A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born February 10, 1953 in Denham Springs, LA and was 71 years of age. Bryan first came to Kentwood in 1974 straight out of X-Ray school to work at Pikes Hospital in Kentwood until its closure in 1991. Then he went to Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton where he worked as Director of Radiology until his retirement in 2018. Bryan was an avid outdoorsman, who was passionate about coon hunting and his trophy Blue Tick Hounds. Tangipahoa Parish Coon Hunter Association and BBCHA held a special place in his heart. Where he served as Vice President, Wild Coon Hunt Chairman and Director of the wild coon hunts for many years. He was always thrilled and excited to coach his grandchildren in sports. He is survived by his wife, Rita Webb Tate; daughter, Miranda Erwin (Tate); sons, Bryan Dale Tate, Jr. (Tasha), Brandon S. Tate (Robbie), and Bill McDaniel (Beth); sisters, Carolyn Brecheen, Pat Robertson, and Sandra Boullion; grandchildren, Brody Dale Tate, Drew Michael Tate, Brantley H. Tate, Parklyn Tate, Cody McDaniel (Angela), Clint McDaniel (Tonilynn), Cierra McDaniel, Kelsey Erwin, Tyler Erwin, Dacota McDaniel (Kelly), Blayde McDaniel and Will McNabb (Alaina); and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Sidney Tate, Sr. and Inez Johnson Tate; sisters, Mardie McKeithen and Sally Tate; brothers, Clinton Sidney Tate, Jr. and David Tate. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday and from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, December 9, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Danny Carter and Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers are going to be his Grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers are: Raymond Sibley, C.L. Foster, Bo Travis and all members of the Tangipahoa Coon Hunters Association The family would like to extend our gratitude to David Rodgers (caretaker), St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Hospice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on families that are cold this morning in our area. May they find a way to get warm. May we be aware of needs around us and reach out to meet these needs.
Read Luke in December
Today, let’s read Luke 4.
Read the Bible Every Day
December 8
Daniel 1:1-2:35
Psalm 137:7-138:3
Proverbs 29:22-23
I John 5:1-21
Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Week
Today, I would love to give you some Operation Christmas Child statistics.
First Baptist Church has served as an area location of the drop-off of shoeboxes and transport to their next site. The drop-off week was November 18-25.
FBC, Kentwood packed 499 shoeboxes.
We received a total of 1,4493 shoeboxes during the eight days.
906 shoeboxes were received on the first day.
12 churches delivered shoeboxes to our collection site.
FBC,Kentwood supplied 13 volunteers to collect, document, place in cartons, and to transp
FBC, Kentwood turned in 499 shoeboxes for 2024. The total number of boxes that were dropped of and packaged in large cartons here this year was 1,493.
Today, let’s pray for others who need some words of encouragement.
If we are the one who needs encouragement, let us seek the right source(es) of encouragement. Not everyone will give us the words we need to hear. We could wind up in deep trouble if we listen to the wrong source.
Read the Bible Every Day
December 5
Ezekiel 47:6-48:35
Psalm 37:1-6
Proverbs 29;18=21
I John 4:1-21
I don’t know about the Christmas celebrations in churches other than my own. You can check with your own church for this information.
Senior Adult Christmas Lunch Yesterday
Well attended
Delicious and abundant food
Helpful and well-mannered high school servers
Beautifully decorated
Lots of friends attended
Adult Christmas Musical
Sunday Morning Worship Service
Children’s Christmas Program
December 15th
6:00 P.M.
Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions
Donate at your local church. The money will support the many missionaries Southern Baptists have serving in places other than North America..This is the offering that provided for our daughter and her family as they served more than twenty years.
Read about this offering and the week of prayer on your computer or phone.
Lottie Moon Tea
Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M.
Spring Creek Baptist Church
All ladies and girls are invited
Bring your stamped Christmas cards for prisoners so they can write to family during the holiday season. I will deliver to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail if your church is in Tangipahoa Parish. Judy Noonan will deliver to the St. Helena Parish Jail if your church is in St. Helena Parish.
Read the book of Luke during December. Today, we will read Luke 3.
Today, let’s pray for God’s will as we care for others (parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, husband, wife, neighbor, friend, etc.). Being a caregiver is not easy, but is happens all the time.
Read the Bible Today
December 4
Ezekiel 45:1-47:5
Psalm 136:17-26
Proverbs 29:15-17
I John 3:1-24
Christmas Cards with Stamped Envelopes
Please try to get your Christmas cards with stamps applied to the envelopes to the church today. There is a green basket in the entry to the church where you can turn in your cards. I will deliver them to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite so prisoners can write to loved ones during the Christmas season. It won’t be the same as being at their family gatherings during the holidays, but it is better than no contact at all.
This is a small way we can share the joy, and the meaning, of Christmas with others who may not be able to attend a religious service or visit with family. This is what is needed:
Cards, hopefully religious ones
A stamp placed on each envelope
That’s not asking a lot. Put yourself in the place of the family members and think how happy they will be if they get a card from a family member who is incarcerated. Hopefully the cards will inspire the prisoner and/or family to think about Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas.
Lottie Moon Christmas Tea/Offering
Come to Spring Creek Baptist Church at 10 A.M. Saturday to celebrate international missions and learn how we can give to support those who tell about Jesus in countries far from home. They give their time and energy for years to focus on spreading the Good News of Jesus. We don’t go, we provide funds for their ministries around the world. It’s our way of “going”.
You can contribute at your church by placing your “gift” in the specially marked envelope or indicating on your check or regular envelope your desire to support international missions with your “gift”. If you can’t be present, mail in your offering to your church or ask someone to take it for you.
I hope you have time to read some of these excellent articles.
Obituary
Kristan Haley Travis
November 14, 1989 – November 27, 2024
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. She was born November 14, 1989 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. Kristan loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. She was a free spirit with a giving heart and a very hard worker. She is survived by her 8 children, Brooklyn Bankston, Lynen Evans, Westin Travis, Spencer Sloane, Knox Travis, Alycen Peters, Sage Travis, and Halei Shonk; mother, Mona Denese Phillips; father, Sonny Travis; 2 brothers and 1 sister, Tyler Travis, Jordyn Tantillo, and Sawyer Tantillo; grandparents, Joan and Wayne Martin and Lauree Phillips. Preceded in death by grandparents, Adrian Phillips, Houston Earl Travis, Sr. and Peggy Thornhill Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Sonny Travis. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Christmas Bible Reading
Luke chapter 1 – Yesterday
Luke chapter 2 – Today
I listed this last so you can go directly to it and read it now.
Thanks for reading TPL today. Pass on the information about reading Luke this month. Hopefully, others will join us.
“When (the soldiers) were finally tired of mocking Jesus,
they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on
him again. Then they led him away….”
Prayer Focus Today and Action
This morning I had been thinking about people who live alone. Often their days are lonely with little or no contact with others. This happens day after day and can surely be very depressing. Let’s pray for those in our area who are alone and find ways (Calls, visits, cards, etc.) to help them feel less alone. Let’s pray we will help them feel less lonely and more loved. If nothing else, select one person and check on them daily.
Reading the Bible Every Day
December 3
Ezekiel 43:13-44:31
Psalm 136:10=16
Proverbs 29:13-14
I John 2:12-29
Season of Lots of Christmas Programs
Check with your local church(es) to learn when their programs are to be presented.
Women on Mission/WMU Lottie Moon Tea
All ladies interested in learning about Lottie Moon and/or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are invited to attend. If you would like to participate in our yearly Christmas project, please bring STAMPED RELIGIOUS Christmas cars that I will deliver to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail so the prisoners can write a card for a relative or friend. No matter the reason they are in jail, I think they will miss being away from their family during the Christmas season. You never know, but maybe a card will touch their heart in a special way.
Anyone can participate in this project. Please give me the cards by Sunday so I can get them to the jail Monday. THANKS for helping make a difference for a family/families.
Obituary
My cousin, Fran – I request you pray for her family.
Frances Widas Hebert
June 28, 1952 – November 29, 2024
A resident of Many, LA (Toledo Bend), passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 at North Oaks in Hammond, LA. She was born June 28, 1952 in New Orleans, LA and was 72 years of age. Long-time resident of Roseland, LA and a graduate of Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. She retired from the Office of Motor Vehicles. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Willie M. Hebert, Sr. and his children; sister, Naomi E. Widas; brother, Frederick E. Widas, Sr. Preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth D. Widas and Frederick J. Widas, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Services conducted by Dr. Matthew White. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Special Christmas Bible Reading
Luke was a doctor and wrote in great detail. He shares with us many events in the life of Jesus. Please join me in reading. This is a good family project and helps us focus on Jesus.
Today, please read Luke, chapter one. We will read a chapter a day and complete the book of Luke by Christmas.
Senior Adult Lunch
The annual Christmas Lunch will be tomorrow morning at FBC. Call the church office for details.
Have a great day and a great Christmas season! Don’t miss the Christmas opportunities you have of giving (not aways something you wrap in colorful paper) to others.
Pray for all the holiday travelers as they continue to travel. Most of our company left, by car, early yesterday morning. The last four left a little earlier this morning. Two will fly north and two will fly west. What a busy time we had! It is fun for everyone to be together. Until next year and wondering who will get to come then….
Read the Bible Every Day
November 30
Ezekiel 38:1-39:29
Psalm 135:8-12
Proverbs 29:4-6
2 Peter 2:1-22
December 1
Ezekiel 40:1-41:7
Psalm 135:13-21
Proverbs 29:7-9
2 Peter 3:1-18
December 2
Ezekiel 41:8-43:12
Psalm 136:1-9
Proverbs 29:10-12
I John 1:1-2:11
Obituaries
Sarah Wall Jones
March 25, 1933 – November 28, 2024
Sarah Wall Jones, a resident of Denham Springs, LA, 91 years old, born March 25, 1933 and died November 28, 2024 at Harvest Manor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Denham Springs surrounded by her family. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church, a long-time resident of Kentwood, LA, and a former member of Greenlaw Baptist Church. Sarah enjoyed working in the yard and with flowers and spending time with her family. She is survived by 4 children, Barbara and Jerome Walker of Franklinton, LA, Darlene and A.P. Borne of Maurepas, LA, Donald Jones of Summit, MS, and Brenda Lancaster of Kiln, MS; 12 grandchildren, Beth Walker, TJ Lofton, Angela Ricks, Jerry Walker, April Ricks, Dennye Berry, Kimberly Guillory, Robert Jones, Ben Guillory, Cody Guillory, Jimmy Ray Jones, Jr. and Donna Jones. 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great- great grandchildren. 2 sisters, Estelle Warren and Roby Hodges; 2 brothers, Ernest and wife, Jan Wall and Chuck and wife, Dorothy Wall; 2 sisters-in-law, Mertis Jones and Kathy Jones; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Jones; a daughter, Judy Lofton, a son, Jimmy Jones; and a granddaughter, Joy Lofton; her parents, Ernest and Ida Wall; sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Mozell Ezell; a brother, Robert Lee Wall; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Emmitt Watson, W.C. Warren, Jr., S.F. Hodges, William and Aylene Jones, Albert and Elnor Jones, Odell Jones, Opal and James Zeigler, Edna and, Maybelle Jones, Edward and Joyce Jones and Thurman Jones; daughters-in-law, Tammie Jones and Judy Jones; sons-in-law, Wayne Lancaster and Jerry Landry; and grandson, Robert Keith Guillory. Pallbearers, TJ Lofton, Jerry Walker, Robert Jones, Jimmy Ray Jones, Jr., Ben Guillory, Cody Guillory, Tristan Lofton, and Mason White. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday and from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, December 2, 2024. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sidney Joseph Scott, Jr.
January 6, 1949 – November 28, 2024
Sidney Joseph Scott, Jr., age 75, passed away Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. He was originally from Ascension Parish but has called St. Helena his home for the last 14 years.
Sidney dedicated his life to the service of others. He served in the US Air Force Security Police from (1967 – 1971). Returning from the Air Force, Sidney served as LSU Police Department Officer, La. State Police Trooper (Retired), and Pontchartrain Levee District Officer (Retired). He loved his family and enjoyed making them laugh. Sidney was a member of The Cottage Church and the North 6th Ward Hunting Club.
Sidney is survived by his wife Cheryl Kay Burch Scott; sons Jason Scott and wife Emma, and Sean Scott; step-daughters Renee McCrory and husband Brant, and Cherron Philippe and husband Devin; step-son Burch Allen and wife Holly; sisters Rhonda Townsend and husband Jessie, and Barbara Scott; brothers Randolph Scott, Eric Scott, Blain Scott, and Jessie Scott and wife Anita; grandchildren Garret Scott, Mathew Scott, Patrick Scott, Nikolas Zaccone, Tahlia Theys, Print McCrory, Dylan Philippe and wife Kate, Kacie Teague and husband Will, Dustin Philippe, Christine Allen, Kay Allen, Tessi Allen, Sloan Allen, Layla Daley, and Miley Daley; great grandchildren Dixon Philippe, Drew Philippe, and Nolan Teague; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Artyelee Scott; and brother Terrell Scott.
Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood La. on Friday December 6th, 2024 between 5:00pm and 8:00pm and Saturday December 7th 2024 from 9:00am until 11:00am with services to follow. Interment will be at New Zion Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be Lyle Townsend, Tucker Townsend, Guy Paul Delatte, Dylan Philippe, Dustin Philippe, and Print McCrory.
The family would like to give special thanks to Greensburg Nursing Home and Foundations Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the name of Sidney Scott to the Cottage Church Building Fund, 5794 Hwy. 38, Kentwood, LA 70444 or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundations http://www.t2t.org
Special Prayers
Pray for adults and children as they prepare for Christmas music and special programs. Pray also for musicians, directors, and technical crews working in the background.
Pray also for families as they plan Christmas gatherings and meals.
May each person realize this special season is not about trees or gifts, but the greatest gift ever given to mankind, Jesus!
It was wonderful to hear the children as they answered questions from the children’s minister yesterday morning. They understood the real reason for Christmas is Jesus.
Pray for holiday travelers as some are traveling home today.
Read the Bible Every Day
Yesterday. November 25
Ezekiel 34:1-36:12
Psalm 133:1-134:3
Proverbs 28:26-28
I Peter 4:12-5:14
Today, November 26
Ezekiel 36:13-37:28
Psalm 135:1-7
Proverbs 29:1-3
II Peter 1:1-21
Obituaries
I apologize for not posting TPL yesterday. My first cousin, Fran Widas Hebert, passed away at North Oaks during the night. I left early to go to her sister’s house in Roseland. Arrangements will be made Monday morning.
Today, I am thankful for cousins. I only had six on my mother’s side of the family and none on my daddy’s side of the family. I was the oldest. Of my six cousins, three lived in Roseland where I lived and three moved around as their daddy served in various churches. Three of my cousins are now deceased. Two live in Roseland and one in Texas. The last times I saw her was at funerals.
I realize how important cousins are as you grow up and as you grow old. I hope you still have some cousins too.
I’m thankful for my cousins. I hope you are thankful for your cousins too!
Today is a great day in America. It is a national holiday that recognizes how God has blessed us as a country, families, and individuals. Above all else, thank God for your blessings today.
Family, many family members are here filling to overflowing the house and the cabin. How blessed we are!
I will leave you with thoughts of God, our country, family and lots of family and personal blessings. Tell God how thankful you are all throughout the day.
Today is the day before Thanksgiving. Today, I am thankful for family. We have eight extra people now. Three more are coming today and two after that. Yes, we are blessed!
I pray David and I can always stand firm in our faith and set a good example for our family. I cannot think of anything that is better to leave behind us.
I pray you can also stand firm every day as you set an example for your family.
Read the Bible Every Day
November 27
Ezekiel 32:17-33:33
Psalm 132:13-18
Proverbs 23:23-25
I Peter 3:13-4:11
Obituary
Brandon Cord Hammons
July 19, 1966 – November 19, 2024
Brandon Cord Hammons, 58, resident of Independence, LA was called to his eternal home on November 19, 2024. Brandon was diagnosed with CJD on November 2, 2024 and spent his last days surrounded by friends and family. Brandon was born at 7th Ward Hospital in Hammond on July 19, 1966 to Jon Hammons and Camille Russell. He attended Oak Forest Academy and graduated 1984. During those 13 years of school he developed many lifetime friendships that we cherish today. After high school, he had a short stint in the navy where he visited over 32 countries. Brandon was always a people person and enjoyed working in sales before getting his Master Plumbing license and started his own company. Brandon will be remembered for his passion for God, family, friends, and animals; as well as, his eclectic taste in music, unique sense of style, love for his LSU Tigers and of course softball. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandfather, Haynie Phillips; his uncle, Howell Phillips; grandmother, Emma Phillips; paternal grandparents, Joe Lee and Uda Hammons; aunt, Billy Joe Ann Estess; and step-father, Lawrence “Pap” Russell. Brandon is survived by his father, Jon Hammons (Lou); his mother, Camille Russell; brothers, Hagen Hammons and Jason Lasseigne; wife, Tanya Hammons; 3 daughters, Cannan, Banner, and Gyvan Hammons; aunt, Elane Phillips; cousins, Scotch Phillips and Kandy Woods.
Brandon was 24 when he met his soulmate, Tanya, who was 19 and the two married in May of 1993. They were blessed to raise 3 beautiful daughters, Cannan Carr, Banner Bell, and Gyvan ‘Mille, who filled their lives with opportunities for more loving friendships through school, church, and sports. We will always remember his laugh, generosity, creative ideas, unique pet names and common sayings like Cool Man! and Geaux Tigers! He continues to give even in death by donating his brain to the CJD Foundation to further the research and awareness of this devastating disease.
Please join us to honor Brandon with a celebration of his vibrant life on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Harvest World Outreach, 16509 Florida Blvd. Holden, LA 70744, from 10:00AM until memorial services at 11:00AM. As a reflection of Brandon’s love for LSU and awareness of CJD, the family asks attendees to leave the suit and tie at home and wear your purple and gold attire. We thank everyone for their fervent prayers of healing and although we don’t always understand, we trust that God will use this for something better. Brandon loved God and desired to be close to him. So love Big like B, spend time with friends and family, make memories, be someone’s biggest fan, learn more about Jesus, let your light shine so another life can be saved; and you will see him again. “For those who have trusted Christ, death has no sting.” 1 Corinthians 15:55
In lieu of flowers, the family thanks you for all the blessings already given through the GO Fund Me, church, and t-shirt orders. If you still wish to give please donate to the CJD foundation or the Harvest Ministry to continue spreading love in his honor. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(My personal note:. Because I was a teacher from Roseland where the family was living at the time, I was asked to take Brandon and later, Hagan, to school each morning. I did this for several years. When the boys got older, I was one of their teachers. I have good memories of Brandon’s love for music and his gift for talking. I knew nothing about and big personality that reminded me frequently of his presence.)
Operation Christmas Child
Think about this. The cartons of shoeboxes for boys and girls have already arrived in Dallas and probably have been processed sending them on their long journey to boys and girls at a destination I do not yet know. Pray for the children who will receive the boxes and for their families that they may come to know and love God through the classes they will have the opportunity to attend to learn of Him.
Today, I am thankful to have completed another year of Operation Christmas Child and another year of serving as the local drop-0ff location for our area. I’m also thankful to say our children and grandchildren will be here soon. They will arrive today through Sunday and leave Sunday through Tuesday. I am blessed we will have everyone here for a portion of the coming week.
I hope you also have some special plans for celebrating Thanksgiving.
Take time to thank God for His blessings in, on, and through you and your family.
Services for Brandon Hammons from his brother, Hagan:
Saturday November 30
Harvest World Outreach
16509 Florida Blvd.
Holden, LA 70744
Visitation 10-11
Service 11-12:30
Food & fellowship following
This is not a formal event, rather All are encouraged to wear LSU FIGHTING TIGER COLORS
Thanks and see you all there
Read the Bible Every Day
November 26
Ezekiel 30:9-32:16
Psalm 132:6-12
Proverbs 28:19-22
I Peter 2:18-3:12
Life doesn’t have to be perfect for you to be thankful.
The Prayer Link 
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