Pastor's Blog

Just learned that Jimmy Tagert’s mother had another surgery yesterday (?).  It was not what they had suspected but she is now in ICU in a local hospital.  Pray for her and for the family.

“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

This entry, which is the first one of the week, will be short and sweet as my garden is screaming at me (not to mention Lisa’s screaming!) and daybreak is here!

Amy Huhn’s father will be having a heart cath early this morning.  Pray that the doctors can find the source of the problems he has been experiencing.

Greg Boutwell continues to need our prayer support.  Not sure if he is in the hospital or home but regardless he needs our prayers.

Tommy Watson suffered a stroke this past Saturday and hit his head during the subsequent fall.  He was taken to a local hospital and then flown to Louisiana.  I am hearing he could be brought back to a local hospital.  Pray for Tommy’s recovery.

The celebration of life service for Tom Thornton’s mother takes place today in the Birmingham area.  Pray for the family

Sarah Thornton is home and doing well in her recovery from her knee replacement surgery.

Roy Blodgett suffered a heart attack.  He is in a local hospital.  Pray for Roy & Sue.

Brad & Daphne go before the judge in South Korea at some point tonight (Friday morning there).  They are then scheduled to begin the flight home on our Friday night arriving in Mobile Saturday afternoon.  Pray for all to go well.

Need to hear today from anyone planning on participating in the parent/child dedication service.  (Actual deadline was yesterday).  Please call the office between 8:00AM – 12:00PM or 1:00PM – 5:00PM.  We have been having some phone issues (actually internet) so if you cannot get through just send me an e-mail today.  Thank you!

The “Women Walking Worthy” meet tonight in the fellowship hall.  I assume that meeting begins at 6:30PM.  All women invited to attend.

I was very “happy” when I learned on Tuesday that we had passes for entrance into the park on Wednesday too!  I was certain our “happy” ended on Tuesday.  Not so fast my friend!  So, we did the park some and finally were all present and accounted for by 11:30PM last night.

My plan is to use today as a vacation day but am available if Bro. Jerry needs me in view of the folks in the hospital.

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

I posted the daily Bible readings for May in an earlier entry.  If you need them, simply go back to the 5/1 and get them for this week, please.

I have not posted an entry for the past two days.  Why?  Not really sure but I think that I have just been so happy that I have lost focus!

I do not have any updates on those folks for whom we have been praying.  I simply ask that you continue to pray.

I do know that Zach & Charlotte Brown welcomed their second child into the world either last night or early this morning.  Little girl named Norah Ann.  She weighed somewhere less than twenty pounds and was less than forty eight inches long.  (Why is it that we always say how “long” a baby is but we then say how “tall” everyone is?).   Anyway, thanks to deacon TJ Vice for covering this birth for me and congratulations to Zach & Charlotte.  I am “happy” for them!

I will post later about what a wonderful day we had this past Sunday but I did want to say how thrilled I am that Kenny Cooper has answered the call from God to serve in full time vocational ministry.  Not sure exactly what area of ministry but he knows God has placed this calling upon his heart.  Pray for Kenny as he simply seeks to follow God’s will for his life.  I can say that I am indeed “happy” for Kenny!

Brad & Daphne have met their son.  Oddly enough his name is “Happy” and we are in the happiest place on the earth.

Well, the bus is about to leave.  I will post later about the senior adult day, the great job done by our servers, a Nanette story, Faith girls soccer, et cetera.   Time to go be “happy!”

Regular schedule tomorrow with one exception – no 7:30PM Bible study at our house.

I pray that you will have a “happy” 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 – 1 Kings 21-22; Luke 23:26-56

Two families experienced loss yesterday.  First, word came early yesterday morning that Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother passed from this life.  Arrangements pending.

The Suthoff family then received word that Bernard’s maternal aunt had passed away.  This was his mother’s last living sibling.  That service will take place on Monday in Leaksville, MS.

Marisa Felps sent me a message this morning to say that her first cousin in Michigan passed during the night.

So, pray for these families.

Greg Boutwell has been admitted to the hospital again.  Not sure of the details but do ask that you pray for Greg.  He has had such a tough go of it.  However, his faith remains strong.

Ethan’s sister, Shelby, remains in the hospital.  I appreciate Jim Chinners visiting with her yesterday.

As far as I know, Sarah Thornton remains in the hospital too.  As does Tom’s mother in Birmingham.

Men’s breakfast today at 8:00AM.

Soccer today at 8:00AM.

Bus worker’s meeting today at 8:30AM.

Senior adult day in our 10:30AM service tomorrow.  Ronnie Cottingham will be our special guest.  All senior saints are asked to attend the 10:30AM service.

Brad & Daphne arrived safe and sound in South Korea.  We are thankful!

The family and I are in Ocala, FL and are heading toward happy!  We are not happy yet but we are getting close!

Lord willing, I will see the Friendship family in tomorrow’s worship services.

I pray that 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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Kings 19-20; Luke 23:1-25

As I write this entry, I am about to walk over and speak to Brad & Daphne before they head to the airport in order to board a plane heading to South Korea.  Long trip.  Pray for their traveling mercies, please.  Thank you.

The celebration of life service for Oscar’s son, Paul Petersen, takes place today at noon from the More Life UPC.  Keep praying for Oscar and family.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Praise the Lord!

Visited with Sarah Thornton yesterday morning and she was doing good.  She has a pain block that is supposed to work for seventy two hours so she was in no pain at all.  She realizes that will change but her attitude is great.  Pray for her recovery.

Buford Young is in the hospital.  I attempted to visit with him yesterday morning but they were doing a test.  I am not sure the reason for Buford’s hospitalization but do ask that you pray for him.

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, is in a regular hospital room now.  It appears she will be in the hospital for another week to two weeks and then go home to heal.  After she heals some they will begin physical therapy.  Pray for Shelby as she has a long road in front of her.

Rusty Suthoff’s maternal grandmother is “actively dying” per the medical professionals.  Pray for the family as they wait beside her.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother remains in a convalescent facility and is not doing well physically.  Debbie and her family so value the prayer support of others.

Marisa Felps has a cousin, Jana, in Michigan is not doing well physically either.  She is losing weight and is now down to around eighty pounds.  The doctors cannot determine the exact reason why this weight loss is taking place.

Thank you to each person who helped cook, serve, set up, clean up, et cetera for the Irma Hamilton family yesterday.  You did a wonderful job.  Also, thank you to each person who attended the visitation and/or service.

Men’s breakfast in the morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM in the fellowship hall.  All men invited to attend.

Soccer league play tomorrow morning beginning at 8:00AM.

Bus worker’s meeting and visitation tomorrow beginning at 8:30AM.

Lord willing, our entire family will head to the happiest place on earth this afternoon.  I am happy to be with family but not real happy about the place as I am not a big fan of WDW.  Lisa and I will be taking care of Brad & Daphne’s three children in their absence.  I am tired already!  Prayers will be appreciated for our travels too.

Yes, I am leaving today and, yes, Lord willing, I will be in the pulpit this Sunday morning, 5/7.  How is that possible?  Can you say hologram?

I pray that you will have a great Friday 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 – 1 Kings 16-18; Luke 22:47-71

Sarah Thornton’s surgery went well as did her mother-in-law’s.  That is certainly good news.  Tom was very concerned about his mother being able to come through the surgery as she is ninety one years old.

Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, had more surgeries (hand and leg) yesterday.  If things went well, they were going to put her in a regular room.  She is certainly a physically broken up young lady.  Pray for her healing.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother got great news from the doctor on Tuesday as he told them they had gotten all of the cancer while doing surgery.  She is set to be discharged from the hospital today.  She is very grateful for the prayer support.

The visitation with the Irma Hamilton family takes place this morning from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Everything in our church auditorium.  The Friendship family will feed the Hamilton family in our fellowship hall immediately following the graveside service.  Pray for the Hamilton family.

Visitation with the Petersen family tonight from 6:00 – 9:00PM at More Life UPC.  Service tomorrow at noon.  Pray for Oscar and the family.

Brad & Daphne leave in the morning heading to South Korea.  Pray for their safety in travel.

Good day in our services yesterday.  Glory to God!

Men’s breakfast this Saturday morning from 8:00 – 9:00AM.  All men invited to attend this time of food and fellowship.

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

Today’s Bible reading – 1 Kings 14-15; Luke 22:31-46

Sarah Thornton is scheduled to have one of her knees replaced early this morning.  Pray that all goes well.  Her husband, Tom, will be with her at the hospital.  In the meanwhile, Tom’s mother, will be having surgery at the same time in Birmingham.  Pray that surgery goes well too.

I received the following in an e-mail from Ethan Nelson yesterday afternoon regarding his sister, Shelby:

 “So the total is 1-shattered right shin, 1-broke left ankle, 1-cut tendon in the left hand and 2 broke bones in the right hand. She has surgery tomorrow to add a rod to her shin and hopefully put the pins in her hand. If the pins don’t go in her hand then they will do another surgery Thursday. She can’t feel the toes on her right foot, but she can move them.  The doctors are optimistic about her being able to keep her right leg. They said that she has a VERY long recovery ahead of her. We really appreciate the prayers and support from everyone in the church family.”

Obviously, Shelby needs our prayer support as does her family.

Debbie Kendrick’s mother is not doing well.  For the past couple of weeks Debbie has been telling me of her mother’s downward turn physically.  It seems she has more or less given up.  Pray for Debbie’s mother and all those involved.

Jimmy Tagert’s mother remains in the hospital with the possibility of being discharged this week.  I will visit with her today.

Phil Sims continues to be a happy camper at his house on the river!

There is a visitation tonight in Louisiana with the Irma Hamilton family.  Tomorrow, 5/4, there will be another visitation that will take place in our church auditorium from 10:00AM until the noon service time.  Carol Lucky is coordinating the feeding of the Hamilton family after tomorrow’s service.  Big family.  Lots of help needed.  Contact Carol if you can help.  Thank you!

It seems the arrangements have been set for Oscar Petersen’s son but I am going to hold off publishing them until it is definite.

As far as I know, the travelers are doing great.  I do not do social media so I am sure most of our blog readers (that would have to be at least seven since we have thirteen) know more about their adventures than me.  I am good with that.

Regular schedule this morning and evening.  The fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is cold subs.

A call for help from the Friendship family – Maria Wainwright is our custodian.  She will be in Louisiana tonight with her family.  We need help cleaning the auditorium and fellowship hall immediately following tonight’s 6:30PM service.  This is a “calling all hands” type of thing as it should not take long if enough folks help.  What can you bring?  A vacuum cleaner would be sweet.

Brad & Daphne are scheduled to leave this Friday heading to South Korea to meet their son.  Pray that all goes well.  In the meanwhile, Lisa and I will have their other three children so we definitely need prayer support!  LOL!

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

I failed to give an update on Ethan Nelson’s sister, Shelby, in my earlier post today.  Shelby had another surgery done yesterday morning and is scheduled for another one tomorrow.  It is my understanding that even more surgeries will need to take place later.  Obviously, Shelby needs a lot of prayer support.  As do her parents and family.

McKemie Place ministry tonight at 6:00PM.  Interested?  Contact Randall or Rita Broome.  All invited.

“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 – 1 Kings 12-13; Luke 22:1-30

May 3 – 1 Kings 14-15; Luke 22:31-46
May 4 – 1 Kings 16-18; Luke 22:47-71
May 5 – 1 Kings 19-20; Luke 23:1-25
May 6 – 1 Kings 21-22; Luke 23:26-56
May 7 – 2 Kings 1-3; Luke 24:1-35

Phil Sims was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon.  Can you say “happy camper?”

Jimmy Tagert’s mother is now in a regular room and they are talking about possibly discharging her in a couple of days.

Miss Annie Rogers was in ICU when I visited her yesterday.  She was somewhat confused but that (in my vast medical opinion) is because of the medication.  She is 102 and she does not take any medicines except aspirin so the medicines can get her confused.

Sarah Thornton will be having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning.  Her mother-in-law will also be having surgery tomorrow morning.  Sarah will be local while Mrs. Thornton will be in Birmingham.  (I think they are getting a two for one special)

The Petersen family began working on the arrangements yesterday.  I will visit with them today and get an update on those.

Keep praying for Becky Sellers in her battle against cancer.

I posted the arrangements for Maria’s mother in a separate entry yesterday.

The group has arrived safe and sound in Kentucky.  All is well.  Praise the Lord.

Last night was a good night for the Friendship family.  We had an average number of folks come pray (prayer can be a difficult discipline) and then we had nine folks come to go out into our community sharing the Gospel.  I know the Gospel was shared at least three times.  Some folks promised to be in attendance in our services this Sunday.  Good evening of ministry.  Thank you to those who were involved.

Bobby Stork says we got 3.7 inches of rain here on Potter Tract Road on Sunday.  I think he is correct!  Thanks for the update Bobby!

Wow, the Spurs got spanked last night!  I did not watch much of it because it was ugly!  I still think the Lakers will end up winning it all!  Go Lakers!  Go Jerry West!

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