Friday

[The Birth of Jesus Foretold]

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.

The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

~Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Last night I tracked some of the shoeboxes FBC sent.  I learned some went to Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, and some went to “Hard to Reach Areas”.  That last area had never appeared on my list before, so I did some research.  This is what I found.

You can go to the following site to learn more about hard to reach areas.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child-countries/hard-to-reach-areas/

This excites me.  I pray the boys and girls who receive the shoeboxes will learn about and accept Jesus into their hearts.

 

 

Jimmy Williams is to be released from the hospital today with surgery scheduled for next Wednesday.  Please pray for Jimmy and Linda.

Ok, I just got the word on Jimmy’s
open heart surgery. He will be discharged tomorrow and we will have to come back early, next Wednesday the 19th and surgery will be at 7 am. We cannot thank all of you enough for your thoughts and prayers. 
This will be the 2nd time he’s gone through this. The first was almost 10 years ago.

 

 

Read the Christmas story:  Luke 14

 

 

Read your Bible today

  • Jonah 3-4
  • Proverbs 25
  • Matthew 12

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message: http://baptistmessage.com/

 

Today is a good day to do a random act of kindness. 

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

“If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.”

~Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB~

 

 

Please pray for Lyla Dykes Wascom who was in the ER at North Oaks last night.

 

 

Pray for Linda and Jimmy Williams.  He continues to have heart problems and faces heart by-pass surgery.

 

 

Pray for Naomi Tolar.  Mr. Jimmy continues to be in rehab in Hammond.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is home and doing well.  She was blessed to have therapists to help her get around in her home.  Her problems are just little obstacles for her to overcome.

 

 

Pray for others who have been or who are hospitalized.

 

 

 

Francis Allan Ritchie

July 25, 1953 – December 12, 2018

A resident of Denham Springs, LA passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at his home. He was born July 25, 1953 in Amite, LA and was 65 years of age. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of Vietnam and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda Ritchie; 2 sons, Robert Ritchie and wife, Christine, and Daniel Ritchie and wife, Parrish; 2 grandchildren, Dean and Sam Ritchie; and his life long friend, confidant, and brother, Geln “Cuz” Johnson. Preceded in death by parents, Allan “Sonny” Ritchie and Ella Mae Crowe Ritchie; brother, Dennis Ritchie. The family would like to send a heart filled thanks to Misty and Chantel of Modern Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fleur De Life Foundation, 10440 Hooper Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70818. Graveside Services will be held at Shiloh Church of Christ Cemetery, Amite, at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 14, 2018. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Christmas story – Luke 13

 

 

 

Read the Bible today.

Jonah 1-2

Psalms 142

Matthew 11

 

 

 

I’m always thankful for people with caring spirits.  They check on those who are sick or needy and do what they can to be helpful.  They are especially appreciated during the holiday season.  They touch many lives in a way that pleased God.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Gayle Owens

Wednesday AM Update:
Mom was able to come home last night. Ate some of Ms. Maxine Harper’s very good gumbo and laid down. Will be on meds another week for the infection, hopefully that will clear it up completely. I’ve said mom is weak a couple of times but she is good to go. She has lost some of her strength and stamina with the heart attack and not really being able to move very much over the last 11 days. Looked much more comfortable and strong after we got her home. We all (Gayle Owens, Donna Owens and myself) appreciate each and every one of you for the prayers, kind words and other acts of kindness shown to our family. Thank you very much. All prayers are still appreciated.   (Johnny)

 

 

Mildred Birch

Well, I got good news last night—NO blood clot so I can start therapy again! Thanks for all your prayers! Maybe I will get home soon. I have spent 36 days in hospital and I want to go HOME!!!

 

 

Obituary of Rae Catherine Conerly Murphy

Rae Catherine Conerly Murphy was born on Saturday July 9, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana and died on December 8, 2018 in Amite, Louisiana. She was the first child of Rayford and Catherine Dees Conerly.

Rae Catherine, as she liked to be called, was married to Earl Murphy on June 14, 1969. She had two sons and five grandsons. She is survived by her husband of 49 years and 6 months, her son Stuart, and grandsons Will, Braydon, Blake, Coner, and Cullen Murphy, a sister, Judy Conerly and a nephew, Rayford Conerly.

Rae Catherine was preceded in death by her father, Rayford Conerly, her mother, Catherine Dees Conerly, and son, Patrick Conerly Murphy.

She was a graduate of Lafayette High School and L.S.U. She worked as a special education teacher and librarian at the Tangipahoa Parish Library branch in Amite, Louisiana.

Rae Catherine loved reading, singing in the church choir, and playing hand bells. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Elk City, Oklahoma. Most of Rae’s life was spent in Amite, Louisiana. After her father died, she moved with her mother and sister to Lafayette, Louisiana where she met Earl Murphy on a blind date and married him 18 months later. She then followed her husband to Baton Rouge where they both attended L.S.U. After graduation from L.S.U., they moved to Amite, Louisiana where Rae Catherine raised her sons. After her sons were grown, she travelled the country and Mexico with her husband who worked as an engineer for the oil industry.

Rae Catherine was a devout Christian, but wanted a simple party when she died. She had discussed final wishes with her husband after the death of their son and said that she wanted a party with music by Elvis Presley.

There will be a celebration of Rae Catherine’s life Saturday December 15, 2018 at Boot Hill Restaurant at 210 W. Oak St., in Amite, Louisiana from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. All her friends and acquaintances

And all God’s children said, “Who Dat – Knock Knock Knocking on Heaven’s Door?”

Tuesday

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

~Philippians 4:13 ESV~

 

 

Rev. David Cutrer has some blockages checked, but will not need anything else done.  Thank God for David’s good report.

 

 

My David received another good report yesterday.  David saw his retina specialist who helped him be able to see following cataract surgeries.  Yesterday, the doctor checked David’s eyes and said it was another miracle that they eyes are not experiencing more problems.  We thank God for the good report and for the wonderful Christian doctor who helped David get through a very difficult experience.

 

 

 

Baptist Press Articles

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 12

 

 

Read the Bible Today 

  • Obadiah
  • Proverbs 24
  • Matthew 10

 

 

There are many Christmas programs scheduled for local churches.  Connect with one or more and be blessed.

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;

then peace-loving,

considerate,

submissive,

full of mercy and good fruit,

impartial and

sincere.”

~James 3:17 NIV~

 

 

 

Dennis Miller continues to slowly improve at home.  Donna Fay has pneumonia again.  She’s at home too.

 

 

Please pray for Rev. David Cutrer who  is hospitalized.  He is a pastor and an employee of McKneely Funeral Home.

 

 

From Johnny Owens concerning Gayle Owens

Mom still in hospital. Doing well overall, weak but vitals all good. Have her on oral meds for bacterial infection and started her a little while ago on IV meds plus probiotics. Hoping to go home either Tuesday or Wednesday. Cardiologist group released her but doctor group that admitted her must also release her. Cardio rehab worked with her once Saturday & once today (should have been twice today). When she goes home she should have them plus a home health nurse…. I was told she may be able to have an aide as well. Appreciate y’all, keep up the prayers.

 

 

 

Rev. Rod Smith

On Sat Nov 3, fell and broke my femur. When asked how I fell I said, “Down and hard” I was about to go to bed, lost my balance and fell.So I have been in the hospital or swing bed ever since I wii go home this Friday..I am doing well, walking, and expect to recover.

 

 

 

David got his weekly injection and another good lab report yesterday.  His RBCs held stable this past week.  His weight is also holding stable.  Today, David sees his retina specialist for a check-up.

 

 

Dec 19, 1979 – Dec 8, 2018

ROBERT SCOTT TAGEANT, AGE 38

And a resident of Mobile, AL died Saturday December 8, 2018 after an automobile accident. He was born December 19, 1979 in Bogalusa. Robert graduated from Parklane Academy in McComb, MS in 1997 and later received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. Robert worked as a counselor on the Crisis Team of AltaPointe Health Systems. He loved going to the beach and staying physically fit by exercising and working out. In his spare time, Robert also enjoyed playing his favorite video games.

Survived by:

Parents: Breaux and Sandy Tageant of Franklinton

Twin Brother: Robin Tageant of Mobile

Sister: Heather Tageant of Franklinton

Nephew and Niece: Brogen Blitch,
Brynley Tageant

Also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Oveid and Frances Pope and Robert Joseph and Jewel Tageant.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Wednesday December 12th at First Baptist Church of Franklinton (950 Self Street, Franklinton, LA 70438). A funeral service will be held in the church at 2:00 pm Wednesday with Rev. Jim Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Henry Patronus, Frank Nelson, Stephen Switzer, Nick Vester, Chad Fisher, Evan Tageant, Blake Ruffino, Dar Blitch

 

 

 

Yesterday, there was a massive fire at FBC, Bossier City.

 

 

 

 

Read the Christmas story –  Luke 11

 

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Amos 8-9
  • Psalm 141
  • Matthew 9

 

 

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 2018

https://www.imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-resources

 

 

 

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

“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~

 

 

Please continue to pray for Pete and Gloria Gill.

Pete Gill is still in hospital. Please add him to prayer link tomorrow we will be meeting with cancer doctor this week to see what kind of treatment he will be needing. He is still having copd trouble. Thank you so much. Gloria

 

 

Please continue to pray for Dennis Miller.  He is having medical personnel come to the house as well as additional appointments.  Pray for his family too.

 

 

Debbie Wilkinson is back in Houston for a check-up.  Pray for her and her doctor at MD Anderson.

 

 

Thomas “Tommy” Elvin Morgan

September 12, 1947 – December 08, 2018

Thomas “Tommy” Elvin Morgan, a resident of French Settlement, LA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born September 12, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 71 years of age. Tommy graduated in 1965 from Amite High School and played on the 1963 State Championship Amite High School football team. He attended Pearl River Junior College as a left handed pitcher and played semi pro baseball. He was also a member of the U.S. Merchant Marines. Tommy retired as a safety professional working at numerous industrial facilities on the Gulf Coast, U.S. Virgin Islands and facilities across the U.S. He was an avid LSU football and baseball fan, making numerous trips to Hoover Alabama and Omaha Nebraska to watch his tiger baseball team. Tommy enjoyed fishing with his family, especially his grand kids and friends and regularly playing Yahtzee with his 95 year old mother. He is survived by his son, Kevin Joseph Morgan; daughter, Stacey Lynn Smith and husband, Dwayne; mother, Christine Bourgeois; sisters, Elizabeth Daray and Lori Sanders and husband, Max Sanders; brother, John Morgan; grandchildren, Devin Morgan, Colby Morgan, Kristina Morgan, Matthew Smith and Danielle Smith, numerous nieces and nephews; and former wife and friend Rose Giardina. He is preceded in death by his father, John Henry Morgan; brother, Ronald Alan Morgan; infant sister, Mary Catherine Morgan. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 9:00 am until funeral services at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Terry St. Romain, Dwayne Smith, Devin Morgan, Colby Morgan, Eddie Gloyd, and Michael Daray. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

The Christmas story continues.  Luke : 10
Read the Bible today.
  • Reflect on God as King of Kings.
  • Catch up on any reading you missed this week.
Why the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Collected at Christmas
It’s cold outside.  Stay in today if you can.
Anna Lee

Sunday

“In this way they will know God’s secret, which is Christ himself.

He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.” 

~Colossians 2:2-3 GNT~

 

 

Please continue to pray for Eric and Missy Lee.

 

 

Susie Sharkey‘s pneumonia is better.  Pray she can stay well,

 

 

Gayle Owens (Shared by Johnny)

I would like to thank everyone again for all the prayers, concern and comments for Gayle Owens. She is doing better, still in hospital. Has a bad bacterial infection in her stomach which is very contagious. Those of you who asked about visiting please do not do so at this time. Trying to get her over it and not give it to anyone else. She walked a little on Saturday but very weak. Her stats were good when walking, heart beat got up but came down quickly as it should. Still having some shortness of breath issues. Her cough came back but meds did their job and stopped it. She may be here for another day or so just do not know at this time. I am hoping she will not be released until the infection is gone and she is walking better and stronger. She will probably disagree…Thanks again for everything.

 

 

Jules Tanksley ( Shared by SariBeth Sitman Tanksley)

After 38 days… little girl we are so happy to bring you home to the most wonderful place on earth! Thankful for all of our amazing CHNOLA family. You saved her life and we will forever be grateful… round 1 down and many more to go! A wonderful Christmas present for our family came early and we couldn’t be happier. God bless Baby Jules!

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 9

 

 

Read the Bible

Amos 6-7

Proverbs 23

Matthew 7-8

 

 

 

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 8 – https://www.imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-resources

 

 

 

Youth on Mission will meet at 5 P.M. in the missions room.  Please tell your youth to bring their Bibles with them.

 

 

Children in Action will meet Wednesday night at 6:00 in the missions room.

 

 

 

Share the message of Jesus this holiday season.  If you are not in attendance at a church this morning, please consider watching a live broadcast from FBC Kentwood or another church.

Anna Lee

Saturday

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

~Titus 3:4-7~

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Tolar is feeling better, but still having issues with fluid.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is home!  Call or visit with some encouraging words.

 

 

 

The theme for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year is “Every church, Every nation”.

 

 

 

The video for day 7 is “Keeping the Well from Running Dry”
Read the Christmas Story – Luke 8
Daily Bible Reading
  • Amos 4-5
  • Psalm 140
  • Matthew 6

 

 

Churches are presenting wonderful programs.  I hope all of you get to attend at least one of them.

Anna Lee

 

 

Friday

“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~

 

 

Gayle Dees Owens – Chesbrough

Probably a lot of you already know that mom, Gayle Owens had a heart attack at Mike’s Catfish Saturday evening during her reunion. Sent to Hammond, transferred to Covington, her cardiologist and team waiting as we arrived. Said the “Widow Maker” artery was 100% blocked. Put in a stint in about 30 minutes. Lots of fluid on lungs Sunday, removed with bipap machine and lasis. Went home Monday. Shortness of breath Tuesday and worse on Wednesday. Was told to go to ER. Lots of fluid again with coughing. She was actually in breathing distress when I got here. Got the machine on her again with lasis and starting getting the fluid out of her lungs again. Was also running a fever so she was admitted to ICU. Breathing better, still has some fluid, receiving lasis every 12 hours. Still has the cough and shortness of breath. Said SOB is probably due to heart damage. Fluid buildup was probably caused by one of the new meds. Should go home tomorrow. Just wanted to share. All prayers appreciated. Thanks…  Johnny

 

 

Daryl Bridges – Kentwood

Just wanted to thank my brother in law Randal for taking Daryl for his doctors appointments Thursday and Wednesday so that I could work! The appointment on Tuesday was with Dr Dudoussat his neuro surgeon! He said that Daryl was doin good! And still doesn’t require surgery! God is so good! Wednesday’s appointment was with the Shock Trauma center and the said basically the same thing! He still has 12 weeks of recovery and then we will see about getting his appendix removed and checked out! Thank you all for the prayers and love shown to us during this time! We appreciate everything so very much! Please continue to pray for us, as we are still standing in the need of your prayers! Thank you thank you thank you! We serve an awesome God! Linda

 

 

Jimmy Mcgraw – Amite

Jimmy was put in the hospital Friday. He was dehydrated and having bad abdominal pains with nausea. His tumor has enlarged and is pressing on the intestines. We are not sure at this time what the next steps will be. Please keep him in your prayers. Carolyn

 

 

Mike Moore – West Monroe

Thankful that Mike got good results! The spot has not grown, so they consider it to be benign. We go back in 6 months, and if it has stayed the same, we will go back to yearly visits. Thank you for the prayers!  Robin

 

 

 

Day 6 of week of Prayer for 2018 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

https://www.imb.org/2018/12/07/wop-day-six/

 

 

 

Read the Christmas Story – Luke 7

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Amos 1-3
  • Proverbs 22
  • Matthew 5

 

 

Let Jesus live in your daily actions.  What can/will you do special for someone today?

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

I have some updates I want to share this afternoon, rather than wait until tomorrow morning.

 

 

Dennis Miller is home.  He will be seeing a specialist soon.

 

 

 

Marie G. Irwin

October 27, 1931 – December 01, 2018

resident of Amite, Marie Irwin (Genevieve Marie Guillory Irwin) known as “Blackie” to all of her friends and relatives from Eunice, LA passed to the Spiritual realm on Saturday December 1, 2018 at Summerfield Senior Living of Hammond. She was born October 27, 1931 in Eunice and was 87 years of age. She was a longtime resident of Amite, LA where she co-published two weekly newspapers, The Tangi Talk and Kentwood News for over 36 years. Her passing was swift as she went to be with her beloved husband, Bill. Although he preceded her in death twenty years ago, they were never apart. She talked of him daily with joyful memories. She and Bill bought the newspapers in 1960 when they moved to Amite and were quickly absorbed into the local communities. They loved their adventurous journeys traveling during Bill’s Navy days, but they set their anchor on a 40- acre patch of land on Chicken Farm Road and raised their family. They were active members of St. Helena Catholic Church and the Florida Parish Skeet and Gun Club. Marie loved to socialize and was also a member of the Amite Stem and Garden Club. She was an avid reader. After her vision weakened, she became a voracious audio book fan. The Louisiana State Library Books for the Blind became her magic carpet. She escaped the confines of her hospital bed and listened to tales of mystery, but was especially fond of history and politics. Despite her infirmities, she never lost her zest for life. She was devoted to her family and children. She is survived by her children, Michael William Irwin and Susan Lagsdin, Robert Grey Irwin and Jacqueline Shockley, Lynne Marie Vance and Charley Vance, Scott Patrick Irwin and Peggy Irwin, and Mary Elizabeth Chapman and Bryan Chapman; 10 grandchildren, Will Vance, Ben Vance and Brittany, Christopher Irwin, Billy Chapman and Liza, Sam Chapman, Rebecca Chapman, Laura Beth Chapman, Anna Chapman, Amelia Vetter and Michael, and Jeff Irwin; 3 great grandchildren, Hayes Vance, Henry Vance, and Emaleigh Irwin; brothers and sisters, Lucille Orzeske, Maggie Guidroz, Al Guillory and Jeanell, and Amy Robideaux; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, William K. “Bill” Irwin; father, Alcius Louis Guillory; mother, Isabelle Dardeau Guillory; three brothers, Raymond Guillory, Francis Guillory and Herbert Guillory. The family wishes to extend gratitude to all who have cared for her over the past few years. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Thursday, December 13, 2018, from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be held at noon at St. Helena Catholic Church. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amite’s local chapter of St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Helena Catholic Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Betty Lou Simmons Guy

January 18, 1939 – December 06, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at her home. She was born January 18, 1939 in Kentwood and was 79 years of age. She was an active member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and the local Garden Club. She was a substitute teacher at Jewel Sumner High School for several years and was a wonderful role model for all the staff and students she encountered. She was an avid seamstress and loved to crochet and make quilts. She enjoyed baking pies and cakes and writing letters to her friends and family. She loved her family and her church. She is survived by 3 sons, Marty Wayne Guy, Kentwood, Perry Gene Guy and wife, Tami Curtis Guy, Bay St. Louis, MS, and Boyd Glynn Guy and wife, Veronica Celeste Guy, Lafayette; 3 grandchildren, Chantal Guy Dale and husband, Timothy Dale, Denham Springs, Abigail Elizabeth Guy, Lafayette, Zachary Thomas Guy, Lafayette; great grandson, Alaric Dale; brother, Gene Simmons, Kentwood, special niece, Janet Simmons Pike. Preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Denmon Guy; parents, Boyd and Floy Simmons; nephew, Kevin Simmons; sister in law, Catherine Simmons. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m on Monday, December 10, 2018. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com