Pastor's Blog

“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 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17

Happy 5th birthday to our oldest granddaughter, Emmy!  She was born on Saturday, 5/7/11.  I hope she has a great day!  By the way, Brad & Daphne announced yesterday that our grandchild count will increase to seven within the next one to two years.  They are in the process of adopting a boy from either Kanas, Kentucky, Kenya or Korea.  I am pretty sure it starts with a “k” and is foreign.  I do not think he will have blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Breakfast for mama” takes place this morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Everyone invited.  Singing by Randall & Rita and a message from the Word by Jeff Holifield.

Our bus workers will meet at 8:30AM for their meeting (hopefully some will come to the breakfast at 8:00AM).  Pray for this ministry as they go out and invite folks to our tomorrow’s Sunday School and church service.

Our deacons will lead a short work day as soon as the breakfast is over this morning.  Work will be done in a neighbor’s yard and will basically consist of trimming trees, removing bushes, et cetera.  Should be finished within an hour to an hour and a half.

Peggy Knighten’s heart cath revealed minor blockage (10 – 15%) but otherwise all was good.  That was excellent news considering her family history on both sides.

Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin, remains in a Birmingham hospital.  Hopefully, this is a “slow but sure” process of diagnosing his problem(s).

This week has seen Dana & Gina complete their freshman year of college.  They have done well as it appears that Faith Academy prepared them well academically for college.

Wow, we have been able to have our windows raised in May – is that great or what!  Feels so good!  This weather has been amazing!  Spent the entire afternoon yesterday working in the yard.  Got a huge assist from Soy and also from Charles.  Rusty?  Not so much as in none at all!

Hopefully, today will see me squeeze in some garden time around the breakfast, work day, and Emmy’s birthday party.  Need to plant some more corn.  We shall see!

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 –  Psalms 89; 96; 100; 101; 105; 132

Peggy Knighten is scheduled to have a heart cath this morning.  I am in hopes that her’s will go as quickly and smoothly as Gary Huhn’s did this past Monday.

Carla Kyser had one scan yesterday and will have more today.  I saw her yesterday afternoon and she was her usual positive self.  (She did ask to borrow ten dollars for breakfast this morning!)

Becky Sellers will have a scan today.  Becky is so positive!  Pray the scan comes back excellent.

Kelli Stork was discharged from the hospital yesterday morning.  I visited with her as she was waiting to sign one final form before leaving.

Chris Byrd’s grandmother did well through her surgery.

My aunt Alice is doing well also per her son, Tony.

I am told the “mother/daughter banquet” went well last night.  Thanks to all those who made it possible!  I know Jim Chinners was the lead chef.  Do not know all of the others who were involved but God does!

“Breakfast with mama” in the morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.

Deacon led work day tomorrow from 9:00AM until probably 10:00AM and I think absolutely no later than 10:30AM.  Deacon Jeff Holifield will lead this ministry opportunity.  Chain saws and pole saws needed plus trucks/trailers to haul the cuttings.

Bus workers’ meeting tomorrow morning.  Some (all?) of them may choose to be a part of the breakfast before going on visitation.  Pray for this ministry.

Soccer tomorrow morning beginning at 9:00AM.

Leslie Hacker will be meeting with another company this morning to get a bid on doing the CAB roof.  Pray!

Wow, the Lord has blessed us with absolutely wonderful weather the past couple of days.  Thank you Jesus!  Lisa made me make a Walmart run last night and says that I will be in the yard working all day once I get home from the hospital today.  The garden needs attention as well.

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 –  Psalms 1-2; 15; 22-24; 47; 68

Really blessed day in our services yesterday.  Our “potluck with the pastor” went very well with great attendance, great food and great fellowship!  Excellent morning!  Special thanks to Carol Lucky for coordinating the sides (wow, what a ton of food) and to Junior Bosarge, Warren Guidry and Phil Sims for frying the fish and hush puppies.  Those guys can flat out fry some fish!

John Milton Ladnier & Warren Guidry then fried the fish for our 7:30PM Bible study folks and we had a very nice crowd there too.  Special thanks to these two guys!  Also, we “borrowed” sides/desserts from the morning service folks and it was all excellent!  Involved in both feedings was my wife, Lisa, and she did an excellent job.  She is an amazing lady!  (Good looking too!)  So, I give “thanks” to many folks but, as always, we give God the glory!

As far as I know, Kelli Stork remains hospitalized.  I will be checking on her today.

Doris Perryman’s husband is in the hospital and it is my understanding that he is not doing well.  I will check on him today too.

Chris Byrd’s grandmother is scheduled to have surgery this morning.  She is in her eighties so pray for her.

Courtney’s dad, Calvin, remains hospitalized but is showing signs of improvement.

Carla has scans today and tomorrow while Becky will have a scan on Friday.

Peggy Knighten will have a heart cath tomorrow morning.

My aunt, Alice Gettig, did well through her surgery.  It was about a four and one half hours procedure.  Thanks for praying.

Need to hear from folks today who plan on being at the “breakfast for mama” on Saturday from 8:00 – 9:00AM.

“Mother/daughter banquet” tonight beginning at 6:00PM (previously announced time by me was wrong!) in the fellowship hall.  All women are invited to attend.

Minor work day this Saturday from 9:00AM until probably 10:00 – 10:30AM.  Chain saws, pole saws, trucks & trailers needed.  (Jeff Holifield, are you checking on the specifics for this?)  Deacons are leading this effort so contact Raymond Wilkinson or Jeff Holifield for details.

Marisa Felps is our church hostess and is coordinating the reception for  Bro. Chris & Nicole Taylor on Sunday evening, 5/15.  If you would like to help, please contact Marisa.  (I am specifically speaking to those on the youth committee as you have asked about this matter)

Nanette Fontenot did not attend the church service last night.  She is mad at me!  Said I did not visit Kelli yesterday so she was not going to attend church last night!  The girl has issues!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday 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 Samuel 5:11-6:23;1 Chronicles 13-16

One of my aunts, Alice Gettig, is having major surgery in Kalamazoo, Michigan today.  It is expected to take five to seven hours to complete.  Would you join me in praying for her?  Also, another aunt in Michigan, Nancy, took a fall and broke her hip.  She had hip replacement surgery last Friday.  Prayers for her are appreciated as well.

Lisa and I visited with the folks in the convalescent home yesterday morning and had some delightful visits.  Everyone seemed to be doing well.

We also visited with Miss Kathleen Henderson in the hospital.  She said that she was going to be discharged later in the day.  I do not know if that actually happened.  Her concern was getting out of the hospital so she can attend our church services.

I visited with Kelli Stork in the hospital.  She is not feeling well so my visit was very short.  As a matter of fact, I do not intend on visiting her today because she needs quietness and rest.  (Volcano Nanette will erupt on this one but so be it!  She was livid at me yesterday for not visiting her daughter first!  Also wants to know what I am getting her for Mother’s Day?  Really?  Wow!)

Learned that Harold Dueitt, Sr was in the hospital and had a nice visit with him and his son, Harold.  He was later discharged and is now in the convalescent home.

“Potluck with the pastor” today following our morning service.  Fish fry.  Baloney sandwiches for those who do not eat fish!  The food will be great but the fellowship will be even greater!

Need to hear today, 5/4, from those planning to participate in our “parent/child dedication” service which will take place as a part of our 10:30AM service this Sunday, 5/8.  E-mail me or call the church office, please.

“Mother/daughter banquet” tomorrow night, 5/5, in the fellowship hall beginning at 6:30PM.  All ladies are invited to attend!

“Breakfast for mama” this Saturday, 5/7, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  It would help if you could let us know of your intentions to attend by tomorrow, 5/5.  Send me an e-mail, please.

It appears that the presidential candidate for the Republicans has been set.  I guess things could change but that does not appear likely at this point.  This does not surprise me as it seems folks are tired of career politicians.  Guatemalans elected a comedian as their president as they had grown tired of politics as usual.  When does the college football season begin?

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)

Today’s Bible reading – Psalms 106-107

Miss Kathleen’s procedure went well.  It was longer than the doctor expected but he did what he had hoped to do.  She had three blood clots in one leg and they took care of those as best as they could.  She remains hospitalized.  I will visit with her this morning to get an update although she was awake and alert very soon after the surgery yesterday.

Gary Huhn’s heart cath revealed no blockages and all is well.  The doctor said the stress test gave a false reading.

Courtney Cavin’s dad was admitted into a hospital in Birmingham.  They have sort of started all over doing various tests.  He continues to be a very sick man.

Nanette Fontenot sent me an e-mail last night saying that their daughter, Kelli, has been admitted to the hospital again because of headaches.  This is a recurring problem for Kelli.  Pray for some relief.  (Yes, Nanette wanted to know if “we” could go visit Kelli together but I told her that I also needed to visit Miss Kathleen figuring that would settle the issue.  Said she did not mind making that visit with me too!  Wow!)

Mariam Moates sent me an e-mail saying that her husband, Jimmy, has been sick in recent days.  They are now going to do a PET scan within the next month.  Pray for Jimmy to feel better.

Katelyn Jackson Johnson is traveling home today.  Pray for her safety in travels.

We had a nice attendance for our prayer time last night.  Thank you to those who take part in this ministry.

Also had a productive meeting last night with a group of six church leaders last night regarding our student ministry.  We will be having a meeting on Tuesday, May 17, at 6:30PM for those involved/interested in our student ministry going forward.  That meeting will take place in the auditorium.

We have now had a total of two folks sign up for the “breakfast for mama” this Saturday, 5/7, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  We need a pretty good estimate on a total by this Thursday in order to buy the proper amount of food.  Please e-mail me (tcturrentine@gmail.com) if you plan to attend.  (Stop reading and do this right now, please)

“Potluck with the pastor” takes place tomorrow immediately following the morning service.  Fish fry with the fish and drinks provided.  You are asked to bring the sides and desserts.  Carol Lucky is coordinating that part of the meal so if you have a question please contact her directly.  We hope to have a really nice number.

“Parent/child dedication” this Sunday, 5/8, in our 10:30AM service.  If you are going to participate, I need to hear from you no later than tomorrow, 5/4.

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 –  Psalm 133

Tuesday, May 3 – Psalms 106-107
Wednesday, May 4 – 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23;1 Chronicles 13-16
Thursday, May 5 – Psalms 1-2; 15; 22-24; 47; 68
Friday, May 6 – Psalms 89; 96; 100; 101; 105; 132
Saturday, May 7 – 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17
Sunday, May 8 – Psalms 25; 29; 33; 36; 39

What a blessed day in our services yesterday.  It was a delight to recognize our senior adults in the morning services (they do not listen very well!  LOL!).  Congratulations to Oscar Petersen (92) and Miss Kittie Camp (88) for being the oldest man and woman present in our 10:30AM service.

Our praise band did a very nice job of leading us in worship during the evening service.  Zach Huhn did a nice job of sharing about his mission trip experiences.  Several folks asked me about the possibility of our praise band being used more often in our services.  Thanks to these guys/girls for being obedient.

Of course, the big news of the day/nigh was the resignation of our Minister to Students, Bro. Chris Taylor.  He and his family will be taking a sabbatical of probably one year’s duration.  They strongly feel this is the Lord’s leading in their life.  So, Bro. Chris will preaching in our morning services on May 15 as we honor the class of 2015 and we will then have a fellowship for him, Nicole, Truett & Tag following our evening service that Sunday.  He has served in his present capacity for seven years and three months.  We wish him and his family well in the years ahead.  Bro. Chris is a great guy!

Gary Huhn will be having a heart cath this morning.

Miss Kathleen Henderson will be having surgery this morning.

Courtney Cavin’s dad, Calvin Crist, was taken to UAB yesterday.  He continued to have some problems so his wife just decided to take him to the emergency room there.  I have not heard from Courtney this morning to know the outcome of that visit.

Eddie Albritton sees the doctor tomorrow to hopefully find out why his hip is bothering him so much.

Claire Belle’s mother had a chemo treatment in Atlanta last week.  Her next treatment will be in Mobile and then the next in Atlanta.  They will follow that pattern for the time being.

Carla Kyser will have scans this Thursday and Friday followed up by a doctor’s visit next Monday, 5/9.

Becky Sellers will have a scan this Friday, 5/6.

Peggy Knighten will have a heart cath this Friday, 5/6.

Courtney Hubbard will have her first treatment as a part of this new clinical on Monday, 5/23.

“Mother/daughter” banquet this Thursday night, 5/5, in the fellowship hall.  All ladies are invited to attend.

I need to hear from those folks planning to take part in the “breakfast for mama” this Saturday, 5/7, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  Please send me an e-mail no later than this Thursday, 5/5.  Important that we hear from you.

Also need to hear from those folks planning to participate in the “parent/child dedication service” this Sunday morning, 5/8.  You can call the church office or send me an e-mail by this Wednesday, 5/4.

“Potluck with the pastor” this Wednesday, 5/4, following the morning service.  Fish fry!  Good stuff!

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  Let’s have a strong May in this important ministry.

GriefShare tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the choir room.

GROW visitation tonight beginning at 6:30PM.

Our deacons will be leading a ministry opportunity this Saturday morning, 5/7, from 9:00AM until probably 10:30AM or so.  Chain saws and pole saws needed.  Interested?  Contact Raymond Wilkinson or me.

Next class of beginner evangelism class taught by Jonny Gaston begins on Tuesday, May 17.  Sign up sheet in the foyer of the auditorium.

Good SNBA last night.  The team I was on did not dominate.  They stuck me with a deacon and it was all downhill from there!

I pray that you will have a great Monday 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 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12

Monday, May 2 – Psalm 133
Tuesday, May 3 – Psalms 106-107
Wednesday, May 4 – 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23;1 Chronicles 13-16
Thursday, May 5 – Psalms 1-2; 15; 22-24; 47; 68
Friday, May 6 – Psalms 89; 96; 100; 101; 105; 132
Saturday, May 7 – 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17
Sunday, May 8 – Psalms 25; 29; 33; 36; 39

Miss Kathleen Henderson is scheduled to have her surgical procedure tomorrow.  Not sure of all of the details but will find out today.

Gary Huhn is scheduled to have a heart cath tomorrow morning.

One of my maternal aunts, Alice Gettig, will have major surgery this Wednesday, May 4, in Michigan.  Pray that all goes well.

Courtney Hubbard will travel to Houston on May 18 for tests and appointments on May 19 & 20.  She will then return home, go back on the 22nd to have a sixteen hour treatment on Monday, 5/23.  She should come home on 5/26 and then go back on June 1 returning home on 6/3.  She will be on a two days on/five days off cycle for six weeks.  They will then scan and reevaluate.  Pray that this treatment works and that she will respond well to it.

Lisa and I attended the fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration for Pastor & Mrs. Alton Stokes (Grand Bay Church of God) yesterday afternoon.  We congratulate them on this marriage milestone.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Senior adult day in our 10:30AM service today.  All senior adults, age 65 and older, will be treated to a meal immediately following the service.  Also, there are a couple of meetings taking place and the folks involved in them should know all about the time, place, et cetera.

Parent/child dedication next Sunday, 5/8, during the 10:30AM service.  Participating families need to sign up by this Wednesday, 5/4.

“Breakfast for mama” next Saturday, 5/7, from 8:00 – 9:00AM in he fellowship hall.  We are asking folks to sign up by this Thursday, 5/5.  E-mail me to sign up.

We got a nice rain last night.  Thank the Lord.  If the forecasters are correct, we should get more rain in the morning.  I am sure the gardens enjoyed it.

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

Last June while on our GRACE Ministries mission trip to Guatemala, our team hosted a block party at a local school in El Tejar.  The school is about a five minute drive (depending on the condition of the road) from the mission house.  It is a school for those in  kindergarten only.

Coach Eric Collier and a number of other school teachers were on that team.  They were surprised to learn that the children had no place to eat their lunch.  A cafeteria could be built and a couple of restrooms that were in desperate shape could be repaired for around four thousand dollars.  So, they committed to making it happen by raising the necessary funds.

The money was given in advance in order for the cafeteria and restrooms to be ready by the beginning of the school year in Guatemala.  Coach Collier and the others have raised approximately twenty five hundred dollars.

One of the plans to raise the remaining funds is through the selling of bracelets from Guatemala.  These string bracelets can be purchased for two dollars and all proceeds go toward this project.  Amy Reynolds has the bracelets and will be available after any service should you desire to either purchase one or make a monetary donation.

While the shell of the cafeteria is now in place there is still an need for windows and furnishings.  Many of these same teachers will be going back to Guatemala this June so I suspect we have not heard the last of this school.  What a wonderful opportunity for GRACE Ministries to have a positive impact in the community where the L.G. Camp, Jr. Mission House is located.

“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 –  Psalms 102-104

Claire Belle’s mother arrived home from Atlanta yesterday.

Courtney Cavin’s dad was admitted to the hospital on Thursday night but was discharged yesterday.

Our bus workers will meet the morning at 8:30AM and then go visiting to invite folks to ride the buses to Sunday School and the second morning service tomorrow.  Pray for our bus workers and this important ministry.

Soccer takes place today from 9:00AM until 1:00PM.  The season is winding down as it ends in May.

Senior adult day tomorrow in our 10:30AM service.  All senior adults, age 65 and older, will be treated to a meal immediately following that service.  Those younger than 65 are invited to join them but it will be dutch treat for those folks.  Again, we are asking those folks age 65 and older to attend the 10:30AM service tomorrow.

“Potluck with the pastor” this Wednesday, 5/4, immediately following the morning service.  It is a fish fry.  Fish, hush puppies and drinks are being provided.  Carol Lucky is coordinating the sides and desserts.  Bring someone with you and come join us for the service at 10:00AM.

Parent/child dedication next Sunday, 5/8, in our 10:30AM service.  Those wishing to participate need to send me an e-mail or call the church office no later than this Wednesday, 5/4.

I want to say a word of thanks to Rick & Beth Bradley, Katie Tillman, Phillip & Claire Turner, Lisa Turrentine, Dylan Westbrook and Logan Wainwright.  These folks are teachers/members of the 20 – 29 Sunday School class and they spent an hour or so yesterday afternoon doing a ministry service project.  I appreciate their time, effort and spirit.

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 –  1 Chronicles 7-10

Miss Kathleen Henderson was set to go for surgery yesterday morning when the decision was made to reschedule her for this Monday, 5/2.  The weather was bad and I was told the hospital was having some issues with their electricity.  Miss Kathleen took it all in stride.

Peggy Knighten will have a nuclear stress test today.  There is a history of heart problems on both sides of her family.  Pray this test will help the doctors make an informed decision.

Gary Huhn will be having a heart cath on Monday morning.

I am not sure if Esther Beritech remains hospitalized or not.

Courtney Cavin’s father, Calvin Crist, was taken back to the hospital early yesterday morning.  However, I do not know if he was admitted or not (thanks for the update Courtney!).  Calvin has been one sick man.

Les Hacker met with a representative of a roofing company yesterday.  The guy promised to have a bid in Les’ hand no later than this Tuesday, 5/3.

John Milton Ladnier was at the church around 9:00PM last night and witnessed my blood pressure going sky high!  I think he almost called 911!  Why did it skyrocket?  Because someone  left an air conditioner unit running in the fellowship hall yesterday and had the thermostat set below seventy degrees.   Want to know what really makes that bad?  That is the fourth (yes fourth) unit I have found that way just this week!  Folks, we have to be better stewards of the Lord’s money.  No thermostat should ever (as in never!) be set below seventy and all units should be turned off once you have finished using the building.  Please help us in this area.

Soccer tomorrow morning beginning at 9:00AM.  Curly, Larry & Moe have it under control!

Senior adult day this Sunday, 5/1, in our 10:30AM service.  All seniors, age 65 and above, and their spouses will be treated to a meal immediately following that service.  Others are welcome to join them but it will be dutch treat for them.

Thankfully, we did not experience the severe weather yesterday that our neighbors to the West did.  Gulfport and Biloxi really got hammered with rain and flash flooding.  Our Sunday School class had a service project scheduled for yesterday afternoon but we postponed it until today not knowing what the weather would be like based on yesterday morning’s conditions.  So, you can thank me for the absolutely beautiful afternoon we enjoyed – happens every time!  LOL!

The forecast for today is absolutely wonderful.  I hear the weed eater and mower calling my name.  Lisa made me buy groceries early yesterday evening in order to be ready to work in the yard today.  Says I have to tend to the garden tomorrow.  Folks, she is a slave driver!  Soy got a start on the grass cutting yesterday afternoon and I am thankful.

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