Pastor's Blog

Our evening service tomorrow, 3/15, will begin at 5:00PM and will end no later than 6:00PM.  This will allow the members of the Friendship family to attend the visitation with the Sarah Criswell Thornton family at Serenity Funeral Home.  Please note this change and pass the word.

Sarah Criswell Thornton of Grand Bay Alabama passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2020, Sarah was born on November 10, 1939 to the late John and Ola Mae Brown. Sarah was preceeded in death by her late husband Murray Criswell, seven brothers, William Brown, Conway Brown, Raymond Brown, Henry Brown, Matt Brown, Joseph Brown, Ed Brown and one sister Francis Tuttle.

Sarah was an educator for 35 years. Sarah worked at Grand Bay Elementary, Friendship Baptist Church, and Magnolia Springs Christian School during her 35 year tenure. She attended and graduated from Perkinston College. Sarah loved to garden and sew and spent many hours makng special outfits, blankets and other items for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As a devout Christian Sarah had an unshakable faith as a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay for many years.

Mrs. Thornton is survived by Thomas Thornton, Sr., Viola Gilbert, Ginger (Gary) Smith, Joy (Neil) Saucer, Thomas (Pam) Thornton, Jr.. Her grandchildren Jena (Ryan) Butler, Kasey (Hank) Romine, Adam Smith(Payton Dueitt), Skylar Thornton. Great grand children Sarah Vivian, and Stella Ruth Butler, and Reid Smith. Also her life long friends Edna Hollifield and Margaret Eubanks.

There will be a Visitation at Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday evening March 15, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and a celebration of her life on Monday at Serenity Funeral Home in the chapel March 16, 2020 at 10:00am.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

The visitation with the Martha Pierre family takes place today at Serenity Funeral Home from 11:00AM until around 12:30PM.  A service at the grave in Serenity Memorial Gardens will begin at 1:00PM.  Pray for the Pierre family today.

Serenity Funeral Home has posted Miss Sarah’s information but the obituary has not been posted yet as the arrangements are pending.  Keep praying for Sarah’s family.

I did not see Eddie’s father yesterday and not sure if I will get to see him today.  I do ask that you pray for him as he is in rehab.

Lisa and I drove to New Orleans Thursday afternoon as Deidra arrived from Guatemala.  She had some things to take care of stateside and the plan was for her to fly home this Monday afternoon.  Not so fast my friend!  First, she asked me to handle the ticket purchase for her and I used her maiden name instead of her married name which is not a good thing when it does not match your passport name.  Folks, you cannot fix stupid!  I am living proof!  Thankfully, a very kind gate agent in Guatemala made the name change at the very last minute on Thursday morning.  All is good, right?  Well, not so much.  Beginning Monday, Guatemala will no longer be allowing anyone from the US or Canada to enter their country because of the virus.  So, we had to change Deidra’s ticket to tomorrow morning.  She may have to be in quarantine for seven days upon her arrival.  What will that look like?  No idea.  Maybe home quarantine – we have no idea.

A team from Florida was scheduled to arrive at the mission house today – no longer!  Ditto for next Saturday’s team.  Ditto for who knows how long.

YES, unless something changes today then we will have a regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  I have zero problems with any other body of believers who are choosing not to meet.  I have zero problems with those other body of believers who are choosing to gather for worship.  This is a fluid situation and we are taking it one day at a time.

I am not a doctor, healthcare provider, or medical expert.  Therefore, I cannot offer medical expert advice.  However, as a pastor, I am simply of the opinion that anyone who is elderly, has health issues, or simply does not feel comfortable attending a church meeting needs to stay home.  (We have some on our church roll who have obviously not felt “comfortable” in attending the services in years – just saying!)

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