“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,

he will be a vessel for honorable use,

set apart as holy,

useful to the master of the house,

ready for every good work.”

~2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV)~

Glen Magee is better and was able to come home from the hospital. Glen’s recovery will be slow, but he is headed in the right direction.

Torr Harvey Harlin also improved enough to go home yesterday. I know she was glad to see her two girls, but was also not able to take care of them at this point. Pray for a complete recovery for her.

David has two relatives having surgery today – Ricky Russell from Chesbrough and Frank Fury from Covington. Please pray for them today and in the days of recovery.

Marshall Wallace, who lives east of Amite, has been hospitalized in Covington for over a month. His doctors have not been able to determine a final diagnosis so proper treatment can be designed for him. Please pray.

Bryan Tate was in Texas this week for a routine check-up. Doctors at MDA did testing which came back with with good results. Thank God for Bryan’s good report.

Please pray for those easily affected by the repeating temperature changes.

Please continue to pray for those in Kentucky and other states who lost possessions, homes, and loved ones. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Our loss of pine trees and power for a while seems so insignificant compared to what these people are going through. Thankfully, groups like Baptist Disaster Relief and Samaritan’s Purse are there and working daily to do what they can to assist these people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 15th Readings
1 TIMOTHY 6:11-21
TITUS 1:1-3:15
2 TIMOTHY 1:1-18

Read the book of Luke in December

Today, our focus is on reading Luke 15.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering –

WHY DID LOTTIE GO TO CHINA?

Lottie soon became frustrated, convinced that her talent was being wasted and could be better put to use in evangelism and church planting. She had come to China to “go out among the millions” as an evangelist, only to find herself relegated to teaching a school of forty “unstudious” children.

Reminder – Christmas Lunch at FBC today for senior adults

The Christmas gift bags for Children will soon be delivered. Thanks to all who planned this ministry and all who shopped for the children. May you be richly blessed for your part in the lives of these children.

The Operation Christmas Child ministry at FBC, Kentwood will soon be planning what our efforts will look like next year. If you have any thoughts that would be helpful or would like to be a part of this ministry, please let me know.

Christmas is our holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let’s be sure He is the center of our thoughts and activities this month.

Anna Lee

“Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

~2 Peter 3:18 (TLB)~

I do not have updates on Glen and Tori, who had surgery yesterday, but hope to have them tomorrow.

Dorothy Theresa Marcus

January 28, 1931 – December 12, 2021

Mrs. Dorothy T. Braase Marcus, 90, of Independence, LA, passed from this life on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at her residence.

Mrs. Dorothy was born in Independence, LA on January 28, 1931 and was the daughter of Clarence Braase and Josephine Phares Braase. She was a member at First Baptist Church of Arcola where she was faithful and loved serving the Lord. She barely missed a service. She loved the outdoors, working in her garden and picking blue berries at her daughters. She also enjoyed embroidering things and giving them to others. She was a people person and never met a stranger. She loved her family and cherished her time spent with them. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  

She is preceded in death by her parents;  her husband , Leon C.”Late Model” Marcus, Sr.;  one son, Leon Marcus, Jr.;  one daughter, Josephine Graves; two sisters, Frances Granger and Katie Westbrook; two brothers, Charles Arnold and J.T. Braase and one great child, Ethan Allen.

She is survived by two daughters, Ida Kyzar (Abe) of Independence, LA  and Patsy Dickerson (Ricky) of Amite, LA; one son, David Marcus (Faye) of Kentwood, LA; one daughter-n-law, Mary Jo Marcus of Independence, LA; one sister, Katherine Rice (BJ) of Lealand, MS; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren , great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 9AM until time of service at 12PM at First Baptist Church of Arcola, LA.,  with Bro. Bob Simpson officiating and Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  A burial will follow in the church cemetery.

I did not personally know Mrs. Marcus but I know some family members, taught a family member, and have (this morning) figured out how she fits into the Braase family of Arcola. I know her family was very involved at the First Baptist Church of Arcola. David’s brother, Donald, and his family were/are friends of this family.

Maddie McDonner is the daughter of a former student, Leslie Womack, who is now the mother of four. I will give you more information later, but today I ask for you prayers for Maddie, a beautiful high school student who has been approved to be an LSU student next year. Maddie is beginning a battle with cancer.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 14th Readings
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-6:10

Read Luke in December

Luke 14

Who was Lottie Moon of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

You will enjoy the pictures of Lottie as she worked for Jesus.

https://www.imb.org/who-was-lottie-moon/

What story does my life/you life tell?

Anna Lee

“… through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,

because you have obeyed me.”

~Genesis 22:18~

Please pray for my sister, Julie, who has an eye infection that hasn’t cleared up even after going to an urgent care site over the weekend. Julie will be seeing her regular family practitioner this morning because of an appointment that was filled and then opened up at a perfect time for her. Thank God for the appointment and ask Him to work through the doctor to heal her eye.

Pray for Glen Magee as he has surgery today to correct a problem caused by a work injury. Following surgery, Glen will need some time to heal. Pray all goes well for him.

Tori Harvey Havlin had a surgery Friday and will need another one today. Pray for the surgery to go well and for healing to not take too long. Tori and Gary served at New Zion Baptist Church, but are in southwest Mississippi now. They have two little girls who need their mom home and healthy for Christmas.

Please continue to pray for all the thousands of people who had problems following the tornadoes Friday night. Support those who are going there to help in the long recovery process.

Thank God for the children and their leaders who captured the attention and admiration as they presented a program entitled “CAKE – Christmas Acts of Kindness Experiment” at FBC, Kentwood. If you missed it earlier, hopefully, it will soon be available on the church’s Facebook site. Several people have post portions of the video.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 13th Readings
JAMES 4:1-5:20
1 TIMOTHY 1:1-2:15

Read the Christmas Story from Luke

December 13 – Luke 13

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

What is Lottie Moon best known for?

Moon, who began her mission work in China in 1885, helped inspire the creation of the Woman’s Missionary Union – an auxiliary of the Southern Baptist Convention- which grew to have over one million members and become one of the most influential religious organizations in the United States.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Count your blessings. Do something special for someone else today.

Anna Lee

Therefore the Lord hImself will give you a sign: 

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, 

and will call him Immanuel.

~Isaiah 14:7, NIV~

Mr. Gene Sharkey, 69, of Pricedale MS,

passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on January 21, 1952 in Hammond, LA. He was the son of Wallace Sharkey and Para Belle Dykes Sharkey Munsell.

Gene was a member of South McComb Baptist Church. He was a licensed Funeral Director and manager of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit and Catchings Funeral Home in McComb. He served one term of the McComb Board of Selectman and served in the United States Army Reserves. Gene loved spending as much time as possible with his family, especially his grandchildren. His favorite pastime was cooking, riding his tractor and attending LSU Baseball games with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Charles Munsell; one brother, Henry “H.L.” Cox and a nephew, Daniel Venable.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glenda Young Sharkey; his children, Casey Bowlin and wife Christina, Becky Bowlin Williams and husband, Russ and Katie Bowlin Fry and husband, Allen; his brother, Tim Sharkey and wife, Elsie; seven grandchildren, Grant Williams, Aubrey Williams, Skyler Fry, Meredith Bowlin, Colton Bowlin, Robert Floyd, and John Floyd, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation is Monday, December 13, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM at South McComb Baptist Church , 340 24^th Street, McComb, MS 39648 with Dr. David Millican, Bro. Mike Morris, Dr. Dave Hartson, Bro. Rick Kennedy, and Bro. Laverne Summerlin officiating. A private family burial will follow in Walker/Alexander cemetery in Pricedale, MS under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

Pallbearers are Danny Sharkey, Mark Shepherd, Gerry Crawford, Stan Webster, D.C. Greer, Wallace Pope, Taylor Lea, and Chris Lea. Honorary Pallbearers are James Brumfield, Dale Woods, Shelton Whittington, Mark Mize, Benny May, Jim Causey, Arthur “Mr. D. “ Davis and Jerry Vaughn.

In lieu of flowers it was Gene’s request that  memorial donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St, Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Batson Children’s Hospital, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Fact of the Day

A gift of $100.00 provides supplies for a missionary to work in a refuge camp for a week.

Southern Baptist aid to tornado damaged areas Friday night

This site will not allow me to share, but you can look up Southern Baptist Relief to victims of December 10th tornadoes and find the link to giving.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 12th Readings
JAMES 1:1-3:18

December Reading of Luke

Read chapter 12 today.

As you go about your life for the for the next couple of weeks, be sure to wear an extra big smile and take every opportunity to share Jesus because we know He, not Santa, is the reason we have this holiday.

Enjoy a Christmas program this morning and/or tonight at one of our local churches. Take a few minutes to thank and compliment some of those involved in the production – Sound & lights, musicians, singers, speakers, etc.

Anna Lee

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10~

I watched last night as report of tornadoes were broadcast and as some damages and deaths were reported. This morning the news is bad. More deaths and more tornadoes! Be alert and prepared! Be alert to more tornadoes today. Help in ways you can.

Help is on the way just as soon as the tornadoes pass through an area. I’m so glad to know about organizations so willing to heed to needs.

All of us can pray and support organization such as Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief. I can picture some of the folks who recently served through First Baptist Church, Kentwood as they prepare to serve in areas with tornado damage now.

If you cannot serve, you can support LBDR, now headed up by Bro. Stan Statham, who was our District Missionary. You can also add your prayers today and in the weeks to come.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 10th Readings
PHILEMON 1:1-25
PHILIPPIANS 1:1-2:11

December 11th Readings
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-4:23

December 12th Readings
JAMES 1:1-3:18

December 13th Readings
JAMES 4:1-5:20
1 TIMOTHY 1:1-2:15

December 14th Readings
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-6:10

Read the Christmas Story from Luke this month

Today’s reading – Luke 11

Many churches are having adult and/or children’s Christmas programs this weekend. First Baptist Church, Kentwood, had a wonderful adult program last Sunday night which is now available to view online. Tomorrow night, FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Children’s program at 6 P.M. You will want to come early if you have a young family member singing tonight. Many choose to sit further back so you can watch your children.

Enjoy the true meaning of Christmas this holiday weekend.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

This is how your offering from last year was spent.

422 new missionaries

86,587 people baptized

769,494 heard the Gospel

18,380 new churches

144,322 new believers

Don’t you want to help with the 2022 international missions? Give to this special offering at any Southern Baptist Church. 100% of the money you give will be given directly to work going on around the world. Our missionaries can increase their outreach because of your gifts.

Anna Lee

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

2 He was with God in the beginning. 

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

~John 1:1-3~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 7th Readings
EPHESIANS 3:1-5:14

December 8th Readings
EPHESIANS 5:15-6:24
COLOSSIANS 1:1-23

December 9th Readings
COLOSSIANS 1:24-4:18

December 10th Readings
PHILEMON 1:1-25
PHILIPPIANS 1:1-2:11

December 11th Readings
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-4:23

December 12th Readings
JAMES 1:1-3:18

December 13th Readings
JAMES 4:1-5:20
1 TIMOTHY 1:1-2:15

Read Luke before Christmas

Today’s reading – Luke 10

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Pray for those who do no know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Anna Lee

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,

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.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read Luke in December

Today, Luke 9

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 9th Readings
COLOSSIANS 1:24-4:18

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

When did Lottie Moon Christmas Offering begin?

1888 – 133 Years Ago!

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.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

“God has made us what we are.

In Christ Jesus,

God made us to do good works,

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.

Christmas reading for December 8 – Luke 8

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

EPHESIANS 5:15-6:24
COLOSSIANS 1:1-23

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Video – Day 7

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-8/

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.

Anna Lee

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

Bessie Louise Hayden

November 16, 1939 – December 04, 2021

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.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 7th Readings
EPHESIANS 3:1-5:14

If you are reading the Book of Luke this month, you will be on chapter 7. It’s not too late to catch up if you are not current.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Day 7 – https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-7/

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.

Anna Lee

“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.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 6th Readings
ACTS 28:1-31
EPHESIANS 1:1-2:22

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Mission Day 5

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-6/

Christmas gifts for local children

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.

Anna Lee