reward        

 according to his own labor.          

For we are God’s fellow workers.”                      

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a, NKJV~

 

Today, I’m asking for prayer for Theresa Flores’ daughter, Claire.  She is hospitalized and will have her third surgery Wednesday.  This one will remove both her kidneys in preparation for a transplant.  Your prayers are so important.

Mr. David Vining is home.  Please continue to pray for this fine man.

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Day 3

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=11771&LanguageID=1709

The stamped Christmas cards for inmates in the parish jail were delivered yesterday.  A total of 405 were delivered with 180 from FBC, Kentwood.  Thanks to all who supported this.

Sunday, December 7th is our day to contribute frozen food for two families.  That gives you a few days to cook/freeze food for this worthy project.  One family needs food for a midday meal and the other fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables or home cooked foods.  It’s an  easy project for us, but so helpful to those who receive it.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

“Ten Common Worship Distractions”  by Thomas Rainer

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

If you have a facebook page and would like to be included in a group, Ladies of Two Rivers Baptist Association, please let me know.  It has proven to be a good means of communication in our church communities.  (Go to the word “Contact” above the day of the week at the beginning of any post.  Your message will come directly to me.)

Some people use this month to intensionally do special kindnesses for others.  They select a recepiant, prepare a gift (often a treat from the kitchen),  write a sweet note, and make the delivery wearing a big smile.  If you choose to do this this month or any day of the year, I’m sure you will be the one with the greater blessing  each day.

Jesus is the one and only reason for this season of the year!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us,

that God sent his only Son into the world,

so that we might live through him.”

~1 John 4:9, ESV~

 

Day 2 of the Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – “Churches Share the Task” –  http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13042&LanguageID=1709

David and I had  an opportunity to speak with Joe Easley last night.  He expressed his thanks to those who prayed for him even when the doctor told him he “should had died”. He was so thankful to be back in church for two weeks.

Please pray for Bobby Simpson who will again be having some tissue removed from his shoulder.  Pray that this will be the time they remove enough to get a clear pathology report showing the margins are clear.  Thank God that Betty Simpson‘s back is better and she is able to be of more assistance to her husband when she is needed.

Pat (Mrs. James) Frazier is dealing with knee surgery.  Pray all goes well and she can return to her active life.

Jane (Mrs. Donald) Duncan will be having elbow surgery today.  Pray the surgery and recovery process work out well for her.

Mrs. Hazel Smith was able to be back in Sunday School yesterday.  Tomorrow, she will see a cardiologist in Covington.  Join others in praying.

Frances Imogene Clemons
  • December 15, 1912 – November 28, 2014
  • Hammond, Louisiana

http://hosting-24628.tributes.com/obituary/show/Frances-Imogene-Clemons-101921867

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

A short, inspiring story (with pictures)

I’m getting in the spirit of Christmas.

  • The Lottie Moon Tea was the biggest and best one yet.
    • Absolutely beautiful!  (Thanks Fay, Ruth, and others)
    • 87 (That’s not a typo!) signed in
    • Music that put us in a happy, Christmas spirit (Well done Diane Simmons and friends of Osyka and children of East Fork !)
    • Skits that put us in the giving spirit (Well done, children and youth of East Fork and New Zion!)
    • Monologue that reminded us of Lottie’s heart desire to tell others about Jesus.  (Well done Irene Lascaro of Amite!)
    • Excited and careful tea girls (Children and youth from Bethel, Amite, Kentwood, Spring Creek, East Fork, and Osyka)
    • Christmas cards stamped and ready for prisoners (Spring Creek provided the most cards.)
    • Food prepared by ladies of several different churches.
    • Kentwood ladies who “manned” the kitchen before, during, and after the tea.
    • Adults, youth, and children from Bethel, East Fork, New Zion, Kedron, Amite, Spring Creek, and Kentwood attended.
    • My favorite, most touching moment was seeing everyone turn to a neighbor, join hands, and pray for specific missionaries celebrating birthdays yesterday!
    • What a blessing to have been involved in this special event!

Christmas music made its appearance in our churches yesterday.  It was a blessing to attend a Fifth Sunday Singing last night and hear people of all ages gladly get up and sing a Christmas carol or hymn.

David and I welcomed the real meaning of Christmas into our lives for 2014.  It wasn’t in a mall or sitting in front of a computer making purchases, but in God’s Houses.  I hope you have Jesus as the center of your Christmas plans!

Anna Lee