Pastor's Blog

Amy Reynold’s paternal grandmother, Janne Kay Howard, passed from this life early yesterday morning, 12/18.  The visitation with the family will take place this Thursday, 12/22, from 12:00PM until the  2:00PM service time.   Everything will take place at the  Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the Howard family.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Titus 1-3

Tuesday, December 20 – 1 Peter 1-5
Wednesday, December 21 – Hebrews 1-6
Thursday, December 22 – Hebrews 7-10
Friday, December 23 – Hebrews 11-13
Saturday, December 24 – 2 Timothy 1-4
Sunday, December 25 – 2 Peter 1-3; Jude

A really good Sunday!  God blessed and I am grateful!  Pastor Wes Bates did a really nice job of preaching the Word in our morning services.  I gladly gave the pulpit to him in order to remember his grandfather, Pastor L.G. Camp, Jr. as last Friday, 12/16, marked the fiftieth anniversary of Pastor Camp’s promotion to Heaven.  What a special time for Miss Kittie and the entire Camp family.  I am certain that Bro. L.G. would be very proud of his preacher grandson!

Bro.  L.G. would have been equally proud of his choir directing daughter, Jeanette Bates.  She did a great job of leading our adult choir as they led us in worship last night.  What a blessing to see the choir loft filled and to hear the musical praise lifted to God.  It was a worship experience for me!

Hats off to James Mareno for coming through in the clutch last night.  The South side of Grand Bay lost electricity just before 5:00PM yesterday.  Obviously, our church building is on the South side of town.  So, James got his sound system, his generator and borrowed lights from Jerry Graham (thank you Jerry!).  By 6:00PM, with the help of a good number of men, we were set up and ready for the service.  Yes, the constant rain and the lack of electricity affected our attendance but when all was said and done we had a really nice attendance.  The most important thing is that God was there and for that we are most grateful!  It was a real blessing that no one panicked and there were no negative words when the electricity went out.  Everyone remained calm and just did what had to be done in order for the service to take place.  Is that awesome or what!  To God be the glory!

Lisa Thompson will have a bone marrow test this morning.  It was a blessing so see Lisa in our service last night.

Carla Kyser remains in the hospital.  There is a possibility that she will be discharged today.  She is pretty upset with me that I have not visited with her yet.  I figure she will get over it but do have plans to be the first person she sees whenever she wakes up this morning!

Tommy Johnson’s mother, Miss Willa Dean, is back in the hospital battling pneumonia.  She is on a vent.  This is a constant battle for her.

Becky Sellers is having a tough time.  She and Dave need our continued prayer support.  There probably will not be anything new to report until she has scans in early January.

Tim Knighten was in our services yesterday.  He has lost weight.  He is still eating/drinking some although he told me most things have no taste and water tastes salty.  Tim has maintained a great attitude through everything up to this point.  A blessing!

Carol Lucky’s daughter is in the hospital.  I hope to get a report on her condition today.

Bill Kendrick is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow.  I am in hopes they can fix that “Ole Miss gene” in his brain and that he will come out of this thing cheering for the right team!  BTW, it is carpal tunnel surgery.

Ray Baber (hip replacement) and Elizabeth Martin (ACL repair) are both scheduled for surgery next week.

Regular schedule this Wednesday morning and evening!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Lord’s Supper.  Much musical praise.  Going to be great!

Christmas Day service at 10:30AM.  No other services/activities on that day.

The Jack Lastorka/Rusty Suthoff challenge bowling fellowship on Sunday, 1/1/17, from 8:00 – 10:00PM.  This is a church wide fellowship as we have the entire bowling center to ourselves.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.  Share the Light!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading –  Philippians 1-4

Sunday, December 18 – 1 Timothy 1-6

Good Saturday morning from a warm & balmy downtown Chicago where the temperature has climbed to twenty five degrees and the wind chill factor is up to sixteen degrees.  It did snow “some” last night as Lisa and I were out walking.  A major system is moving into this area tonight and the temps tomorrow are going to be really frigid.  Hopefully, we will be long gone by then.

Dave Sellers contacted me yesterday to share that Becky did not get the report they were in hopes of receiving.  Becky has a lot of fluid in her stomach and the doctor is convinced it is because of the cancer.  She was scheduled for another scan in February but they have now moved it up to early January.  It will be then before they know anything definitive.  Pray for Becky, Dave and the family.

Tomorrow is going to be a special day at Friendship.  I am in hopes of seeing many members of the Friendship family in attendance for our morning services and Sunday School.  (This will be our last Sunday School of the 2016).  Yes, it is supposed to be a raining day but I am asking you to not let that keep you away.

I have a feeling that our Sunday evening service is going to be awesome!  Jeanette Bates and the adult choir members will be presenting their Christmas music.  That service will begin promptly at 6:00PM.  Do not miss it!

Lisa and I will soon be heading to the wedding and then straight to the airport.  I hope you have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Ephesians 1-6

Good morning from a fairly cold Chicago!  When Lisa and I arrived yesterday it is like nine degrees with a wind chill below zero.  It has since warmed up to a sweltering fifteen degrees this morning with a wind chill of two degrees – why did I even bother to bring a coat?

Mark Mast was so very kind to meet us at the airport upon our arrival in Chicago.  We then went by the church and got his sweet wife, Tina, before heading to lunch.  We ate lunch on the ninety fifth floor of the John Hancock Center with an absolutely great view of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago.  Fabulous meal and even much greater fellowship.  After lunch, Mark & Tina gave us a quick tour of the Moody Bible Institute before dropping us off at the hotel.

Lisa is in hog heaven as we are literally just across the street from the Water Tower Place which is seven stories of shopping – are you kidding me!

I do not have any updates on the folks on our prayer list.  I do know that little Hollin had a heart cath yesterday and that Becky Rogers is receiving a treatment today.  Tim Knighten continues to battle a problem in his mouth as he receives his radiation treatments.  Peggy sees her doctor again on Monday.  Lisa Thompson will have a test on Monday.  Carla is Carla – just saying!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Colossians1-4; Philemon

Carla Kyser was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She was whining because I did not visit her but she will get over it!  Such a drama queen!

David Bosarge’s mother is better.  Still in the hospital but better.

Learned yesterday morning during the service that Michael Farni passed from this life.  Court & Shonn have been very good to me and many others through their dentist office.  Join me in praying for Sue, the children and their families.

Edna’s great grandson, Maddox, is scheduled to have surgery today.

Becky Sellers is scheduled to have an ultrasound today to hopefully help them understand what is taking place within her body.

Wow!  What else can be said about the tremendous job Sherry Schlehuber did in hosting the senior adults Christmas fellowship yesterday!  She cooked so much stuff especially desserts!  It was all amazing!  Many of the senior adults commented to me about how much they enjoyed the food and the fellowship.  Sherry definitely gets an “A+” for a job very well done!  Our senior adults also get an “A+” for showing up in really strong numbers as we had a great crowd!  Bobby Gene Evans gets a “B” for his help in setting up and taking down!

Lisa and I are sitting on a plane in Gulfport, MS heading to Atlanta and then on to Chicago, IL, in order to attend the wedding ceremony of Miriam Mast, Mark & Tina’s youngest daughter.  I like cold weather the forecasted high for today in Chicago of ten degrees with a low of two degrees tonight.  Right now, it is two degrees with a wind chill of negative sixteen degrees.  Mark knows I like cold weather and I appreciate him ordering this Arctic blast just for me!

Lord willing, we will return home Saturday night.  Good thing as the forecasted low for Sunday night is negative fifteen degrees!  I do plan blogging tomorrow morning if this laptop is not frozen!

We have our first ever church wide bowling fellowship on Sunday night, 1/1/17.  Jo Nell Barnes proudly showed me her 200 patch yesterday.  I think she is gunning for Jack Lastorka and Rusty Suthoff!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading –  Acts 27-28

Miss Dottie Clark will be having eye surgery this morning in Guatemala so please pray for her.

Carla’s surgery went well.  Took them a good while to finally get her into the operating room but the actual surgery was very quick.  The doctor was satisfied with the results.

David Bosarge’s mother, Miss Maxine Rogers, remains hospitalized.  I attempted to visit with her yesterday but they were working with her so I did not get to see her.

Peggy Knighten told me that Tim has continued to eat some things.  He has lost ten pounds already which is not a good thing.  Keep praying for Tim.

Our senior adults will have their Christmas fellowship today immediately following the morning worship service.  It will take place in the fellowship hall.  Sherry Schlehuber is doing all of the decorating and cooking so all the senior adults have to do is show up.  I hope we will have a good attendance.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  Lisa has basically prepared a feast for the 7:30PM Bible study.

My sources are now telling me that Coach Eric Collier is holding out for more money in order to become the next OC at Alabama.  The outgoing OC was making $1.4 million and Coach Collier is demanding at least $1.5 million to even consider taking the position.

I pray that you are enjoying the Christmas season and that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Yesterday’s Bible reading – Acts 20:4-23:35

Today’s Bible reading – December 13 Acts 24-26

Wednesday, December 14 – Acts 27-28
Thursday, December 15 – Colossians1-4; Philemon
Friday, December 16 – Ephesians 1-6
Saturday, December 17 – Philippians 1-4
Sunday, December 18 – 1 Timothy 1-6

Carla Kyser will have a surgical procedure done this morning.  The hope is to improve her ability to breathe easier.  Pray that all goes well.  It is my understanding that she will spend at least one night in the hospital.  My policy is one surgery per person, per month.  Carla expects me to be there this morning even though she recently used up her “one” surgery for the month thing!  That girl is so demanding!

Tim Knighten continues with his weekly chemotherapy treatments along with his daily (Monday – Friday) radiation treatments.  I “think” he is to the point now of not being able to eat so he is now dependent on the feeding tube.  Obviously, this will eventually change once he is finished with his radiation and his throat improves.

Lisa Thompson will have a bone marrow test next week.

Not sure what the word is on Miss Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, but will find out today.

Bill Kendrick recently had surgery on one of his hands.  He liked it so much that he will have the same procedure done on his other hand next Tuesday, 12/20.

Our senior adults will have their monthly fellowship tomorrow, 12/14, beginning immediately following our 10:00AM service.  This will take place in the fellowship hall and will be a Christmas fellowship.  An anonymous donor has provided a gift for each senior adult attending this fellowship – what a kind gesture!  Sherry Schlehuber will do all of the decorating and cooking for this fellowship. All senior adults, age sixty five and older, are invited to attend this special fellowship.  Spread the word and invite other senior adults to join you!

Word on the street is that Coach Eric Collier is being considered as the next OC at Alabama.  Any truth to this rumor?  Not sure if Coach Collier can take the pay cut!  However, the allure of coaching college ball may be too much for him to pass on.  Time will tell!

Twenty six years ago today, Lisa, Deidra, Daphne and I moved into the parsonage.  Is that a random fact or what!  I mention it mainly because I fondly remember Cynthia Cumbie helping us make that move.  Precious memories!

Let me close by saying this, Pastor Shirlon Davis’ wife, Jennifer, can flat out cook some chicken and dumplings!  Amazing!  I do not really like her but the girl can cook!

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

P.S. – Why no blog entry yesterday?  Internet connection issues early and then the day was gone before I remembered I had not posted.  Heard from two of our thirteen readers so it was all good!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Romans 8-10

Per Bro. Jerry Hovel there are no significant changes in any of those I mentioned in the blog yesterday.

I failed to mention Tim Knighten having the feeding tube placed this week.  I think that was on Tuesday but my days are all running together.  Peggy said it was an “experience!”  I ask you to keep praying for Tim, Peggy and the family.  (Tim, forgive my slothfulness!)

I received another prayer request that has to remain confidential at this time.  It is a very serious situation.

The GRACE Ministries team had another really good day yesterday.  Carbon copy of the previous two days.  This team has been excellent in their attitudes, work ethic, and flexibility.  (The only complaints thus far has all related to Bernard Suthoff – just saying!)

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Romans 4-7

Miss Kathleen Henderson has been moved to a rehab facility.

David Bosarge’s mother remains in the hospital.

Miss Myra Herod’s daughter, Brenda, has been moved out of the ICU.

Belinda Baggett had surgery yesterday morning and deacon Jeff Holifield went to pray with her before the surgery.  I appreciate him doing so.

Bro. Jerry says we had a good attendance in our morning service yesterday and a small attendance in our evening service.  Some of that can be attributed to so many of our folks being involved in the Christmas fellowship at the convalescent home last night.  I appreciate Bro. Jerry preaching/teaching in my absence.

The GRACE Ministries team in Guatemala had a really good day yesterday.  A group of guys went and completely finished all six of the houses that were started on Monday.  Another group stayed on GRACE Mountain and worked at the feeding center as well as preparing for the evening meal.  The rest of the team hosted two more block parties.  Tico Vargas did a nice job of sharing the Gospel with those children.  Of course, the evening saw us host thirteen families from the feeding center for supper.  Jonny Gaston has done a great job of sharing with these families each of the past three nights.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3

The attack on Pearl Harbor took place almost nineteen years before I was born.  However, it is a day that is etched into my memory.  So, today I remember that fateful day as this is the seventy fifth anniversary of that attack.  I realize many of our younger generation do not think much about that attack but it is a very important day in the history of our country.  I salute those USA military personnel who served in the second World War.  What a great generation!

Miss Kathleen Henderson remains hospitalized.

Belinda Baggett and family have been attending our services for a few weeks.  She is scheduled to have an outpatient surgery today.

Rita Broome sent me a message saying there were ten salvation decisions at McKemie place last night.  Praise the Lord!

Regular schedule today/tonight.  Bro. Jerry will teach in my place and Jim Chinners will teach all of the students.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is Pizza Hut pizza.

Things are going well for the GRACE Ministries team in Guatemala.  They saw over two hundred children yesterday at the two block parties and were able to give some (most?) of those children the only Christmas gift they will receive this year.

The evening saw another fifteen families gather for a meal and then each family received a basket of goodies i.e. food staples and some special treats.  I wish each supporter of GRACE Ministries could be present to see/hear these folks as they share their gratefulness for all that is being done for their families.  Good stuff!

The team did receive some sad news in that Marc Van Dam did not get home before is brother passed from this life yesterday morning.  Pray for the Van Dam family as they walk through this valley.

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