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 – Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20

Did you remember to set your clock forward last night?  I sure hope so!  If not, it is an hour later then your clock is showing as time changed!

Because I have been out of town for the past three days I do not have any updates on those for whom we have been praying.  Should get back on track tomorrow morning.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  There will be a meeting this afternoon at 5:00PM of folks from the Friendship family who are taking part in the June 22 – 29, 2017 GRACE Ministries mission trip.  This meeting will take place in the 20-29 Sunday School class room.  This is a mandatory meeting and all those who attend must stay for the evening service.

Our Finance Committee will meet this afternoon at 4:15PM in the office building.

SNBA takes place tonight following the evening service.  Guys, attend the evening service and come join the fun!

Our Easter musical date has been officially set.  Jeanette and the adult choir will present the 2017 musical on Easter Sunday in our 10:30AM service.  Please begin praying now for this musical.  Now would also be a great time to join the choir and take part in this special service.

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 – Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44

Obviously, this entry is like twelve hours late.  Lisa and I are on a flight from Columbus, Ohio heading to Atlanta, Georgia.  From there we will fly to Gulfport, MS arriving late tonight.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit at 8:00AM tomorrow!

The reason I decided to post is to remind our thirteen readers to spring forward tonight as this is time change Sunday!  So, before going to bed tonight set your clocks/watches/devices forward one hour meaning you will lose one hour of sleep!  This is a tough Sunday as it seems many folks simply “forget” to take this simple step.

I pray you will have a great Saturday evening 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 – Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27

Good morning from Holland, Michigan where the temperature is 25 degrees with a wind chill of 16 degrees.  Today’s high is forecast to be 26 degrees!  This is great!

Lisa Thompson has been admitted to the hospital due to an elevated temperature.  Pray for her.

I really do not have any other updates as I was obviously traveling yesterday.

The yard sale continues this morning at 7:00AM and concludes at 5:00PM.

TIME CHANGE tomorrow night.  Spring forward!  Set your clocks/time pieces/devices forward by one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

Lisa and I arrived in Grand Rapids safe and on time yesterday afternoon.  Eddie & Sue were waiting on us at the airport and we came to Holland.  Eddie & I attended the meeting last night which was good and productive.  What a really good group of men serving on that committee.

After the meeting, we joined Lisa, Sue, Ross & Queen Genzink and Tom & Shari Compagner for supper.  Good fellowship!  The best part of that meal may very well have been that Queen had a dozen monster cookies for me compliments of Carol “Monster” Miles – wow!  You talk about good!

Today, Lisa sees Dr. Derek Draft first thing this morning.  We will then drive to Kalamazoo to visit family members.  (In hopes that my cousin Tony will finally pay me that money he borrowed!  Just saying!).  At some point this afternoon/evening we will turn it toward Ohio to see where Eddie & Sue now live.

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 – Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Tuesday, March 7 – Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33

Good morning from Gulfport, MS.  Lisa and I just boarded a plane and are headed to Holland, MI.  Tonight, I will be attending a meeting of the advisory board for the proposed GRACE Ministries medical clinic.  More on that later.

The big thing on our campus for the next three days is the yard sale and auction under the leadership of Bro. Jerry Hovel.  It begins at 7:00AM today and concludes at 5:00PM.  Same schedule tomorrow.  Saturday’s schedule is either 7:00 or 8:00AM (cannot remember) until noon.  The auction begins at 5:00PM.  Everything is taking place in the CAB.

Mr. George Versiga is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  He is happy about that prospect.

Darron, Phil’s son-in-law, remains in a Denver, CO hospital.  Keep praying for him as he recovers.

There is a church member in the hospital but I am not sure if that is bloggable at this point.  Just pray.

Good services yesterday and last night.  God is faithful!

TIME CHANGE this Saturday night – spring forward!  Set your time pieces/clocks forward by one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!  Important to remember!

Jeanette and the adult choir will present their Easter musical on Easter Sunday morning during our 10:30AM worship service.  Different, yes.  I am excited about this ministry opportunity.

Here is a restaurant observation – Arby’s in Grand Bay plays contemporary Christian music over their sound system.  Nice!

Here is a convenience store tip – the Clark’s store on the corner of Old Pascagoula Road and McDonald Road has two liter Coke products on sale for eighty-nine cents ($0.89)!  When is the last time you have seen a two liter drink for that low of a price?  Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, et cetera.  No limit and no purchase necessary.  (Disclaimer – this was still true as of 3:00PM yesterday afternoon).

So, I am killing four stones with one bird on this trip.  First, the meeting tonight.  Second, my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, will meet us in Michigan and we will visit family in Kalamazoo tomorrow.  Third, Lisa is seeing Dr. Derek Draft for some dental work.  Fourth, we will drive to Ohio tomorrow afternoon/evening and spend the day at Eddie & Sue’s new place before flying home Saturday night.

Did I mention the time change this weekend?

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

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18

Received word from Jenni Baggett yesterday morning that her great uncle, Norm Popma, (Lois Kirschenman’s brother) was in the hospital.  Lisa and I went to visit and I knew upon seeing him that he did not have much time left on this earth.  He passed from this life very soon after that visit.  As I understand it, it was Norm’s request to not have any type service and the family plans on honoring that request.  Pray for Scott & Jennifer as they handle all of the details.

Phil Sims called me late yesterday afternoon to let me know that the doctor was pleased with the outcome of Darron’s surgery.  Just keep praying for Darron, Angela & Whitney.

George Versiga was admitted to the hospital on Monday night.  Lisa and I also visited him.  He is battling pneumonia but “thinks” he may be discharged either today or tomorrow.

Of course we continue to pray for Irma Hamilton, Becky Sellers and Lisa Thompson in their respective battles against cancer.  All three are at home.

Rita Broome sent me a message saying there were four salvation decisions at McKemie Place in last night’s service.  Praise the Lord!  She also said the women thoroughly enjoyed the collards and cornbread!  Thank you to all who were involved.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  All of our students, 6th – 12th, will meet together tonight in the youth building.  Please note this change.

Rusty, who only comes to church every other Sunday, wanted me to share that the final evaluation for the Spring soccer leagues takes place this Saturday, 3/11, from 9:00 – 11:00AM at the church.  Need more information?  Contact Phillip Turner or Rusty Suthoff.

The NCAA basketball conference tournaments have begun so “March Madness” is just around the corner.  Hooray!  This is a boring time of the year for me as far as sports are concerned.  However, I have been basically dominating the SNBA lately.  So much so that Levi Seymour, Johnny Five and Phillip Turner did not even show up this past Sunday night.  Just saying!

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

P.S. – Do not forget that time changes this Sunday, 3/12, which means you must set your clock ahead (spring forward) by one hour on Saturday night!

Phil Sims’ son-in-law, Darron, is in a Denver, Colorado hospital and will be having surgery this morning.  It is tentatively scheduled for 11:15AM our time.  This involves one of his lungs and it my understanding that this is the only surgeon in the States who can do this particular surgery.  Pray that all goes well.  Pray for Darron’s wife, Angela, his daughter, Whitney, Darron’s parents, Phil and the entire family.  Thank you.

“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 – Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52

Maria Wainwright’s mother was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.  Maria came home but has her bags packed and is ready to leave for Louisiana on a moment’s notice.

It “appears” a memorial service for Gary Huhn’s father will take place at a later date i.e. possibly next week but nothing has been confirmed at this point.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers as well as for Lisa Thompson in their respective battles against cancer.

McKemie Place ministry tonight.  Begins at 6:00PM.  Want to go/help?  Contact Randall or Rita Broome for the details.

The “talk” in a meeting I attended last night was the challenge.  I think those in attendance had done very good yesterday.  “O be careful little tongue what you say!”

Pretty good attendance in our prayer time last night.  Much room for improvement but I am very grateful to each person who comes to pray.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  All of our students will meet in the youth building due to the yard sale in the CAB.

I will give Katie Tillman her props.  She did apologize for her slothfulness as the “guest” blogger this past weekend.  Wants another chance – we shall see!  I do think Grant got a winner when he got Katie.  Now her mother?  Another story – just saying!

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 – Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Tuesday, March 7 – Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
Wednesday, March 8 – Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
Thursday, March 9 – Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
Friday, March 10 – Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
Saturday, March 11 – Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
Friday, March 12 – Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20

This Monday morning blog is late (will perhaps be afternoon before I hit publish).  I apologize for the tardiness.  Why no blog entry Saturday and Sunday?  Well, actually Katie Tillman had agreed to be the guest weekend blogger and she just did not post anything.  You can imagine my amazement when I was made aware of this situation!  Katie is a sweet girl but we all make mistakes!

Gary Huhn’s father has passed from this life.  That is all I know at this time but do ask that you pray for the Huhn family.  More details as I learn them.

Visited the folks in the convalescent home this morning and everyone seemed to be doing well.  Oscar will see his primary care doctor this afternoon.  Jack Davie went home yesterday.  Mr. Brown is itching to go home too.

Good services yesterday.  The Lord has blessed and, while we have folks out of town the past two Sundays, our attendance has been good.  I thank you for your faithfulness and give God the glory!

Bro. Jerry and crew are busily preparing for the yard sale.  Want to help?  Have items to donate?  Contact Bro. Jerry personally or just show up.

No GROW tonight.

Prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight.  Auditorium.  West door.  Come and pray.

Did you take the twenty four hour challenge?  I did.  Deidra and Daphne want to go from 10:00PM until 4:00AM for four consecutive nights.  They “think” they can meet the challenge then.  Hello!  The goal is to go twenty four consecutive hours.

Again, I apologize for the tardiness of this post.  I pray that you will have a great rest the day 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 – Numbers 26-28; Mark 8

Attempted to visit with Miss Willie Roberts yesterday but she was sleeping.  I have a personal policy of not waking hospital patients as I never know how long they have been sleeping, if they had a sleepless night, et cetera.  Plus, I feel they need their rest much more than they need to be visited by me.  So, I just say a silent prayer and leave.  Point is that I did not get to talk to Miss Willie yesterday but I do know she remains hospitalized.  Perhaps I will get to check on her at some point this weekend.

Did learn that Linda Green was feeling better yesterday after taking the fall with Miss Willie on Wednesday.

I did get to check on Jimmy Tagert’s mother via her husband in the hospital hallway.  They were drawing blood or something so I did not see Miss Hickman.  Not sure what the next step is but they are making some diagnosis now.  Pray for Mrs Hickman.

Got to visit with Charles Suthoff, Ted Ezell and Helen Jarvis yesterday.  All seemed to be doing well.  Charles told me that Rusty is getting married – more on that later!

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men invited.

SNBA this Sunday night following the evening service.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Deacons will meet at 4:00PM and Missions Committee will meet at 5:00PM.

Charles is correct.  Rumor has it that Rusty & Anna are engaged.  Not so fast my friend!  I asked Rusty where this marriage proposal took place and he said in front of Samford Hall on the campus of Auburn University.  I checked with Dr. Rex Looney who is a professional in the legality of marriage proposals and he says that any proposal taking place in front of Samford Hall is not officially legal unless the actual wedding ceremony takes place in Guatemala.  (I appreciate Dr. Rex giving his expert opinion). So, are they engaged?  As the old State Farm (mentioning that keeps my wife happy) commercial says, “you make the call!”

Speaking of wedding proposals, Nanette Brooks Fontenot always wanted me to propose to her in a watermelon field.  Do you find that weird?  I do!  (More on that story later)

Dr. Rex, I have you covered for August.  Will send you a message later.

Does anyone know if Mike & Janice Moreland are still living?  Just curious!

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 – Numbers 23-25; Mark 7:14-37

My favorite sister-in-law on Lisa’s side of the family is celebrating her birthday today!  Translated, Kim is now older than me!  I hope she has a great day!  (Do not worry Sue as you are still in my top two favorites on my side of the family.  Just saying!)

Kayla Hatcher has moved way up on my list (actually she was already there) as she surprised me on Tuesday with a Hope’s cheesecake.  Are you serious?  In my opinion, Hope’s has the best cheesecake on the Gulf Coast and one of the best you will ever eat.  They are proud of them based on the price but they are so good!

We survived the “school is out” Wednesday.  Yes, our attendance was down some (only basing that on the adults in the auditorium) but it could have been worse.  We were down a bit in our morning service which surprised me as none of those folks are affected by the closing of the schools?  However, my focus is on appreciation for those who were in attendance – thank you!

Warren Guidry did have surgery yesterday morning and he did well.  It was not a long procedure and it was outpatient.  I am glad he did well.  However, I am “ticked” at his wife, Cecil, as she did not let me know he was having surgery.  It was scheduled for 3/15 which is what I had on my calendar!  Actually, she was being kind as she knew we had the girls, it was a Wednesday morning, et cetera.  Still have not decided if I am going to give her a pass on this one or not!

Linda Green is a wonderful person!  She is constantly helping others.  She is a model of faithfulness.  She transported Miss Willie Roberts to Mobile yesterday and while they were in a restaurant Miss Wille took a fall which in turn caused Linda to fall as well. Linda injured her back and will need to see a specialist while Miss Wille was admitted to the hospital mainly for observation.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother remains in the hospital.  I will be checking on her this morning as she and Miss Willie are in the same hospital.

Visited folks in the convalescent home yesterday.  A couple of the folks were asleep but the ones who were awake seemed to be doing well.

Soy & Deidra will finish up on GRACE Mountain today and move to the city tonight as Friday morning traffic in the city is crazy!  It is like being on Potter Tract Road on a Friday afternoon!  Anyway, they are scheduled to fly home tomorrow morning.  They met Sulmi and her family last night.  Who is Sulmi?  You would have to have been on our February trip to really know.  Long story.

I stopped by Sam’s Super Burger yesterday to place a to go order that I would come back and get later.  Saw Andy & Betty Hamil as they were on a date.  They had me bring their food to their table.  I can tell you this – they do not tip!  When I returned later to get my order the three Wells girls were there.  They too had been in the morning service.  What is point of this story?  Glad you asked!

Sam’s is not exactly a haven for those trying to “eat right” unless you know the secret.  They have a grilled fish dinner that, in my opinion, is really good.  Two big fish filets, two sides, and a piece of bread.  It will cost you around nine dollars but it is more than enough to fill me up!  Like fish?  Like healthy eating?  Then you should give it a try.  I appreciate the owners, Phillip & Natalie, for not being open on Sundays.  So, you now have my restaurant review for the day!

One day, five hours, twenty minutes and fifty six seconds but who is counting!

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