This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16

Obituaries

Nancy Cuti Brown

July 31, 1941 – June 6, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 31, 1941 in Kentwood, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her son, Christopher Vincent Brown, Sr.; 6 grandchildren, Lauren Fowlkes and husband, Justin, Haley Arledge and husband, Colby, Hunter Ellzey, Laurel Brown, Christopher Brown, II, and Harper Brown; 3 great-grandchildren, Sidney Guzzardo, Ariel Smith, and Jaylyn Arledge; sister, Mary Cuti-Hall; and brother, Charles Hoyt Cuti. Preceded in death by husband, Sidney Ray Brown, Sr.; daughter, Donna Michelle Brown; son, Sidney Ray Brown, Jr.; brother, Dominick Anthony Cuti; sister, Polly Remondet; mother, Catherine “Katie” Genco; and father, Dominico D. Cuti. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from from 9:00AM until 1:30PM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 2:00PM. Services conducted by Fr. Miles Walsh. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Vernon Louis Hilburn

January 19, 1959 – June 2, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 19, 1959, in Magnolia, MS and was 65 years of age. Vernon worked for La Department of Highways; his hobby was small engine repairs. Vernon never met a stranger and always had a smile and loved to be a jokester also. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sherry Pierce Hilburn; son, Joshua Gilroy (Shauna) of New York; sisters, Cheryl H. McGlothren (Brent) of Ponchatoula and Lesia H. Jenkins (Ricky) of Franklinton; brother, James E. Hightower; brother-in-law, Jimmy Dale Pierce, Jr.; grandchildren, Keegan Gilroy, Vance Gilroy and Kyla Gilroy of NewYork; several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father, Willie Thomas Hilburn; mother, Annie Ruth Hightower Hilburn; paternal grandfather, Clarence Hilburn; paternal grandmother, Lula D. Hilburn; maternal grandfather, Luther Hightower; maternal grandmother, Velma Hightower; father-in-law, Jimmy Dale Pierce, Sr.; mother-in-law, Brenda Gail Pierce. 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.

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for all the children, youth, and adults who participated in VBS at FBC, Kentwood this week. May they have new information to live their lives by.

Let’s also pray for those who will by in Sunday School. May they learn from their class and have new or renewed information.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 8
• II Samuel 19:24 – 21:22
• Psalm 69:29-36
• Proverb 15:14-15
• John 12:12-33

Prepare for Sunday.

Anna Lee

The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Proverbs 10:7

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 7
• II Samuel 18:1 – 19:23
• Psalm 69:19-28
• Proverbs 15:12-13
• John 11:45 – 12:11

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s do something different. Let’s pray for a good day despite the weather or anything else that that might come to us today. Then, pray you can do something that will be a positive influence on others.

Obituary

Darryl Keith Bennett

May 3, 1967 – June 1, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at his home. He was born May 3, 1967, in Greensburg, LA and was 57 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Emily Marie Thaler; mother, Dorothy Jane Davidson Bennett; brother, Lonnie Lee Bennett (Stacy); sister-in-law, Susan Fitzhugh; nephews and nieces, Brock Layne Bennett, William Brogan Bennett, Katelyn A. Bel, and Mary Catherine Bennett Loupe (Jason); great-nieces and nephews, Kimberly Bennett, Raelynn Jackson, Reigha Jackson, Brannix Jackson, Jaxson Jackson, Grayson Loupe, and Charlotte Loupe; beloved pet, “O,G”. Preceded in death by his father, Edgar Lee “Bear” Bennett; brothers, Donnie Ray “Bo” Bennett and David Wade Bennett; sisters, Krissy N. Bennett and Connie Faye Bennett.  A Memorial Service will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Anna Lee

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Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 5
• 2 Samuel 14:1 -15:37Psalm 69:5-12
• Psalm 69:5-12
• Proverbs 15:8-9
• John 11:7-20
• Jun2 6
• 2 Samuel 16:1 – 17:29
• Psalm 69:13-18
• Proverbs 15:10-11
• John 11:21-44

Prayer Focus

Today, is the 80th anniversary of D-Day. What an awful, but such an inspiring day! What a difference that day has made since then. David’s uncle was killed there along with so many others. Today, we have a grandson serving in the military. May we always support our military!

Let’s pray for each person serving to protect our country today. May their time in service be inspiring to us. May we support and encourage each of them.

God bless America! God bless all those who have served, are serving, and will serve. Thank you so much to each of you for serving for us.

Anna Lee

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Job 19:25

Prayer Focus

Thank you, God, for watching over all of us. I know many people are without power this morning, but I am very thankful they are alive and well. I understand there are a lot of trees down, but homes seem not to have been destroyed.

Thank you God, for allowing us to still have homes, churches, stores, and schools this morning even if they will be temporarily closed because of a lack of power. Thank you, God, for the lives that You spared

Our lights blinked one time, but came right back on. If you need water or a shower, you are welcome to come to our house. You don’t have to call or ask in any way, just come.

Concerns

Pray for those who are ill and without power. May their alternate site be “up and running”. May caregivers have a “Plan B” until they get power again.

Baptist Press

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Closures

I’ll not attempt to list closures for today, but if there is not electricity or downed trees, you can make alternate plans for the day.

Anna Lee

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Corinthians 4:17

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the family members of those who are ill and cannot live independently. The burden is hard, but the love is strong.

Pray for friends and relatives who are in this position. Do whatever you can to help them. Encourage them when they seem overwhelmed.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 4
• II Samuel 12:1 – 13:39
• Psalm 69:1-4
• Proverbs 15:6-7
• John 10:31 – 11:6

Obituary

Darryl Keith Bennett

May 3, 1967 – June 1, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at his home. He was born May 3, 1967, in Greensburg, LA and was 57 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Emily Marie Thaler; mother, Dorothy Jane Davidson Bennett; brother, Lonnie Lee Bennett (Stacy); sister-in-law, Susan Fitzhugh; nephews and nieces, Brock Layne Bennett, William Brogan Bennett, Katelyn A. Bel, and Mary Catherine Bennett Loupe (Jason); great-nieces and nephews, Kimberly Bennett, Raelynn Jackson, Reigha Jackson, Brannix Jackson, Jaxson Jackson, Grayson Loupe, and Charlotte Loupe; beloved pet, “O,G”. Preceded in death by his father, Edgar Lee “Bear” Bennett; brothers, Donnie Ray “Bo” Bennett and David Wade Bennett; sisters, Krissy N. Bennett and Connie Faye Bennett.  A Memorial Service will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

Tornado cut short prayer service, tore off wall at Texas church

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VBS

A large number of people were involved in VBS at FBC yesterday morning (8:30-11:30). Today is a good day to enroll children who have not been enrolled.

I thank God for your faithfulness in reading and reaching out to others each day.

Anna Lee

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

John 12: 25 NIV

Health Concerns

Chase Sharkey, brother of Larissa Dean, is having a procedure today. Please pray.

Brad Bridges has injured some ribs. Please pray for him.

Jackie Babin has upper respiratory problems and an injury from falling while leaving the doctor’s office. Please pray.

Thanking God

Bro. Joe and “Miss” Barbara Baugh were able to be at church yesterday after missing for a couple of weeks. Thank God.

Thank God for two good church services yesterday at FBC, Kentwood.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 3
• 2 Samuel 10:1 – 11:27
• Psalm 68:32-35
• Proverbs 15:4-5
• John 10:7-30

Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood

VBS begins at 8:30 this morning. I hope you have you children and grandchildren registered. If not, it is not too late, but hurry on over to the church and do that so they won’t miss out. VBS week is a highlight for all children.

Children’s Camp

We have places reserved for a few more children. Call the church office, 229-8111, for information.

New Hope Class

I am thankful for the things this class does in the classroom and outside the classroom. I believe we can call them “well rounded”.

Have a great day! Do something special today for someone.

Anna Lee

The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

Revelation 3:5

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for our political system in America. May it be fair to all those who find themselves in court. Also, I pray most of us go through life without having problems that send us to court for any reason.

Read the Bible Today

• June 2
• 2 Samuel 7:1 – 9:13
• Psalm 68:28-31
• Proverbs 15:1-3
• John 9:28 – 10:6

Sunday School and Church Today

• We have a large number of classes so we can accomodate any family.
• The adult lesson today is based on Acts:1.
• The FBC, Kentwood: Sunday School is at 9:15 and worship at 10:30.
• People are always available to guide others to a class.
• Sunday School is a good way to meet new people and make friends.
• We also have a worship service tonight and classes for our youth and children. These opportunities begin at 6 P.M.

Mission Opportunities

We give all people a chance to give to and work with our mission opportunities. For example, Operation Christmas Child had a workday for girls Thursday. Of course, the mothers who brought girls to work jumped in and helped too. Everyone did a good job and worked with others well. Thanks for giving of your time, girls and moms!

Remember, each shoeboxes will be given to a child in countries around the world. The boxes will reach an average of 8-9 people with the message of Jesus! I feel that is great!

If you would like to help reach others by teaching them about Jesus and giving gifts, you can help too by bringing the items we list as needed or by giving money so someone else can do the shopping for you. You could also help during one of the many work days we have. Another way, and an important one, is praying for the boxes as they are prepared and as they are shipped around the world.

Remember: One box gives 8-9 people the opportunity to know Jesus and to have a heavenly home forever! Does that sound like something you would like to be involved in.

Vacation Bible School

VBS begins in the morning. You still have time to register your child. The easiest way to do so is to go to the church website and register there.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

I hope you will take today’s opportunity to meet a new family. Learn their names so you can greet them by name from now on. It makes them feel so welcomed.

Anna Lee

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 10:19, NIV

Sunday School Scriptures

Tomorrow’s lesson, starting a study of the book of Acts, is from Acts 1.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 1
• 2 Samuel 5:1 – 6:23
• Psalm 68:20-27
• Proverbs 14:33-35
• John 9:8-27

Prayers for our Homebound Friends

• Andy and Betty Taylor
• “Cete” Dillon
• Gary and Mary Varnado
• Theople Hurst
• Kathy Wales (temporarily homebound)
• Bobby and Betty Simpson
• Betty Catherine Hatcher
• Bobby Simpson
• Add others from your prayer list. Pray often for those on this list.

Prayer Focus

Let’s focus our prayers today on the lack of love and concern for others in our country and around the world. We need to be instruments of love and its spread around the globe.

Let’s also pray for missionaries, no matter where they serve to tell others of Jesus. As you pray their labors are fruitful, “put feet to your prayers” by your action. This can be many things, praying for new churches and international pastors, supporting missions through designated offerings like Lottie Moon, Georgia Barnette, and Annie Armstrong. It might be by purchasing items they request for their needs or their ministry. Pray for the education and the health of the MKs (missionary kids). Learn of a personal need like sheets that would make their daily life better. Sometimes we need to “put our feet to our prayers” which means take action in some way.

Put Feet to Your Prayers

We can do this in many ways. Let’s put feet to our prayers for the homebound. Choose some people from your neighborhood or from your prayer list. Learn about needs you can fill for these people. Learn about prayer needs for these people and their families. Do simple thinks like provide transportation as needed.

There are many others you can pray for. Please take the time to do so.

Anna Lee

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Romans 5:10

Report on Yesterday’s Workday

Yesterday morning, we had 16 people working in the fellowship hall to prepare various items for packing in shoeboxes. Much was accomplished. Thanks to all those who gave their morning to help Operation Christmas Child.

OCC June Needs

• Girls panties (Size 12 or 14)

• Boy’s briefs (Size 12 or 14)

• Tablespoons (T)

• 8 inch scissors

• Play Dough (Small containers)

Donations may be placed in the green tote in the hallway of the basement (Below the sanctuary).

Read the Bible Every Day

• May 31
• 2 Samuel 3:1 – 4:12
• Psalm 68:15-19
• Proverbs 14:31-32John 8:42-9:7
• John 8:42 – 9:7

Prayer Focus for Today

I think our country needs prayers as we move into the time to select a new president and others to lead our country and states. May God direct each of our choices.

Personal Prayer List

May God guide us as we each pray from our personal prayer lists.

Anna Lee

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Psalms 103:17

Obituary

Henry A. Blades

June 1, 1941 – May 28, 2024

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at his home. He was born June 1, 1941 in Kentwood, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his nephew, William Clayton Blades and special friend, Susie Corkern; great-niece, Deanna Blades Hodges and husband, Quincy; great-nephew, Jamie Blades; great-great nieces, Jaylee and Riley Hodges; and numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mattie Cutrer Blades; 8 brothers, Royal, Cleon, Clovis, Russell, Willie Joe, James, Luther, and Melvin “Doc” Blades. Graveside Services will be held at Bond-Needham Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 10:00AM Thursday, May 30, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Missions

Girl’s Day for OCC

Fellowship Hall of FBC,Kentwood

This morning, 9-Noon

We will be working on items to be placed in Shoeboxes.

Read the Bible Every Day

• May 30
• I Samuel 1:1 – 2:32
• Psalm 68:7-14
• Proverbs 14:29-30
• John 8:21-41

Baptist Press

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New Missionaries

83 New Missionaries Appointed

IMB trustees appoint 83 new missionaries

Prayer Focus

At this time of the year we have some very hot days. Today, let’s focus on those. whose homes are not adequately equipped to keep the residents cool. Pay attention to the needs of those around us. Helping these people may involve buying or share fans you own or even contacting someone, such as a church or service organization, to help pay the electric bill or to replace a broken air conditioner. Don’t turn your back on a need such as this one.

Refer to your prayer list for additional needs for your prayer time. What a blessing this will be to you!

Anna Lee