Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Zechariah 2:1-3:10 Revelation 13:1-13:18 Psalm 141:1-10 Proverbs 30:18-20

Learned from my niece, Jamie, that Pastor Alvin Tucker (Bro. Johnny’s father) is scheduled to have one of his big toes amputated today.     He is presently in a hospital in Mississippi.  Bro. Alvin is well into his 90’s but I cannot recall his exact age.  Pray for him.

Brian Amonett remains in the hospital.  This has been a really long stay for him but he is making progress.  Just not enough to get moved to a rehab facility.

Edna told me yesterday that Cynthia Cumbie has been placed under hospice care.  I plan to talk to Caroline today.

Speaking of hospice care, Claire Bell’s maternal grandfather is also under hospice care.

Lisa and I had the privilege of visiting with Eddie Whitmore yesterday afternoon.  He is basically confined to the house but they are giving him a break from treatments, shots, visits to the doctor, et cetera until 2016.  He is slowly gaining some strength.  Keep praying for Eddie and each person battling cancer.

No services/classes/Bible studies tomorrow, 12/23, or the following Wednesday, 12/30.

The weather forecast as far as rain is concerned does not look good for Christmas Eve.  One local station is calling for a sixty percent chance of rain while one national center is calling for  a one hundred percent chance.  I think it is safe to say that it will be raining!  However, we will be inside so it will be dry!  Do not let the rain keep you away.  By the way, please keep the carport area on the East side of the auditorium free of parked vehicles as that will be a drop off/pick up spot in the event of rain.  The service begins at 5:00 and will end by 6:00PM.  It is going to be great!

Nanette strikes again!  We had our Sunday School Christmas gathering last Friday evening.  It was a great time of fellowship and food.  As it was winding down, Korie Fontenot approached me and said something like this, “mama wants her gift from you.”  I just looked at her like a calf looking a newly locked gate.  She then got tears in her eyes and said “mama is going to be really mad at me if I do not come home with a gift to her from you!”  Wow!  So, I sent a throw that was really supposed to be Charles’ gift but he will never know as you cannot miss what you never had!  (Now folks, please understand that sometimes my memory is not the greatest in the world so this account may not be exactly true!  Feel free to ask Nanette for her version!)

I do not watch beauty pageants.  Lisa told me yesterday about the mistake that was apparently made by the emcee at the Miss Universe pageant on Sunday night.  All I know is that the dude had best be glad the same mistake did not happen at a beauty contest for five year olds in South Mobile County or he may not have gotten out uninjured!  Can you imagine?

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

Today’s Bible reading – Zechariah 1:1-21 Revelation 12:1-17 Psalm 140:1-13 Proverbs 30:17

Tuesday, 12/22 – Zechariah 2:1-3:10 Revelation 13:1-13:18 Psalm 141:1-10 Proverbs 30:18-20

Wednesday, 12/23 – Zechariah 4:1-5:11 Revelation 14:1-20 Psalm 142:1-7 Proverbs 30:21-23

Thursday, 12/24 – Zechariah 6:1-7:14 Revelation 15:1-8 Psalm 143:1-12 Proverbs 30:24-28

Friday, 12/25 – Zechariah 8:1-23 Revelation 16:1-21 Psalm 144:1-15 Proverbs 30:29-31

Saturday, 12/26 – Zechariah 9:1-17 Revelation 17:1-18 Psalm 145:1-21 Proverbs 30:32

Sunday, 12/27 – Zechariah 10:1-11:17 Revelation 18:1-24 Psalm 146:1-10 Proverbs 30:33

Monday, 12/28 – Zechariah 12:1-13:9 Revelation 19:1-21 Psalm 147:1-20 Proverbs 31:1-7

Tuesday, 12/29 – Zechariah 14:1-21 Revelation 20:1-15 Psalm 148:1-14 Proverbs 31:8-9

Wednesday, 12/30 – Malachi 1:1-2:17 Revelation 21:1-27 Psalm 149:1-9 Proverbs 31:10-24

Thursday, 12/31 – Malachi 3:1-4:6 Revelation 22:1-21 Psalm 150:1-6 Proverbs 31:25-31

I have listed the daily readings for the remainder of 2015.  I do not plan on running these readings each day during 2016.  May do them weekly but have not really decided.

The Lord blessed with a good day in our services yesterday.  The choir did a nice job of sharing the musical last night.  I appreciate their time and effort in getting ready to present the musical.  We give God the glory for His many blessings on us each week.

The church office will be open today through Wednesday at 5:00PM.  It will be closed on Thursday, 12/24, and will open again on Monday, 12/28.

Missionary Jonny Gaston will lead a personal evangelism training in our youth building beginning on Thursday, 1/7/16.  This will be an eight week class with each class lasting from 7:00 – 8:30PM.  There is a twelve dollar ($12) cost.  Class size will be limited so sign up soon.  Questions?  Contact Jonny personally.

We will not have any services/activities this Wednesday, 12/23, or the following Wednesday, 12/30.  Our only service this coming Sunday, 12/27, will take place at 10:30AM.

We will have our annual Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  This is important.  Let’s fill the house.  Yes, it is supposed to rain all week but we will be meeting inside!  It is going to be great!  Make it a family tradition!

I was watching the Cardinals vs Eagles game last night when they mentioned Arizona assistant coach, Tom Pratt.  He was an assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs when they played in the very first Super Bowl (1967) and now has a chance to be a coach in the fiftieth Super Bowl. He is eighty years old.  Pretty amazing!

Pastor Jack Bailey was “bragging on his blog last week about having thirty five readers!”  If my math is correct, we are only twenty six readers behind him.  My blog goal in 2016 is to reach twenty five readers which would close the gap to ten if Dr. Jack gains no new readers.  We need to reach double digits first.  One step at a time!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Haggai 1:1-2:23 Revelation 11:1-19 Psalm 139:1-24 Proverbs 30:15-16

Received word yesterday that Miss Martez Richerson will have to have some radiation treatments.  When, how many, et cetera are questions that I do not have the answers for at this time.  Just pray for Miss Martez, Mr. Norman and the family.

Andrew Timberlake was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

As it presently stands, we are hospital free as far as the membership of the Friendship family is concerned.  We are thankful!

Regular schedule this morning.  Adult choir musical tonight at 6:00PM.  We will have an opening song and the offering at the beginning and then the choir will lead us in worship for the remainder of the service.

We will receive a special offering for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in our two morning services today.  Please pray and then give as the Lord leads.  Give sacrificially.  Give willing.  Give out of a heart of love!  Give obediently!

My prayer is that we will have a full house for our Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  It is going to be a great service.  Plan to attend and bring others with you.  Special music, special Word, special time!  O come let us adore Him!

I watched some of the Jets v Cowboys game last night.  Not a big NFL fan but always ok to see the Boys go down.  I was a big fan of Coach Tom Landry and I have never felt he was treated right by the Cowboys organization.  Not a real big deal as I certainly do not lose sleep whenever they win or lose.  As a matter of fact, I do not lose sleep over any football game.  Now, if Michigan State beats . . . .

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

Today’s Bible reading – Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 Revelation 10:1-11 Psalm 138:1-8 Proverbs 30:11-14

Cynthia Cumbie was set to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and, as far as I know, she did.  Amazing!

Caroline Ford remains really sick.

Infant Andrew Timberlake is much, much improved.  He would have been discharged yesterday afternoon but he would not drink.  However, later he did drink so I suspect he will be discharged this morning.

Upward basketball today from 8:00AM until 4:00PM.  A committee is tag teaming on running the gym each Saturday this Upward season.  Today is my day.  Odd thing is that I am not on the committee – how did that happen?  My team takes on Ryan Hatcher’s team first thing this morning and we are both undefeated!  (We will both be undefeated after the game too – the beauty of Upward!)

Regular schedule tomorrow.  Adult choir musical tomorrow night at 6:00PM.  All followers of Jesus should gather for worship regularly especially during this season.  O come let us adore Him!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  I am asking the Friendship family to make attending this service a priority!  What a great family tradition!

Absolutely loving these temperatures!  We have had our windows raised for the past two days/nights.  Calling for 77 degrees on Christmas Day – oh my!

I won an “Emo” bank last night.  Treasured possession!  Emo?  One of the dudes from that Frozen movie!  (Or so I am told!)

Donald Butler was vacuuming up leaves yesterday.  Hey Donald, we live less that two miles down the road.  Right behind that big new mansion being built.  Come help a brother!

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

P.S. – BTW, I would much rather be in the gym as opposed to being in the mall today!  Just saying!

Today’s Bible reading – Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 Revelation 9:1-21 Psalm 137:1-9 Proverbs 30:10

Happy 70th (yes 70th) wedding anniversary to Louis & Carmen Reyer!  They were married on December 18, 1945!  Congratulations!  Each member of the Friendship family should give them a call today or bring them a card to the service this Sunday morning!  How many couples do you personally know who have been married for seventy years?  (I think I can count the ones I have known personally on one hand)  Thank God for Louis & Carmen!

The visitation with the Bill Unrue family takes place today, 12/18, from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  The visitation and service will take place at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  Pray for the family.

Cynthia Cumbie was sleeping/resting very comfortably yesterday morning when I visited so I did not awaken her.  She was still in ICU because a bed was not available in the step down unit.

Infant Andrew Timberlake is better.  They are thinking he will remain in the hospital until at least tomorrow.

Brian Amonett remains in the hospital.

Dr. Pastor Jack Bailey has a ruptured disc that is pinching two nerves.  He is supposed to get a shot at some point between now and Christmas Day.  He cannot walk much at all because of this problem.  (I am thinking one of Lisa’s pecan pies will probably help him heal!)

Keep praying for those battling cancer.

There are other prayer needs i.e. folks that I am visiting in the hospital that are private but prayers are appreciated.

Upward basketball tomorrow from 8:00AM until 4:00PM.

Still excited about our Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Great singing, the Lord’s Supper, and a great message from the Word.  One of the most important worship services of the year for the Friendship family.  Looking for your family to attend!  Make it a family tradition!

In January, we will be offering an evangelism training course on Thursday nights that will be led by Jonny Gaston.  More details coming this Sunday.

We are one week away from Christmas Day.  Slow down and enjoy!

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

Today’s Bible reading – Nahum 1:1-3:19 Revelation 8:1-13 Psalm 136:1-26 Proverbs 30:7-9

When I visited Cynthia Cumbie yesterday afternoon she was awake, alert and able to communicate verbally with me.  A nurse told me that she was significantly better and would be moving to a step down unit from the ICU.  She has come a really long way since last Wednesday when they did not think she would live through the day.

Drew & Andrea Timberlake’s youngest child was placed in the hospital yesterday.  Seemingly battling an infection.  I will visit this morning to get an update.

Heard from Mark Hubbard yesterday.  Courtney has been in Houston meeting with the doctors.  They received a great report yesterday morning.  Praise the Lord!

Good crowd in our morning service yesterday and a sparse crowd in the auditorium last night for the service.  Lots of things happening on the campus last night along with the Christmas party at the convalescent home.  I am grateful to those who attended and to those who were doing ministry.

Still praying for a great attendance in our Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.   I am thinking that it is going to be an awesome service!

Folks like me who enjoy colder weather need to embrace the next few days.  We are supposed to see 41, 37 & 43 for lows over the next few nights with highs of 67, 59, 60 & 68 today through Sunday.  Then the highs go back into the 70’s for the rest of the year with lows in the 60’s.  I do not complain about the weather as God knows what He is doing.  Personally, I enjoy cold weather in the Winter months.  Even our Michigan friends are set to see unseasonably warm temperatures.  That Al Gore!

Was able to watch the second half of the Bama basketball game last night.  First time I have seen them play this season.  They are better than in years gone by.  Good enough to dance in March?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  At least they are more entertaining as far as their style of play is concerned.

Speaking of basketball, glad the Warriors winning streak was stopped a few days ago.  I still value the 1971-72 Lakers and their thirty three game winning streak!  I hope that record never falls in my life time.  Do the Lakers still have a team?  Wow!

Well, let me get my parka and head out into this cold sixty seven degree weather.  Hope my car will start!  LOL!

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

April 20, 1930-December 11, 2016 William Daniel Unrue,85, native of Ironton, OH, longtime resident of Grand Bay, AL and member of Friendship Baptist Church. He retired in 1969 with 20 years’ service with US Army as 1st Sgt. His parents Earnest “Cobb” Unrue and Harriet Burton Unrue; his brothers Lewis Unrue and John Unrue; his granddaughter Jennifer Steiner; and his wife Beatrice Hayes Unrue preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Rita Unrue (Curtis) Steiner and Harold (Arlene) Unrue; his siblings Paul (Libby) Unrue, Charlene Sizemore, Sarah Murphy, Marilyn Moore, Grace Unrue; 5 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18, 2015 at 2pm at Radney’s Funeral Home following visitation from 12 to 2 pm. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.

Today’s Bible reading – Micah 5:1-7:20 Revelation 7:1-17 Psalm 135:1-21 Proverbs 30:5-6

Miss Martez Richardson did well through her surgery.  As a matter of fact, the actual surgery only took about forty five minutes.  The problem was that they were several hours late in taking her into surgery.  Miss Martez was able to come home late yesterday afternoon.  Yes, my ear hurts as Kayla was typical Kayla!  (You ever wonder where Logan gets it from?)

Cynthia Cumbie has been taken off of the ventilator.  She was awake but did not seem able to focus/comprehend.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  (This will be our final Wednesday of scheduled activities for 2015)  All gifts for the convalescent home Christmas party should be brought to the church office by noon today, please.

Our Christmas Eve service will take place from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  Let’s fill the house for that special service!

Coach Bo Ryan retiring immediately after last night’s game was a surprise to me.  He has done a good job at Wisconsin.

Speaking of coaches, folks have asked me about Coach Eric Collier not being named the defensive coordinator for the Alabama football team.  Rumor had it that he was next in line.  Well, it all came down to money.  Coach Collier was demanding in the neighborhood of two million per year and Coach Saban was not willing to go that high.  Personally, I think Coach Collier should have settled for $1.5 million – just saying!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Stay dry!  Be safe!

Today’s Bible reading – Micah 1:1-4:13 Revelation 6:1-17 Psalm 134:1-3 Proverbs 30:1-4

Visited with Cynthia Cumbie yesterday.  She is still listed as critical but there has been “some” improvement.  She remains on a ventilator and is not awake.  Caroline remains sick too although she says she is maybe a bit better.  She has been really sick.

Visited with Claire Bell’s maternal grandfather and then talked to Phillip afterwards.  Phillip seemed to think that Claire’s grandfather could be discharged yesterday afternoon but not sure if that happened.

Made a couple of other hospital visits but need to leave those private at this time.

Today, Miss Martez will have surgery.  That is supposed to take place around noon.  Lord willing, I will sit with the family which means I will get to listen to Kayla talk incessantly for hours – hooray!  She will also probably demand that I buy her lunch!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.  Attend and bring others with you!  It is going to be a great service!

In an unusual twist, we moved our deacons’ meeting to last night and had the wives join us.  We had a delightful time.  The food was wonderful.  The fellowship was even more wonderful.  Lisa did a great job of serving as the hostess (always does) and the others brought a ton of food.  Pentecostal Jennifer Davis provided chicken and dumplings and they were a huge hit!  The girl can cook and is a sweetheart.  Deidra provided help in decorating and cleaning up.  Dede Tagert and Glenda Chinners led our musical worship. It was a great evening!  God is good!

Rusty Suthoff called me late last night screaming like a little girl.  Why?  Scott Cochran is supposedly staying at Alabama as the strength & conditioning coach.  Rusty loves Coach Cochran!

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

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.  Attend and bring others with you!  It is going to be a great service!

Today’s Bible reading – Jonah 1:1-4-11 Revelation 5:1-14 Psalm 133:1-3 Proverbs 29:26-27

Tuesday, 12/15 – Micah 1:1-4:13 Revelation 6:1-17 Psalm 134:1-3 Proverbs 30:1-4

Wednesday, 12/16 – Micah 5:1-7:20 Revelation 7:1-17 Psalm 135:1-21 Proverbs 30:5-6

Thursday, 12/17 – Nahum 1:1-3:19 Revelation 8:1-13 Psalm 136:1-26 Proverbs 30:7-9

Friday, 12/18 – Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 Revelation 9:1-21 Psalm 137:1-9 Proverbs 30:10

Saturday, 12/19 – Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 Revelation 10:1-11 Psalm 138:1-8 Proverbs 30:11-14

Sunday, 12/20 – Haggai 1:1-2:23 Revelation 11:1-19 Psalm 139:1-24 Proverbs 30:15-16

A blessed Sunday.  I am very thankful to each person who attended our services.  Our children’s choir under the direction of Miss Tena Hovel did a very nice job of sharing the Gospel through the musical last night.  We give God the glory.

The service for Bill Unrue will take place this Friday, 12/18.  I will provide more details here as that day approaches.

Cynthia Cumbie remains in ICU.  I will visit her this morning, Lord willing.

Claire Bell’s maternal grandfather was admitted to the hospital yesterday.

Miss Martez Richerson will have surgery tomorrow.

Our Christmas Eve service will take place from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  It is my prayer to have a full house.  Please make plans to attend.

I was very impressed with the members of the Friendship family who took part in the GRACE trip last week.  Almost each one who returned home around 4:00PM yesterday were in our worship service last night.  Commitment!

Speaking of the mission trip, Phillip & Jonny did a nice job of sharing in our early service yesterday.

We are on a regular schedule this Wednesday, 12/16, and Sunday, 12/20.  Our adult choir will present their musical this Sunday at 6:00PM.

The forecast is calling for it to be seventy two degrees in South Mobile County on Christmas Day.  It will be what it will be but I was in hopes of at least having a cold Christmas!

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