Tuesday

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,  

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

 

 

Pray for our friends Matt and Shea who are traveling home today.  They certainly enjoyed being with family for Christmas and meeting their first grandbaby.

 

Scripture Writing – Philippians 2:5-8

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

  • Honoring those with December birthdays
  • Today at 11:00
  • The Cafe
  • Come and bring a friend.

 

Waylon Baileywaylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainerthomrainer.com

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Messagebaptistmessage.com

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”                                                                                                                                              ~Matthew 11:28 NIV~

“Come Christians, Join to Sing” 

 

Oh, how important music is in worship.  It’s always wonderful to be a part of a great spirit of worship in church.  I love what great hymns add to our services.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news

that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.”

 

We saw Kent Muse at the funeral home.  He continues to do very well following his liver transplant.  Continue to pray for him.

Norma Muse is at her daughter’s house.  Please continue to pray for her.

 

Scripture WritingGalatians 4:4-7

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

  • Honors ladies with December birthdays
  • Tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.
  • The Cafe

Children’s Mission

  • Wednesdays from 6-7 P.M.
  • L-Wing of FBC, Kentwood

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Continuing in John 13
  • 10 A.M.
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood

 

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”                          ~ Luke 2:28-32 (NIV) ~

“The Light of the World is Jesus”

 

Jesus is the light that we all need to follow.

Anna Lee

 

Christmas Eve Eve

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

~Luke 1:68~

 

I’ll post the obituary for Mr. Burnell Simpson when it becomes available.  I know we are all reliving such precious memories of him as we think about our loss.

 

Scripture WritingLuke 2:8-12

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

Looking ahead:

  • This morning – Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M.
  • Tomorrow evening – Christmas Eve service at 5 P.M.
  • Christmas – There’s no better place to spend Jesus’ birthday than church!
  • Tuesday – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe at 10 A.M.
  • Wednesday – Children’s Missions at 6:00 in the L-Wing

 

The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem.                  ~Matthew 2:1~

“We Three Kings”

 

Bible Reading Plan for 2017 – Copies of a plan I chose are available at FBC.  Check the sanctuary or the church office.  I like to get a new copy of God’s Word for my daily readings. David bought me the one I chose for this year.

 

Help someone’s celebration of Christmas!  Think outside your family.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

He will be great

and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him

the throne of his father David,

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~Luke 1:32-33~

 

Kenneth Birch went back to the doctor to have his many staples removed yesterday.  He is feeling better than he was pre-op.  Thank God for his improvement and for continuing improvement in the coming days.

JoEllen Carruth was able to come home late yesterday.  Pray she continues to do well following her second knee replacement.

Pray for safety of all the people who are traveling for the holidays, those who are alone for Christmas, families celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one, and for families that do not meet together any longer.  Holidays can be difficult for many people!

 

Scripture WritingLuke 2:4-7

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • 10 A.M.
  • John 13
  • Everyone is welcome!

 

“The Faith of Joseph of Nazareth” – http://waylonbailey.com/2016/12/21/the-faith-of-joseph-of-nazareth/

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

~ Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) ~

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”

 

Pray for families to include Jesus in His birthday celebration!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary;

you have found favor with God.

 You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

 

Ivy Beryl Forrest Blades

June 20, 1932 – December 19, 2016

        http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4043741

Stephen R. Meyer (Mrs. Shirley Frazier’s son-in-law)

http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-r-meyer&pid=183164649&fhid=17420

Scripture WritingLuke 1:51-56

 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.                                                                 ~Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)~

“Away in a Manger”

 

Christmas Caroling – Tonight at 5 P.M. starting and ending at FBC (children, youth, and adults – No missions class tonight.)

Friday Morning Bible Study – 9 A.M./John 13

 

Christmas Eve Services will be held in some area churches.  I know of two.

  1. Pine Ridge United Methodist Church @ 5 P.M.
  2. FBC, Kentwood at 5 P.M.

Most Churches WILL have services Christmas Day, but sometimes on a special schedule. The only area church that I know of that is not having church Christmas is FBC, Kentwood.

 

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions – Starting in 1888, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® was established to empower the international missions efforts for Southern Baptists. After more than a century, the annual offering continues its steady growth. The National Goal this year is $155 Million. Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God.

 

Summer Opportunities to serve with the IMB – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/ (This is good for families, teachers, or students.)

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

Jesus is the reason for the season.  Don’t leave Him out of his birthday celebration.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

My internet was down last night through this morning.  I apologize for the late start.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary;

you have found favor with God.

You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

He will be great

and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne

of his father David,

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~ Luke 1:30-33 (NIV) ~

 

Please pray for Bob Holmes (72) of Holden to be found soon.  He has not been seen since the end of last week.  Bob’s wife, Bonnie, is a member of the Howell family from the Amite/Roseland area.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as  she has a complete shoulder replacement today.  Pray her recovery will be complete and timely.

Pray for Kenneth Birch as he continues to recover from the last back surgery.  Pray the pain he is experiencing is aftereffects of the surgery, not something that will stay will him.  Pray for his caregivers too.

Pray for Bobbie Magee as she makes plans for wrist surgery.

Pray for John Miller.  He lost his home in a fire last week.

Buddy Waller received another good report from the doctor yesterday.  Let’s thank God for this.

Pray for Jon Carl Hammons as he faces a health concern.

Please continue to pray for George Eddie Lee, J.D. Smith, Mrs. Margaret Callihan, and Mrs. Anne Hurst who have recently had hospital stays.

Pray for the members of our community who are homebound, facing recent deaths, or without other family members during the holiday season.

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:1-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-6&version=NIV

 

Baptist Press

  • “Billy Graham Statue Finds New Home at Ridgecrest”
  • “Study: Most Churches Open for Christmas”
  • “First Person: Keep the “mas” is Christmas”
  • “Missionary Reaps Harvest as a Refuge in a Foreign Land”
  • “Teen Overcomes Fear to Spread the Gospel in S. Africa”
  • More….

 

Missions – “University Trail-Blazer” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=01cccab7-76a4-4052-9184-b7128e1b2703&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

Important Dates at FBC, Kentwood

  • TONIGHT – Third Thursday at the Cabin – We’re expecting music from a guitar trio tonight.
  • Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M. every week
  • Christmas Cantata Sunday Night at 6 P.M. (Adults and Children)
  • Christmas Caroling Wednesday night at 5 P.M. (Adults, Youth, and Children)
  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 0n the 27th at 11 A.M.

 

“The First Nowell”

 

I trust you can live this holiday season with this joyful hymn in your hearts.  If not, seek someone who has that true joy and who can guide you.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday – Short version

“….and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Jeana Russell Lee-Newton is having problems transferred to Hammond.  Please pray for the family as they work to get her closer to home.

JD Smith is doing better and will soon be able to come us.  He still doesn’t have a diagnosis, so pray the medical staff gets it figured out soon.

Scripture Writing Matthew 1:21-25

The missions class will have a “Happy Birthday Party for Jesus” tonight at 6 P.M.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – This Thursday at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Monday

The true light that gives light to everyone

was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10~

Kathy Dale Forrest – (I know many of you are waiting for this.)

February 12, 1953 – December 10, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4036453&fh_id=10545

 

Scripture WritingMalachi 3:1-3

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Messagebaptistmessage.com

Waylon Bailey waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer thomrainerp.com

 

 

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.                                                                                                                                                  ~Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)~

“What Child is This”

 

Children on Mission 

  • Birthday Party for Jesus
  • Wednesday at 6 P.M.
  • You don’t have to bring anything.

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin

  • This week
  • 6:30
  • Let’s sing some Christmas carols!

 

Friday Morning Bible Study 

  • John 13
  • 10 A.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

 

Share the holiday news with others.  It’s Jesus!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“You will all be joined together,

and you will give glory to God

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ accepted you,

so you should accept each other,

which will bring glory to God.”

~Romans 15:6-7 NCV~

 

Mr. Philip Harrell has his ups and downs.  Today, he did not feel his best.  Please pray for him and “Miss” Annie Bell.

The Harrells said their son-in-law’s mother in Johnson Station, MS had a stroke overnight.  Earlier this week she had her children pray that she would spend Christmas in heaven this year.  That surely sounds like a lady who is ready to “go home”.  Please pray for Don Yarborough and his family.

Update on Mrs. Anne Hurst:

Anne Hurst met with the Doctor again on Friday because of a poor health week at home.  More test made and new prescriptions.   Praying for a better week ahead.  She asks for continued prayer.

Those of us who were not affected by the flooding in August and who do not travel in those areas can go on with our lives as usual.  That’s not true for everyone though.  I’m reminded of some friends who are hoping to be in their home for Christmas.  Tonight, we learned that David’s brother and sister-in-law will get a temporary trailer before Christmas.  They are still sleeping in a camper on the back of a pick-up.  It was their way to stay close to their house.  I also recently heard there are still people who are living in tents.  It is good to hear of improving conditions for some of them and wonderful to hear of groups who are still helping individuals, churches, schools, etc.  What can I do to help?  What can you do to help?  What are we willing to do?

 

Two Baptist Press stories I want to point out to you:

  1. “Gatlinburg fire suspects elicit churches’ sympathy” – http://www.bpnews.net/48022/gatlinburg-fire-suspects-elicit-churches-sympathy
  2. “Journey to pastorate included jail time for Fla. pastor” – http://www.bpnews.net/48026/journey-to-pastorate-included-jail-time-for-fla-pastor

Special Dates

  • 14th – Birthday Party for Jesus in Children’s Missions (6 P.M.)
  • 15th – Third Thursday at the Cabin (6:30 P.M.)
  • 18th – Cantata music by adults and children – 6 P.M.
  • 20th – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe (11 A.M.)
  • 21st – Church-wide Christmas Caroling (5 P.M.)
  • 24th – Christmas Eve Service (5:30 P.M.)
  • 25th – No services at FBC

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

The tree is up in the sanctuary.  Red and green ornaments will be placed on the tree as money is received.  When we accomplish our goal, the next ornaments will be gold and represent gifts toward our Hallelujah goal.

 

Since there is a focus on missions, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, this month, I’ve chosen a Christmas Carol that tells us to go and tell, two of the components of missions.

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

 

 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Friday

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

or shadow of turning.”

~James 1:17 NKJV~

 

David had three good doctor visits in the last week.  I told you Dr. O’Sullivan, the retina specialist, said David’s eyes looked the best he has seen since we started there.  Monday, David saw Dr. Paddock to get a lens prescription for the right eye.  Glasses will be ready in a couple weeks.  Wednesday, he saw the heart electro physiologist who did the heart ablations.  If David has one more good visit, in three months, he will be released by that doctor.  Thanking God for traveling this journey with us and carrying us when we had those days when the medical reports were so difficult to hear.  We knew there would be more good days and thankfully, David is driving again, able to lift more, etc.  How wonderful it is to get to this phase of life at the Christmas season!

I need to report that David and I delivered 639 stamped Christmas cards from Kentwood and Spring Creek churches to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail Wednesday.  While waiting for someone to come out to us, a lady who came in shortly after us commented on my purse (that I had made for Momma).  Later. she heard us talking to the prison employee about the cards.  As we turned to leave, she very sincerely thanked us for providing the cards so the inmates can write to their family members.  She was there to turn in some paperwork.  Apparently, one of her children is an inmate.  She was so appreciative of the cards you helped to provide.  I will remember her comments as I affix stamps to cards next year and in the years to come.  (Remember, right after Christmas is a good time to get some religious Christmas cards for next year.) . What a blessing it was to meet her and to see through to a mother’s heart!  Thanks-you to all who provided cards or stamps for this mission project.

Yesterday, FBC Kentwood provided Christmas and a devotional for the residents of Kentwood Manor.  Another group will be going on the 21st at 5 P.M.  Please join us!

 

Baptist Pressbpnews.net

 

“And they devoted themselves to . . . prayer . . . And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved”.                                                                                        ~Acts 2:42, 47~

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

 

Now is the time for the faithful of the Lord to “share the good news that Christ was born”!

Anna Lee