Category: WMU

Sunday Afternoon

I received a call saying Mrs. Irene Lascaro fell and broke her hip, for the third time.  She was being transported to the hospital at that time.  I do not have an update.  The third break will bring new challenges for her and for her surgeon.

You may not know “Miss” Irene, but I told you about the wonderful job she did sharing about Lottie Moon and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.  I was so glad to see her that day because I hadn’t seen her in a while.

Please say a special prayer or two for her this afternoon as decisions are made about how to deal with this latest fracture.

God’s Day

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

~Habakkuk 3:19~

 

 

 

 

Smiley Conerly and David talked last night.  Smiley’s diagnosis is lymphoma.  This week he will begin treatment.  Keep Smiley on your prayer list.

 

 

 

Pray for Debbie Miller Wilkinson.  She’s at M.D. Anderson for her monthly treatment/update.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 19

  • Genesis 39:1-41:16
  • Matthew 12:46-13:23
  • Psalm 17:1-15
  • Proverbs 3:33-35

 

 

Bro. Darryl Miller will be teaching the January Bible study at New Zion Baptist Church this morning and Sunday- Wednesday nights.

 

 

 

Announce the Two Rivers WMU meeting at your church.  Make plans to have some other ladies ride to East Fork with you for 10 A.M.  WMU ladies who passed away in the past year will be honored.

 

 

 

Have a great day doing what God would want you to do today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11~

 

 

 

Dr Ajanette Varnado is having cancer surgery today, please pray for her and her family

Shared by a TPL reader

We will certainly want to pray for her and her family today.

 

 

 

Milton “Buddy” Bel

January 26, 1945 – January 12, 2020

Milton Duaine “Buddy” Bel, mayor and lifelong resident of Amite, passed away at the age of 74 on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at North Oaks Medical Center. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and he, along with his wife, owned Cabby’s Restaurant for over 20 years. He was previously elected as a school board member and Amite City council member. Buddy was preceded in death by parents, Milton J. Bel and Gwen Evans Bel; brother, Richard; and brother-in-law, Dick Toups; nephews, Taylor Bel and Scott Toups. He is survived by his wife, Claire Anderson Bel; daughters, Leigh Anne Bel Lambert, Megan Bel Miller (Joel), and Molly Bel (Danny Strickland); sister, Betty Jo Toups; brother, Patrick Bel (Elena); and grandchildren, Marie, Hunter, and Jaden Lambert, and Parker and Caroline Miller. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amite First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice, in memory of Buddy Bel.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 15

  • Genesis 31:17-32:12
  • Matthew 10:24-11:6
  • Psalm 13:1-6
  • Proverbs 3:16-18

 

 

Don’t forget to bring extra 2020 calendars for the Tangipahoa Parish Jail ministry.

 

 

 

I worked on the donations for Operation Christmas Child yesterday.  I will post a running total after the end of the month.  You can leave your donations in the classroom next to the choir room or in one of the totes in the fellowship hall or under the stairwell to the balcony.

 

 

 

Looking forward to some of God’s sunshine today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Tuesday

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 

~2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV~

 

 

 

George Pike is having gamma knife surgery today.  Please remember him in your prayers.

 

 

 

Today, I would like to add two family members.

  • David’s brother-in-law, Harold Newman, is very sick.  Harold and Bonnie live in Bay St. Louis.
  • My first cousin, Scott Tolleson, is having surgery in Shreveport this morning. Scott is 63 and suffers from Huntington Disease.l

 

 

I haven’t mentioned the items I collect for a jail ministry.  Yesterday, someone asked if I was collecting 2020 calendars.  Yes, I would love to have them if you have some extra ones or find them at a good price.   Thanks for helping those in jail.

 

 

 

WMU Memorial Service & 
Quarterly Meeting, Monday,
January 20, 2020 @ 10:00
@ East Fork Baptist Church
If a WMU member in your church has passed on, please contact me by text or call me at 225-485-4648.
Come join us in honoring deceased members, bring a dish and bring a friend. Thank you!                                                                                                      Linda Graves of EFBC
Read the Bible in 2020 – January 14

 

  •  Genesis 30:1-31:16
  • Matthew 10:1-23
  • Psalm 12:1-8
  • Proverbs 3:13-15

 

 

 

God loves for us to be concerned about other people and to act with compassion.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“Today I am giving you a choice.

You can choose life and success or death and disaster.

I am commanding you to be loyal to the LORD,

to live the way he has told you,

and to obey his laws and teachings.

You are about to cross the Jordan River

and take the land that he is giving you.

If you obey him, you will live and become successful and powerful.”

 ~Deuteronomy 30:15-16 CEV~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 OR Listen to the Bible in 2020

Last night at church, Yvonne Birch told me she chose to use her phone app for the Bible readings and is enjoying it so much better than when she had to do the reading for herself.  She shared that the introduction before the reading brought you up-to-date and set the tone.  It takes only about 25 minutes.  I want to tell you how excited she is so you can reconsider reading and just listen.  For me, I choose to read so I can go at my own pace and mark in my Bible as I choose.  You see, the teacher in me knows that is my learning style.  I will probably try it just to give it a try.   You may want to do so too.

OneYearBibleOnline.com

Readings for January 6:

  • Genesis 13: 5 – 15:21
  • Matthew 5: 27-48
  • Psalm 6: 1-10
  • Proverbs 1: 29-33

 

 

 

WMU Quarterly Meeting – January 20th at EFBC at 10 A.M.

 

 

 

Frances Glass Day

November 03, 1936 – January 03, 2020

Frances Glass Day, a resident of Kentwood, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at her home. She was born November 3, 1936 in Alexandria, LA and was 83 years of age. Frances taught elementary school is Osyka, MS, Valley Forge Academy, and Tangipahoa Parish. She retired in 2003 after teaching elementary and migrant education in Tangipahoa Parish for over 20 years. Frances was a caring and loving teacher who in 1990 was recognized for her outstanding work in the migrant program by the Arkansas Department of Education in Little Rock, AR. She is survived by her daughter, Cherie Crawford and husband, Kenneth Crawford, Jr.; son, Tim Day and wife, Sylvia Day; grandchildren, Kenneth Crawford, III, and fiancé, Kim Vicaro, Celia Crawford Wortham and husband, Adam, Shelly Crawford Moritz and husband, Michael, and Christopher Crawford;  great-grandchildren, Naomi Wallace Moritz, Brennan Moritz, Caroline Frances Moritz, Henry Kyle Wortham, and William Scott Wortham; step-great-grandchildren, Brodie McElveen, Landon Bullock, Colton Bridges, and Sage Bridges; brother, George Glass and wife, Linda; and her beloved pet, Mari Anne. She was preceded in death by parents, Lee Otis Glass and Effie Glass; husband, Wallace Day; and son, Lee Scott Day.  Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday. Visitation will resume on Tuesday at Tangipahoa United Methodist Church from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Tangipahoa Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Crawford, III, Christopher Crawford, Adam Wortham, Michael Moritz, Brodie McElveen, and Landon Bullock. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

 

 

 

Margaret V. Givens

September 25, 1934 – January 03, 2020

Mrs. Margaret V. Givens, 85, of Osyka passed from this life on January 3, 2020 at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS.

Mrs. Margaret was born September 25, 1934 and was the daughter of Curtis Varnado and Hoyt Dickey Varnado. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she served as the Sunday School secretary for 41 years. She loved the Lord and loved to serve at her church. She loved to care for others, sending different cards to people, get well, birthday, anniversary, thank you and thinking of you etc. She also loved to sew and crotchet. She was a loving wife, sister and friend.

Preceding her death are her parents and two sisters, Beth Humphreys and Loraine Varnado.

She is survived by her husband of 51 good years, Mr. James “Jimmy” Givens of Osyka, MS and one nephew, Mark Humphreys and Marsha of Madison, MS and their children, Andrew, Brian and Leah.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 9AM until time of services at 11AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Osyka, MS. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. Bro. Melvin Rushing, Bro. Richie Fortenberry and Bro. Billy Ray Simmons will be officiating and Sharkey Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Rhodus, James Brumfield, Ben Strickland, Dale Sandifer, Darryl Sandifer and Mark Humphreys. Honorary Pallbearers will be her nephews.

Share condolences at sharkeyfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

Have a great day because if you are reading this, God gave you this day!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

But God is wise and good. 

Wise people understand

and they show that God is right.’

~Luke 7:35~

 

 

 

Macy Lee, daughter of Tim and Beth G. Lee, will be having her gall bladder removed on December 17th.  Please be in prayer for Macy and her family as they look ahead to this procedure.

 

 

 

Smiley Conerly will be having his surgery first thing in the morning.  Please cover him with your prayers.

 

 

 

The Lottie Moon Tea program yesterday involved lots of people.  The tables were beautiful!  My favorite part was the Lottie Moon Story by my friend and co-teacher of many years ago, Mrs. Irene Lascaro.  A surprise was a father/son singing group  who sang some Christmas songs.  Many of us met the Blounts for the first time yesterday.  I think we’ll be seeing more of them.  Thanks to all you participated in the program and in preparations.  Thanks to others who just came.  It’s hard to cover every minute of the event, but let me end by saying, all together, it was a beautiful event.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – December 8 – Psalm 72: 1-7

 

 

 

Tonight at 6 P.M., the children of FBC, Kentwood will present their annual Christmas program.  You are invited to come.  May lives be touched by this experience, especially young lives of those involved.

 

 

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 8 – https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-8/

 

 

 

Today, we will read Luke 8.

Luke 8

The women that helped Jesus

1 After this, Jesus went to visit many towns and villages. He told people the good news about the kingdom of God. The 12 disciples were going round with him. 2 Some women were also travelling with them. These women had been ill, but Jesus had made them well again. One of the women was Mary from Magdala. Jesus had sent seven bad spirits away from her. 3 Another of the women was Joanna, the wife of Chuza. Chuza had authority over all the people that worked in the house of King Herod. Another of the women was Susanna. There were also many others. These women were using their own money to help Jesus and his disciples.

A story about a farmer that planted seeds

4 Lots of people were coming to Jesus from many towns. A large crowd had already come together when Jesus told this story:

5 ‘A farmer went out to plant seeds in his field. While he was throwing the seeds, some of them fell on the path. Then people walked on them. Birds came down and they ate those seeds. 6 Some seeds fell on ground with rocks in it. They started to grow. But the young plants died because the ground was not wet enough in that place. 7 Some seeds fell among thorn bushes. Those bushes grew up with the young plants. They stopped the seeds from growing into strong plants. 8 But some seeds fell on good soil. Strong plants grew from those seeds. Each of these plants made 100 seeds.’

When Jesus finished the story, he said, ‘You have ears, so listen well to what I say!’

Jesus explains why he tells stories

9 Jesus’ disciples asked him about this story. They asked him what it meant. 10 Jesus replied, ‘God has let you know what these stories mean. You understand how God rules in the lives of his people. But other people only listen to my stories. They look, but they do not really see clearly. They hear the words, but they do not really understand.’

Jesus explains the story about the seeds

11 Jesus went on to say, ‘This is what the story means: The seeds are like the message from God. 12 Some seeds fell on the path. That is like some people who hear the message, but they do not think about it. The Devil comes and he takes the message away from their minds. He takes it away so that they cannot believe it. Because they do not believe the message, God does not save them.

13 Some seeds fell on ground with rocks in it. This is like people who hear the message from God and they are very happy for a time. But they are like plants that have not grown down well into the soil. They believe in God for a short time. But when they have any problems, they stop believing.

14 Some seeds fell among thorn bushes. This is like some other people who hear the message from God. But they start to have many troubles in their minds about how they will live. They want to get more money and more things. They think that this will make them happy. So they do not let God’s message change them. They are like plants that do not grow into strong plants.

15 But some seed fell on good soil. This is like other people that hear the message from God. They understand the message and they keep it in their minds. They are good and honest. They continue to believe and do not go back. These people are like a good plant that grows well and makes lots of new seeds.’

16 Jesus went on to say, ‘People do not light a lamp and then cover it. They do not put the lamp under a pot or under a bed. Instead, they put it in a high place. Then other people that come into the room can see the light from the lamp.

17 God hides some things now. But there will be a time when people will see them. God keeps some things secret now. But there will be a time when people will understand those things clearly.

18 So you should think carefully about what you hear. The person who has received some things will receive more. But some other people have nothing. They think that they have a little bit. But they will lose even that.’

The mother and brothers of Jesus come to see him

19 Then Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to see him. But they could not reach him because of the large crowd of people who were there. 20 Someone told Jesus, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside. They want to see you.’

21 Jesus replied, ‘I will tell you who my mother and brothers really are. My mother and my brothers are those people who hear God’s message and do what he wants.’

Jesus stops a storm

22 One day, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples. He said to them, ‘We should go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they started to cross the lake. 23 While they sailed in the boat, Jesus began to sleep. Then a strong wind started to blow across the lake. Water began to fill the boat and they were in danger. 24 So the disciples went to Jesus and they woke him. ‘Master, master, we are going to die here in the water!’ they said.

Then Jesus got up and he spoke strongly to the wind and to the water. ‘Stop!’ he said. The wind stopped immediately and the water became flat. 25 Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Why do you not believe in me?’

All this frightened the disciples and they were very surprised. They asked each other, ‘Who is this man? He even tells the wind and the water what to do. He speaks and they obey him!’

Jesus makes a man well

26 Jesus and his disciples went to the place where the Gerasene people lived. This place is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus got out of the boat there, a man from the town came towards him. Bad spirits were living inside him. He had not worn any clothes for a long time. He did not live in a house. Instead, he lived in a place where they buried dead people. 28 When he saw Jesus, he screamed. Then he went down on his knees in front of Jesus and said in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, you are the Son of the powerful God above! We have nothing in common! Please do not hurt me.’ 29 He said that because Jesus had already said to the bad spirit, ‘Come out of this man.’

The bad spirit had often taken hold of the man and people watched him carefully. They held his feet with metal chains. But when the bad spirit took hold of him, he often broke the chains. The bad spirit then caused him to go into the wilderness.

30 Jesus asked the man, ‘What is your name?’ The man replied, ‘My name is Army.’ He said this because very many bad spirits had gone into him. 31 These bad spirits asked Jesus not to send them away to the world below.

32 There was a large group of pigs there and they were eating on the hill. The bad spirits asked Jesus, ‘Let us go into the pigs.’ Jesus replied, ‘You can go into them.’ 33 So the bad spirits came out of the man and they went into the pigs. All the pigs rushed together down the hill into the lake. They all died there in the water.

34 The men who were taking care of the pigs saw this happen. They ran away. They told the people in the town and in the villages what had happened. 35 So the people went out from these places to see what had happened. They came to Jesus. The man that the bad spirits had come out of was sitting there, beside Jesus’ feet. Now he was wearing clothes and his mind was well again. When the people saw this, they were afraid. 36 Some people had seen Jesus make the man well. They told the other people how he had done this. 37 Then all the Gerasene people who lived in that place said to Jesus, ‘Please go away and leave us.’ They said this because they were very afraid. So, Jesus got back into the boat so that they could leave that place. 38 Then the man that the bad spirits had gone out from said to Jesus, ‘Please let me come with you.’ But Jesus replied, ‘No. 39 You must return to your home. Tell everyone about all that God has done for you.’

So the man went away. He went everywhere in the town and told all the people, ‘Jesus has done very good things for me.’

Jesus makes a young girl well

40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the crowd was very happy to see him. They were all waiting for him to come back. 41 Then a man called Jairus came to see him. He was a leader at the Jewish meeting place. He went down on his knees at the feet of Jesus and said, ‘Please come to my house. 42 I have one daughter. She is 12 years old and she is very ill. She will die very soon.’

So Jesus went along. A crowd of people went with him and they were pushing against him. 43 There was a sick woman in the crowd who had lost blood for 12 years. She had paid all her money to doctors and she had no money left. But nobody could help her to become well again. 44 She came in the crowd behind Jesus and she touched the edge of his coat. Immediately she stopped bleeding. 45 Jesus asked, ‘Who touched me?’

Everyone round him said, ‘It was not me. I did not touch you.’ Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, there is a big crowd round you. Many people are pushing against you.’

46 Jesus said, ‘Someone did touch me. I felt it when something powerful went out from me.’ 47 The woman knew that she could not hide herself. So she was very afraid. She came to Jesus and she went down on the ground in front of him. She spoke so that all the people could hear her. She said, ‘I wanted to be well again, so I touched him. When I did that, I became well immediately.’ 48 Jesus said to her, ‘Young woman, you are well again because you believed in me. Do not have any more troubles in your mind.’

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone arrived from Jairus’ house. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he told Jairus. ‘Do not ask the teacher to come now.’

50 Jesus heard what the man said. So he said to Jairus, ‘Do not be afraid. Just believe in me. Then she will become well again.’

51 When they arrived at the house, Jesus would not let everyone go in. He took only Peter, John and James. He also let the mother and father of the girl go into the house. 52 All the people there were crying loudly because they were very sad. ‘Do not cry,’ Jesus told them. ‘The child is not dead. She is only asleep.’

53 But the people knew that she had died. So they laughed at him. 54 But Jesus went and held the child’s hand. He said to her, ‘My child, get up.’ 55 Then she became alive again. Immediately she stood up. Jesus said to her parents, ‘Give her something to eat.’ 56 They were very surprised. Jesus said to them very strongly, ‘You must not tell anyone about what has happened.’

 

 

 

Jesus is the reason for this great Christmas season!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:40~

 

 

Charles Howell McGregor

December 24, 1939 – December 06, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. He was born December 24, 1939 in Clarksdale, MS and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Brecheen McGregor; daughter, Dawn McGregor Bridges and husband, Oscar; son, Jay Michael McGregor and wife, Lisa; step-sons, Gary Conleay and wife, Emily, Randy Conleay and wife, Debra, and Justin Lehmann and wife, Courtney; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy McGregor Bourgeois; former son in law, Clayton Blades. Preceded in death by his parents, Prentiss and Thelma McGregor; son, Mark Howell McGregor; step-daughter, Audrey Conleay Lehmann; grandsons, Hunter McGregor and Aaron Cole Lehmann; sister, Marteen McGregor Ainsworth; and a special niece, Kim Brun. Special thanks to Diontrinise “Mooky” Westbias and the staff at St. Helena Parish Hospital. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 13, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Burdette Thomas. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Warren Hovis, Josh Conleay, Cody Waller, Quincy Hodges, III, Evan Lynn and Robert Strickland. Honorary Pallbearers will be Logan McGregor and Ryan McGregor. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

The annual Lottie Moon Tea is TODAY!  

  1. Spring Creek Baptist Church
  2. 2:00 P.M.
  3. Be inspired by the life of a great missionary lady in China.
  4. Get in the Christmas spirit with carols.
  5. Enjoy sitting at a beautifully decorated table.
  6. See wonderful friends from throughout our association.

 

 

Scripture Writing – December 7 – Jeremiah 33: 14-16

 

 

 

LMCO – Day 7 – https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-7/

 

 

 

Special December Bible Reading – Luke 7

A Roman officer believes that Jesus can help him

1 After Jesus had finished speaking to the people, he went to Capernaum. 2 A Roman officer there had a servant that he liked very much. The servant was very ill and he was dying.

3 The officer heard about Jesus, so he sent some important Jews to speak to him. ‘Please go to Jesus,’ he said to them. ‘I would like him to make my servant well. Ask him if he would come to do that.’ 4 The Jewish leaders went to Jesus. They asked him, ‘Please would you do something to help this Roman officer. 5 He loves the Jewish people. He himself built a meeting place for us.’

6 So, Jesus went with them. When he was not very far away from the house, the officer sent some friends to talk to him. He told them to say to Jesus, ‘Sir, I do not want to be a trouble to you. I am not good enough for you to come into my house. 7 That is why I did not come to talk to you myself. Instead, just say that my servant will get better. I know that he will then be well again. 8 In my work, someone has authority over me. I also have authority over other soldiers. I say to one soldier, “Go!” and he goes. I say to another one, “Come!” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this!” and he does it.’

9 When Jesus heard this message from the officer, he was very surprised. He turned towards the crowd that was following him. He said to them, ‘I tell you, I have not found anyone like this man in all of Israel. Nobody else believes in me as well as he does.’

10 The friends of the officer then returned to his house. When they arrived there, they saw that the servant was well again.

Jesus makes a dead man alive again

11 The next day, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large group of other people went with him. 12 When he had almost reached the gate of the town, lots of people were coming out. They were carrying a dead man on a mat. They were going to bury him. His mother had no other sons and her husband was also dead. A large crowd of people from the town were going with her.

13 When the Lord Jesus saw her, he felt very sorry for her. He said to her, ‘Do not cry.’ 14 He went to the box and he touched it. The people who were carrying the box stopped. Jesus said, ‘Young man, I am telling you, get up!’ 15 Immediately, the dead man sat up and he began to talk. Jesus then gave him back to his mother.

16 Everyone there was very afraid. They praised God and said, ‘A great prophet of God has appeared among us. God has come to save his people!’

17 This news about Jesus went all through Judea. The people in the places that were near there also heard about it.

Jesus talks about John the Baptist

18 Then some disciples of John the Baptist went to visit him in prison. They told him about all the things that Jesus was doing. So John chose two of them to go to the Lord Jesus for him. 19 He said to them, ‘I want you to ask Jesus, “Are you the special person that God is sending to us? If not, should we still look for someone else?” ’

20 So the two men came to Jesus. They said to him, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you. He wants us to ask you, “Are you the special person that God is sending to us? If not, should we still look for someone else?” ’

21 At that time, Jesus was making many people well. They had many different illnesses. Some had bad spirits in them. Jesus also caused many blind people to see again. 22 Then he said to the two men that John had sent, ‘Go back to John. Tell him what you have seen. Tell him what you have heard. Blind people can now see again. People that could not walk can now walk again. People who had a bad illness of the skin are now well again. Deaf people can now hear again. People who had died now live again. Poor people are hearing God’s good news. 23 If anyone believes in me and does not turn away, he will be really happy.’

24 The two disciples of John then left. Jesus spoke to the crowd about John. He said to them, ‘You went out to the wilderness. What did you go there to see? Was it a tall piece of grass which the wind was blowing this way and that? No, you did not go to see that. 25 So, did you go to see a man who was wearing expensive clothes? No! People like that do not live in the wilderness. They have many beautiful things and they live in great houses. 26 So, what did you go to see? Did you go to see a prophet sent by God? Yes! But I tell you, John was even more important than a prophet. 27 This is what they wrote about him a long time ago in the Bible, when God said:

“Listen! I will send someone to go in front of you.

He will speak my message.

He will prepare a way for you.” ’

28 Jesus also said to the people, ‘I tell you, John is greater than any person who has ever lived up to now. But now anyone who belongs in the kingdom of God is greater than John, even the least important of them.’

29 Many people heard what Jesus said. Even the men who took taxes on behalf of the government agreed with his message. They had asked John to baptize them. They all said, ‘What God says about us is right.’ 30 But the Pharisees and the men that studied God’s Law did not want John to baptize them. They did not believe the message that God was giving to them.

31 Jesus continued to teach. He said, ‘I will talk to you about the people that are alive today. I will tell you what they are like. 32 They are like children who are sitting in the market place. They are playing games. They shout to other children,

“We made happy music on a flute for you,

but you did not dance.

Then we sang a sad song but you did not cry.”

33 You are like those children. When John the Baptist came, he often did not eat food for a time. He never drank wine. So you say that John has a bad spirit in him. 34 Then I, the Son of Man, came. I both eat and I drink. So you say about me, “Look at this man! He eats too much and he drinks too much. He is a friend of bad people and men who take taxes on behalf of the government.” 35 But God is wise and good. Wise people understand and they show that God is right.’

A woman pours expensive oil on Jesus

36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat a meal with him. So Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down to eat. 37 In that town was a woman who had done many wrong things. She heard that Jesus was eating a meal at the house of the Pharisee. So she took a small stone jar with oil in it, and she went there. The oil had a very nice smell. 38 She went into the house and she stood behind Jesus. She was crying and she made his feet wet with her tears. Then she made his feet dry again with her hair and she kissed them. She then poured the oil out of the jar on to his feet. 39 When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, ‘This man cannot be a prophet from God. If he were, he would know all about this woman. He would know that she is a very bad person. He would not let her touch him.’

40 Jesus said to him, ‘Simon, I want to tell you something.’ Simon replied, ‘Yes, Teacher, tell me.’ So Jesus told him a story about two men:

41 ‘Someone had lent two men some money. He had lent one of them 500 silver coins. He had lent the other one 50 coins. 42 Neither of the men had enough money to pay him back. Then the man that had lent them the money forgave them. “You do not need to pay back my money,” he said to them both.’

Jesus then asked Simon, ‘Which of these two men will love that man most?’ 43 Simon replied, ‘I think that it is the man that needed to pay back the most money.’

‘You are right,’ Jesus said. 44 Then he turned towards the woman. ‘You see this woman,’ he said to Simon. ‘When I came into your house, you did not give me water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and she has dried them with her hair. 45 You did not say “Hello” to me with a kiss. But this woman began to kiss my feet when she came in. And she has not stopped. 46 You did not put oil on my head. But she has brought oil with a nice smell and put it on my feet. 47 So I tell you, this woman has done many bad things. But I have forgiven them. She loves me a lot, because I have forgiven her a lot. If I only forgive someone a little, that person only loves me a little.’

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, ‘Woman, I forgive you for all the bad things that you have done.’

49 The other people at the meal talked among themselves. They said, ‘Who is this man? Can he really forgive the bad things that people have done?’

50 Jesus said to the woman, ‘You have believed in me, so God has saved you. You may go now, and be happy.’

 

 

 

Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Tea!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,

obeyed and went,

even though he did not know where he was going.”

 ~Hebrews 11:8 NIV~

 

 

 

Josiah Huckaby (written by his mom)

This boy was quite the little character last night! I was able to get a couple of videos of him “talking”. Shaking his head NO is definitely a favorite activity. He’s getting better at 1 syllable sounds (mostly yeah but he has started making some consonant sounds) & I even got “da” out of him last night.

Since his vent pressures are still a bit too high for him to start working with a speak valve (which changes the airflow so that air can pass over his vocal cords allowing him to talk with a trach), we have an evaluation next week to see if he qualifies for an AAC device to help him communicate his wants & needs with us while he is technically non-verbal. It will most likely be some type of tablet with special software that allows him to pick from several options on a grid. We are really excited about this opportunity!!!

 

 

 

Willie Hebert is my cousin Fran’s husband.  He has been having some health issues lately and will be having some important tests on the 12th and 13th.  Please pray for Willie and Fran.

 

 

 

Floyd Fowler continues to have issues with pneumonia.  Pray for him and his doctor as he works for a solution.

 

 

 

John Truman Causey

December 31, 1930 – December 03, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born December 31, 1930 in Kentwood, LA and was 88 years of age. He was a U.S. Army Veteran during Korea. He was a dairy farmer, worked for the State of Louisiana in the Office of Motor Vehicles, and served as a bailiff for Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was a mason in the Spring Creek Masonic Lodge and a member and former Deacon for East Fork Baptist Church. He is survived by 3 nieces, Laurie G. Speed, Rae Lynn G. Simeon and Leslie G. Colvin; sister-in-laws, May Hoppe, Patty McDaniel and Nita McDaniel; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie McDaniel Causey; parents, Derrick and Carrie Adams Causey; 2 sisters, Ruby May Gill and Ada Causey. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:30AM on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Ernest Graham. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mr John and “Miss” Margie were camping friends with my parents for many years.  We called momma, “Momma Dot”.  Since my momma passed away, Mr. John has called me “Momma Dot”.  He wasn’t confused, just letting me know seeing me reminded him of my momma.  By the way, I don’t look like her.

 

 

 

The Lottie Moon Christmas Tea will be Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2 P.M.  Ladies, young to old, are invited to join in the special day.

 

 

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 

https://montgomeryfbc.org/2019-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-week-of-prayer-day-5/

 

 

 

 

Luke 5

Jesus asks some men to go with him

1 One day, Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. A crowd was pushing to get near to him. They were listening to him. He was speaking God’s message to them.

2 Jesus saw two fishing boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left the boats there and they were now washing their nets.

3 One of the boats belonged to Simon. Jesus climbed into it. He asked Simon to push it away from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and he started to teach the people.

4 When Jesus finished teaching, he said to Simon, ‘Now take the boat out into deep water. Then put the nets into the water to catch some fish.’

5 Simon replied, ‘Teacher, we worked all last night and we did not catch anything. But because you say it, I will put the nets into the water again.’ 6 So they went and they put the nets down into the water. When they did that, they caught many fish. There were so many fish that the nets began to break. 7 So Simon shouted to the other fishermen that worked with him. ‘Come here!’ he said, ‘We need you.’ When they saw that, the men came in their boat. They filled both boats with the fish. There were so many fish that the boats began to go down under the water. 8 When Simon saw all the fish, he went down on his knees in front of Jesus. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘I am a bad man. So please go away from me.’

9 Simon said this because he was very surprised. He was surprised because they had caught so many fish. His friends in the other boat were also very surprised. 10 James and John were very surprised too. They were Zebedee’s sons and they worked with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. You have been catching fish. From now on you will catch people!’

11 After that, they went and they pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything behind and they went with Jesus.

A man with a bad illness of his skin

12 One day, Jesus was in a certain town. A man with a bad illness of the skin was there.

When the man saw Jesus, he threw himself down on the ground in front of him. He said, ‘Sir, if you want, you can make me well again. Please do it.’

13 Jesus put out his hand towards the man and he touched him. He said, ‘I do want to help you. Be clean again!’ Immediately, the illness left the man. 14 ‘Do not tell anyone about this,’ Jesus said to him. ‘Instead, go and show yourself to the priest. Take a gift to him for God. Moses taught the people what gift to take to God when they are clean again after this kind of illness. This will show everyone that you are now well again.’

15 After this, more and more people started to hear the news about Jesus. Crowds were coming to hear him teach. Sick people also wanted him to make them well. 16 But Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places.

Jesus makes well a man that cannot walk

17 One day, while Jesus was teaching in someone’s house, many people were sitting there. Some of them were Pharisees. Other people were teachers of God’s Law. They had come from many villages in Galilee, and from Judea and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there with Jesus to make sick people well.

18 Then some men arrived. They were carrying a man on a mat. The man could not walk or move his legs. They tried to get into the house, because they wanted to bring the man to Jesus. 19 But the house was full of people, and they could not get in. So, they carried the man on to the flat roof of the house. Then they made a hole in the roof. After that, they put the mat down through the hole. The man was still lying on it. He came down in the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 Jesus saw them. He knew that they believed in him. So he said to the sick man, ‘My friend, I forgive you for the wrong things that you have done.’

21 The Pharisees and the teachers of God’s Law were there. They heard what Jesus said. So they began to think among themselves, ‘Who is this man? He is speaking as if he is God. Only God can forgive people for the wrong things that they have done.’ 22 Jesus knew what these men were thinking. He told them, ‘You should not be thinking these things. 23 I said to this man, “I forgive you for the wrong things that you have done.” Instead, I could have said to him, “Stand up and walk.” Which one is easier for me to say? 24 But I want you to know this. I, the Son of Man, have authority here on earth. I can forgive people for the wrong things that they have done.’

Then he said to the man who could not walk, ‘I am saying to you, “Stand up. Pick up your mat and go home!” ’

25 Immediately, the man stood up in front of them all. He picked up the mat that he had been lying on. He went home. He was praising God as he went. 26 What had happened surprised everyone. They said, ‘God is great and powerful! We have seen very strange and special things happen today.’

Jesus asks Levi to come with him

27 After this happened, Jesus went away from that house. He saw a man that took taxes from people on behalf of the government. He was working in his office. His name was Levi. Jesus said to him, ‘Come with me and be my disciple.’ 28 So Levi got up and he went with Jesus. He left everything behind.

29 Soon after this, Levi made a large meal for Jesus at his house. Many people also came and they were eating with them there. Many of these people also took taxes on behalf of the government. 30 Some Pharisees and teachers of God’s Law saw them there. So they said to Jesus’ disciples, ‘You eat and drink with these bad people and men who take taxes on behalf of the government. That is not right.’

31 Jesus answered them, ‘People who are well do not need a doctor. It is people who are ill that need a doctor. 32 Some people think that they always obey God. I have not come to help people like that. Some people know that they have done wrong things. I am asking those people to come to me for help. I want them to change how they live.’

33 Then the Jewish leaders said to Jesus: ‘The disciples of John the Baptist often stop eating food for a time. Then they can pray to God a lot. The disciples of the Pharisees also do that. But your disciples never do that. They continue to eat and drink every day.’

34 Jesus answered them, ‘When a man marries a wife, his friends cannot refuse to eat food at that time. Nobody can stop them from eating while he is with them. 35 But there will be a time when people will take that man away from his friends. Then they will stop eating food.’

36 Jesus told them this story: ‘Nobody tears a piece of cloth from a new coat to mend an old coat. If he does that, he will have torn the new coat. Also, the piece of cloth from the new coat will not look the same as the old coat.

37 And nobody pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does that, the new wine will tear the old wineskins. He will lose the wine and the wineskins will also spoil. 38 Instead, you must put new wine into new wineskins.

39 Also, nobody wants to drink new wine after he has drunk old wine. He will say, “The old wine is much better.” ’

 

 

 

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

~Galatians 6:9 NIV~

 

 

 

Carl Wayne Stevens, 76, beloved husband and father, left this world peacefully to be with Jesus surrounded by his beloved wife and children on December 2, 2019. He entered this world on August 3, 1943 in Magnolia, MS, born to Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens.

He is survived by his wife Nora Hodges Stevens; his children, Carl W. “Rusty” Stevens II, M.D. (wife Cherilon) of Laurel, MS, Julee Stevens Pousson (husband Mitch) of Nashville, TN, Micah Stevens (wife Mica) of Laurel, MS, Matthew Stevens, M.D. (wife Lindsey) of Tupelo, MS; his grandchildren, Ben Stevens, M.D. (wife LeighAnn), Sara Beth Stevens, Mitchell Pousson II, Madeline Pousson, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, AmyBelle Stevens, Eli Stevens, Parker Stevens, Sawyer Stevens, Addison Kate Stevens; his sister, Denise Stevens of Houston, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents Amy Belle and Wayne Stevens and his brother Preston David Stevens of Kentwood, LA.

Carl owned and operated a dairy farm for 29 years while also working as a rural mail carrier for 22 of those years. After retiring and moving to Laurel, MS he began a new career as owner and operator of Daylight Donuts. Carl was an absolute joy to everyone who knew him. He was known for his wit, kindness, sincere love for and acceptance of all. He put special emphasis on his relationship with his sister, children, and each of his grandchildren. He deeply loved and cherished Nora, his one true love of over 55 years and the life they built together. He loved well and was loved well.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Carl with his family during visitation at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS, on Friday, December 6th from 12:00 – 2:30 pm. Services will begin at 2:30 pm with interment to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pall Bearers will be; Ben Stevens, M.D., Mitch Pousson, Mitchell Pousson II, Christian Pousson, Preston Stevens, Mike Moise, Terry Bridges, Larry Sanders.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to: The American Heart Association and The American Lung Association.

1 Cor 13:13 – And now these three remain – faith, hope, love. But the greatest of these is love.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Our shoeboxes were sent to Dallas for processing.  Boxes from there appear to be going to Central America, as usual, because that area is closer to Dallas than other processing centers.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – December 4 – Isaiah 11: 6-10

 

 

 

Bible chapter to read today – Luke 4

Luke 4

The Devil tries to make Jesus do wrong things

1 Then Jesus returned from the river Jordan. He was full of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness. 2 He stayed there for 40 days and he did not eat anything. During this time the Devil tried to cause Jesus to do wrong things. At the end of 40 days, Jesus was very hungry.

3 The Devil said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, speak to this stone. Tell it to become bread.’

4 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says that food alone cannot cause people to live.’

5 After that, the Devil led Jesus up to a high place. In one moment, he showed Jesus all the countries in the whole world. 6 He said to Jesus, ‘I will let you rule the whole world. I will give you power over all these things. That power all belongs to me. So, I can give it to anyone that I choose. 7 Just go down on your knees and worship me. Then I will give you power over the whole world.’

8 ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘The Bible says,

“Only worship your Lord God.

He is the only one that you should obey.” ’

9 The Devil now took Jesus to Jerusalem. He took him to stand on the highest part of God’s Great House. Then he said to Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump down from here to the ground. 10 You know that the Bible says:

“God will tell his angels to keep you safe.”

11 “They will hold you safely in their hands.

They will not let you hurt your foot on a stone.” ’

12 ‘No!’ Jesus replied. ‘The Bible says,

“Do not do a foolish thing to see if your Lord God will save you.” ’

13 The Devil tried to make Jesus do many wrong things like that. When he had finished this, he left Jesus alone for a time.

Jesus goes to Nazareth

14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee. The Holy Spirit continued to give him power. Everyone who lived near there heard the news about him. 15 He taught people in the Jewish meeting places. Everyone said good things about him.

16 Jesus went to Nazareth, the town where he had grown up. On the Jewish day for rest, he went to their meeting place. This was what he usually did. He stood up to read aloud from the Bible.

17 They gave him the book of messages that God had given to his prophet Isaiah. Jesus opened the book. He found the place where Isaiah wrote:

18 ‘The Spirit from the Lord God is on me.

He has chosen me to tell good news to poor people.

He has sent me to tell people who are in prison, “You can go free!”

I must say to people that cannot see, “See again!”

I must cause people that are like slaves to become free.

19 I must tell everyone, “This is the year when God will be kind to his people.” ’

20 When Jesus had read this to the people, he closed the book. He gave it back to an officer of the meeting place. Then he sat down to teach the people. Everyone in the meeting place was looking carefully at him.

21 Jesus said to them, ‘Today this message has become true. It has happened while you were listening.’

22 Everyone was talking about Jesus. They were surprised at the good way in which he spoke. They said to each other, ‘He is really only the son of Joseph. Isn’t that true?’

23 Jesus then said to them, ‘Now you will tell me the proverb, “Doctor, make yourself well!” You will also say, “We have heard that you did many surprising things in Capernaum. This is your home town, so do the same things here!” 24 I tell you this, people do not accept a prophet of God who comes from their own town.

25 What I tell you is true. There were many widows in the country of Israel when Elijah was alive. At that time, it did not rain for three and a half years. So people were very hungry in all the country. 26 But God did not send Elijah to help a widow in Israel. Instead, God sent Elijah to the country called Sidon. There he helped a widow in a place called Zarephath.

27 Here is another example: When God’s prophet Elisha was alive, there were many people in Israel with a bad illness of the skin. But God did not make any of them well. Instead, he made a man well who was from the country called Syria. That man was called Naaman.’

28 The people in the meeting place heard what Jesus said. They became very angry. 29 They stood up and they made him leave the town. They took him to the top of the hill where the town was. They wanted to throw him over the edge to the bottom. 30 But Jesus walked through the middle of the crowd and he went away.

Jesus causes a bad spirit to leave a man

31 Jesus went to a town in Galilee called Capernaum. On the Jewish day for rest, he taught the people there. 32 The people were very surprised at the things that Jesus taught them. He spoke with authority. 33 In the meeting place was a sick man. He had a spirit of a bad demon that was living inside him. The spirit caused the man to shout loudly. 34 He said, ‘Jesus from Nazareth, leave us alone! Do not destroy us! I know who you are. You are God’s Holy One!’

35 Jesus said to the spirit, ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man!’ Then the bad spirit caused the man to fall to the ground in front of the people. It came out of the man but it did not hurt him.

36 All the people were very surprised and they said to each other, ‘Listen to what this man says! He has power and authority. He tells bad spirits to come out of people, and they come out.’ 37 So, they began to tell everyone about Jesus. Because of this, people in all the places near Capernaum heard the news about Jesus.

Jesus makes many people well

38 Jesus then left the meeting place and he went to Simon’s home. The mother of Simon’s wife was ill and her body was very hot. So, they asked Jesus to make her well. 39 Jesus came and he stood near her. He told the illness to go away and immediately she was well again. She got up and she prepared food for her visitors.

40 When the sun was going down, people in the town brought to Jesus all those people who were ill. They had many different kinds of illness. Jesus put his hands on each ill person and they became well again.

41 Also, bad spirits came out of many people. They were shouting, ‘You are the Son of God.’ The spirits knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Because of this, Jesus stopped them. He would not let them speak.

42 Early the next morning, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone. The people went to look for him. When they found him they said, ‘Do not leave us! Please stay here with us.’ 43 Jesus replied, ‘I must go to other towns to tell everyone the good news. I will tell them how God rules in the lives of his people. That is what God sent me to do.’

44 Then he travelled to many towns in the country called Judea. He went into the Jewish meeting places and taught people there.

 

 

 

Special Christmas related activities involving FBC, Kentwood this week:

  • Christmas lunch at the church this morning at 11 for senior adults
  • Lottie Moon Tea – Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 2 P.M.

 

 

 

Yesterday was assigned a title. “Giving Tuesday”.  Please don’t limit your giving to one day a year!  Give of yourself regularly and without needing a special designation.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” 

~Hebrews 11:1 NCV~

 

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” 

~Proverbs 3:5 HCSB~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for Nov. 24 – James 1: 17-18

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child:  Monday ends the time to take your boxes to a collection site in 2019.  FBC, Kentwood will be receiving “shoeboxes” today from 4-6 P.M. and tomorrow from 8-10 A.M.  I can’t explain to you how excited I am that boys and girls get “shoeboxes”, a chance to learn about Jesus, and an opportunity to take Jesus into their heart.  I appreciate how much love many of you have put into packing your shoeboxes.

 

 

 

This morning Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast.  There is no charge for the breakfast, but donations are taken to help a family with a need.  This is a great ministry of the ladies of Pine Ridge.  They have been helping families for many years this way.

 

 

 

The Two Rivers Associational Annual Lottie Moon Tea will be Saturday, December 7th at two o’clock at Spring Creek Baptist Church.  Ladies and girls, plan to attend.  You don’t want to miss this special event.

 

 

 

Thankfulness – Day 24 – Family gatherings!  Yesterday, David’s family had a family gathering.  It was a time to enjoy watching the children play, introducing some new family members into the family, to show respect to those who have now become the older generation, and to lovingly think back sweet memories of those who are no longer with us.  Of course, there were lots of hugs and too much good food, but that’s the way families treat each other.  Today, I am especially thankful for the sweet spirit of yesterday’s gathering and all the other ones I can remember.

 

 

 

Smiley Conerly has been searching for answers to his medical questions.  He has learned a little more and will be having surgery on December 9th.  Please add Smiley and his family to your prayer list if they are not already there.

 

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week.  Remember, it’s not all about food and family!  What else do you have to thank God for this year?

Anna Lee