Pastor's Blog

“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 – Luke 24; John 20-21

This entry is late and for that I apologize.  No excuses.  Blame it on Dr. Rex Looney.

Lisa and I visited with David & Sandra McElwee in a Birmingham hospital yesterday.  David is doing well in his recovery and we had a good visit.  It is always good to see David!  Hopefully, he will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.

I will be visiting Blow Joe Guidry this morning.  I am thinking he may be discharged from the hospital today.

Not sure if Miss Mary Jackson was discharged yesterday or not.

Did not talk to Tim or Peggy yesterday but assume his PET scan took place.  Should have those results in a couple of days.

Did I hear from Carla Kyser?  Are you serious?

Pretty good attendance at our prayer time last night.  Thank you to all who attended.  Thank you to Bro. Jerry Hovel for setting things up for that prayer time as he was not sure of my returning home time.

Good meeting with prospective student ministry committee members last night.  Our goal is to have an active student ministry committee in place by the beginning of 2017.

To those cooking turkeys for this Thursday’s senior adult meal.  It has been requested that you sliced the turkey and bring the white meat and dark meat in separate zip loc type bags.  It all needs to be in the CAB by 9:00AM on Thursday morning, 11/17.  If you do not know how to slice a turkey, just let me know and we will take care of that for you.  (Or, if you do not have time to do the slicing)

Speaking of Dr. Rex Looney, I did get to see him this past Sunday night at the retirement celebration for Dr. Jack Bailey.  As usual, he tried to borrow money but some things never change.

I am basically in a boycott the NFL and the NBA phase of my life right now.  What does that mean?  Not much as I basically never watch any of those games anyway until the playoffs begin and then it is on a limited basis.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday 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 – Matthew 28; Mark 16

Tuesday, November 15 – Luke 24; John 20-21
Wednesday, November 16 – Acts 1-3
Thursday, November 17 – Acts 4-6
Friday, November 18 – Acts 7-8
Saturday, November 19 – Acts 9-10
Sunday, November 20 – Acts 11-12

Good morning from Decatur, Alabama.  Lisa and I attended the evening service at Danville Baptist Church which was a retirement celebration for Pastor Jack Bailey.  Great crowd and really good service.  Back in the day I would have driven home last night but we want to visit David McElwee in the hospital on our way home today.  So, we will be traveling soon.

Bro. Jerry sent an update sharing that Blow Joe Guidry is doing good as he has been doing some walking.  That is great!

Miss Mary Jackson may be discharged from the hospital today.

David McElwee was moved from the unit into a regular room yesterday.  He is doing well too.

Tim Knighten is set for a PET scan today.  Pray that goes well.

Carla Kyser has a visit with the doctor today.  How did the “fun day” for Carla go this past Saturday?  Great question!  However, she has told me nothing!  Just saying!

GROW tonight at 6:00PM.

Prayer time in the auditorium from 5:00 – 7:00PM.

Meeting with potential student ministry committee members tonight at 7:00PM.  Only folks interested in potentially serving on the student committee need to attend.  That means one can be involved in the Wednesday night Bible studies, will attend and chaperone student ministry activities, et cetera.  Attending this meeting will give us a starting point for selecting this committee.

I am told that we had good services yesterday.  I appreciate Bro. Jerry & Derrick filling in for me.

I was able to attend a Sunday School class taught by Jeff Garner.  Jeff & I went to school together.  He did a really good job of teaching that class.

It was a joy to attend the church service with my parents yesterday morning.  I am thankful to God for my family.  I also enjoyed hearing Dr. Jack preach.

I pray that you will have a great Monday 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 – Luke 23; John 18-19

Happy 60th wedding anniversary to my parents as they were married on Tuesday, November 13, 1956.  It will be joy for me to join my parents,  siblings and family in worship this morning.  Thank you Friendship family for allowing this to happen.

No news is good news (or so they say) so I am believing that Blow Joe Guidry and David McElwee are both doing well in their recovery from their respective open heart surgeries this past Friday.  Keep praying!

Regular schedule at Friendship today and tonight.  Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching this morning.  Derrick & Jodie Wilkerson will be sharing this evening.  Randall Broome will be leading the musical worship in all of the services.  Jeanette Bates will be leading the choir this morning.  It is going to be a good day.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday 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 – Matthew 27; Mark 15

Warren “Blow Joe” Guidry had five by-passes and did well.  Obviously, he is in the CCU for at least a couple of days.  We thank God for watching over him and I ask that you keep praying for Blow Joe, Cecil and family.

David McElwee had three by-passes and did well.  He too is in the CCU for a couple of days.  Again, thank God for being with him and keep praying for David, Sandra and family.

Miss Mary Jackson is doing very well.  Not sure when she will be discharged from the hospital.  She is thankful for the many prayers being offered on her behalf.

Carla Kyser came by Lisa’s office yesterday and left me a t-shirt in hopes that I would mention the “fun day” being held in her honor today from 8:00AM until noon at Bryant High School.  Does she think I am that easy?  Well, I am not.  So I am not going to mention the run, food, entertainment, games, et cetera that will all be happening today.

By the way, Carla’s visit with the doctor last Wednesday was postponed until this Monday, 11/14.  Pray for Carla and all of the others battling cancer.

Tim Knighten’s PET scan is scheduled to take place on Monday as well.  Keep praying for Tim!

Lisa and I, along with our entire family, are in Birmingham.  We will all eventually make our way to Rocky Ford, Alabama in order to celebrate my parent’s sixtieth wedding anniversary tomorrow.  I need to stop by Tuscaloosa today before heading North.

Bro. Jerry Hovel will be preaching in our two morning services tomorrow.  Derrick & Jodie Wilkerson will be sharing in our evening service.  We will be on a regular schedule.  My prayer is that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.

I pray that you will 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 – John 14-17

Happy fifth birthday to our granddaughter, Lizzi!  She has the easiest birth date to remember  as it is 11/11/11!  She was born at 11:16AM.  (Would have been 11:11AM but Soy had to go to the bathroom!)  We had a celebration for Lizzi last night and I hope her day is blessed!

A huge “thank you” to all of our veterans on this Veterans Day.  This is a day to celebrate all of those men and women who have served our country in the military.  Hopefully, our president elect will keep his promise of not forsaking our veterans!

Two major surgeries first thing this morning – Warren “Blow Joe” Guidry will have heart by pass surgery.  How many by passed will be done?  I am not sure if they ever nailed it down but I do know he has multiple blockages.  Pray for Blow Joe, Cecil and the family.

David McElwee will also be having heart by pass surgery this morning.  He is in Birmingham.  Pray that everything goes well during his surgery and for Sandra & family as they wait beside him.

Remember, the fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration that as set to surprise Sammy & Myrtle Bowden and Warren & Cecil Guidry has been postponed.  It was supposed to take place tonight but Blow Joe’s surgery has changed everything.

The celebration of life service for Calvin Crist takes place today.  Pray for Courtney and the family.  I am sure Calvin made his share of mistakes along the way but, in my opinion, he did one thing very well in raising Courtney.  She is a sweetheart!  I truly love Courtney and Chris!  What a dedicated young family!

I will be visiting Miss Mary Jackson this morning to get an update on her procedure from yesterday.  Bro. Jerry was with her during that time but I have not spoken to him since it was finished.

I am still miffed at Carla Kyser so I refuse to mention the “fun day/color run” set for tomorrow at Bryant High School from 8:00AM until noon.  No mention of the run, the games, the food, et cetera.  Folks, I am teaching Carla a lesson and hopefully she will learn from it!

I pray daily for Greg Boutwell.  It saddens me that Greg cannot be involved in our services any longer as he was the epitome of faithfulness.  He loved to teach Sunday School and did a really good job of being prepared.  As the Lord brings him to your mind, pray for Greg.  (I mentioned how well Calvin did by raising Courtney.  Greg also raised a daughter, Kim.  I will just not have any comment!)

Pray for those battling cancer.  Tim Knighten’s PET scan has been scheduled for this Monday, 11/14.

Lord willing, all of our family will leave at some point today heading to Birmingham/Danville as we will celebrate my parent’s sixtieth wedding anniversary this Sunday.   Our entire family will join them in church and we will then enjoy a meal together.  I will then be involved in a retirement roast on Sunday evening for Pastor Jack Bailey.  (If he has not joined Al S in moving to Canada)  Lisa and I will return home on Monday, Lord willing.

In my absence, Bro. Jerry Hovel will preach in our two morning services.  Pray for him as he prepares and preaches.  Then, Derrick & Jodie Wilkerson will be sharing in our evening service.

Hopefully, I will do another entry today with an update on Blow Joe & David (Sandra, help me!).

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

Feb. 4, 1951 – Nov. 8, 2016 James Calvin Crist Jr. passed away November 8, 2016. Calvin is survived by his wife, Suzanne McKnight Crist; mother, Helen Crist; son Cory (Ashley) Crist and grandson Connor; daughter, Courtney (Chris) Cavin, granddaughters Blakeley and Lilly; stepsons Brandon (Meghan Reintz) and Charles Clarke; sister, Diane (Mike) Onderdonk; niece, Cristen (Todd) Mahone; nephew, Chad Onderdonk; and an aunt, Debbie Glisson. Calvin’s father was the late Rev. James Calvin Crist. Calvin was an educator for more than 45 years in Mobile County. He began his career at Central Baptist School where he taught history, physical education and health, and later became principal and head custodian. He taught at Live Oak Academy and Northside Bible Academy before moving to Mobile County Public School System for a 39-year career. With MCPSS, Calvin taught and coached at Theodore Middle School and at Alba Middle/High School, Clark School of Math and Science and Satsuma High School. For several years, he instructed special needs students’ drivers’ education. At his death, Calvin was Supervisor of Athletics, Physical Education, Driver’s Education and Health Education for Mobile Public Schools. In his youth, he played sports, excelling in basketball and track, and played softball for many years. He was an avid sports fan, and all who knew him also knew that he loved watching Alabama football. During his long teaching and coaching career, Calvin had a positive effect on many students’ lives as a mentor and role model. He was an inspiration to his children and was loved and admired for the strong faith instilled by his mother and father, a Baptist minister for 50 years. His family was his heart, and he will missed by family, friends and co-workers. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Friday, November 11 at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street. A funeral service will follow at Radney; interment will be at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Theodore.

Wow, life can change without notice!  This morning I visited with Miss MaryJackson and she was doing great.  She was in a regular room and expecting to be discharged within a day or two.  I had not gotten back to Grand Bay good when I received word that she will receive a pacemaker this afternoon.  Not sure what brought all of that about but do ask you to join me in praying!

However, the bigger surprise came when the doctor came to talk to Cecil & Joey following Warren “Blow Joe” Guidry’s heart cath.  He has multiple blockages, was admitted to the hospital and will have open heart surgery in the morning.  His only symptoms have been shortness of breath over the past couple of months.  Wow!  So, pray for Blow Joe, Cecil & the family.

Unknown to Blow & Cecil and Sammy & Myrtle Bowden, their family had planned a surprise fiftieth wedding anniversary for them.  It was to take place tomorrow night in our fellowship hall.  However, that celebration has now been postponed until a later date.  Please pass the word to anyone who you think may have had plans to attend.  As you know, we only have thirteen readers of this blog so we need to get the word to everyone else.  )BTW, Sammy & Myrtle were married on November 19, 1966 and Warren & Cecil were married on December 10, 1966.)

I had planned to drive to Birmingham tomorrow morning  in order to pray with David McElwee before his open heart surgery.  I am flexible and will now be staying in Mobile for Blow Joe’s surgery.  Sandra, I plan to see David at some point this weekend.  Praying for you guys!

“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 – Luke 22; John 13

Warren Guidry will have a heart cath this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

As far as I know, David McElwee is still scheduled to have open heart surgery in Birmingham early tomorrow morning.

Miss Mary Jackson continues to do well in her recovery from her heart surgery.

Tim Knighten was told by the doctor on Tuesday that he will need radiation and possibly a couple of chemotherapy treatments.  The biggest jolt was being told that he will be out of work for at least four months.  Tim is a worker and that did not set well with him.  He will have a PET scan in the near future and then get fitted for his radiation mask, et cetera.  Pray for Tim!

Carla Kyser was to see the doctor yesterday but that got postponed until this Monday, 11/14.  Did she contact me and let me know?  Therefore, I am not going to mention the “family fun day” set in her honor that takes place this Saturday, 11/12, at Bryant High School beginning at 8:00AM and lasting until noon.  It includes a color run, food, games, et cetera. However, I am not going to mention any of this because Carla stiffed me!

The celebration of life service for Calvin Crist will take place tomorrow at 11:00AM from the chapel at Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  It will be preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.  Keep praying for the Crist family.

Kirk Lightfield did a nice job of sharing with us in our services yesterday.  I appreciate Kirk & Michelle and their ministry in Guatemala.  The “potluck with the pastor” went well too.  Lisa did a superb job of hosting that gathering.  She always does.  I am thankful.

I did not realize that Al Sharpton was one of the ones who said he would be moving to Canada if Donald Trump were to be elected president.  What a nice surprise!

Let me mention my friend, Nanette Brooks Fontenot (she insists I use her maiden name).  She is one of the ones who did not volunteer to help with the meal for the senior adults set for next Thursday, 11/17.  Just saying!  (She is going to be so mad at me for calling her out!)

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

The visitation with the Calvin Crist family will take place this Friday, 11/11, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  The celebration of life service will take place at 11:00AM from the funeral home’s chapel.  Burial will take place in Serenity Memorial Gardens.  Keep praying for the Crist 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 – Matthew 26; Mark 14

It is with a sad heart that I share that Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin Crist, passed from this life early this morning.  His body was racked with infection.  Pray for his family especially his wife, mother and children.  Obviously, the arrangements are pending.  I do want to say “thanks” to Coach Eric Collier for being with the family during those last hours of Calvin’s life.

Did not get a chance to hear from Tim or Peggy about yesterday’s visit.  Will hear today.

Miss Mary Jackson was doing well yesterday per Bro. Jerry.

“Potluck with the pastor” this morning immediately following our morning service.  Kirk & Michelle Lightfield will be our special guests in both services today.  I hope many folks will join us for the meal.  Lisa has already begun cooking the roast.  We will also provide the bread and drinks.  You bring the sides and desserts.  Bring a friend or two as well.

Our daughter, Daphne, and Rita Broome worked hard to get us enough fruit salads for the senior adult meal.  Then Cecil sends me a message saying we need six more.  Two have been covered.  So, we need four more (Katie Tillman, Claire Turner, two others?) fruit salads.  BTW, Rita helped because that is what she does.  Daphne helped because she was tired of my blogs!

Thank you to each person who volunteered to cook for the senior adult meal.  Wow, what a great and quick response!  I am going to check with Cecil but I do not want any senior adult cooking for this meal.  Just need to check her list!

The USA has elected a new president.  Folks, I am most excited about the new vice president.  Did your hear his speech last night as he introduced the president elect?  He is a follower of Jesus Christ.  I am happy about that fact!  (Personally, I did not think Bill Clinton would have made a good first lady!)

The fare for the college Bible study will be roast, mashed potatoes, beans, dessert and drinks.  It will be delicious!

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