Today, let’s pray for our church and the other area churches. May they all share God’s Word and reach out to others with God’s Word. May the message given by the lives of the members be one of encouraging others to live for Jesus and to worship in church on a regular basis.
I’ve read and enjoyed a number of articles in these two publications. I hope you will too.
OCC WORKDAY
Our next workday is March 4th. It’s not too early to put this on your calendar. We will again be preparing items for packing in a few months. You are invited to join us in working and learning about “shoeboxes”. We begin at 9:00 A.M.
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
READ the BIBLE Today
February 15
Job 39
“My favorite creature God made is . . . . “
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURES FOR PRAYER MEETING (Kentwood)
Romans 7: 1-12
“”READ FREEDOM”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Mr. Cete Dillon was admitted to North Oaks yesterday. He’s in room 3208. Pray for him, please.
Laurie Miller will be having a consultation this morning about her back problems.
OBITUARY
James “Jim” Thomas Clark
August 12, 1941 – February 13, 2023
Jim was born August 12, 1941 in Knoxville, TN. He grew up in Amite and spent the past 30 years of this life living in Franklinton. He passed peacefully at home with family on February 13, 2023. Jim was a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His hobbies, when he was able, was hunting and fishing. He especially loved gun smithing which he did at Thompson Sporting Goods for many years. Jim worked for Shell Oil Company in the Gulf of Mexico until retirement. He was a member of Sunlight Baptist Church in Franklinton, LA. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gayle Creel Clark; his daughter, Kathryn “Kathi” Bridges (Scott); 4 grandchildren, Wyatt Morgan Sicard, Lawrence “Law” Russell Sicard, and twins Damon “D” Lee Brown, II and Kamon Le ‘Anna Brown; a very special step grandson, Zachary “Zack” Austin Brown; and a brother, Edward “Ed” Clark. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dora Clark; father, James Morgan Clark; 2 sisters, Bonnie Carrier and Sue Hudson; father-in-law, Sandy C. Creel; mother-in-law, Wilkie Creel Ingram; and an infant grandson, Sean Bridges. Visitation at Sunlight Baptist Church, Franklinton, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM with a Memorial Service at 7:00PM on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Eddie Taylor. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Happy Valentine’s Day – May you have much love to share with others today.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
February 14
Job 38
Psalm 19: 1-4
“I am amazed at God’s creation when I . . . .”
Obituary
Lynelle Henry Vines
February 21, 1931 – February 12, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at her home. She was born February 21, 1931 in Roseland, LA and was 91 years of age. She is survived by her son, Lonnie Earl Hyde; daughter, Karen Elizabeth McDaniel; sons-in-law, Richard White and Richard McDaniel; grandchildren, Michelle Rick Besse (Shaun), Melissa White, Jessie White, Lori Hyde Graham, Ginger Hyde Pittman, Jody McDaniel, Brandi McDaniel Blades (Roy), and Ashley McDaniel Robinson (Nathan); great-grandchildren, Anna Bordelon, Jaydon Besse, Lilly Besse, Isabella Besse, Bryan Menard, Harley Menard, Wyatt Travis, Grant White, Kayla Williams, Cole Williams, Crissy Williams, Casey Williams, Shelby Hilbun Oliver (Bruce), Harley Hilbun, Addie Robinson, Charlie Kate Robinson, Courtney Lloyd, Aaron Lloyd, Miranda Graham, Race Graham, Summer Graham, Madison Graham, Juanita Strayhorn, Peyton McDaniel (Scotlyn), Landon McDaniel,and Morgan McDaniel; great-great grandchildren, Saylor Grace Oliver, Cohen Williams, Heidi Menard, Addie Balderamma, and Ethan Strayhorn. Preceded in death by her mother, Addie Hooks Henry; father, Lonnie Henry; husbands, Odies Vines and the late Erwall Carl Hyde; brothers, Norman Henry, Archie Henry and Homer Henry; sisters, Eloise Rutland and Louise Murphy; daughter, Lynelle White; granddaughter, Pamela Williams; grandson, Scott Rick; daughter-in-law, Barbara Hyde. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers are Shaun Besse, Ricky Williams, Bruce Oliver, Roy Blades, Barry McDaniel, Ben Hudspeth. Alternates are Cole Williams, Grant White, Wyatt Travis, and Jaydon Besse. Special Thanks to Community Care Hospice,(Special thanks to Nurse Ashley and CNA Monica), Hood Hospital Staff and North Oaks Staff. Very Special Thanks to Carlene Thibodeaux, Barry McDaniel, Ben Hudspeth, Dick Carriere, Bobbie May, Michelle Rick Besse, and Melissa White. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
David and I remember many of the older generation of this family, but not this lady.
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s focus on all those we love and pray for them.
OCC
OCC has become a BIG project because of the number of children to whom we send shoeboxes and all the goodies we send to them. We shop twelve months a year and store items until we pack the boxes. We have to get 400 of many items – Composition books, coloring books, toothbrushes, etc. We have been reorganizing our room to help in the organization. We are now using the boxes printer paper comes in to make a big difference. If you have access to any boxes, with lids, we would appreciate you bringing them to us. You can leave them in the basement of the main building or give them to us at church when you see us. We’ll come to your vehicle to get them. Thank-you, ahead of time, for any help you can give. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!”
TODAY’S PRAYER LIST
I am so thankful for my prayer list that I can refer to each day. I hope you have one too. If so, refer to your list and pray today. Each list is unique, just like each of us is unique. If you do not have a list, show some love today and begin a list to help in your prayer journey through life.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Today, let’s thank God for all the many things that are good about our country. Also, let’s ask God to improve, or even correct, the many things that need to be changed about our country.
ILLNESSES
We all have a number of friends and/or family members who are ill. Some are home and others are hospitalized. Some have had or will face surgery soon. Some have minor coughs and colds, etc. Please pray for them by name or as a group. Be sure to say special prayers for the elderly.
OBITUARY
Brandi Catalanotto Taylor
July 25, 1981 – February 11, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at her home. She was born July 25, 1981 in McComb, MS and was 41 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Bella Taylor; son, Blase Taylor; mother, Shirley Sullivan (Mike Sullivan); 2 sisters, Bridget Muse (Marshall Bailey) and Blair Catalanotto (Dyron Cerigny); sister-in-law, Anna Marie Taylor Bullinger (Trey Bullinger); step-brother, Michael Dewayne Sullivan (Charli Sullivan); nieces and nephews, Blythe Muse Shaw (Travis), Magdalene Cerigny, Madalynn Sullivan, Blane Lee, Eli Perez, George Taylor Bullinger, Lawson Bullinger, Caleb Muse and Caitlyn Muse; great-niece, Kennedy Ann Shaw. Preceded in death by husband, Brantley Taylor; father, Michael Catalanotto; maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Magdalene Ford; paternal grandparents, Emile Catalanotto and Ann Gayle Rother; father-in-law, Randy Taylor; brother-in-law, Robert Muse; uncle, Woodrow Ford, Jr.; aunts, Deborah Wallace and Cindy Ballard. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a religious service at 7:00PM on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
OCC INVENTORY
We are thankful for the items you have already turned in this year. Weekly, we are asked about what we need for our shoeboxes. We have been working to inventory the items we have in for “Shoeboxes, 2023”. I am very happy to say we have met our goal with balls, cups and bowls, toy dinosaurs, folders, pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, and highlighters. Some it the items we can use more of are coloring books, single subject composition books, bandanas, size 12 underwear for boys and girls, marbles, calculators, play dough, and 8″ scissors. I hope this list is a good guide for your shopping this week. You can leave your purchases in the basket near the front right exit of the sanctuary or give them to Bob and Jackie Babin or David and me. We appreciate all your support for the many children who will receive our boxes this year.
Today, I pray that we will all be more considerate of others. I hope you will take on this challenge to and ask God to help you become more considerate today.
CHURCH SERVICE TIMES TODAY
9:15 – Sunday School (a class for everyone) – Exodus 34: 1-9
10:30 – Morning worship
6:00 – Evening worship
Please visit us if you need a church family and church home.
Thank-you for praying for our friends, the Greenwich family as they interpreted in the Amazon so the local pastors could receive training. The week was a success and the Greenwich has more new friends. May people be blessed through this local ministry.
PRAY FOR TWO ST. HELENA LONG-TIMERS
Pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch this weekend. She’s 92 and happy to be home this weekend.
Also, pray for Mr. George Eddie Lee. He is also at home. He is a young man still in his 80’s.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
February 11
I Corinthians 15: 1-58
“His resurrection makes death . . . .
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Bible Studies for Life
Exodus 34: 1-9
Two new flat stones
1 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Cut two flat stones like the first stones. Then I will write on them all the words that I wrote on the first stones. Those were the stones that you broke into pieces. 2 Make yourself ready in the morning and come up Sinai mountain. Stand there, ready to meet me on the top of the mountain. 3 Nobody must come with you. Nobody must go anywhere on the mountain. Even your sheep and your cows must not eat grass near the bottom of the mountain.’
4 So Moses cut two flat stones like the first stones. Early in the morning, he went up Sinai mountain, as the Lord had commanded him. He carried the two flat stones in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud. He came and he stood with Moses. The Lord spoke aloud his own name, the Lord.
6 The Lord passed in front of Moses. He said in a loud voice, ‘I am the Lord! The Lord! I am kind to people and I forgive them. I do not quickly become angry. My faithful love for my people continues for ever, and I am always faithful. 7 I faithfully love thousands of people. I forgive their sins when they turn against me. But if people are guilty, I surely punish them. I punish their children, their grandchildren and their grandchildren’s children.’
8 Then Moses quickly bent down low to worship the Lord. 9 He said, ‘Lord, my God, if you are pleased with me, please travel with us! It is true that these people are proud and they often do not obey you. But please forgive all our sins. Please accept us as your own people.’
We have had numerous weather changes lately. Be prepared for these changes in the way you dress. Keep some cough and cold medicine handy. Pray that you and others will stay healthy and that simple medication will be beneficial ,if needed.
Pray for the people of Tangipahoa who had tornado damage Wednesday night. Be thankful, as we are, if you don’t live far from where the damage occurred, but have absolutely no damage from rain, wind, or the tornado.
YOUTH FUNDRAISER
The youth of FBC, Kentwood will have lunch ready when church we finish church the last Sunday of January. Ladies, it’s a no-cooking day!
NEXT OCC WORKDAY
Mark your calendar to help on Saturday, March 4. We appreciate all “Willing Hands”.
‘ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”
There are a number of people with health concerns – cancer, strokes, advanced age, etc. Please be in prayer for them by name or in general. You may be able to do something for one or more of them this week. Ideas – phone call, call, visit, a meal, or a special treat.
DEATH
Hollis Houston Bankston
August 27, 1944 – February 6, 2023
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home. He was born August 27, 1944 and was 78 years of age. He was a retired Dairy farmer for over 54 years. He is survived by his 1 daughter, Gay Nell Colvin and husband, Jay; 2 sons, Keith Lynn Bankston and wife, Arlene and Percy Houston Bankston and wife Brenda; 1 sister, Brenda Bankston; 7 grandchildren, Holli (Aaron) Carlton, Hope Bankston, Valerie Bankston, Garrett Bankston, Delaney Bankston, Levi Colvin and Orin Colvin; 2 great-grandchildren, Levi Jude Carlton and Cyrus Carlton. Preceded in death by his parents, L.H. and Ruth Bankston; wife, Dorothy Hendon Bankston; sisters, Ester Ruth Pettit and Doris Sweatt; brothers, Bro. Harold Bankston, Billy Bankston, Johnny Bankston, Sidney Bankston, and Curtis Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4:00PM until 8:00PM on Sunday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Monday, February 13, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Franklinton, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
February 9
John 21
“Peter’s relationship with Jesus shows me . . . .”
Pray for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Teams and other groups as they work to meet the needs of the people.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Let’s pray for the people whose lives and property were damaged by the tornado at Tangipahoa last night. Let’s also pray for those who were affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and for those who are going to help to rebuild homes, businesses, and lives. What can you do to help?
TRAIL LIFE
I understand the first regular meeting Tuesday went well. Both parents and their sons seem to be pleased with the curriculum, the instruction, etc. Thank God for the program, the workers, and the boys who are/will be attending.
I understand a girl’s version of this program is planned. If you are interested in being a part of working with the girls, please call the church office for more information.
TANGIPAHOA AGAIN
What can/will you do to help the people of Tangipahoa?
Let’s continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. Andy has made both forward and backward steps in recovery. He was in the process of being checked out to go home when a new issue developed. He’s back in the hospital and being treated for that additional issue. Betty is exhausted! She needs our prayers too.
DEATHS
Barry Gene Powers
September 30, 1964 – February 4, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in Mt. Hermon, LA. He was born September 30, 1964 in Independence, LA and was 58 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sons, Cody Powers, Dillion Powers, and Austin Powers and wife, Chloe; 1 brother, Jimmy Powers, Jr and wife, Rebekah; 1 niece, Hannah Powers; 1 nephew, Joshua Powers; girlfriend, Patricia Parker; 4 grandchildren, Dominick, Isabella, Jase and Jacob. Preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Powers, Sr. and Wilmagene Powers. Pallbearers will be Dillion Powers, Austin Powers, Cody Powers, Joshua Powers, Dylan Butler and Marshall Smith. Honorary pallbearer will be Scott Abbott. Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, February 10, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr.
March 7, 1932 – February 5, 2023
James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr., passed peacefully into eternal life on February 5, 2023, at the age of 90 years young. A whip-smart prankster, Bluebell ice cream connoisseur, and devoted family man, Pete was born to Euliss and Johanna on March 7, 1932. He grew up in the Pine Ridge Community of St. Helena Parish, where he met the love of his life, Audrey Blades. They married in 1955 and spent almost 65 beautiful years together, raising four children. Their love story was one for the ages. His tenacity and humor won over the valedictorian and high school cheerleader, and when she suggested dating around, he kindly offered to join her on those dates. Even in her final days, as she fought a raging battle with dementia, he was there, holding her hand and protecting her heart. Following an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, he retired after 36 years working at the James Rivers Papermill. He was a self-made man, born to modest means, and worked tirelessly to give his family a better life. He was often found sporting his signature sweatband and red handkerchief, toiling in his yard and taking pride in the repair of his home. There was something indescribable and irreplaceable about Pete. Was it the twinkle in his eye and the joke that lay constantly at the edge of his lips? Perhaps it was the echoes of laughter ringing out in his wake? Part of it, certainly, was his effortless way of making you feel right at home in his presence, a warm handshake and mischievous grin ever there to greet you. In a crowded room, everyone was drawn to Pete Williams. A man of honor, charm, and humor with a hard-working sensibility that he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an expert vegetable gardener, southern home-cooking aficionado, class clown, back yard fort builder, newspaper comic enthusiast, little league coach, golfer, and passionate LSU fan. During certain games, you might even have caught him cheering on the court with the LSU cheerleaders. Constantly telling jokes, often at his own expense, he filled his life and the lives of others with abounding joy at every opportunity. He had a soulful and compassionate way of listening, an enveloping hug that could cure any heartache, and lived his life in selfless service to others. There is nobody on Earth like Pete. His loss is profound and as far-reaching as each and every smile he sent into the world during his time here. We find solace in his long-awaited reunion with his soulmate, Audrey, whom he has so dearly missed since her passing in 2021. And with sorrow, we bid farewell to everyone’s favorite joker and the greatest man we’ve ever known. Until we meet again, “I’ll see you in the funny papers.”
James W. “Pete” Williams, a member of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, is survived by his sons James W. “Rusty” Williams, Jr. (Mary); Randal Williams; daughters Mari Ellen Wintz (Al); Sheryl “Sherry” Williams-Jenkins; grandchildren Adam Childers; William “Will” Wintz; Alison Balkey; Jamie Sillivent; Michele Solomon; Chad Williams; Nicole Williams; Charles “CJ” Jenkins; Luke Jenkins; great-grandchildren Sarah and William “Liam” Wintz; Noah Childers; Grey and Micah Balkey; Gage and Ryker Sillivent; Brooks Solomon; Ann Louise Jenkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Euliss Richard Williams, Sr., and Johanna “Totsy” Phillips Williams; brothers, Euliss Richard Williams, Jr., Charles Hubert Williams, and Willie Irvin Williams; sisters, Vivian Williams Young, Veda Williams Valentine, Mary Williams Boeneke, Susie Williams Reeves, Sadie Mae Williams Carter and Zelma Lea Williams Welch; son-in-law Charles “Chuck” Jenkins; and grandson John Randal Williams.
Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church from 4:00PM until 7:00PM on Friday, and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Donations can be made to Pine Ridge United Methodist Church or the Audrey and Pete Williams Social Work Field Education Scholarship at SLU. Check/money orders may be made out to and mailed to the Southeastern Foundation at SLU 10293, Hammond, LA 70402. Credit card donations may be made online at http://www.southeastern.edu/givenow. Select “Other” for Designation and type in Audrey and Pete Williams scholarship. Or you may call (985) 549-5356. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, I encourage you to pray for those who are doing disaster relief anywhere in the world today, but especially in Turkey and Syria, where there was an awful earthquake. These people put their lives on the line to help rescue others. Disaster relief is especially difficult in earthquake situations. Be thankful for those who desire to help people, no matter how difficult the situation. Pray for them and the people they rescue. After their rescue, people face medical issues as well as housing, family, job, and other issues. I simple cannot imagine how difficult their situation is. I can pray for them. You can too.
TRAIL LIFE
I don’t have a report on the meeting of these boys and their leaders last night. They will be meeting every other Tuesday night at FBC. I do know we can pray for them and offer encouragement. May the leadership be able to guide these young boys in many ways, especially in living Christian lives while they are young and continuing throughout all the years of their lives.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Prayer meeting at FBC begins at 6:00. I encourage you to join us.
The Prayer Link 
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