Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’who was, and is, and is to come.”

~Revelation 4:8~

READ the BIBLE

• May 4, 2023
• Psalm 50: 65; 92
• “Like David, I must never forget God’s . . . . ”

HEALTH ISSUES

Please add Mrs. Gail Brister to your prayer list. She fell Monday at home and broke her hip. She is in St. Tammany Hospital.

DEATH

James Russell Smith

FEBRUARY 1, 1952 – MAY 3, 2023

James Russell Smith, born February 1, 1952 passed away peacefully at his home on May 3, 2023. Russell was a graduate of Mt. Hermon School and was a farmer for 46 years. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and fishing. He was a wonderful and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by:

His wife of 31 years, Kathy, daughters and sons-in-law, Marisa and Dave Pettit of Franklinton, Brandy and Raymond Cutrer of Kentwood, Katie and Scott Miller of Mt. Hermon, son and daughter-in-law, Russell Len and Cherie Smith of Mt. Hermon.

12 grandchildren: Marleigh and Ethan Schilling
Rafe, Remi, Reese, and Ramsi Cutrer
Brady and Emily Miller
Peyton and Eden Miller
Alexis, Rusty, and Raegan Smith

One great-grandchild: Ivy Kate Miller

His mother Vivian Smith.

3 brothers and their spouses: Ralph and Ann
Paul and Janice
Lenard and Sheila

3 sisters and their spouses: Janis and Steve Baxley
Faye and John Newman
Pam Stafford

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Kathryn, his son Matthew Cade, his father, Ralph Smith, and his sister Joetta Stevens.

Visitation will be Crain Funeral Home Friday May 5th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Saturday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Saturday with Bro. David Barber officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church general fund (25393 Mount Pisgah Road, Mt. Hermon, LA 70450).

Pallbearers: Russell Len Smith, Raymond Cutrer, Scott Miller, Dave Pettit, Brady Miller, Ethan Schilling
Honorary pallbearers: Rafe Cutrer and Rusty Smith.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Russell Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.

YOUNG MISSIONARY

Please add Miss Hallie Kent to your prayer list. She goes on her first missionary journey next month. She will spend six weeks in Kenya. Her family is very proud of her. Hallie will be out-of-touch for six weeks, so her family will be anxious to hear all her stories. He mother, Amy Walker Kent, asks for prayer for Hallie and for her family. Hallie is a student at SLU and is employed at Professional Physical Therapy in Amie.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Meet with a group for prayer if you can. If not, pray on your own. Prayers are what counts.

OCC MONTHLY WORKDAY

Our OCC Workday for May is almost here. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a “job” for everyone. See you in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood at 9:00 Saturday morning.

Anna Lee

This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

~Jeremiah 17:5~

READ the BIBLE

• May 3
• Psalm 136:1-25
• “Of all of God’s gifts, I am most thankful for ….”

INFORMATION for SATURDAY’S WORKDAY

• Meet in the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M.
• Adults and children are welcome,
• Bring a snack to share.
• Bring a family member or friend.
• If possible, work witmeone you have not worked with before.
• Contact me if you have any questions.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Please pray for our Saturday Operation Christmas Child workday.

1. Pray for the children who will receive a shoebox to “meet” Jesus.
2. Pray the same for families.
3. Thank God and our church family for the items we will soon pack.
4. Pray for the postage needed for each box – $10.00.
5. Pray the box will get through customs without items being removed.
6. Thank GOd for all the support and volunteers at our church.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Enjoy reading this site daily. Be informed.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

This special day is tomorrow. Spend some time in a community event and/or spend the time alone with God.

Anna Lee

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

~Daniel 3:17-18~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• May 2
• Luke 17: 11-19
• “If I would have been healed, I would have . . . .”

ILLNESS

Please pray for Mike Hornsby, husband of our church secretary, Janice. Mike had a stroke at the end of last week. Janice was able to get him to the hospital so treatment could begin in a timely way. He is doing well and is scheduled to go to rehabilitation within the next few days.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Graveside services for Sherry Cumming’s sister, Kim Nobles Forbes will be Saturday at 10 A.M. at the Roberts Cemetery in Osyka.

OBITUARY

Louis Luke Little

September 3, 1934 – April 30, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born September 3, 1934 in McComb, MS and was 88 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Myran Miller Little; son, Casey Cole Little and wife, Marcia; 4- step-sons, Arthur Hines, Paul Hines, Johnny Hines, and Joel Hines and their families; brother, Winston Estos Little; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Tincie McDaniel Little; sister, Audrey Ruth Vernon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Steve Miller. Interment Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. An extr.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Thursday, May 4th is the National Day of Prayer. Please pray with a group or individually this week.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thank-you to all who have contributed through your class or individually. We now have enough items to pack most of our 400 “Shoeboxes”. We also have many “fillers” to add to the boxes and some fillers to send with our boxes. It’s only May! We are still hoping to get a few items:

Dolls

5 inch Flashlight

AAA Batteries

Bandanas

Underwear for Size 12 boys and girl

T-shirts for Size 12 boys and girls

Special thanks to all who have donated through the year and/or worked with us to “get things done”! An extra special thanks from the boys and girls who will receive our shoeboxes! May God richly bless the children through your efforts.

Anna Lee

Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.

~Exodus 23:25~

TODAY’S HOLIDAY

On May 1st, I always remember that my momma would let us pick some of her pretty flowers to put into vases me made from paper and go throughout the neighborhood to share them. We were to knock on the door and then hide and watch to make sure the neighbor came to the door and found the flowers. If not, we knocked again and louder.

I learned a lot from sharing the pretty flowers. I learned to share the good things of my life. I also learned the joy of giving and bringing joy to others. People often called Momma and thanked her because they figured only my momma has such pretty flowers.

At school programs this time of the year, the children often danced around a May Pole. The joy came from being with classmates, the music, and seeing the pretty pattern of the paper around the pole as we wrapped and unwrapped the pole in time to the music.

Today, I have no classmates, no pole, and no music, but I do have the joy of sharing with others. Thankfully, it is not limited to May 1st.

READ THE BIBLE

• May 1
• Week 18
• THANKSGIVING
• Acts 27: 1-38
• “I often take for granted the blessing of . . . .”

ILLNESSES

Today, I would like to share that several people have had COVID in the last week. Please pray we do not have another strong round of this disease. Also, pray for those who develop COVID.

Elaine Tolar Doucette has been improving. Thank God for that and for family that can bond together at such times.

Rhonda Miller shared that she received a good report from her doctor last week. Thank God for her good report.

Laurie Miller was able to attend church last night to see and hear her family members sing. Laurie looked good and reported good improvement in the time since surgery.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

TODAY, let’s focus on the children (and teachers) who will be involved in LEAP testing. This test determines who passes and who must attend summer school or even repeat the grade. Pray that children in grades that are involved in testing will do their best..

FBC, KENTWOOD

• Great day of worship yesterday
• Lot of special music yesterday
• Many members and guests in attendance

There are many hurting people on any given day. Let God use you to bring comfort and God to them.

Anna Lee

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

OBITUARY

Velta Morris’ Brother

Mr. Claude Gray Jr.

January 25, 1932 – April 28, 2023

Funeral services for country music legend, Claude Gray, Jr., 91 of Skokie, IL, formerly of Henderson, TX, are pending with Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.

Mr. Gray passed away on April 28, 2023, in Skokie, IL. Born January 25, 1932, he was the son of Claude and Odelle McFadden Gray, who predeceased him. Also predeceasing him were three sisters, Mary Louise Adams, Opal Parker Bieciuk, and Beatrice Miller. Claude is survived by his sister, Velta Morris, (William), of Lancaster, SC; nephew, Sandy Ray Bristow (Charlotte) of Glenn Heights, Tx; niece, Judy Parker Richardson (Hoyt) of Aubrey, Tx; niece, Millicent Gray Tennison (Johnny) of Eustace, Tx; nephews, William Arthur Morris (Merritt) of Lancaster, SC and Claude Andrew Morris (Karen) of Colcord, OK. Also surviving are Brigitte Peick Ross, his former wife and long-time faithful companion, as well as a host of great-nieces and great nephews, friends, and devoted fans of country music.

A month after high school graduation in 1950 from Henderson High School, Rusk County, Texas, Claude enlisted in the US Navy and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, CA. Following boot camp, Claude was bound for Sasebo, Japan, where he was assigned to his ship, an oil tanker, the USS Cacapon, AO-52. This was his home for almost four years. He was selected to become a Quarter Master. In the Navy, Quarter Masters are helmsmen, navigators, and signalmen. His assignment was to work on the bridge.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he began his country music career, which spanned a lifetime. It slowed only in his last years when his health began to decline making it was difficult to perform. He was fondly known as the “Tall Texan”, and today his signature song, Family Bible, can still be heard on the radio.

Claude will be remembered for his other many well-known country hits, among them I’ll Just Have a Cup of Coffee, then I’ll Go; How Fast Them Trucks Can Go, and, of course, the much-loved Family Bible. For years Claude performed regularly at will on the Grand Ole Opry, and during his long-time contracts with Mercury, Columbia and Decca MCA records. He had five hit records in the Billboard Top Ten charts where each sold over 1 million records. Today his music can still be heard of SiriusXM Radio. On Saturday, August 10, 2019, Claude was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage, Texas, an honor well-deserved, as he spent a lifetime after his military career, in spreading country music across the United States and in several foreign countries. Also honored that evening were country stars Jeannie C. Riley and Rodney Crowell.

Late in life, Claude decided he wanted to write books – and so he did. He authored two books in his 80s, an autobiography, Glorious Country Trail, and another in which he shared his thoughts on the condition of the current political scene, Washington Weasels. He, like many of us, always had an opinion.

Always a devoted reader of both fiction and non-fiction, he always stayed abreast of the current news and political climate, and would happily engage you in conversation on any topic. He was a self-taught student of the Bible and a professed believer in Jesus Christ. Claude was well-loved and he lived a life of loving others; he loved the simple things in life and as long as he lived he had a special fondness for his old home place in East Texas near Henderson.

Perhaps one of Claude’s greatest joys came when he was included in the annual honor flight in August 2022. Leaving Illinois early in the morning, he was flown to Washington, DC along with other military veterans. It was a memorable day, packed with bestowing honors on and appreciation for our retired military men and women who are 78 years or older. Claude was especially grateful to be included in this historic occasion.

His family wishes to express a special thank-you to his cousin, Billy Zager, with whom he spent many hours reminiscing about old times, and to close and faithful friends, Terry and Lori Tyson, who were especially devoted to Claude.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to Lakeview Baptist Church, 10522 Farm to Market Rd 2011, Longview, TX 75603; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for the services that have been held around the world earlier, that the words that were sung and spoken may have roached lives that will now serve God.

Also, let’s pray for the services yet to be held today, including those in our country, state, and town. May Jesus be glorified in all that is said and done. May the impact of our services reach out to those attending in person and those “attending” online.

Pray for both congregations, leadership, families, and individuals. Include your family and yourself in the prayers. Pray that lives will be forever changed today.

FBC, Kentwood will have Sunday School at 9:15 and worship service at 10:30. If your class uses the “Explore the Bible” series, the title of today’s lesson is “I Am He”. The scripture focus is John 18: 1-11. Even if you don’t have a book, you can prepare by reading the scriptures. Today’s sermon topic is “The Exemptions” based on Ezekiel 11 & 13.

If you do not have a church home, we will gladly welcome you to visit with us this morning. If you are unfamiliar with our church facilities, we will gladly guide you to your destination.

The ladies class that I am attending is being taught by Mrs. Barbara Baugh, wife of Bro. Joe Baugh, a former pastor and associational director of missions. She is one great teacher!

Where you attend is not most important. That you attend is most important!

Anna Lee

. . . . for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

~1 John 5:4~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 29
• Psalm 18
• “The last prayer God answered for me was . . . .”

OBITUARIES

James “Bud” Howell

May 30, 1940 – April 26, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 26,2023 at his home. He was born May 30,1940 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lindsey Howell; 7 daughters, Carolyn Magee and husband, Hugh Magee, Tammy Terrebonne and husband Brian Terrebonne, Rebecca Howell and Rick Staggers, Betty Howell Precia and husband, Anthony Prescia, JoAnn Lato and husband, Vincent Lato, and Thelma Wallace and husband, Douglas Wallace; 1 son, Ricky Wayne Howell; 1 sister, Verlie (Louise) Howell Golmon; 2 brothers, Louis Nelson Howell and Melvin Donald Howell; 17 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon (Marie) Howell Waterbury; parents, James and Lucille Howell; sister, Evelyn Wallace. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, May 1, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Special thanks to Lakeside Hospice for their outstanding, kind, and compassionate care for not only our father but our family as well. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Flora Crane Talmage Landwehr

April 30, 1929 – April 20, 2023

Flora Crane Talmage Landwehr passed away on April 20, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on April 30, 1929, and is survived by her four children: Joseph Clarkson Landwehr Jr., Jane Talmage Thurston (Landwehr), Goyn Mann Landwehr, and Louisa Elliott Landwehr, grandchildren Melissa Jane Wilson (Thurston) and Grant Lankford Thurston, great-grandchild Mira Lee Wilson.

Flora was married to Joseph Clarkson Landwehr, (deceased 2003). She was a native of New Orleans, graduated from Sophie Newcomb College with a degree in music. A woman of energy and intelligence, Flora was known as an avid tennis player, musician and advocate for many social organizations as well as the Presbyterian Church. She was known as a generous host along with her spouse Joe, of the Elliott House Bed and Breakfast in Amite, LA.

Flora’s legacy lives on through her family, who will hold cherished memories of her in their hearts forever. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Flora’s memory to a music-related charity or a cause that was dear to her heart.  Condolences can be sent through McKneeely Funeral Home of Amite, LA.

A memorial service to celebrate Flora Talmage Landwehr’s life will be held on June 17,2023 at 12 pm, at First United Methodist Church in Amite, LA where friends and family will come together to honor her memory and share stories of her life. May her soul rest in eternal peace. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Merrell Joseph Fischer

July 31, 1937 – April 22, 2023

Merrell Joseph Fischer, age 86, passed peacefully into his Heavenly Father’s loving arms on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Devoted husband of 65 years to Sandra Brada Fischer. Adored father of 4 children: Lucy Vorst (Matthew), Martin (Bubby) Fischer (Lynn), Kenneth J. Fischer, and George A. Fischer (Ann Marie). Proud Grand-Pere’ to sixteen grandchildren: Jeffrey Schluter (Ashley), Rachele Schluter Riley(Dereck), Luke Vorst, Mitchell Fischer(Rachel), Courtney Fischer, Victoria Fischer, Nicholas J. Fischer, Nicholas S. Fischer, Codey Fischer(Shareen), Dustin Fischer(Emily), Michelle Fischer, Michael Fischer, Emma Grace Fischer, Gavin Rowe, Ethan Rowe, Matthew Rowe and seven great-grandchildren. Beloved brother of the late Gerald A. Fischer (Patricia) and son of the late George A. Fischer, Jr. and the late Emma Fayard Fischer. Merrell was born in New Orleans on July 31, 1937. He was a graduate of DeLaSalle High School (1955) before briefly attending LSU. During and after high school he served in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary at the New Orleans Station on Lake Ponchatrain. His career was in engineering with International Harvester Company, later known as International Truck and Engine (Navistar). He spent his years with the company in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Chicago, and Ft. Wayne, Indiana before retiring to Mississippi in 1995. He was actively involved with Toastmasters International throughout his career. He was a Cajun at heart and his northern friends loved when he shared southern stories and jokes. He was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Lexington, Mississippi and most recently attended St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA. He was an accomplished football official and officiated for many years in the New Orleans area before being transferred with his career. He continued to enjoy critiquing officiating on television for the remainder of his life. He loved animals and while at the farm in Mississippi raised Native Gulf Coast Sheep, Black Angus Cattle, and had a life-time membership in the Black Angus Association. He enjoyed raising grapes, was an avid winemaker, beekeeper, and an avid runner. He was always the center of attention in a group and will be missed by countless many. A private graveside prayer service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 11 AM at Amite Memorial Gardens located at 59299 S. Laurel St., Amite, LA 70422. A memorial mass and “celebration of life” is being planned for July, 2023 in Amite, LA at a date yet to be determined.. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for the children and families, both natural and fostering parents. We all know the home a child is. in makes a big difference. Let’s pray for the children and the homes today and for the workers who do their best to help families work through this process.

Have a wonderful Saturday, the preparation day for Sunday.

Anna Lee

The LORD is with me;

I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

~Psalm 118:6~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 29
• Acts 4: 23-31
• Psalm 37
• “Christians I Know who have a dynamic prayer life ate . . . . “

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please add Betty Simpson to your prayer list. She took a hard fall on a driveway next to the road and ditch Wednesday a week ago. Thankfully, she seems not to have broken any bones.

Remember, your prayer list is unique to you. It will include your family, your neighbors, your friends, etc. If you don’t pray for them, will someone else be praying?

THOUGHT FROM THURSDAY

We attended a wake for the mother of two of my former students. David was also close to them and their classmates during those years. It brings a teacher great joy to see what former students have done with their lives. I had that opportunity yesterday. David and I were so pleased to see a number of my students from the 80’s yesterday. Many of them are now retired and have grandchildren. I know that makes me OLD, especially if you know I started teaching in the early 70’s, but it also makes me (us) proud and happy.

Can you imagine how happy God is when He sees us, His children, doing things that are pleasing to Him? Hopefully, we do things that make Him smile daily and we don’t have to retire from HIS work!

VISITS

It’s wonderful to visit a homebound person or couple. When they say, “Come again. We don’t have much company”, David and I can understand exactly what they mean. Let’s not fail to show others we continue to love them and miss seeing them being “out and about”.

Share God’s love with others. Choose one or more homes to visit each week or month. Return to those homes periodically. Can I have an AMEN? Bro. Darryl’s job would be so much easier if we all helped a little with the visitation! You’ll find the visits mean as much to you as they do to those you visit!

HAPPY READING!!!

LOUISIAAN BATTIST MESSAGE

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

If you have a Sunday School or Bible Study book, read and meditate on it today. Also enjoy the listing of daily bible readings found there. It’s not necessary to read a particular reading plan, but it is important to READ GOD’S WORD.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

Today, let’s pray for and thank God for home health workers who visit home and keep their eyes open for problems that their patients may have developed since their last visit and that might need additional attention. Thank God for those who really care about their patients and pray for them regularly.

TITLE and REFERENCE for SUNDAY’s SERMON

• April 30th
• 10:30 Service
• “No Exemptions”
• Ezekiel 11 & 13
• Invite someone to church today.

Add something to your TO DO LIST that will give God a big smile today.

Anna Lee

To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.

Jonah 2:6

SURGERY

Please pray for our friend, Robert Ricks of Russelltown, east of Arcola. He had had his procedure at M.D. Anderson and will be at home soon. Robert’s doctor said the work this week was successful.

GOING HOME

Elinw Tolar Doucette has continued to improve and will be going home soon. Thank God for her improvement. Please keep her in your prayers.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• April 27
• Daniel 2: 1-23
• Psalm 116
• “I need God to give me strength to . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Today. let’s focus some of our prayers on those who are struggling with job changes they may choose to consider and recent job changes they have made. Changes are often difficult and uncertain. Our prayers are helpful.

MISSIONS

All churches are usually involved in missions of one kind or another. Getting involved in one is a fantastic way to serve and to grow through participation. If you are unsure of your opportunities, ask the leadership at your church or ask me.

Today is a good day to check on others. We often hear “Out of sight, out of mind”, but I suggest we are never out of God’s thoughts. The same goes for others around us. Be a part of connecting others to a church and a class.

Anna Lee

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

-Acts 5:20-

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 26
• Jonah 1-2
• Psalm 10
• “For me, prayer is powerful because . . . .”

OBITUARIES

Sylvia Janette Pace

May 28, 1938 – April 24, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 28, 1938 in Greensburg, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by 4 children, Jimmy Keith Doyle, Vernon Dale Doyle, Cynthia Denise Allen, and Thomas Anthony Pace; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Bass. Preceded in death by husbands, Charles Edward Doyle and Thomas Earl Pace; 2 sons, Charles Randolph Doyle and Michael Dennis Doyle; sister, Marie Bass; and brother, Sidney Ray Womack. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and at Grangeville Baptist Church from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Virginia Gennaro Armato

November 22, 1943 – April 24, 2023

A native of Indepenedence and graduate of Independence High School, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA.  She was born November 22, 1943 in Independence and was 79 years of age.  Virginia and husband Pete owned and operated Pete’s Pharmacy for over forty years.  Her greatest joy was family, spending time with her three children and seven grandchildren and traveling with loved ones.  Life long member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter Armato, Sr.; 1 son, Peter Armato, Jr.; 2 daughters, Denise Armato Jarreau and husband, Jeffrey, and Jennifer Armato McCain and husband, Scott; 7 grandchildren, Hillary and Jordan Jarreau, Dylan and Carson Armato, and Aubrey, Allie, and Henry McCain; sister, Manette Bateman. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Genevieve Gennaro; 2 brothers, Sam Gennaro and Anthony Gennaro; 2 sisters, Josie Garafola and Pauline Magliolo; 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Gennaro and Audrey Gennaro; 3 brothers-in-law, Sam Garafola, Salvadore Magliolo, and Carey Bateman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite,  from 10:00AM until 1:30PM with Funeral Mass at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church at 2:00PM on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for those who work in businesses and who we might see as we shop, eat, etc. Let’s pray for them today and be kind to them, not rude. Remember, many of the things that do no go well in businesses and that aggravate customers are not the fault of the workers there. Be kind, show some interest in them, give generously, carry on a short conversation, etc. A little kindness goes a long ways. You might be the one who is able to turn their attitude around and give them a better day.

MIDWEEK CHURCH OPPORTUNITIES

Most churches have opportunities to study, serve, etc. during the week. Take those opportunities and grow from them.

Anna Lee

 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

~1 Corinthians 1:25~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 25
• I Kings 18:16-46
• Psalm 107
• “Watching God work in my life makes me . . . . “

PRAYER REQUESTS TODAY

Robert Ricks of Arcola is in Houston again at M.D. Anderson for a week. Please be in prayer for him.

Please prayer for Bobby Raborn, Yvonne Birch’s brother.

Please continue to pray for Gerald Hyde,

THANK-YOU

Betty Taylor thanks you for praying for her son, Tommy Mapes, who had surgery last week. His results were good allowing him to be back at work.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for people to enjoy some time outside before the summer heat strikes.

LUNCH AT MIDDENDORF’S

The senior adults of FBC, Kentwood will travel to Manchac to eat tomorrow. If you plan to go, please contact Judy Fowler or the church today. The bus will leave at 10 A.M.

OCC WORKDAY

The next OCC workday will be May 6th, Saturday of next week. Make plans to attend. Hopefully, we will be ready to pack “Shoeboxes” in a month or two. We will pack boys one month and girls a different month.

SPRING FLOWERS

I hope you have some spring flowers to enjoy. If not, get our and enjoy seeing them in someone else’s yard. What a beautiful world God shows us this time of the year!

Anna Lee