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 22-24; Mark 14:1-26

Phil Sims’ son-in-law, Darron, remains in a Denver hospital but is more than ready to be discharged and come home.  He is doing really good.  Keep praying for him.

Lisa Thompson remains in the hospital.  I will find out this morning if she is being discharged.  If not, I will visit with her early afternoon.

Tim Knighten saw an ENT doctor yesterday.  He immediately put him on a medicine as Tim’s throat was not good.  Doctor said it could have gotten very serious in a hurry!  Pray for healing in Tim’s body!

Still praying for Maria Wainwright’s mother in her battle against cancer.

Still praying for Becky Sellers in her battle against cancer too.

Dale Bosarge, Bryan Drake and I will be going over to 1st Baptist Fairhope later this morning to minister to their senior adults.  Looking forward to the opportunity.  Dale will lead in silent prayer, Bryan will entertain and I will put them to sleep!  Good combination!

All of our senior adults are asked to join us in the morning (Wednesday, 3/15) for food and fellowship.  We will meet at 9:15AM in the fellowship hall for breakfast which will be cooked by lead chef Deacon Jeff Holifield and Cousin Bob Evans.  We will eat, fellowship and then move into the auditorium for the service.  Obviously, if you attend the breakfast then you are expected to stay for the service.  If you cannot attend the meal, we would still love to have you in the service at 10:00AM.

Our study on Sunday nights is going well.  There are nine books left on the center front pew in the auditorium.  If you do not have one already, please take one and come join us on Sunday nights.

Special thanks to Jeanette Bates, Randall Broome, Tena Hovel and Brad Hutto for giving of their time last time to meet and discuss/plan our music ministry.  These folks along with our choir and others are doing a really nice job of leading this ministry.  I told them last night that if I were giving letter grades then I would give them an “A” but I was not totally honest.  I would most likely give them an “A+” but I did not want them to get the big head so an “A” it is!

PT tells me that our soccer registration is at ninety eight.  I told him to find at least two more participants.  Time to register is almost up.  Want to register a child?  Call today!  (It is odd that when Soy was the director he could not involve this many folks?  Just saying!)

Jeff Holifield will be the chief chef in the morning but yesterday he was the chief repairman.  He has basically taken the folding machine apart in the court house and will put it back together today.  Goober has nothing on Jeff!  I appreciate his help!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning (with breakfast included) and evening.  BTW, there will be a different “twist” to our 7:30PM Bible study meal – details in tomorrow’s blog.

I mention the need for an IT person yesterday.  The response so far has been underwhelming – zero!  (I am in hopes Dr. Jack Bailey will read today’s blog entry and respond.  He now has the time to help as he is retired.)

Will Reynolds is on vacation this week.  He is a tremendous handy man aka Emmett Clark on TAGS!  So, if you have any projects needing done this week just contact Will and I am sure he will be at your disposal.

I remind the Friendship family that Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation this week.  Translated – he is off limits to be contacted.

Hey Nanette Brooks Fontenot!

BTW, the name is Courtney Poiroux!

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 – Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37
Tuesday, March 14 – Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Wednesday, March 15 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Thursday, March 16 – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Friday, March 17 – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
Saturday, March 18 – Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Sunday, March 19 – Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

This entry is way late – you think?  Long story so I will not burden you with the details.  I will just say “I am sorry” for being tardy.

First, I learned a long time ago that you cannot fix stupid!  I was thrilled to see four folks follow Jesus in believers’ baptism last night.    I was quickly deflated when I realized (was told) that I baptized Courtney Poiroux as Courtland Poiroux!  To be honest, it caused me to have a restless night and has been on my mind basically continually since last night.  I really do try to do good with names and did know it is Madison & Courtney.  For whatever reason my mind was stuck on Courtland – is that stupid of me or what?  Over thirty years ago I baptized a married lady and called her by her maiden name even though I never knew her prior to her marriage.  I am just now getting past that major mistake!  I talked to Courtney and her parents, Jerry & Sharon, after the service and they were way more than gracious!  Courtney said she knew it but just did not want to correct me.  Pretty mature for a fifteen year old young lady.  So, I now offer a public apology to Courtney.  Wish I could fix it but I cannot go back and change things.  Thank you Courtney, Jerry & Sharon for being so kind and understanding!  For the record, I did tell Courtney that when she gets to Heaven she may have to check in as “Courtland” instead of Courtney.

Otherwise, what an awesome Sunday!  Our Sunday night attendance was amazing!  The best attendance we have had on a Sunday night in some while.  Glory to God and thank you Friendship family for being so faithful!  I have heard nothing but good regarding the use of TAGS in that service.  Dr. Rex and Pastor Bob would be proud!

Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation until next Monday, 3/20.  Please respect his time away and do not contact him.  I have a policy of not contacting staff members on their time off and I ask you to do the same.

No GROW visitation tonight.

Prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight.  I hope many folks can join us.

Lisa Thompson is in the hospital.  It is “possible” she could be discharged either this afternoon or tomorrow.  Depends on some test results as I understand it.  Pray for Lisa.

Our soccer registration went crazy good this past Saturday.  It appears that we are going to have around one hundred children involved in these leagues.  If so, this will be the largest number yet and I anticipate it will continue to grow.  Phillip Turner tells me that we need more coaches.  Interested?  Contact Phillip.

Our SNBA went well last night.  We had some of the high school boys show up.  I basically drove the bus all night!  Took Grant Collier to school repeatedly!

Elizabeth Westbrook tells me that all Arby’s restaurants play contemporary Christian music.  I was totally unaware of that fact.

I am looking for an IT person.  Any takers?

I pray that you will have a great rest of your Monday.

“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!