Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Nehemiah 7-9; Acts 3

Donna Glass had exploratory surgery yesterday morning and everything went well.  No problems were found and she was sent home.  Praise the Lord!

Attempted to visit with Tommy Watson yesterday but he was sleeping.  I am just very hesitant to wake a patient.  I saw Caleb yesterday afternoon and he said Tommy’s condition was about the same.

Spoke to Phil Sims via the phone yesterday.  He is doing well.  Has been released by his surgeon and has been given permission to drive again so he is a happy camper.

Visited with Greg & Rita Boutwell yesterday afternoon.  Greg has gone through a bunch and has a bunch more ahead of him.  Rita is a good care giver.  Pray for Greg & Rita.

Pray for the Barnhill family as they continue to grieve the loss of Bill Barnhill.

Pastor Joe David Bailey should be at his destination now.  Pray for his week of ministry.

Big day tomorrow at Friendship as we honor God by recognizing the fathers present in our morning services.  Special guest singer in the 10:30AM service and we are asking all men to take part in the choir.

The evening service will take place in the CAB and will begin at 5:00PM.  It will feature the men’s cake baking contest and homemade ice cream contest.  Dale & Karla Bosarge will be our featured messengers.  We will receive a love offering for Dale & Karla in all three of our services tomorrow.

The deacons will be cooking burgers and dogs for the 5:00PM hour.  We need you to bring the trimmings.  Men, we need cakes & ice cream!

I can verify that Wes Garrison arrived at the Mobile airport safe and sound last night.  I can also verify that Seth Tagert was at work!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:22-47

Spoke to Pastor Joe David Bailey yesterday afternoon just before he boarded his first flight on his mission trip.  He should arrive at his destination at some point tonight.  Long trip.  Pray for him.  Pray the mission goes well.

It is a little past 4:30AM and I will be heading to the hospital for a surgery in just a few minutes.  Not sure if I am at liberty to share about it so I will just ask you to pray.  Early surgery but I have no idea on the expected time frame for the surgery.

The memorial service for Steve Barnhill’s brother, William (Bill), takes place today at 2:00PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  There will be an hour of visitation with the family prior to the service.  Pray for the family.

Vera Bosarge’s nephew was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

I literally spent all morning yesterday on the phone with the phone company trying to rectify our office phone situation.  I am still waiting on the proverbial “call back!”

I am hearing from some men now regarding the cake baking on Sunday.  Need more and need ice cream makers too!  Deacons are cooking burgers & dogs so we need the church family to bring the trimmings.  Service begins at 5:00PM.

After office hours yesterday, the rains had come which meant I could perhaps rest a bit?  Not so fast my friend!  In walks Lisa who says, “the rain has softened the ground so you need to go pull the corn stalks out of the garden!”  So, I spent until dark thirty doing just that and was able to get approximately half of it done.  Now I could rest!  Nope!  Lisa had the grocery list on the counter and said, “you have a surgery in the morning so I want groceries bought tonight!”  That meant I left the house at 9:30PM heading to Walmart which put me home around 11:00PM.  Thank God she was asleep whenever I got home or who knows what would have been next!

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

Dr. Rex, I need to hear from you this morning, please.  Thanks!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21

This entry is late.  I apologize.  No excuse.  Just sorry!

Soy, Deidra and the girls arrived safe and sound to GRACE Mountain around 10:00PM Guatemala time last night.  Thank God for a good day of traveling for them although it was a long one.  Special thanks to my brother, Eddie, and our travel agent friend, Claudia, for all of their help in getting them there.

Pastor Joe David Bailey leaves today on his mission trip.  Pray for him as he will be gone for ten days.  Long travel time going and coming.

Had a wonderful visit with Tommy Watson yesterday afternoon.  Wonderful because Tommy can now communicate verbally.  So good to hear him talk.  Keep praying for Tommy.

Nadine’s mother should have been moved to a rehab facility yesterday afternoon.  Keep praying for Mrs. Jones.

Vera’s nephew is now in a regular hospital room.

The men’s cake baking contest needs contestants!  Just saying!  Homemade ice cream too!

The church will vote by voice vote this Sunday evening, 6/18, on whether or not to drop our wind coverage.  The motion will be to do so and it comes from the Trustees, Finance Committee, Buildings & Grounds Committee and Deacons.

The deacons will be bringing names for deacon election at a later point in time.

Special thanks to the firm of Hackevans for the work they have done on the CAB doors thus far.  Three are in place.  Being slowed by the lack of materials (back order).  Leslie Hacker and Bob Evans should apply for a LLC, buy a materials trailer, and have at it!

Special thanks to the folks who helped dismantle the stage, et cetera in the CAB last night too.  Getting ready for the paint job.  I appreciate the help and the spirit!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading –  Ezra 9-10; Acts 1

Today is National Flag Day in the USA.  Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.  It was on  August 3rd, 1949, that President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Today is also farewell day for the Turrentine family as we bid Soy, Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney, & Audrey “farewell” on this new journey in their lives.  They are excited.  I am excited for them.  Mixed emotions on my part for sure but happy to see them walking in obedience to the Will of God for their lives.  Thank you to those who have supported them in any sense of the word and to those who will support them in the future.  God has been faithful – blessed be the name of the Lord!

The celebration of life service for Miss Fannie Fortenberry takes place this afternoon beginning at 2:00PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family and for this service.

Jennifer Brown’s paternal grandmother passed from this life in the early hours of today.  Pray for Jennifer and family as they walk through this valley.

Nadine’s mother has had a pretty tough go of it since her fall and subsequent surgery.  Pray for Mrs. Jones, Nadine and the others involved in helping in this situation.

Tommy Watson remains in the hospital.  My sickness has prevented me from seeing him the past two days but I plan on visiting with him this afternoon.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  Our 7:30PM Bible study will continue even though Soy will no longer be the teacher/facilitator.  Aaron “Piper” Chinners will lead the study tonight.  The meal will be lasagna with the trimmings.

Our adult choir will meet in the auditorium from 7:15 until 8:00PM tonight for rehearsal.  This rehearsal time will remain in place for the next three Wednesdays (6/14, 6/21 & 6/28).  Choir members, thank you for being Christlike and flexible.

Remember, the CAB will be closed next week, Monday, June 19 – Saturday, June 24, to all activity as the floor will be repainted.  No exceptions.  Morris Bryant is leading this effort.  I appreciate him doing so.

Leslie Hacker & Bob Evans began the difficult process of replacing the CAB doors yesterday.  They worked hard.  It is a job!  I appreciate what they are doing.  The new doors look nice.

Today is going to be a full one for me.  Prayers appreciated.

Pastor Joe David Bailey leaves on his mission trip tomorrow.  He will be driving to Atlanta and then flying from there.  Pray for him.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading –  Ezra 6-8; John 21

Wednesday, June 14 – Ezra 9-10; Acts 1
Thursday, June 15 – Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21
Friday, June 16 – Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:22-47
Saturday, June 17 – Nehemiah 7-9; Acts 3
Sunday, June 18 – Nehemiah 10-11; Acts 4:1-22

Kenny Cooper’s address for Monday, June 19 – Friday, June 23, 2017: 5800 Clyo Road Centersville, Ohio 45459.

Why was there no blog entry yesterday?  Fair question.  Let me just say this – I have been to Guatemala numbers of times since 1998 and have seen some folks get “Montezuma’s Revenge” but I have been blessed to not be in that number.  Well, Sunday night around 10:30PM “Montezuma” visited me in my house and it was not pretty unless you call sleeping in the bathroom floor pretty!  I was down all night Sunday night, all day yesterday and into the night last night.  I am not one hundred percent as I write this but I am much, much better and do not think I am contagious.  However, I will not be making any visits to hospitals, convalescent homes, et cetera today just to be on the safe side.  As a matter of fact, I will most likely work from the house today.  (Is Lisa a good nurse?  Well, I will just say that she is a good looking nurse and leave it at that!  LOL!).

Miss Fannie Fortenberry passed from this life early yesterday morning.  I posted her obituary on this site.  Visitation tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Serenity with the service tomorrow afternoon beginning at 2:00PM.  The service will also be at Serenity.

Steve & Stacy Barnhill are regular attenders of our 8:00AM worship service on Sundays.  Steve’s brother, Bill, passed from this life on Saturday.  The visitation will take place this Friday, 6/16, from 1:00PM until the 2:00PM service time at Serenity.

Helen Hatcher was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon – hooray!  So happy for Helen and her parents!  (The “bad” nurse goes back on tonight so Helen got out just in time!).

Tommy Watson remains in the hospital.

Jennifer Brown’s paternal grandmother remains in a Memphis, TN hospital.  It is my understanding they are going to remove the ventilator today and the expectation is that she will pass from this life soon thereafter.  Jennifer is there with her.  Pray for all involved in this situation.

Vera Bosarge told me that her brother was moved into a regular room yesterday.  He was having some pain in his left shoulder so they were going to run tests to determine the cause.

As far as I know, Nadine Holifield’s mother remains in the hospital.  Nadine has a lot on her plate right now.

Tommy Johnson was at church Sunday and looked well.  He is wearing a heart monitor for the time being.

Ethan Nelson told me Sunday that his sister, Shelby, is continuing to recover from her skin graft surgery but is doing as expected.  Yes, she is having pain but the doctors say she is on the way to recovery.  Just going to be a long road.

Pastor Joe David Bailey leaves this week on a foreign mission trip.  He is going to a place that can be considered unsafe in some ways.  Pray for him, please.

The next three Wednesday nights (June 14, 21 & 28) will see our adult choir rehearsal time be from 7:15 – 8:00PM in the auditorium.  This change is all on me but it comes with Jeanette’s blessings.  The hope is that the folks involved in other ministries i.e. convalescent home, student Bible studies, GA’s, RA’s, et cetera can now take part in rehearsal.

Speaking of the choir, this Sunday, 6/18, we want all men in the choir for the 10:30AM service.

The CAB will be closed the week of Monday, June 19, through Saturday, June 24, to all activities.  Morris Bryant and his Cracker Jack crew will be painting the floor.

Speaking of the CAB, the firm of Hackevans will begin installing the new doors today, 6/13.  Talk about a crew!

I tried to tell you to take the Warriors in five.  I was basically too sick to watch much of the game last night but probably would not have watched it if I had been well.

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

Age 54, a resident of Theodore, AL went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 10, 2017. He was born March 21, 1963 to Luther and Jackie Barnhill. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Luther. Left to cherish his memories are his mother, Jackie, sons, William Morgan Jr. and Morgan Daniel, brothers, Steve (Stacy), Hank (Elizabeth), Luther Jr., Wyatt (Cori) and Perry (Maria), sisters, Sheila and Debbie, twelve nieces and nephews including, TJ, Luke and Makayla to whom he was exceptionally close. Bill had a host of other family and friends left with a lifetime and heart full of memories. He will be missed. A memorial service will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 2pm with visitation from 1pm until service time.

Mrs. Fannie Jane Fortenberry, 83, passed away June 12, 2017 at her residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel in Theodore. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM at Serenity Funeral Home.

Mrs. Fortenberry was a homemaker and is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Ray Fortenberry. She enjoyed fishing, doing needlepoint and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Fortenberry is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Mitchell (Ricky); sons, Tim Fortenberry (Debbie) and Kenny Ray Fortenberry (Leesa); 6 sisters; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Sorry for the late notice but there will be no prayer time in the auditorium tonight, 6/12.  Thank you!

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 34-36; John 19:1-22

Helen Hatcher did have the MRI yesterday morning and did ok through the procedure.  The results came back that she does have a blood clot.  So, she will remain in the hospital a few more days as they regulate her medicines.  Keep praying for Helen.

Larry Whitehurst’s MRI revealed that his tumor had increased in size but not to a point that the doctor wanted to take any action at this time.  He will have his usual MRI in six months.

Tommy Watson remains about the same.  Long road in front of him.  Not sure what the long term prognosis is.  Pray for Tommy.

Larry said his brother, Charlie, is recovering.  Hoped to be moved from CCU either yesterday afternoon or today.

Vera’s nephew remains hospitalized too.

Bus workers meeting this morning at 8:30AM.  Pray for these workers and this ministry.

Regular schedule in the morning – worship at 8:00AM & 10:30AM.  Sunday School at 9:15AM.

VBS family night tomorrow night beginning at 5:00PM.  We will have hot dogs, chips and drinks for our VBS children and their families immediately following the service.  That will basically be a “grab & go” deal as some of the children will be riding the buses home.

We need men to let us know that they will be in the cake baking contest next Sunday, 6/18.  Ditto for the homemade ice cream contest.

As it stands right now, the CAB will be closed the week of June 19 – 24 as the floor will be painted.  Just FYI.

You cannot fix stupid!  I told Lisa like Tuesday or Wednesday that I would end up at Serenity for Claude Landry’s dad’s celebration of life service even though it was taking place at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.  I was in Mobile doing the hospitals and timed it perfectly to arrive at the funeral home at 11:55AM!  One problem – I went to Serenity!  Started to open the door into the chapel and then it hit me!  How stupid is that!  Hurried to MMGFH and caught all of the service (I think)!  Folks, you simply cannot fix stupid!

I basically mowed about twelve or so acres yesterday.  Literally mowed until midnight thanks to a headlight on the mower.  Came in at 9:30PM and Lisa asked, “you finished?” and I said “no!”  She said, “then get back out there!”  Slave driver!

While it is widely known that Al invented the internet it is not widely known that he also invented the headlights for mowers.  Amazing!

Told you to go with the Cavs.

Hope you have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19-40

I have failed to mention this earlier but Hilda Gunter had surgery on his knee this past Tuesday.  She did well.  Is working through the soreness but is doing well otherwise.

Helen Hatcher will have yet another MRI (with contrast) today.  This is probably not a concern in a normal situation but Helen is very small and this will be her second time to be put to sleep within in the past three days.  Would you join me in praying that all will go well and the doctors can get a clear picture this time?

Tommy Watson was asleep when I visited yesterday.  It seemed things remain basically the same.

Vera Bosarge’s nephew, Buddy, remains in intensive care.  He is making progress and is appreciative of the prayer support.

Nadine Holifield’s mother, Miss Myrtis, was doing well following her surgery.  She is in a room and will most likely remain in the hospital through the weekend.

Larry Whitehurst’s brother, Charlie, remains in a unit but is doing well.  Hopes are that he will move to a regular room today.

Speaking of Larry, he will have a MRI this morning.  I am praying they will find everything just as it was (or better) in his last MRI.

Fannie Fortenberry remains at her daughter’s house and under hospice care.  She is no longer eating or drinking.  Pray for Miss Fannie and her family.

The celebration of life service for Claude Landry’s father takes place today at noon from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Garden Funeral Home.  It will be preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.

Pray for the leadership and members of the Mt Zion Baptist Church from Huntsville, Alabama as some of their students and adults were involved in the accident near the Atlanta airport yesterday afternoon.  There was one death and numerous injuries.

Today is our last day of VBS.  Elizabeth Westbrook did a horrible job of getting the reports to me so I fired her and hired Katie Tillman.  As mama always said, “you get what you pay for!” and Katie is just as bad as Elizabeth!  I do know things are going well.

Lots to do today.  Lisa is cracking the whip.  My “work” day did not end until 6:00PM yesterday and I was then on a mower until after dark.  My garden needs plowing and my okra needs hoeing.

The Cavs will win tonight!  Write it down!

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