Pastor's Blog

Happy New Year!

Good morning from a seemingly water logged Grand Bay!  If the old adage that “one drop of rain will keep forty Baptists away from church” is true then we will be in negative numbers attendance wise today!  I do realize the rain could be a major deterrent to some of our most senior adults but the rest of us should drive carefully and be in our rightful place this morning.  We would no doubt go to work, school, sporting events, et cetera in spite of the rain.

Sunday School today at 9:15AM.  Morning worship at 10:30AM.  Evening worship at 6:00PM.

I am asking our senior adults to fill the choir loft for our 10:30AM service.  Simply go to the choir loft once you are in the auditorium for the morning service.  This is for anyone sixty five years of age or older.

Church wide bowling fellowship tonight from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS for anyone attending our 6:00PM worship service.  Cost is five dollars per bowler with a maximum of twenty dollars per immediate family.

My friend, Joe David Bailey, officially begins his tenure as the pastor of Danville Baptist Church today.  Congratulations to Pastor Joe David!

Nanette Brooks Fontenot and I wish each of you a very Happy New Year!  (She basically begged me to put that in the blog or else).

This blog will be ten years old in 2017!  Can you believe it?  Our goal this year is to reach twenty readers!  We can do it!  (My personal goal is to mention my former girlfriend & almost wife, Nanette Brooks, more often!).

Morris got us home shortly after midnight.  Once again, we had a great time of fellowship with Morris & Diane.  Do we have plans to attend the national championship game next Monday, 1/9?  We do, Lord willing.  Lisa and I will leave after the evening service next Sunday to begin our trek South and will join Morris & Diane there.  Can Alabama beat Clemson again?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  That is why they play the game!

I do want to provide props to my older brother, Eddie, for providing us rooms in Atlanta this past Friday night.  Great hotel and great location.  He is a giver and we are grateful!  (I wonder if they have hotels in Tampa that can be gotten with points?  Just saying!).

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

The plan for 2017 will be a reading from the Old Testament along with a reading from the New Testament each day.  Follow this plan and you will read the Bible through this year.

January 2017

January 1 Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1
January 2 Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2
January 3 Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3
January 4 Genesis 10-12; Matthew 4
January 5 Genesis 13-15; Matthew 5:1-26
January 6 Genesis 16-17; Matthew 5:27-48
January 7 Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6:1-18
January 8 Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34
January 9 Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
January 10 Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8:1-17
January 11 Genesis 27-28; Matthew 8:18-34
January 12 Genesis 29-30; Matthew 9:1-17
January 13 Genesis 31-32; Matthew 9:18-38
January 14 Genesis 33-35; Matthew 10:1-20
January 15 Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42
January 16 Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11
January 17 Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23
January 18 Genesis 43-45; Matthew 12:24-50
January 19 Genesis 46-48; Matthew 13:1-30
January 20 Genesis 49-50; Matthew 13:31-58
January 21 Exodus 1-3; Matthew 14:1-21
January 22 Exodus 4-6; Matthew 14:22-36
January 23 Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20
January 24 Exodus 9-11; Matthew 15:21-39
January 25 Exodus 12-13; Matthew 16
January 26 Exodus 14-15; Matthew 17
January 27 Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20
January 28 Exodus 19-20; Matthew 18:21-35
January 29 Exodus 21-22; Matthew 19
January 30 Exodus 23-24; Matthew 20:1-16
January 31 Exodus 25-26; Matthew 20:17-34

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Revelation 19-22

Good morning from Atlanta.  Can you believe that 2016 is now only a few hours away from being history?  Wow!

Our schedule for tomorrow, 1/1/17, is Sunday School at 9:15AM, worship at 10:30AM and our evening worship at 6:00PM.

Our church wide bowling fellowship will take place from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, Mississippi.  This is open to anyone attending our evening service.  The cost is five dollars per bowler (not observers) with a limit of twenty dollars per immediate family.  The bowling lanes will have their concession stand open.  I hope we will have a great participation in this family outing.

Final reminder – you can write a check to the church dated for 12/31/16 and place it in the mail today in order to get tax credit for this year.  This will be your final opportunity for 2016.  Of course, you can begin the new year by giving an offering in tomorrow’s services.  Thank you for giving to the Lord!

Morris, Diane, Lisa and I had the privilege of briefly visiting with Decker & Martha Terry and Ron & Peggy Terry yesterday morning as we made our way to Atlanta.  What delightful folks!  I am so glad that God has allowed us to get to know Decker & Martha!  What a blessing they are to us!

The four of us enjoyed a meal from the seventy first floor of the hotel last night.  That level rotates so we enjoyed seeing the city of Atlanta at night as we ate.  Mark & Tina took us to the ninety fifth floor for a meal in Chicago.  Morris & Diane could not get us that hight but did get us the rotating view!  Good stuff!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Revelation 12-18

Elizabeth Martin did well through her surgery and was sent home afterwards.  She sent me a message last night saying she was doing good outside of some pain from the surgery.

Ray Baber was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Visited with him late yesterday afternoon in order to take him some food that several of our ladies cooked.  He is doing pretty good and was very thankful for the meal.  Want to help feed Ray for the next week or two?  Contact my wife.

Speaking of food, our 50-59 Sunday School class is helping feed the Willadean Johnson family today.  (I did not see this information until too late yesterday)  If you can help, have the food in our fellowship hall by 9:30AM today.  Questions?  Tina Wilkinson is the point person.

The service for Miss Willa Dean takes place this morning at 11:00AM from the Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Road.

Dave Sellers sent me a message saying that Becky will have a scan next week and then begin a new regiment of chemo treatments on Monday, 1/9.

Carla Kyser saw the oncologist yesterday.  Basically, they are staying the course for the time being.

Peggy gave me an update on Tim Knighten.  He is still trying to eat as much as he can.  The treatments are wearing him down in some ways but his attitude remains great!

Speaking of Peggy, she is afraid that folks are going to “believe” my announcement that everyone going bowling this Sunday night is invited to their house for a New Year’s night party afterwards.  Why would that not believe it?  LOL!

Lisa and I will join Morris & Diane Bryant this morning as we head toward Atlanta for tomorrow’s game.  (Decker & Martha, you may have company for like five minutes around mid morning – just a heads up). I am a SEC conference (Rusty’s language) homer but their bowl record is not too sparkling right now as they are at one win and four losses.  Are you kidding me?  Oh well, I think there are seven more games to go so it could get much better.  Or much worse!

Sunday School at 9:15AM this Sunday, 1/1.  Worship at 10:30AM and 6:00PM.  Bowling from 8:00 – 10:00PM for those attending the evening service.

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Revelation 6-11

Elizabeth Martin will have surgery this afternoon.  Since Elizabeth is a student at Theodore High and is a cheerleader one would expect Coach Eric Collier to show up to support her during this surgery.  Just saying!  Pray that the surgery goes as planned.

The visitation with the Willadean Johnson family takes place tonight from 5:00 – 9:00PM at the Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Road in Irvington.  The service will take place tomorrow, 12/30, beginning at 11:00AM also from the church.  Pray for the Johnson family.

Visited with Ray Baber yesterday morning.  He had a tough first night following surgery.  Thinks he will be discharged today.  (May have been discharged late yesterday but I do not think so).  I am hearing of a few folks willing to help keep Ray fed during his recovery period.  He lives alone and does not cook.  Ministry opportunity.  Interested?  Contact Lisa or me personally.

Visited with Miss Maxine too.  She took a fall on Tuesday night.  Not sure what all of that will involve as they were doing tests and waiting on results from earlier tests.

Amy Huhn’s father had surgery yesterday morning.  I visited with the family for awhile as the procedure was taking place.  Amy was supposed to send me an update when it was finished.  Someone cue the Jeopardy music, please!

Carla Kyser will see the doctor today.  Pray for that visit.

Soy is visibly upset about some movie star passing away.  He is upset at me for not posting this yesterday.  I think her name was “Lulu?”  If so, I remember her from “Hee Haw!”  I cannot post every obit in the world!  I told Soy to call BR549!

The Rusty Suthoff/Jack Lastorka bowling challenge takes place this Sunday night from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Attend our evening service and then join us for some great fellowship and SC highlight material bowling!  Five dollars per bowler with a twenty dollars maximum per immediate family.

Our Sunday schedule will be Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by worship at 10:30AM.  We will then have our evening service beginning at 6:00PM.  (No early service and no Discipleship Training)

Need to catch up on your financial giving in 2016?  Either stop by the church office between 8:00AM and noon today or place a check in the mail by Saturday, 12/31/16.  Date your check no later than 12/31/16 too.  The 2016 postmark will allow you to receive tax credit for this calendar year.

Remember, the church office closes today at noon and will reopen on Tuesday, 1/3/17!  Lord willing, I will be out of town tomorrow and Saturday but Bro. Jerry and our deacons are available in the event of an emergency.

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

Age 83, a longtime resident of Irvington, AL departed this life on Saturday, December 24, 2016. She was a devoted wife to her husband Gussie for 61 years, until he went to be with the Lord 4 years ago. She has cherished her children with a love that only a mother has. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gussie Johnson, parents, Homer and Rubye Yates, brother, Jack Bateman, sisters, Ruby Frances Barginear, Gilda Gros and Dell overstreet, grandson, Bradley Johnson and granddaughter, Candace Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Robert “Bubba”) Morrison, sons, Tommy (Kathy) Johnson, Victor (Linda) Johnson, Marty (Tammy) Johnson, Andy (Jeanie) Johnson and Shane (Deanna) Johnson, a very special family member, Doreen Yates, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives and many friends. We would like to send a special hug to Debi Barginear Lowe for her love and devotion through our mother’s illness. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We appreciate all of the prayers, food, and visitation that we have received during our loss. A special thank you to Bro. Jerry Hovel, Bro. Rusty Johnson, Bro. Scotty Scott, Bro. Teddy Turrentine and special nurse, Gayle. Visitation will be held at Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Rd. Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 5-9pm. Funeral service will be held at the church on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11 am. Interment will be in Oddfellow Cemetery.

Michael Westbrook, died 12/21/16. Service 12/28/16 Serenity Funeral Home 12pm with visitation 11am until service time. Interment Serenity Mem Gardens.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – Revelation 1-5

The visitation with the Michael Levi Westbrook family will take place this morning from 11:00AM until the noon service time.  The visitation and the service will be held from the Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Pray for the Westbrook family.

The visitation with the Willadean Johnson family will take place tomorrow night, 12/29, from 5:00 – 9:00PM at the Lighthouse of Hope Church on Argyle Road in Irvington, AL.  The celebration of life service will take place on Friday, 12/30, beginning at 11:00AM also from the Lighthouse of Hope Church.  Pray for the Johnson family.

Ray Baber had hip replacement surgery yesterday afternoon.  He was a bit anxious going into the surgery because he watched a YouTube video of the same type surgery beforehand.  Probably not a good idea!  I will visit with Ray today.

By the way, Ray is single.  If ever someone needed help with meals following a surgery, Ray is that person.  Interested?  Contact me.  Interested in coordinating this ministry?  Contact me.

Visited ever so briefly with Miss Maxine Rogers yesterday.  Vera is telling me that Miss Maxine will most likely be in the hospital until next week and will then be moved to rehab.

Carla Kyser continues to have some problems with her breathing.  Pray for relief, please.

Remember, the office will open at 8:00AM and close at noon today and tomorrow.  As usual, the office will be closed on Friday.  Anyone wishing to give a monetary gift to the church and desiring tax credit for 2016 must bring the check to the office either this morning or tomorrow.  Or, you can mail it just make sure the postmark is in December and the check is dated for December.

No services/classes/activities this morning or tonight.

The board of directors for Soy & Deidra’s ministry, SLAM, had their initial meeting last night.  It seemed to be a productive meeting.  Soy, Deidra and the girls are still looking at moving to Guatemala at some point in June.  Remember, financial gifts can be given directly to them by simply making a check payable to SLAM.  You can also give online by going to shininglightabroad.com.  Simply click on the donate now button and the rest is simple.

Lord willing, Lisa and I will join Morris & Diane Bryant in traveling to Atlanta this Friday in order to attend the Alabama game on Saturday afternoon.  The Lord has provided the tickets and a hotel room for Friday night.  Can Lisa travel following her surgery?  Are you kidding?  That was the very first question I asked the surgeon before, during and after the surgery!  We are looking forward to seeing Bama play at least one more time.  Hopefully they will have one more game but who knows?

Deacons, meet with me this Sunday, 1/1, at 5:00PM in the regular room.

The Friendship family bowling fellowship takes place this Sunday night, 1/1, from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Tim nor Peggy objected to the after fellowship party at their house so I guess it is a go.  I am sure they will provide everything!  How awesome is that!

Remember, Sunday School at 9:15AM followed by worship at 10:30AM this Sunday, 1/1/17.  Our senior adults are asked to fill the choir loft for the 10:30AM service.  We will then have our evening worship beginning at 6:00PM.

Yes, Nanette has asked if we can share a lane Sunday night just like old times.  Wow!  I do not mind sharing one with her husband, Scott, as he is a good bowler.  I think he will take Jack and Rusty down!  Soy was spouting off yesterday after his bowling expertise!  Will someone please tell Soy that 88 is not a good score!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Yesterday’s Bible reading – 1 John 1-5

Today’s Bible reading – 2 John; 3 John

Wednesday, December 28 – Revelation 1-5
Thursday, December 29 – Revelation 6-11
Friday, December 30 – Revelation 12-18
Saturday, December 31 – Revelation 19-22

Let me begin by saying that in 2017 I plan on posting a Bible reading plan on the first day of each month instead of including a reading each day.  Just so you know in advance.  I do not have any way of knowing if anyone other than my wife even follows these readings.  Lisa has faithfully done so for the past two or three years.  The other twelve readers?  Have no clue.

Second, let me remind you that our office hours are 8:00AM until noon today, tomorrow and Thursday.  I am in town and available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.  Actually have two afternoon surgeries this week so the office hours mean very little to me.  Happy for the rest of the folks though.

Third, I remind you that we are having no services/classes/activities tomorrow morning or evening.

The service for Levi Westbrook will take place tomorrow, 12/28, beginning at 11:00AM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL.  Keep praying for the Westbrook family.

The Johnson family will meet with the funeral directors today to set the arrangements for Miss Willa Dean.  Keep praying for the Johnson family as well.

Ray Baber is scheduled to have hip replacement surgery this afternoon.  Pray that all goes well.

Amy Huhn said that Gary’s father has been taken off the ventilator and is breathing on his own.  Thank the Lord.

Lisa Thompson is trying to get an appointment for an additional opinion/option on her leukemia.  Pray that she can get one.

Carla Kyser continues to have pain.  Hopefully, they can find someone/something that can help her.  Pray for Carla.

If my memory serves me correctly, Courtney Hubbard either begins or goes for a consultation tomorrow regarding a new clinical trial.  Pray this works!

Tim Knighten just keeps on taking treatments and not missing a beat.  What an inspiration! Pray for Tim!

Elizabeth Martin will have her ACL repaired on Thursday.  Pray that all goes well.

Yesterday was a good off day for me as I was able to slip into the office for around five hours and get some needed things done.  Nice and quiet.  I did watch some of the MSU game during lunch.  I am a SEC homer (unlike Bill Kendrick) and I like for the SEC conference (that was for Rusty) to win every bowl game, if possible.

Watched some of the NFL game last night but quickly became uninterested once it became a blow out.  Have I ever mentioned that I am not a fan of the Cowboys?  (I do appreciate Jerry Jones’ stance on the national anthem and his players standing for it)

Friendship family bowling night this Sunday, 1/1, from 8:00 – 10:00PM at the Spanish Trail Bowling Lanes in Gautier, MS.  Obviously, evening church attendance is a must!  Everyone is going to Tim & Peggy Knighten’s house for a New Year’s night party afterwards!  LOL!

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

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Peter 1-3; Jude

Merry Christmas!

Miss Willa Dean Johnson passed from this life yesterday morning.  Pray for the Johnson family.  The arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Spoke to Dylan last night at the service and the arrangements for his brother, Levi, are also incomplete.  Keep praying for the Westbrook family.

Rusty’s grandmother did well through her surgery.  It only required the insertion of a screw which is a real blessing.

Visited with Carla K yesterday morning and she was having a pretty good day up to that point.  What trooper!  Keep praying!

Spoke to Tim Knighten last night in the service.  He said he is doing ok.  Still losing weight.  Keep praying for Tim.

We will have a 10:30AM service today and nothing else as far as organized services, classes, et cetera.  My prayer is for a really strong attendance.

Last night, we were blessed with basically a full house minus the choir loft.  Thank you for responding.  Our Christmas Eve service is a very special time each year.  I strongly encourage families to go ahead now and plan their schedule for 2017 around the Christmas Eve service.  Is there a better place to spend Christmas Eve as a family?  It is only one hour as far as the actual service is concerned.  Pray about it!  Obviously, in 2017, Lord willing, we will have a morning service and then our normal Christmas Eve service.

Lisa, Dana, Gina and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!  If you are in Grand Bay, attend the morning service and then spend time with your family today!

I pray that you will have a great Christmas Day with Jesus!  After all, it is His birthday!  Happy birthday Jesus!