Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Our campus should be totally quiet today as there are no basketball games, no bus worker’s meeting, et cetera.

We will have one worship service tomorrow and that will begin at 10:30AM.  Nothing else on our campus tomorrow morning or evening.

End of the year giving can be done this Sunday in our service, by bringing your offering to the church office Monday or Tuesday or by giving online at any point between now and 11:59PM on 12/31/19.

What day of the week is it?  This has been a most unusual week for me with down time for four consecutive days.  I will admit that it has been extremely nice just staying here on the hill.  I have only ventured out two brief times.

Forecast calls for seventies today and tomorrow with a forty percent chance of rain today and a sixty percent chance tomorrow.  We then dry out and will have sixties for highs and get some forties for lows.  I prefer fifties for highs and thirties for lows but God knows.

I am a Jalen Hurts fan.  Just know that.  However, I see LSU and Clemson winning their respective games today/tonight.  I am a SEC “conference’ homer so I will be pulling for LSU over Clemson but fully expect the Tigers to win it all again.  It really does not matter who wins because Alabama is going to claim their eighteenth national championship anyway – LOL!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Soy & Deidra leave this morning driving to Atlanta where they will take an evening flight to Guatemala City.  They have been in the States since November 20 but just slightly more than half of that time has been spent in Grand Bay.  The remainder of the time has been spent visiting supporting churches in Alabama, Georgia & South Carolina along with family in Tennessee & North Alabama.  Pray for them to have safe travels on the road as well as in the air today and tonight.  We are thankful for the time they have been able to spend here.  God is good!

Only one worship service on our campus this Sunday, 12/29, and that begins at 10:30AM.  I am in hopes that we will fill the house!  If you are a member of the Friendship family and are in town this Sunday, please join us.  If you are not a member of the Friendship family and do not have a local church home then please come join us too!  We would love to have you worship with us!

Still praying for folks to sponsor the teachers at Colegio JET in Guatemala.  Five thousand dollars per year.  Contact me if you are interested.  Your contribution can remain anonymous if you so desire.

I owe Shawn Felps and Eddie Albritton.  Shawn ordered rotors and pads for one of our vehicles and Eddie Albritton put them on yesterday afternoon.  Shawn gave me a good deal on the parts.  Eddie only charged one hundred dollars per wheel for the installation.  I thought that was a bit high until he told me the going rate is two hundred dollars per wheel.  So, I felt blessed!

I also need to give a shout out to Will Reynolds aka Mr. UPS!  I ordered something online on Monday.  Called Will on Tuesday morning and asked if he could get it delivered that day.  Had it by noon!  Is that service or what!  Will is the UPS man!

We are forecast to have high temperatures in the seventies for the next three days.  We then drop into the sixties for daytime highs and some forties at night.  It is not exactly my idea of Winter but God knows and I trust Him.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

This entry is late.  Courtney Cavin told me at our Christmas Eve service that she would post for me today and that would be her Christmas gift to me.  I told her it had to be posted no later than 6:00AM and she assured me it would.  Well, it is almost 7:30AM and no entry!  I am ok with that because she told me that if she did not follow through on her pledge then her daughter, Blakeley, would say “Roll Tide” the next time I see her at church – sweet!

The church office is closed today and, as normal, will be closed on Friday.  However, I am in town and available, if needed.  FYI, the office will only be closed on Wednesday of next week which means it will be on regular hours Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.  There will be no activities on our campus New Year’s Day.

This Sunday, 12/29, we will only have one service on our campus and that will begin at 10:30AM.  The buses will not be running their routes, no early service, no Sunday School, no Discipleship Training, and no evening service.  I am in hopes of having a packed house for that one service.

I want to remind folks to consider, if necessary, to check your giving record to the Lord through the church for 2019.  It is very common for some folks to use the last few days of a calendar year to make significant financial contributions.  Remember, you can give online at any time.  Obviously, we will receive an offering in our service this Sunday.

Also, we are still in hopes of having the salaries for all fourteen teachers/administrators in Colegio JET covered for 2020.  The base salary is five thousand dollars for the entire year.  If you want to use this as a tax deduction in 2019 then your check must be dated no later than 12/31/19 or your online gift must be given by 12/31/19.  Need more information on this?  Contact Deidra or me personally.

Speaking of Deidra, she and Soy will leave in the morning driving to Atlanta for their return flight to Guatemala.  The girls will stay here until January 6, 2020.  It has certainly been good having Deidra and the girls here.  They will be greatly missed!

Christmas Day 2019 on the hill consisted of two family meals and lots of fellowship.  It was a good day.

A quick look at the ten day weather forecast shows us getting no cold weather – not what I wanted to see!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Happy birthday Jesus!  I pray that today will be a day of celebrating God’s gift to the world!

Wonderful Christmas Eve service!  The house was almost completely filled and the spirit was excellent!  The singers were spot on with young Addison leading the way – how sweet was that!  Bro. Abel did a great job of sharing the Word and leading us in the candlelight ceremony.  Our deacons were most efficient in leading us during the Lord’s Supper.  Bro. Jerry did all of the preparatory work for the Lord’s Supper.  Eddie Albritton & Titus gathered up the candles and glasses following the service.  I left that service very uplifted and very grateful.  Yes, God gave the greatest Gift!

I pray that you will have an awesome Christmas Day with Jesus!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Merry Christmas Eve 2019!

The church office will once again be on a skeleton crew today which will consist of Bro. Jerry plus one.  Tomorrow and Thursday the office will be completely closed.  However, I am in town and available, if needed.  (Reminder, the church office will only be closed for one day next week – Wednesday, 1/1/20)

Martin, Jennifer, Carl & Christian Brinkman, Heidi Butler and Bro. Abel all get a huge “thank you” for their efforts with the angel tree ministry yesterday.  The families receiving the gifts gathered in the auditorium for a time of listening to the Gospel story and then hearing much information about our church.  Bro. Abel did an excellent job in that presentation.  It really seemed to be a time of connecting with some of those families.

This afternoon at 5:00PM we will gather for our annual Christmas Eve service.  It is literally one of my favorite services of the entire year.  I am in hopes the house will be filled.  Special music, the Lord’s Supper, a brief message from the Word, the Christmas story from Luke 2, candles, et cetera.  Please do not miss it!  Again, the service will end no later than 6:00PM.

I pray that you will have a great Christmas Eve with Jesus!  Celebrate His birth!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

What a wonderful day of worship we enjoyed yesterday in our services.  God is so good!  Pastor Mark Williams did a nice job in both of our morning services briefly sharing about the “Faith by Works” ministry.  The Friendship family did an awesome job of bringing a white Christmas to our auditorium and then sending it over to the Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Thanks to Randall Broome for providing the trailer for transportation purposes, to each person who helped load/unload the trailer and to Bro. Abel for coordinating all of the white Christmas logistics.

Bro. Jerry coordinated the distribution of the food boxes following our second morning service.  Thanks to him and each person who helped pack the boxes Saturday morning or load them yesterday.

Jennifer Brinkman is coordinating our angel tree ministry this year.  That will culminate this afternoon as those families will gather at the church to hear the Gospel presentation and then receive their gifts.

Jeanette Bates and the choir did a very nice job of presenting the Christmas musical in our evening service.  I am thankful for the effort they put into this ministry.

I am so in hopes for a great turnout for our Christmas Eve service which will begin at 5:00PM and end at 6:00PM.  We will have great music, the observance of the Lord’s Supper and a great word from the Word!  Let’s fill the house for this most special service.

Our church office will be running on a skeleton crew for the next two days.  It will be Bro. Abel plus one today and then Bro. Jerry plus one tomorrow.  The office will be completely closed Wednesday and Thursday.  However, I am in town and stand ready to assist in the event of an emergency.  Our home number is 865 4912.  (If you cannot remember that number then simply contact any telemarketer as they all have it and call daily!)  FYI, the church office will be closed next Wednesday, 1/1/20, but on a regular schedule with secretaries and all on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.  No activities on our campus this Wednesday, 12/25, or Wednesday, 1/1.

Coach Eric Collier placed five of his Bobcats on the 7A all state football team.  Congratulations, Coach!

The Auburn men’s basketball team is off to a sizzling start!  Impressive!

The forecasters are calling for a high of fifty nine degrees today but then we are back in the seventies for highs for six consecutive days.  In that sense, it is not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas but it is what it is where we live.

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

I was wrong!  (I always pause for a few seconds when writing that to allow it to sink in as I know it amazes you!)  Raymond’s mother did not get discharged on Thursday as planned because of a clerical error.  However, once the doctor made rounds on Friday morning that error was quickly corrected and Mrs. Wilkinson was on her way home.  Keep praying for Raymond’s mother.

“White Christmas” on our campus today during our two morning worship services.  If you need help getting your bag to the auditorium from your vehicle, just come inside and we will get someone to help you.

All Youth Department and Adult Department classes will meet together in the auditorium for Sunday School beginning at 9:15AM today.  Eat breakfast before you come!

Food boxes to be distributed following the 10:30AM service.  Tickets for the angel tree gifts will also be distributed following that service.  The actual gifts will be given tomorrow afternoon.

Our adult choir will present their Christmas musical tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend this service.

It is forecast to be a cool, wet morning.  So, what a great morning to gather with others for worship!  O come let us adore Him!

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

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

All is quiet on the hospital front as far as the Friendship family is concerned and for that fact we are most grateful.

Packing food boxes today beginning at 8:00AM in the Preschool Building.  All help appreciated.

Basketball league play begins at 8:00AM today in the CAB.

Bus workers meet today beginning at 8:30AM followed by visitation.

“White Christmas” tomorrow in our two morning services.  Pastor Mark Williams will make a brief appearance in both services.  Remember to bring you bags and food!

Joint Sunday School class in auditorium for all Youth & Adult classes tomorrow beginning at 9:15AM.  Eat breakfast before coming to Sunday School.

Adult choir Christmas musical tomorrow evening beginning at 6:00PM.

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM in the auditorium.

We have had a few requests for Christmas hymns for the Christmas Eve service.  Again, I will only recognize requests sent to me via e-mail – nothing else!  Also, if you make a request then it is obviously assumed you plan on attending that service.  Hello!

The church secretaries will not be in the office this coming week.  Staff will be in place Monday & Tuesday.  Office totally closed Wednesday & Thursday.  By the way, the office will be closed on Wednesday, 1/1, of the following week but open the other normal office days.

Only one worship service on our campus next Sunday, 12/29.  That will begin at 10:30AM.

It is a balmy fifty two degrees outside right now.  The rain is expected to begin with regularity around noon and last about twenty four hours.  Our highs then move into the seventies most of next week with lows in the fifties and sixties.  Not my kind of late December forecast but God knows what He is doing.

It is now a definite that Tua will either stay or go.  (John Curl is the source today)  He did not ask my opinion but I think the Coe kid from Auburn should stay another season.

Bob Evans arrived at his destination safe and sound yesterday.  He said it was pretty emotional when he and Eddie Albritton parted ways at the bus terminal.  Rachel Hatcher has already assured me that she will be there to pick up Uncle Bob when he returns.  I am good with that!

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

This is the chance for members of the Friendship family to perhaps have their favorite Christmas hymn included in our Christmas Eve service this year.  All you have to do is e-mail me (pastor@friendshipfamily.net) no later than noon on Sunday, 12/22.  I will then take the top three or four and include them in our service.  Remember, hymns and not carols i.e. Rudolph, Jingle Bells, et cetera.  So, which of our thirteen readers will be first to submit a request?  (I just hope my computer does not crash due to the high volume of traffic!)

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Gloria Whitmore was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Whenever I visited her yesterday morning she was pretty sore but otherwise was doing well.  Her goal is to attend our Christmas Eve service.  Pray for Gloria!

Raymond’s mother was expecting to be discharged from the hospital yesterday too.  I “think” that happened but I am not one hundred percent sure.  I do know that the plan is to admit her again after Christmas.  Pray for Mrs. Wilkinson.

Bro. Jerry could use help packing the food boxes in the morning at 8:00AM in the Preschool Building.  Should not take long if enough folks show up to help.

Second Saturday of our basketball leagues takes place tomorrow beginning at 8:00AM in the CAB.

Our bus workers will meet for the final time in 2019 at 8:30AM tomorrow before going out on visitation.

We will have our “white Christmas” this Sunday morning during our two worship services.  Need a bag, list or more information?  Contact Bro. Abel personally.  My hope is to have Pastor Mark Williams in both services for a brief few minutes.  We shall see.

All Youth department and Adult department Sunday School classed will meet collectively in the auditorium this Sunday morning, 12/22, at 9:15AM.  Teachers, would be a great idea for you to contact your class members today or tomorrow to remind them of this change and make sure they are going to join you.

Adult choir musical this Sunday evening beginning at 6:00PM.  Friendship family, pray, attend, bring others.

Christmas Eve service from 5:00PM until 6:00PM.  Let’s fill the house!

The church office will be closed i.e. no secretary next week but the staff will be in place Monday & Tuesday.  No one will be in the office Wednesday or Thursday.

Bob Evans leaves early this morning heading out of town for the next eleven days.  Sammy will be lost without Bob.  I was going to drive Bob to the bus station but Eddie Albritton insisted on doing it.  Eddie said Bob is like a second dad to him.  As a matter of fact, he got a little emotional just talking about it.  I think it is a bit weird but whatever!  Rachel Hatcher is not happy that Uncle Bob is going to miss the family Christmas!

One source says it is thirty three degrees right now while the other says it is thirty five so let’s go with thirty four.  It appears the rain begins tonight and will be with us through Sunday.  The temperatures are supposed to warm up considerably lifting us out of this deep freeze we have been experiencing the past couple of days.

We will have extra counselors on hand this Sunday.  Why?  When the students went to Wendy’s house last night to sing Christmas carols she had already taken her hearing aids off, her teeth out and her hair in rollers in.  Just saying!

Does Tua stay or go pro?  It is a sure thing.  (Johnny Five is today’s source!)

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