Pastor's Blog

Jean Isabel Jackson
6/9/1923 – 3/19/2016

Age 92, a native of Conneaut, Ohio and a longtime resident of Bayou La Batre, AL passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Lee Jackson Sr. She is survived by her children, Billy (Geneabeth), Sharon (Chester), Andy, Jr. (Glenda), Carol Ann (Chuck) and Teddy (Rachael), 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Bayou La Batre on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2 pm with visitation starting at 12 noon until service time. Interment will be in Oddfellow Cemetery.

“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 –  Deuteronomy 30-31
Tuesday, March 22 Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91
Wednesday, March 23 Joshua 1-4
Thursday, March 24 Joshua 5-8
Friday, March 25 Joshua 9-11
Saturday, March 26 Joshua 12-15
Sunday, March 27 Joshua 16-18

What a wonderful day we had in our services yesterday.  Yes, it was a blessing to see the baptismal waters stirred by seven folks last night.  It was also a blessing to see our deacons preside over the Lord’s Supper service as they did a nice job.  God is good and we give Him the glory for all He did!

It was great seeing Carla Kyser in our 8:00AM service and Chase Chambliss in our 10:30AM service.  What a blessing to this pastor!

The arrangements for Mrs. Jean Jackson will be completed today.  It is my understanding that the family wants to have the service on Wednesday but that will have to be confirmed with the funeral home.

Prayer time tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.

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

GROW ministry tonight beginning at 6:30PM in the church office.

While we are at it, Mission of Hope this Friday night, 3/25, beginning at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves the church at 6:15PM.

Once we get to the point of hiring a contractor to replace the CAB roof, Les Hacker will oversee that project for us.  He will not be involved in the work but will simply make sure we get what we are supposed to be getting.

Hopefully, there will be signs all around South Mobile County advertising our Easter Sunday service times.  Special thanks to my wife for having those made and to Danny Lewis for putting them together.  Thanks to those who have placed them in their yards.

Someone from outside the Friendship family commented to me yesterday about the Friendship soccer league.  They said something to the effect of “that is so great!”  (I asked to make sure they were talking about the league being run by Curly, Larry & Mo and they were!) As much as I hate to admit it, the soccer league has the potential to overcome the basketball league numerically in a hurry!  I may go buy a soccer jersey!

Speaking of basketball, our SNBA (Sunday night basketball action) numbers were really good last night.  Jason Taylor came back which helps me as he is only about ten years younger than me.  Outside of Billy Teasley and Eddie Albritton, the rest of those boys are just young pups!

Lord willing, Lisa and I will leave early tomorrow morning heading to New York City in order to attend the Tuesday night service at The Brooklyn Tabernacle.  They will be presenting their Easter drama.  A few years ago, the deacons led the church family to send us to see the BT Christmas drama and it was fantastic so we expect the same tomorrow night.  We plan to be back Saturday night.

I am using vacation days to make this trip.  As such, not sure if I will blog or not but leaning toward not blogging.  I never blog on Good Friday anyway.  The daily Bible readings are posted.

I found myself pulling for Oregon to beat St. Joe’s last night.  Why?  Because I figure Oregon has a more legitimate shot at beating Duke!  Sorry Zach!  How did SFA let ND off the hook?  I am told A&M had a massive comeback to beat NIU.  Good stuff!

Dr. Rex, check your e-mail, please.

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 –  Deuteronomy 28-29

As I posted yesterday, Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother passed from this life yesterday shortly after noon.  The arrangements are pending.  Pray for the family.

At the time of this writing, the Friendship family has no one in the hospital.  We are grateful for this fact and give thanks to God.  Still praying for those battling cancer.

Ladies, please note that there will not be a wedding shower today.

They say “no news is good news” so I am taking that position regarding yesterday’s soccer games.  I received no report from Curly, Larry or Mo so I assume all went well.  With those three in charge what could possibly go wrong?

Regular schedule today/tonight.  We will observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper as well as the ordinance of baptism in tonight’s service.  The deacons, under the leadership of Jeff Holifield, will lead the Lord’s Supper and I will do the baptisms.

We will be receiving a special offering for the CAB roof in all three services today.  The Finance Committee will bring a motion regarding this project to the church family at the very beginning of our 6:00PM service.

I apparently do not have anything wrong with me.  How do I know?  Charles & Soy let me weed eat yesterday morning and then mow our entire five acres without either of them even looking my way.  So, I must be as healthy as a horse!

Made an appearance at the t-ball fields yesterday to watch Titus & Logan play.  Prayers do get answered!  They were playing t-ball on two fields and Pee Wee Roberts was the umpire on the other field!  Awesome!  I did pass by that field and in those brief few seconds saw Pee Wee miss two or three calls!  Will the GBUAA ever learn?

Caught some of the NCAA tourney late yesterday afternoon and last night.  Hated to see UK go down but was not totally surprised.  The SEC just does not have it when it comes to basketball.  A&M is the conference’s last hope and I do not see them carrying the banner very far.  I actually watched most of the second half of the Warriors vs Spurs game.  Who was that wearing Curry’s uniform?  The dude shot almost as bad as Levi Seymour (note that I said “almost”).

Speaking of Levi, SNBA tonight following the service.  Simple concept – attend the evening service and then stay for the basketball action.

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

This afternoon around 12:30PM, Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother, Mrs. Jean Jackson, departed this life and entered Heaven.  Pray for the Jackson family as they go through this time of sadness.  Arrangements pending.

The wedding shower for Jessica Hall that was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, 3/20, has been cancelled.  Ladies, please take note.  Thank you!

“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 –  Deuteronomy 24-27

Today’s entry is late.  My apologies.  No excuse (I am not like Courtney Cavin!)  Well, actually I am so pumped about today’s soccer games which begin at 9:00AM that it just slipped my mind – something like that!  The weather is much nicer than forecast and for that we are thankful.  You want a pretty Saturday morning?  Let me call off a scheduled work day – happens every time!  LOL!

Heard from Katelyn Johnson around 2:30AM this morning saying that her grandmother is now not expected to live through the day.  just keep praying for Mrs Jackson and the family.

Holly and Carla get a two day break from their respective radiation treatments.  If my numbers are correct, Holly has now taken nine of thirty and Carla has taken five of ten.  Pray these treatments work effectively.

Claire’s mother met with the doctor and is scheduled for more tests on Monday.

Raymond Wilkinson’s mother took a fall on Thursday and injured her shoulder.  They initially thought surgery but then decided against it.  She met with a specialist yesterday and is going to have to have shoulder replacement surgery possibly as early as next week.  Ouch!

Pastors Fred Wolfe and Greg Pouncey did a nice job with the service for Justin Joyner’s grandmother yesterday.  The weather was bad enough that there was no committal service at the grave.

Regular scheduled tomorrow morning and evening.  Special offering for the CAB roof in all three services.  Lord’s Supper led by the deacons in the evening service.  Baptism in the evening service too.

Wow, what a really good day of basketball yesterday in the NCAA tourney!  (I was able to catch a lot of it although there was about a ninety minute period when the six tornadoes invaded the house and watching television was virtually an impossibility!)  Along with everyone else, totally shocked by MTSU beating MSU.  The game winning shot by NIU was almost unreal.  I do not have a dog in the fight so I can just watch and enjoy.  Makes me totally no difference who wins or loses.  Would like to see Kentucky win it all but they have a tough game today against IU.  My bracket remains intact!

The sun is out and I hope to get some yard work done today.  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 –  Deuteronomy 21-23

The celebration of life service for Justin Joyner’s maternal grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Herrera, will take place this afternoon at 2:00PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family during this time.

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother remains in the hospital and has been placed under hospice care.

Joyce Hacker was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

Claire Belle’s mother will see another doctor today.

The second week of games in the Friendship soccer league takes place tomorrow at the Grand Bay Middle School field.  Games begin at 9:00AM and end at 1:00PM.   It could be a rainy day but hopefully not enough to negatively affect the games.

Regular schedule on Sunday morning and evening.  The evening service will feature the observances of the Lord’s Supper and baptism.

Watched “some” of the tourney yesterday/last night.  In my opinion, nothing earth shattering happened.  Yes, a couple of twelves beat fives but that always happens.  USC obviously got caught out of position on the inbounds play that cost them the win.  Looking forward to the UK vs IU game on Saturday.  Pulling for Kentucky to win it all!  My bracket has not been busted yet!

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 –  Deuteronomy 17-20

The visitation with the Minnie Herrera family takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Serenity Funeral Home.  The service takes place tomorrow, 3/18, at 2:00PM also at Serenity Funeral Home.  Pray for the family.

They called the family of Miss Jean Jackson in last night.  I am writing this fairly early so I do not know the up to the minute status.  Just pray.

Betty Clair & Lydia Jean were discharged from the hospital last night.  They are doing good!

Joyce Hacker had to have one stent placed in her heart following the cath yesterday.  If all goes as planned, she will be discharged today.

Chase Chambliss has been discharged from the hospital but is having some problems with his breathing per John Whalen in our service last night.  Chase was initially thinking that he had maybe broken a rib or two – perhaps that is the case?  I guess time will tell.

Claire Belle Turner’s mother is having some health related issues and will be meeting with another doctor tomorrow.  She needs our prayers.

Liz Whalen was bitten by a tick and is having problems because of it.  Pray that she can get over this quickly.

Carla has three of ten radiation treatments behind her now.  Holly has seven of thirty radiation treatments behind her.  Lisa Thompson had a test on Monday and they are still waiting on the results.  Pray for these ladies.

The shower for Jessica Hall takes place this Sunday.  It is not in the news & notes but she is registered at the Singing River Hospital Gift Shop too.  Just FYI!

I shared with the church yesterday morning that I may have something bad wrong with me!  Problem is that I do not know it yet but apparently my family does.  As I drove up the driveway this past Tuesday afternoon after having been gone all day, Charles was mowing and had been mowing.  Not necessarily a big deal as he is good to help.  No red flags!  However, Soy then got on a mower and mowed until dark thirty – major red flag!  I think they know something I do not!  If Rusty had gotten on a mower then I would have probably gone ahead and picked out my headstone!

Nanette Fontenot and Soy came to prayer time together this past Monday night.  Not trying to start anything or be a gossip – just saying!  I asked Nanette about it and her reply was, “he is just like my son-in-law too!”  What does that mean?  Weird!

Today is a good day!  The tourney begins (those play in games do not even count)!  It is very possible that I can be found in front of a television later this afternoon.  Definitely will be tonight.

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

Herminia “Minnie” S. Herrera, age 79, a resident of Irvington, AL passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016. She is survived by her husband, Greg Herrera, children, Katie H. Joyner and Oscar Herrera, grandchildren, Misty Marie Putman and Justin Joyner, great grandchildren, Madison, Sophia, Lauren and Landon, brothers, Ernest Salazar, Alfred Salazar, Tony Salazar and Lupe Salazar, sister, Irene Gonzalez, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 5 pm until 7 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel of Serenity on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2 pm. Interment will be in Serenity Memorial 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 – Deuteronomy 14-16

I drove to Kennesaw, Georgia and back yesterday in order to attend the celebration of life service for Raymond Wilkinson’s Uncle Bob.  It was a good service.  Raymond’s Uncle was a retired Methodist pastor.

Since I was out of pocket yesterday, I may not have all of the details on the folks for whom we have been praying.  I may miss some.  So, I am confessing and asking for forgiveness up front.

The heart cath on Charles Suthoff showed no blockages – praise the Lord!

I do not have an update on Chase Chambliss as to whether he was discharged or not.  Regardless, he needs our continued prayer support as his back mends.

I am going to “assume” that Betty Clair and Lydia will be discharged from the hospital today.  (Could be wrong – imagine that!)

Teddy Ray Jackson’s mother, Miss Jean, remains hospitalized but seems to be some better.

Joyce Hacker has been admitted to the hospital and is supposed to have a heart cath at some point today.

Carla received her second radiation treatment yesterday.  If my addition is correct, Holly Lybarger should have received radiation treatment number six yesterday.  Jimmy Moates is finished with his radiation treatments.

Amy Huhn’s dad, Mr. Morrison, was told that his tests looked ok.  They will compare the results with an earlier MRI and then go from there.

Zach Huhn remains in NYC on a mission trip.

There are others in need of prayer but I do not list folks who are not members of the Friendship family on this blog without permission.

We are on a regular schedule today/tonight.  Meatball subs and the trimmings will be the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.

No, I did not watch the Alabama basketball game last night.  I do not get excited about the NIT as it is a consolation tournament.  Will the winners proclaim, “we are #69?”  Also, not a fan of the the “first four in” concept with the NCAA.  Folks, the whole thing is driven by  the networks and their desire to turn a profit.  That is true of all sports now.  I can see the shock on your faces as you read this!

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