Pastor's Blog

Ella A. Smith (Byrd) Sheffield received a special invitation and was welcomed to Jesus banquet table with open arms at the age of 86, she was born on January 10, 1931 and on November 23, 2017 she went to Jesus. She was a consummate mother, homemaker, seamstress, and cook; therefore, we are all sure that as soon as she arrived to heaven she started insisting on helping with the cooking and arraignments for dinner. We know this because she always enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, insisting that everyone eat. Everyone knew that her table was never too small, and one more could always be accommodated, even if seated on the white stool at the bar. Ella was also an artist, sharing her gift from God by painting a mural in her church, and she provided special themed works to her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Randara has fond memories of painting with grand-momma during summer visits.

Ella had an unwavering faith in God, she was a member of Forts Lake Assembly of God for many years. Ella was very involved with the church and assisted in numerous out-reach activities sponsored by the church, such as preparing food boxes for those in need after hurricanes, preparing meals for Vacation Bible School, and Missionary guest.

She is survived by her second husband Allen J. (Jack) Sheffield. She was the beloved mother to daughters: Barbara Byrd and Tamara (Byrd) Castleberry (Randall), grandchildren Christopher (Sabrina) Byrd and Randara (Castleberry) Fuller (Frank), great-grandchildren Alex, Lexie, Randy, and Montana. Her second marriage to Jack brought into her family Ernest (Peggy) Sheffield, Wayne (Karen) Sheffield, and Norman (Aura) Sheffield, as well as twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Ella was welcomed to the banquet hall by her parents Wiley and Nellie Smith, two brothers Sam and Roy Smith, her sister Wilda (Bodiford) Brooks, her first husband Robert E. Byrd, as well as three step-children Allen Sheffield, Jr, Paul Sheffield, and Carolyn (Sheffield) Woodworth.

The family also recognizes special friend Helen Pugh, Stanley and Jane Bragg, Jerry and Rita Sessions, her church family at Forts Lake Assembly of God, friends, and neighbors.

The family will receive friends on Monday November 27, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Forts Lake Assembly of God Church located at 12412 Forts Lake Road, Moss Point, MS. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held the following day on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Forts Lake Assembly of God Church followed by interment at Serenity Gardens Cemetery on Old Pascagoula Road in Irvington, Alabama.

Even though Ella also had a love of gardening and flowers, the family request that in lieu of flowers and gifts that the funds be donated to the Forts Lake Assembly of God Church building fund in her honorarium.

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine, and none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord. John 21:12

Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Marjorie H. Sellers, age 94, of Grand Bay, AL, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017, in her home of natural causes. Born, December 17, 1922, in Mississippi. She was a Veteran of WWII, a loving wife, mother, and an amazing grandmother. She enjoyed farming, spending time with family, cooking and helping others. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and lived to serve the Lord and bring others to God. She is survived by her 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren! She was truly loved and bountifully blessed. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017, at Pine Crest Funeral Home and Cemetery. Visitation Services will be held from 11-1 and Memorial Service at 1 pm and burial service will follow.

“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

Amy Switzer’s paternal grandmother passed from this life on Thanksgiving Day.  Her celebration of life service will take place this morning at 11:00AM in Selma, Alabama.  Pray for Amy and family.

The visitation with the Marjorie Sellers family takes place today, 11/27, from 11:30AM until the 1:00PM service time.  Everything will take place from the Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway.  Pray for the Sellers family.

The visitation with the Ella Sheffield (Chris Byrd) family takes place tonight, 11/27, from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Forts Lake Assembly of God Church in Mississippi.  The celebration of life service takes place tomorrow, 11/28, at 10:00AM also at the church.  Pray for the Sheffield family.

Miss Ica Walley took a fall on Saturday and broke her hip.  They did surgery yesterday morning and repaired it.  Not sure what the next step is but do ask that you pray for Miss Ica and family.

We were blessed with a good day in our services yesterday morning and evening.  I continue to be extremely blessed by our Sunday evening attendance week after week.  Thank you Friendship family for being faithful!  What a joy to see the baptismal waters stirred last night as three folks followed Jesus in believer’s baptism.  Certainly a good way to end a day of corporate worship!

No Monday prayer time until January 8, 2018.  Please take note.

GROW ministry tonight at 6:30PM.

I told the church yesterday morning of my Saturday night dream.  It was so life like!  Dreamed Auburn beat Alabama 26 – 14.  Is that crazy or what!  I give my congratulations to the Auburn fans especially those who are family members and friends of mine.   Auburn played well in that game as they have been doing in recent weeks.  As I wrote Saturday, it is just a game but it sure is fun!

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