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)

We enjoyed a blessed day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  Our morning crowd is really faithful and they are a wonderful group!  I really enjoy our Wednesday morning service.  Likewise, I enjoy the Wednesday evening crowd too – totally different group of people.  Such a nice mix.  The evening crowd is always a blessing to me.  Thank you Lord for folks who attend our Wednesday services.

Robert Baria is in ICU.  He is not a happy camper.  He is battling pneumonia and his temperature has reached one hundred and three.  Pray for Robert!

The visitation with the Sara Nell Moulds family takes place tonight from 5:oo – 8:00PM in our church auditorium.  I am asking folks to please be respectful of the private family time and not come until the 5:00PM hour.  We will have at least two deacons on hand during each hour of the visitation should anyone need assistance.  Our deacons are great guys.  Great ministers.

Our “Helping Hands” ministry is hosting a tea for ladies this Saturday, May 5, from 2:00 – 4:00PM in the fellowship hall.  All ladies are invited to attend.

Remember, our CAB is now shut down until after the Senior Saints meal on Sunday.  No other activities are to take place.

Have you checked out Deidra’s blog lately?  She is doing an excellent job at the feeding center on GRACE Mountain in Guatemala.  Tess is now there too and they are going to make an awesome pair as they tackle the task of helping those one hundred and ten children educationally.  By the way, shininglightabroad.com is the website where the blog can be found.  She does not blog daily but she does a nice job when she does post one.

What?  Les Hacker’s Braves have moved to the top in the NL East Division!  However, Bobby & the boys are only four games back and one game away from playing five hundred ball.  The Dodgers finally won a game but are still eight games out.

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)

Another day of beginning with good news – Tim Knighten received an “all clear” report from his doctor yesterday after reviewing his PET scan taken Monday.  Praise the Lord!

Robert Baria was taken to the hospital via ambulance around 1o:00PM last night.  He has been through a battery of tests over the past two days and his temperature got elevated so the doctor told Rose Anne to have him brought to the emergency room.  I appreciate Carol Lucky keeping me up to date on Robert’s situation.

Spoke to Larry Whitehurst yesterday.  He is very upbeat as it relates to his visits with the doctors in Jacksonville.  Just keep praying that Larry will keep improving and the tumor will be arrested.

Wendy Johnston’s mother continues to decline physically.  She is asking God for mercy.  Pray for Wendy’s mother and the entire family.

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Remember, the CAB will be closed following tonight’s activities in order to be ready for the Moulds family and then the Senior Saints meal on Sunday.

I posted the obit for Sara Nell on this site.  Keep praying for the family.

We have almost sixty Senior Saints signed up for the meal this Sunday.  If you have not signed up but want to join in this time of food and fellowship, please call the church office today.  It is going to be good!

I have Zach & Charlotte Brown, Ethan & Brittney Nelson, Scott & Megan Older, Levi & Brianne Seymour and Curtis & Brooke Whitehurst as the parents requesting to be involved in our “parent/child” dedication service at 10:30AM on Sunday, May 13.  Am I missing anyone?  If so, please let me know today.

Bobby & the boys have now won three in a row.  They broke out the lumber last night as they scored twelve runs – send ’em Bobby!  Good stuff!  Meanwhile, the Dodgers have lost four in a row – not good!

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

Sara Nell Moulds, age 66, of Grand Bay, AL was promoted to her eternal heavenly home on Sunday April 29, 2018. She was born February 15, 1952 in DeKalb, Mississippi.

Sara Nell was a long time member of Friendship Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School, assisting with the Bus and Senior Adult Ministry, as well as many other areas of the church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her.

Sara Nell was preceded in death by her father, J.L. McArthur and mother, Janell Parker McArthur.

Sara Nell is survived by her husband of 47 years, Carl Ray Moulds; son, Sid (Jennifer) Moulds; and daughter, Amy (Adam) Seab; brother, Gene (Laurie) McArthur; grandchildren, Evan and Miranda Moulds, Grant and Alivia Seab, nieces, nephews; along with other family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM and Friday, May 4, 2018 from 10:00AM until the 11:00AM service at Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. Interment will be held in Grand Bay Cemetery.

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

Let’s begin with some good news today!  Marie Brooks had a biopsy yesterday and the results were good.  That “spot” they had been seeing and could not determine what it was proved to be scar tissue.  Hallelujah!

Larry & Judy Whitehurst finished meeting with the doctors earlier than then expected yesterday which allowed them to return home earlier too.  While I do not have all of the specifics I do know they were very encouraged by what the doctors told them.  Still have to go back in about three months for a MRI but are confident the doctors there are on top of Larry’s situation.  That is good news too!

Tim Knighten had a PET scan yesterday.  He has a consultation with the doctor today.  Pray for great results!

Jimmy Moates is scheduled for a PET scan this Thursday.  Again, pray for great results.

As you already know, the visitation with the Sara Nell Moulds family takes place this Thursday night, May 3, from 5:00 – 8:00PM in our church auditorium.  The service will be Friday morning, May 4, beginning at 11:00AM preceded by one hour of visitation with the family.  Our ladies, under the leadership of Tina Wilkinson, will minister to the family by feeding them following the interment.  Thank you in advance to those who will help with this ministry.  How many times has Sara Nell been the one helping minister during times like these?  More than I can remember!  Thank God for Sara Nell.

Our Christian Activities Building will be closed following our Wednesday night activities.  We will have refreshments and drinks in there for the Moulds family on Thursday night, will feed them in there on Friday afternoon, and  will then just leave everything in place for our Senior Saints meal on Sunday.  Please note this and pass the word.

It seems the older I get the more I struggle with the passing of others.  I am reeling from the passing of Caroline Ford on February 22 and now another wonderful Christian sister has passed from this life.  Do I know where Caroline and Sara Nell are?  Yes.  Does that help?  Yes.  Does death still sting?  Absolutely!  Maybe I am just not as spiritual as some others but I am being honest.

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

The celebration of life service arrangements have been completed for Sara Nell Moulds.  The visitation will take place from our church auditorium on Thursday, May 3, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM and then again on Friday, May 4, from 10:00AM until the 11:00AM service.  Interment will be in the Grand Bay Cemetery.

Our church hostess, Tina Wilkinson, will be leading the ministry of feeding the family following the service.  That meal will be served in the CAB.  You can contact her if you would like to help.

Keep praying for Carl Ray, Sid, Amy and the family.

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

I will have to be totally transparent in saying that I am still reeling from the events of yesterday as they relate to Sara Nell’s passing from this life.  I found myself emotionally spent at the day’s end yesterday.  I cannot even imagine how Carl Ray, Sid, Amy and the rest of the family feel.  Death stings.  Pray for Carl Ray and family.

Marie Brooks will have a biopsy this morning.  Pray that the doctors can get clear idea on the problem Marie has been battling.

Larry Whitehurst has already had a blood test this morning.  He will now meet with several doctors for consultation.  Pray that Larry can get some good news today.

I felt that we had a good day in our services yesterday.  Obviously, I was majorly distracted while preaching in the second morning service.  I apologize.  Jim Chinners did lead one of our youth to Jesus and she came to me after the service last night to share her decision.  We give God the glory.

Love & The Outcome were a blessing in our services.  I enjoyed their ministry.  I was happy for Charlotte.  Thank you for attending and for giving to their ministry.

Senior Adult day this Sunday, May 6, during our 10:30AM service.  If you are a senior saint and have not signed up for the complimentary lunch, please do so today or tomorrow.  Remember, Pastor Randy Johnson will be our guest preacher this Sunday in all three of our services.  Invite other senior saints to join you!

Parent/child dedication on Sunday, May 13.  We need those participating to let us know no later than tomorrow, 5/1, of their intentions.

Bobby and the boys are still struggling somewhat as are the Dodgers.  What is up with that?

On a much lighter note to end this entry – Lisa and I were at a wedding reception late Saturday afternoon when a guy that I did not know said to me, “hey rev!”  I replied and then he said, “you are the soccer ref!”  (I had heard “rev” but he said “ref”)  Folk, how embarrassing is that!  I quickly told him that he had me confused with someone else!  LOL!

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

Right before I was to preach in our 10:30AM service today, I was informed that Sara Nell Moulds had just passed from this life.  I did not announce it to the church family but rather called the deacons together and sent them to the Mould house.  I went as soon as I finished the message which I am sure was not a good job.

Pray for Carl Ray, Sid, Amy and their families.  Tough day!

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

I am at a loss for words this morning.  Worst day of my life.  A total embarrassment!  Do not know if I can ever show my face in public again!  I am toast!  What?  I actually, literally, for real officiated a soccer game yesterday afternoon.  What have I become?  Came home and took two showers just trying to get that feeling off of me!  And the worse part is that there were people there who saw me!  I should have gone incognito!

Why did I do it?  Well, last Saturday Coley Johnson was officiating and told me that he could not be at Thursday’s game because of his schooling.  Out of courtesy I said, “well I can do it for you” not really meaning it.  You know how when you say to someone, “y’all come see us sometime” and they reply “ok, we will be there tomorrow night for supper?”  You really did not mean y’all come but were just making conversation.  Well, Coley said “ok” and I was trapped.   My reputation is now done!  Finished!  Over!

So, you can understand my inability to write today.  Can I ever go out in public again?  I need counseling!

Bro. Jerry is doing very well in his recovery/rehab.  He was going to come into the office on Monday but I have asked him to wait until Thursday, 5/3.  He has agreed.  Keep praying.

Kirk & Michelle’s grandson, Brayden, is better and no longer on oxygen.  Keep praying.

Student ministry car wash tomorrow morning beginning at 8:30AM in front of the State Farm office.

L&TO with us this Sunday morning.  I am encouraging folks to attend the 10:30AM service.

Senior Adult Sunday is May 6.  Need folks to sign up for the meal by this Sunday, 4/29.

Parent/child dedication is May 13.  Need folks to sign up for this special service by 4/29 too.

More soccer games this afternoon and tomorrow morning.  I do not think I can show my face.

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)

Kirk & Michelle Lightfield’s grandson, Brayden, has been diagnosed with pneumonia.  He is on oxygen and remains hospitalized.  Obviously, his immune system is low so that factors into this situation.  Pray for Brayden, the medical folks caring for him and his family.

Visited with Miss Lillian Brinkman yesterday afternoon.  She is missing her sister but is also fighting back from her own stroke.  She has another test coming up pretty soon.  As always, her spirit is excellent and she is a fighter.  Her speech therapist showed up yesterday morning which kept Miss Lillian from attending the morning service.  Pretty amazing!  Keep praying for Miss Lillian.

We were blessed with a really good day yesterday in our services.  Our evening attendance in the auditorium was up a good bit.  Our morning crowd is always faithful.  I am thankful.

“Love & The Outcome” this Sunday, 4/29, in our 10:30AM and 6:00PM services.  Pray!  Attend!  Pass the word!

I need our senior adults who are going to be present for the meal on Sunday, May 6, to, if possible, sign up by this Sunday, 4/29.  We want to have sufficient food but also want to be good stewards.  You can call the church office today or sign up this Sunday.  Again, we are asking our senior adults to attend the 10:30AM service that morning.  Pastor Randy Johnson will be the preacher for the day.

Also, we need those families planning on taking part in the “parent/child dedication” service on Sunday, May 13, to sign up by this Sunday, 4/29, too.  Call the office today or sign up Sunday.  You can actually just send me an e-mail if that works best for you.

Soccer games today at 5:00 & 6:00PM.  These are the make up games from the first Saturday.  More make up games tomorrow afternoon and then regular schedule on Saturday morning beginning at 8:30AM.

Student ministry car wash this Saturday, 4/28, in front of State Farm beginning at 8:30AM.

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)

Miss Lillian Brinkman’s sister, Paula, passed from this life yesterday.  She suffered a stroke this past weekend.  I “think” she was ninety years old.  Pray for Miss Lillian and the family during these days.

Our student ministry will host a car wash this Saturday, 4/28, in front of the State Farm office on Highway 90.  Begins at 8:30AM.

Love & The Outcome will be our special guests this Sunday morning at 10:30AM and then again at 6:00PM.  Pray, attend and bring others with you.  I am asking the Friendship family, if possible, to attend the 10:30AM service instead of or in addition to the 8:00AM service.  We need everyone in attendance on Sunday night!  We will receive a love offering for these folks.

Just a reminder – we will “bless Tess” on Sunday, May 13, in all three of our services.  Details in the weekly letter from the pastor.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  Hope many members of the Friendship family will attend!

Parent/child dedication on Sunday, May 13, during our 10:30AM service.  We need those who are going to participate to sign up by this Sunday, April 29.  Call the church office today or tomorrow, please.

Bobby and the boys are struggling a bit right now.  We need to cheer them on!  Send ’em Bobby, send ’em!

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