Pastor's Blog

Diane Bryant just called at 4:10PM to say that Rita Vice’s father just passed from this life.  Obviously, the arrangements are incomplete.  Pray for Rita and her family.  I hope to speak to Rita via the phone at some point tonight and will post the arrangements once they are completed.

Just received word from Diane Bryant regarding Rita Vice’s father.  He has been at home since Sunday night and his breathing has really slowed.  It appears that his time on this earth could be very limited.  Pray for Rita and the family.

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 Hebrews 11:17-31 Psalm 111:1-10 Proverbs 27:15-16

Happy 58th wedding anniversary to my parents, Charles & Carolyn Turrentine.

Carla Kyser recently had scans and got the results yesterday.  The scans showed everything to be stable.  We give God the thanks. (As I told the church last night, please note these were not “mental” tests!)

Pastor Jack Bailey is scheduled to have a surgical procedure today.  As far as I know, it is going to be outpatient.  Pray that all goes well and that the will recover quickly.

C began her treatment yesterday, continues today, and will finish it tomorrow.

Lisa Thompson was able to receive her treatment yesterday but continues to have problems.

Daphne’s chemo shot was uneventful.

Edna Glover is doing good following her surgery.  Should be discharged by Saturday.

Tried to call Rita Vice last night to get an update on her father but did not get in touch with her.  Can someone send me an update?

Tucker Vice and Gunnar Howell are both scheduled for surgery in the coming days.  Tucker on 11/25 and Gunnar at some point lat this month or early December.

Learned last night that Darrell McMann will be having hip surgery later this month.  If I understood correctly, they will operate on both hips in the same procedure.

We need help with the feeding of the Brannan family tomorrow.  Marisa and Carla took names last night in the service of those who can help.  I am sure we need others.  If you can/will help, please call the church office this morning before noon.  After that, we will begin calling folks as needed.  It will be such a huge blessing if you call the church.

The visitation with the Kooper Brannan family takes place tomorrow morning from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Everything takes place in the auditorium.  Pray for Nolan, Kellie and the entire family.

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

Kooper Brannan, 16 year old son of Nolan Brannan and Kellie Sessions was taken from this life last night, 11/11, in an automobile accident.  The Brannan family obviously needs our prayer support as they are heartbroken.

The visitation with the Brannan family will take place this Friday, 11/14, from 10:00AM until noon.  The service will begin at noon.  Both the visitation and service will take place from our church auditorium.

Ladies of the Friendship family, we will need to feed the Brannan family on Friday following the service.  We will be asking for volunteers and appreciate all help.

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 24:1-26:21 Hebrews 11:1-16 Psalm 110:1-7 Proverbs 27:14

Edna Glover’s surgery went well.  She will be hospitalized for two or three days if everything goes as planned.

Learned that Miss Kathleen Henderson has been in the hospital and is now in rehab.  Do not know the details.

C, Daphne & Lisa Thompson are all scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatments/shots today.

Visited Junior & Helen Taylor in Hartselle, AL last night.  Junior is a life long friend and is Sonny Bates’ cousin.  He is battling cancer and it has been a year or two since I last saw him.

Attended the morning and afternoon sessions of the annual meeting of the state convention yesterday.  Saw Randy deBrabant.  Clint Landry and I had lunch together.

My younger brother, Freddie, is a Veteran.  I was able to meet up with him last night and take him to supper.

We are on a regular schedule this morning/evening.  Kirk Lightfield from Guatemala will be sharing during the services.  I will not be in the morning service but will, Lord willing, be in the evening service.  I will also be in the 7:30PM Bible study.

I will update our special offering total in the letter that I will write later today.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 23:1-49 Hebrews 10:18-39 Psalm 109:1-31 Proverbs 27:13

Happy third birthday to our granddaughter, Lizzi Taylor.  She was born on 11/11/11 at 11:16AM.  She is a delight to Lisa and me.

Thank God for our Veterans!  Having the opportunity to travel to France this past July really increased my appreciation for the folks who have served, and are serving, in our military.  We owe such a debt of gratitude to those individuals.  If you see a veteran today, say “thank you” to him or her.

Edna Glover will be having surgery today.  Pray that all goes well.

Coley Johnson’s mother was taken to the hospital on Sunday.  I am not for certain if she was admitted.  Pray for her.

Rusty tells me that C is doing good as they continue to wait.

Took Daphne to get her chemo shot yesterday morning.  They did labs before the shot which prevented me from attending the funeral as planned but that was ok.  Got word on the drive to Birmingham that Daphne’s count now stands at 1!  Hallelujah and to God be the glory!

Lin & Sharon Moore sit one section over from us at the Bama home games.  Sharon’s mother passed away this past Saturday, 11/8, and the visitation & service will take place this afternoon.  We are praying for the family.

The GriefShare class takes place tonight from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the auditorium.  Folks interested in attending need to call the church office today to register.

Lisa and I arrived in Birmingham late yesterday afternoon.  We were able to enjoy a meal with Craig & Jennifer Moss last night.  It is always so good to see Jennifer!  As usual, when the bill came, Craig had “left” his wallet at home!  It is unbelievable to me that their oldest son now has his driver’s license – I just officiated their wedding ceremony a couple of nights ago!

I will be attending the annual meeting of the state convention this morning and afternoon.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 Hebrews 10:1-17 Psalm 108:1-13 Proverbs 27:12

Tuesday, 11/11 – Ezekiel 23:1-49 Hebrews 10:18-39 Psalm 109:1-31 Proverbs 27:13

Wednesday, 11/12 – Ezekiel 24:1-26:21 Hebrews 11:1-16 Psalm 110:1-7 Proverbs 27:14

Thursday, 11/13 – Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 Hebrews 11:17-31 Psalm 111:1-10 Proverbs 27:15-16

Friday, 11/14 – Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 Hebrews 11:32-12:13 Psalm 112:1-10 Proverbs 27:17

Saturday, 11/15 – Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 Hebrews 12:14-29 Psalm 113:1-114:8 Proverbs 27:18-20

Sunday, 11/16 – Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 Hebrews 13:1-25 Psalm 115:1-18 Proverbs 27:21-22

We were blessed with a really good day in our services yesterday.  What a joy to see one public profession of faith in our 10:30AM service and then to see three folks follow the Lord in believer’s baptism during our evening service.  We also had some public decisions during the evening service but I was getting ready for the baptismal service when those were announced.  I will include those, along with the names, in my letter this week.  To God be the glory for all He has done!  God is good!

I do not have a total on the special offering for the asphalt project but I do know it eclipsed the $15,000 mark.  We will continue to promote this project until we have the sufficient funds in hand to complete it.  Thank you so much to each person/family who has given up to this point.

“C” was not able to attend the service yesterday.  Keep praying!  Rusty says the call could come early this week.  What does that mean?  That they would then have an appointment at a time TBA.

Lisa Thompson goes for another treatment on Wednesday.  She has not been feeling well.

The GriefShare class takes place tomorrow night in the auditorium from 6:00 – 8:00PM.  It is open to everyone but the class size is limited.  Those wishing to participate should call the church office today to register.

Lisa and I will be leaving today after I attend a funeral service.  We will be driving to Birmingham in order for me to attend the annual meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention tomorrow and Wednesday morning.  Lord willing, I will be back in time for the Wednesday evening service.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 20:1-49 Hebrews 9:11-28 Psalm 107:1-43 Proverbs 27:11

Special offering for asphalt project in all three services today.  Pray and give as the Lord leads!

Baptism & Lord’s Supper as a part of tonight’s service.  Baptismal candidates should meet in the auditorium foyer at 5:30PM with a change of clothes and a towel.

Deacons’ meeting at 4:00PM in the office suite.

Lord willing, I will be preaching in all three services today.  Hope many members of the Friendship family will be present.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 18:1-19:14 Hebrews 9:1-10 Psalm 106:32-48 Proverbs 27:10

No significant changes in any of the folks for whom we have been praying.  C & Rusty continue to wait.  Keep praying for all of these folks.

Our Saturday night service takes place at 6:00PM in the CAB.  Lord willing, I will become actively involved with this ministry beginning in December.  I am grateful to those folks who are presently leading this ministry.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as a part of our evening service tomorrow.  Regular schedule in the morning.

Deacons are asked to meet with me at 4:00PM tomorrow.

I survived my first Upward practice of the season and only had two players cry!  Dana & Gina are assisting me which is a big help.

This entry is coming from New Orleans where Lisa and I stayed last night as we are headed to Baton Rouge for the game tonight.  Joe David Bailey found us a set of tickets basically at the last minute for face value.  They are upper deck which I do not like but they are in the Bama section which I do like.  We appreciate Joe David and Lori thinking about us.

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

Today’s Bible reading – Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 Hebrews 8:1-13 Psalm 106:13-31 Proverbs 27:7-9

C & Rusty continue to wait on that call from MDA.  I know, I know, it is easy to say what you would do in their situation.  Reality is that you most likely would wait on the call just like they are having to do.  Maybe today!

Pray for Bro. Benny & family as they are in Texas for the funeral visitation for his younger brother, John McGath.

We will receive a special offering this Sunday, 11/9,  in all three services for the asphalt project.  We need a miracle offering and each member of the Friendship family needs to give as the Lord leads.  It cannot be only a few folks giving but a total Friendship family effort.  No gift is too large and no gift is too small.  This is not about equal gifts but rather about equal sacrifice.  Pray and give!

The GriefShare session takes place Tuesday night, 11/11, from 6:00 – 8:00PM in the auditorium.  Class size limited so sign up by calling the church office either Monday or Tuesday.  (Office closed today)

Ashley Crawley is going on the GRACE Ministries trip in December.  She will be selling pumpkin rolls the dates of 11/18 – 11/25.  Cost is $12.  Interested in purchasing one or more?  Contact me and I will put you in touch with her.  (Personally, I think it may be a scam.  I mean really, pumpkins are round so they are going to roll!)  (Deidra and Daphne just “rolled” their eyes!)

Personally, I am thankful for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel that upheld the gay marriage ban in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee yesterday.  U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman ruled the same way recently in Louisiana.  I often speak of my dismay for our judges so I have to give Judge Feldman his due.  As a matter of fact, here is what he wrote regarding his ruling, “same-sex marriage was ‘nonexistent and even inconceivable until very recently,’ and that ‘until recent years, it had no place at all in this nation’s history and tradition.’ Though the notion that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right has become more accepted in the past few years, Feldman ruled that the idea was ‘not yet so entrenched as to be fundamental.'”  Imagine that, federal judges with some common sense!  Hooray!

I have not coached Upward basketball in several years but when I did coach it was always with the older children.  Today, I move back into coaching and have a bunch of 4 & 5 year olds – have I lost my mind?  How did Kristy con me into this?  You can really sum it up in one word – Titus!

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