Pastor's Blog

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

There are no services, classes or other activities on our campus today – morning or evening.  However, the church office is open from 8:00AM until noon and then from 1:00PM until 4:30PM.

I spoke to Bernard & Pattie Suthoff several times yesterday.  They will most likely be meeting with the funeral directors at some point tomorrow to make the arrangements for Leasa’s service.  Continue to pray for them, Zachary, and the rest of the family as they walk through this valley.

Edna Pearl messaged me last night to let me know that Elaine Brown remains in ICU.  She had an issue with her heart on Monday night so they would not move her out of the unit.  Keep praying for Elaine.

Christmas on the hill was nice.  We all had breakfast together.  That featured Devon’s famous pancakes.  The family was together most of the day – nothing like getting to spend the day with Charles!  Obviously, the greatest gift for Lisa and me was to have all five of our girls and all eight of our grandchildren here – a blessing.  God is good!

Deidra will be hosting a meeting tomorrow night, 12/27, beginning at 6:30PM in the fellowship hall for those who are sponsors in the feeding center, those who support the general feeding center program, those interested in becoming a sponsor or those interested in the school.  A light meal will be served.  It would be very helpful if you could send Deidra an e-mail (dtaylor0811@gmail.com) by the end of today to let her know if you will attend.  No childcare provided.

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

Pattie Suthoff called me around 1:30AM today to share some very sad news.  Bernard’s daughter, Leasa, was pronounced dead at 12:08AM today.  Very sad situation as she leaves behind her son, Zach.  Leasa has attended Friendship with Bernard over the year but most of us are likely more familiar with Zach.  Pray for Bernard, Pattie, Zach, Rusty and the rest of the family.  Tough day!

This is the situation I mentioned in my earlier entry today but was waiting for all of the family to be told before making in public.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Merry Christmas!

I was awakened around 1:30AM with some devastating news that I am not at liberty to share yet.  Once I am given permission then I will post another entry.  That could be later today or it might even be tomorrow.  I simply ask that you pray.  God knows.

I had a nice visit with Elaine and her husband, Larry, yesterday morning.  She remained in ICU but was thinking she “might” get put in a regular room in a day or two.  Elaine’s attitude was excellent.  Keep praying!

Our Christmas Eve service went very well.  Each of the singers did an outstanding job.  Pastor Clint Landry did a great job of preaching the Word.  The attendance was very good.  It was not an all time high for us but we did have a full house.  I am very grateful for the attendance.  I believe God was glorified.

The church office is closed today.  Will reopen tomorrow morning at 8:00AM.  Remember, no services or activities on our campus tomorrow – morning or evening.

I pray that you will enjoy your Christmas Day.  Praying for those who are spending their first Christmas without someone dear to them in their life.  I am at home and on call should an emergency arise.

Remember, in the event of an emergency at night, please call our house phone at 251 865 4912.  I do not have my cell phone on during the night.  Really do not have my cell phone on much at all.

Celebrate Jesus!

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:00PM today and end by 6:00PM.  Music, the Lord’s Supper and a brief message from the Word.  Pastor Clint Landry will bring the message.  My hope is for us to have a full house.  Nursery provided for children two years of age and under.  Pray, attended and bring others with you.

Praise the Lord!  We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday in our three services and Sunday School yesterday.  The afternoon service was a success as Jeanette and the choir did a wonderful job of presenting the Gospel through song.  The attendance was really good as it was much better than in recent years.  Jeanette does a wonderful job of being a choir director.  Her heart is to lead us in worship through music and it shows.  Obviously, she had lots of help in various areas and I appreciate each person who helped in any way, those who prayed and those who attended.  All glory to God!  (By the way, my plans are for us to have the 2019 adult choir Christmas musical on December 22 at 3:00PM.  Just FYI.)

Praise the Lord!  Elaine Brown is no longer on the vent or the heart pump.  She is awake, alert and talking to her family.  As her sister Edna Pearl told me over the weekend, “this is our Christmas miracle!”  Lord willing, I will visit with Elaine this morning.

Thank you to Tina Wilkinson for coordinating the ministry of providing a meal for the Ruby Gulley family yesterday.  Thank you to each person who helped by providing food.  Thank you to the members of the Friendship family who attended the visitation with the family and/or the service.  The celebration of life service was good.  Keep praying for Winston and family as they walk through this valley.

I have the privilege of taking Bob Evans to the airport first thing this morning as he is going to spend Christmas with his daughter and family in Connecticut.  I will then be heading toward the hospital.

The church office is open today, will be closed tomorrow and then open at 8:00AM on Wednesday.  I am in town and on call in the event of an emergency.  Speaking of that, I am not a cell phone person.  We keep a landline in order to be reached at night in the event of an emergency.  That number is 865 4912.  (During the daytime the telemarketers keep that line busy!)  My cell phone is not on at night.  I basically do very, very little in the way of texts.  I do iMessages but only if I am online with my laptop.

I pray that you will have a great Christmas Eve with Jesus.  If you are local (nine of our thirteen readers are) then please join us at 5:00PM for our service.  O come let us adore Him!

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

The celebration of life service for Ruby Gulley takes place today at 1:30PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  It will be proceeded by ninety minutes of visitation with the family.  Pray for Winston and family during this time.

I spoke to Bobby Jack Felps on Friday afternoon.  Bobby Joe had seen the doctor and the next step will be to see an oncologist to determine the next step.  Bobby Joe does have a rare type cancer so they are unsure or what is next.  Pray for wisdom for the medical folks involved in Bobby Joe’s case.  Pray for peace for Bobby Joe and family.

Edna Pearl Morgan has been faithful to keep me updated on her sister’s (Elaine Brown) situation.  As of 11:00AM yesterday, Elaine was breathing on her own even though she was still on her own.  They are proceeding slowly and with caution.  Keep praying for Elaine.

Heard from Noah Lafferty saying that his dad has been some words together.  Pray for Danny and family.

Big day for the Friendship family today!  Regular schedule this morning followed by our adult choir’s musical beginning at 3:00PM.  I cannot adequately explain how hopeful I am that we will have a great attendance in all of our services today but especially the afternoon service.  Friendship family – let’s be found faithful in all areas today.

The Lord blessed and allowed us to have a good time with family yesterday.  I am grateful.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

I spoke to Edna Pearl earlier this morning and she said that her sister, Elaine Brown, has taken a turn for the better – praise the Lord!  Keep praying.

We are traveling today in order to celebrate Christmas with Turrentine family tomorrow.  Lord willing, I will be back tomorrow night and in the pulpit both times Sunday morning.

Remember, our adult choir will present their Christmas musical at 3:00PM this Sunday!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.

Enjoy this shortest day of the year.

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

Elaine Brown is in critical condition in ICU.  If I understand correctly, they did a procedure on her heart last night.  The doctor says that she is not “out of the woods” at this point.

Kendall Falana’s nephew was involved in a work related accident earlier this week.  It proved to be fatal.  The visitation with the family will take place this Saturday, 12/22, from 12:00PM until the 2:00PM service time.  The visitation and service will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the family.

I am not sure if Danny Lafferty remains in the hospital or not.  I do know he needs our prayers.

Just received word that my niece has been discharged from the hospital.  Thank you for praying.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning, 12/23.  Adult Christmas musical at 3:00PM.  Please give attendance priority this Sunday!

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  (For our blonde readers that date will be December 24)  Invite others to join you for this special service.

Our church office will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Otherwise, we are open from 8:00AM until 12:00PM and 1:00PM until 4:30PM Monday through Thursday weekly.

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

Age 75, a resident of Grand Bay, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018. She is survived by her husband, Winston Gulley, children, Christy (Lynn) Daniels, Tracy Leigh (Bart Nelson) Gulley and Winston Robert Gulley, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, Sharon Jardee, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 1:30 pm with visitation from 12 noon until service time. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

This entry is way late as I have been at the hospital and then making an in home visit.  Ruby Gulley passed from this life around 3:00AM this morning.  The family is meeting with the funeral directors today but are in hopes of having a Sunday afternoon service.  I will post it here once the arrangements are complete.  Pray for Winston and family.

Elaine Brown coded during the night.  Bro. Jerry went to be with them.  I am heading that way now.  Pray for Elaine.

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

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Friendship family – if you have not written a memory, story or encouragement about Sara Nell Moulds we need you to do so like yesterday.  The absolute deadline for submitting these is this Sunday morning, 12/23.  Please give these to Julie McGath.  You can do it at church tonight or tomorrow/Friday at Lisa’s office.  Please join this effort to help Carl Ray and family during this most difficult time.  Thank you.

Visited Danny Lafferty in the hospital yesterday.  The stroke has affected his ability to speak and write.  He is very aware of everything and can follow commands.  Just cannot speak or write.  The doctor said it is going to be a long process for those things to come back.  Pray for Danny, Anita and family.

Regular schedule today – morning and evening.  The only exception is that there will be no choirs tonight.

Adult choir Christmas musical this Sunday, 12/23, beginning at 3:00PM.  Note the unique starting time.  Pray.  Attend.  Bring others.  Remember, this will be our evening service this Sunday.

Christmas Eve service from 5:00 – 6:00PM.  I am in hopes that we will fill the house!

The church office will be closed on Christmas Day and then again on January 1.  Otherwise, we will be open Monday – Thursday from 8:00AM until 12:00PM and 1:00PM until 4:30PM.

No services/classes/activities on our campus on Wednesday, 12/26.  As a matter of fact, next week will basically be “dead week” activity wise on our campus.

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