Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
Hebrews 9:27
Prayer Focus
Today let’s pray for families. There are many that are very troubled. They often put on a good face for others, but away from others and/or at home they need God leading the family. Let’s pray for them in general and specifically. I know God is always available to comfort and guide families.
Read the Bible Every Day
(It’s never a bad day to begin reading.)
April 6
Deuteronomy 9:1 – 10:22
Psalm 41:1-6
Proverbs 10:13-17
Luke 7:11-35
Deaths – We are surrounded by many deaths.
Please pray for families caring for someone who is slowly dying. May God bless them as they lovingly provide needed care while having a broken heart all day each day. May they perform these tasks knowing the person is a Christian and is preparing to transition to Heaven!
Frank Fox’s Funeral
David and I watched this service live yesterday. They were a fantastic tribute to Frank for his many accomplishments and to his marriage that provided love and guidance to three daughters and in more recent years, to all the grandchildren.
It is still available online. Whether or not you knew Frank, I encourage you to watch this very special service.
There are several people still in the hospital. Please pray for them, their families, and for the primary caregiver(s). Pray, asking God to guide you to be bold and visit the person and/or family.
A Day of Preparation
Saturday is our final day before the Lord’s Day. Be diligent to accomplish the necessary tasks, studying your Sunday School lesson, planning/preparing food and clothing, etc. today so that will help you have a great Lord’s Day!
Note
Please pray for two unnamed families. One involves a death and the other a death in the near future.
Wendell Simmons was able to come home yesterday. Thank God for his improvement.
Coach Shaw is still at North Oaks.
Mrs. Mary Varnado had a procedure that will, hopefully, help her to feel better and be back at home.
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is still having tests done.
Jason Dean is continuing to improve at home following his back procedure.
Prayer Focus
Pray for the many people with needs in hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes without our knowledge. They often have needs we could meet, but we just don’t know of their needs. Pray we will be more aware and better informed as well as more willing. I think that last part about willingness is often and issue, but one we can work to improve.
Read the Bible Every Day
April 5, 2024
Deuteronomy 7:1 – 8:20
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:12-14
Luke 6:37 – 7:10
Sunday School Lesson
Our lesson for Sunday continues with Jacob learning more about God’s love and faithfulness. Despite his struggle with his brother, Esaw, he has matured in age and wisdom. Give it a read today. Genesis 30
Don’t Forget
I want to remind you that Frank Fox’s funeral service will be online at 11:00 A.M. this morning so that family and friends who cannot travel to Gastonia, N.C. today will be able to watch the service.
Let’s pray for the salvation for family members and others we know. What an important decision all of us can choose to make!
Read the Bible Every Day
April 4
Deuteronomy 5:1 – 6:25
Psalm 40:6-10
Proverbs 10:9 – 11
Luke 6:12-36
Health Concerns
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher – North Oaks for tests
Wendell Simmons – Recovery following back surgery
Online Funeral Service
Please share the information about an online funeral service for Frank Fox with his Kentwood friends who might not be aware of the service tomorrow at 11:00.
Opportunity for Ladies
April 20th has been chosen as the next “Cutting Day” to prepare fabric (measuring, marking, and cutting) for sewing of the totes to be placed in each of the 450 “Shoeboxes” we plan to ship through Samaritan’s Purse this year. Many of the totes have already been completed.
Ladies, bring your pinking shears if you have some. If not, come anyway. We’ll share or give you another task. Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson is in charge of the “Cutting Days” and the “Chief Seamstress”, a position she loves and has held for years. Join us for the next “Ladies’ Cutting Party”!
Today, let’s focus our prayers on knowing Christ better.
Do we need to study our Sunday School lessons deeper?
Do we need to rewatch our church services or watch those of other churches?
Do we need to spend much more time on Bible study?
Do we need to study more Christian books explaining the Bible?
Do we need to take a seminary courses/courses focusing on the Bible?
Etc.
Let’s ask God to teach us more using the method(s) of His choice.
Read the Bible Every Day?
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Psalm 40:1-5
Proverts 10:6-8
Luke 5:21 – 6:11
Happy OCC Shopping this month!
Red pens
Sewing measuring tapes
Small cars
Calculators
Small dolls
Fabric Cutting for OCC
Thanks to those who have helped cut fabric for the totes we send to boys and girls. We will be scheduling another, our third, fabric cutting day soon. Pay attention to the date. Bring your fabric cutting shears or rotary cutter. Thanks for this means of helping with OCC.
Obituaries
Deacon Michael Anthony “Mike” Agnello
September 29, 1946 – April 1, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at his home. He was born September 29, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 77 years of age. He served in the US Army Reserves as a MP. He was Owner and Operator of Himel’s Napa Auto Parts in Amite and Kentwood. He also served as an ordained Deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula. A former assistant to the director at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home. Recently retired as a Genealogy Assistant at the Tangipahoa Parish Library. His proudest achievement was his work with the T. Harry Williams Center at L.S.U creating Sicilian Italian Culture project. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member and served as a Chaplain. He served on many civic organizations and community boards throughout Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by wife, Valerie M. Agnello; 1 son, Mark J. Agnello; 1 daughter, Melanie A. Johnston and husband Jason; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Agnello, Hannah Vizena, Sarah Agnello, and Hailey J. Peek and husband, Matthew; 1 great-grandchild, Adelynn Dean. Preceded in death by parents, Salvadore “Sam” Agnello and Mary Graziano Agnello; brothers, Joseph Agnello, Salvador Agnello, and Ciro Agnello. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00PM until 8:00PM with a Vigil Service at 6:00PM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Visitation from 8:30AM until 10:30AM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite Thursday, April 4, 2024 with Funeral Mass to follow at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. We thank St. Tammany Hospice for their great care. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frank M. Fox
April 26, 1942 – March 31, 2024
Frank M. Fox of Gastonia, NC died peacefully on March 31, 2024, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s. He was born April 26, 1942 in Memphis, TN to the late Lowry S. Fox Sr. and Avis Smith Fox.
Frank grew up in Kentwood, LA. After graduating from Kentwood High School in 1960, he attended Louisiana State University. He would later obtain a Master of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Following graduation from LSU, he began his service with the US Air Force where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a medal for extraordinary achievement. When stationed in Goldsboro, NC, he met his loving wife of 52 years. They settled in Kentwood where he taught at Kentwood High School before retiring and moving to North Carolina. He then worked as a mail carrier with the US Postal service until retiring to his favorite role of Paw Paw to his seven grandchildren.
Possessing a true servant’s heart, he dedicated his entire life to helping others. As a young man, nothing was more important to him than caring for his mother after they lost his father. In his twenties he focused on serving his country, moving through the ranks of the military, and completing his service as a Captain. His next years were spent dedicating everything he had to his wife and three daughters. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, where he served as a deacon. After moving to North Carolina, he volunteered with the American Red Cross and Parkwood Baptist Church through organizations like the Salvation Army and PCO.
A true country boy at heart, Frank spent as much time as possible outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, model trains, and caring for cows on his dairy farm. An avid LSU fan, he loved watching his Tigers play baseball and football. The only thing that could keep him from his Tigers was the chance to attend any of his grandchildren’s events. He spent many hours supporting his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow and excel.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Alice Fox; three daughters, Lori Vail (Bob), Rebecca Backus (Aaron), and Leigh Ann Mantecon (Lito); seven grandchildren, Ellie Vail, Wes Vail, Will Backus, Lindy Sell, Henry Backus, Lito Mantecon II, and Tristan Mantecon. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Lowry Fox Jr., his honorary brother and cousin, Rod Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Parkwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 prior to the service.
The service will be live streamed via the following link for those who are unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Parkwood’s PCO or James 1:27 Fund located at 1827 Dixon Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO BOX 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I Peter 1:3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on those around us who have physical injuries or diseases that make “getting around” difficult. If there is some way you can help, please do so for them.
Surgery Report
Wendell Simmons‘ surgery was successful. He stayed at the hospital last night and will be there again tonight before going home. His movement will be limited in the next few weeks.
Obituary
Jimmy “Jay” Joseph Roux
March 27, 1951 – March 31, 2024
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, LA. He was born March 27, 1951 in New Orleans, LA and was 73 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sherry Hyde Roux; daughter, Chrissie Roux Paradise and Justin; son, Brenton Roux and Caitlyn; grandchildren, Maci Bergeron, Anabelle Paradise, and Brenton Michael Roux; 2 step-daughters, Tabitha Singleton and Amy Miller and Scott; 1 step-son, Ralph Singleton, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Sean Sinagra, Emily Sinagra, Tyler Miller, Cody Singleton, Colton Singleton, Bentley Singleton, Sadie Singleton, and Sabrina Singleton; 1 sister, Donna Orgeron and Gerry; 2 brothers, Danny Roux and Gayle and Clinton Roux, III “T-Cork”. Preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Roux, Jr. And Dorothy Landry Roux. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, April 5, 2024. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frank Fox
Mary Alice will send the obituary for Frank when it is finalized. Let’s be in prayer for her, her girls, and other family members.
Read the Bible Every Day
Psalm 39:7-13
Deuteronomy 2:1 – 3:29
Proverbs 10:3-5
Luke 5:1-20
Our Gifts
Use your gifts God has given you and please Him when you do so. We all have different gifts. Let’s use them to help/encourage/bless others.
Pray for all the students who are out of school this week. Pray they have a good week and can accomplish some positive things while being safe from any harm. Pray the adults in each situation use good judgment in caring for their children and/or those left in their care.
Surgeries
Wendell Simmons will be having back surgery this morning. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
A friend of ours will continue to have medical tests this week leading up to probable surgery. Your prayers for Sandy will also be greatly appreciated.
Death
Mary Alice Fox sent a message that Frank Fox passed away yesterday. She will let me know more when details for his service are arranged.
Missions – OCC
I was asked yesterday about some needs for OCC. At this point, we need more marbles, flashlights, and washcloths from our March list. Our April list includes: red pens, measuring tapes for sewing, cars, calculators, and small dolls. Each item you purchase helps us to be one item closer to packing a shoebox. We will be packing 450 shoeboxes this year. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Some of you have signed up to volunteer to help us work. If you have not signed up and wish to do so please let me know. We will get back to cutting fabric this month. I will let you know once I get the date cleared for the church calendar.
Missions – Annie Armstrong Offering
It is not too late to donate to the Annie Armstrong offering which will be used for mission work on the islands of the Gulf and Atlantic, Canada, and the USA. There are still many who are lost all around us.
Thank-you so much for your encouragement. Please keep encouraging those around you. You make a big difference as you encourage and pray.
Verse 1 Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Chorus Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, With His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Verse 2 Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior; Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Chorus Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, With His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Verse 3 Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior; He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Chorus Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, With His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
This is the song I think of first at Easter.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Prayer Focus Today: Those learning of a major health issues
We have a friend who recently learned of a health concern in a method similar to Bro. Darryl. She went to the doctor for one reason and wound up with another issue, a major concern. She has a strong faith like him. Please join me in praying for “My Friend”. Pray for all the others who learn daily of serious health problems.
A Second Prayer Focus – Graduating Seniors
Please join me in praying for all the seniors who will be graduating in the coming weeks. Pray they had done their best and have great opportunities to choose from in the coming months.
Thank God for Our Opportunities
We. don’t all have the same opportunities, but we surely can thank God for the opportunities He gives us. Then, our next step is to work hard to achieve the goads we have. We can all make a good life for us and our families if we follow the path God wants us to follow.
Easter Activities for Children
FBC, Kentwood
Tomorrow
9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Easter Services for All
FBC, Kentwood
8:00 A.M. – Early Worship Service
9:15 – Sunday School
10:30 – Second Worship Service
No Evening Worship
EVERYONE is invited to participate.
Other churches may also have an altered schedule to Easter. Contact the church office, pastor, etc. for details.
Please use your personal pray list for pray for all those around us with needs. Pray for your personal prayer needs. Pray for needs in your family, community, and church.
Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson visited with me yesterday. We visited Keith Allen, Mrs. Velma Anthony, and Mrs. Mary Varnado. All three were such great visits. I only wish I could have made the visits the other two groups made Wednesday. We learned so much from our previous, similar project and learned even more this time.. I’m ready to go again.
Obituary
James Herndon Tycer
14, 1948 – March 27, 2024
A resident of Montpelier, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at his home. He was born July 14, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Billie Claire Dykes Tycer; 2 daughters, Jamie Covington and husband, Todd, and Jessica Rutledge and husband, Zach; grandchildren, Hannah Covington, Porter Rutledge, and Jesse Rutledge; 2 brothers, Arthur Ray Tycer and Lindsay Tycer and wife, Donna. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Elva Mae Tycer. Visitation on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until 11:00AM with a graveside to follow in Montpelier Cemetery. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Herndon graduated with me from Mrs. Jackson’s kindergarten, 8th grade, and high school (AHS Class of ’66). Most children our age did not attend kindergarten, so it was easy to get to know them.)
Operation Christmas Child
Items we are collecting in April:
Red pens
Measuring Tapes for Sewing
Toy cars (matchbox size)
Calculators
Dolls
You can leave these items in the green tote in the hallway below the sanctuary.
Thanks to all the classes, families, and individuals who contributed items last month!
The Prayer Link 
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