Category: Uncategorized

THURSDAY

Verse of the Day

During the Easter season, focus on what was happening each day so long ago.

Daily Bible Reading for Today

  • April 17
  • Genesis 46-47

Obituary

Chad David Monroe Easley

December 9, 1978 – April 15, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He was born December 9, 1978 in Independence, LA and was 46 years of age. He is survived by  his daughter, Tori Easley; father, David Easley; 3 sisters, Lisa Easley Fussell and husband, Christopher, Amanda Goings Bracy and husband, Byron, and Melissa Goings Reno; nieces and nephews, Kati Fussell Splane and husband, Colton, Bryant Christopher Fussell, Brennan Lynn Bracy and wife, Haley, Abigail Caye Bracy, Andrew John Reno, Myles David Russell, and Zachary Lane Russell; great-nieces and great-nephews, Enid Lynn Bracy, Quinn Freler Splane, Kade Ogden Splane, and Teddi Juliet Splane; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julie Holden; and step-mother, Irma Easley. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Easter Services

Even if you have a regular church that you attend, check with them or another church to learn of special Easter services. If possible, invite family members and/or friends to attend with you.

Prayer Requests

Today, pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has a procedure to remove a stent he has had since surgery.

Also, pray for Chuck and Dorothy Wall. She learned yesterday she will be released today. She in still unable to walk, so pray for her as she continues to heal and progress to walking again.

Dinner with Sinners

‘Dinner with Sinners’ (Mt. 9:10-12)

Read the verses listed above to learn about the meal that was served. I hope you will continue reading, possibly reading a chapter or more. It helps to get the “full picture”.

What are you going to do for someone else today?

God created us to relate to others. There are so many ways to show you care about people. Choose one or more for today. Be a blessing to someone else.

Current Needs for OCC

We need a bandana and two-three small metal cars for each of our shoeboxes. If you can purchase some, you would be a big help. Items you bring can be left in the green tote in the hallway below the sanctuary.

You are appreciated!

Thank you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

WEDNESDAY

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the 2025 graduates of area high schools and colleges as they make decisions concerning their future. Many of them are unsure what they want to do with their next step of life.

Daily Bible Reading

  • April 16
  • Genesis 43-45

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s say prayers for Dorothy Wall who is in Hood Memorial for therapy for broken bones. Pray for her as she continues to try to walk again. She will probably be there until the end of the month.

Let’s also remember to pray for Mrs. Velma Anthony and others at Tangi Pines.

Let’s also pray for those we consider to be “homebound”. Make a point of contacting at least one of these precious people today.

Obituary

Vincent Dewitt “Monkey” Bennett

October 27, 1952 – April 14, 2025

Vincent Dewitt “Monkey” Bennett, age 72, passed away on April 14, 2025, in Franklinton, Louisiana surrounded by family.

He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Bennett Albers and her husband Jr, and Cindy Bennett Grice and her husband Joey; his son, Jason Brown and his wife Debra; ex wife and mother of his children, Rita Bennett Erembert; and his grandchildren, Sarah Lebo, Joshua Maggio and wife Mallory, Katelyn Maggio, Jolee Grice, Rebecca Brown, Levi Brown, Richard Ballard, Daniel Ballard, Brandon Warden, Haley Warren, and Heidi Warren. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Chloe Warren, Zoe Warren, and Carter Maggio. He is survived by his sisters, Joyce Marie Forrest, Lettie Ann Goforth, and Mary Lou Hill and her husband Wayne; and his brothers, Charles Bennett and Larry Bennett. numerous nieces and nephews. Vincent was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac H. Bennett and Annie Blount Bennett; his sisters, Catherine Irene Bennett and Ruby Martinez Bennett; his brothers, Leslie Eugene Bennett, Isaac “Bill” Bennett, and Ivey Alphonse Bennett; his infant son, Robert Vincent Dewitt Bennett; and his grandson, Timothy Warden.

Pallbearers are Joey Grice, Jr Albers, Jason Brown, Josh Maggio, Johnny Jarreau, and Clayton Jarreau. Honorary Pallbearers are Kevin Bennett, Danny Milton, and Marcus Bennett.

He will be remembered for his love of Mountain Dew and Kool cigarettes and his love to pick and joke with everyone. In the final chapter of his life, his niece, Robin Sue Milton, led him to the Lord, and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior— the absolute best decision he ever made.

Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Carl Wayne Grice. Interment will follow at Hutchinson Cemetery in Tickfaw.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Riverside Medical Center and Community Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care provided in his final days. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Bible Study

‘Perseverence’ (1 Co. 10:6-15)

“Dear Father, righteous judge of all mankind, Help me to live as one upon whom the end ofthe ages has come. Help me take what happened to the…”

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Jesus is the reason season. Don’t try to replace Him with rabbits, eggs, candy, etc.

Children’s Ministry

There are several Easter Activities planned for children. Call the church office if you need any details.

Senior Adult Lunch

The monthly meal will be in St. Francisville Thursday. If you need additional information check a recent bulletin or call the church office for more information.

Easter Scriptures

Matthew 28:5-8

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Romans 8:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Anna Lee

I forgot to include information about the pastor who was rescued in South Africa. Let’s thank God he is safely back with his family and his church.

(Photo from FOX News)

Tuesday

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Today, we can again focus on the Easter message.

Daily Bible Reading

  • April 15
  • Genesis 41-42

Obituary

Robert Spencer Wilson

August 28, 1959 – April 4, 2025

Robert Spencer Wilson, passed away from his earthly life on April 4, 2025 at the age of 65. Robert, known to most as Bobby, worked on tug boats and was considered a jack of many trades. Bobby had many motorcycles through the years and enjoyed riding them as much as possible. Bobby was a simple man who lived life on his own terms. He was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Barbara Wilson. A private graveside service was held at 6pm on April 12, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Senior Adult Luncheon

Call the church office for information about the meal Thursday in St. Francisville.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Shout His Praise!’ (Ps. 98:7-9)

“Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills…”

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Children’s Activities this Week

Check with the church office if you need information about some activities for children this week.

Easter: What a special time to hear about the resurrction and the ascention of Jesus!

Anna Lee

MONDAY

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Do you know why we celebrate Easter?

Do you have any favorite Easter Scriptures?

Do you have any favorite Easter Songs/Hymns?

Do a playback of the service from FBS, Kentwood yesterday morning and listen to Kay’s offertory, “The Holy City”, again. It was absolutely beautiful!

This week, pass on the true message of Easter!

TODAY’S BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Please pray for the missionary family of the pastor who was kidnapped in South Africa last week. Pray for members of that denomination as they work through this issue.

Daily Bible Reading

April 14

Genesis 38-40

Attend some special Easter services this week.

Anna Lee

Lord’s Day

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for our area churches as they meet on The Lord’s Day.

Thanking God

What are five things you are thankful for today?

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5.

Obituaries

Joe Louis Lamonica

August 3, 1932 – April 9, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce that our very loving, handsome, wonderful, generous, and funny Joe L. Lamonica, 92 years of age, passed away on Wednesday April 9, 2025 at 11:25 AM, surrounded by loved ones. He was quite a fighter, but God had other ideas and called him home to be with his beloved, beautiful wife Rose. Joe and Rose were married for 73 wonderful, loving years and shared a very unique and remarkable love story. His wife always said he was the best husband in the world and his daughters always said that God blessed them for giving them the two most wonderful parents God could have ever blessed anybody with. He is survived by his two adoring daughters, Kathy Lamonica; and Joyce Lamonica Rollins and husband John whom he considered his son. He is also survived by his sister Rosalie Garofalo. He is also survived by so many people he loved – the Lamonica and Garofalo families of Lamonica Road – Rosalie, Larry Sr., Ronald Louis, Larry Garofalo Jr., Todd, Wyatt, Dusty, Megan, Greyson Rose, Caitlynn, Ryan, Fallon and Kanan, as well as Samuel and Sharon Maglioio and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Tina Pitslata Lamonica and brother Anthony (Bubbie) Lamonica as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins on the Lamonica and Pitslata sides of the family. We also offer our sincerest thanks to Michael and Dusty Garofalo (without whose help we could not have made it), John Rollins, Jr., Ronald Garofalo, Larry M. Garofalo, Sr., Rosalie Garofalo, Angie Domiano, May Stilley, Johnny Viola and Brandi Randall and to his wonderful sitters (Jerrika, Mashana, Kailynn, Claudia, Ashley, Donna, and Cally) who helped us take such good care of him. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite on Monday, April 14, 2025, beginning at 8:00 AM for family and beginning at 9:00 AM for friends. Services will then be held at 2:15 PM at McKneely Funeral Home Chapel in Amite, followed by burial at Colonial Cemetery in Independence. Pallbearers will be John Rollins, Jr., Ronald Garofalo, Larry Michael Garofalo, Jr., Todd Garofalo, Wyatt Garofalo, and Samuel Maglioio. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry M. Garofalo, Sr., Morris (Buck) Domiano and Paul (Chimp) Lamonica. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Philip P. Mancuso

October 24, 1932 – April 12, 2025


A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at his home. He was born October 24, 1932 in Independence, LA and was 92 years of age. He is survived by his beloved Jo Ann. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Antoinette Mancuso; 3 brothers, Anthony “Tony” Mancuso, Salvador “Sam” Mancuso, and Joseph “Joe” Mancuso; 3 sisters, Rosalie Mancuso, Nancy Mancuso, and Josephina Mancuso. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Earl Keith Gill

June 3, 1943 – April 12, 2025

U.S. Veteran

Earl Gill, 81,loving husband and father, passed away at home on April 12, 2025. He was a veteran of Vietnam and a retired steel worker. He worked at Bayou Steel  for  many years until his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Delores Miller Gill; 3 sons, Michael (Katalin), Vernon “Bubba” (Darlene), and Charles (Lisa); 10 grandchildren; 9 Great grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Ray Bryant. Preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Wanzie Tate Gill; and 3 brothers, Leo Buster Gill, Earnest Gill, and Charlie Gill, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on  Monday, April 14, 2025 from 9am until funeral services at 11am. Gary King and Steven Miller are in charge of the funeral. Burial will be at Friendship Church Cemetery, Amite.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Reading Today

‘Driven Away’ (Mt. 8:33-34)

[After the demons left the men and went into the pigs, the] herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, ….

Daily Bible Reading

  • Sunday, April 13, 2025
  • Genesis 35-38

Sunday School Lesson Today

“Our Faith”

I Peter 4:1-11

If you cannot attend church in person, do so online.

Be a Blessing Today

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

Verse of the Day

Daily Bible Reading

  • April 11
  • Genesis 30-31

Prayer Focus

When we don’t see someone often, they sometimes are not in our thoughts until we run across a family member or meet them in a doctor’s office. That’s why it is so important to keep a running list of prayer concerns. Let’s pray we learn to do a better job of remembering those folks in with our visits, calls, cards, etc. Let’s do a better job of keeping up with those we need to stay in contact with.

Fabric Cutting for OCC Totes

  • April 26th
  • Fellowship Hall
  • Bring your cutting mat and pinking shears.
  • Contact Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson for more information.

Baptist Press

Health Updates

Ferrie Gene Blackmon – Hospitalized in St. Helena this week; in Hood Memorial twice last week: Prayers appreciated.

Dorothy Wall – Continues rehabilitation through Hood Memorial

Easter Season

Pray for churches as they make plans to celebrate the Easter season this year.

A Word of Appreciation

I want to thank all those who plan, cook, and serve family meals following a funeral service. Let’s not forget to express that appreciation.

More Appreciation: Teachers

Let’s always remember to pray for and thank teachers who prepare and present lessons to church members of all ages. We have many teachers and many classes. Without dedicated teachers, how different our churches would be!

Appreciation: Committees

Let’s also remember those who serve on a committee or committees to help our churches to function well. Let’s remember to thank these men and wonen who often go unnoticed.

Read More/Learn More

‘God Our Strength’ (Ps. 81:1-3)

“Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob.
Sing! Beat the tambourine. Playthe sweet lyre and the harp.
Blow the ram’s horn at new…..”

Sunday School Lesson

  • April 13th; “Our Faith”
  • I Peter 4: 1-11

Do something special for someone today. You choose who and what.

Anna Lee

THURSDAY

Prayer Focus Today

Today, let’s say special prayers for college and high school seniors as they complete one phase of life and prepare to move on to the next phase.

Verse of the Day

Daily Bible Reading

  • April 10
  • Genesis 27-29

Read the Rest of the Story

‘Ungodly People and the Second Death’ (Re.v 21:7-8)

“”Everyone who wins the victory will inherit these things.
I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowardly,
unfaithful, and detestable…”

Sunday School Lesson

  • April 13 – ” Our Faith”
  • I Peter 4:1-11

Baptist Press

Five religious liberty cases loom large as SCOTUS decisions draw closer

Homebound

Think of those you haven’t seen lately. Then, reach out to them in a way that suits them best. They will be blessed. You will be blessed too!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Obituary

Marc Brocato and Priscilla Garcia Brocato

PRISCILLA DIANA GARCIA BROCATO, AGE 66

MARC FRANCIS BROCATO, AGE 74

Longtime residents of Amite, Louisiana passed away together Thursday afternoon April 3, 2025.

Priscilla was born April 25, 1958 and Marc was born December 10, 1950. They were married on November 17, 1980 and spent over 44 years by each other’s side. Diana, as she was known to her family, loved baking cookies, Christmas candy each year and other delicious sweets. She would often enter her treats in the Tangipahoa Parish Fair and won first place on several occasions, including most recently for a pumpkin roll cake. Diana always enjoyed painting and making crafts. Marc was a carpenter that had worked on countless buildings and homes in Amite and the nearby areas. He loved to play the guitar and had written and recorded several songs. Marc had an interest in HAM radios and had some at his home. Together they enjoyed fishing in Manchac and other local areas and they loved to spoil their grandchildren and spend time with their family. They had a special place in their heart for their pet dogs “Sweetie” and “Diamond” and also their pet cat “Exxon,” which was rescued from a nearby gas station. The loving couple will be forever missed by all that knew them.

Survived by:

Son and Daughter in law: Marc Joseph and Mabel Brocato of Baytown, TX

Grandsons: Archer Joseph Brocato and Logan Blade Brocato

Priscilla Diana’s family:

3 Brothers and Sisters in law: Jerry and Gayle Garcia of Philadelphia, MS,

Randall and Suzonne Garcia of Mt. Hermon,

Raymond and Stacey Garcia of Magnolia, MS

Marc’s family:

2 Brothers: Michael Brocato,

Joseph Brocato

Also survived by numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their families, other family members and many dear friends

The couple was preceded in death by Diana’s mother Wivel Mae Dedon Garcia, father Roberto Garcia, Marc’s parents Dr. Joseph and Eunice Brocato and other family members.

Visitation will be at Mount Hermon Pentecostal Church (37300 Sunny Hill Road, Mt. Hermon, LA) on Wednesday April 9th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2:00 pm Wednesday with Rev. Randall Garcia, Rev. Leon Hickman and Rev. Billy Trusley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers: Marc J. Brocato, Michael Brocato, Rodney Garcia, Russell Garcia, Randall Garcia, Raymond Garcia, Jr., Joseluis Castelan

Wednesday

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for more reading of the Bible., both for ourselves and for others. You can follow the plan I suggest daily, one that your Christian literature suggests, or any other of the many plans wonderful plans available. A plan is not totally necessary, but it does lead to more consistent reading and to covering all of the Bible.

Daily Bible Reading

  • April 9
  • Genesis 25-26

Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions

You can give today, or any other day of the year, to support mission efforts across North America. Yes, North America needs people to share the gospel so that others right here will be saved. We are far from being a nation that is 100% Christian.

Praying for Others

Robert Wilson had surgery and may possibly be allowed to return home today.

Dorothy Wall has an additional break, an ankle, to deal with now. Please pray for her improvement.

Jacob and Mattie Daniels have a new baby this week. She is Claire Elisabeth who was born yesterday at 3:48 P.M. She weighed six pounds, nine ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Owen is Claire’s big brother.

Please pray for those listed here and others who are on your personal list.

Read for Additional Information – Trust in Crisis – Matthew 8:23-24.

Thank-you for reading TPL today.

Hopefully, it will serve as an encouragement to you.

Anna Lee