Wednesday

I delayed posting and got caught by the rain again. That’s the nature of satelites and life in the country. Hopefully, better technology will get out here one day….

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is improving following her back surgery. Pray for her and her two caregiver sons, Chester and John.

Philip Strickland’s surgery went well at Ochsner (NO) yesterday. Pray for him to have a good recovery period.

David’s brother, Jimmy Alford, had a procedure at Ochsner (BR) that will hopefully lead to the next step in Jimmy’s treatment. There is a more hopeful attitude in his situation now.

Mays I. Morris, Sr.

April 08, 1932 – December 17, 2017

A resident of Independence passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017. He was born April 8, 1932 in Amite and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his son, Mays I. Morris, Jr.; son, Arthur D. Morris; daughter, Martha Ann Morris; step children, Sherry Allen Rowland, Gwendolyn Allen Watts, Timothy Brian Allen, Matthew Wayne Allen and Brenda Allen Creekmore; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jones Morris; son, Michael Morris; step son, Dennis Gatlin; brother, Andrew J. Morris, Jr., and sister, Imogene Barber Morris. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9AM until religious services at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Reginald E. (Reggie) Goldsby, MD

August 09, 1943 – December 18, 2017

Long time Amite Mayor and beloved family physician, Reginald (Reggie) Goldsby, age 74, passed from this life on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was born August 9, 1943 in Amite to Omar and Mamie Roberts Goldsby who preceded him in death as did his brother, Myles Goldsby. He is survived by his daughter, Laken Goldsby, and many Goldsby and Kennedy cousins whom he loved dearly and who loved him. He was a faithful charter member of the First Southern Methodist Church of Amite. As an honors student of LSU Medical School, he was exempt from a semester’s final exams. Later in his career, he became an LSU Clinical Professor. He was an avid LSU football fan and not only played football for Amite High School but remained a loyal fan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to his personal attendants, Mike and Rachel Constant, for their loving care and devotion to Reggie during these difficult times. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I checked on the location of the shoeboxes sent out through our church as part of Operation Christmas Child. So far, I was able to track boxes to both Mexico and Ecuador. I’m excited the boxes are in their country of destination already. I hope you are still as excited as I am for the boxes and what an impact each box will make on the lives of children and their families.

Some of these shoeboxes will be delivered by our international missionaries. Our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions help keep them “on the field”. That means our shoebox gifts might be a part of the ministry we provide through the LMCO. We help get the boxes to the children by collecting items, packing boxes, paying postage, and supporting our missionaries. Thank-you for all your help.

Tomorrow night, we will gather at the cabin at 6:30 for our monthly Third Thursday meeting. I can hardly wait to share this sweet time with others.

Read the Bible – Revelations 14-16 & Psalm 45.

There will be NO Bible study this Friday morning, but we will meet the following Friday.

Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will follow their regular schedule for the morning and have a candlelight service at 6 P.M. that night. I hope you will be in church somewhere!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.

Jeremiah 23:5-6

Steven Sealey is doing well following surgery and will be home soon, possibly today. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon has been feeling better the last few days. Keep her in your prayers.

Phillip Strickland will be having surgery today at Ochsner, New Orleans. Pray all goes well for him. Pray for his family too. There are several sick relatives, including his dad, at this time.

Jimmy Alford’s surgery has been changed to 9:30 this morning at Ochsner on O’Neil in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Reggie Goldsby of Amite passed away. Please be in prayer for his family.

Read the Bible – Revelations 12-13, Psalms 44, & video on Revelations 12-22

We received enough donations to add to our “lights” on the Lottie Moon poster. We now have ten “lights”. Thank-you to all who contributed to support international missions.

We’ll be looking for some of you to attend the Third Thursday meeting this Thursday at 6:30. See you then.

Today. at 11 A.M., the “Young” ladies will be celebrating December birthdays at The Cafe.

It’s great to live in our community – Christmas programs bringing out packed houses to see the children, Christmas caroling by various church groups, and Christmas baskets delivered by different organizations. It’s good to see how people think about others.

Anna Lee

Monday

“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

Mike Strickland is hospitalized with both flu and pneumonia. Please pray for him.

Several people, whom I will not name, have had surgeries or procedures in the last week. Pray for them as a group unless you know the individual situations.

Read the Bible – Revelations 10-11 & Psalm 43

The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow at The Cafe.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – We will meet this week at 6:30. Come join us.

Contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are being accepted at all Southern Baptist Churches.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will not meet this week, but plans to meet the following week.

Christmas is a wonderful time to help meet needs.

Anna Lee

Thursday

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14 HCSB~

Please continue to pray for Pam Seller’s friend, Vicki.

Steve Sealey is Carol Bennett Sealeys husband. Many of you will remember Carol from Roseland or OFA. Steve will be having three or four bypasses today. Please pray for this procedure to be successful.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy of Amite is having cancer surgery today. Pray all goes well for her. Pray for her many family members and friends.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is home from Ochsner. Pray for her as she adjusts to being at home.

Sunday, we had an opportunity to talk with Phillip Strickland. He told us about his trip to M.D. Anderson this week and his hopes for a good report. He’s there now. Let’s pray for Phillip and his family as he learns more about his health.

Read the Bible – Jude, Psalm 39, and video on Jude

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

The Friday Morning Bible Study will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. at FBC, Kentwood. You are welcome to join us.

The monthly “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be early this month. We will meet on Tuesday, December 19th at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
The monthly Third Thursday at the Cabin will be next Thursday, one week from tonight. We meet at 6:30. Join us for this great night.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We received enough money last week to “light up” on light on our string of Christmas lights. When all the lights are “lit”, we will have achieved our goal. Sunday, we will be having our yearly “Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions”. A full 100% of out gifts given through the offering goes to support missionaries who are serving somewhere in the world. We will march on Sunday. Gifts can be given any Sunday. I hope you are enjoying the videos at church on Sunday mornings.

Today, I want to leave you with this idea for sharing the Gospel. I hope some of you will use it with your neighbors or co-workers. https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?

https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?utm_campaign=On%20Mission%20Today&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=59341728&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–X7YWxw8jC88sIUAa6e1LfnD4ZnXMT2T2jxJ7bmnhOXf0vAu6obvptcm635YpklmVfmokw-Lc0uAMLGiZlCdCazSedPw&_hsmi=59341728

Share some real CHRISTmas spirit this holiday season.

Anna Lee

Monday

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

~Isaiah 60:3 HCSB~

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

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

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

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

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

Baptist Press –http://bpnews.net

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

Next Week

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

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

Anna Lee

Friday

With men this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.

~Matthew 19:26HCSB~

Read the Bible – Philippians 3-4 & Psalm 12

Obituary for William Bruce Clemons = http://stephensondearman.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=1750&locid=1

Operation Christmas Child Drop Off Schedule for First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Friday – 4-6 P.M.
Saturday – 9-12 Noon
Sunday – 2-4 P.M.
Monday – 8-10 A.M.

Third Thursday at the Cabin

We met at the cabin last night and had six first-time guests with our guests from eight different churches. It was another meaningful night for us. Those of you who came really blessed our hearts. We’ll be looking forward to the next gatherings which will be on December 21st.

Looking Ahead

Today – Friday Morning Bible Study – Fellowship Hall @ 10 A.M.
November 26th – Breakfast at Pine Ridge which benefits a worthy cause
November 28th – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at the Cafe
December 3rd – Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood at 2 P.M.

Send me a message if you have a prayer request you want me to share here.

Anna Lee

Thursday

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

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

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

~John 14:2-4~

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

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

Ruth Cutrer of Osyka informed me of the death of Mrs. Inez Lee of the Red Bluff community. Please be praying for this family.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Week

FBC, Kentwood has collected 825 shoeboxes the first two days. We are thankful for 825 children who will receive a box and an invitation to learn about Jesus.
Wednesday’s schedule is 4:00 – 6:00 P.M.
Thursday’s schedule is 10:00 -Noon
Don’t forget you can bring your extra items in boxes that are not the same size and shape as shoeboxes. The fillers will be sent in so they can be used to add to boxes that are not filled. Some of you may even consider collecting extra items for this purpose next year. This also works well if someone makes hats, blankets, scarves, or fishing or sewing kits, etc. and doesn’t pack shoe boxes.

Read the Bible – Ephesians 5-6 and Psalm 10

The children will have the opportunity to begin hearing a book about Lottie Moon tonight. Be sure to have them at church tonight at 6 P.M. with their vests on.

Tomorrow, we will have the Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin. Kaye Robetrs will be playing the following offertories, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, “Power in the Blood”, and “In the Sweet By and By”, some she plays at FBC, Kentwood. We will not be collecting an money at the cabin! You will greatly appreciate her adding her skills to our gathering tomorrow night. I look forward to seeing many of you Thursday.

FBC, Kentwood will be hosting a community Thanksgiving service Sunday night at 6 P.M. Refreshments will be served afterward during a time of fellowship. All of you are invited to come.

May you be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

Monday

Come to Me,

all of you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28 HCSB~

Dr. Jerry Barlow of NOBTS and a former pastor at FBC, Amie, passed away. I will post an obituary when one becomes available.

Johnny Belgard is having some health issues again. Let’s pray his problem is not related to his transplant.

Ora Lee Wilson told me her 50 year old nephew has had two heart attacks and is in Our Lady of the Lake. Let’s pray for him and the family.

FBC, Kentwood opens as a drop-off location for “shoeboxes” today. Monday, we will be open from 10:00 – !2 Noon. Tomorrow’s schedule is 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Fillers will be accepted along with the shoeboxes. “Fillers” are extra items you didn’t use this year. They can be sent in with the shoeboxes and used to add to boxes that are not full. If you have and items to share, be sure to put them in a cardboard box and clearly label them as fillers. I understand they are very helpful and usually in short supply. I will be sending in fillers for the first time this year.

Read the Bible – Ephesians 1-2, Psalm 8, and the video on Ephesians.

We’re looking forward to a great “Third Thursday at the Cabin” this week at 6:30.

I hope you were fed God’s Word yesterday and are ready to apply it this week.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God!

You always fulfill your covenant

and keep your promises of unfailing love

to those who love you and obey your commands.”

~Daniel 9:4b NLT~

Read the Bible – Galatians 5-6 & Psalm 7

Operation Christmas Child “Shoebox” Drop-Off Week begins tomorrow

Monday, FBC, Kentwood will be open from 10-12 to receive your shoeboxes.

Monday – 10-12
Tuesday – 1-4
Wednesday – 4-6
Thursday – 10-12
Friday – 4-6
Saturday – 9-12
Sunday – 2-4
Monday 8-10

If you send your postage money online, you can register for tracking of your shoeboxes. I think that may be an option some of you will want to do this year.

Lord’s Day – I hope you will spend time in studying God’s Word today. If you don’t have a church home, I invite you to come to FBC, Kentwood. We have a number of different classes Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and on Wednesday evenings. I’m sure you can find one that “fits” you just right.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – We will be meeting at our cabin at 6:30. If you have any questions, please contact me.

There have been many deaths, illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations in our area lately. Try to find a way to minister to these families.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee