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 Writing – Luke 2:8-12

Baptist Press – bpnews.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 Evening

Two deaths:

  • Mr. Burnell Simpson passed away about an hour ago.  Please be in prayer for the family.
  • Bob Holmes was found in his truck in a pond in Livingston Parish.  Please be in prayer for his family.

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 Writing – Luke 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.

~Luke 1:30-31~

 

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 Writing – Luke 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 Press – bpnews.net

 

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

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Shout for joy, you heavens;

rejoice, you earth;

burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

 

 

JoEllen Frohn Carruth of Greensburg had her second knee surgery yesterday.  The doctor reported that all went well.  Pray for JoEllen as she go through the recovery time.

Mrs. Velta Morris received a good report on her lymphoma yesterday.  They are so thankful!

Gail Smith will soon begin treatment for lung cancer.  Mr. Bill Morris asks for prayers for her.  She is a believer and has a strong faith.  Her home in now in the Memphis area.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

Baptist Press – bpnews.com

La. Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Christmas Caroling – Tomorrow at 5 P.M. at FBC (children, youth, and adults)

Friday Morning Bible Study – John 13 – This is the New International Readers’ Version (NivR) that I discovered last Wednesday and hope to purchase today.

 

[The Birth of Jesus] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.                                                                          ~Luke 2:1, 4-5 (NIV)~

 

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

 

Do you want to read the Bible in 2017?  The particular plan I have chosen this year reads in chronological order and has videos periodically to help us understand more.  There is a one page guide available at FBC. Kentwood.  You can call and make arrangements to get one from the office of just get one in the sanctuary.  You could also print your own form from www.jointhebibleproject.com.  I’m going to be reading from NirV.  You might want to select an easy-to-read version, but that is your choice.

 

Summer Mission Projects:  If you will be a college student during the coming year, you might want to considerer one of these summer opportunities.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/

 

I don’t make resolutions to a new year, but I do believe in thinking ahead and planning.  I think we can make plans for our times of service to God at any time.  I hope you do some planning ahead too.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

I’ll start out with two good updates.  Thank you for your continued prayers for these two.

Susie Sharkey is improving.  Her family is sticking close during this time.

Kenneth Birch had his first day without so much pain.  His daughter, visiting for a few days, was probably an encouragement to both her parents.

I’ll remind you to pray for Bob Holmes and his family.  Bob has been missing in Livingston parish.  His wife is a member of the Howell family.

Please pray for Phillip Strickland who has recently been found to have cancer and will be starting treatment soon.  Pray for members of the family as they travel this journey with him.

 

Frank “Billy” Leroy Denham, Jr.

February 28, 1943 – December 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4042062&fh_id=10545

 

The Christmas program at FBC,Kentwood last night was good.  Once again, the children “stole the show”!  The music by the adult choir was beautiful.  The church is blessed by so many talented people!

Adults, youth, and children will be caroling Wednesday beginning at 5 P.M.  Children who plan to participate need a signed permission slip.  If they did not receive one in the mail, their parents should contact/visit the church office to sign the form.

Christmas Eve Service at FBC, Kentwood – 5 P.M.

 

Friday morning Bible study will meet as usual at 10:00.  We will begin John 13.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

 

Opportunities for groups to do short-term work in missions – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-groups/

 

Learn something new about Lottie Moon and her ministry.  Share this with your children and grandchildren.

http://www.baptistheritage.org/storiesforkids/thestoryoflottiemoon/tabid/259/default.aspx

 

 

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.

~Luke 1:76-78 (NIV)~

 

“There’s a Song in the Air”

 

I hope you are singing this and other Christmas carols today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

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

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

~ Luke 1:68-70 (NIV)~

 

 

Mrs. Norma Muse is doing better.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:30-34

 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”                                                                                                            ~Micah 5:2~

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

 

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

 

I’ve been posting some options for young adults to serve with the IMB.  There are many more, but today I will begin to list some opportunities for those who are older/retired.  I want to give you a number of ideas about service you may want to be involved with in the future.

ESL Teacher (ESL= English as a Second Language) . Please note that this particular article is for teachers for fall of 2016, but there is an ongoing program for ESL.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=0e0db33f-0ca5-4bb6-8b72-02d1301af399_3197e86d-9f2f-4551-a76f-2915e18069ac&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-retirees/

 

 

Breakfast at Pine Ridge this morning at 8:00.  Donations will be used to help with a need in the community/church family.

Many churches will have Christmas musicals and/or Christmas caroling today.  May you be able to attend one and be  touched by what you hear.

Most churches have altered their schedules for the holidays.  Many churches are having a service Christmas Eve.  Some churches will not meet Christmas.  Be sure you become informed about what’s happening at your church.  You may want to attend a service at another church during this time.  Check their schedule this week.

 

The weather is nasty outside, but please don’t let it keep you away from God’s house today.
Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6~

 

Sandy Bennett Morgan has been feeling better.  She goes back for lab work on the 27th.  Let’s pray for a good report.

Hazel Allen is now living at Kentwood Manor.  Pray for her and for her family as they make the adjustment.

Mary Criswell said her oldest brother, Max (Brent) of Ohio, passed away.  Please pray for the family as they face this loss.

I received work that Gail Morris Miller Smith has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for her and for her family as she takes on this battle.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as she faces another day post shoulder surgery.

Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she builds up strength and looks forward to company at Christmas.

 

Sherida “Sheri” Bridges

August 14, 1948 – December 14, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4041108&fh_id=10545

Arvy Cutrer

January 02, 1941 – December 11, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4038296
Patricia Corbin 
August 10,1960 – December 12, 2016.
Services will be at New Covenant Church Tuesday, December 20th from 5-7pm.
Scripture Writing – Luke 1:26-29
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
                                                                                                                                   ~ Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) ~
“Away in a Manger”
  • Lyrics – https://www.carols.org.uk/away_in_a_manger.htm
  • Story – https://bibleheartburn.com/2013/12/11/the-story-behind-away-in-a-manger/
  • YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnwO_0DrpCk
  • I would like to honor Rev. Bill Ichter today.  It was Bro. Bill who taught me in the first church choir that I can remember and this Christmas carol that comes to my mind.  He later served as a music missionary to Brazil for many years.  He and his wife now live in the Shreveport area where he recently celebrated his 90th birthday.  He has generations of family defendants who have served/are serving as missionaries around the world.  He is one of my heroes!
Breakfast Buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church tomorrow morning at 8 A.M.
Donations will be received for a worthy need.
IMB Need (for students) – Web Devveloper – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=09fad0b3-77d0-441a-a947-132614d3ec2f&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/
Jesus come to earth to provide an opportunity for us to have everlasting life.  As we celebrate that wonderful gift, let’s do something to pass His love on to others.
Anna Lee