4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
~Titus 3:4-7~
Bro. Darry’s. message last night was from Titus 1:1-9.
Rachel Morris Muth
June 17, 1961 – December 06, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, December 6. 2021 at Zachary Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Zachary, LA. She was born June 17, 1961 in McComb, MS and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Lauren Fowler, Jennifer Hastings, and Keri Gravois; 4 grandchildren, Christina Cox, Adison Stewart, Faith Fowler, and Kamdon Stewart; sister, Lauree Titus; and life long best friend, Jenny Gehringer. Preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Hellen Morris; and brother-in-law, Clifford Titus. She was a teacher at Amite Elementary for 25 years. She had a sweet soul and will be dearly missed. Services will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
There’s a Critical Need for Volunteers in Louisiana
Dear Friends,
Will you help meet a need in Louisiana?
Over 700 homeowners in Louisiana are still waiting for help to clean up their damaged houses and properties after Hurricane Ida slammed into the state in late August. Will you prayerfully consider volunteering with us to help these families begin to recover?
Samaritan’s Purse quickly deployed to three areas—Houma, Greater New Orleans, and Northshore Area—after Ida roared ashore. With an army of volunteers, we have assisted over 1,300 families. But the work is far from over. We need more men and women willing to be the hands and feet of Christ.
If you would like to serve in Jesus’ Name and help the hurting know that God loves them and hasn’t forgotten them, please go to SPVolunteer.org to sign up.
Maybe you could bring a group from your family or church. The gift of your time will make such a difference to a family who has been waiting for help.
Lottie Moon’s constant stream of letters and articles appealing for more recruits and financial support prompted Southern Baptist women to initiate an annual Christmas offering for foreign missions in 1888 — an offering later named for Moon.
which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.”
~Ephesians 2:10 (NCV)~
I firmly believe in doing good works, but that doesn’t save us. God wants to save us from our sins and draw us to be His children. Good works alone will not get us to heaven.
God uses missionaries to train new workers, so many more can be saved. That’s one purpose of all churches. Help missionaries all around the world by contributing to this offering.
Christmas Programs in our area churches continue. I hope you will be able to attend several. Ask any church member. They will be able to tell you about the Christmas events in their church.
Churches do many extra things at this time of the year. They come in the form of gift baskets, warm coats, Christmas meals, programs, school uniforms, school supplies, etc. May each one have eternal meaning in our lives and in the lives of others. May our “good works” continue all year long and impact many lives for Jesus!
Neva Spears Cureton
July 24, 1939 – December 06, 2021
Neva Spears Cureton, was born July 24, 1939 in Independence, LA to Howard C. Spears and Berta M. Spears. She passed on December 6, 2021 in Kentwood, LA at the age of 82. She worked at the U. S. Post Office in Tangipahoa where she also became Post Master and retired after 36 years of service. Along with working for the postal service, Neva ran a dairy. Neva married Robert J. Cureton but became a widow at a very young age. She was happiest when she was with her family and devoted her life to helping anyone in need. She had no children but leaves behind her siblings, Charlene Sterling, Ernest Spears (Ovelene), Audrey Dunham, Gloria Pierre, and Sherrie Thompson (Chuck); also including many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Cureton; parents, Howard and Berta Spears; 3 siblings, Edward Spears, Clyde Spears, and Sandra S. Forbes. The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice for their service, especially Neva’s hospice nurse Lyndy Varnado. We would like to give a special thanks to the caretakers, who where wonderful, Paulette Spears, Sherry Tanguis, Jessenda Tate, and Nicole Rizzo. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon. There will be an Eastern Star Service at 10:00AM. Interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Pallbearers will be Kendell Ott, Jonathan Ott, David Spears, Steven Spears, Kirk Spears, Kerry Spears, Timmy Anthony, Mike Williams, Lil’ Dominick Calderone, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Brumfield, Colby Curtis, Michael Spears, Michael Dugar, Hunter Perry, and Dominick Calderone, Jr. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
A resident of Kentwood, Bessie Louise Hayden passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Heritage Healthcare in Hammond. Bessie was born on November 16, 1939 in Foxworth, MS to Willis and Verna Broome. She is survived by her 3 sons, Eddie Slaven, Billy Michael Slaven (Beth) and Willis Ray Slaven (Missy); one sister, Elizabeth Parker (Myron); sister-in-law, Sarah “Sissy” Broome; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren and friends. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Willis and Verna Broome; brother, Willie Broome; sister, Mary Strickland and husband J.W.; daughter, Kathy Jean Ables; 2 granddaughters, Becky Ables and Angel Slaven; grandson, Rambo Slaven; and an infant great-grandson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 1:30PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“Miss” Bessie was a church friend and a member of a Bible study I taught. She always sat at the back of the church and enjoyed visiting with everyone who passed by. She had many “treasures” in her home and freely “shared” them with others. She traveled to church in her wheelchair, usually breaking the wheelchair speed limit! She probably had as many or more friends than most people living in Kentwood.
David’s mother was my original “Miss” Bessie. It put a smile in my heart ever time I said “Miss” Bessie.
Beatrice Bennett Cutrer
August 02, 1927 – December 04, 2021
Beatrice Bennett Cutrer, was born August 2, 1927 in Arcola, LA to Euell Hornsby Bennett and Mattie Ethel Dillon Bennett. She passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Amite, LA at age 94. She was a longtime resident of Roseland, LA, a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Arcola, and she worked by caring for others at Hammond State School for many years. She was the devoted widow of Lawrence Cutrer. She was happiest gardening, cooking for her family, rocking and singing to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and serving the Lord. She was loving mother of Linda Hines and husband, Leland, Jay Cutrer and wife, Cookie, Ray Cutrer and wife, Donna. The grandmother of Susan Simmons and husband, Chad, Shellie Lynn and husband, Evan, Ryan Schumacher and wife, Laura, Ronnie Noble and wife, Angela, Keith Sumrall and wife, Julia. The great grandmother to 13 and the great-great grandmother to 3. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Diane Cutrer, and 12 siblings. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“Miss” Beatrice was about my parent’s age. She knew me all my life and always called me by name when she talked with me and asked about my family. I saw her children at school and her family at church in Roseland. She lived a long life and long enough to have many descendants who loved her.
Jewel Yarborough Cutrer
March 22, 1948 – December 03, 2021
Previously posted.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS.
I met Jewel Kay on the Kentwood-SLU school bus. She only rode on Friday afternoons (with her big bag of dirty clothes) and Monday mornings (with her clean laundry.) She made her presence known to all, but not usually associated with her laundry! After my family moved to Kentwood, I began to see her at the ballpark and other places. Her parents became good friends of ours.
It’s not too late.to stop by FBC, Kentwood to pick up some gift bags to fill for a Local child’s Christmas. You can check in the church office or pick them up Wednesday night in the sanctuary.
The Operation Christmas Child room is being reorganized for next year. We’ll begin our group work in January.
Remember the significance of December 7th in our nation’s history. Pray for our nation’s future.
“From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—
and all along he knew who would—
should become like his Son.”
~Romans 8:29 (TLB)~
James Rimes informed me that Mrs. Bessie Hayden passed away Saturday. She will be missed by many and all of them probably had a different special story about her. I’ll post her obituary tomorrow if it is available. Thanks James.
First Baptist Church was beautifully decorated yesterday. I’m sure other churches were too. Thanks to those who take the time to decorate for this special holiday season.
I told you yesterday that churches would begin their holiday services. We had out adult contada last night. It was very good. It was not live-streamed, but was scheduled to be posted after the service.. Next Sunday night, will have the children’s program.
Don’t forget to go by the church office and get some gift bags to fill as Christmas gifts for local children. Return them next Sunday. Contact Alice Mary Honeycutt for more information.
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family
by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.
This is what he wanted to do,
and it gave him great pleasure.”
~Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)~
Jewel Yarborough Cutrer
March 22, 1948 – December 03, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 22, 1948 in Kentwood, LA and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Sherman Melvin Cutrer, Sr.; sons, Sherman Melvin Cutrer, Jr. and Joseph Bradley Cutrer; sisters, Julia Currier and husband, David, Vickie Blades, Tammie Roberts and husband, Dwayne and Tracey Phelps and husband, Mike; brother, Hubert Yarborough and wife, Donna; grandchildren, Caroline Cutrer, Candace Cutrer, Madeline Cutrer, and Cameron Cutrer; nieces and nephews, Landon Cutrer, Vanessa Thibaut, Charles Wall. Jr., Cathy Martin, Jason Travis, Jennifer Daigle, Casey Blades, Jesse Blades, Joshua Yarborough, Justin Roberts, Brody Roberts, Reagan Phelps and Emily Phelps; brother-in-law, Harrell N. Cutrer and wife, Gail. Preceded in death by her father, Hubert Yarborough, Sr.; mother, Catherine McNabb Yarborough; sister, Joyce Gail Wall; nephew, Max Blades; father-in-law, H.B. Cutrer; mother-in-law, Norma Frye Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Many churches are having Christmas programs today. I hope you are involved or will be viewing one today. It will help you to prepare you heart for the real meaning of Christmas.
Jewel Kay Y. Cutrer passed away yesterday morning. Please remember Sherman, Sherman, and Joe as well as her grandchildren, siblings, and other family members in your prayers.
Please remember our government and judicial system as they make decisions that affect us is so many ways. May they seek God to guide them in their decision-making. Pray for the citizens of our country as they vote for Christian leaders who will guide our country in the right direction.
December 4 – Read Luke 4 – NIV
1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”4Jesus answered, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.’ [1] “5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.7So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”8Jesus answered, “It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ [2] “9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.10For it is written: “`He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ [3] “12Jesus answered, “It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ [4] “13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18″The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [5]20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,21and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.23Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: `Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'”24″I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.27And there were many in Israel with leprosy [6] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed–only Naaman the Syrian.”28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil [7] spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,34″Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”35″Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.36All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!”37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. [8]42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.43But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. [9]
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely asthe sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like thespring rains that water the earth.”
~Hosea 6:3~
When I saw this Facebook memory from five years ago, I had to share it again.
David received another good report yesterday! We are so thankful! The doctor was as excited for David as we were. God was given all the credit.
Now, I go to the doctor more than he does. Today, it only for routine blood work.
Please continue to pray for Jewel Kay Cutrer and her family. Pray for comfort and peace.
Ruth Simmons
August 25, 1947 – December 01, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born August 25, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her 2 brothers, James Claiborne Simmons and Earl Wayne Simmons; 1 sister, Ara Jane Westmoreland and husband Alton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her father, John Otis Simmons; mother, Audrey Miller Simmons; 2 brothers, Gerald Simmons and Boyce Otis Simmons; 2 sisters, Shirley Elaine Holden and Dorothy Elizabeth Montgomery; sister-in-law, Bobbie Simmons. Graveside Services will be held at Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA at 2:00PM Friday, December 3, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I have been recovering from all the company and didn’t remember until yesterday afternoon that in December we read one chapter of Luke each day. Today, we will read three chapters to catch up. I hope you will too. We will be ready to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.
Last night, Bro. Darryl talked about how we fear God one way as a child ,and fear him another way as we mature and get to know and trust Him better.
Terry Wayne Ryals
November 10, 1947 – November 30, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at his home. He was born November 10, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 74 years of age. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of Vietnam and a retired Law Enforcement Officer. He is survived by his wife, Kriss Ryals; daughter, Stacy Herron and her husband, Randy; grandchildren, Keirea Herron and Connor Herron; sister, Sheila Gilbert and her husband, Mark. Preceded in death by his father, Roy Ryals; mother, Bertle Ryals; 3 sisters, Polly Carlson, LaJune Temple and Brenda Adams. No services are scheduled. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Robert Earl “Pete” Williamson, age 80, went to be with our Lord on Monday, November 29, 2021, at his home in Hammond, LA. Born on March 1, 1941, in Springhill, LA, Pete graduated from Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, earning graduate degrees in education. He was a teacher, coach, and principal in Tangipahoa Parish and other public schools for many years and enjoyed refereeing basketball at both the high school and college levels. Pete loved sports, especially basketball, and his children treasure the memories of playing basketball, baseball, and football with him in the backyard. After he became a grandfather, he attended his grandchildren’s sporting events all over the state and country. Pete also loved serving God through his church and by treating all humans with dignity and respect. He enjoyed travelling with his wife, Stella, before he became ill. Pete is survived by his wife, Stella Tate Williamson; children, Trina Derenbecker (John), Sonya Tracey; grandchildren, Robert Derenbecker (Theresa), Olivia Cannizaro (Garrett), Hannah Abercrombie (Wesley), Parker Derenbecker (Elizabeth), and Rebecca Tracey; and great-grandchildren, Cora, Winston, and Laney Derenbecker. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Stewart (George), sister, Ann Chapman; and brothers-in-law, Bennie Tate (Rebecca), and Jimmy Abernathy (Patsy). He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Betty Sue Abernathy Williamson; son, Robert Kyle Williamson; grandson, Matthew Pierce Derenbecker; nephew, Nathan Richard Tate; and his parents, William Pierce Williamson and Vivian Duncan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at the Alzheimer’s National Processing Center, PO Box 96011 Washington D.C. 20090-6011 or at act.alz.org/donate, or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Ted Hudspeth, M.D., and to the staff at Home Instead for the compassionate care they provided. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home at 12012 Hwy 190 W. Hammond, LA 70401, on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bob Adams will officiate and interment will follow in the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Reminder: 100% of all the money given through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goes directly to support missionaries including the ones we will focus on this week.
Thankfulness -Day 30
Today, I am thankful that we have a Thanksgiving holiday and that I have learned to slow down and remember things I am thankful for during the month of November. During the year of 2017, I wrote my thankfulness on colored pieces of paper and put them in in tall, clear vase. That was a good year because I was more aware of all the blessing and opportunities God provided for me daily. I plan to do that again in 2022, five years later. I hope that by sharing my thankfulness during November you were encouraged to think of the blessings for which you are thankful.
“Spend time with the wise and you will become wise,
but the friends of fools will suffer.”
~Proverbs 13:20 (NCV)~
5 P.M. Report for Charlotte OCC packing Center on 11-30-21 (probably one more packing time that night)
Shoeboxes Processed – 69,600
Total Processed in Charlotte so Far – 763,515
Shoeboxes that day were shipped to:
Burundi
Phillipines
Rwanda
Suriname
Charlotte is only one of the processing centers in the USA.
Thankfulness – Day 29
Today, I am thankful for a daughter and a daughter-in-law who helped so much last week when the house and cabin were full of family members. They cooked, took out the wrapping paper and other garbage, washed and dried clothing for their families, etc. during the week and when they were preparing to leave, they brought towels and sheets to be washed, picked up, washed dishes, etc. I usually can do more than I did last week, so I am very thankful for their help. They worked without asking doing what needed to be done. What a blessing they were to us all last week!
The mission strategy of Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma was forever changed when their missions pastor read a statistic: “5% of missions work is done in North Africa and Middle East.” After reading this startling fact, Mike knew the Lord was calling him to lead his church in reversing the statistic in their own mission strategy.
PRAY
Pray that God will call out more churches to join the work to reach NAME peoples with the gospel.
Pray for more long-term missionaries in the fields among the unreached.
Pray that the light of Christ would break the barriers that keep many from hearing the gospel.
Candice Elizabeth Rutland Hayden
January 26, 1978 – November 22, 2021
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021 at her home in Hammond, LA. She was born January 26, 1978 in Raleigh, NC and was 43 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Haylee Hayden; son, Bryce Hayden; brother, Walter Rutland and wife, Shanna; father, Ronald Rutland and wife, Marcia; grandmother, Betty Bryant; grandchildren, Jaxson and Jayce James. Preceded in death by her mother, Rita Bryant Rutland; grandparents, James and Annabel Rutland; grandfather, Walter Bryant; and uncle, Randy Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 3, 2021. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
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