Pastor's Blog

Word came this morning that Ronnie Glass has passed from this life.  This was “expected” but totally “unexpected” at this time.  Pray for Ronnie’s family.

Coley Johnson’s sister, Frances, is 32 weeks pregnant and has been placed in the hospital due to high blood pressure problems.  It appears she will remain hospitalized until the baby is born.

Pastor Alex of India has a sixteen day old grandson, Evan, who has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and others problems.  He is in an intensive care unit.

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”  (John 19:30)

Palmer’s surgery is scheduled to take place today.  Pray for him.

The doctor gave Korie a “clap on, clap off” type cast and told her to not sit on the water cooler.  Not much in the way of updates otherwise.

We were blessed with a good day/night in our services yesterday.  The GA leaders (Miss Gloria & Miss Sierra) graciously gave us their room during the 7:00PM hour.  Becky Hatcher provided the music for us during that service.  Everyone was flexible even though we were crowded in that room.  Good day!

The church office closes at noon today.  It will be closed, as usual, tomorrow but will then be open Saturday morning from 8:00AM until noon.

Beginning Monday, 4/1, the office will be closed each day (Monday – Thursday) from noon until 1:00PM.  The secretary along with Bros. Jerry, Kerry & Chris will be at lunch during that hour.  So, the office hours remain 8:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM until 5:00PM Monday through Thursday each week.

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

Korie Fontenot was injured again while “playing” softball yesterday.  Messed her hand up and will see a hand specialist today.  (Something about sitting on the water cooler, fell asleep, fell off, and used her hand to brace her fall – that may not be exactly right but you get the point!)  Her mother, Nanette, demanded (in no uncertain terms) that this be the lead story in today’s entry.  Wow!  At any rate, pray for Korie!  She is a sweetheart!

Palmer Lavelle will have sinus surgery tomorrow morning.  According to his mother, this is the adult surgery.  Pray it corrects his problems.

Had a nice visit with Ronnie Glass yesterday morning.  A group of doctors are supposed to meet this week to try and develop a plan of action in his case.  Ronnie’s attitude was good.

Attempted to visit Kevin Woods but he was in PT.

Visited with Miss Kathleen.  She and her cat had just seen the doctor and were about to be discharged from the hospital.  She was a happy camper!

Visited with Carolyn Blaylock yesterday morning.  She is experiencing some congestive heart failure and sees the doctor again soon.  She so wants off of the blood thinner so she can eat green foods!  She has a great attitude!

Regular schedule today/tonight.  The folks who normally meet in the auditorium at 7:00PM will meet in the fellowship hall.  Otherwise, no changes.

Church office closes at noon tomorrow but will be open this Saturday, 3/30, from 8:00AM until noon.

Beginning this Monday, 4/1, the church office will be open from 8:00AM until 12:00PM and from 1:00PM until 5:00PM Monday through Thursday of each week.  The secretary along with Bros. Jerry, Kerry & Chris will be at lunch from noon until 1:00PM daily.  (As has been the case for years, the office will be closed on Fridays)

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

Visited with Miss Kathleen Henderson yesterday morning.  She was doing pretty good and was thinking that she “may” be discharged from the hospital today.  Said her lungs are clear but she does battle with COPD.

Visited with Miss Edith Kelley in her home yesterday morning.  She was feeling “okay” as she & Mr. JB had just finished breakfast.

Attempted to see Miss Exie Woods but the aides were in the room with her and her roommate.  Hope to see her later this week.

Received word from Bro. Chris that Logan Wainwright broke his foot (I think) while playing soccer on Sunday.  Folks, that is why you do not need to be involved in soccer – I rest my case!  Pray for a quick recovery for Logan!

Today I have plans to visit Kevin Woods and Ronnie Glass in the hospital.

One more change to this week’s schedule – the church office will close at noon this Thursday, 3/28, and then be open on Saturday morning, 3/30, as the secretary and ministerial staff will be present for the Saturday morning classes/services/activities.

The preschool/children’s departments could use plastic eggs and candy for Saturday’s activities.  You can bring those to the church office by Thursday noon.

We will observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper in the 10:00AM and 7:00PM services this Wednesday.

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

Blessed day in our services yesterday.  What a joy to see a young lady, Elizabeth, come forward to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. We were blessed with good attendance too.  God is good!

Big week!  What an incredible week as we remember the death of Jesus and then celebrate His glorious resurrection.  We will have classes/services Saturday morning (preschool &  children), Easter cantata on Saturday night beginning at 6:00PM, and three worship services on Sunday morning – 7:30AM, 9:00AM and 10:30AM.  Pray!

We will have our 10:00AM service this Wednesday as usual.  However, the folks who normally meet in the auditorium at 7:00PM will meet in the fellowship hall instead.  This will allow the adult choir to use the auditorium for rehearsal.

Will post updates on those who are on our prayer list either later today or in tomorrow’s entry.

That “moan” you heard late last night was Deacon Bill as the guy from LaSalle made the shot to beat Ole Miss!  (At least UM was there!)  Congratulations to the Wolverines and Spartans for making the Sweet 16!  How about Florida Gulf Coast?  Those guys can play!  Will they beat UF?  I do not know that I would count them out!

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

I am posting this entry around 8:30PM.  As it stands right now, I have every intention of being in the pulpit for all three services tomorrow.  My voice is pretty gruff and my cough is very consistent but these are my plans.

I remind our deacons of our meeting tomorrow afternoon at 4:00PM.

It will be a joy to be joined by many members of the Friendship family for Bible study and worship tomorrow.  He lives!

Received a call from one of Milinda Spiller’s cousins telling me that Milinda’s situation is worsening.  Her doctor is referring her to a pain management doctor.  Milinda is scared.  Pray for her and those giving care to her.

The funeral service for Charlotte Ladnier will take place today at 3:00PM from the Cloverdale Baptist Church on Hall Road.  There will be a time of visitation with the family prior to the service.  Charlotte is the mother-in-law to Herbert & Peggy’s daughter, Hollie.  Pray for the family.

Miss Kathleen Henderson is in the hospital.  Bro. Jerry visited her yesterday.  I am assuming she is having more pulmonary issues.

Bro. Kerry took his mother, Miss Edith, to the doctor yesterday afternoon.  It is my understanding that she is not doing well.

Bro. Kerry covered the Ladnier funeral for me on Wednesday and Bro. Jerry covered the Richerson funeral for me yesterday.  I am thankful to them and to the families for their understanding.

Folks, I can almost count on my hands the number of days I have been sick in my life.  However, this week ranks up there with them as I am battling the flu or distemper!  Bruce Gill used to comment that he did not see how I was not sick all of the time as much I am in and out of the hospitals, convalescent homes, et cetera.  One of our deacons echoed that comment in an e-mail this week.  I think that I have figured out the source of my sickness.  I am a horrible patient while Lisa is an excellent caregiver.

I have received a number (one is a number) of e-mails from folks assuring me of their prayer support.  Thank you for being so kind!  I am better but still have a ways to go.  My fever left me early yesterday morning.  When I do not blog and do not watch all of the first night of March Madness then I am not well.  I owe several of you a reply to longer e-mails and hope to get back in the game soon.  Joe David e-mailed wanting to know what happens to my season tickets to the Bama games if I do not make it as he reminded me of how much he loves going to Bama’s games.  Great friend!

Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit all three services this Sunday.  If not, Karla Cooper will be preaching.  Glenn says she “preaches” all of the time!  Her daddy is a Baptist preacher.  Actually, Glenn said she is an “angel” as she is always “up in the air, harping about something!”  I am just quoting Glenn as I do not have a dog in that fight!  LOL!

Charles is hammering me to get the grass mowed.  I can hardly hold my head up.  He says Spring is officially here and “we” need to get the place in tip top shape.

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

Received word from Herbert Benefield that Charlotte Ladnier passed away this afternoon.

The visitation with the Aubrey Richerson family will take place tomorrow, 3/21, from 1:00PM until the 2:00PM service time at the Wolfe-Bayvies Funeral Home in Foley.