As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:12
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for Israel and the other countries in that area of the world. Let’s pray often for the American bases in that area who have been told not to defend themselves. It seems so hard to know those young men and women with the capacity, training, and ability to defend themselves have been ordered not to. Let’s pray for peace similar and even better than what the area has had recently.Let’s pray that the people of that area will be able to hear and receive the love of God. Let’s pray the love of God can be preached in that area of the world and all those people will have the opportunity to receive Jesus in their hearts.
Obituary
Angela Biandolillo
October 16, 1947 – August 5, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home. She was born October 16, 1947 in Jamestown, NY and was 76 years of age. Along with the love of her family, she was especially proud of the years she spent with her students at Amite High School. She is survived by 2 daughters, Michelle Biandolillo Sparks (Danny) and Lisa Ann Biandolillo; 1 son, Michael Ross Biandolillo (Becki); 1 brother, Dr. George Guzzardo (Shirley); grandchildren, Blair Reid, Sydni Biandolillo (Jack) and Alexis Biandolillo, Kaitlyn and Kolton Sparks, Khodi Sparks, Marrah Ransbottom, Brady Joiner (Sydney), and Brandon Allemand; great-grandchildren, Brynleigh May Joiner, Graysen Richardson, Masen Richardson, Jaxsen Richardson, Kasen Ransbottom, Ryleigh Ransbottom, and Presley Ransbottom. Preceded in death by her husband, Ross James Biandolillo; parents, George N. and Carmello Guzzardo; and brother, Dr. Michael Guzzardo. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Services conducted by Deacon Nat Garofola. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I got to teach some of her children were she was a substitute teacher at my school before she became a teacher. Many of you may know her as the mother of Coach B. at Sumner.)
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Mark 11:25
Obituary
Wayne Charles Verberne
August 11, 1948 – August 4, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at his home. He was born August 11, 1948 in New Orleans, LA and was 75 years of age. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam from 1969-1970. Wayne was a member of the former Kentwood Lions Club, a Board Member of the Kentwood Co-op for many years, and the last reigning King of the Kentwood Dairy Festival. Like his father before him, Wayne was a proud dairy farmer where he worked from 1970 until his retirement in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Peggy J. Verberne; 4 sons, Wayne Charles Verberne, Jr. and wife, Katherine of Kentwood, Steven Scott Verberne and wife, Christina of Kentwood, Brian Dale Verberne and wife, Amy of Covington, and Jason Gary Verberne and husband, Shuhua of University Place, Washington; 1 brother, Randy L. Verberne and wife, Jan of Spokane, Washington; 11 grandchildren, Chelsie Lynne, Caitlin Leanne, Alexis Anne, Carlie Lauren, Victoria Rose, John Edward, Nathan Garrett, Matthew James, Abbey Corrine, Aubrey Clair, and Coen Kellie; 2 great-grandchildren, Kamryn Brooke and Lynleigh Reese. Preceded in death by his parents, Philip E. and Norma R. Verberne; brothers, Philip E. Verberne, Jr., David Verberne, and Terry Verberne. The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice especially Ashley Thomas and Dejunna Holloway as well as his caregiver, Ella Jackson for their excellent care and compassion. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Tim LaCoste. Interment Verberne Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for all involved in the was against Israel. Let’s pray for a peaceful solution to their differences today.
Read the Bible Every Day
August 6
II Chronicles 29:18-31:10
Psalm 92:1-7
Proverbs 19:18-19
Romans 1:1-23
Prayers Needed
Doctors have determined that Bill Frazier has Covid and placed him on a vent. Please continue to pray for him and his family as well as the medical staff at Lady of the Lake.
New Roof
The L-wing of FBC has a new roof to replace the one badly damaged during one of the storms that went through Kentwood this summer. We are thankful the church did not have move damage and that we had insurance on the buildings.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:7
Prayer Focus
Pray for Israel as they face the danger of attack today.
Health Issues
Trey Buckley has a new heart artery. The old one was 100% blocked. Thank God for all the medical people who have been taking care of him at St. Tammany.
Bill Frazier is in Lady of the Lake Hospital and needs the prayers of his Kentwood friends today.
Keith Allen is better and was in Sunday School yesterday.
Bobbie and Glen Magee are with their daughter in Covington.
Please add your own concerns to today’s list. Your prayers for others are greatly appreciated.
Read the Bible Every Day
August 5
II Chro nicles 21:7-29:17
Psalm 91:9-16
Proverbs 19:17
Acts 28:11-31
Operation Christmas Child
Thanks to those who have been contributing items or money to OCC. The August list of needs includes solar calculators, dolls, bandanas, coloring books, and panties and briefs, size 12. I think this will be our final list for 2024. Thank-you for your support. It is such a big undertaking it takes all of us working together to pack four hundred fifty “Shoeboxes”. You are greatly appreciated!
Be careful in the heat today.
Cooler weather will be coming. We will get past these very hot days in a few weeks. I certainly will be thankful. Stay well hydrated every day for a while.
I can never tell you how much your prayers and actions to help others are appreciated. I remember a phrase I heard often in my younger years. “Put feet to your prayers.” To me, that means to help others by actions when possible. That old saying is still very appropriate!
Trey Buckley was admitted to St. Tammany Hospital yesterday and may have an angiogram today if it has not already been done. Please be in prayer for Trey, Rachel, and the rest of the family as well as the medical staff who are helping take care of him.
Welcome to another Lord’s Day. I am thankful God allowed me to wake up to celebrate Him today. I am thankful He also allowed you to wake up to celebrate Him today.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
I do not remember a time when I did not know God changed Saul and gave him the name Paul. There is not a book of the Bible named Paul, but Paul did many things for God.
Today’s lesson if about Acts 9:3-16. Whether or not you will be in Sunday School, please take time to read and meditate on this passage.
Jessie Joseph Page Matherne
November 26, 1980 – July 31, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born November 26, 1980 in McComb, MS and was 43 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Sandy Tyrney Pittman and husband Paul; 3 brothers, Justin Matherne, Curtis Matherne and wife, Hannah, and Joe Matherne; nieces and nephew, Olivia Matherne, Sofia Matherne, and Maddox Matherne. Preceded in death by his father, Leroy Matherne, Jr.; Paw Paw, Leroy Matherne, Sr.; Maw Maw, Nell Matherne Paw Paw, Walter Tyrney, II; Maw Maw, Ann Tyrney. Pallbearers, Justin Matherne, Curtis Matherne, Blake Wilson, Jason Wilson, Clay Wilson, Mitch Wilson, and Brad Gafford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 4:00PM until 8:00PM with religious services at 6:00PM on Monday, August 5, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Donnie Easley. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Every Day
August 4
II Chronicles 24:17-26:23
Psalm 91:1-8
Proverbs 19:15-16
Acts 27:30-28:10
There are many needs in our community. Which ones will you be praying about/working on this week?
Sign-Up List
Today will be your first opportunity to sign up to be a part of Woman (and Girls) on Mission. The list will be on the table by the front door of FBC, Kentwood today. The first meeting will be Sunday, August 25 at 5 P.M. The current plans are to meet in the New Hope classroom. Please pass this on to other ladies and school age girls.
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Today, let’s focus our prayers on out area church services for tomorrow and on services world wide too. Especially pray for pastors as they finalize the messages for tomorrow.
Much attention has been given to the two individual who were killed in the boating accident Sunday. That’s good, but please also pray for the other people who were involved in the accident and the numerous others who were involved in the rescue operation. Pray for all these people today and in the coming days.
Sunday School Scripture for Tomorrow
Acts 9:3-16 (Saul becomes Paul)
Read the Bible Every Day
August 3
II Chronicles 21:12-24:16
Psalm 90:13-17
Proverbs 19:13-14
Acts 27:9-29
Women and Girls on Mission
FBC Kentwood will be organizing a group with a missions focus. It will be for women of all ages and for school age girls. Meeting will be on weekends, so school will not be an issue for the girls and also for the ladies who have a regular forty hour job. Please sign the list on the table in the entry to the sanctuary. Our focus will be on various ways to serve, to learn about opportunities to tell others about Jesus, and how we can minister to various groups in our community, our state, and our country and world. Be sure to sign the list tomorrow.
Obituary
Jessie Joseph Page Matherne
November 26, 1980 – July 31, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born November 26, 1980 in McComb, MS and was 43 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Sandy Tyrney Pittman and husband Paul; 3 brothers, Justin Matherne, Curtis Matherne and wife, Hannah, and Joe Matherne; nieces and nephew, Olivia Matherne, Sofia Matherne, and Maddox Matherne. Preceded in death by his father, Leroy Matherne, Jr.; Paw Paw, Leroy Matherne, Sr.; Maw Maw, Nell Matherne Paw Paw, Walter Tyrney, II; Maw Maw, Ann Tyrney. Pallbearers, Justin Matherne, Curtis Matherne, Blake Wilson, Jason Wilson, Clay Wilson, Mitch Wilson, and Brad Gafford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 4:00PM until 8:00PM with religious services at 6:00PM on Monday, August 5, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Donnie Easley. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today is a day of preparation for the Lord’s Day. I was taught to polish my shoes, iron my dress, study my lesson, help Momma in the kitchen, etc. In other words, to do all I could to make Sunday trouble and stress free while being prepared as much as possible.
Thank-you for praying today. Pass this link on to a friend or two. Thank-you!
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Luke 18:42
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on telling others about Jesus. That is extra hard, but it is our responsibility. The harder it seems, the harder we need to pray for that will, ability, and opportunities.
Obituaries
The deaths of two young people in our community has been hard, but I assure you these two are now with Jesus. That goal of their lives has been achieved!
Chase Douglas Sharkey
October 22, 1987 – July 28, 2024
Chase Sharkey walked through the gates of Heaven on July 28, 2024 at the young age of 36. Chase was born to Susie and Harrell on October 22, 1987. Although spoiled like every baby boy should be, Chase grew up knowing the value of hard work that only comes from being a farmer’s child. Chase attended Oak Forest Academy during which time he met his forever bride, Shelly. Right out of college, Chase married his high school sweetheart. Together they were blessed with four children, Brynlee, daddy’s little girl, and three boys, Brady, Beau, and Baylor.
All people die, but not all people live. Chase lived. He packed so much life into his 36 years, accomplishing so much. Chase founded Sharkey Mechanical Services where he gained his legacy of being a successful businessman in a short time. His unwavering passion for his craft left an undeniable mark on everyone he met, and his work ethic was unmatched.
How Chase chose to spend his time outside of work leaves an even bigger impact on his legacy. Chase was full throttle. He never met a stranger, was unapologetically honest, and loyal to a fault. He loved his family fiercely. Chase was the fun dad, the life of every party.
If he wasn’t at his kids’ sporting events or on a plane to his next adventure, Chase was at his second home in Manchac. Growing up fishing there with his dad, the water was his place of peace. He was drawn to the adventures of boat rides, sandbars, fishing, swimming, socializing, and entertaining.
No matter where he was, you would hear about his love for Jesus. He was a God-fearing man. His life, although short, was truly a gift to us all. We can all take comfort in knowing Chase is with the Lord our God.
Chase leaves a legacy through his wife, Shelly, children Brynlee, Brady, Beau, and Baylor, his parents Harrell Sr. and Susie Sharkey, brother Harrell Jr. (Julie) Sharkey, sisters Larissa (Jason) Dean, and Season (Trinity) Mince.
Preceded in death by grandparents Felix and Daisy Sharkey and James and Daisy Sparks, and brother Shane Wicks.
Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite from 9:00AM until service to celebrate Chase’s life at 12Noon on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Following the service, Chase will be laid to rest at Kedron Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Kedron Baptist Church.
In lieu of a monetary donation, Chase would ask that everyone attend church this Sunday in memory of him, wherever that may be. He invited many to church and would want others to do the same. Memorial contributions can be given through tithes. If you do not have a church home, please read this as Chase’s final outreach here on Earth and join us at FBC Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Amanda Miller McKenzie, 49, of Tylertown, MS, died at her home surrounded by family on July 30th, 2024, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Dinan Baptist Church in Tylertown, MS, resuming Friday from 9-11a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Dinan Baptist Church sanctuary with the Rev. David Parker and the Rev. Mike Anderson officiating. Graveside service to immediately follow at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Lirette, Chris Verdun, Adam Blanks, JScott McKenzie, Mason McCallum, and Drake McKenzie.
Amanda Ethridge Miller was born January 26, 1975, in Jackson, MS and grew up in Osyka. She attended Parklane Academy, where she played clarinet and served as co-captain of the flag corps in the school’s marching band. She performed with both Pioneer Sound and Parklane Singers, and she served on the Band Council. After graduating from Parklane with the Class of 1993, Amanda attended Southwest Mississippi Community College, again serving as co-captain for the marching band’s color guard, and again playing clarinet, this time in the concert band. She later pursued and earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1998.
For the next ten years, Amanda lived and worked in Pike County. In 2006 she accepted a position at Magnolia Electric Power, where she would go on to manage multiple teams of workers, and she came to understand MEP as a family, one in which each family member (MEP employee) had unique skills and talents which were essential to maintaining their success. Colleagues described Amanda as always knowing, “what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.” Amanda would remain employed by Magnolia Electric until the day she died.
Around the time she took the job at MEP, Amanda had just finished helping one of her dearest friends close her shop in McComb. The very same friend would soon introduce Amanda to her then brother-in-law, Clark McKenzie from Tylertown. Clark and Amanda married in 2008 and enjoyed life with their wonderful girls in a home always filled with the happiness and love they shared with one another, and with the family and friends to whom their door would never close.
Amanda and her family attended Dinan Baptist Church. She was very active in her church community, and in its youth programs in particular. Amanda taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and she organized fundraisers to ensure that every child who wished to go would have enough money to attend church camp for a week in the summer. She thought it was important that the kids in the church be involved both with the church and with one another, and she organized events that would create situations that allowed each child to find ways to contribute something unique to the group. She sang in the church choir and was active in the WOM (Women on Missions) program. Amanda was most enthusiastic about her husband, her daughters and her dogs (Mojo, Izzy and Millie).
Amanda is survived by her husband, Clark McKenzie of Tylertown; daughters Bentley Martin of Houston, TX, and Blaire Martin of Tylertown; parents Steve and Wendell Lyn Miller of Osyka; sister Abby Gautreau (Bryan) of Tylertown; brother Stewart Miller of Osyka; nieces and nephews Chelsey Blanchard, Alex Arevalo, Taylor Blanchard, Grace Tetreaux (Matthew), Ashlynn Temple (Jonathan), Buckley Martin, Skylar Martin, Taylor Gautreau, JScott McKenzie, Mason McCallum, Drake McKenzie, Kobelyn Miller, Mary Kayte McKenzie; parents in-law Odell and Kay McKenzie, brother-in-law Josh McKenzie (Katie); and sister-in-law Sonya Stafford (Billy), along with so many beloved cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Marvin and Juanita Simmons Blanks of Magnolia and her paternal grandparents, Fleet and Blanche Jones Miller of Osyka, andbrother-in-law Jeff McKenzie.
Memorials to Amanda should be made to the Dinan Baptist Church Youth Fund. Feel free to share your memories and/or condolences at the Hartman Hughes-Capps Funeral Home website. http://www.hartmanhughesfuneralhome.com
Alice R. Currier
February 25, 1931 – July 28, 2024
Alice Currier, an Amite High teacher for 40 years, died July 28, 2024. Born Alice Frances Ridgedell on February 25,1931 to Enos J and Elva Phillips Ridgedell, she was a lifelong resident of Amite.
She graduated Amite High in 1948 and Southeastern Louisiana College in 1951 with Honors. She retired in 1991 to become a Full Time Grandmother. Her passions in life were her Family, Teaching, and the Tangipahoa Parish Library. She was a member of the St. Helena Catholic Church and a member of the building committee of the present Amite High School.
Miss Alice is survived by her sons, Ricky Currier and wife Trudy, Amite, and Jeff Currier, Las Vegas. Grandson Jacob Currier and wife Kathryn, Covington. Great Grandson Gabriel Joseph Currier. And, her niece Christy Benton, Atlanta. A second great grandchild is due at Christmas.
Proceeded in death by her husband, Richard “Radar” Currier, her parents, her sister, Marilyn R Gernhardt and nephew, Craig Gernhardt.
The family wishes to thank Hood Memorial, The Lodge At Tangi Pines, and Modern Hospice for their outstanding care.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Emilio Gomez at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite on Wednesday, August 7th at 11:00 AM. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens. Mass Intentions are appreciated. Memorial Donations can be made to Full Of Grace, P O Box 164, Amite LA 70422. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(She was my English teacher in ninth grade in the original AHS building that was burned about ten years later. I have a lot of good memories of her class.)
David and I shopped hard yesterday and finished filling several OCC needs. The heat was draining, not my favorite weather. Today is a new day. I have plans for the next few day with a busy schedule.
See you Sunday at church, I hope! If not, be sure to attend in person or online somewhere.
I especially enjoyed the article about the Florida church.
Read the Bible Every Day
August 1
II Chronicles 17:1-18:34
Psalm 89:46-52
Proverbs 19:8-9
Acts 25:23-26:18
Missions – OCC
There will be a new list of five items needed at this time for the “Shoeboxes” on the red charts in the adult classrooms. Take a minute to read what the August needs are. Thanks!
“Shoeboxes” are a way to give gifts, meet needs, and introduce children to God. What a bargain! We are so happy to have this opportunity each year. This year we will be packing boxes for 225 boy ages 10-14 and 225 girls 10-14. This age group is often overlooked as people pack for the younger age groups more. We choose to pack for them because they are often overlooked and because they are at an age when they are old enough to understand and choose salvation.
A resident of Chesbrough, LA, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born April 1, 1954 and was 70 years of age. Sherry was a Registered Nurse for over 30 years at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, McComb, MS and Riverside Medical Center, Franklinton, LA. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Fortenberry, daughter Renae Laird, and son Jason Fortenberry (Lee Ann), 6 grandchildren, Mattie, Wil, Presley, Hayden, MaKenna, and Leightyn, one brother John Wesley Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Wilma Smith, sister Charlotte Reeves, brother-in-law Claude Reeves, sister-in-law Linda Smith, maternal grandparents, Uyless and Alta McMillan, paternal grandparents, John C. and Edna Smith, father-in-law, H.W. Fortenbeny, and mother-in-law, Melvine Fortenberry. Special thanks to Lee Lee Davis, Sherry Robertson for their care and compassion as well as Chrissy Easley, Rhianna Strong, and Brother Chris Chavers with Hospice of Baton Rouge. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Services will be conducted by Rev. Don McDaniel. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Pallbearers will be Wil Fortenberry, Greg Fortinberry, Cole Fortinberry, Austin Fortinberry, Sammie Bellue, and Joe Bellue, Jr. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
This is the Gospel group who sang at Gillsburg the first of the week and died in a plane crash at the end of the weel.
Good Morning, my friends. I’m so happy you are back today. Let’s plan to make this Tuesday a good day despite the circumstances the world throws at us. Our God is a good and loves us very dearly. Let’s always remember that.
Today, let’s plan to do a good deed for someone. You get to choose the good deed. Be a blessing to someone today. Before you do a good deed, pray about that person. Then, go into action if God gives you a “green light”.
Prayer Request
Pray for the Sharkey family and the many friends of Chase.
Read the Bible Every Day
July 30
II Chronicles 11:1-13:22
Psalm 89:30-37
Proverbs 19:4-5
Acts 24:10-27
Operation Christmas Child
Last week, we had a new volunteer worker. Yesterday, David and I gave her the opportunity to help. She loved it and plans to return. That’s what our end of OCC is all about – giving of your time, working with others, and learning about the “Shoebox” process. Our new volunteer is ready to work again.
Each year, we have painted our boxes before adding special decorations. This year, we left off the paint and tried a new process. I’m very happy to report our boxes are ready for folding into a box shape. We will be waiting a while, but will be calling on our men to fold the boxes for that step.
Now, we are finalizing our shopping by purchasing a few more of several items. It is all coming together nicely. We will be doing an inventory in the next few days to determine our final needs.
Back to School Needs
Think carefully about the children and teens you know who might need uniforms or school supplies for the coming year. You might be able to meet that need or turn the name over to someone who can.
August is just ahead.
It is not a cool month, so plan your days accordingly.
The Prayer Link 
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