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 4-6; Mark 11:1-18

Received word from Jenni Baggett yesterday morning that her great uncle, Norm Popma, (Lois Kirschenman’s brother) was in the hospital.  Lisa and I went to visit and I knew upon seeing him that he did not have much time left on this earth.  He passed from this life very soon after that visit.  As I understand it, it was Norm’s request to not have any type service and the family plans on honoring that request.  Pray for Scott & Jennifer as they handle all of the details.

Phil Sims called me late yesterday afternoon to let me know that the doctor was pleased with the outcome of Darron’s surgery.  Just keep praying for Darron, Angela & Whitney.

George Versiga was admitted to the hospital on Monday night.  Lisa and I also visited him.  He is battling pneumonia but “thinks” he may be discharged either today or tomorrow.

Of course we continue to pray for Irma Hamilton, Becky Sellers and Lisa Thompson in their respective battles against cancer.  All three are at home.

Rita Broome sent me a message saying there were four salvation decisions at McKemie Place in last night’s service.  Praise the Lord!  She also said the women thoroughly enjoyed the collards and cornbread!  Thank you to all who were involved.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  All of our students, 6th – 12th, will meet together tonight in the youth building.  Please note this change.

Rusty, who only comes to church every other Sunday, wanted me to share that the final evaluation for the Spring soccer leagues takes place this Saturday, 3/11, from 9:00 – 11:00AM at the church.  Need more information?  Contact Phillip Turner or Rusty Suthoff.

The NCAA basketball conference tournaments have begun so “March Madness” is just around the corner.  Hooray!  This is a boring time of the year for me as far as sports are concerned.  However, I have been basically dominating the SNBA lately.  So much so that Levi Seymour, Johnny Five and Phillip Turner did not even show up this past Sunday night.  Just saying!

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

P.S. – Do not forget that time changes this Sunday, 3/12, which means you must set your clock ahead (spring forward) by one hour on Saturday night!

Phil Sims’ son-in-law, Darron, is in a Denver, Colorado hospital and will be having surgery this morning.  It is tentatively scheduled for 11:15AM our time.  This involves one of his lungs and it my understanding that this is the only surgeon in the States who can do this particular surgery.  Pray that all goes well.  Pray for Darron’s wife, Angela, his daughter, Whitney, Darron’s parents, Phil and the entire family.  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 – Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52

Maria Wainwright’s mother was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.  Maria came home but has her bags packed and is ready to leave for Louisiana on a moment’s notice.

It “appears” a memorial service for Gary Huhn’s father will take place at a later date i.e. possibly next week but nothing has been confirmed at this point.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers as well as for Lisa Thompson in their respective battles against cancer.

McKemie Place ministry tonight.  Begins at 6:00PM.  Want to go/help?  Contact Randall or Rita Broome for the details.

The “talk” in a meeting I attended last night was the challenge.  I think those in attendance had done very good yesterday.  “O be careful little tongue what you say!”

Pretty good attendance in our prayer time last night.  Much room for improvement but I am very grateful to each person who comes to pray.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  All of our students will meet in the youth building due to the yard sale in the CAB.

I will give Katie Tillman her props.  She did apologize for her slothfulness as the “guest” blogger this past weekend.  Wants another chance – we shall see!  I do think Grant got a winner when he got Katie.  Now her mother?  Another story – just saying!

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 – Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31

Tuesday, March 7 – Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
Wednesday, March 8 – Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
Thursday, March 9 – Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
Friday, March 10 – Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
Saturday, March 11 – Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
Friday, March 12 – Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20

This Monday morning blog is late (will perhaps be afternoon before I hit publish).  I apologize for the tardiness.  Why no blog entry Saturday and Sunday?  Well, actually Katie Tillman had agreed to be the guest weekend blogger and she just did not post anything.  You can imagine my amazement when I was made aware of this situation!  Katie is a sweet girl but we all make mistakes!

Gary Huhn’s father has passed from this life.  That is all I know at this time but do ask that you pray for the Huhn family.  More details as I learn them.

Visited the folks in the convalescent home this morning and everyone seemed to be doing well.  Oscar will see his primary care doctor this afternoon.  Jack Davie went home yesterday.  Mr. Brown is itching to go home too.

Good services yesterday.  The Lord has blessed and, while we have folks out of town the past two Sundays, our attendance has been good.  I thank you for your faithfulness and give God the glory!

Bro. Jerry and crew are busily preparing for the yard sale.  Want to help?  Have items to donate?  Contact Bro. Jerry personally or just show up.

No GROW tonight.

Prayer time from 5:00 – 7:00PM tonight.  Auditorium.  West door.  Come and pray.

Did you take the twenty four hour challenge?  I did.  Deidra and Daphne want to go from 10:00PM until 4:00AM for four consecutive nights.  They “think” they can meet the challenge then.  Hello!  The goal is to go twenty four consecutive hours.

Again, I apologize for the tardiness of this post.  I pray that you will have a great rest the day 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 26-28; Mark 8

Attempted to visit with Miss Willie Roberts yesterday but she was sleeping.  I have a personal policy of not waking hospital patients as I never know how long they have been sleeping, if they had a sleepless night, et cetera.  Plus, I feel they need their rest much more than they need to be visited by me.  So, I just say a silent prayer and leave.  Point is that I did not get to talk to Miss Willie yesterday but I do know she remains hospitalized.  Perhaps I will get to check on her at some point this weekend.

Did learn that Linda Green was feeling better yesterday after taking the fall with Miss Willie on Wednesday.

I did get to check on Jimmy Tagert’s mother via her husband in the hospital hallway.  They were drawing blood or something so I did not see Miss Hickman.  Not sure what the next step is but they are making some diagnosis now.  Pray for Mrs Hickman.

Got to visit with Charles Suthoff, Ted Ezell and Helen Jarvis yesterday.  All seemed to be doing well.  Charles told me that Rusty is getting married – more on that later!

Men’s breakfast in the morning at 8:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men invited.

SNBA this Sunday night following the evening service.

Regular schedule this Sunday morning and evening.  Deacons will meet at 4:00PM and Missions Committee will meet at 5:00PM.

Charles is correct.  Rumor has it that Rusty & Anna are engaged.  Not so fast my friend!  I asked Rusty where this marriage proposal took place and he said in front of Samford Hall on the campus of Auburn University.  I checked with Dr. Rex Looney who is a professional in the legality of marriage proposals and he says that any proposal taking place in front of Samford Hall is not officially legal unless the actual wedding ceremony takes place in Guatemala.  (I appreciate Dr. Rex giving his expert opinion). So, are they engaged?  As the old State Farm (mentioning that keeps my wife happy) commercial says, “you make the call!”

Speaking of wedding proposals, Nanette Brooks Fontenot always wanted me to propose to her in a watermelon field.  Do you find that weird?  I do!  (More on that story later)

Dr. Rex, I have you covered for August.  Will send you a message later.

Does anyone know if Mike & Janice Moreland are still living?  Just curious!

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 23-25; Mark 7:14-37

My favorite sister-in-law on Lisa’s side of the family is celebrating her birthday today!  Translated, Kim is now older than me!  I hope she has a great day!  (Do not worry Sue as you are still in my top two favorites on my side of the family.  Just saying!)

Kayla Hatcher has moved way up on my list (actually she was already there) as she surprised me on Tuesday with a Hope’s cheesecake.  Are you serious?  In my opinion, Hope’s has the best cheesecake on the Gulf Coast and one of the best you will ever eat.  They are proud of them based on the price but they are so good!

We survived the “school is out” Wednesday.  Yes, our attendance was down some (only basing that on the adults in the auditorium) but it could have been worse.  We were down a bit in our morning service which surprised me as none of those folks are affected by the closing of the schools?  However, my focus is on appreciation for those who were in attendance – thank you!

Warren Guidry did have surgery yesterday morning and he did well.  It was not a long procedure and it was outpatient.  I am glad he did well.  However, I am “ticked” at his wife, Cecil, as she did not let me know he was having surgery.  It was scheduled for 3/15 which is what I had on my calendar!  Actually, she was being kind as she knew we had the girls, it was a Wednesday morning, et cetera.  Still have not decided if I am going to give her a pass on this one or not!

Linda Green is a wonderful person!  She is constantly helping others.  She is a model of faithfulness.  She transported Miss Willie Roberts to Mobile yesterday and while they were in a restaurant Miss Wille took a fall which in turn caused Linda to fall as well. Linda injured her back and will need to see a specialist while Miss Wille was admitted to the hospital mainly for observation.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother remains in the hospital.  I will be checking on her this morning as she and Miss Willie are in the same hospital.

Visited folks in the convalescent home yesterday.  A couple of the folks were asleep but the ones who were awake seemed to be doing well.

Soy & Deidra will finish up on GRACE Mountain today and move to the city tonight as Friday morning traffic in the city is crazy!  It is like being on Potter Tract Road on a Friday afternoon!  Anyway, they are scheduled to fly home tomorrow morning.  They met Sulmi and her family last night.  Who is Sulmi?  You would have to have been on our February trip to really know.  Long story.

I stopped by Sam’s Super Burger yesterday to place a to go order that I would come back and get later.  Saw Andy & Betty Hamil as they were on a date.  They had me bring their food to their table.  I can tell you this – they do not tip!  When I returned later to get my order the three Wells girls were there.  They too had been in the morning service.  What is point of this story?  Glad you asked!

Sam’s is not exactly a haven for those trying to “eat right” unless you know the secret.  They have a grilled fish dinner that, in my opinion, is really good.  Two big fish filets, two sides, and a piece of bread.  It will cost you around nine dollars but it is more than enough to fill me up!  Like fish?  Like healthy eating?  Then you should give it a try.  I appreciate the owners, Phillip & Natalie, for not being open on Sundays.  So, you now have my restaurant review for the day!

One day, five hours, twenty minutes and fifty six seconds but who is counting!

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 – Numbers 20-22; Mark 7:1-13

Warren Guidry is having surgery this morning.  Pray that all goes well.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and evening.  A group of folks have been making some significant changes in the appearance of the youth building which is where our middle school students meet for their Bible study.  Good stuff!

No new updates on those folks for whom we have been praying.  Jimmy Tagert’s mother has been in the hospital but I am not sure if that still remains true.

Liz Cole’s father, Mr. Jack Love, spent some time in the hospital but was discharged yesterday.  He is definitely a tough gentleman as he has endured much and just keeps going.  Pray for Mr. Jack to have a complete recovery.

I realize that we have a number of folks out of town because of the public schools being closed all week (do not even get me started on that one!).  However, the Friendship family did well attendance wise this past Sunday and my prayer is that those of us in town will do well this morning/tonight.

Lisa is an amazing person, wife, mother, insurance agent and grandmother!  She is doing an awesome job of taking care of the girls while Soy & Deidra frolic in Guatemala.  Daphne kept the girls most of yesterday but then Lisa had them by herself last night.  I got home from the office around 9:30PM and she had them bathed and in bed.  She had already cooked supper too.  Where am I in all of this?  Two days, six hours, ten minutes and eight seconds but who is counting?

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 – Numbers 17-19; Mark 6:30-56

I love it!  One of our church members sent me an e-mail last night to tell me why they missed church Sunday night and were not at our prayer time last night.  Wanted me to know that they are not in downtown Mobile and would be back for our service on Wednesday!

As it presently stands, we are hospital free locally!  We give God the thanks!

Still praying for Lisa Thompson and Becky Sellers in their respective treatments/situations.   Praying for Mrs. Hamilton in the Louisiana hospital as well in her battle against cancer.  Maria is there with her.

Our prayer time took a hit numerically last night and I guess it was because of school being out?  At any rate, I am thankful to each person who took the time to come and pray.

Soy & Deidra arrived safely to GRACE Mountain yesterday afternoon.  According to them, they hit the ground running working on getting the apartment ready for their June arrival.  However, the picture I saw was of food from San Martin!  Just saying!

In the meanwhile, we have the girls until they get back home on Friday.  No big deal to us as it is only three days, seven hours, twenty nine minutes and twenty two seconds from now until their plane lands in the US but who is counting?

Yes, the church office is open today.  Regular hours.  Lord willing, I will be visiting the folks in the local convalescent home and in the office a good bit too.

I was able to meet Henni yesterday for a belated birthday lunch with her.  She turned twenty five on 2/4 and I was in Guatemala.  Henni is such a conversationalist!  I did enjoy spending some time with her.

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

March 1 Numbers 20-22; Mark 7:1-13
March 2 Numbers 23-25; Mark 7:14-37
March 3 Numbers 26-28; Mark 8
March 4 Numbers 29-31; Mark 9:1-29
March 5 Numbers 32-34; Mark 9:30-50
March 6 Numbers 35-36; Mark 10:1-31
March 7 Deuteronomy 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
March 8 Deuteronomy 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
March 9 Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
March 10 Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
March 11 Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
March 12 Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 13:1-20
March 13 Deuteronomy 19-21; Mark 13:21-37
March 14 Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
March 15 Deuteronomy 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
March 16 Deuteronomy 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
March 17 Deuteronomy 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
March 18 Deuteronomy 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
March 19 Joshua 1-3; Mark 16
March 20 Joshua 4-6; Luke 1:1-20
March 21 Joshua 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
March 22 Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
March 23 Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80
March 24 Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
March 25 Joshua 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
March 26 Joshua 22-24; Luke 3
March 27 Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30
March 28 Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44
March 29 Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16
March 30 Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39
March 31 Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

“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 15-16; Mark 6:1-29
Tuesday, February 28 – Numbers 17-19; Mark 6:30-56
Wednesday, March 1 – Numbers 20-22; Mark 7:1-13
Thursday, March 2 – Numbers 23-25; Mark 7:14-37
Friday, March 3 – Numbers 26-28; Mark 8
Saturday, March 4 – Numbers 29-31; Mark 9:1-29
Sunday, March 5 – Numbers 32-34; Mark 9:30-50

As far as I know, the only person presently in the hospital locally is Luke Brown’s father.  Not sure when it will happen but he will be moved to a rehab facility for twenty one days once he leaves the hospital.

Maria Wainwright’s mother is in a Louisiana hospital.

Gary Huhn’s father remains hospitalized in Mississippi.

Pastor Terry Rainey remains in the rehab center in South Carolina.

Mrs. Phyllis Wheat passed away very unexpectedly this past Friday, 2/24.  The visitation with the family will take place from noon until 2:00PM this Wednesday, March 1.  The service will begin at 2:00PM.  Visitation and service at the First United Methodist Church in Grand Bay.  Pray for the Wheat family.

Ethan Nelson was in our first service yesterday after having back surgery on Wednesday.  The man is tough!

Blessed services yesterday.  God is good!  Our attendance was good.  Thank you for being faithful!

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Enter/exit through the West side door.  Come and go or come and stay – just pray!

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:00PM.

Soy & Deidra are traveling to Guatemala today.  They will spend this week setting up shop for their planned move in June.  Lisa and I  (actually Lisa) will have the girls this week.  Not sure who needs the most prayer – them or us!