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 – 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.