Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Please continue to pray for our country as we move closer to the presidential election.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 28
zii kings 5:15 – 7:9
Psalms 77:23-24
Acts 4:12 – 5:11
Obituary
Mathilda Ricks Mize
September 9, 1941 – June 25, 2024
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at her home. She was born September 9, 1941 in Grangeville, LA and was 82 years of age. Mathilda was a ballroom dancer and retired from the State of Louisiana. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Wilson and husband, Tracy; 3 grandchildren, Reide, Regan, and Laurel Wilson; step-son-in-law, Terry Mitchell; step-grandson, Trey Mitchell; 5 brothers and sisters, Louise Russell, Robert Ricks and wife, Pat, Thelma Simmons and husband, Hillary, Carroll Ann Corona, Jewel Hudspeth-Harrell and husband, Danny; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband, L. C. Mize; her parents, Bennie and Pearl Bond Ricks; step-daughter, Vickie Mize Mitchell; 1 sister, Ruby Faye Ricks; 2 brothers, Maurice Ricks and Alfred Ricks; 3 brothers-in-law, Kirk Russell, Tom Corona, and Charlie Hudspeth; 2 sisters-in-law, Nancy Ricks and Sharon Ricks. Special thanks to Vital Caring Hospice, Becky White and Marilyn Yaun for their care and compassion. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Lacoste. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Bennie Hudspeth, John Simmons, III, Jeffrey Holden, Bradley Thompson, Stanley Russell, and Brody Simmons. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please be careful if you have to travel in the mid-day heat. Be sure to carry water with you to help your body fight the high temperatures.
Others! Help other people who may need to be out in the middle of the day. Be sure they are following safety precautions in these extremely high temperatures.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Today, let’s start our prayers with one of our church members, Leslie McKenzie. (I was unaware of his fall in a grain bin yesterday when I posted.) Les is blessed to be alive. He had a five hour surgery on his left arm yesterday afternoon. That went well. The doctors have decided not to do hip surgery, but to let it heal on its own, like the ribs he broke. Les will be healing for a while, but is expected to heal with time. Please pray for Les, his family, and his coworkers.
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher and her family.
Becky Raborn Davidson, a former resident of Kentwood, sent this request.
I have been under the weather for 4 or 5 weeks in the hospital . I have had several serious falls in which I injured my head. I also broke some ribs and a vertebrae. During this time I was diagnosed with epilepsy and dementia Please pray for me, my family, and for God’s healing.
Obituary
I did not find an obituary for Matilda Ricks of Arcola.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 27
II Kings 4:1 – 5:14
Psalm 77:1-6
Proverbs 16:21-22
Acts 4:1-22 (This is the basis for our Sunday School lesson this week.)
Church Camps
The youth will be going to church camp Monday and then, the children shortly after that. Please pray for all these young people.
I have been keeping up with the youth from other churches that have recently returned from camp. What a difference a week can make in the life of a teenage boy or girl!
If you have a request, please click the “contact button” at the top of this page and send me a message.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
Read the Bible Every Day
June 26
II Kings 2:1 – 3:27
Psalm 76:7-12
Proverbs 16:20
Acts 3:1-26
Death
Matilda Ricks of Arcola passed away yesterday morning after a long illness. Her obituary is not available at this time.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the presidential candidates who will debate tomorrow night. Let’s also pray for those who are listening and choosing who they will support.
Fifth Sunday Singing
Both FBC, Kentwood and New Zion Baptist Church will. be having fifth Sunday singings this week. You may wish to join one of them.
Others
If you know anyone who is home daily without air conditioning, you probably need to check on them. An ice-chest of cold water and drinks with electrolytes surely would be greatly appreciated.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Mrs. Betty Catherine, who is at home, was able to eat some yesterday.
Deaths
Mrs. Dot Gill passed away about three this morning according to her son, Kenny Ray. I’ll post her obituary when it is available.
Lucille Gele’ Scheurer
August 31, 1927 – June 1, 2024
Lucille Gele’ Scheurer passed away peacefully at her home in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana on June 1, 2024 with her daughter, Doren, at her side. She was 96-years-old. Lucille was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 31, 1927 to Leon E. Gele’ and Wilhelmina D. Gele’, joining her 8-year-old brother, Etienne. Lucille graduated from High School at 16 and worked at New Orleans Charity Hospital until she was old enough to join Cadet Nurse Corps at Mercy Hospital. In 1948, she graduated and spent her life selflessly caring for others as a registered nurse until she retired from East Jefferson General Hospital in 1989. On April 3, 1948, she married the love of her life, William F. Scheurer (Billy). Their love for adventure began soon after their honeymoon to Arkansas. Lucille’s love for exploration took her to new heights, as she traveled to most of the National Parks, with Alaska being the highlight of her life. She also experienced the Panama Canal, rafted on the Amazon River, with a love of flying that matched her love for life. With Billy driving their RV, they crisscrossed the US with friends from the FCRV Bayou Retirees. She never met a stranger, and once you knew her, you were family. Her kindness and generosity were evident in her 30 years of volunteer work at God’s Storehouse in Amite. She stayed involved with the Montpelier Pine Garden Club, proving she still had a green thumb. She is survived by her 2 daughters: Tisa Cooper (Johnny) and Doren Scheurer. Grandchildren: Troy Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Stacie Ball, Yvette Barr, Maggie Young, and Will Miller. 13 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great Grandchildren. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Scheurer, and her beloved son, Leonard W. Scheurer (Lenny). A special thanks to Ted and Brandi Hartley, St. Helena Fire District 4, St. Helena Council on Aging, God’s Storehouse, North Oaks Hospice and Dr Abdo for all of the care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Helena Council on Aging. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana on July 2, 2024 at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary.
Today, let’s focus on the friends we don’t see as regularly as we have seen them in previous years. Check on them. Get an update. Pray for them.
This week gives new opportunities. Ask about someone you don’t see often. Plan a visit to see someone who has been “out-of-pocket” lately. Make a telephone call.
Special Prayer Request
Please pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher. She is at her house.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 24
I Kings 21:1 – 22:23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 16:16-17
Acts 2:1-21
Fifth Sunday Singing
Sunday at 5 P.M. at FBC Kentwood
OCC Needs
Our June needs for OCC are panties and briefs (Size 12), and 8″ scissors. Thank-you for making purchases for OCC this month. Your donations can be left in the green tote in the basement beneath the sanctuary. If unable to make purchases or if you would rather we shop for you, you are always to make donations and someone else will shop for you.
What a blessing it is when a child comes to you to ask when they get the next opportunity to help prepare items for shipping! That happened last night.
Thank you for your prayers and caring actions for others this week.
Here are a few names you may want to add to your prayer list.
Betty Catherine Hatcher – back at home
Dot White
Marilyn Hart
Annaleice Neal
Read the Bible Every Day
June 22
I Kings 18:1-46
Psalm 74:12-17
Proverbs 16:11-12
John 21:10-25
Sunday School Scripture for Tomorrow
Acts 4:8-21 NIV
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
FBC Kentwood’s Sunday School
9:15 A.M. followed by 10:30 A.M.service which includes a nursery and a children’s church.
More than a dozen classes to choose from so the church provides an appropriate class for everyone
People are available to guide you to a class and even give class options.
FBC Kentwood Evening Services at 6 P.M.
Nursery
Children’s classes
Youth
Adults
FBC Kentwood Wednesday Service at 6 P.M.
Nursery
Children’s classes
Youth
Adults
Be sure to prepare for church today so Sunday morning is not so hectic.
Today, we have four obituaries. Whether or not you know these individuals, please take time to pray for their families now and in the coming days. They don’t have to know you to be blessed by their prayers.
Obituaries
Yolanda Marie “YoYo” Kent
September 6, 1972 – June 19, 2024
A resident of Fluker, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at her home. She was born September 6, 1972 in Atlanta, GA and was 51 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Jon Barry Kent; daughter, Alexis Kent; son, Thomas Kent; granddaughters, Aubrey and Ripley Kent; mother, Judy Pope; sisters, Tonya Kent, Ginger Cole, and Terri Cole; special niece, Lacey Kent; special great-nephew, Dylan Chunn. Preceded in death by father, David Ball; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Richard Kent and Fannie Lou Kent. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 4:00PM until memorial services at 5:00PM on Monday, June 24, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
John “Johnny” Drew Hood
May 10, 1950 – June 19, 2024
John “Johnny” Drew Hood went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. He was a veteran of the Veteran War and was proud to serve his country. He is survived by his wife, Christine Hood; stepdaughter, Monica Alvarado; grandchildren, Liliana, Logan and Lauren Alvarado; brother, Boyd Ellis Hood and wife, Cheryl; and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Betty Hood; and stepson, Daniel Bianco. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
RONALD EUGENE DEDON
October 2, 1957 – June 19, 2024
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at his home. He was born October 2, 1957 in Dallas, TX and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his sisters, Sharon DeDon McDonald and husband, Ronnie, Judy DeDon Travis, and Patricia DeDon Spears and husband, Johnnie; and brother, Charles Ray DeDon and wife, Linda. Preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Saralyne DeDon; and brother-in-law, Willie Eugene Travis. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Stanford D. Bennett
April 17, 1938 – June 20, 2024
A resident of Wilmer, LA passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at his home. He was born April 17, 1938 in Amite, LA and was 86 years old. He was a retired dairy farmer and a member of Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Winborn Bennett; 1 son, Todd Bennett and wife, Reesie; 1 daughter, Karen Wald and husband, Anton; sister, Charlene Averett; sister-in-law, Virginia Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Maggie Bennett; 1 brother, Thomas H. Bennett; 2 sisters, Elaine Shar and Alice Fay LeSage. Visitation at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Bro. Richard Magee and Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Wilmer Missonary Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 21
I Kings 16:1 – 17:24
Psalm 74:5-11
Proverbs 16:8-10
John 20:21 – 21:9
Baptist Message
I read most of my hardcopy yesterday, when it arrived. It is mostly about the Southern Baptist Convention.
You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing”, but you do not realize you are wretched.pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
Revelations 3:17 NIV
Thanking God
Both Tom Brister and Trey Buckley were back at prayer meeting last night after having health problems requiring surgery. It was good to see both of them back with us.
Linda Williamson Simpson, age 78, of Zachary, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024. A beloved wife, mother, and Nana she was welcomed into Heaven surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Linda is survived by her husband, Amos Oliver “Bo” Simpson; daughter, Djuana “Miki” Simpson; son, Michael Shane Simpson and wife Dana; sister, Dianne Yarbrough and husband Sonny; grandchildren, Tyler Simpson and wife Sara, Emily Simpson, Olivia Simpson and great-grandson, Paxton Ferguson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irma Williamson and sister, Donna Leibenguth. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd, Central, LA 70739, followed by a burial at the church cemetery. Doy Henson, Brad Stiles, Gene Jenkins, Ron Legrand, Ernest Meche and John Root will serve as pallbearers. In honor of Mrs. Linda, we invite those in attendance to wear purple, her favorite color, as we honor and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Pretty N Pink Florist (225-664-7204) is assisting the family with memorial floral arrangements. The Simpson Family extends their deepest gratitude to all those who have sent their love, support, prayers, and everything in between during these difficult times.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Nicholas “Nick” John Guzzardo, who peacefully left us on Monday, June 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Baton Rouge, LA. Nick was born July 7, 1944 in Pittsburg, CA. Nick was preceded in death by his father, John Nicholas Guzzardo, his mother, Florence Myers Guzzardo, and his wife of 24 years, Paula Braud Guzzardo.
Nick is survived by his sons, John Paul “JP” Guzzardo (Bridget) of Tampa, FL, and Chad Nicholas Guzzardo (Danielle) of Baton Rouge, his daughter, Erin Katherine Myers Guzzardo of Baton Rouge, his brother, Charles Mose Guzzardo (Jan) of Amite, LA, niece Kim Guzzardo Terrebonne (Scott) of Amite, LA and nephew, John Russell Guzzardo (Ashley) of Amite, LA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ainsley, Maddox, Alexander, Greta, Anna, Sophia, Nicholas, Hudson, and Vivienne.
Nick attended Amite High School. He was a serial entrepreneur involved in various businesses including the amusement business, utility companies, skating rinks, restaurants, nightclubs, gaming, radio stations, motorcycle dealerships, and car dealerships to name a few.
He cherished large family gatherings and was known for his Sunday dinners, often creating chaos in the kitchen while cooking. His greatest passion was his family, and he always went above and beyond to support his loved ones. Nick was full of love and never missed a chance to say “I love you.”
Originally growing up in Amite, LA, Nick also lived in Baton Rouge, LA, New Orleans, LA, Natchez, MS, and Summit, MS. Affectionately known as “Nick John,” “Bulldog,” and sometimes “Governor,” he had a larger-than-life personality and a heart as vast as the universe. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at the Guzzardo family tomb at Amite Cemetery. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Erin Nicole Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the age of 4. She was born on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in Covington, Louisiana. Erin was a little fireball for her young age. She could be a little spicy at times and always had a sassy comeback for anyone trying to tease her. Erin was so sweet and full of life, just starting to become her own person. She had a very special bond with her sissy, Jalie, and always wanted to do everything her big sister was doing. Erin loved and looked up to her mother, and also had a beloved stuffed elephant that never left her side named Ellie.
Erin is survived by her sister, Jalie Brunett, grandparents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, great grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, aunt, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli), uncle, Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), and cousins, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Callie Jo Brunett, great grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and cousin, Zeke Vernon.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.
Callie Jo Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the age of 35. Callie Jo graduated from Loranger High School and was a member of the Flag Team. She also attended Hammond Technical School for barbering and medical technology. Callie Jo loved being a country girl, going to Old Farmer’s Day, and being in Loranger. She was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, but she loved being a mom most of all. Callie Jo and her daughters were a couple of peas in a pod. Her daughters looked up to her and loved her so much.
Callie Jo is survived by her daughter, Jalie Brunett, parents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, siblings, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli) and Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), nieces, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Erin Brunett, grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and nephew, Zeke Vernon.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.
There will be a meeting in Robert tonight for those who are interested in packing shoeboxes. If you missed the details, please read yesterday’s post.
Prayer Focus
Please pray for out country daily. Pray we will turn to God, as a country, and be much more like our country was at the time it was formed. We need Him as much now as the leaders/people did back then.
The Prayer Link 
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