“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
Dan’l Johnson in better. He suffered a stroke, but has made a partial recovery. Additional treatment should show even better progress.
Read the Bible
Matthew7: 21-23
Matthew 9: 10-13
Matthew 16:6
“The self-righteousness of the Pharasies is seen in . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for those with coughs and colds. I have a cough that seems to. be cleared up only to return.
Christmas Music
The OFA choir sang at our church last night. If you did not see it live, you can watch it on the church’s facebook page. I saw a portion of the recorded performance last night. I hope you can see all of it today.
Pray for the Lottie Moon giving at your church, across our association, state, nation, and worldwide.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
Lottie served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province. She taught in a girls’ school and often made trips into China’s interior to share the good news with women and girls. Lottie Moon was passionate about people knowing Christ.
Read the Bible
Proverbs 25:14, 27
Jeremiah 9;23-24
II Corinthians 10:12-18
“What I am tempted to brag about is . . . .”
Prayer Focus
Use you personal prayer guide for your prayer time.
Update on Bro. Darryl
Bro. Darryl led prayer meeting last night. If you missed being there or watching in real time, you can watch it at your convenience.
Prayer Need
Please pray for Dani’l Johnson, Sr. He is hospitalized at East Jefferson Hospital.
Jesus is the reason for the season. Please share that message.
There are many deaths in our community. Please pray for the families.
Deaths
Pam Cook Forrest
April 9, 1956 – December 10, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 10th, 2023 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born April 9, 1956 in Tylertown, MS and was 67 years of age.
Pam was a co-owner with her husband Craig and his sister Kathy Dale of Forrest Hill Dairy for 34 years from 1984 to until 2018. While living the life of a dairy farmer’s wife, she also worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. In her high school years, she played basketball for Mt. Hermon High School and was a four-time All-District standout and a two-time All-State performer who led Mt. Hermon to the 1974 Class C title. She was the team’s MVP for three straight years, an all-district MVP for two years, and the state’s Class C MVP in 1974. She had the highest free-throw percentage, most steals and most rebounds for Mt. Hermon and was the leading scorer in school history. She participated in the first LHSAA Girls’ Basketball All-Star Game and was named the first Miss Basketball in Louisiana in 1974. She was inducted into the LHSAA Hall of Fame in 2007. She was the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship to LSU, where she played for one semester. She then followed her high school coach by transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University where she helped them win an AIAW Division II national championship. Pam was selected as LAIAW MVP three years in a row, was a college All-American two years in a row and played in the first All-America game for women. She was inducted into the SLU Hall of Fame in 1998, and her jersey hangs in the SLU University Center. She became the third women’s basketball player in SLU history to have her jersey retired (2012). In the first ever women’s professional basketball draft, Pam was picked by the Milwaukee Does, but requested to be traded to the New Orleans Jazz. Pam was also an active member of the Positive Role Models Involved in the Development of Excellence dedicated to the SLU Women’s Basketball Team for 15 years. Other passions included annual trips with Craig and friends to the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and attending the Women’s College Final Four tournaments every year. Pam loved her family dearly and enjoyed following her son and daughter throughout their athletic careers and filming every ball game they played. She adored and spoiled her four grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Trent Forrest and wife, Macy; daughter, Traci Forrest Jennings and husband, Ryan; grandchildren, Connor and Kale Forrest and Parker and Peyton Jennings; mother, Elaine Cook; sister, Tam Brooks and husband Luke; brother, Brad Cook and wife Leslie; brother, Randy Cook and wife Dawn; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman “Craig” Forrest; father, W.C. Cook; and sister-in-law, Kathy Dale Forrest.
There will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 PM. Services will be conducted by Dr. Danny Smith and interment will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers are Chuck Wilkes, Al Branch, Jr., Kenneth Ray Gill, Robin Burch, Mitch Small, and JoJo Norris.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Neurological Medical Rehabilitation Center in Baton Rouge, the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, and McKneely Funeral Home of Amite and Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice House (www.richardmurphyhospice.com) or the SLU Lady Lions PRIDE program, (SLU Women’s Basketball PRIDE, SLU Box 10309, Hammond, LA 70402).
A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family in Ponchatoula, LA. She was born December 6, 1923 in Gretna, LA and was 100 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Mildred Gaubert; 4 sons, Roy J. Gaubert, Jr., James Gaubert, Lionel Gaubert, and Melvin Gaubert, Sr.; 11 grandchildren, Warren, Anthony, Roddy, Heidi, Heddi, Jennifer, Bridgett, Aaron, Melvin, Ryan, Danielle; 15 great-grandchildren, Timothy, Kenneth, Seth, Thomas, Brittany, Aaron, Jr., Tabby, Leslie, Hannaha, Austin, Meghan, Abagail, Luke, Kyra, Melvin, Jr., and Lexi; 10 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Roy Gaubert, Sr.; son, Daniel Gaubert; grandson, Anthony Gaubert; parents, Joseph and Gladys Rogers Orgeron; 2 brothers, Ernest and Andrew Orgeron. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until 10:15AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30AM at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. Services conducted by Fr. Miles Walsh. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Seth Gaubert, Thomas Gaubert, Roddy Gaubert, Warren Gaubert, Melvin Gaubert, Jr., and Cody Wilkerson. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Gildra Mixon
December 10, 1940 – December 12, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born December 10, 1940 in Hammond, LA and was 83 years of age. She was retired from Lallie Kemp Medical Center. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and beloved fur babies. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Mixon (William), Jackie Bertone (Phillip Bertone), and Suzanne Coates (Jack Stilley); son, Stewart Wesley Mixon (Jamie Mixon); 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Vesta Stewart; numerous nieces and nephews; Pets, Gus, Sweet Pea and numerous cats. Preceded in death by her mother, Era Page Starkey; father, Ehlert Starkey; son, Jerry Paul Coates; husband, Stewart Mixon; sisters, Dale Covington and Melba Carrier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 15, 2023. Services conducted by Neil Barberio. Interment Hennesey Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Lynette Templet Costanza
Dec 12, 2023 Updated 17 hrs ago
Lynette Costanza (nee Templet), 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday the 9th of December 2023. She was surrounded by the people that loved her. Lynette was born on the 11th of November 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Lynette attended Redemptorist High School, and Louisiana State University. She is preceded in death by her loving parents Vernon and Sarah Templet.
Lynette retired from her career with the State of Louisiana as a Child Protection Agent, where she was a supervisor and dedicated to protecting children’s rights. She was involved in her local Catholic Church in Amite, LA, where she volunteered and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Through her career and volunteer work, she strived to embrace the principles of faith, justice and the equality and advancement of human dignity for all.
She loved to travel and explore new places with her friend, Ms. Teri Bass. They traveled to many places in the States and abroad. Visiting Ireland and another trip off the coast of Canada where they enjoyed whale-watching was a particular highlight of her many travels and adventures.
She was artistic and made stained glass, painted on glass, and was a talented jewelry designer.
Lynette was a loving Mother and Grandmother, she adored her family and was happiest when reading books, gardening, listening to music and being with her family.
Lynette is survived by her husband Salvador “Sonny” Costanza, as well as her three children and their families; Jessica and Islay; Candice and Wade, Caden and Leighton; Caleb and Kelly and Dallas.
Family and friends will be received at St. Helena Catholic Church, 120 S. First St., Amite, Louisiana 70422 on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 8:00 am until 10:15 am.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, 120 S. First St., Amite, Louisiana 70422 on Friday at 10:30 am.
Interment will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.
Lynette is the sweet lady who came to Kentwood with my sister to help will OCC.
Read the Bible
Week 47: Self Righteousness
Deuteronomy 8:11 – 9:6
“I would define self-righteousness as . . . .”
Lottie Moon
American missionary who served in China.
The yearly international offering was named for her because she constantly wrote to the International Mission Board about the shortage of money for missionaries and their projects. She was a small woman who basically starved so she could feed others. She died on a ship in Japan on December 24th as she was. traveling back to the US.
PRAYER MEETING
6 P.M. tonight at FBC, Kentwood
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Mary Fay Williams will be bringing her concert choir from OFA to sing at our church tomorrow night. I hope you will be able to attend too.
Remember, Jesus is the reason for this holiday season, not a bearded man in a red suit!
Continue to pray for Mrs. Theople Hurst, Brett Frazier, and Bro. Darryl Miller as they recover from surgery at home.
Also pray for Dorothy Wall and her family as well as the families of Pam Forrest and Lillie Estay.
Read the Bible
II Timothy 3: 1-7
Titus 3: 3
I John 2: 15-17
“That possession that is damaging my relationship to Jesus is . . . .”
Christmas Celebrations
Enjoy the celebrations of Jesus’ birth that are on your calendar this week. Remember, if you miss them this year it will be a whole year before you have another chance to enjoy them.
Don’t sit around and wait for someone to do something special for you. Get out and enjoy doing something for someone else.
Sunday School Scriptures
The Sunday School Scripture for Sunday are from Genesis 3. If. you have not been in class earlier this month, you might want to also read chapters 1 & 2.
If you don’t have a Sunday School classs, we have one for you. Ask me. I will gladly help you find one or classes for each of your family members.
Operation Christmas Child
It’s time to think about items for pencil bags. This includes, but is not limited to pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, and calculators. When you see any of these items, you might want to pick them up. You can hang your bag of purchases on the OCC room door (second door on right in hallway under the sanctuary).
Thanks to the lady who gave me money Saturday to make some of these purchases. You and your gift are appreciated!
Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Don’t forget the offering that goes 100% to support missionary work all around the world. This may be you best opportunity each year.
Enjoy the cooler weather.
You might want to check with someone who is unprepared for the cold weather. You might could help with broken pipes, move some plants, get an extra heater from storage, etc. It is always a good time to check on others who might need to have some light bulbs replaced.
Luke is one of the writers who shares the message of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 14: 15-22
“The earthy concern I put above spiritual concern is . . . .”
Prayer Concerns
It doesn’t seem like happy and sad times go together, but very often they do. Pray for families facing this reality this week.
Today, one family facing this reality is Dorothy Wall’s family as they bury her mother today in Bogalusa.
Please pray for each grieving family this week.
Obituaries
Lillie Ann Grabert Estay
November 10, 1937 – December 9, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Grace Nursing and Rehab in Slaughter, LA. She was born November 10, 1937 in Lockport, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Verna Estay Thompson and husband, Ladale; 3 sons, Michael Paul Estay and wife, Catherine, Joe Joseph Estay and wife, Paula, and Lionel Joseph Estay and wife, Michelle; 1 sister, Louella Grabert; 7 grandchildren, Landon Estay and wife, Alicia, Jarod Estay, Crystal Durbin and husband, Dusty, Jason Thompson and wife, Laura, Jacob Thompson and wife, Ashley, Gavin Estay and Gabriel Estay; step-granddaughter, Haley Broyles; 8 great-grandchildren, Abigail and Caleb Estay, Micah, Wyatt and Hallie Durbin, Cherokee and William Thompson, and John Thompson. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Paul Estay; parents, Wildon and Noelie Grabert; daughter, Veronica Estay; 2 great-grandchildren, Claire and Noah Estay; brothers and sisters, Leola Griffin, Lula Mae Griffin, Lorella Estay, Lorrina Folse, Deme’ Grabert, and Elyose Eschette. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Services conducted by Dr. Dusty Durbin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Kedron Baptist Church Children’s Playground, St. Jude’s, or the Alzheimer’s Association. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I understand the services for Pam Forrest will be Thursday at Spring Creek. Hopefully, there will be an obituary soon. Please say special prayers for Pam’s children in the coming days.
Prayer Update
Update on Mrs. Theople Hurst – She’s doing fairly well and is at home. She will appreciate your prayers for her family as you pray for her.
Children’s Program
The program last night was precious.
Many people were involved in practicing for and presenting the program.
The program was shared live online, so look of the church’s webpage on Facebook.
Thanks to the children, their parents, and the talented leaders who worked with the children, Those of who who only had to watch at the proper time were so blessed by the program and all those who worked to present it.
Have a great holiday! Say special prayer for those who need them.
“This world does not offer happiness because . . . .”
Prayer Focus
Please say a special prayers for the church children as they present their Christmas program tonight at 6:00 P.M. Join us in the sanctuary for this very special time.
Please continue to pray for:
Brett Frazier – Home and improving
Theople Hurst
Pam Forrest
Bro. Darryll
Mike Estay
Dorothy Wall’s family in loss of her mother
Estay family in the loss of their mother/grandmother
Family of Lynette Costanza
Death
My sister’s friend, Lynette Costanza, passed away. We’ve known her a long time. I will always remember Julie bringing Lynette to help with OCC at FBC, Kentwood. Lynette was so sweet and wanted to be helpful any way she could. I’ll share her obituary when one becomes available.
WOMEN on MISSION
The ladies of the association met at Spring Creek to learn more about the Lottie Moon Offering. We got to hear from and talk with the new state leader of WMU.
Please continue to pray for their work of the Lottie Moon Offering overseas and for the people here to give to continue international missions. Remember, 100% of you gift goes directly to support the internatilnal missions.
If you missed some of the videos, you can go back from this site and find the others.
Sunday Church Schedule at FBC, Kentwood
9:15 – Sunday School
10:15 – Worship
8:00 – Worship. Tonight we will have the Children’s Christmas Program.
Jessie “Merle” Rhoden Daley, a resident of Bogalusa, was called home on December 6, 2023. She was born on June 22, 1935 in Columbia, MS. She is survived by her children: Donnie Brewer, Carl Daley, Dorothy Wall of Kentwood, Cynthia Watkins, and Angela Pierce; her grandchildren: Michael Daley, Melissa Smith, Charlie Wall, Dru Wall, Jennifer Ciccio, Amanda Nevers, Tisha Jeansonne, Christopher Jeansonne, and Kyle Jeansonne; and numerous great-grandchildren. Merle was preceded in death by her husband: Mr. Andrew Daley; one son-in-law: Scott Watkins; and her granddaughter: Kristin Smith. Brown-McGehee Funeral Home was entrusted with final arrangements. Monday, December 11, 2023 a viewing will start at 10AM until the start of service at 1PM in the funeral home chapel. She will be laid to rest on December 11, 2023 at Hillview Cemetery in Bogalusa, LA. The following pallbearers will proudly serve Mrs. Merle Daley: Chase Nevers, Andy Nevers, Patrick Patterson, Chris Jeansonne, Josh Endsley, and Michael Daley.
Lottie Moon Luncheon
Spring Creek Baptist Church
10:00 A.M. this morning
All girls and ladies are invited.
Come learn about International Missions and Lottie Moon
Sharing Christmas
Today, let’s focus our thoughts on doing something special for those who will be alone for the holidays. Consider inviting them to participate in your celebration. You might take them a gift from you, your family, or your Sunday School class. You could share a meal or a portion of your meal with them. You night take them to a Christmas program at your church. These are ideas, but you can figure out what works best for you. The point is to show some special attention to others and to let them know they are loved.
Kid’s Christmas Program
Sunday at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for God to guide us to share Christmas with someone outside the family this Christmas. What a wonderful time to share Jesus and the plan of a heavenly home available to each of us!
“Considering life’s brevity, I value most . . . .”
Obituaries
Meredith “Ann” Viana Courtney
July 28, 1938 – December 4, 2023
Meredith “Ann” Viana Courtney, 85, of Amite passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family at North Oaks Medical Center on Monday, December 4, 2023. She was born July 28, 1938, in New Orleans. Her life touched everyone she encountered, and she left a legacy that will live in our hearts forever.
She came into the world as a miracle baby weighing 2 pounds and 11 ounces and spent her early life in Aruba. Her family moved back to the states for the birth of her brother. She attended Ursuline Academy, graduated high school from Ridgewood Preparatory School in 1956, and attended Dominican College before beginning her family. She married Kenneth Wayne Courtney on August 16, 1958 and moved to Amite where they made their life together. They were blessed with five children. She was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother who set an extraordinary example and taught many lessons. She embodied gentleness, kindness, humility, compassion, generosity, patience, and loyalty. She had a deep faith in the Catholic Church, her joy emanated from within, and her love for her family was unwavering.
She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and served on the church bereavement committee. She was a founding member of the Oak Forest Academy Teacher Parent Club and the Booster Club and spent countless hours volunteering in many roles to ensure their success. She enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards and pokeno with her friends, and cheering on the LSU Tigers. She welcomed everyone into her home with a hug and a smile and was happiest when surrounded by her family, who affectionately called her “The Queen of Hillsdale.”
She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Kenneth Courtney; her 5 children, Suzanne Courtney, Sherri Oliver and husband Stevie, Tobey Courtney, Toni Riley and husband Chris, and Kenneth Courtney, Jr. and wife Melissa; 10 grandchildren, Courtney Putnam and husband Alan, Brett Ruffino and wife Michele, Carrie Smith, Brandi Ray and husband Ashton, Brittany Holland and husband Drew, Ken Courtney III and wife Courtney, Lindsey Misita and husband Drew, Brianna Riley, Adam Courtney, and Laney Courtney; 14 great-grandchildren, Andrew Smith, Morgan Ruffino, Addison Smith, Wyatt Putnam, Eli Ray, Cooper Ruffino, Avery Smith, Brock Putnam, Cohen Ray, Landry Holland, Oliver Ray, Miles Misita, Rafe Holland, and Meredith Misita; honorary granddaughters Crystal Alexander and Whitney Guitrau; nephew JJ Viana and numerous other nieces, nephews and Godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel Viana and Meredith Ann Daigle Viana, brother Glenn Viana, grandson Blayne Courtney, son-in-law Rick Bogdal (Suzanne), and daughter-in-law, Doris Owen (Tobey).
Visitation will take place Sunday, December 10, 2023, at McKneely Funeral Home from 5:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will continue Monday, December 11, 2023, at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall with the recitation of the rosary at 9:30 a.m., visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church at noon celebrated by Father Miles Walsh. Burial will follow at Courtney Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brett Ruffino, Ken Courtney III, Adam Courtney, Alan Putnam, Ashton Ray, Drew Holland, and Drew Misita.
The family would like to thank her caregivers Jessie McClain and Lois Bell, Dr. Ray, and the doctors and staff at North Oaks for their exceptional and compassionate care.
If preferred to flowers, donations in her honor may be made to St. Helena Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Clyde Donald Dykes
January 27, 1956 – December 6, 2023
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Hospice of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born January 27, 1956 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his son, Wesley Dykes and wife, Tiffany; daughter, Jessica Dykes and Clayton Thornton; 4 grandchildren, Kaleb Dykes, Kaitlynn Dykes, Alayna Thornton, and Dakota Thornton; brothers, Walter Dykes and wife, Kathy, Raymond Dykes, and Mark Dykes and wife, Charlene; sisters, Betty Woodard, Elizabeth Hernandez and husband, Rudy, Denell Gill, and Kimberly Kelp. Preceded in death by his father, Clyde Dykes; mother, Nellie Perryman; brother, Sheldon Dykes; infant son, Baby Dykes. Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on keeping the right focus for the holiday season! Christmas is about JESUS!
Don’t Forget
WHO – Ladies, young to not so young, like me
WHAT – Lottie Moon Luncheon
WHEN – Saturday at 10 A.M.
WHERE – Spring Creek Baptist Church
WHY – Ladies gathering to focus on international missions
I hope to see you and yours there.
Have a wonderful day! Try to get some of the “real meaning of Christmas, in your life today!
The Prayer Link 
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