Pastor's Blog

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26

Becky Sellers passed from this life somewhere around 4:30AM today.  She passed peacefully with her husband, Dave, laying beside her.  She was surrounded by family members and friends as well.  Pray for Dave, Brittany and the entire family.

Tentative plans call for a memorial service to take place this Sunday night, 6/4, beginning at 6:00PM in our church auditorium.  Plans also call for a time of visitation beforehand but those exact hours have not been set.  Will post them here once all is finalized.

Tommy Watson was not moved yesterday due to some paper work.  Plans now call for him to be moved at some point today.  Keep praying for Tommy.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  Not sure of the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study.  I am leaning toward pizza but the big boss has not signed off on it yet.  Whatever it is, it will be good.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 11:30-57

This entry is intentionally late as I wanted to give an up to the minute report on Becky Sellers as well as an updated report on Tommy  Watson.

Visited with Becky last night.  Daphne went over to check her vitals, et cetera.  I appreciate her doing that for Dave and family.  It was thought the hospice nurse would be there firs thing this morning but that has not happened yet.  I just came from there and Becky’s condition really remains unchanged from last night.  It appears they are going to have to find a different way to administer her medicines.  Just pray for wisdom for the medical folks and for comfort for the family.  I can tell you that Dave is an awesome care giver!  Really strong supporter of his wife!

Word just came to me via Phil Sims that Tommy Watson is being moved from Louisiana to a local facility today.  That will be so much better on the family.  Pray for Tommy’s complete recovery.

Phil will see his cardiologist tomorrow.  He is struggling with a cough.  He feels that if they can control the cough then he will be well on the road to a complete recovery.  Keep praying for Phil.

Dave asked me to express thanks to the folks who have provided the food for his family.  He is most grateful.  Such a gracious guy too.

I have been asked about the bowling scores from Sunday night.  Well, I was not going to mention it.  I will just say this – Steve Morris impressed me greatly!  He only bowled one game but posted a score of 164.  Really good for an “old” man with a bad leg!  Did I top that score?  Did you seriously just ask that question?  Coach Eric Collier bowled like a 68.  Amy Reynolds bowled like a 51.  And these folks are supposed to be “PE” teachers!  Just saying!  Jason Husband had a higher score than either of them!  Go Jason!

Wow, we had a major wind storm at the house last night.  Pecan limbs are on the ground everywhere!  And I do mean everywhere!  Wow!

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

Today’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 11:1-29

Tuesday, May 30 – 2 Chronicles 10-12; John 11:30-57

Wednesday, May 31 – 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26

Thursday, June 1 – 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Friday, June 2 – 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20

Saturday, June 3 – 2 Chronicles 19-20; John 13:21-38

Sunday, June 4 – 2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14

This entry is late and will be short and sweet.

First, thank God for the military personnel from the US Armed Forces who have given their lives in service to protect freedoms.  Do not forget those sacrifices today as you go about your various activities.

Kenny Cooper is gone until early August serving in the Chick-fil-A Winshape camps.  He can receive cards and letters.  If you want to send him one at his first camp then you probably need to mail it by this Wednesday, May 31.  Here is the address:  Kenny Cooper  220 Masonic Street  Dyersberg, TN 38024.

Visited Becky Sellers yesterday afternoon.  No significant change but happy to be home.  If you want to help with a meal then please contact Katelyn Johnson either on FB or by calling 251 423 2018.  I appreciate the help Marisa Felps has been to this family over the past few months and especially this past weekend.

Our bowling fellowship went well.  Special thanks to Carl Ray Moulds for driving the bus.

Praise the Lord for a salvation decision in our evening service.  God is faithful to give the increase.

I have concluded that Memorial Day Sunday may be the biggest holiday of the entire year.  Wow, we had like six million folks out of town.  We had some folks who stayed in town but they opted to stay at home and not attend the services.  We had some who attended Sunday School but opted to miss the services.  However, we had a pretty good group who opted to attend the services and Sunday School and for that group I am very, very thankful.

VBS is the next thing up.  Jason Husband and I are ready!

The church office is closed today but I am available, if needed in an emergency situation.  I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 2 Chronicles 1-3; John 10:1-23

Visited Becky Sellers fairly early yesterday morning.  No significant change at that point and I spoke to Dave around 10:15PM last night and he said things were basically status quo.  Since Becky is now under hospice care, she wants to go home and Dave is going to honor her request.  So, it is very possible that either today or tomorrow she will be coming home.  I write this just in case someone wants to visit them in the hospital today – probably should check first as they could be discharged.

I plan to visit with Dave & Becky tomorrow morning fairly early as I make my way to Pell City for Rusty & Anna’s wedding ceremony.   I decided to stay in Grand Bay just in case and Rusty & Anna gave me their blessing to miss the rehearsal.  Nice gesture on their part.

I think we should coordinate meals for Dave & Brittany plus other family members once they are home.  Who wants to organize/coordinate this so we are not unbalanced (i.e. too much food one day and not enough the next) in this effort?

One more thing regarding Dave & Becky – at this point their door is open to any, and all, guests.  Such nice people!

Spoke with Caleb Watson yesterday afternoon about his dad, Tommy Watson.  Tommy is better.  They are now thinking he will be moved to a local facility probably mid-week next week.

Had a nice visit with Miss Ica Walley yesterday afternoon along with her daughters Betty & Sue.  Miss Ica is thankful for the prayer support and wants us to pray that she can get back in church soon.  Is that not incredible?  The lady loves the Lord Jesus and loves her church.

Received a call from a really good sibling in the Lord earlier this week.  Facing some uncertainty regarding a medical issue.  Concerned and asking for prayer.  Needs to remain anonymous for the time being but I do ask you to join me in praying.

Bro. Benny & the bus workers meet this morning at 8:30AM and will then go into the community visiting folks inviting them to ride the buses to Sunday School and church tomorrow.  Pray for this ministry.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.  As I wrote yesterday, I have plans to be in the pulpit for all three services tomorrow.  Hope those in town will join me in our services.

Bowling fellowship for the entire Friendship family tomorrow night.  Cost is only five dollars per person with a maximum of twenty dollars per immediate family.  Families will have the lanes from 8:00 – 10:00PM and then the students will take over from 10:00PM until midnight.  Students are welcome to join their families but that would not be so cool – LOL!

I did make it to the Due South Bar-b-que restaurant this week.  Did I receive the pastor’s discount?  Hello!  Actually, one member of the Friendship family who was in there pulled the old tried and true “I forgot my purse” and stuck me with her ticket too!  I will not identify her but do ask that you pray for Grant!  Plus, Elizabeth Westbrook basically harassed me the entire meal!  Just saying!

Here is my menu question for DSB – you get slaw on a large sandwich but not on a small one.  What is up with that?  At Big Bob Gibson’s you get slaw on any sandwich regardless of the size.  Plus, Big Bob has amazing white sauce!  Just saying!

I mentioned Caleb earlier in this entry which leads me to the question – does Bo even work any more?  She is never in the store when I go in needing assistance.  Does not have delivery service either!  Come on Bo!

Pray for me as I travel to Pell City and back today.  Pray for the wedding ceremony.  Pray for one another.

I pray you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 9:24-41

Visited with Becky Sellers in the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  We were able to have a good talk.  She was resting.  Dave sent me a message around 10:00PM saying that Bernard & Rusty had driven down from Pell City and that Becky was very happy to see them. Becky’s brother, Eddie, should be arriving today as he is driving from Montana or one of those Western States.  Becky’s attitude remains amazingly positive.

Mission of Hope tonight at 7:00PM.  Bus leaves at 6:15PM.  Everyone invited.

Regular schedule on Sunday.  We need every member of the Friendship family in town to attend as we will have folks out of town because of the wedding and the holiday weekend.  Bowling fellowship Sunday night.

Coach Eric Collier received an award last night at the USA Mitchell Center.  (Husband of the year or something like that!). I appreciate Eric’s Sunday School teacher, Sonny Bates, and three of his Sunday School class members, Eddie Albritton, Chris Byrd & Billy Teasley, attending that banquet to support Coach Collier.  Alex Byrd and I went for the food!

I was also there to support Courtney Cavin and family as her late father, Coach Calvin Crist, was honored with an award.  Was able to see Calvin’s mother who spent time serving the Lord through the Friendship family when her husband pastored here in the 1950’s.

Lisa and I attended the visitation with the Nelson family yesterday.  Of course, Mr. Nelson is the Uncle of Amy Huhn & Kendall Falana which is why we were there.  What I did not know is that Amy is the cousin of another person I have known for years!  Small world.  I put two and two together yesterday and can now see it in their looks, personalities, et cetera.

I will be visiting with Becky again today and will then turn North at some point tomorrow for the wedding.  Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit for all three services this Sunday.

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

Becky Sellers has been admitted to the hospital and has been placed under hospice care.  The situation is not good.  Pray for Becky, Dave, Brittany, Bernard, Rusty, the rest of the family and the medical folks giving care.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 25-27; John 9:1-23

The visitation with the Melvin Nelson family takes place today from noon until the 2:00PM service time.  Everything at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore.  Pray for the family.

Tommy Watson remains hospitalized.

Visited ever so briefly with Dave & Becky Sellers late yesterday afternoon.  Not sure if Becky is going to be up to traveling to the wedding but you never know.  She is a very strong person.

Kenny Cooper left yesterday heading to serve as a counselor at the camps hosted by Chick-fil-A.  He will be serving in nine different camps and will return home on August 6.  Pray for Kenny as he continues to follow God’s calling on his life.

We were blessed with very good attendance in all of our Bible studies and classes yesterday morning and evening.  I am very thankful to the Lord for this blessing and appreciate those who are faithful to attend.

Tonight, Lord willing, I will attend a banquet at USA that will recognize Coach Eric Collier and Coach Calvin Crist.  Eric is the head football coach at Theodore High School and is very involved in the Friendship family.  Great guy!

Calvin Crist is Courtney Cavin’s father.  He passed from this life and entered Heaven back in November.  I had the privilege of knowing Calvin for many years and played basketball against many, many years ago.  His father served as pastor of the Friendship family back in the 1950’s.  I did not realize any of this until Chris & Courtney came to Friendship.  I was blessed to have a small part in Calvin’s celebration of life service and will be happy to see him remembered/honored tonight.  (I think tonight could be the night when Courtney will pledge her allegiance to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide which would make Calvin so proud!).

I will be traveling tonight heading to Pell City for the wedding which means I cannot work in the garden and yard tomorrow.  So, today will be juggling ministry work with pulling corn, picking beans and mowing grass.  It is all good!  Soy will give me an assist with the grass and hopefully I can find his twin to do likewise.

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

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10

T0day’s Bible reading – 1 Chronicles 22-24; John 8:28-59

“You did not blog today” is the comment I heard more than once yesterday.  Just for the record, I was aware of that fact – LOL!  I did learn that our youngest daughter, Gina, reads the blog which puts us at fourteen readers now – an all time high!  I am thinking we are now around the top two or three billion blog readerships in the world.

Tommy Watson remains in a Louisiana hospital.  He had to be put back on the breathing machine due to some low blood pressure issues.  I hope my source can get me another update today.

Becky Sellers remains at home and is fully determined that she will be attending Rusty & Anna’s wedding in Pell City this Saturday.  The girl is amazing!  What a awesome attitude!

Phil Sims remains at home and is now doing good.  Keep praying for Phil.

Charles Clark is doing good in his recovery.  Hopes to be full speed ahead very soon.

The funeral service for Keith Young takes place the morning in Georgia.  Pray for his wife and family as they go through this time.

The funeral service for Melvin Nelson, uncle of Amy Huhn & Kendall Falana, will take place tomorrow, 5/25, at 2:00PM from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home.  It will be preceded by two hours of visitation with the family.  Pray for the Nelson family.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  The 7:30PM Bible study fare will be poppy seed chicken with all of the trimmings.  This is in honor of Zach Huhn being back with us!

Our TNBA has exploded numerically as we had twenty six guys present last night.  I am not going to name the only guy who did not suffer defeat at all last night – just saying!  The competition has gotten stiffer which has caused Bradley Phillips and Johnny Five to stay away.

Looking forward to a large number of the Friendship family  joining us for bowling this Sunday night, 5/28, in Gautier.  Once again, Tim & Peggy Knighten will be hosting a “feeding” at their house since they live just around the corner.  Contact them for the details!  LOL!

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

Keith Young age 53 of Tucker, GA; formerly of Snellville, GA; passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017. He was born on August 10, 1963, a 1981 Graduate of South Gwinnett High School, Keith was employed with Home Depot for 18 years, and a member of First Baptist Church Tucker. He was preceded in death by his Father Allen Keith Young, Sister  Dianah Lynn Young, and Brother Ronald Allen Young. He is survived by Wife; Alison Smith Young of Tucker, GA, Mother; Wanda Welch Young of Snellville, GA, Brother & Sister In Law; Gordon & Jackie Young, Niece; Caroline Young, Nephew; Cooper-Young all of Oak Hill, VA,  Aunt: Mary Stewart of Cumming, GA. And many special friends in Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL including Pastor Jerald Hovel and Jerry & Gloria Whitmore. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 9:30 am at Snellville United Methodist Church with Dr. Jim Cantrell officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens. Arrangements by Byrd and Flanigan Crematory & Funeral Service Lawrenceville, GA. (770)962-2200 ByrdandFlanigan.com