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 – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25

Lisa Thompson was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  That was a bit unexpected.  I visited her late morning and she had not seen a doctor but was in hopes she would get discharged today.  So, I know she is a happy camper.  Keep praying!

Courtney Hubbard will have a scan today and then get the results on Monday.  Pray.

Did not talk to Phil Sims about Darron yesterday.  Just keep praying.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is holding her own.  She and her daughters are supposed to leave tomorrow going on a cruise.  Pray that she makes it for the entirety of that trip.

Pastor Terry Rainey continues to struggle in his recovery.  Two new blood clots were discovered.  It appears he will need an additional surgery on his knee.  He is discouraged.  Pray for Pastor Terry.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers.  It is my understanding that she has good days and not so good days.

Four down and one to go!  Larry and crew got water into the fellowship hall yesterday but when I went up last night to check the auditorium there was no water.  I will contact Larry today to see what is happening.  They have done really well in working us in their busy schedule.  As it presently stands, the auditorium is the only building without water.

Regular schedule Sunday morning and evening.  SNBA following the evening service.

PT tells me that we now have over one hundred soccer participants.  We need favor in securing a place to play the games.  I have asked some folks to help us secure that favor.  Pray that happens, please.

My schedule had to be adjusted a bit yesterday so I did not get back to the house until mid-afternoon.  However, I did catch some of the tourney games then and more last night.  It was a bit disappointing to only see two lower seeds win in the sixteen games.  MTSU looked pretty good.  Will they beat Butler?  I am going to say they will although I have not seen Butler play this year.

Soy built the chicken coop that I presently use.  He began yesterday adding an addition that will allow me to get more chickens and will allow the chickens more space to roam.  Really cannot let them free range because of hawks and owls.

Lisa has demanded that I make a “Walmark” run early this morning as I missed last week due to being out of town.  I then need to be outside working in the yard.  We shall see.

I pray that you will have a great Friday 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 – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72

I was wrong!  Imagine that!  (Have you noticed that I am pretty good at making mistakes?).  Lisa Thompson was not discharged from the hospital yesterday.  The plan is to discharge her tomorrow.  It is my understanding that she will be using oxygen once she comes home.  Keep praying for Lisa.

Miss Vinnie told me yesterday morning that Oscar was being discharged from the rehab facility.  In my opinion, he still has a ways to go being the PT that I am!  Pray for Bro. Oscar!

Phil’s son-in-law, Darron, has been discharged from the hospital (happened on Tuesday afternoon) but has to remain in Denver for the time being.  I so should have gone out there for his surgery as I could have stayed at one of the ski resorts!  Yes, it would have been a sacrifice on my part but I could have suffered through it!

We survived the “no water” situation at church yesterday.  I appreciate everyone being so understanding and cooperative.  Pray that Larry Crawley and the guys can find the “missing” connection today.

Good day/night in our services yesterday.  I thank God for His blessings and I appreciate the faithfulness of the Friendship family.

I am loving this cool weather!  May not be exactly what my garden needs but it is all good as God knows what He is doing!  The warmer stuff is on the way!

I will visit Lisa today and then make a couple of other visits.  I “may” then find myself at home “studying” as the first round of the NCAA takes place beginning around 11:00AM.  Just saying!  I can multitask!

Nanette Brooks Fontenot is upset with me again – imagine that!  What did I do this time?  She says she is related to the Wittners and thinks I should taken her to the visitation on Tuesday night.  Says we could have gone to the truck stop for supper on the way home which is where we used to go on our dates!  I told her that I did not remember taking her to the truck stop and she went off on me – wow!  By the way, I am not real sure she is kin to the Wittners!

I have not kept up with college basketball this season but I am going to take North Carolina to win it all!  Gonzaga is going to be my second choice.  David French has Michigan in the final four – I think he has lost his mind!  Wait, he lost his mind when he accepted Kim’s marriage proposal!

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

There is no water in the auditorium or fellowship hall today/tonight.  Please do not use the restrooms in either of those two buildings!  We are having our services, classes, Bible studies, et cetera as normal.  Just having to deal with this one glitch.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

“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 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53

Very important notice for the members of the Friendship family – there will be NO WATER in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight, 3/15.  We have a leak under the parking lot asphalt.  Larry Crawley and his employees literally worked until dark yesterday trying to correct this problem.  They were able to get water to the youth building and the CAB.  So, please do not use the rest room facilities in the fellowship hall or auditorium today/tonight!

Chief chef Jeff Holifield and his trusted sidekick, Cousin Bob Evans, will be cooking breakfast for our senior adults this morning.  We will eat at 9:15AM either in the fellowship hall or CAB.  All senior adults are invited to join us for this meal.

Our 7:30PM Bible study group is to meet at Sam’s Super Burger tonight at 7:45PM where you will be treated to supper.  After you finish at Sam’s, you will come to our house for Bible study.

The celebration of life service for Norman Wittner will take place today at 2:00PM from the chapel of Radney’s Funeral Home on Dauphin Street in Mobile.  I will be preaching that service.  Pray for the family.

Lisa Thompson is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  She looked and seemed really good whenever Dale & I visited her yesterday.

I will get updates from everyone else in this morning’s and tonight’s services.

Jeff Holifield did an Emmett Clark and repaired the folding machine yesterday.  Works like a charm!  I appreciate his efforts and expertise.  Saved the church family over one thousand dollars!

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 – Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26

Phil Sims’ son-in-law, Darron, remains in a Denver hospital but is more than ready to be discharged and come home.  He is doing really good.  Keep praying for him.

Lisa Thompson remains in the hospital.  I will find out this morning if she is being discharged.  If not, I will visit with her early afternoon.

Tim Knighten saw an ENT doctor yesterday.  He immediately put him on a medicine as Tim’s throat was not good.  Doctor said it could have gotten very serious in a hurry!  Pray for healing in Tim’s body!

Still praying for Maria Wainwright’s mother in her battle against cancer.

Still praying for Becky Sellers in her battle against cancer too.

Dale Bosarge, Bryan Drake and I will be going over to 1st Baptist Fairhope later this morning to minister to their senior adults.  Looking forward to the opportunity.  Dale will lead in silent prayer, Bryan will entertain and I will put them to sleep!  Good combination!

All of our senior adults are asked to join us in the morning (Wednesday, 3/15) for food and fellowship.  We will meet at 9:15AM in the fellowship hall for breakfast which will be cooked by lead chef Deacon Jeff Holifield and Cousin Bob Evans.  We will eat, fellowship and then move into the auditorium for the service.  Obviously, if you attend the breakfast then you are expected to stay for the service.  If you cannot attend the meal, we would still love to have you in the service at 10:00AM.

Our study on Sunday nights is going well.  There are nine books left on the center front pew in the auditorium.  If you do not have one already, please take one and come join us on Sunday nights.

Special thanks to Jeanette Bates, Randall Broome, Tena Hovel and Brad Hutto for giving of their time last time to meet and discuss/plan our music ministry.  These folks along with our choir and others are doing a really nice job of leading this ministry.  I told them last night that if I were giving letter grades then I would give them an “A” but I was not totally honest.  I would most likely give them an “A+” but I did not want them to get the big head so an “A” it is!

PT tells me that our soccer registration is at ninety eight.  I told him to find at least two more participants.  Time to register is almost up.  Want to register a child?  Call today!  (It is odd that when Soy was the director he could not involve this many folks?  Just saying!)

Jeff Holifield will be the chief chef in the morning but yesterday he was the chief repairman.  He has basically taken the folding machine apart in the court house and will put it back together today.  Goober has nothing on Jeff!  I appreciate his help!

Regular schedule tomorrow morning (with breakfast included) and evening.  BTW, there will be a different “twist” to our 7:30PM Bible study meal – details in tomorrow’s blog.

I mention the need for an IT person yesterday.  The response so far has been underwhelming – zero!  (I am in hopes Dr. Jack Bailey will read today’s blog entry and respond.  He now has the time to help as he is retired.)

Will Reynolds is on vacation this week.  He is a tremendous handy man aka Emmett Clark on TAGS!  So, if you have any projects needing done this week just contact Will and I am sure he will be at your disposal.

I remind the Friendship family that Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation this week.  Translated – he is off limits to be contacted.

Hey Nanette Brooks Fontenot!

BTW, the name is Courtney Poiroux!

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday 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 – Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37
Tuesday, March 14 – Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Wednesday, March 15 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Thursday, March 16 – Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Friday, March 17 – Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
Saturday, March 18 – Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Sunday, March 19 – Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

This entry is way late – you think?  Long story so I will not burden you with the details.  I will just say “I am sorry” for being tardy.

First, I learned a long time ago that you cannot fix stupid!  I was thrilled to see four folks follow Jesus in believers’ baptism last night.    I was quickly deflated when I realized (was told) that I baptized Courtney Poiroux as Courtland Poiroux!  To be honest, it caused me to have a restless night and has been on my mind basically continually since last night.  I really do try to do good with names and did know it is Madison & Courtney.  For whatever reason my mind was stuck on Courtland – is that stupid of me or what?  Over thirty years ago I baptized a married lady and called her by her maiden name even though I never knew her prior to her marriage.  I am just now getting past that major mistake!  I talked to Courtney and her parents, Jerry & Sharon, after the service and they were way more than gracious!  Courtney said she knew it but just did not want to correct me.  Pretty mature for a fifteen year old young lady.  So, I now offer a public apology to Courtney.  Wish I could fix it but I cannot go back and change things.  Thank you Courtney, Jerry & Sharon for being so kind and understanding!  For the record, I did tell Courtney that when she gets to Heaven she may have to check in as “Courtland” instead of Courtney.

Otherwise, what an awesome Sunday!  Our Sunday night attendance was amazing!  The best attendance we have had on a Sunday night in some while.  Glory to God and thank you Friendship family for being so faithful!  I have heard nothing but good regarding the use of TAGS in that service.  Dr. Rex and Pastor Bob would be proud!

Bro. Jerry Hovel is on vacation until next Monday, 3/20.  Please respect his time away and do not contact him.  I have a policy of not contacting staff members on their time off and I ask you to do the same.

No GROW visitation tonight.

Prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight.  I hope many folks can join us.

Lisa Thompson is in the hospital.  It is “possible” she could be discharged either this afternoon or tomorrow.  Depends on some test results as I understand it.  Pray for Lisa.

Our soccer registration went crazy good this past Saturday.  It appears that we are going to have around one hundred children involved in these leagues.  If so, this will be the largest number yet and I anticipate it will continue to grow.  Phillip Turner tells me that we need more coaches.  Interested?  Contact Phillip.

Our SNBA went well last night.  We had some of the high school boys show up.  I basically drove the bus all night!  Took Grant Collier to school repeatedly!

Elizabeth Westbrook tells me that all Arby’s restaurants play contemporary Christian music.  I was totally unaware of that fact.

I am looking for an IT person.  Any takers?

I pray that you will have a great rest of your Monday.

“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 – Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20

Did you remember to set your clock forward last night?  I sure hope so!  If not, it is an hour later then your clock is showing as time changed!

Because I have been out of town for the past three days I do not have any updates on those for whom we have been praying.  Should get back on track tomorrow morning.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  There will be a meeting this afternoon at 5:00PM of folks from the Friendship family who are taking part in the June 22 – 29, 2017 GRACE Ministries mission trip.  This meeting will take place in the 20-29 Sunday School class room.  This is a mandatory meeting and all those who attend must stay for the evening service.

Our Finance Committee will meet this afternoon at 4:15PM in the office building.

SNBA takes place tonight following the evening service.  Guys, attend the evening service and come join the fun!

Our Easter musical date has been officially set.  Jeanette and the adult choir will present the 2017 musical on Easter Sunday in our 10:30AM service.  Please begin praying now for this musical.  Now would also be a great time to join the choir and take part in this special service.

I pray that you will have a great Sunday with Jesus.  Go to church!

“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 – Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44

Obviously, this entry is like twelve hours late.  Lisa and I are on a flight from Columbus, Ohio heading to Atlanta, Georgia.  From there we will fly to Gulfport, MS arriving late tonight.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit at 8:00AM tomorrow!

The reason I decided to post is to remind our thirteen readers to spring forward tonight as this is time change Sunday!  So, before going to bed tonight set your clocks/watches/devices forward one hour meaning you will lose one hour of sleep!  This is a tough Sunday as it seems many folks simply “forget” to take this simple step.

I pray you will have a great Saturday evening 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 – Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27

Good morning from Holland, Michigan where the temperature is 25 degrees with a wind chill of 16 degrees.  Today’s high is forecast to be 26 degrees!  This is great!

Lisa Thompson has been admitted to the hospital due to an elevated temperature.  Pray for her.

I really do not have any other updates as I was obviously traveling yesterday.

The yard sale continues this morning at 7:00AM and concludes at 5:00PM.

TIME CHANGE tomorrow night.  Spring forward!  Set your clocks/time pieces/devices forward by one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

Lisa and I arrived in Grand Rapids safe and on time yesterday afternoon.  Eddie & Sue were waiting on us at the airport and we came to Holland.  Eddie & I attended the meeting last night which was good and productive.  What a really good group of men serving on that committee.

After the meeting, we joined Lisa, Sue, Ross & Queen Genzink and Tom & Shari Compagner for supper.  Good fellowship!  The best part of that meal may very well have been that Queen had a dozen monster cookies for me compliments of Carol “Monster” Miles – wow!  You talk about good!

Today, Lisa sees Dr. Derek Draft first thing this morning.  We will then drive to Kalamazoo to visit family members.  (In hopes that my cousin Tony will finally pay me that money he borrowed!  Just saying!).  At some point this afternoon/evening we will turn it toward Ohio to see where Eddie & Sue now live.

I pray that you will have a great Friday 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 – Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Tuesday, March 7 – Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33

Good morning from Gulfport, MS.  Lisa and I just boarded a plane and are headed to Holland, MI.  Tonight, I will be attending a meeting of the advisory board for the proposed GRACE Ministries medical clinic.  More on that later.

The big thing on our campus for the next three days is the yard sale and auction under the leadership of Bro. Jerry Hovel.  It begins at 7:00AM today and concludes at 5:00PM.  Same schedule tomorrow.  Saturday’s schedule is either 7:00 or 8:00AM (cannot remember) until noon.  The auction begins at 5:00PM.  Everything is taking place in the CAB.

Mr. George Versiga is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital today.  He is happy about that prospect.

Darron, Phil’s son-in-law, remains in a Denver, CO hospital.  Keep praying for him as he recovers.

There is a church member in the hospital but I am not sure if that is bloggable at this point.  Just pray.

Good services yesterday and last night.  God is faithful!

TIME CHANGE this Saturday night – spring forward!  Set your time pieces/clocks forward by one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!  Important to remember!

Jeanette and the adult choir will present their Easter musical on Easter Sunday morning during our 10:30AM worship service.  Different, yes.  I am excited about this ministry opportunity.

Here is a restaurant observation – Arby’s in Grand Bay plays contemporary Christian music over their sound system.  Nice!

Here is a convenience store tip – the Clark’s store on the corner of Old Pascagoula Road and McDonald Road has two liter Coke products on sale for eighty-nine cents ($0.89)!  When is the last time you have seen a two liter drink for that low of a price?  Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, et cetera.  No limit and no purchase necessary.  (Disclaimer – this was still true as of 3:00PM yesterday afternoon).

So, I am killing four stones with one bird on this trip.  First, the meeting tonight.  Second, my brother, Eddie, and his wife, Sue, will meet us in Michigan and we will visit family in Kalamazoo tomorrow.  Third, Lisa is seeing Dr. Derek Draft for some dental work.  Fourth, we will drive to Ohio tomorrow afternoon/evening and spend the day at Eddie & Sue’s new place before flying home Saturday night.

Did I mention the time change this weekend?

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