Friday

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

~Colossians 3:17~

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 22

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
John 12:20-50
Psalm 118:19-29
Proverbs 15:27-28

James Milton Blades

December 27, 1946 – May 20, 2020

A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at his home. He was born December 27, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 73 years of age. He was a U. S. Marine Corps Veteran of Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts. He was a retired welder from Exxon Refinery after 37 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Swain Blades; son, Jamie Glynn Blades and wife, Mary Ann; grandsons, Ashton Blades and Justin Cutrer; great-grandson, Ariat Cutrer; step-son, Shane Talbot; step-granddaughter, Angell Talbot; step-great-grandchildren, Emily and Bryson Roberie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, George Milton and Vergie Needham; paternal grandparents, James Otto and Mattie Blades; parents, James B. and Katie Needham Blades; brother, Cade R. Blades. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Needham Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Kelly Blades, Sheldon Blades, Bill Birch, Shannon Travis, Brandon Carter, and Forrest Sibley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I hope you are anxious to get back to Operation Christmas Child. List of items needed in shoeboxes will be posted at church and available at the church. I’ll include a list here. Maybe some will be shopping in the next few days. If you have been making items at home, you can leave them at the church. We’ll try to get going “full speed ahead” soon.

Operation Christmas Child

April, May, & June 2020

Updated 5-21-2020

	April	May	June
Nursery & Preschoolers	Jump Ropes	Hairbrushes	Pens (Red, Blue and Bk)
Grades 1-5	Marbles	Dominoes	Drawing Books
Youth	Jump Ropes	Play Dough*	Highlighters
College & Career	Dominoes	Play Dough*	Small Notebooks**
Gateway	Socks for Boys	Play Dough*	Small Notebooks**
Joy Friendship Circle	$1.00 Scissors	Clothesline	Hair Accessories
Bank	Boys’ Underwear	Nails & Sm. Hammers	Key Holders
New Creations Renewal	Hair Brushes	Clothespins	2/$1.00 Sm. Scissors
Rebekah	Sewing Kits	Highlighters	Flat Marbles
Seekers City Hall Faithful	Lip Balm	$1.00 Calculators	Glue Sticks
Staff	Highlighters	Fishing Kits	Nails & Sm. Hammers

* = 8/Pkg. ** – About 3” X 5 “

Usually 3 or 4 for $1.00

If you are not in a Sunday School class, choose some things from this list to contribute. T

I’ll remind you of the age groups again. We pack shoeboxes for both boys and girls.

2-4 Years
5-9 Years
10-14 Years

Thanks to everyone who contributes money or buys items.

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message –https://baptistmessage.com/

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I have refined you, but not as silver is refined.

Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.”

~Isaiah 48:10 (NLT)~

Please continue to pray for Ricky Russell of Chesbrough. He has had complications from Monday’s procedure, been back to the ER, and has an appointment Monday to repair a new problem caused by the procedure. I know Ricky and his family will appreciate your prayers.

There are others who have health needs and other issues. I ask you to pray specifically for those whose conditions you are familiar with and in general if you are not updated on those people. Pray for lives that are touched to turn to Jesus. May each one be bold in stepping out and doing what God has planned for them.

Pray for graduates. The year 2020 has certainly been a unique year for each of you. I pray you find success in all you have on your agenda. Churches will find ways to honor their seniors, if not today, in the weeks to come.

VBS is going to be a challenge this year. Some churches will be creative with it while others will postpone it until next year. I do not know what any of our local churches have planned. The VBS message is important, but so is health. Respect the decisions made by each church.

Pray for the re-gathering of our churches today and in the weeks to come. Some will offer Sunday School and other will choose to wait a while before returning to a full schedule. Today will be a mixture of many kinds of services. Stay safe wherever you will be attending. Pray for those who will not be there because of medical issues. Know they will be there in spirit and are watching online. Each family will be making a decision about what is best for them.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 17th

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15
John 9:1-41
Psalm 113:1-114:8
Proverbs 15:15-17

One good thing about this time is that church services are much more available online. Even if you attend your church, you have the opportunity to “visit” and worship with others. That certainly is a plus!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Do not be misled:

‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

~1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)~

Mrs. Mildred Birch fell at home two nights ago. Thankfully, she didn’t break anything. Please pray for her and for others. Falling happens quickly and ofter makes for big changes in a person’s life.

Died: Joyce Lin, Missionary Pilot Transporting Coronavirus Supplies –

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/missionary-pilot-joyce-lin-died-papua-crash.html?fbclid=IwAR3V8LhYHjFWZjdQS7FWTDOD1pV-r1G8pSuBMOLU4_vHRVuGgeo88iUe-cA

TRUSTEES: IMB approves 59 missionaries, addresses budget concerns

http://www.bpnews.net/54811/trustees-imb-approves-59-missionaries-addresses-budget-concerns?fbclid=IwAR0ypABJfNBy6Upw-L9SrcFvH49rbTq1gYvoYZ8br-UQDUkhvv4JqvlDDVY

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 16th

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
John 8:31-59
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 15:12-14

If you need a hard copy of the Scriptures for the next four months, they are available at the church office – 229-8111.

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

You may want to check out these Bible Project Videos, especially if your church does not offer Sunday School. I think they might also be a good addition to your summer plans/. The video for this week is number nine – “Hope”.

https://bibleproject.com/explore/

No matter how you plan to participate in worship tomorrow, the key word is “participate”!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!

They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

~Daniel 3:28 (NIV)~

Bro. Darryl preached from Daniel 3 on April 8th. What is God able to do for you?

Today, I want to think about the children in our church. They love to sing. They love the children’s moments. They love to do crafts. They love Bible stories, Bible drills, missionary stories, VBS, summer camp, VBS, and so much more. I know they have missed their teachers and their friends at church. Keep them safe at home until you, the parents and grandparents, feel it is safe to get them back in church. Pray for your children and grandchildren, teach them at home, have them read Bible stories to you, etc, Invest in them. Encourage them. Brag on them. They will be blessed. You will too!

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 15

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4
John 8:21-30
Psalm 111:1-10
Proverbs 15:11

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

IMB temporarily relocates personnel due to COVID-19 –

http://www.bpnews.net/54792/imb-temporarily-relocates-personnel-due-to-covid19

Missionaries strive to advance Gospel as IMB adapts to financial challenges

http://www.bpnews.net/54805/missionaries-strive-to-advance-gospel-as-imb-adapts-to-financial-challenges

FIRST-PERSON: ‘Do nothing’ and ‘do everything’ on social media

http://www.bpnews.net/54794/firstperson-do-nothing-and-do-everything-on-social-media

Pray for our state, Louisiana, as we enter Phase I to open our state up again. Be careful! Be safe! Respect the people who choose to begin the change back to a normal routine. Respect the people, who for the sake of sickness or age, decide not to return to their previous routine at this time. Pray for everyone!

Anna Lee

Happy Lord’s Day!

[The Armor of God]

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

~Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)~

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 22

Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23

Bro. Stan Statham posted a video for us to watch about a prayer line.

World Down Syndrome Day 2020 & Josiah Huckaby

Not how we planned to spend it. We didn’t get to wear our cute shirts or crazy socks but we did have fun. Although we sure are missing daddy! I’m just glad technology allows us the opportunity to see each other during hospital stays.

Josiah has definitely been making improvements on his oxygen. They did quite a bit of weaning today. Hopefully he will continue to do well on the new oxygen settings tonight.

To God be the glory! 💙💛💙💛💙

Joey “Buck” Cutrer

November 03, 1957 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at his home. He was born November 3, 1957 in Clinton, LA and was 62 years of age. He was a loving father and grandfather that would do anything for anyone. He was a kind hearted soul that is now at peace. He is survived by 2 sons, Joey Cutrer and Drew Alan Cutrer and wife, Lauren; granddaughter, Ava Cutrer; brother, Ric Cutrer and wife, Donna; sister, MaryJo Cutrer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carly Lou Cutrer; and parents, Joe and Mary Lou Cutrer. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Saint Elmo Saxon, Jr.

February 22, 1943 – March 20, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born February 22, 1943 in Foxworth, MS and was 77 years of age. He was a husband, father, brother and friend who was better known as Daddy, Honey, Elmo or simply “Saint.” He was a man of many talents, loved the outdoors and was an American patriot having served in the U. S. Army. His world was his family showing his love every day with his abounding love. He traveled throughout the world, many times alone, sometimes with his love and family, bringing back many stories and souvenirs from the trips. Being a man that loved to work, he taught his work ethic to anyone who would loan him a hand, follow him around, learning with every step. If you were lucky enough to attend a Saxon gathering where family and friends were, you caught him in his glory. He is survived by his wife, Kay Crawford Saxon; 3 daughters, Milissa Pirnar, Tissie Gorman, and Angela Saxon; son, Chris Saxon and his wife, Brigitte Saxon; grandchildren, Brugge Gorman, Dillon Gorman, Skylar Pirnar, Noah Steptore, Domonique Pierce, Anna Barber, Stone Saxon, and River Saxon; great-grandchildren, Abygayle, Anslee and Aniston Rae Barber; 2 sisters, Linda Russell and Mary Johnson; brother, John Wayne Saxon. Preceded in death by parents, Saint Elmo Saxon, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Forbes Saxon; son, Brian O’Neal Saxon; daughter, Tina Marie Saxon; and brother, Linnie Saxon. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the funeral and viewing will be private. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Most of us will be at home today and watching our church service via live-streaming video. Many will not have the opportunity to attend a Sunday School class. There are several option:

Each person prepares their lesson and discusses it.
One person teaches the family each week.
Watch a video and discuss it as a family group.

Bible project will be giving us a video to watch as a family each week. Then, discussion can follow. The lesson for today is “Generosity”.

https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=generosity

I suggest doing your Sunday School during your church’s regular Sunday School time.

Churches present the worship service online.

Most churches will present the worship service online, many of them doing so for the first time today.
If your church is not live-streaming this morning or if you choose to watch multiple services as we did last week. you will have plenty of opportunities. On Facebook, join Kentwood First Baptist Church at 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M. today, and 6 P.M. Wednesday. I think following the normal schedule will keep us from feeling like we are missing out as much.

Now that hospitals are not allowing any visitors like the special living facilities, we need to pray extra hard for both the patients/residents and the family members. What a change this is!

David and I haven’t been out in days. He makes a lot of calls to check on people. If you have a name for me to add to The Prayer Link, please send me a message like Danielle Thornton did yesterday. I will be glad to add your prayer concerns.

Here’s my song list for today. I hope you sing along.

“The Doxology” (Remember to add the “Amen” at the end.)
“In Times Like These”
“One Day at a Time”
“Make Me a Blessing”
“In His Hands”
- Kid’s version – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEkXzi19Crk
- Adult versions –
  - https://youtu.be/Ck6cCyvo5vo
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3r0CFKzILo

Make this “Lord’s Day” special and one you and your family will remember for a long time.

Anna Lee

God’s Day!

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Scripture Writing – October 6 – Matthew 11: 27-30

I hope you have a church you regularly attend. If not, today is a wonderful day to begin looking for one. If you don’t have a plan, we would love to have you visit us at First Baptist Church, Kentwood. Sunday school begins at 9:15 and worship at 10:30. Services tonight begin at 6 P.M. We have classes/opportunities for all ages.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~Thessalonians 5:18 NIV~

Pray for little Jules Tankesley who had to be airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She is doing much better now. Pray for Jules and her parents, KerriBeth and Jamie.

Thanks to those who helped with the shoeboxes this week. The shoebox schedule for this week is Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 P.M.and Saturday at 8 A.M. We are progressing in getting enough shoeboxes ready for all the children we will be packing for this year. Help us bring a smile to their faces. We meet in the fellowship hall to paint. Thanks to the ladies who helped this week.

We are collecting money to help with the postage. It costs $9.00 per shoebox to get each one to their destination. You can mark your check “OCC Postage”. Thanks for your help.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions: We are collecting funds to help people in Louisiana have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I know we want those around us to have opportunities to have Jesus in their hearts and lives.

Fifth Sunday Singing at FBC, Kentwood

Tonight at 6 P.M.
Boiled peanuts and hot dogs after the singing
Everyone is invited.

Scripture Writing – September 29 – Romans 15: 7-13

October Scriptures are available in the sanctuary or office of FBC, Kentwood.

If you have items to send because of the flooding in Texas they must be turned in first thing in the morning so the can get to Bro. Stan in time for the next trip. Remember, they will only be taking the four items they requested – diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and Gatorade and other sports drinks. We have disaster relief workers on the ground and working in Texas.

Monday, the “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will meet at The Cafe at 11:00. All ladies are invited to join in with them.

Sunday School begins at 9:15 and worship begins at 10:30 at FBC, Kentwood. We invite you to join us if you are not attending another church. We have classes for every age group. We also provide a nursery, have children’s church, and other things that may interest you.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

~2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV~

Linda B. Williams requests prayers for husband, Jimmy.

Friends & Relatives, we are in need of your prayers, again. Following Jimmy’s hospitalization a few months ago after he had the heart cath, his prognosis wasn’t good. He never had recovered from the quadruple bypass surgery he had in 12/2018, and the coronary artery disease is severe. His doctor decided to have a Physical Therapist with his Home Health agency start seeing him and see if he could get his strength back. He did not progress and was discharged by his therapist. When he went to his doctor, she put the order in for Hospice so they can help Jimmy have the best quality of life possible. She explained the things Hospice can do for him that Home Health can’t. She also told us it did not mean he would only live for a certain length of time. It meant Hospice will provide services that will help make his life easier. There are no options left for treating his failing heart. He was admitted to Hospice today. Thanks in advance for your prayers for Jimmy and our family.

As you pray for the recent flooding in Texas, please know we have Baptist Disaster Relief workers there. Below is Bro. Stan’s list of items needed. Please note when and where they are needed. I think if we can get items Sunday, we will be able to get them to Franklinton first thing Monday morning.

BASELA Family- We will be collecting the following items for the churches impacted by the flooding in Texas. We have disaster relief volunteers working in the Hamshire, TX and surrounding areas. Supplies can be taken to the Missions Office in Franklinton (2116 Washington St) or to FBC St. Francesville (12404 Hwy 10). Supplies will be collected through Monday Morning.
Diapers
Feminine hygiene products
paper towels
Gatorade and other sports drinks
THESE ARE THE ONLY ITEMS BEING COLLECTED! Please do not bring clothes, water or any other items!!! This is at the request of the receiving church.
-Bro. Stan

Scripture Writing – September 28 – Romans 5: 1-5

Scriptures for October will be available at FBC, Kentwood Sunday morning. You can get your copy in the sanctuary Sunday. On other days, check with the church office for a copy.

Operation Christmas Child

We will continue with painting the inside lids of shoe boxes today at 1 P.M. in the fellowship hall. We had a good group last Saturday and look for a good group today. When the boxes dry, we will fold and stack them for our packing party in five weeks.
Set aside the last Saturday of October for our Christmas packing party. It’s amazing how quickly we can pack all those shoeboxes!
FBC, Kentwood will again serve as a collection site. The hours of drop-off will vary from day to day, so check the OCC website or call the church office before you come to leave your boxes with us.

High Attendance Sunday

FBC, Kentwood
Tomorrow
9:15 A.M.
Classes for everyone!

Fifth Sunday Singing

FBC, Kentwood
6 P.M.

Pray for all these activities and events.

Anna Lee

Friday

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance

~2 Peter 3:9~

Thankfully, Mrs. Ruby Dillon is better. Keep praying for her.

Updates on Carl “Chicken” Gaines and Carol Bennett Sealey written by his wife/her sister, Barbara:

Good morning everyone. Quick update on Carl. We thought he was having another stroke Tuesday morning spent the Tuesday and Wednesday in the hospital but doctors thinking a migraine headache so home now! GOD IS GOOD!!

Have even better news on Carol. Talked with her this morning and got the good news that she is not going to have to go to dialysis. What an awesome answered prayer. I know that we have been praying for that specific request and I have had friends that have told me that they also have been lifting Carol up in prayer and praying that God would heal her kidneys so that she would not have to go to dialysis 3 times a week!!! Answered prayers HALLELUJAH!!!! CAROL also is gaining strength in her legs and making great progress in making steps and standing up with assistance. God has big plans for Carol and her testimony of God’s Mercy and Grace!!! Thank you to all who have prayed so fervently for Carol’s healing and to please keep praying!!!

Scripture Writing – September 27 – Psalm 126: 1-6

Project Day for Operation Christmas Child – Saturday at 1 P.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.

The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will meet Monday, September 30 at 11:00 at The Cafe. All ladies are invited to attend.

There is a Sunday School class for everyone at FBC, Kentwood. We begin at 9:15. If you need help locating a class contact me of enter the church fellowship hall and ask for assistance. We would love to have you join us.

Have a wonderful, cooler day. It doesn’t feel like fall yet, but there each morning these is a hint it is coming.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

~Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)~

From Frances Gay –

Lisa Carrier, who lives in Amite, is in Houston for appointment at M.D. Anderson concerning a mass found in her ovary. She would be appreciative of prayers on her behalf and all concerned. Lisa works at North Oaks in the lab. She has been a friend of my family for many years. Please add her to the prayer list. Thank you

Lisa is one of my former students. I have enjoyed seeing her and her siblings several times in recent years. Let’s keep Lisa in our prayers.

Morria Reynolds, father of Deanna Reynolds, will have a leg amputated on 9/4/19. Your prayers for him and his family will be greatly appreciated.

Caleb Estay is still waiting for a decision about the next medical step. Pray for him and his family as well as the medical staff of Children’s Hospital.

Gaylon Cutrer continues to improve following his recent hospital stay. He and his family would appreciate your prayers.

David’s blood level yesterday was 8.0, the highest it has been in two months. We are thankful for his good report.

Florene Cureton Pate

December 11, 1928 – August 11, 2019

A resident of Fluker, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 11, 1928 in Brownsfield, TX and was 90 years of age. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was a member of Walter T. Ott #217 Order of Eastern Star and retired from the Louisiana State Tourism Center in Kentwood. Florene was a member of Tangipahoa Baptist Church where she was voted Mother of the Year. She is survived by husband of 74 years, Robert Pate, Sr.; 4 children, Robbie Lynn Pate, Deborah Pate Ragan (Devon), Lisa Pate Ginn (Grant) and Robert Pate, Jr.; 7 grandchildren, Robert Bridges, Stephanie Novak (Tony), Heather Monoc (Marco), Jessica Westmoreland Stogner (Edward), Kristen Bonds (fiancé, Josh Barnhill), Brandon Kuyrkendall (Zandrea) and Curtis Ginn; 9 great- grandchildren, Madison Bridges, Hadley Doin, Loic Doin, Silas Novak, Arden Novak, Berend Kuyrkendall, Emma Monoc, Leona Kuyrkendall and Eleonor Rose Stogner; twin sister, Lorene Windham. Preceded in death by her 2 daughters, Sarita Pate and Rebecca Pate Bonds; parents, Robert and Rosa Cureton; 2 brothers, Robert and Gene; 3 sisters, Hazel, Doris and Joyce. Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Tuesday and from 8:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I saw Mr. Robert Pate a week ago today as I was buying gas for David’s trip to Baton Rouge a week ago today. We had a sweet visit. He asked us to pray for his wife. Now, we need to pray for Mr. Robert and other family members.

Adrian Phillips

Arrangements for Adrian Phillips Tuesday 5-9 and Wednesday 8-10 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church in Kentwood, LA.

Build an OCC “Shoebox” online!’

Only $25.00 at Samaritanspurse.org/buildonline
You select the items and OCC will pack and send your shoebox gift for you.

Scripture Writing – August 13 – Isaiah 33:2

Keep the prayers coming. Your prayers make a big difference in many lives.

Anna Lee