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)

I did not post an entry yesterday so I did not have the opportunity to wish our oldest grandchild, Titus, a happy ninth birthday.  He seemed to have a good day as we celebrated yesterday afternoon.

Zach & Charlotte Brown will welcome their first son (third child) into the world at some point today as Charlotte will be induced this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

Katie and Charles Grant were discharged from the hospital last week and are doing great.  I am sure Addison is being a huge help in taking care of her little brother.

Sonny Bates will travel to New Orleans tomorrow to meet with his doctor.  Pray for wisdom as the doctor charts a course of action for treatments.

We have a team of forty two folks who will leave for Guatemala this Saturday.  It is about a sixty (Alabama) forty (Michigan) split. This team will mainly focus on celebrating Christmas with the families of the feeding center but they will also do painting and build a few houses.  Pray that their trip will be blessed.

Eddie & Marcus told me last night that everything is a go for the basketball leagues to begin on Saturday, December 8.  One of the needs is for those who have not paid to go ahead and do so now.  The uniforms have been ordered, the teams have been set, the practice schedules are in place, et cetera so they just need to settle the financial side of things.  Pray for this ministry.

I made a change for our adult choir’s Christmas musical on December 23.  That service will begin at 3:00PM instead of being in our customary evening service.  Why the change?  I want to give families an extra evening to either have a gathering or to just have family time.  The musical will be over by 4:00PM and everyone will then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free.  I appreciate Jeanette’s “flexibility” and support on this change.  Please begin praying now, make plans to attend, and bring others with you.

I do ask that the members of the Friendship family remember our Christmas Eve service that will begin at 5:00PM and will end no later than 6:00PM.  Invite others to join you for this special service.  Make this a family tradition!  (I have already extended the first invitation to someone to sing during that service and you will not be disappointed)

The college football regular season has now officially come to an end.  It ended on a good note for me as Ross & Kathy Genzink joined Lisa, Gina and me for game which they have done annually for years.  However, this past Saturday saw my older brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, also join us which was the first time for them to do so in Tuscaloosa (Eddie & I have attended a Bama game in Birmingham back in the Ray Perkins era)  So, it was a nice end to the regular season.  By the way, my sister, Melissa, and her husband, James, had joined me the week before.  What is up with me taking all of these Auburn fans to the Bama games?

This entry has been too long.  Sorry about that.  I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

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

Last night, around 10:00PM, Brad entered my hotel room to tell me that there had been gunfire in the Galleria Mall.  Brad and family along with Lisa, the girls and I are all staying in the hotel connected to the Galleria.  Lisa, Daphne, Henni & Gina were all in the mall at the time of the shooting.

Long story short – all four of our family members are safe and sound.  They had to “hide” and/or “flee the scene” but all ended well for us.  Henni & Gina were very near where the actual shooting took place and took shelter in a store until the area was given the all clear.

I am only writing this because a lot of folks know we are in Hoover and I just wanted you to know that we are all good.  Lord willing, we will see you on Sunday morning.

One other note – my younger brother, Freddie, has a daughter in ICU and on life support in a Decatur, AL hospital.  She is believed to possibly be septic.  Prayers appreciated.

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

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

The church office closes at noon today and will be closed until Monday morning, 11/26, at 8:00AM.  Happy Thanksgiving!

It appears my Wednesday is going to be full as I will do Logan’s surgery, make the other hospital visits and then head to Ashford (Dothan) for the celebration of life service for Pattie’s brother-in-law.

Grant & Katie welcomed Charles Grant Tillman into this world yesterday morning.  I “think” (check FB for the exact figures) that the baby checked in at six pounds and nine ounces.  I do know that big sister, Addison, said he was nineteen inches long.  Katie wants to come home tomorrow but that may be rushing it a bit.  Thank God for a safe delivery.  Pray for Grant, Katie, Addison & Charles Grant!

Logan Wainwright’s surgery is scheduled for this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

I have been visiting another person in the hospital for a number of weeks now.  They just seem to go from one thing to another.  God knows and I ask you to pray.

Jimmy & Morris Bryant have a brother-in-law, Bobby, and his son, Todd, who are both battling cancer and both are not doing well.  Pray for them as well as the wife/mother, Barbara, and the rest of the family.

Betty Clair’s mother meets with her doctor today.  Pray for wisdom as far as treatments are concerned.

My dad saw his primary care physician yesterday.  He got two shots and some medicines.  He will now be seeing a home health care nurse twice a week for the immediate future.  I “think” he is going to show improvement pretty quickly if he will eat.  I appreciate those who have expressed concern and the prayer support.

The celebration of life service for Nathaniel Rice takes place at 2:00PM today.  Pray for the family.

Our campus should be quiet today.  No services, classes or other activities.

As it stands right now, my plan is to shut this blog down until Monday morning, 11/26, unless something happens to warrant otherwise.  Just letting you know upfront.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Same for your Thanksgiving Day.

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

If all goes as planned, Charles Grant Tillman should make his grand appearance into this world around 8:00AM today.  Pray for Katie as they perform the c-section.  Pray for Grant as he waits through the procedure.  What a fine young couple!

Logan Wainwright will be having surgery in the morning.  He has a torn ligament in his left knee.  I think it is the meniscus but I could be wrong.  Regardless, pray for Logan.

Betty Clair’s mother meets with her doctor tomorrow.  They will discuss the type cancer and treatment options.  Mrs. Barton is very grateful for all of the prayer support.  Keep praying.

Brandon & Pam took JZ back to Gainesville Sunday and yesterday.  They will repeat that process this coming Sunday and Monday.  Please pray for JZ, Brandon & Pam.

I talked to Bobby Jack Felps yesterday.  His family is facing some health issues so I ask you to join me in praying for them.

I posted the obituary for Pattie’s brother-in-law in a separate entry.  Pray for the family.

A good number of you have been so kind as to ask about my dad’s physical condition.  He continues to be very weak.  He is supposed to see his primary care doctor today unless my older brother or sister take him to the emergency room before his appointment time.  I appreciate your prayer support.  Update – the nurse seems to think his problems stem from not eating.  Says if he does not eat then he will not get better.  Says he has to eat even when he does not want to eat.  Attributes all of this to his chemo treatment.  I pray she is correct.

Remember, no services/classes/activities tomorrow on our church campus.  Also, the church office will close at noon and then remain closed until Monday morning, 11/26, at 8:00AM.

The comments on this past Sunday night’s community service have been positive.  To God be the glory!

We had a major water leak on the church campus yesterday.  Thanks to Larry Crawley for fixing the problem.  (Probably something Ross Genzink plumbed for us – just saying!)

Ok, got the details on the Briquettes gift card special.  This special is good for this Friday, 11/23, and Saturday, 11/24.  If you buy a gift card for $20 then you get another one for $10; buy one for $100 and get another one for $50.  Basically, whatever the amount you pay for the gift card you get a second one for half of that value.  I do not know if their cards have an expiration date.  They boast that it is the best deal in town but The Shrimp Basket has it beat as it is a dollar for dollar deal while Briquettes is a dollar for fifty cents deal.  However, both are good deals if you plan on eating at either place in the future.  Thanks to Kayla Hatcher and Rick Bradley for getting the information to me.  We have now helped thirteen readers make an informed decision about restaurant gift cards.  What other blog gives you that kind of information?  I mean seriously!

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

Nathanael A. Rice

Nathanael A. Rice, age 73, a lifelong resident of Ashford passed away peacefully into God’s presence on Monday, November 19, 2018 at a Dothan hospital.

Funeral services for Mr. Rice will be held at 2PM Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Watermark Church with Pastor Todd Thorpe, Rev. Larry Adams and Rev. Gaylon Benton officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashford City Cemetery with Family First Funeral & Cremation Care directing. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30PM until service time in the sanctuary. Contributions may be made to Watermark Church, Mission Fund, 103 Elmer Road, Ashford, AL 36312.

Mr. Rice was born in Houston County on June 23, 1945 to the late William Spurgeon and Velman Bradshaw Rice. Nathanael accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 16. In his early twenties he developed a serious personal relationship with the Lord that continued to grow stronger every day of his life. Mr. Rice worked with his family at B & R Milling Company for most of his life and was the former Fire Chief for Ashford Fire Department for ten years. In his spare time, Nathanael enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, joking around and making people laugh. He also enjoyed Alabama football.

In addition to his parents, Nathanael is preceded in death by a brother, Matthew Rice and a brother-in-law, Leon Givens. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Brenda Rice of Ashford; a daughter, Rusti Rice of Ashford; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Cilem Rice of Ashford and Heath and Kim Rice of Pansey; a sister Wylene Givens of Dothan; six grandchildren Hayden (Blake) Rosenkoetter, Maegan (Matt) Randall, Taylor Rice, Madelyn Rice, Reece Rice, Ezra Rice and four great-grandchildren.

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

I begin this entry with some sad news.  Pattie Suthoff sent me a message early this morning to share that her sister’s husband, Nathaniel Rice, passed from this life around 4:00AM today.  They live in the greater Dothan, Alabama area.  Bernard & Pattie are headed that way now.  The celebration of life service is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.  Pray for the family as they walk through this valley.

Grant & Katie Tillman are set to welcome Charles Grant Tillman into this world tomorrow morning.  Katie will be having a c-section around 7:30 – 8:00AM.  Pray that all will go well as Charles Grant enters this world.  Katie is one of the sweetest young ladies I know.

Willard Garnett is a friend to me personally and a supporter of GRACE Ministries and Shining Light Abroad Ministries.  He and his wife, Amy, were scheduled to take part in our December mission trip to Guatemala but had to cancel as Willard will be having knee surgery on Wednesday.  Pray for all to go well and for Willard to be back up and at it real soon.

We had a very blessed day in our services yesterday.  The comments following our morning services were numerous and encouraging.  Pastor Ronnie Jarman did a very nice job of preaching the Word last night.  Attendance wise, our Pentecostal friends carried the load.  Brad, the praise team, Jeanette & Tena and Pastor Ronnie’s daughter all did wonderful.  Good service!  I am thankful!

Remember, the church office closes at noon this Wednesday and will not reopen until Monday, 11/26, at 8:00AM.

I agree with Auburn’s former AD, David Housel.  It is no longer the Iron Bowl as they do not make iron in either Lee or Tuscaloosa Counties.  This Saturday it will be the Alabama – Auburn game and next year it will be the Auburn – Alabama game.

The cup has been located and returned to its owner.  Glad that is behind me.  Actually this entry is late because the owner would not accept it back until I took it to the cup cleaning place in Pascagoula.  I said that I did not have time for that and she said, “you always say we all have the same amount of time!”  It looked very clean to me but she was insistent on it being cleaned by professionals.  Wow!  Corsages it is for next year!

There is now a Krispy Kreme shop in Guatemala City.  Just FYI.

By the way, today, tomorrow and Wednesday are the days to buy those gift cards online from The Shrimp Basket.  Rumor has it that Briquettes in Mobile has the same deal but I have not found any concrete information.  My sources are not real credible!  Anyone have any insight on this?

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

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

The annual community senior adult Thanksgiving meal went very well.  As I expected, our number was down as older folks tend to not get out in the colder temperatures.  (As predicted, Betty Hamil did not attend)  I am going to guesstimate that we had around one hundred and seventy five senior adults present.  Ministerially speaking that number would be around three hundred and ten.  At any rate, everything went well.  Pastor Randy Johnson brought a very good word from the Word on Thanksgiving.  Food was plentiful.  Fellowship was sweet.  The seniors were so very appreciative.  I do not dare to begin listing folks for whom I am thankful as there were so many and they all did extremely well!  So, I am very thankful to each and every person who had a part in this ministry.  To God be the glory!

Our next community event will be the Thanksgiving service this Sunday night, 11/18, beginning at 6:00PM in our auditorium.  Pastor Ronnie, 1st Assembly, will bring the message.  Brad Hutto will lead the musical worship.  I hope the Friendship family will attend in strong numbers.

We are on a regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening – no changes.

Sonny Bates got good news regarding his tests yesterday.  Now he waits to meet with the doctor in New Orleans on 11/27.

The BOLO worked to perfection!  Got several “tips” and then this blog’s Cracker Jack investigative team (just think Dragnet, Columbo, Barney all rolled into one) took over.  They offered to not press charges if the possessor of the cup simply returned it unharmed.  Again, I love it when a plan comes together!

Of course, I was not aware that a Yeti cup (average size) costs one hundred and eighty dollars?  The anonymous owner, Kayla Hatcher, kept throwing that figure around and kept mentioning emotional stress – what does that even mean!  (Said it was her “comfort” cup)

I am in a minority but I do like this cooler weather.  Lisa is away so I have not even turned our heat on and it is a toasty sixty two in the house – nice!

Logan Wainwright is an amazing young man especially when it comes to being a mechanic.  Both my car and my zero turn are now up and running.  Logan has such a great attitude.  He tries to teach me mechanical things but he does not have much success – imagine that!  Thanks Logan!

Folks, remember that you can give online through our website.  Let me encourage you to be faithful in this area even if you cannot physically attend because of work, sickness, vacation, et cetera.  Times they are a changing!

Are you aware of the fact that every UPS driver in the world goes through a stretching routine each morning in a group setting before getting in their truck?  Do not believe me?  Ask Will Reynolds.  (Have you found that tidbit of information on any other pastor’s blog?  Exactly!)

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

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

Ok, putting out a BOLO this morning!  Kayla Hatcher was kind enough to purchase the flowers we needed this past Sunday in our morning services.  She used her Yeti cup (not the brightest move) to keep the bouquets in water.  It was on the West side of the center front pew.  That cup has disappeared.  It has her initials engraved on it.  Do any of our thirteen readers know anything about the location of this cup?  If so, please message me.  Folks, if I do not find this cup then those two bouquets of flowers are going to end up costing like one hundred dollars!  Help!

Actually, that cup is the reason for the lateness of this blog entry.  I have been braving the freezing temperatures to scour the church campus looking for “the” cup!  Dumpster diving and all!  Obviously, no success!

Community Thanksgiving service/meal today from 10:00AM until noon.  This is for the senior adults of our community.  I suspect these cooler temps may have a negative impact on the attendance.  Example, I already know that Betty Hamil is not going to attend.  We will have the heat on so come join us for good fellowship and food.  Plus, Pastor Randy Johnson will do an awesome job of sharing the Word with us.

All food for today’s meal has to be in the CAB by 9:00AM!  There is no threat to you but Cecil G has definitely threatened me if this does not happen!  Help me!

The community Thanksgiving service for all churches in our community will take place this Sunday evening, 11/18, at Friendship beginning at 6:00PM.  Pastor Ronnie Jarman, 1st Assembly Grand Bay, will bring the message.  I am asking the Friendship family to be faithful to support this service.  No designed fellowship time after the service.

The bus ministry and children’s ministries will have their annual Thanksgiving meal this Sunday, 11/18, immediately following our 10:30AM service.  Thank you to those who are helping with this meal.

Food boxes for those in need will be provided this Sunday, 11/18, too.  The recipients are required to attend the 10:30AM service with no exceptions.

Logan Hatcher, son of Ryan & Kayla, has been having some physical problems.  He sees a specialist next Tuesday, 11/20.  Pray for him.

Sonny Bates has a test today and then meets with his doctor in New Orleans on 11/27.  Prayers appreciated.

Spoke to my dad via the phone yesterday morning.  He sounded a bit stronger to me.  Thanks to each person who contacted me to tell me of their prayer support.

Still looking for two folks to join us for the mission trip to Guatemala 12/1 – 8.  Contact me if interested.

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)

We are on a regular schedule this morning.  Time wise we are on a regular schedule tonight as well but the CAB is closed to any, and all, activities as it is set up for the Thanksgiving meal tomorrow.  By the way, Lord willing, I will be back in time for the morning service today.

Speaking of a regular schedule, our schedule this Sunday, 11/18, will be regular morning and evening.  Yes, we are hosting the community Thanksgiving service that evening but nothing changes for us which means Discipleship Training and choir practice at 5:00PM.  Service begins at 6:00PM.

I spent a total of about eight or nine hours with my dad’s medical affairs yesterday.  We were in the oncologist’s office for like four hours or so.  So, what is the word?  All of his tests came back “normal!”  However, when I took him home I think he felt as bad or worse than he did when I picked him up yesterday morning.  My diagnosis is that his chemotherapy treatment this past Monday has simply knocked him down.  He has basically never had any problems following a treatment.  I think maybe they upped the dosage this time as it is scheduled to be his final one.  I am predicting that he will be feeling much better by Monday or Tuesday of next week.  If not, I am then clueless.  If needed, I will drive back to Hartselle on Friday.

I received a number of messages from folks when I returned to Birmingham late yesterday afternoon.  They were from members of the Friendship family expressing their concern and assuring me of their prayers for dad.  Thank you!  What a blessing!

Two openings remain available for our December 1 – 8 mission trip to Guatemala.  Cost is nine hundred dollars per person.  First come, first served.  Contact me personally if interested.

An anonymous famous evangelist from Citronelle, along with his sweet wife, made it financially possible for Soy & Deidra to have a night away whenever possible.  So, since Lisa is in Guatemala they took advantage of the opportunity and left Lisa in charge of the girls while they went away for two days and one night.  (Our girls have always been really good at taking advantage of Lisa and me – just saying!).  Anyway, Lisa sent me a note last night saying that she was exhausted and was asking if we had any Calgon in the apartment!

Notice anything different about this entry?  No announcements!  The new policy is already paying off!  I love it when a plan comes together!

Can we add Tua’s knee to our prayer list?  Would that not be the Christian thing to do?

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

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

Happy sixty second wedding anniversary to my parents!  I am blessed with good parents.  Perfect parents?  No, they raised three Auburn fans – hello!

I have come to a major decision!  Very major!  I am going to start charging for announcements placed on this blog!  It appears that some folks think the main purpose of this blog is to make their announcements!  Not so fast my friend!  This is designed to be an educational and motivational item used to help our thirteen readers as they walk through life!  Giving things that other blogs do not offer.  You want an example?

Ok, The Shrimp Basket restaurant will have an online sale beginning next Monday, 11/19, and lasting through Wednesday, 11/21.  You buy a twenty five dollars gift card and you get one free.  The original card (red) has no expiration date while the gift card (yellow) expires in May of 2019.  The cards will be mailed within two weeks of placing the order.  So, you can give someone a nice gift worth twenty five dollars but it will only cost you twelve dollars and fifty cents!  Christmas gifts for teachers?  Co-workers?  Husbands?  Wives? (Do not even try that one!)  Dirty Santa?  UPS driver?  USPS carrier?  State Farm agent?  Remember, online only for three days! Have you seen that on any other blog?  My point exactly!

So, there is now a substantial fee for any and all announcements posted on this blog.  I simply cannot take the time or use up the space to make your announcements for free!  Simply fill out the online application to receive the listing of the fees.

Elizabeth Westbrook wants to announce ($) that Priscilla Shirer will be at the USA Mitchell Center on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 9:00AM until 4:30PM.  Group tickets are fifty nine dollars each.  Interested?  Contact Elizabeth or Jennifer Brinkman.  Money must be paid by the end of January 2019.  (Elizabeth says I should know who Priscilla Shirer is but I have no clue!)

All of the tables are in place for the Thanksgiving meal.  Chairs need to be placed around them.  Katelyn Johnson is looking for men to help with this project.  I suggest Coley, Phillip & Levi!  Just saying.  Can you help?  Contact Katelyn, please.

Food for the Thanksgiving meal must be in the CAB no later than 9:00AM this Thursday, 11/15.  No exceptions or I will be like in serious trouble with Cecil!

I am in Birmingham today.  My plans were to attend the annual meeting of the Alabama state convention all day.  However, I have had a change in plans.  My dad is a pretty sick man.  I am going this morning to take him to see his oncologist.  Dad did not look good to me when I saw him this past Friday.  I hope to catch some of the convention this afternoon but that is secondary to me today.  Prayers appreciated.

I have never driven in such rain as I did yesterday.  It rained the entire way and sometimes traffic was only going around forty miles per hour.  Took about five and one half hours just to get to Birmingham and that was with only two very quick stops.  Glad that trip is over!

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