By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Genesis 3:19

Happy Valentines Day! 

I hope you love many people and are loved by many people.

Read the Bible Today!

• Exodus 31:1 – 32:35
• Psalm 22:6 – 10
• Proverbs 5: 7-8
• Matthew 26: 26-51

Obituaries

Annie Bravata Danna

September 26, 1931 – February 11, 2024

Annie Bravata Danna, age 92, of Amite City, LA passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Miss Ann was a life long parishioner of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, serving in many ministries.

Ann is survived by her husband of 72 years, Peter S. Danna; daughter, Geri Danna Welch and husband Lee; grandson, Hunter David Parra and wife Jenna; and great-granddaughters, Ava Grace Parra, Ella Rose  Parra, and Mia Kate Parra.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9am-11am at St. Helena Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30AM. Burial at Our Lady of Pompeii Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

We met “Miss” Ann when David went to work after graduating in 1967 from SLU, SLC back then. She was so nice. Through her, we got to know and love Mr. Sam.

Jeremiah Wickliffe Goldsmith,III

June 24, 1980 – February 7, 2024

Jeremiah Wickliffe Goldsmith III, a resident of Greensburg, Louisiana passed from this life on February 7,2024 at the age of 43. Wick is survived by his wife Haley Goldsmith, his daughters Emma and Bella, father Wick Goldsmith II, sister Christine Kelemen (Mark). Wick is also survived by his wife’s parents Bobby and Mary Davison, brother-in-law Kyle Davison (Lexi), sister-in-law Emily Davison, nieces Ansley Kelemen, Lily Davison, and nephews Connor and Jake Kelemen. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Lavorgna Goldsmith. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. 

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who do not have anyone to love them, or who just don’t realize people love them. Today is a good day to show love to someone who possible doesn’t feel loved. God loves us all, but often people don’t realize that!

Anna Lee

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Illness

Pray for Wanda Smith’s grandson, a student at SLU. He has a vision. problem.

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller who will be having surgery one week from today.

Read the Bible Today

• Exodus 29:26 – 30:38
• Psalm 22:1-5
• Proverbs 5: 3-6
• Matthew 26:6-25

Obituary

Gerald Hyde

November 13, 1947 – February 11, 2024

Gerald Hyde
November 13, 1947 – February 11, 2024
On February 11, 2024, peacefully and surrounded by family, Gerald took his last breath on earth and his next breath in the presence of His Lord and his mother, sister, and best friends, Larry W. Raborn and Ruby Ricks.

A native of Chesbrough and resident of Kentwood, Gerald was well known for his involvement in the community. He graduated from Chesbrough High School and Southeastern Louisiana University  and shortly after began his teaching career. Gerald taught at Valley Forge, Greensburg, and Sumner High School before retiring.

He is survived by the love of his life and faithful companion, Judy, his father George Hyde,  his sister Beth and her fiance Norman,  two nieces Amy and her husband Brian, Katee and her husband Brian, and three great nephews Jack, Evan, and Spencer. He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred “Millie” Lawrence Hyde; grandparents, Willie and Lillian Hyde and George and Jessie Lawrence, and baby sister Bonnie Mildred.

Pall bearers will be Donald Raborn, Rodney Hoyt, Dwayne Raborn, Thomas Raborn, Mike Whitehead, John Hyde, Larry McKnight, Brian Rivet, Barrett Travis, Brad Travis, Dane Travis, and Ayden Travis.

Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM  on  Thursday, February 15, 2024. Interment will be in Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers that Gerald has had over the last year for their wonderful care and compassion. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.    

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for our world. Pray that PEACE and LOVE abound all around the world.

Operation Christmas Child

We had a very productive day yesterday, so we will take a break for a few days. I’ll let you know when we will work next.

Anna Lee

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Read the Bible Every Day

• Exodus 26:15 – 29:25
• Psalm 21:8-13
• Proverbs 5: 1-2
• Matthew 25: 31 – 26:5

Death

Two friends sent messages yesterday that Gerald Hyde passed away,

 I will post an obituary when one becomes available.

Health Concerns

*Dorothy Wall continues to have respiratory issues.

*Coach Shaw continues to be very sick.

*Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. They have been home-bound for a long time.

*Mr. Cete Dillon has also been homebound for a long time.

*Mrs. Mickey Cade has been homebound for a long time too.

*Mrs. Velma Anthony is living at the new nursing home in Amite.

Operation Christmas Child

We are increasing our shoebox count this year because we have been at 400 for three years, In 2024, we will send 450 boxes. That is 225 for the older girls and 225 for the older boys. The older group is for ages 10-14. 

Work has already begun. We will work this morning from 9:00 – 11:30 in the shoebox area (basement of the sanctuary building).

Thank-you for “tuning in” this morning. Two friends I haven’t seen in a long time, but saw at a funeral Friday, told me they read this post daily. I am thankful for all of you!

Anna Lee

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

Read the Bible Every Day

• Exodus 26:15 – 28:14
• Psalm 21:1-7
• Proverbs 4: 24-27
• Matthew 25:14-30

Sunday School Lesson

Today’s lesson is entitled “Impatience”. It’s about Abram, but applies to us too.

Correction

Correction:
Gerald Hyde is not at home.
He is in the Baton Rouge General Butterfly wing.
Thanks for the prayers.

Announcements

Ladies’ Spring Painting Class

Saturday, February 17th at 10 A.M. in the Lighthouse

Cost of materials: $10.00

Sign up in the church foyer.

Choir Practice

Sundays at 5 P.M.

Easter Cantata

Kid’s Camp

July 26-28

Sign up in the church foyer.

OCC

Thanks to all the ladies and David for helping.

Fabric Cutting Workshop

Feb. 21 at 9 .M.

Fellowship Hall

Shoebox Preparation

Monday, Feb. 12

9:00 A.M.

Shoebox Area of Basement

Have a blessed Sunday as you worship Him.

Anna Lee

“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

Illness

There are several fighting big battles with illnesses. As. you pray for them, please remember Gerald Hyde who is back at home.

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 21
• Exodus 25:1 – 26:14
• Psalm 20:1-9
• Proverbs 4: 23-24
• Matthew 25: 1-13

Operation Christmas Child

We are making good progress preparing to pack our shoeboxes. This week we will only plan to work Monday, 9:00 – 11:30 this week. Hoping to see all those willing hands and hearts.

Saturday = Preparation

Today is Saturday, so make your preparations for Sunday.

Ladies, if you don’t have a Sunday School class, you are invited to visit my class. Ask for directions, or a guide, when you get to church. We begin at 9:15, so come on time.

Have a great day of worship! At FBC, Kentwood, we have worship services at 10:30 and 6:00.

Anna Lee

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:30

Prayer Focus

Pray for our president and other leadership of our country. We need to be a strong nation on the world scene. Pray for the voters of our country as we move into primaries and November elections.

Surgery

Bro. Darrell Miller has been seeing doctors and now is scheduled for surgery on February 20th. Please remember him, his family, our church, and his many friends in your prayers.

Procedure

Wendell Simmons is having an angiogram at North Oaks this morning. Please be in prayer for Wendell, Ginger, and other family members.

Obituary

John Dowd Watkins

August 26, 1961 – February 6, 2024

John Dowd Watkins, born August 26, 1961, passed at North Oaks Medical Center on February 6, 2024 after a severe illness.  He is preceded in death by his father, Robert P. “Buddy” Watkins and his mother, Joan Watkins of Amite.  He is survived by his 3 brothers, Perrin (Ann), Robert (Kathy), and William (Patricia).  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A client of Options for many years, John was well taken care of by his family and his loving caretaker of 20 years, Deanna Savage.  The family would like to thank Deanna, Lydia, Tasha, and LaTasha for the many years of care and love they gave John and to thank anyone else at Options that contributed to his care.  The family would also like to thank all the workers at North Oaks Hospital for the care John was given in his final week of life.  They did an excellent job in attending to his needs and the needs of the family.  

A graveside service will be held at the Amite Memorial Gardens on South Laurel at 1:30pm on Saturday, February 10 where John will join his parents in the afterlife.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Amite or Options. Arrangements are being handled by McKneely Funeral Home.  

Read the Bible Every Day

Exodus 22:21 – 24:18

Psalm 19:7-14

Proverbs 4:20-22

Matthew 24:36-51

Invite Someone to Sunday School and Church

That’s how we grow! Let’s continue to invite others to visit us if they are not attending elsewhere.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Health Issues

It was great to have Jackie Babin back in church last night. She had surgery early in January and has been at home.

Wanda Smith shared two requests. One is for Jason Lasseigne from Amite, but now living in Baton Rouge. He is the son of of Jon Carl and Lou Hammons. He is facing some serious health problem. Please pray.

 Wanda’s other request is for her grandson, Sean Bruce. He has complicated vision issues.

Gerald Hyde has been placed on hospice care. Please pray for Gerald and his family at this time.

Obituary

Maxine Reese Howell

September 20, 2022 – February 5, 2024

Maxine Reese Howell, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her mama on February 5th, 2024. Maxine, often referred to as Mac Mac, Maxie, and Max, she  was the absolute light and joy of our lives. Max was born on September 20th, 2022 to  the parents Mallie Grice and Jerry Howell Jr. As many know she was born with Zellweger Syndrome, but she never let her diagnoses define her. She loved to sing and “tattletale” any chance she got. Her favorite color was red and she loved watching Bluey. She loved swimming and rocking with anyone who would hold her. She loved shopping at BassPro with her mama and seeing all the fish. Our precious girl can now walk and talk  and we know she ran into the arms of Jesus. She’s more than likely playing fetch and bossing around her puppy pals in heaven. Maxine is survived by her parents, Mallie Grice and Jerry Howell Jr, her maternal grandparents, Allison and Timothy Keating and Carl Wayne and Stephanie Grice, her paternal grandparents, Deonna and Jerry Howell Sr, maternal great grandparents Paul and Delphine Fussell and Jo Ann Grice, paternal great grandparent Donald Hartman, her Aunts Tristan Grice (Justin), Carly Grice, Arizona Whitlock (Robert), Hayley Keating (Tanner), Raylynn Keating, Diamond Perez (Scott), and Angel Howell, her Uncle Leif (Miranda), her cousins Ila and Robert Whitlock and Ryder Perez. The pallbearers will be Tanner Buckley, Leif Grice, Timothy Keating, and Justin Williams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Matt Gazaway. Interment Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Maxine’s mother with monetary donations to assist her in this time of  need. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the lost in out community. May they all grow to know, love, and serve God.

Read the Bible

• Exodus 21:1 – 22:20
• Psalm 19:1-6
• Proverbs 4:18-19
• Matthew 24:15-35

OCC

We have accomplished a lot of preliminary tasks in the “Shoebox” process. We will meet again in the morning from 9:00-11:30 in the OCC area in the basement. Thanks to the volunteers who have been helping us. You have been great help!

Until tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.

In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Titus 1:15

OBITUARIES

Penny Hemphill Perrin

November 25, 1982 – February 5, 2024

A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at her home. She was born November 25, 1982 in Independence, LA and was 41 years of age. She is survived by her  2 sons, Charles Trey Floyd, III, and Terry Jacob Perrin, III; 1 daughter, Gracie Perrin; fiancé. Joseph Toth; parents, Jeffery Steven Hemphill and Judith Ann Hemphill; sister, Gennie Walzer; niece, Hadley Walzer; and her four legged son, Beaux Duke Toth. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Ruby Maeline Hemphill and Leo and Genevieve Rose Hutson. Visitation at First Pentacostal Church of Roseland from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Glynis Gale “G.G.” McElveen, Jr.

December 21, 1946 – February 5, 2024

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at his home. He was born December 21, 1946 in Magnolia, MS and was 77 years of age. “G.G.” was the owner and operator of the Roseland Malt Shop for 55 years. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Davis McElveen; 2 daughters, Kacey Leyrer (Greg) and Katie Derbins (Peter); son, Brandon C. McElveen (Ashley); 2 sisters, Carol Jenkins and Pam Alston; grandchildren, Brayden Leyrer, Logan Leyrer, McKay Leyrer, Blythe McElveen, Mason Derbins, and Molly Derbins; great-grandson, Beckham Cole Leyrer. Preceded in death by parents, Glynis & Frances McElveen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo E. Davis and Ione Davis; 2 brothers-in-law, Gerald Jenkins and John Alston. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Roseland from 12:00 Noon until Memorial Services at 2:00PM on Friday, February 9, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Rick Elder. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 7. 2024
• Exodus 19:1 – 20:26
• Psalm 18:43 – 50
• Proverbs 4:14-17
• Matthew 224:1-14

OCC Updates

Today, some ladies will be working on preparing folders and items,sorting folders, and filling folders from 9:00 – 11:30 this morning. Ladies, if you are available, join us.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for the children as many of the boxes have already been distributed. Many of the older children now have special “Sunday school type” classes offered to them and Bibles in their own language. At the end of the series of classes, the children have the opportunity to choose to receive Jesus. Their families have an average of eight other people to also choose Jesus. What an impact the boxes can make!

Tonight at FBC, Kentwood

• Prayer meeting
• Youth class
• Children’s classes
• Nursery

Be an Encourager

Call, write, cook, visit,etc. to encourage someone today. 

Until Tomorrow ….

Anna Lee

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

Psalms 37:37

Prayer Focus

Pray for all the families with illnesses and recent deaths. There are many.

You can add the specific names on your prayer list.

Read the Bible

• Exodus 16:21 – 18:27
• Psalm 18:37- 42
• Proverbs 4: 10-13
• Matthew 23: 23-39

Operation Christmas Child

Here it is the first week of February and yesterday three people joined me for working to prepare items for the “Shoeboxes”. That means they have “caught the vision”!

Early Day

We need to be up extra early this morning. I hope you are still sleeping.

Anna Lee

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Read the Bible Today

• February 5, 2024
• Exodus 14:21 – 16:20
• Psalm 18:30-36
• Proverbs 4:7-9
• Matthew 23:1-22

OCC Workdays and Times this Week

We got a good start, but it is always slow at first. Call me if you would like to help this week. I will give you my schedule for three opportunities to join me.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who have RSV and are having a hard time getting over it. Be careful not to get sick.

Anna Lee