Sunday

  • Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.John 12:26

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 30 – I John 3: 18-19

July 31 – 3 John 2-4

5th Sunday Singing at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. followed by an ice cream social in the fellowship

Operation Christmas Child Workday – Saturday at 9 A.M.

There will be something for everyone to do!

Please use your personal prayer list today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

  • Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

Elizabeth Gail Pittman-McDaniel

September 26, 1945 – July 28, 2022

Elizabeth Gail Pittman-McDaniel, age 77, died at 5:30A.M. Thursday, July 28, 2022 at home in Kentwood. She was a graduate of Franklinton High School. She also obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond in education. She was an elementary teacher at Spring Creek and also taught two years at Southeastern. She served as School Board member for several years. She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church where she was actively involved, especially with music. Gail was also a lover of nature and her flowers where she spent many hours after retirement. Gail is survived by her husband of 14 years, Larry McDaniel, and children: Brandon W. Pittman and wife Julia and son Poete of Kentwood; Nicholas G. Pittman and wife Nicole and Elise and Russell of Lafayette; her step-children, Kristin and Eric Latham and daughters, Madison and Lakyn of Kentwood; and David and Tori McDaniel and children, Anslee, Austin, Alaina, Madison, and Collin of Kentwood; and her sister Sharron and husband Charley Creel and children Belinda, Stacy, and David of Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Carol Jean and Fernie Ray Gill and children, Steve Gill, Sonya McCoy, and Keith Gill and Linda and Harold Fussell and children; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Mode Brock and her mother, Linnie Duetta Brock Walker; and husband, Russell Douglas Pittman, and son Russell “Rusty” Pittman, Jr. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 with the Revs. Eric Latham, Bill Bolton, Austin McDaniel, and Matthew Gazaway officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. Pallbearers are David Creel, Poete Pittman, Kelvin McDaniel, Terry Benoit, Denny Strickland, and Jimmy Strickland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Spring Creek Baptist Youth/Children’s Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Karl L. Alford, Jr.

September 8, 1956 – July 29, 2022

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born September 8, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 65 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Alford Patterson; 3 grandchildren, Cory Patterson, Lacy Patterson, and Karly Brandon; brother, Conley Wayne Alford and wife, Cara; niece, Caitlyn Michelle Alford; 2 nephews, Ryan Pierson and Brian Pierson. Preceded in death by parents, Karl L. Alford, Sr. and Mattie Irene McDaniel Alford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Ben Wayne Blackwell. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The verse at the top remind us to keep working for God. Reread the verse. Think about what He expects of you. Use your talents, skills, and time wisely.

Anna Lee

Friday

  • Today, we begin a series of Scriptures on service.
  • Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 29 – 2 Peter 2: 1-2

Baptist Press

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Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday was a good workday. We enjoyed our helper, Caiden Frazier. She was great help and good company.

Pray for individuals to see the benefits for children and their families when “Shoeboxes” are delivered. Pray for them to pray for how they might help.

COMING SOON!

Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home

Today’s Prayer Focus – Parents

Pray for parents as their children begin a new school year.

Pray for support and encouragement for each child in all they do at school.

Anna Lee

Thursday

,

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Frances Strickland passed away. I have no other information. I enjoyed knowing her for a number of years while she attended FBC, Kentwood. Visiting her and her sister at their home was always special.

Everyone who has had surgery lately, including a number of people who have had knee surgery. seems to be doing well. Most of these people are senior adults. Pray for each one as they go through the surgery and extended recovery periods. Being older adds some extra time to recovery.

My orthopedist recommended physical therapy Tuesday morning. I have have therapy Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. I also traded the wheel chair for a walker. What a difference! I’ve found myself going to be early the last two nights. Please continue to pray for me as I heal.

I took a few minutes to check our the work in our church in the area that previously housed the church office. Members of the church are transforming that area to a space that will house the nursery and children’s church, or junior church, the terminology I still use from my previous experiences about fifty years ago. What a blessing to have men with the skills and desire to help.

Read and write Scripture today.

July 28 – I Peter 1: 22

Baptist Press

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Louisiana Baptist Message

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Operation Christmas Child

Thank-you to a faithful donor for another donation for “Shoeboxes”.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

  • I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”
  • Psalm 16:2

Ana L. Gonzalez

December 15, 1929 – July 25, 202

A resident of Baton Rouge passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. She was born December 15, 1929 in Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Cuba and was 92 years of age. In 1969, she left her country of birth with her husband and children to give her family freedom and a better life. She is survived by 3 children, Antonio Rey “Tony” Gonzalez and wife, Nilda, Baton Rouge, Ramon Gonzalez and Tania, Baton Rouge, Maria A. Gonzalez Migueltorena and husband, Renato, Palm Harbor, FL; 5 grandchildren, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Luis Tomas Gonzalez and wife, Kristin, Renato Migueltorena, Jr. and wife, Tracy, Mary Alyse Gonzalez-Washburn and husband, Terronson “Tee”, Elizabeth Frances Gonzalez; 4 great-grandchildren, Juliana Rey Gonzalez, Sofia Rey Gonzalez, Avalyn Rey Gonzalez; and Emmarie Rey Gonzalez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Antonio “Quitin” Luis Gonzalez; parents, Francisco Mora and Carmen Luisa Lima Mora; brothers and sisters, Francisco Mora, Raquel Mora, Mila Mora, Lazaro Mora and Armando Mora. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until 10:30a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Fr. Juan Bautista. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Updates

Melissa Simpson Stutzman – Melissa received a “no cancer” report and is now back at home with her family

Me – I had my third set of x-rays. The bones in my foot and leg are in the correct location. The orthopedist said to use the walker, not the wheelchair. He also ordered four weeks of three times a week of physical therapy. I was able to get in my first day of physical therapy yesterday. I go back today.

Pray for me as I walk on the walking chair runner shaped shoe bottoms. I’m thankful to have made some progress.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 27 – James 5: 15-20

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for those in the school system making final decisions about the beginning of the school year. Students will be reporting to classes soon.

Pray for those on your personal prayer list.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

  • I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.
  • Psalm 143:6

Melissa Simpson Stulzman has a tumor and will be having surgery in Baton Rouge at 8:30. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Betty Simpson saw me waiting in the car at the grocery store and came over for a visit. She is wearing a short boot for a foot problem she has. Add her to your prayer list.

I will see the orthopedist in Hammond this morning and get his decision on removing the boots I have been wearing. I’ll let you know.

Deloy Hodges

January 19, 1958 – July 24, 2022


A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home. He was born January 19, 1958 in Clinton, LA and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sisters, Sue Knight and husband, Dennis, Jennifer Biggs, and Patty Burrows; 1 brother, Jody Hodges; 1 nephew, David Knight and wife Diedra; 2 nieces, Cindy Edwards and husband, Ricky and Kelli Garrett and husband, Brian; 6 great-nieces; 3 great-great nephews; 1 great-great niece. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet Hodges; brother-in-law, John Burrows. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Tony Cooksey and Lindale Greer. Interment Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Doris Griffin Sanders

April 10, 1952 – July 23, 2022

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 10, 1952 in Quitman, MS and was 70 years of age. Doris was a Veteran of the US Army, very active in the American Legion having held offices of Post 264 commands and 6th District Vice Commander. She was along with her husband, a founding member of Liverpool Riding Club. Doris had worked as State Corrections Officer, St. Helena Parish Hospital Security guard and St. Helena Sheriff Office dispatcher. She is survived by her stepson, Pat Sanders and wife Jeana; step-grandchild, Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan; special friends, Mary Ann Hollingsworth, Leisa Ballard, and Marie Coon. Preceded in death by her husband, Clovis W. Sanders; parents, Wiley and Ethel Griffin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Raymond Taylor. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 26 – James 1: 16

Anna Lee

Monday

There is no one holy like the Lord;

there is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2:2

READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY

July 25 – Hebrews 10:26

CHILDREN’S CAMP AT TALL TIMBERS

The children and adults are home with lots of memories of their camp experience. What a great time they had!

Thanks to two adults who went and shared pictures daily..

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for the adults who work in the central offices. Pray for them as they make many decisions that affect students all over the parishes each day. Also, pray for those in state offices as they too impact each school, each teacher, and each student.

PRAY FOR THE SICK

There are many sick at home who will be seeking care from doctors this week and others who are trying to care for themselves at home. Making decisions can be so difficult when in need of medical care. Pray for the sick as they make decisions this week.

FIFTH SUNDAY SINGINGS

Several churches will be having “Fifth Sunday Singings” this week. At FBC, Kentwood, we will have a special group in to sing followed by an ice cream fellowship. The singing will begin at 6 P.M. You are invited to join us.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thanks to the lady who gave David some money yesterday. Your donation will be used to purchase coloring books. Saturday, David counted the coloring books we have at this point and found that we are short about a hundred fifty. The donation given yesterday will be the start of getting these coloring books. We hope to have a coloring book in each box. Thanks for your help.

PERSONAL PRAYER LISTS

I have been encouraging you to keep a list of names in a special place. These are names of people I include here, the names your hear at church and in the community, and the names that are near to your heart and not always known to others.

I remember the first personal prayer list I ever saw. I was impressed and could only think about what a special prayer life that person had and how many people were blessed because of her prayers. I hope you will begin your own book and update it daily.

I APPRECIATE EACH OF YOU!

Anna Lee

Sunday

  • Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
  • Psalm 105:1

The children who are at church camp at Tall Timbers have completed day two. They have been very busy. I appreciate the pictures being posted by the adults.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 24 – 2 Timothy 4: 3-5

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Today, let’s pray for the principals of all the area schools. They carry a tremendous responsibility daily! Pray each one will be able to do a good job dealing with students, teachers, parents, etc.

Ideally, you will be able to attend church with other Christians. If you are unable to do so, the next best thing is to attend worship online. People have many different reasons for choosing online worship, but it if fits their needs, be thankful for them and their desire to worship God. FBC, Kentwood will be online at 10:30 this morning. Be sure to look for FBC, Kentwood, LA, If you cannot watch at 10:30, services will be available for you to enjoy later.

Please continue to pray for those on your prayer list.

Anna Lee

Saturday

  • Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
    I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
  • Psalm 63:3-4

My Mistake

Yesterday, I told you that we would have the next OCC workday in a week, but because of the 5th Sunday and 31 days this month, it will be two more Saturdays away. We will meet on August 6th.

Luther Terrell is fine, but he was a passenger in a vehicle that involved a log truck. Luther is fine, but his friend, the driver, is hospitalized. Please pray for him.

Pray for the children and adults at Tall Timbers this week. They got there yesterday afternoon and had some great activities – swimming pool, bow and arrows, eating ice cream, fun music, etc. right away. Pray the children continue to have fun and the adults can keep up with them. More than that, let’s pray they learn about Jesus and draw closer to him.

Read and Write Scripture Today

July 23 – 2 Timothy 2:15. (NIV below)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

Today’s Prayer Focus – Classroom Teachers

Classroom teachers will spend so much time with the children in the coming months. Pray they will daily have knowledge, love, kindness, manners, etc. to share with each and every child. May their example be a positive impact on each child every day!

Anna Lee

Friday

  • It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
    ‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’

Somehow, I managed to delete the name from an obituary yesterday.

Jenny Sue Weedman

November 27, 1967 – July 19, 2022

Angelo J. Giardina

January 12, 1927 – July 20, 2022

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at his home. He was born January 12, 1927 in Amite, LA and was 95 years of age. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II, a dairy farmer, and owner of Amite Liquid Feed. Angelo was an avid golfer and a master storyteller. He was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church. Angelo is survived by his three sons, Angelo Thomas Giardina (Trudy), Kenneth Gerard Giardina (Melba), and Gerald Anthony Giardina (Melinda); grandchildren, Dwayne Giardina (Andilyn), Lauren Cutrer (Drew), Jared Shows (Mahsa), Andrew Giardina, Marlie Giardina, and Jude Giardina; great-grandchildren, Ava Cutrer, Mark, Mason, and Myles Giardina, and Aidan Shows; brother, Salvador Giardina (Dianne); sister-in-law, Gloria Giardina; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marie Vullo Giardina; parents, Angelo and Frances Schillage Giardina; two brothers, Nick Giardina and Joseph Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:00AM until 11:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at Noon on Monday, July 25, 2022. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Special thanks to dear friends, Roy and Jean Fiorelli, and neighbors, Chris and Connie Liuzza, for their love and support throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Helena Catholic Church Full of Grace. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read and Write Scripture Today

July 22 – I Timothy 3:15

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Baptist Press

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Baptist Message

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OCC Workday – One week from today

If you are interested in working a few hours before next Saturday, please let me know. There is always something that needs to be done.

OCC – Thank you to the donor who again sent money to help with our shoebox needs. You have no idea how quickly I smiled when I saw your envelope yesterday. Your faithfulness is so appreciated! May God bless you for helping get shoeboxes to little children around the world. May the message of JESUS reach and stir each heart.

Pray for our schools today.

I clearly remember the smiles and happy greeting from the cafeteria workers during my elementary years and my high school years. Does that mean they were not tired or carrying personal burdens? No, it meant they smiled and always had a kind and friendly greeting for me (and for all the other students).

Today, let’s pray for the cafeteria workers. They have a special talent to “smile and be kind despite their personal problems“.They may not know what happens with each child in the classroom or at home, but can make a difference in lives as they place food on plates while smiling and giving a happy greeting.

Think about this. One drop of water doesn’t seem like much, but a glass of water contains lots of individual drops. So does a lake or ocean. Each drop counts. Your “drops” might be smiles, kind words, time, money, etc. Make your “drops” count today.

Anna Lee