Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 1-3; John 5:25-47

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  She still has a long way to go in her recovery.  Pray that the pain can be managed at home.

Charles Clark remains in the hospital.  Not sure if he will be discharged today or not as they are trying to figure out his medicines.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother remains in the hospital.  I will be visiting her today, Lord willing.

Zach Huhn and I went to New Orleans yesterday and visited with Tommy Watson.  Actually, our visit was with Cameron Watson as Tommy was on a vent and they had him sedated.  The plan was to remove the feeding tube yesterday afternoon.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers in her battle against cancer.  She is in hopes of attending Rusty & Anna’s wedding on 5/27 so you can pray that happens.

Amy Huhn’s father will have more tests today and tomorrow.  His heart cath came back good and they think his problems may be medicine related.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Our 7:30PM Bible study group is asked to meet at Sam’s at 7:45PM for their meal.

The Alma Bryant High School Class of 2017 will graduate today at 10:00AM.  Congratulations to those graduates!  Jordan Eckert is co-valedictorian so an extra congratulations to her!  Scott & Melinda are extremely proud parents!  We will recognize our high school graduates in our 10:30AM service this Sunday, 5/21.

We continue to have some “issues” with our internet provider.  They are now saying it could take up to three weeks to completely resolve the issue.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this matter.

Learned yesterday afternoon that Randall & Rita Broome are expecting a baby!  Congratulations!

Go Celtics!  (Did I just write that?)  The Lakers were robbed in the “lottery” process last night.  They should have the number one pick!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Kings 24-25; John 5:1-24

Charles Clark did well through his surgery.  Lisa spent the night with him and they pretty much had a sleepless night.  Just like Lisa did in December following her surgery it is taking him a while to come off the medicines used for surgery.  My guess is that he will be discharged tomorrow.  (Interesting sidebar – the surgeon told us yesterday that a good number of hospitals are now doing hip replacement as outpatient surgery.  Amazing!).

Shelby, Ethan Nelson’s sister, was in a great deal of pain when I visited her yesterday.  I feel for her.  Jim Chinners had visited her earlier in the day and had forewarned me of her condition.  They want to send her home but they have to get her pain meds regulated first.  Pray for Shelby.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother remains in ICU but said she is doing better.  She is very grateful for the prayer support and asked that it continue.

I learned yesterday that Tommy Watson remains in ICU in a Louisiana hospital.  Lord willing, I will be visiting with Tommy today.  Pray for Tommy’s complete recovery.

We had eight folks show up for our GROW ministry last night.  The Gospel was shared one time.  One fourth of those going out was comprised of a new believer and an eighty nine year old member.  How about that?  We will do it again next Monday night at 6:30PM.

We had a fair number of folks show up for our prayer time last night.  Thank you to those who pray!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

There is a nice article on al.com about Coach Eric Collier.  It was written by Ben Thomas.  (My name was used without my permission which could lead to a possible lawsuit against Coach & Ben – just saying!).  Coach Collier is very deserving of the award he is going to receive next week.

The Friendship family is invited to attend the wedding ceremony of Rusty & Anna on Saturday, 5/27, in Pell City, Alabama.  It begins at 4:00PM.  Invitations are in the foyer of the auditorium.

Watched some of the NBA game last night.  I do not like the Celtics but will not mind at all if they dispose of the Cars in this next series.

Meanwhile, Bobby & the boys continue to have the best record in the National league while holding a comfortable eight game lead in the NL East.  Good job Bobby!  Keep sending them!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Kings 22-23; John 4:31-54
Tuesday, May 16 – 2 Kings 24-25; John 5:1-24
Wednesday, May 17 – 1 Chronicles 1-3; John 5:25-47
Thursday, May 18 – 1 Chronicles 4-6; John 6:1-21
Friday, May 19 – 1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-44
Saturday, May 20 – 1 Chronicles 10-12; John 6:45-71
Sunday, May 21 – 1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27

Becky Sellers met with the doctor this past Thursday and did not get a favorable report.  As it stands now, she will be off treatments until early June.  Plans call for her to go back to a medicine that they have used previously but Becky did not tolerate it well.  Pray for Becky, Dave and family.

Jimmy Tagert told me yesterday morning that his mother remains in the hospital and will most likely be there for another week.  She had another surgery last Wednesday and her body needs some recovery time.

If I understand correctly, Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, will be discharged from the hospital today.  I did not get a chance to talk to Ethan at church yesterday.

Lisa’s dad, Charles Clark, is having hip replacement surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.  I have rewritten his Will and plan on getting him to sign it after they put him almost out.  It is the only way I will ever get in his will.

It was great seeing Oscar Petersen in Sunday School and our second morning service yesterday.  What a great guy!  Keep praying for Oscar.

Our GROW visitation tonight will feature our Adult & Youth Sunday School Departments.  We will meet at 6:30PM in the fellowship hall and then meet back in the auditorium between 7:30 – 7:45PM.  Once again, I am asking these department workers, staff, deacons, and other church leaders to join us for this ministry effort.

Our prayer time in the auditorium will begin at 5:00PM and will last until 6:30PM.  Ideally, a person would come and pray and then join us for GROW.  However, that will not be possible for everyone so if you cannot take part in GROW you are still encouraged to come and pray.  Please enter/exit through the West side door.

We had a good day in our services yesterday.  What a joy to recognize the mothers in attendance.  Thank God for mothers!  Our evening attendance was down somewhat but that is pretty normal for Mother’s Day.  Jonny Gaston did a nice job of sharing the Word with us last night.  I appreciate him and those who were faithful to attend.

Brad & Daphne arrived home safely from South Korea Saturday afternoon.  They now await word for when they will go back to bring their son home.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Jonny Gaston’s ministry will host a banquet tonight in our fellowship hall.  It begins at 7:00PM and the suggested donation is twelve dollars per person.  Obviously, this is a time to report some of what the Lord has done through this ministry over the past year as well as give folks the opportunity to become involved through prayer, participating, giving.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Bro. Jerry visited with Jimmy Tagert’s mother yesterday and said she was doing well.  That is good news.

Bro. Jim Chinners has been visiting with Ethan’s sister, Shelby, and they are thinking she will be discharged on Monday.  I appreciate Bro. Jim staying in touch/visiting with Shelby.

Bro. Jerry said that Roy Blodgett had two stents placed in his heart and did well.

Bro. Jerry also communicated with Cameron Watson and he said his dad, Tommy, is doing well.  Not sure when he will be sent back to Alabama.

The phone system in our office has been hit and miss this week.  If you have been trying to contact me about your child being involved in the “parent/child” dedication service this Sunday, 5/14, then please send me an e-mail today.  Thanks to those who did that yesterday.

Also, we need to hear from our class of 2017 high school graduates by next Wednesday, 5/17, as we will recognize them in our 10:30AM service on Sunday, May 21.  Call the church office or send me an e-mail, please.

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday, 5/14, with one exception – there will be no Discipleship Training.  We will have our evening service.

I do want to say congratulations to Madison Poiroux (Courtlyn’s sister) and Kaleigh Cooper as their Faith Academy soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the AHSAA state tournament.  They played in Huntsville, AL yesterday and even though they lost it was the deepest playoff run ever made by the FA girls soccer program.

Anna Henley and the Faith Academy softball team won two games yesterday in the South Regional of the AHSAA.  They play again this morning and if they win one more game today then they will advance to the state finals in Montgomery later this month.

Bobby Henley and the Nationals hold a five and one half game lead NL East while sporting the best record in the National League.

I did not watch the game but was surprised that the Spurs handled Levi’s Rockets so easily last night.  What is up with that?  (How many days until college football begins?).

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

Just learned that Jimmy Tagert’s mother had another surgery yesterday (?).  It was not what they had suspected but she is now in ICU in a local hospital.  Pray for her and for the family.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

This entry, which is the first one of the week, will be short and sweet as my garden is screaming at me (not to mention Lisa’s screaming!) and daybreak is here!

Amy Huhn’s father will be having a heart cath early this morning.  Pray that the doctors can find the source of the problems he has been experiencing.

Greg Boutwell continues to need our prayer support.  Not sure if he is in the hospital or home but regardless he needs our prayers.

Tommy Watson suffered a stroke this past Saturday and hit his head during the subsequent fall.  He was taken to a local hospital and then flown to Louisiana.  I am hearing he could be brought back to a local hospital.  Pray for Tommy’s recovery.

The celebration of life service for Tom Thornton’s mother takes place today in the Birmingham area.  Pray for the family

Sarah Thornton is home and doing well in her recovery from her knee replacement surgery.

Roy Blodgett suffered a heart attack.  He is in a local hospital.  Pray for Roy & Sue.

Brad & Daphne go before the judge in South Korea at some point tonight (Friday morning there).  They are then scheduled to begin the flight home on our Friday night arriving in Mobile Saturday afternoon.  Pray for all to go well.

Need to hear today from anyone planning on participating in the parent/child dedication service.  (Actual deadline was yesterday).  Please call the office between 8:00AM – 12:00PM or 1:00PM – 5:00PM.  We have been having some phone issues (actually internet) so if you cannot get through just send me an e-mail today.  Thank you!

The “Women Walking Worthy” meet tonight in the fellowship hall.  I assume that meeting begins at 6:30PM.  All women invited to attend.

I was very “happy” when I learned on Tuesday that we had passes for entrance into the park on Wednesday too!  I was certain our “happy” ended on Tuesday.  Not so fast my friend!  So, we did the park some and finally were all present and accounted for by 11:30PM last night.

My plan is to use today as a vacation day but am available if Bro. Jerry needs me in view of the folks in the hospital.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

I posted the daily Bible readings for May in an earlier entry.  If you need them, simply go back to the 5/1 and get them for this week, please.

I have not posted an entry for the past two days.  Why?  Not really sure but I think that I have just been so happy that I have lost focus!

I do not have any updates on those folks for whom we have been praying.  I simply ask that you continue to pray.

I do know that Zach & Charlotte Brown welcomed their second child into the world either last night or early this morning.  Little girl named Norah Ann.  She weighed somewhere less than twenty pounds and was less than forty eight inches long.  (Why is it that we always say how “long” a baby is but we then say how “tall” everyone is?).   Anyway, thanks to deacon TJ Vice for covering this birth for me and congratulations to Zach & Charlotte.  I am “happy” for them!

I will post later about what a wonderful day we had this past Sunday but I did want to say how thrilled I am that Kenny Cooper has answered the call from God to serve in full time vocational ministry.  Not sure exactly what area of ministry but he knows God has placed this calling upon his heart.  Pray for Kenny as he simply seeks to follow God’s will for his life.  I can say that I am indeed “happy” for Kenny!

Brad & Daphne have met their son.  Oddly enough his name is “Happy” and we are in the happiest place on the earth.

Well, the bus is about to leave.  I will post later about the senior adult day, the great job done by our servers, a Nanette story, Faith girls soccer, et cetera.   Time to go be “happy!”

Regular schedule tomorrow with one exception – no 7:30PM Bible study at our house.

I pray that you will have a “happy” Tuesday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Kings 21-22; Luke 23:26-56

Two families experienced loss yesterday.  First, word came early yesterday morning that Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother passed from this life.  Arrangements pending.

The Suthoff family then received word that Bernard’s maternal aunt had passed away.  This was his mother’s last living sibling.  That service will take place on Monday in Leaksville, MS.

Marisa Felps sent me a message this morning to say that her first cousin in Michigan passed during the night.

So, pray for these families.

Greg Boutwell has been admitted to the hospital again.  Not sure of the details but do ask that you pray for Greg.  He has had such a tough go of it.  However, his faith remains strong.

Ethan’s sister, Shelby, remains in the hospital.  I appreciate Jim Chinners visiting with her yesterday.

As far as I know, Sarah Thornton remains in the hospital too.  As does Tom’s mother in Birmingham.

Men’s breakfast today at 8:00AM.

Soccer today at 8:00AM.

Bus worker’s meeting today at 8:30AM.

Senior adult day in our 10:30AM service tomorrow.  Ronnie Cottingham will be our special guest.  All senior saints are asked to attend the 10:30AM service.

Brad & Daphne arrived safe and sound in South Korea.  We are thankful!

The family and I are in Ocala, FL and are heading toward happy!  We are not happy yet but we are getting close!

Lord willing, I will see the Friendship family in tomorrow’s worship services.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Kings 19-20; Luke 23:1-25

As I write this entry, I am about to walk over and speak to Brad & Daphne before they head to the airport in order to board a plane heading to South Korea.  Long trip.  Pray for their traveling mercies, please.  Thank you.

The celebration of life service for Oscar’s son, Paul Petersen, takes place today at noon from the More Life UPC.  Keep praying for Oscar and family.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

Visited with Sarah Thornton yesterday morning and she was doing good.  She has a pain block that is supposed to work for seventy two hours so she was in no pain at all.  She realizes that will change but her attitude is great.  Pray for her recovery.

Buford Young is in the hospital.  I attempted to visit with him yesterday morning but they were doing a test.  I am not sure the reason for Buford’s hospitalization but do ask that you pray for him.

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, is in a regular hospital room now.  It appears she will be in the hospital for another week to two weeks and then go home to heal.  After she heals some they will begin physical therapy.  Pray for Shelby as she has a long road in front of her.

Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother is “actively dying” per the medical professionals.  Pray for the family as they wait beside her.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother remains in a convalescent facility and is not doing well physically.  Debbie and her family so value the prayer support of others.

Marisa Felps has a cousin, Jana, in Michigan is not doing well physically either.  She is losing weight and is now down to around eighty pounds.  The doctors cannot determine the exact reason why this weight loss is taking place.

Thank you to each person who helped cook, serve, set up, clean up, et cetera for the Irma Hamilton family yesterday.  You did a wonderful job.  Also, thank you to each person who attended the visitation and/or service.

Men’s breakfast in the morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men invited to attend.

Soccer league play tomorrow morning beginning at 8:00AM.

Bus worker’s meeting and visitation tomorrow beginning at 8:30AM.

Lord willing, our entire family will head to the happiest place on earth this afternoon.  I am happy to be with family but not real happy about the place as I am not a big fan of WDW.  Lisa and I will be taking care of Brad & Daphne’s three children in their absence.  I am tired already!  Prayers will be appreciated for our travels too.

Yes, I am leaving today and, yes, Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit this Sunday morning, 5/7.  How is that possible?  Can you say hologram?

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Kings 16-18; Luke 22:47-71

Sarah Thornton’s surgery went well as did her mother-in-law’s.  That is certainly good news.  Tom was very concerned about his mother being able to come through the surgery as she is ninety one years old.

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, had more surgeries (hand and leg) yesterday.  If things went well, they were going to put her in a regular room.  She is certainly a physically broken up young lady.  Pray for her healing.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother got great news from the doctor on Tuesday as he told them they had gotten all of the cancer while doing surgery.  She is set to be discharged from the hospital today.  She is very grateful for the prayer support.

The visitation with the Irma Hamilton family takes place this morning from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Everything in our church auditorium.  The Friendship family will feed the Hamilton family in our fellowship hall immediately following the graveside service.  Pray for the Hamilton family.

Visitation with the Petersen family tonight from 6:00 – 9:00PM at More Life UPC.  Service tomorrow at noon.  Pray for Oscar and the family.

Brad & Daphne leave in the morning heading to South Korea.  Pray for their safety in travel.

Good day in our services yesterday.  Glory to God!

Men’s breakfast this Saturday morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM.  All men invited to attend this time of food and fellowship.

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