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 Samuel 19-21; Luke 11:29-54

I am assuming that Maria Wainwright’s mother remains in the ICU in a Louisiana hospital.  Brittney was going to contact me if anything changed during the night.  Pray for Mrs. Hamilton and all involved.

Donald Butler commented on yesterday’s entry sharing that Miss Ruth Couch passed away over the weekend while in New York.  A service will be held at some point next week.  Miss Couch taught in Pascagoula, MS for many years and has lived in Grand Bay all of her adult life as far as I know.  Pray for the Couch family.

The visitation with Jim Chinners and family takes place tomorrow night in Lake City, FL with the service taking place on Friday morning.  Jim will be preaching his mother’s service so pray for him.  Pray for the family as they walk through this valley.

Charles remains in the hospital but I “think” he may be discharged today if all went well through the night.  Folks get concerned whenever he gets sick.  I am telling you that he will live to be one hundred and eighteen!

Ann Clark will be having another eye surgery today.

Billy Broome, brother of Bobby & Ann, took a fall last Saturday and broke his hip.  It was surgically repaired in a Hattiesburg, MS hospital.  I think he was discharged yesterday.

Regular schedule this morning/tonight.  Our 6:30PM Bible study will meet in the choir room while our choir meets in the auditorium.  Sloppy Joe will be in our 7:30PM Bible study.

Christmas is here!  My birds are enjoying it!  Soy did a nice job!

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

The doctors have moved Maria Wainwright’s mother into ICU and are not hopeful that her earthly life will last more than a few days. Pray for Mrs. Hamilton and her family during this time.

Mrs. Marjorie Helen Nason, 72 of Lake City, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center.  She was born in Parkville, Illinois and had made her home in Lake City, Florida since 2006.  Mrs. Nason was formerly a longtime resident of Crystal River, Florida and longtime member of the Red Level Baptist Church in Crystal River.  She was a former teacher and principal at the Red Level Christian Academy.  Mrs. Nason enjoyed spending time with family, reading and studying her Bible, and being active in her church, when able.  She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Raymond Pease and her husband of 23 years, Alan Bernard Nason.

Survivors include her mother, Marjorie Thomas (Darrell), Palatka, FL; her children, James R. Chinners (Glenda), Mobile, AL, Karen E. Cacace (Tony), Lake City, Laurel Nason (Dick), Tucson, AZ,  Eric Nason (Jennifer), Mobile, AL and Daryl Nason (Margie), Crystal River, FL; ten grandchildren, Aaron Chinners, Justin Chinners and Joshua Farabee all of Mobile, AL, Adam Nason (Loren), Shana Amason (Chase) and Taylor Nason all of Mobile, AL, Darah Nason, Jacob Nason, Maryn Nason and Seth Nason all of Citrus Springs, FL; three great-grandchildren, Savanna and Madelyn Nason, and Ronan Amason all of Mobile, AL.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 9:30 AM at Fellowship Baptist Church with James R. Chinners officiating.  Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 2:00 PM.  Visitation with the family will be from 5-7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center, 6037 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055, the Alzheimers Association or the American Cancer Society.

“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 Samuel 17-18; Luke 11:1-28

Maria Wainwright’s mother had some tests done yesterday to try and determine the cause of the infection within her body.  They did not pinpoint it but do suspect that her liver is having some failure issues.  Maria’s sister, Kathy, had to be taken to the ER due to high blood pressure problems.  So, this family continues to need our prayer support.

Sharon Jardee was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Good for her!

Lisa’s father, Charles Clark, was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  His problem is related to his pancreas.  He cannot have anything to eat or drink for the next day or two.  Once he can tolerate soft foods they will send him home.

Everyone else on the hill ran to the hospital once Charles had been admitted.  Me?  Went over to Charles’ house and made sure his last will and testament was safe and secure!  Just trying to be prepared as you never know!  I am about to leave and go sit with him for an hour or so until Ann gets to the hospital.  Think I will have a cup of coffee and biscuit while I sit with him!

Sad day in Montgomery yesterday but it was obvious it was coming.  Pray for Governor Ivey.

Keep praying for those battling cancer.

The good news is that after almost six months of working on it, Soy is close to finishing my chicken coop addition!  I am going to name it Christmas!

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 – 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 10:25-42

Tuesday, April 11 – 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 11:1-28
Wednesday, April 12 – 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 11:29-54
Thursday, April 13 – 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31
Friday, April 14 – 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59
Saturday, April 15 – 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22
Sunday, April 16 – 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 13:23-35

Jim Chinners mother passed from this life yesterday afternoon.  Jim will be preaching that service but the details have not been finalized as of this writing.  The service will take place in Florida.  Pray for Jim and his family.

Sharon Jardee remains hospitalized.  I will be visiting with her this morning.  I am “thinking” she will be discharged soon.

Zach Huhn was presented yesterday morning as our student ministry intern for the Summer.  He will be working alongside Jim Chinners and will be in charge of activities.  We are glad to keep Zach at home this Summer.  Pray for him and our student ministry.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Enter/exit through the West side door.

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Meet in the church office.

Good day yesterday.  We give God the glory.  What a joy to baptize five folks in last night’s service.  Our evening attendance was strong once again.  Thank you for being faithful.

For the first time that I can remember, I did not watch even one stroke of the Masters.  Just did not take the time to do so.  I survived and I am sure the Masters did too!

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 10:1-24

Bobby Stork commented on yesterday’s entry letting us know he did come home from the hospital on Friday.  The doctor gave him the choice and you knew what Bobby would choose!  Says he is sore but recovering.  Is grateful for the prayer support.

Bobby also mentioned Jeff Holifield being present for his surgeries.  Jeff serves as the chairman of our deacons and does a wonderful job.  He ministers and I so appreciate that about him.  I knew that I was going to be out of town and Jeff graciously told me to go and not worry as he would cover Bobby’s surgery.  Jeff, along with others, has this deaconing thing down pat!  Servant!

Attended the service for Mrs. Moates.  Dylan Westbrook sang two songs.  The pastor, whom I did not know, did a nice job of sharing the Gospel.  I always appreciate that fact in a service.

At the time of this writing, Jim Chinners’ mother is still living.  Just keep praying.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Finance Committee meets at 4:15PM in the church office.  Personnel Committee meets at 5:00PM in the 20 – 29 years old SS classroom.  These are important meetings so all members need to be present.

The two ordinances in the evening service.  In my opinion, the evening service is going to be very special.  Do not miss it!

Students going to play putt putt after the evening service.  Evening church attendance a must!

My Saturday was filled with work in the garden.  Never got to the yard at all (Lisa is going to be so mad at me!).  I did work to make the garden a Santa Claus (hoe, hoe, hoe) garden.  Side dressed the corn and basically laid it by.  Charles helped me with the corn but the A Farmall would not cooperate.  Bobby Broome came over and got it running but I had done the remainder by hand then.  Bobby is a jack of all trades and a master of five or six of them!  Amazing!

By the way, Bobby & Ann’s brother, Billy Broome, fell yesterday and broke his hip.  Had it surgically repaired and should be good soon.

Full day for me today.  SNBA tonight.  I will once again be the bus driver!  Five says he is coming after I promised him that he can be on my team.  Billy Teasley has gone AWOL!  Billy, come back and I will make sure you win at least one game!

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

“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 Samuel 10-12; Luke 9:37-62

Bus workers’ meeting this morning at 8:30AM followed by a time of visitation.  Pray for this ministry.

Soccer begins at 8:00AM.  Pray for this ministry too.

Jim Chinners’ mother is seemingly near death.  Jim and family are waiting on the call to head to Florida.  Pray for this situation.

Bobby Stork did have two surgeries yesterday.  All went well.  Not sure if they kept him or not.  Pray for Bobby.

The service for Mrs. Moates takes place today at 2:00PM preceded by an hour or visitation with the family.  Everything at Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  Pray for the family.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  Two ordinances in the evening service.  Pray and attend!

Lisa and I had a wonderful time with my mama yesterday.  We enjoyed breakfast with her, our niece, Jamie, and our nephew, Josh.  My dad?  Turkey hunting – LOL!  It was a good morning.

Lisa sent me home with strict orders regarding the garden and yard.  Got to go!

Hope you 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 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36

Good morning from Birmingham, Alabama!  Lisa and I soon leave to meet family in Hartselle for breakfast and fellowship.

Bobby Stork will have having at least one surgery today.  It is possible they will two procedures but that all depends on the first one.  Pray for Bobby to do well.

Sharon Jardee did well through her surgery yesterday.  Hooray!  Happy for her!

I posted the obit for Mrs. Moates in a separate entry.  The visitation and service take place tonight and tomorrow at Radney’s Funeral Home in Mobile.  Pray for the Moates family.

Yesterday afternoon, Lisa and I began our drive to Birmingham.  We had to take the Arnold Strahan route as traffic on I-65 was backed up onto I-10.  So, that delayed us a bit but not too bad.  We stopped in Montgomery for a few minutes to visit with our dear friends, Decker & Martha Terry.  Folks, this is one of the finest couples you will ever meet.  They are faithful supporters of GRACE Ministries and have such giving hearts.  More importantly, they are prayer warriors!  Martha is one of the most faithful prayer warriors I personally know.  She is basically confined to the house but that does not stop her from bombarding Heaven with her prayers.  Awesome!  Decker played football for the University of Mississippi back in the day and I think that is probably his greatest “sin” (LOL) in his life but God has graciously forgiven him.  Lisa and I very blessed to call Decker and Martha our friends.

I said all of that to ask you to pray for Martha.  She has recently been having some tough days physically.  You do not know her but God does and I would appreciate you joining Lisa and me in praying for Martha and for Decker as he provides care.

We also had the privilege of stopping in Prattville at Jim & Nick’s for supper where we were joined by our dear friends, Josh & Mandi Fortner.  What an outstanding young couple.  We always enjoy fellowship with them.  (Mandi always stick me with the bill but that is ok!).  They are expecting their first child in August and we are excited for them.

Lisa saw KFC yesterday.  Just a random statement that means nothing to anyone except Lisa, KFC and me!  Just glad it was Lisa and not me!  Just saying!

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

April 25, 1920-April 6, 2017 Ila Lois Dykes Moates, 96, was born April 25, 1920 in Perote, Al. to Charles Henry Dykes and Mary Elizabeth (Bessie) Boyd. She was affectionately known to her family as “Granny Moates”. She passed away peacefully at home in Elsanor, April 6th after a brief illness surrounded by her family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmer Moates, her 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and one grandson: Levi Westbrook. She is survived by her son, James (Mariam) Moates. She is also survived by her daughters: Norma (James) Rogers, Louise (James) Akridge, and Susan (Charles) White; 10 grandchildren: Mari Lynn Hammac, Charity O’Connell, Jeanie Dillashaw, Kay Hammac, Krystal Parden, Steve Akridge, Mike Akridge, Lisa Bellknap, Teresa Ladnier, and Melinda Westbrook; 12 great-grandchildren: Reo, Nicole, Rachael, Johnnie, Brooke, Dylan, Caroline, Bryan, Jarrett, Katie, Kayleigh, and Alei; 7 great-great-grandchildren: R.J., Riley, Tag, Traunt, Lane, Lexie, and Ellie. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Lois’ family and friends celebrate her long life, and her clear testimony and strong faith in God. Her favorite Bible Verse is Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God”. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandparent. Visitation will be held Friday, April 7th at 4pm for the family and 5pm-7pm for friends and visitors at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street at exit 4. Celebration of Mrs. Moates’ life will be Saturday, April 8th. The funeral service will be at 2pm with the Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway. The family wishes to express their appreciation and deepest thanks to Covenant Care Hospice.

Just learned from Teresa Ladnier that her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Moates, passed from this life during the night.  Arrangements pending.  Pray for the family.