Category: Scripture

Wednesday

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

~Isaiah 54:10~

Michael Phillip Strickland
(November 11, 1950 – February 11, 2018) 

Michael Phillip Strickland, 67, of Osyka, passed away, Sunday, February 11, 2018 at his residence.

He was born November 11, 1950 in Magnolia, MS. He was the son of the late Percy Edward and Sharron Varnado Strickland.

Mr. Strickland was a retired auto mechanic. He was a longtime active member of Osyka Baptist Church where he served on the usher committee and loved attending his Pioneer Sunday School class.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen Lambert Strickland of Osyka; his son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Mindy Strickland of Osyka; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelia and Andy Childress of Kentwood; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Allison Strickland of Summit and Randy and Tammy Strickland of Osyka; two sisters, Sandy Smith of Chatawa and Sheree Strickland of McComb; five grandchildren, Silas Childress, Meredith Childress, Amelia Childress, Laila Baham and Lilly Strickland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Thursday at Osyka Baptist Church from 9AM until 12PM. Celebration of Life services will be at 12:30PM with Bro. Gene Richards and Bro. Milton Kliesch officiating. Burial will be in Osyka Cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

Pallbearers are Keith Strickland, Chad Strickland, Blake Strickland, Colton Smith, David McKinney and Dustin Mack. Honorary pallbearer is Silas Childress.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Osyka Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.

Share condolences at catchingsfuneralhome.com

 

 

Earl Quinton Stinson passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 68. He was born on Sunday, January 26, 1950 in Kentwood , Louisiana to the late Addaliede Labrache Stinson and the late Earl Stinson. He was a native of Kentwood, Louisiana.

Earl is survived by his wife, Ann Stinson; step-daughters, Ashley Welch and her husband Dale, and Stacey McDonald and her husband Scott; step-son, Louis Russell LaRocca, Jr.; sisters, Linda Burt, and Lois Pittman; brother, Paul Stinson; grandchildren, Ava Welch, Shantel Power, Lathon LaRocca, Jordan McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Grace Ann McDonald, and Annalise LaRocca; nieces and nephews, James Burt, Steven Burt, Michelle Burt, and Michael Burt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Stinson; mother, Addaliede Labrache Stinson; sister, Peggy Jean Stinson; and nephew, Raymond M. Burt, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 9:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:30 am.

Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana.

 

Please pray for the Strickland and Stinson families.

 

Read the Bible

  • Leviticus 8-10
  • Proverbs 19
  • Mark 7

 

Children on Mission will meet at 6:00 P.M. tonight.   Children, K-5, are invited to join us.

 

I’m excited about the missions activities Saturday from 9:00 – Noon..  We will be working on fillers for Operation Christmas Child.  Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this ministry.

 

Third Thursday Gathering – Tomorrow!

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

~Ephesians 4:2~

 

 

Rev. Bill Ichter is doing better, but will continue to recover from the flu.  He is thankful for your prayers.
Mr. Philip Harrell had a fall recently.  Other than some soreness, he seems to be okay.  Thanking God!

 

Michael Phillip Strickland, 67, of Osyka, passed away, Sunday, February 11, 2018 at his residence.

He was born November 11, 1950 in Magnolia, MS. He was the son of the late Percy Edward and Sharron Varnado Strickland.

Visitation is Thursday at Osyka Baptist Church from 9AM until 12PM. Celebration of Life services will be at 12:30PM with Bro. Gene Richards and Bro. Milton Kliesch officiating. Burial will be in Osyka Cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Osyka Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/
Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/
Read the Bible 
  • Leviticus 6-7
  • Psalm 19
  • Mark 6

 

 

Last month, we had to cancel the Third Thursday Gathering due to snow.   This month, we are thankful to report no snow is forecast and the temperatures will be unusually warm for February.  See you Thursday at 6:30 P.M. at the cabin.

 

 

The children’s missions class will meet tomorrow night at  6:00 and again Saturday morning at 9:00 when they will participate in making items for Operation Christmas Child.  This will be our first, but hopefully not our last, OCC preparation day this year.  Youth and adults are encouraged to come participate with us.  If you do not attend FBC, Kentwood, but are interested in what we are doing Saturday, feel free to join us and take some ideas back to your church.

 

 

I will empty the “red basket” at church before Wednesday night so there will be room for more items as listed twice in the last week or so.  Check the list to see what you already have or what you can easily bring.

 

 

Help make a difference in the lives of children around the world through OCC.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Monday

\Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

~1 John 4:7~

 

 

Please pray for the family of Mike Strickland of Osyka.  He passed away yesterday afternoon.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Reflect on God as Counselor
  • Catch up on your readings if you missed a day.

 

 

Thank-you!

  • People who donated items for the mission projects
  • People who signed up to attend

 

 

Looking ahead!

  • If you have any items to donate, I will please leave then in or near the red basket.  I will empty it Wednesday night.
  • If you did not sign the list to attend, but would like to attend, please contact me by phone or computer.  I’m trying to get an more accurate count for food preparation as well as materials for items we will be preparing.

 

 

Third Thursday!

  • This week!
  • 6:30 P.M. at the cabin!
  • Music by Mr. Harlon Toney and James Rimes
  • Devotional by Bro. Darryl

 

 

To have a better week, reach out to others in various ways.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

~John 13:34~

 

Rev. Bill Ichter, former minister of music in FBC, Amite and long-time missionary in Brazil is hospitalized with the flu.  Please be in prayer for him and his family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden may be released from the hospital today, but will be returning to the hospital in two weeks for more surgery.
The Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood was very good last night.  If you missed it, plan now to be there next year.  Thanks, Youth and all others who helped to provide a great night and to earn some serious money for the youth to go to camp.
James Rimes will be featured at the cabin Thursday.  He sings and plays in a way that lets you clearly see his heart.  David and I hope to see many of you at 6:30.
We will call next Saturday Children’s Missions Day, but it will really be an opportunity for ALL of you to share in doing mission projects.  Sign up on the RED clipboards.  Let’s have an focus on doing for others so they may be introduced to Jesus.
Read the Bible
  • Leviticus 4-5
  • Proverbs 18
  • Mark 5

 

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

~Mark 12:30-31~

 

Pray for Jim and Fay Carol C. Todd.  Jim has some serious heart issues and may need to make some difficult decisions.  Pray for God’s leadership as they face Jim’s health issues.

 

 

Tonight is the Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood.  If you enjoy your meal, thank the cooks.  If you think it is pretty, thank Heather Sharkey and her crew of decorators.  Most of all thank the youth and Bro.. Wendell.

 

 

The next Saturday will be our Kid’s Missions Day.  It is set up to be a kids’s day, but at our church it will be for everyone.  My house is “exploding” with crafts for boys, girls, youth, and adults to do so we will have many fillers to send along with our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Our fillers will be used to complete shoeboxes that are not completely full.  I am excited about this opportunity as well as packing some shoeboxes as a family.  Let’s reach out to others in a big way!  I hope to get a couple volunteers tomorrow to prepare a kid-type lunch Saturday.  I hope the rest of you will be signing the lists on the red clipboards so we will know how many people to plan for.

Items I will be needing that some of you may be able to contribute:

  • Beads
  • Fishing supplies (hooks, lines, sinkers, floaters, etc., but no poles)
  • Fabric scraps
  • Small colorful pictures
  • Buttons (colorful and assorted sizes)
  • Pillow stuffing
  • Lace or ribbon scraps
  • Sewing tape measurer
  • Scissors for older girls
  • Glue sticks
  • Used greeting cards, especially Christmas cards

I will have a red basket near the front door of the church tomorrow.  You can leave your items there tomorrow.

 

 

Thanks to those who so faithfully purchase Bibles for the inmates at the Tangipahoa parish.  Once again our donations of Bibles and 2018 calendars were delivered this week.  Once again they were greatly appreciated.  A clear tote is under the stairwell for your donations.  This is an ongoing project.

 

 

 

Friday Morning Bible Study will have three more weeks of Ezekiel before we begin a study of the book of Romans.  Plan to join us from the beginning.  There is not cost.  Just bring your Bible.

 

 

The Third Thursday Gathering will be this week.  See you Thursday at the cabin at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Leviticus 1-3
  • Psalm 18
  • Mark 3-4

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net

 

 

 

Do your preparations for the Lord’s Day today.  That way getting to church will be less complicated.  That’s always good.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

 “Think about Jesus’ example.

He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him.

So do not get tired and stop trying.” 

~Hebrews 12:3 NCV~

 

 

Update on Eric Lee

Thank you all for your prayers, calls, love and support. Dads surgery was this morning. The surgeon said it was a very straight forward surgery. Everything went well. He is not sure if the tumor was cancerous or not. It will take two days for pathology to get results back to us. He said the tumor was not attached to any major blood vessels so there was minimal blood loss. Dad is awake and in his own room now. The surgeon said the next step is to get the pathology results and we will go from there. Overall, it was the best news we could’ve gotten!

 

 

 

Jesse James “JJ” Grice, Jr.

August 22, 1970 – February 08, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born August 22, 1970 in Memphis, TN and was 47 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Grice, of Kentwood; brother, Charles Grice, Sr. and wife, Judy, of Brooklyn, MS; sister, Teresa Woodard and husband, Ronald, of Kentwood; nieces and nephews, Laurie Miller and husband, Toby, of Kentwood, Duane Grice, Jr. and wife, Lacey, of Brooklyn, MS, Brandon Reinninger and wife, Johanna, of Watson, and Kevin and Trey Grice, of Brooklyn, MS; and great nieces and great nephews, Parker and Paisley Miller, and Hayden, Landen and Lincoln Grice; uncle, Stephen Wrightman, Puyallup, WA. Preceded in death by father, Jesse James Grice, Sr.; and a special aunt, Jean Wrightman and numerous other aunts and uncles. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Brandon Reinninger, Duane Grice, Kevin Grice, Trey Grice, Toby Miller, and Milton Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Luther Burch, Nick Rutland, Jason Marsalis, John Marsalis, Don McKenzie, Matthew Huffman, Shane Wilson, Carter Gholson, Daniel Norris, Joey Goldbaum, Jim Tidwell, Gary Powell, Thomas Escobar, Lynda Cash, Katrina Goldbaum, and Ruth Phillips.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 39-40
  • Proverbs 17
  • Mark 2

 

 

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • This morning at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood
  • Ezekiel 41 & 42

 

 

Children’s Mission Day

  • Saturday, February 17, 9:00 A.M. – Noon
  • Projects for children, youth, and adults
  • Please sign the list at the church (229-8111) so we will know how many to expect.

 

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin – next Thursday.  I hope you are planning to come.

 

 

Saying thanks to God for many blessing would be appropriate today or any day.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever,

no matter what”

~Psalm 119:112 CEV~

 

 

Pray for Eric Lee as he has surgery.  Pray for peace for him and for each member of the family.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden will have additional surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge to try to help blood flow in her legs.  Pray for her, please.

 

 

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving from rehab to her apartment tomorrow.  Pray for her.

 

 

Mrs. Betty Simpson asked me to share the following medical update about her niece, Dee Dee Matthews.  The update was written by Dee Dee’s daughter.

Thanks everyone for the prayers. She is stable but in lots of pain. Her blood pressure is staying kind of low so they aren’t able to really give her much pain meds until her pressure rises some. she had some internal bleeding, her spleen was ripped, her liver was bleeding but they were more concerned with where the seatbelt was on her stomach. They had to take out a portion of her small intestines and are waiting a day or so to make sure she doesn’t because septic before reconnecting it. She has a very large laceration on her leg, her femur is broken close to her hip, and we are thinking her ankle is broken as of right now. the orthopedic surgeon is coming in tomorrow to let us know more about what’s going on and if there are anymore broken bones. she is sedated and on a breathing machine as of now. please keep the prayers coming. My God is awesome and I know my Mama will pull through!

 

 

Tish Fairburn has made another trip to MD Anderson and came back with the report she is cancer-free.  Let’s join her in thanking God for this report.

 

 

Michelle Murphy will be going to MD Anderson to get an evaluation.  Please pray for Michelle and for her family.

 

 

 

Edward “Jeff” Davis

June 07, 1966 – February 07, 2018

Edward “Jeff” Davis, a resident of Amite, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home. He was born June 7, 1966 in Amite and was 51 years of age. He was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish Government and enjoyed working, fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan O’Brian Davis; daughter, Julie Davis; grandson, Landon Davis; 3 brothers and 1 sister, Troy Davis, Tammy Scafidel, Mike Davis, and Roy Daniel Davis; step mother, Elaine Davis; step brother, Troy Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews and close nit group of friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. Davis and Norma Neal Davis; daughter, Alicia Davis; and step brother, Gary Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 PM until 9 PM on Thursday and from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Friday, February 9, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Dewitt Coleman. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr.

April 08, 1927 – February 06, 2018

A resident of Greensburg passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. He was born April 8, 1927 in New Orleans and was 90 years of age. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Merchant Marines. He is survived by 13 children, Carolyn Cernich, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; sister, Nora Cernich McCullough; 2 brothers, Willie Cernich and Alfred Cernich; 28 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Marie Cernich; son, Byron Vincent Cernich; 11 brothers and sisters. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 37-38
  • Psalm 17
  • Mark 1

 

 

Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood – There are a few more places open for the meal Saturday night.  You can also order take-out boxes.  This will be for a steak dinner.  Cost $15.00.  Today is the last day to purchase tickets!

 

 

Children’s Mission Day on Saturday, February 17th is for everyone.  Youth and adults can come to set a good example for out children.  There will be projects that everyone can work on.  Please call the church office to get your name on the list.

 

 

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

Consider the blameless,

observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

 

Josiah Huckaby

Update: Josiah is doing much better. His infection seems to be gone & they are weaning his sedation by small amounts daily. He will most likely have withdrawls from all the strong meds. We are praying for a smooth, calm transition off of all the sedation meds. They have also been able to wean his vent settings & oxygen. The plan is to start CPAP trials tomorrow…which is a scheduled amount of time on CPAP and then swap back to the vent and so on…YAY!!! Also, Josiah will be 11 months old Friday! Where has the time gone?!?! God is so good!!! We are so grateful for our sweet little man & can’t wait to get him home!!! 💙💛💙💛💙#TheLuckyFew #ExtraSpecial #OurLittleLagniappe

 

 

Joseph Roy Giardina

October 11, 1957 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at his home. He was born October 11, 1957 in Baton Rouge and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ardillo Giardina; brother, Charles Giardina; sister, Lillian Giardina Massey and husband, Michael;  nephew, John Lucas Massey; niece, Sarah Kate Massey; and companion of 11 years, Dinah Stelley. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph P. Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Frank Braden Bateman

September 27, 1941 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Hammond, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born September 27, 1941 in Tyrone, PA and was 76 years of age. He was a retired manager of Winn Dixie with over 41 years of service. He is survived by his 2 sisters, Nancy Beichler and Jo Anne Tidwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Kathleen Spears Bateman, and his parents, Joseph and Norma Frye Bateman. Funeral Services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 10 AM. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

There are a number of Facebook sites that give hints  about Operation Christmas Child crafts.  Spend some time looking to find the ones you wish to join.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 35-36
  • Proverbs 16
  • Matthew 28

 

 

Children’s Mission Day

We will be filling old prescription bottles with fishing and sewing items after we wash the bottles and cover the labels with contact paper.  If you have some medium and large bottles, please drop them off in the red basket at church.  Thanks!

I have been preparing for our first Children’s mission day.  It will be a lot of fun, but don’t let the children get all the fun.  Join us on the 17th from 9 A.M. to Noon.  Adult skills, both male and female, will be very helpful to guide the children in their projects.

 

 

Catch a vision of how you want to spend your ministry time.  Be available.  God will fill in the answers to your questions.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

 

 

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is doing well.  Her boys take turns staying with her.  She’s blessed to have them.

 

 

Mrs. Ruby Dillon received a good report yesterday.

 

 

Today, let’s pray for all the senior adults who live alone.  I will let you make your own list.  Once you get a list, make an effort to contact them periodically and minister to their individual needs.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 33-34
  • Psalm 16
  • Matthew 27

 

 

 

I will place a large red basket at FBC, Kentwood to receive Mardi Gras beads, Walmart style loose beads for kids to string, and toys received in “kid” meals at drive in places.  I still have the large plastic box for soft-cover Bibles and 2018 calendars.  I don’t mind emptying them periodically, so bring your items any time.  The Bibles and calendars will be distributed through the jail ministry at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.  The beads will be used for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  The smaller the bag of beads, the easier it is to detangle them to organize them with that in mind, please.

 

 

There is a sign-up list at the church, on RED clipboards, for adults, youth, and children to sign up to participate/help with our projects for the filler boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  We will meet from 9:00 A.M. to noon on Saturday, February 17th at FBC, Kentwood.  Anyone who cannot be there that morning can help us collect items of do tasks such as cutting out.  I also have some take-home crochet and cutting projects.  Everyone can be involved in our Children’s Missions Day!  You can also call the church and ask for your name to be added to the list.

 

 

 

As a WMU member, I’m so pleased that some churches in our association are beginning to get involved in women’s ministry again.  If you belong to a church that need to organize or reorganize a women’s ministry, please contact me.  I can give you some ideas and connect you to other ladies who can assist you.  I know it is better when we are able to work together.

 

 

Have a great day.  Maybe a little rain will cause us to do some indoor ministry, calls, letters, cooking, etc.,  today.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it

~Psalm 34:14~

 

Some people in our neighborhood frequently hike.  Saturday, while hiking, Tommy Travis slipped off the trail and fell 15 feet landing with his forehead on a log.  He has 26 stitches and 26 staples now.  Let’s pray for complete healing as Tommy gets lots of rest in the next week.  Let’s also thank God that Tommy was not more seriously hurt.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is hospitalized in Baton Rouge where she had some stents put in her leg last week to help increase circulation.  Pray for all involved in her treatment.  Today, they plan to attempt to add more stents.  I know she will appreciate your prayers.
Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson has been seeing doctors about her lung issue.  Yesterday, she shared that a doctor has recommended surgery.  Pray for her as she gets a second opinion and makes decisions.
Read the Bible – Reflect on God as Lord and do any necessary catch-up reading
Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/
Louisiana Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/
Children’s Mission Day – Sign up to be a part of this special day that is coming up on the 17th.  We will make some items that will be shipped as fillers for shoeboxes for children at Christmas through Operation Christmas Child.  One way many of you might be able to help is to bring us some carnival beads.  It is best if they are bagged in limited numbers so we can easily untangle and sort them for packaging.  There will be many activities going on.  You can choose the ones you wish to do or to help the children do.  We will meet at 9:00 A.M.
Many people seem to be fighting a lingering cough.  Let’s pray for this to stop spreading.
Anna Lee