Pastor's Blog

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  I pray that many members of the Friendship family will be in their rightful place today.

The situation with Tim Knighten has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride.  Here is where is presently stands as best as I understand – the surgeon will remove Tim’s gallbladder most likely tomorrow (Monday, 10/3) although Tim is pushing for surgery today.  Pray for Tim as he does not like being in the hospital – at all!

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

Peggy Knighten sent me an email this afternoon sharing that her husband, Tim, has been admitted to the hospital.  It appears he has a blockage due to a gallstone.  Surgery seems to be the most likely outcome and that could take place tomorrow.

So, pray for Tim & Peggy.

I know that you join me in praying for those who have been (and are being) affected by Hurricane Ian.  The latest I have read is that ten deaths have been directly associated with the storm and it is still wreaking havoc as it travels toward the Carolinas.  I pray there will be no more storms this season.

Steve Morris continues to process the information given to him by his doctor while waiting on the results of his latest scan.  Keep praying for Steve & Virginia.

The visitation with the Betty Sessions family takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The celebration of life service takes place at noon tomorrow from First Baptist Church of Grand Bay.  Pray for the family.

Otherwise, no new news regarding those for whom we have been praying.  Just keep praying.

The Lord has blessed the Gulf Coast with some beautiful weather this week.  It is a little after 4:00AM and the temperature is fifty three degrees – hallelujah!  The humidity numbers have been down as well.  I am thankful to the Lord!

Soccer on the back forty tomorrow morning.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.

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

Betty Ann Hammond Sessions, age 90, passed away on September 27, 2022, in Mobile, Alabama. Born December 7, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, Mrs. Betty became a beloved, lifelong resident of Grand Bay, Alabama. As a mere 15-year-old, the family moved south where she attended and graduated from MOCO High School. Arriving in town, she found and quickly joined First Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for over 75 years.

Those of you who’d ever had the pleasure of sitting in the company of Mrs. Betty, can surely attest that her smile was bright, and her loud laughter filled the room instantly. Many have witnessed her unfailing Christ-like love and her devotion to the Lord’s work. Mrs. Betty’s journey began in Alabama at age 15 and finding her perfect match she married him, Harvey Judson Sessions, at just 18 years old. Mrs. Betty’s happiness came with her duties as a housewife and the raising of their 5 children. After numerous years of service with Mobile County Public Schools in the custodial field, she became the first female plant engineer for MCPSS. Upon retiring, she continued serving, volunteering, and attending First Baptist Church Grand Bay anytime the doors were open. She spent her time in the children’s ministry, nursery department, choir, Sunday school department, both local and abroad missions and programs, and in many, many more capacities. Anything Mrs. Betty was ever asked to do, in any way she could, she was always there to help where there was a need. Though she didn’t have to be asked, she carried many children, families, and neighbors to church, offering rides to worship service and even opened her home to any who desired.

Mrs. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Judson Sessions; two daughters, Donna Liles and Patricia Sessions; grandson, Eric Sessions; parents, Raymond and Minnie Hammond; six brothers, Claire (Bonnie), Bob (Margret), Kenny (Arlene), Bill (Virginia), Fred (Audrey), and Glen (Nancy); three sisters, Shirley (Sam), Nelley (Junior), and Etta (Sullivan).
Mrs. Betty is survived by her three sons, James Otha (Nancy), Charles (Kathy), and Johnny (Sharlene), 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mable Knight; and many other relatives and friends whom she loved and held dear.

Active pallbearers are Austin Estes, Gabe Hovel, Braydon & Bryson Howard, and Dillon Sessions. Honorary pallbearers are Johnathan Estes, Hays Harness, Jo Henley, Noah Hovel, Alex Hunt, Asher Leslie, Shane & Lars Neilson, Briar Sessions, Eric Sessions, Killian Sessions, and Luke Zirlott.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 5-7 PM at Serenity Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 12 PM on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church Grand Bay. Interment will be held in Grand Bay Cemetery, immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church Grand Bay: Building Fund.

This entry is a late.  No excuses.  I apologize.

Steve Morris made it through his tests yesterday and is now waiting on the results.  In the meanwhile, he will see another doctor today.  Keep praying for Steve.

Carol Lucky is at home.  Terry said they had a good night and all is well.  They are most appreciative of the many prayers.  Keep praying!

Miss Vinnie’s son, Buddy, has been given a couple of options to consider.  So, he is weighing those options.  We just need to continue to pray.

The visitation with the Sessions family takes place tomorrow night and the service on Saturday at noon.  Pray for this family.

It was great seeing Jeff Long in our service last night.  He maintains such a great attitude and trust in God.  Keep praying for Jeff.

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

Regular schedule on our campus today – morning and evening.  We have been having good attendance on Wednesdays and I pray that will be true again today.  Join us for Bible study.

Steve Morris will be having a test today.  Pray that all goes well and that the medical folks can get a clear picture of all that is going on in Steve’s body.

Carol Lucky has an appointment with her doctor this afternoon and the belief is that she will then be discharged and sent home for therapy.  Is she ready to come home?  Is Bill Kendrick an Ole Miss fan?  Pray for Carol & Terry!

Katie Tillman’s nephew got a good report from the procedure done on his lungs.  All is well.  Thank the Lord!

Miss Vinnie’s son, Buddy, went to Birmingham yesterday to consult with the doctors regarding his physical well being as he has had some issues occur recently.  Pray for Buddy and family as they ponder the doctor’s findings.

Dale Ellerman is at home and still needs our prayer support.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden.

The visitation with the Betty Sessions family takes place this Friday and the service will take place Saturday.  Keep praying for this family.

Friendship family, make plans to join us in worship on Sunday, 10/16, as we will host Pastor Johnny Maxwell in all three services.  You do not want to miss these services!

I do not have an up to date report on Camp 20 but hope that you are praying and in the Word daily.  Like so many of you, I miss Miss Kittie Camp and find it hard to believe she is gone.

Pray for our soccer ministry.

Pray for our senior adults ministry and note they will have a fish fry on Saturday, 10/15.  I “think” the time will be 11:00AM until 1:00PM.

Our Trail of Truth and Treats (TOTAT) takes place on Sunday, 10/30, from 4:00 – 6:30PM.

I have been impressed with Hannah Hatcher and her strong efforts to invite and bring other students to church with her.  Way to go, Hannah!

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

The visitation with the Betty Sessions family will take place this Friday, September 30, from 5:00 – 7:00PM at the Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.

The celebration of life service will take place this Saturday, October 1, beginning at 12:00PM (noon) from the First Baptist Church of Grand Bay.

The burial will take place in the Grand Bay Cemetery.

Continue to pray for the Sessions family.

Around 2:00AM today, Miss Betty Sessions entered the gates of Heaven.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family as they walk through this time.

Talked to Johnny Sessions last night.  His mother, Miss Betty, was basically the same and seemed to be resting comfortably.  Keep praying for Miss Betty and her family.

Katie Tillman’s four year old nephew, Grady, was admitted to the hospital yesterday and will have a procedure done today.  It all stems from getting choked while eating popcorn on Sunday night.  Pray for Grady and his family.

Gary & Amy Huhn’s granddaughter and her mother were discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  To me, that is amazing.  Keep praying for Mary Anne and the baby.

Steve Morris is scheduled to have a test tomorrow morning.  Continue to pray for Steve.

Dale Ellerman was discharged from the rehab center yesterday.  Pray for Dale as he adjusts to being at home and recovers from his surgery.

As far as I know, Carol Lucky will be discharged tomorrow.  Pray for Carol and Terry.

As always, keep praying for Myrtle!

Learned yesterday that our total attendance at the outing Sunday afternoon at Presley’s was just over two hundred folks six years of age and above.  That is awesome and eclipses last year’s total by over thirty folks.  Also, the missing life jackets were found.

Obviously, those of us living on the Gulf Coast have a good understanding of what the folks in the path of Hurricane Ian are going through.  Pray for those folks!

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

Zach & Mary Anne Huhn welcomed Addie Jane Huhn into this world yesterday.  She checked in weighing six pounds and ten ounces and measures seventeen and three quarter inches tall.  All is well!  Congratulations to Zach & Mary Anne along with the proud new grandparents, Gary & Amy Huhn!

The Lord blessed the Friendship family with a really good Sunday!  It began with another profession of faith following our 10:30AM service.  The Lord gives the increase and we give Him the glory!

Our church wide fellowship at Presley’s Outing was a huge success – glory to God!  Our deacons, staff and their wives were excellent hosts and hostesses.  The food they cooked along with the sides brought by the church family was delicious and in abundance.  Thank you to each person who helped in any way!

The attendance was strong although I do not have a number yet as I need to get with Lynn Presley to settle up.  We were blessed with guests and family members of those being baptized.  I am grateful to have had those folks join us.

We were able to worship as nine folks followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.  That was a unique experience.  Again, glory to God!

We came away from Presley’s missing two or three life jackets for children.  Scott Fontenot, Richard Bentley and Chris Howell graciously provided boat and wave runner rides – thank you guys very much.  So, if anyone has an extra life jacket from yesterday’s fellowship, please contact the church office.

One final “thank you” from the fellowship goes to Gary Walton for providing the shuttle service from the parking area to the picnic area.  Nice gesture on his part!

As of last night, the situation with Miss Betty Sessions, Johnny’s mother, had not changed.  Pray for Miss Betty and the family during this time.

Dale Ellerman is scheduled to be discharged from the rehab facility today.  Keep praying for Dale.

If all goes as planned, Carol Lucky will be discharged from the rehab facility on Wednesday.  She and Terry desire your continued prayer support.

Steve Morris continues to have some physical struggles.  Tests this week to help know what is taking place.  Keep praying for Steve and Virginia.

Keep praying for Myrtle Bowden.

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