Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 12:14-13:16 Matthew 20:29-21:22 Psalm 25:16-22 Proverbs 6:12-15

First, let me say “thank you” to Karla Cooper and the members of Bro. Sonny Bates’ Sunday School class for leading the feeding ministry to the Morrison family.  That “thank you” extends to many others who are helping by bringing food and drinks to the fellowship hall today.  You have responded beautifully.  All of the food/drinks need to be in the fellowship hall no later than 11:00AM today.  The fellowship hall will be open by 5:30AM.  Again, “thank you” Friendship family for responding.

The visitation with the Morrison family takes place from 10:00AM until the noon service time today.  Both will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Pray for the family and for Pastor Scotty Scott as he preaches the service.

Today is the last Saturday of this Upward season.  The league play will end on weeknights next week.  Kristy Sullenberger Whitehurst is stepping down as the league director after this season.  I appreciate the good job she has done in coordinating this ministry.  The Lord already has someone in place to lead this ministry next season.

Bus visitation this morning at 8:30AM.  The workers meet in the office suite.

Phil’s daughter, Angela, did well through her surgery yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

Kelli Stork was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Still has a headache but it is manageable.

I am “assuming” Ginny Easterling was discharged yesterday too.

Andy & Betty Hamil’s friend, Denise Tindle, has now been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme which is a brain tumor.  Prayers needed.

Important – I need two able bodied men to be at the church in the morning at 6:00AM to help the Nelons unload and set up.  If you can fill this ministry need, please contact me today.  (Best way is 445 5416 and leave a message unless you happen to see me in person today)

The Nelons will be in our 10:30AM and 6:00PM services tomorrow.  Pass the word!  Pray, attend, bring others!

The GRACE team being led by Pastor Bob Harvey had a good first day of ministry.  You can read the update on the GRACE blog.

Bro. Chris Taylor, Bro. Jim Chinners and Lynne Watson have tickets for the “not so newlywed” fellowship on 2/13.  See them for the details.

Regular schedule tomorrow.  Baptism in the 10:30AM service.  Hope to see many members of the Friendship family in attendance.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.

6/22/1943-1/28/2015 Gloria Ann Morrison, age 71, a resident of Irvington, AL passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Gloria was a past member of the Lions Club. She was preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings. She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bobby” Morrison, Darlene (Pat) Duff, Robert “Bubba” (Kim) Morrison Jr., Crystal (Mikey) Freeland, Dennis (Tracy) Morrison, Amy (Gary) Huhn, Bobbie Jo (Darrell Ray) Graham Jr., 26 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 12 noon with visitation starting at 10 am until service time. Interment will be in Oddfellow Cemetery.

(Friendship family – please read today’s (Friday) entry about the need for help with the meal tomorrow.  Contact Karla Cooper)

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 10:1-12:13 Matthew 20:1-28 Psalm 25:1-15 Proverbs 6:6-11

First, a MAJOR need within the Friendship family.  There are expected to be one hundred fifty (150) family members at the Morrison funeral tomorrow.  The Friendship family, led by the 40 – 49 SS class, is going to provide a meal for this family.  Karla Cooper (251 751 5960) (gnkcooper@gmail.com) is coordinating the meal for that class but they are going to need tons of help.  The request is for casseroles and desserts.  The food needs to be in the church fellowship hall by 11:00AM tomorrow, 1/31.  Will you call or e-mail Karla before noon today to let her know you will help?  I am asking the teachers of the other adult SS classes to call on your classes to help.

The visitation with the Morrison family takes place from 10:00AM until 12:00PM tomorrow at Serenity Funeral Home.  The service will begin at noon.  Pray for the family.

Phil Sims’ daughter, Angela Haynes, will be having surgery today.  She has melanoma and they are going to surgically remove it. It is scheduled to be out patient surgery.  Pray for everything to go well.

Virginia Easterling is thinking she will go home today.  Pray that will happen.

Not sure if Kelli Stork will go home today or not.

Wow!  Nanette Fontenot cleaned my clock yesterday!  It will not need another cleaning for several years.  Why?  Great question!  Because Bro. Chris was in the proximity of the hospital so I asked him to visit with Kelli.  Mama Nanette was not happy with me! She said that I am the pastor and it is my job to visit her daughter in the hospital.  She did use the words “fine” and “pastor” in the same sentence again so I am feeling better good about the whole situation.  Pray for Scott! (I tried to tell him before they got married but he would not listen!)

Upward basketball and bus ministry visitation tomorrow morning.

The Nelons this Sunday, 2/1, at 10:30AM and 6:00PM.  Rumor has it that Larry Whitehurst and Bernard Suthoff will be singing with them on a couple of selections?

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

The visitation with the Gloria Morrison Family will take place on Saturday, 1/31, from 10:00AM until the 12:00PM (noon) service time.  Visitation and service will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Keep praying for Amy and the family.

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 8:1-9:35 Matthew 19:13-30 Psalm 24:1-10 Proverbs 6:1-5

Miss Gloria Morrison, Amy Huhn’s mother, passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  She was at home surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.  The family will go make arrangements today.  The tentative plan is to have everything on Saturday, 1/31.  The arrangements will be posted here once they have been finalized.  Pray for Amy and her family.

Miss Kathleen Henderson was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Virginia Easterling is in the hospital and has been there since Monday.  I visited with her yesterday.  She was feeling pretty good but still waiting on some test results.  Not sure how long she will remain hospitalized.

Kelli Stork will remain hospitalized until at least tomorrow.  She is really suffering with a severe headache.

Susie Brannan’s brother, Vince Kirkland, passed away on Monday very unexpectedly.  The visitation with the family takes place today at 3:00PM until the 4:00PM service time at the Three Rivers Assembly of God Church in MS.  John & Susie live next to Friendship (east side) and John is Nolan’s brother.  Pray for the Kirkland family.

Pastor Bob Harvey will lead a team of thirty seven others to Guatemala today for the first GRACE Ministries trip of 2015.  I will be joining them next week for a couple of days before leading another GM team of thirty nine.  Pray for everything to go well today in their travels and for them to have a good week of construction and medical.

Our attendance yesterday morning was really good.  I enjoy that service and the folks who attend it on a regular basis.  We had a good crowd in the auditorium last night.  The 7:30PM Bible study was well attended too.  Lisa did a nice job with the meal and the folks stayed until 11:30PM or so enjoying good fellowship.

The Nelons this Sunday, 2/1, in the 10:30AM and 6:00PM services.  Probably twenty minutes or so in the morning service and then the entire evening service.  Pass the word!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 5:22-7:25 Matthew 18:21-19:12 Psalm 23:1-6 Proverbs 5:22-23

Kelli Fontenot Stork was admitted to the hospital last night.  Not sure if it will be more than an overnight stay but she will see a specialist this morning.  Pray for Kelli & Todd.

Miss Kathleen Henderson was feeling better yesterday when I visited.  She had not seen the doctor so I am not sure what the latest report is concerning her situation.

Visited Miss Lucine Bryant and she was about to be discharged.

Visited the residents in the convalescent home too.  Miss Woods and Miss Mulkey both seemed to not be feeling so well.  Miss Nevin was asleep.  Otherwise, everyone seemed ok.

Visited Miss Gloria Morrison at home.  She had a bad night but was improved when I was there.

Visited Sharon Jardee at home.  She is much improved.  Hopefully, she will be able to join us in church again.

Attempted to visit Stella Brinkmann but she was not at home.  Found out later that she had gone for a doctor’s visit.

Melinda Eckert’s brother-in-law in Hurley, MS passed away this past Saturday.  Visitation is this Friday night and the service is on Saturday.  Pray for the family.

Suzy Brannon, Nolan’s sister-in-law, had a brother to pass away Monday.  He lived in Vancleave, MS.  Not sure what the arrangements are but ask that you pray for that family too.

Larry Whitehurst was supposed to have gotten his test results back yesterday but I did not talk to him to get an update.

We had our weekly prayer meeting last night and nine folks were present.  Praise the Lord!  We prayed specifically for some individuals.

We had twelve guys show up for TNBA.  It appears we may be moving closer to a television contract as we are moving the time to 8:00PM for next Tuesday, 2/3.  Word is that ESPN XVII is gathering information.  Simple concept – attend at least one of the three worship services on Sunday and that is your ticket to joining us on the following Tuesday night.  Good exercise and even better fellowship.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Lasagna, along with the trimmings, is the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.

The reason Kelli’s situation is first on today’s blog is because her mother, Nanette, (my former girlfriend) called me as soon as I got home from TNBA last night.  She demanded that Kelli’s name be first on today’s blog and wanted me to come get her for us to go visit Kelli last night.  I explained to her that it was after 11:00PM, I needed a shower, and that Kelli would be asleep.  She did not buy it.  She did say, “well, what a fine pastor you are!”  I said “thank you” and she slammed the phone down.  I was confused!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus!

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 4:1-5:21 Matthew 18:1-20 Psalm 22:19-31 Proverbs 5:15-21

Robert Baria did well through his procedure.  He thanks everyone for their prayer support.

Miss Kathleen Henderson was not feeling well but has a very positive outlook about life.  Sweet lady!

Rachel Jackson’s nephew, Phillip Key, is in the hospital this week receiving a treatment even though his leukemia is in remission.

Thank you to those who attended the visitation and/or service for Phil’s mother-in-law last night.  He is appreciative.

You gave a tremendous love offering this past Sunday night and all of the benevolent needs in that person’s life were met.  Thank you for giving graciously.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

Oct.29,1922- Jan.23,2015 Mrs. Mildred K. Perry 92of Moss Point, MS passed away January 23, 2015 in Pascagoula, MS. Mrs. Perry was born on October 29,1922 in Yazoo City, MS. She was a member of East Moss Point Baptist Church. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening, cooking and crocheting. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilson Perry, her daughter Linda Ann Simms, her parents Marlin and Bettie Kinard, her brothers Samuel and Truett Kinard She is survived by her son Charles W. Perry of Moss Point, her son-in-law Phil Simms of Escatawpa, she will also be missed by her 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Visitation will be Monday January 26,2015 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 pm from the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will be Tuesday January 27,2015 at 1:00 pm at Concord cemetery in Yazoo County, MS.

Today’s Bible reading - Exodus 2:11-3:22 Matthew 17:10-27 Psalm 22:1-18 Proverbs 5:7-14

Tuesday, 1/27 – Exodus 4:1-5:21 Matthew 18:1-20 Psalm 22:19-31 Proverbs 5:15-21

Wednesday, 1/28 – Exodus 5:22-7:25 Matthew 18:21-19:12 Psalm 23:1-6 Proverbs 5:22-23

Thursday, 1/29 – Exodus 8:1-9:35 Matthew 19:13-30 Psalm 24:1-10 Proverbs 6:1-5

Friday, 1/30 – Exodus 10:1-12:13 Matthew 20:1-28 Psalm 25:1-15 Proverbs 6:6-11

Saturday, 1/31 – Exodus 12:14-13:16 Matthew 20:29-21:22 Psalm 25:16-22 Proverbs 6:12-15

Sunday, 2/1 – Exodus 13:17-15:18 Matthew 21:23-46 Psalm 26:1-12 Proverbs 6:16-19

The Lord blessed and we had a good day in our services yesterday.  The day was capped with two baptisms as a part of our evening service.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory.

Robert Baria is having a surgical procedure this morning to deaden the nerves in his lower back.  Pray that goes well.  Bro. Kerry will be there with the family and him.

Miss Kathleen Henderson remains hospitalized.  I will be going to check on her this morning.

Stella Brinkman had a not so good Saturday according to Katie T.  I have not heard how she did yesterday.

Shirley Patrick was discharged from the hospital but is still having some difficulties.

The visitation with the Perry family (Phil Sims) takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Holder Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS.  There will be a service beginning at 7:00PM in the chapel of the funeral home.  Graveside services will take place tomorrow afternoon in Yazoo City, MS.  Pray for the family.

Yes, I do have a cell phone now with my original number.  However, I am not one to talk a ton on a cell phone.  I usually only have it on when traveling.  Never take it in the hospital.  Never take it inside when making visits.  Never bring it to church. Do check my voice mails a time or two daily.  So, why do I have a cell phone?  Simple, in case of an emergency and in case I want to make a call.  The absolute best way to reach me is to call 251 445 5416 (direct to my office) and leave a voice mail which goes to my e-mail.  I check my e-mail regularly and consistently regardless of where I am.

The Nelons will be with us this Sunday, 2/1, in our 10:30AM service and the 6:00PM service.  They will be singing for about twenty minutes or so in the 10:30AM service and then will have the entire evening service.  Pass the word!

Prayer meeting takes place tomorrow night in the auditorium from 6:00 – 7:00PM.  No preaching, no singing.  Praying!  Lord willing, I will be there.  Others are invited to join me.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading - Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10 Matthew 16:13-17:9 Psalm 21:1-13 Proverbs 5:1-6

Miss Kathleen Henderson has been admitted to the hospital.  (Amazingly, her grandson, Joey Switzer, sent me an iMessage letting me know this – miracles do happen!)  Pray for Miss Kathleen.

Miss Kittie sent an e-mail yesterday saying the Miss Jackie Goff was sore from the injection but was already getting relief from the pain she has been experiencing.  Pray for Miss Jackie.

I had hoped to see Miss Gloria Morrison over the past couple of days but that did not happen.  Will hopefully do that tomorrow.  Pray for Miss Gloria in her battle against cancer.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.  Lord willing, I will be preaching in all three services.  Baptism will be a part of our evening service.

Amazingly, I received a t-shirt from Bryan Drake Ministries yesterday.  I wonder what brought that about?  Wrong size but at least I got a shirt.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!