Get your food or checks turned in to your church no later than September 14th because the items at our churches will be picked up early on the 15th.
Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting
Saturday, September 13th
FBC, Kentwood
Focus of Meeting – Georgia Barnette Offering for missions in Louisiana
Guest Speaker – Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr., Pastor of Kedreon Baptist Church
He will share information about Camp Living Waters (How it has been improved and How we can make use of the camp facilities)
Pine Ridge Bible Study
Bad Girls of the Bible
(Not all bad or all good)
New study begins today (Introduction and study about Eve)
Pine Ridge Methodist Church
Noon w/lunch provided by Kathy and Chris Wales
Meet some new ladies and develop some great friendships
Reading the Bible in 2025
9-3-25
Job 11-13
Georgia Barnette Offering 2025
This year, rather than having a new focus each day of a designated week, we will focus on a different area of impact each week. The focus this weeek is on “Disasters and Open Doors”.
Additional Bible Reading
‘Only Out of Love’
11 You must stop those people from teaching false things like that. They are causing whole families to believe their lies. They teach things that they should not teach. They deceive people because they want people to give them money.
12 Many years ago, there was a certain man who lived on Crete. The people there called him their prophet. Even he said, ‘People who live on Crete are always telling lies and doing wicked things. They are lazy and they eat too much food.’
13 What that man said is true. So you must warn the people there. Help them to believe the true message about Jesus more and more.
14 They must not listen to Jewish stories that are not true, or to human rules. Those things are the ideas of people who refuse to obey God’s true message.
Titus 1:11-14
New Quarter of Sunday School
Numbers and Deuteronomy
September 7 – “The Journey”
Numbers 9:15-23
Sunday School begins at 9:15 at FBC, Kentwood
Prayer Focus
Grieving Families
Bible Study
Postage for OCC (includes a Bible and a Lesson Book about the Bible in the appropriate language for each box
Ruby Schwartz – She is progressing at rehab in Hammond and scheduled to return to Kentwood Sunday.
We have all been enjoying some cooler temperatures as an indication fall is on it’s way! I am certainly happy for the changing seasons God provides for us.
Today’s Verse
Read the Bible in 2025
9-2-25
Job 8-10
Prayer Focus
Please pray for the Anthony and Wall families as well as others who have recently had a death. Reach out to them.
Pine Ridge Bible Study
Ladies, we begin our next study tomorrow at 12:00. If you haven’t signed up, you can contact Kathy Wales, me, or just show up. This will be a study of the book “Bad Girls of the Bible”. Tomorrow, Chris and Kathy are providing lunch. Please read the first chapter of the book.
Georgia Barnette Offering
FBC, Morgan City helps others with services provided during and following hurricanes and hosting volunteers from other states/ Read more in the brochure you received at church or at this link.
Maurice Wall passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA, surrounded by his family. He was born February 26, 1947 in Amite, LA, and was 78 years of age. He married Edna Marie Miller in 1970, and they settled in Greensburg, where they raised a family.
Maurice was a proud graduate of Amite High School, and attended State Championship games in the Louisiana Superdome on numerous occasions to cheer on the Warriors. In March of 2006, after more than 40 years of service, he retired as Shift Supervisor of the Pulp Mill of the Tembec Paper Co., St. Francisville, LA.
From the very beginning, his life was marked by a strong work ethic, take-charge attitude, and loyalty to friends and family.
Maurice, known to family as Dootsie, known to some as M.L., and known by his grandchildren as “Pops” was very adventurous. He enjoyed traveling the United States, sharing those adventures with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman, especially largemouth bass. He fished lakes, canals, ponds, and tributaries all across Louisiana. His favorite spots were Lake Verret, Bayou Bonfouca, Bayou Sorrel, and Bayou Pigeon. As per his request, a portion of his remains will be scattered at one of those locations at a later date. Maurice also enjoyed hitting the open road on his motorcycle, and throughout the years, owned numerous.
At the time of death, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, Greensburg, LA. Throughout his lifetime he served as treasurer and deacon at the Grangeville Baptist Church and at one time was the song leader of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Darlington, LA.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Miller Wall; 3 sons, Maurice Lee Wall, III, Derek Wall (Koree), and Will Wall (Christy); 4 grandchildren, Maurice “Moe” Lee Wall IV (Ashley), Jackson Wall, Randi Beth Wall, and Carter Wall; 2 great-grandchildren, Hendrix Wall and Alexis Wall; 1 brother, Ronald D. Wall (Judi); 4 sisters, Christia Wall Dees (Reed), Kathy Wall Stafford (Mark), Marcia Wall Kent (John), and Tricia Wall McCain (Pat); step-mother, Bonnie Bethel. He is preceded in death by his father, Maurice Lee Wall, Sr. and mother, Chestine Rich Wall. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church of Greensburg LA, from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Services will be conducted by Bro. Shawn Ostoj with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckne
Mrs. Velma Anthony went to her heavenly home early yesterday morning. The plans are to have her service Thursday morning at McKneely’s in Kentwood. I will post an obituary when one is available.
This year we will focus on only four needs, one a week for this month. This week, we will learn more about the FBC, Morgan City.
What is this Offering?
Every year Louisiana Baptists take up an offering dedicated to help fund missions and ministries around the state. The money received through the offering is used by God to transform the lives of people and churches in Louisiana.
Learn more about some of the specific ministries that benefit from this offering and how your gifts are allocated.
The offering is typically promoted and collected by the churches of Louisiana. But, if you are inclined to give an individual gift, you can do that here.
Georgia? Louisiana? Huh?
The yearly Louisiana Missions Offering is named in honor of Miss Georgia Barnette, a missionary to New Orleans in the early 1900s. Keep reading to learn more about her story.
Week 1 – Disasters and Open Doors (First Baptist Church, Morgan City)
Louisiana: Our Mission Field at Home
An Additional Scripture
‘I Know Your Words and Thoughts
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. There at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men, and I saw among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.
Ezekiel 11:5 NIV
Shoebox Postage
Thank-you too those who gave money yesterday to help pay shipping fees of $10.00 per shoebox. We have many boxes to send, so let’s keep giving.
Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home Annual Fall Food Round-Up
The children’s home truck will be here September 15 to pick up our donations of food or money for shopping in that area as needs arise. You can give a check in the offering plate.
Two Rivers Associational WMU Meeting
First Baptist Church, Kentwood
September 13 @10 A.M.
Closing with a potluck meal
Focus on State Missions
Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr. will share about Camp Living Waters in the Loranger area.
New Literature
Some has arrived, but more will be coming.
Contact the church office if you need something else.
Let’s thank God for all He has done for us this week and the opportunity to study His Word and worship Him.
Special Verses for Today
Daily Bible Reading
August 31
Starting another book of the Bible
Job 1-4
Obituary
Timothy Murphy Clifford Taylor
December 10, 1974 – August 28, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at his home. He was born December 10, 1974 in Hammond, LA and was 50 years of age. Bubba, despite passing away at the beautiful age of 50, finds peace in the memories of his time on earth. His journey took him to many places, but the most significant aspect was his decision to give his life to Christ. He serves as a reminder to never wait for someone else’s apology or approval in life, but always to seek God. May he rest in eternal peace until we meet again, but never forgotten. He is survived by his 4 siblings, Sheila Genusa, Sonja Bradley and husband, Bill, Mark Taylor and wife, Katy, and Dr. Lisa J. Taylor Waizenegger; nieces and nephews, Heather, Hilary, Heidi, Christian, DJ, Adeline, John Michael, Mark Glenn, Annmarie, Matthew, Julian, and Eli; numerous great-nieces and nephews; step-mother, Betty Travis Taylor. Preceded in death by his parents, James “Captain Jim” Taylor and Lola Virginia “Gennie” Byrd Taylor; niece, Millicent Bradley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00PM until Religious Services at 2:00PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Wayne Ratliff. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Opportunities for Giving
Your Sunday School class
Your church
Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home (Two more weeks)
Operation Christmas Child postage (includes shipping, training for those who will teach about Jesus, Bible in the language of the child, etc.)or items (Bandanas at FBC,K)
Georgia Barnette Offering for mission work in Louisiana
Etc.
Opportunities for Praying
Pastor and Other Leadership
Salvation of those who are lost
Studying God’s Word
Participating in worship
Families with serious illness and/or deaths
Travelers on this holiday weekend
Etc.
Additional Bible Reading
Morning Thought – Quote of Charles Spurgeon
Isaiah 51:5
In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone. When his vessel is on its beam-ends, and no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God. Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a rock as this! O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone! There is no getting at our God sometimes because of the multitude of our friends; but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he flies into his Father’s arms, and is blessedly clasped therein! When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so peculiar, that he cannot tell them to any but his God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his Lord then than at any other time. Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father! Now that thou hast only thy God to trust to, see that thou puttest thy full confidence in him. Dishonour not thy Lord and Master by unworthy doubts and fears; but be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Show the world that thy God is worth ten thousand worlds to thee. Show rich men how rich thou art in thy poverty when the Lord God is thy helper. Show the strong man how strong thou art in thy weakness when underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits. Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as surely as he built the heavens and the earth, glorify himself in thy weakness, and magnify his might in the midst of thy distress. The grandeur of the arch of heaven would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the carnal eye. May the Holy Spirit give you to rest in Jesus this closing day of the month. (from Verse of the Day)
Maurice Wall of Greensburg passed away yesterday about 11:00 A.M. I’ll post the obituary tomorrow after arrangements have been made.
Obituary
Mary Ellen Thompson Casanova
December 17, 1930 – August 26, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born December 17, 1930 in Amite, LA and was 94 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Linda Ann Ballard (Gene) and Veronica Arlene Boutian (Daniel); son, Kerry James Casanova; grandchildren, James Kendrick Casanova (Kim) and Benjamin Paul Boutian; great-grandchildren, Chelsea Doby (Kenneth) and Roger Leon, IV (Yajaira); great-great-grandchildren, Saige Doby, Autumn Doby, Ayden Doby, Elijah Leon, and Connor Leon; sisters-in-law, Annie Thompson and Verma Casanova. Preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Lorena Thompson; husband of 75 years, Austin Joseph Casanova; sisters, Frances Thomas, Vernis Thompson, Katy Thompson, and Cecile Woodruff; brothers, Jimmy Thompson and Kenion Thompson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Rusty Durand. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Fall Food Round-Up
We will be collecting food for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe for two more weeks. Get your food or checks turned in soon. The truck will be here early on the 15th.
New Church Year and Prayer Focus
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of our new church year. One important part of that is many of our children will be promoted to a new class and a new teacher. Pray for the children and teachers as they make this adjustment. Especially pray for those who will now be moved up to the youth department.
Sunday
Prepare for your Sunday School lesson. This will be the last one from Psalms this year. The lessons have been very good. New literature for the next quarter will be available in your classroom tomorrow.
Continued Prayer Needs
Pray for the employees of Smitty’s as many of them adjust to a new job or continue to seek a new job. In your prayers, please continue to thank God they are all living and none were injured.
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Thank-you for reading today. I hope you found something here that is meaningful and inspiring.
“To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.”
— William H. Walton
Sunday School
If you haven’t already done so, today is the day to begin studying your Sunday School lesson for Sunday. It is based on Psalms 42:1-11.
Be an Encourager Today
Sometimes you know the events that discourage people, but not always. Often, just speaking with someone for a minute or two lets you know so much about what is happening in their heart. I know you cannot solve every problem a person has, but surely a few kind words are an encouragement. Give it a try.
God blessed us this morning by allowing us to wake up to a new day. Be sure to thank Him when you talk with Him today.
Here’s a verse to focus on today. Remember, God always loves us and wants the best for us. There are times we may doubt that because of the events that impact our lives, but God is still there and always loves us.
Reading the Bible in 2025
August 28
Nehemiah 12-13
That completes another book of the Bible. Tomorrow, we will begin Esther, a book that is inspiring to many of us.
No New Obituaries Listed This Morning
Prayer for Others
Mrs. Velma Anthony has be very sick the last few days. Please pray for her family and others who are attending to her during this time.
Maurice Wall has improved the last couple of days. Please continue to pray for him and his family.
Also, use your personal pray journal to guide you today as you pray.
Sunday School Lesson
August 31
God’s Presence
Psalms 42:1-11
Be sure to get a new Sunday School book if you did not get one yet. During the next quarter, we will study Numbers and Duerteronomy.
My church is adding a new class this week. It will a special class for the kindergarten boys and girls. It’s a blessing to have more boys and girls and to have the need of a new class.
Learn a little more about what’s happening in our churches. I especially enjoy the articles with a focus on individuals and individual churches. We can always learn something from the way they serve God and reach out to others.
When was the last time you went to Camp Living Waters.
Come hear about the great improvements that have been made, the camp opportunities available, and the other ways we can use the facilities there. The ladies and girls who attend the Two Rivers Associational Meeting will have this opportunity at FBC, Kentwood on Saturday, September 13th.
Add to your routine.
Find a way that appeals to you for reaching out to others. You can call, visit, write, invite, encourage, pray, etc. It will be beneficial to you and to them.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He was born August 10, 2025 in Hammond, LA. He is survived by his parents, Joshua Darin Warren and Mackenzie Rachelle Simmons; 2 sisters, Braylie Warren and Kaylynn Warren; 1 brother, Danyel Warren; grandparents, Tonya and Kent Simmons and Darin Warren; aunts, Paislie Crowe and Kentlie Simmons. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Bobbie Jean Yarborough
September 4, 1976 — August 24, 2025
Sour Lake, Texas
Bobbie Jean “BJ” Yarborough, 48, went to be with her beloved Jesus on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home in Sour Lake, Texas, after a long illness. BJ was born in Landstuhl, West Germany (before the fall of the Berlin Wall), on September 4, 1976. She was a self-described Army brat and lived with her parents in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during two different tours lasting 9 years. She was outgoing in every respect and a force to be reckoned with (today they might call it hyper, but back then we just called her deliciously “mischievous”).
BJ had the privilege of traveling Europe extensively as a child while her father was serving two tours in Germany, spending a birthday at the Leaning Tower of Pisa; devouring heaps of gelato in Vatican City, Rome; screaming and waving at Pope Paul on a Thursday balcony appearance; chasing pigeons in St Mark’s Square, Venice; camping with fellow girl scouts at a castle in Scotland; walking the streets and shops of London and Paris; getting her first tan in Costa Brava, Spain.
BJ and her parents settled in Woodbridge, Va., after her father retired from the Army, where she later graduated from Woodbridge High School. After high school, she worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., as a Human Relations specialist. When her parents retired and left Woodbridge in 2007, she followed them to Sour Lake, Texas and moved in next door. She married in 2008, became a homemaker, loved small town life, and dove head first into her beloved arts and crafts. She was talented artistically (inherited from her dad) and much of her work graces her Mom and Dad’s home.
BJ is survived by her husband Bradley F. Yarborough of Sour Lake, TX; son, Matthew Leland Gibson II of Joint Base Andrews, MD; daughter, Bailey Jean Gibson, partner Travis Campbell, and grandson Kayson Campbell of Stafford, VA; and daughter, Lanis Taylor Yarborough of Sour Lake, TX. Also surviving are her parents, 1SG Cecil Robert “Bobby” Johnson, U.S. Army (Retired), and mother, Collie Jean (Cox) Johnson of Sour Lake, TX; sister, Marti Lyn Destree and Lewis of Pahrump, NV; brother, Ronnie Johnson and Jackie, of Alexandria, LA; sister, Yalonda Lucas and Mark of DeRidder, LA; sister, Bonnie Kloster of Alexandria, LA; beloved mother-in-law Jan Yarborough of Kentwood, LA; and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia who she did not often see but loved and cared about all her life.
Of special mention are her beloved fur baby Sophie; mother-in-law, special friend, Kathy Walker of Luella, Texas; and special cousins, Karen and Jenna Carter of Covington, Virginia; Her cousin Jenna leaves us with the most accurate description of her cousin BJ:
“I looked up to and idolized her in ways she may never have even realized. I’m so grateful that you two brought her into this world, decided to settle in Virginia for a while, and made it possible for me to bask in all of her fun, hilarious, fiercely loving, and chaotically gorgeous energy.”
–Jenna Carter, 24 Aug 25
Yes, our girl did it her way…
Family and friends visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at Rosedale Cemetery in Sour Lake, Texas.
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25
Only Two Road Closures Remain
East of Arcola to river bridge
Highway 51 near Smitty’s
Keep praying for everyone involved.
Morning Thought by Charles Spurgeon
The Lord said to Moses, ‘These people continue to turn away from me.I did great miracles to show them my power.But still they will not trust me.
Today, let’s pray for those who are ill, but not yet diagnosed. It can sometimes be a long progress. Pray for those people to stay focused on getting the diagnosis right, so treatment will be beneficial.
Prayers Needed
Please continue to pray for Maurice Wall.
Obituaries
Jan Yarborough’s daughter-in-law (Brad’s wife) passed away Sunday in Sour Lake, Texas. Her services will be at the end of the week. I’ll post an obituary after it is posted.
Gordon “Brian” Nettles
June 28, 1968 – August 24, 2025
On Sunday, August 24th, Gordon “Brian” Nettles of Hammond, LA passed away at the age of 57. Brian will be lovingly remembered by his brother Mark Nettles (Emilie), nephew Lawson, nieces McKay, Gabrielle & Emma, numerous cousins and former wife & best friend, Sara. Preceded in death by his parents, Gordon “Boogie” and Janis Nettles.
Brian was born on June 28th, 1968. He was a member of The First Pentecostal Church of Roseland. Some of Brian’s biggest enjoyments in life were cooking and enjoying a good meal with his family.
A memorial/prayer service will be held at The First Pentecostal Church in Roseland, 11327 LA-1048, Roseland, LA at a later date.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Eagan Hospice for their care and compassion and also to Darick Selders.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Nettie Louise Phillips Causey
January 23, 1943 – August 24, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born January 23, 1943 in Magnolia, MS and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Causey; son, Aubrey “Cat” Watson; sister, Liz Phillips; step-son, Marlon Causey; step-grandchildren, Bethany Causey, Ann Causey, Michelle Kirby, Amber Kirby, and Jacob Stewart; numerous step-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph L. Phillips and Bertha L. Westmoreland Phillips; 3 brothers, Joseph W. Phillips, Rev. James R. Phillips, and Glenn R. Phillips; 2 sisters, JoAnn Phillips and Irma L. Bennett. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Brandon Phillips. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today let’s continue to focus on three groups of people
Residents of Roseland who have not been allowed to return home because of the continuing danger from the fire at Smitty’s
Firefighters who continue to fight and watch over the site
Employees of Smitty’s and their families
No New Obituaries Listed this Morning
Additional Scripture Reading
[After the massive earthquake that opened the jail doors and released the prisoners’ chains in Philippi, Paul assured the jailer that no one had escaped. Then, the] jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
Men and women who are available and willing to help others in Kentwood when needs are determined are thanked for their services. They do so to help, not be recognized.
Women on Mission
The next Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting will be Saturday, September 13. Ladies and girls, mark your calendar.
The mission focus for this meeting will be on Camp Living Waters which is in the Loranger area.
Anyone who works with children or youth will find this useful infotmation. Also, other groups are encouraged to attend and learn about the availability of this site for additional gatherings for their church activities.
The meeting is at 10 A.M. and will be followed with a potluck lunch for everyone.
The Prayer Link 
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