Greene Publishing, Inc.

By Nell Dobbs

TIME…The time to return to Eastern Stand Time is Nov. 6 for us. The wisest man said, “There’s a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Time is fleeting like the falling of a leaf. Time lost can never be regained. Earth changes. Seasons come. Seedtime and harvest. Day and night. God’s love for us never changes. It is not His will that any should be lost.

In our Sunday School lesson, we were reminded that every person has at least one gift; that people have different gifts and that these gifts are to be used to build up the church and please God. We are to rejoice and be kind and giving and loving and merciful and tenderhearted and not think too highly of ourselves.

We were truly blessed to again have Three Bridges in concert in morning service. They sang and gave a message and an invitation and God touched hearts and brought Caleb Ginn to come into church. We pray for him and his family and others who came forward. We welcomed our many visitors.

Then we enjoyed a wonderful meal in Fellowship Hall. No night service.

SAM meeting was Nov. 2 with Nita Fico being as guest speaker.

On Nov. 22, Evelyn and Sam Lamb and son Dean got home from Wisconsin for the winter and we are always so blessed when they come home!

A Harvest Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, noon-3 p.m. then on Sunday, Nov. 13, we are inviting God’s blessings upon us as we invite others to come to Sunday School and church with us and bring canned goods to help in need. Also to give a special “Harvest Day” offering.

There are many ill ones and sad ones among us and we lift them up in prayer.

On Monday, as I was taking Lil Jesus to school, a big deer dashed across the road and hit the right front of the car but not much damage and we weren’t hurt so we are very thankful!

Psalm 32:6a: “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be heard.” Amen. Let us all be diligent in praying.

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Midway Church of God will host its annual Fall Fiesta on Friday evening, Oct. 28, beginning at 6 p.m.

People of all ages are invited to go out and enjoy food, fun and fellowship. The fun will include games and a hayride. The evening will end with trunk and treat where youngsters visit each church members’ cars and receives candy.

Come as you are dressed in your regular clothes or dress as a cowboy, hobo or as someone from south of the border.

Go out to Midway Church of God and enjoy this safe alternative to Halloween.

Midway Church of God is located at 2485 SE Midway Church Road, just off County Road 255, south of Interstate 10, Lee exit, or off Highway 53, south of Interstate 10, Madison exit.

By Nell Dobbs

“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be!” But in order to get there, we must follow God’s plan for our lives. We are to pray for others; tell others about Him (another chance to talk about our dad singing us to sleep about the Little Gypsy Boy (“Tell it again, tell it again till none can say of the children of men, Nobody ever the story has told”); send others to tell about Him…if we cannot go; for God’s plan is for everyone to know Him.

Jim and Beth (Carey) are excited again about the birth of their second granddaughter, Emma Michelle, born to Jonathan and Ashley on Sunday, the 23rd. Geoff Hill led singing in night service in order for Jim and Beth to go see them. Archie and Patsy Davis were so happy to see their Lonnie and Robbin of Hickory, N.C., and their little Bethany Faith (born Aug. 5) and so were all of us. In our family, we have had three great-nephews born since July 1. Lil Michael of Dallas, Ga., Lil Daniel of King George, Va. (Oct.14) and Lil Trevor of Kingsport, Tenn. (Oct. 18). We pray earnestly for all newborns.

Judy Phillips gave a demonstration of items to that could be included in the Christmas shoeboxes and said all 100 boxes have been taken. In a film clip, we saw the excitement of children from different countries as they opened the boxes. We pray for each child that somehow he/she will feel God’s love and the love of others.

In night service, Preacher Law gave us important messages from James – his favorite book of the Bible, saying chapter 5, verse 14, was carried out in morning service as Charlie Wynn desired to be prayed for God’s Will healthwise in his life. We pray also for Roger and Kathy McCollum and we give thanks he was able to come home from South Georgia Saturday night and will pray for recovery for him in the days ahead. We also pray for all other ill ones and all of us for we all stand in the need of prayer.

The service last Wednesday for Simon Kinsey was fitting as his grandson, Shannon, and his granddaughter, Kelly, and his preacher all said his answer was always the same when asked how he was: “Better than I deserve.” Prayers of comfort for his family and friends and for all other sad ones.

Billy Washington and four of the 14 AWANA youngsters told us about their purpose and Scriptures learned and sung – presented really well and touching. Bless all of them and all of us.

Brett Frakes prayed earnestly for the offering. Worship Choir’s special was “Ancient Words,” part read by Bill Brown, part sung by David Fries, then all the choir sang.

Preacher’s morning message was from Luke 7:1-10 about Jesus marveling or being amazed at the faith of the certain centurion – so much so that He said to the people who followed Him, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” The centurion had heard of Jesus and sent to the elders of the Jews, asking Jesus to come and heal his servant. The Jews said the centurion was worthy because he loved their nation and had built them a synagogue. Jesus was going and was not far from the house when the centurion sent word to Jesus not to come for he was not worthy, but just to say the word! The servant was then healed!

We rejoice that Lil Mitch Rutherford was to join the church, saying he’d been saved and welcomed him and will pray for him and his family.

Reports were how great “The Fields of Faith” event was and that Cammie Frakes was one of them giving testimony of her faith. Amen for her and for all others who are not ashamed of Jesus.

Great homecoming at Pine Grove Sunday. Message by their preacher, Timmy Dykes. Gene and Geraldine Stokes were honored for their many years of service in many areas as they served the Lord and prayers of thanks for their lives and for Gene’s improved health.

Let us pray for the request from Octavious Tookes to attend the meeting Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m.-noon for the Safe School/Anti-Bullying Rally at Lake Frances.

The Three Bridges will be in concert Sunday, Oct. 30, for morning service. Lunch will follow and the meal will follow in the Fellowship Hall. No night church.

Let us rejoice in each day God gives us and be glad in it. Amen!

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Midway Baptist Church will host a gospel sing featuring the New Day Quartet, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.

There will be a dinner prior to the sing, beginning at 6 p.m.

Midway Baptist is located on SE Midway Church Road, just off Highway 53 South, south of Interstate 10, Madison exit.

Everyone is welcome. There is no admission charge for the sing. A love offering will be taken for the New Day Quartet.

Submitted by Debra Brown

Pinetta United Methodist Church

Come and join us on Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the church. Rev. Bo Sim will be the guest speaker. There will be a dinner following the service. Former members and the public are invited.

Pinetta United Methodist Church began in 1886 with services in the Washington School House. The original name was Bethel Church and it was located two miles west of Pinetta. The congregation moved to Pinetta in 1905 and became the Pinetta Methodist Episcopal Church South.

In 1936, the State Road Department moved the church to make way for a new highway. This was a more desirable location because the church now faced the new highway.

In the early 1960s, a building fund was started and the present church building was dedicated in 1964.

By Nell Dobbs

Psalm 8:4: “What is man that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visiteth him?”

Verse 1 of “The Christian Life”“

Rise up, o Man of God; Have done with lesser things; Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings.”

Men of Great Faith – and prayers for “The Gentle Giant,” Mike Woods and family – for the family of Mr. Troy Rhoades whom Preacher Reynolds of Macedonia called “God’s Man” because he was always ready to see and meet needs of all kinds anywhere, any time, for anyone – for the family of Mr. Simon Kinsey, likewise “God’s Man” of great faith, of his love for his church – Lee Baptist, of his praying for everyone. Marjell and I stopped to speak to him in front of their house and, as we drove off, he called to us to stop; he’d forgotten to pray for us. He always answered when asked how he was, “Better than I deserve.” For all the men of our church – the old, the young and all in between – we could name them one by one – for all good men everywhere.

Morning church was great as we began by singing “Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus” and “No Greater Love.” Then we were truly blessed as Justin Davis sang “The Lily of the Valley,” seated, surrounded by the Children 1 and Children 2 Sunday School Class Choir, and as they sang “The Books of the Bible” and “Everybody Ought to Know.” Teachers are Martha Beggs, who pinned on Brooke Joiner a 10-year perfect attendance pin. Bless her as her mother, Leslie, and grandmother, Liz Sullivan, were present and thanks for their faithfulness in getting her to Sunday School), Martha Register and Amy Kendrick.

Doug Finney prayed a touching prayer for offertory and Lynn and Orchestra played “Shout to the Lord.” Jim talked about their special “Use Me” with Shellie Smith and David Fries singing special parts.

The Laws were back and his message was about “The Lord’s Supper.” Who? Where? When? Why? What Way? Jesus said, “As oft as you do it, do it in remembrance of me!” What a price He paid! How much God loved us to give His most precious Gift – the Gift of His Son – the Only Son!

We are thankful for all newborns – boys or girls or boys and girls.

Reports of the blessings of the Fields of Faith last Wednesday night and the testimonies of some young people – of Cammie Frakes of our church. Bless her and all young people and help them live acceptable lives all their lives because only the things done for Christ will last.

Remember to pack Christmas shoeboxes.

“The Three Bridges” will perform in morning service Oct. 30 and afterwards, we’ll have lunch at church.  Come and share.

Founder’s Day Saturday at Hickory Grove was big and good! We were very happy Nita and Berk were home to share with us.

Blessings on Mrs. Rachel Reichmann these days past her 100th wonderful birthday celebration even though she didn’t run a certain race as 100-year-old Fauja Singh did!

Remember to always have an attitude of gratitude as we say thanks to God and to others. Amen! I also want to say thanks for a little boy (Lil Jess) as anxious to go to school Monday he got down the steps before he realized he’d forgotten to put his shoes on! We laughed about that!

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Bob Laidlaw, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Madison, and his wife, Traci, will host an informational meeting about an upcoming trip to Israel.

Anyone who is interested in going on the excursion is asked to meet with the Laidlaws on Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., at First UMC.

The trip will be a 10-day Biblical discovery journey and will depart from Tallahassee or Jacksonville on Feb. 13, 2012.

There will be a minimum $2,996 cost associated with the trip.

By Nell Dobbs

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable.” And in Romans 6:8: “Now, if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall also live with Him.”

Our second song was “Friend of God” and it said, “Is it true you are thinking of me? I am a friend of God. He calls me friend.” Another song is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Abraham was a friend of God and Jesus said if we love Him and serve Him, we are His friends.

Al Drummond prayed a touching offertory prayer. Lynne played so beautifully “The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweeter He Grows.” Mrs. Audrey Woods’ favorite song. Worship Choir sang, “Preach the Word” with David Fries singing special parts.

Preacher Hicks, with his usual wit, told of a preacher only preaching a short sermon, saying his dog had eaten the rest of it and some saying, “Give me one of his puppies.” He spoke from Matthew 16:13-17, asking His disciples: “Whom do men say I the Son of Man am?” He asks us the same question and we should answer “More about Him would I know, More of His love to others show.”

I wish everyone could hear his messages – God’s messages. He said of the 600 People Groups in the world, many have still not heard. There is a mission for each of us and no matter our status, we are to “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.” He told of Preacher Criswell asking the believers of his church, the largest in Dallas, to stand, then sit. A man – a truck driver in those clothes, remained standing and Preacher asked if he had a word to say. yes. He told he’d been saved three weeks before and was full of joy and wanted to come to church on his way to California from Ohio. He had lived there in Dallas 18 years and not one person had ever talked to him about Jesus. As I’ve often written, our dad used to sing us to sleep about a little gypsy boy, who said, “Tell it again, tell it again, till none can say of the children of men, no one ever the story has told. Tell it again, tell it again.” And may we do that.

Prayers have been prayed for the huge “Fields of Faith” meeting at MCHS Boot Hill on Oct. 12.

Prayers for those filling Christmas shoeboxes and for those receiving the boxes wherever they are! Amen!

Founder’s Day will be at Hickory Grove on Saturday, Oct. 15, and it will also be the 100th birthday celebration for Mrs. Rachel Reichman at her home from 2-5 p.m. Earnest prayers for her, her family, and all of us whose lives she has touched.

Prayers for sad ones who’ve lost loved ones – the family of Mr. Troy Rhoades in his sudden death.

Prayers for all the many, many very ill ones – for our niece, Judy Lundell of Gainesville in an automobile accident last Monday in Jacksonville with prayers of thanks that she wasn’t hurt worse; Geneva Massey and Dorothy Hubble and their brother, Calvin Eddins and nephew Wayne; the Sweats; for Vernon Howard being in church and for having been able to do much preaching; Lily Grace Premorel in TMH by Dollie and Beth and Ed Meggs; and all others on our prayer list and even those we don’t know about.

Coming home from morning church on the radio, I heard about a chaplain in Tampa telling about his ministry to prisoners and this one with cold eyes – until one day he changed and said, “One Touch from the King!” He was on his way to Raiford to spend the rest of his life there with no chance of parole. Marjell’s dad and many of his nine brothers were guards there, but Marjell could not bear to see the anguish, so chose not to follow that life. Jesus mentioned visiting in prison. May they all somehow be touched and changed!

Amen!

Pastor Gillaume, a missionary to Haiti, will arrive in Madison on Friday, Oct. 7, at 1 p.m. to pick up donations from Genesis Missionary Baptist Church and the Madison County community.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, Genesis Missionary Baptist Church will hold a meet and greet for Pastor Guillaume and the mission group. The group will present displays and chat with the community. The meet and greet will be held from 1-4 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, a worship service and dedication service for the Haiti mission will be held at Genesis Missionary Baptist Church.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Haiti mission may make checks payable to Evangelical Mission.

Genesis Missionary Baptist Church is located on the Colin Kelly Highway in Madison, just north of town.
Everyone is welcomed to attend any of these services. Haitian missionaries would like all Haitians in the surrounding counties to meet them at Genesis Missionary Baptist Church this weekend.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Calling all givers! It’s time again to begin getting ready for the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box collection. This operation is open to all churches in the Middle Florida Baptist Association, other local churches and even civic organizations that are not affiliated with a church
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Operation Christmas Child will last until the week of November 14-21. This is the national collection week for all boxes. This is when the boxes will be prepared to ship and then shipped to the Middle Florida Baptist Association to be sent to their final destinations.

The boxes must be labeled for either a boy or a girl, and the gifts inside must be age appropriate. School supplies are always nice, such as pencils, crayons and coloring pencils. Dolls are great gifts for little girls and small sports toys are great for little boys.

For more ideas on items to include in your box, to download a label for your box, or to order a box, visit their website at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/.

Those in the Middle Florida Baptist Association will gather their boxes at the quarterly Woman’s Missionary Union Rally on Tuesday, November 15 at Hopewell Baptist Church.

By Nell Dobbs
What a blessing to think about all the special items to fill a Christmas shoebox to reach our goal of 100 and to imagine the joy of each boy or girl who receives one wherever he or she is in the world.

Thanks to all who contributed to and prayed for the Maguire State Mission Work as we exceeded our goal of $1,000.

Prayers for Mrs. Rachel Reichman as an invitation is extended to all to come and share in celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 2-4 p.m. at her home. How she has been blessed as she blesses others and has such a special place in so many hearts. Our Nita claimed Kirby and her as her wonderful grandparents. Nell and they even went to Norfolk for Nita’s wedding on June 30, 1990. Happy 100th, dear one!

Prayers for the family of Jim Newberry; the family of Mrs. McHargue; and the family of Gerald Haynes; and all other families who are sad.

Preacher Manning Hicks, with his usual wit and humor, caused us to have merry hearts, which is better from that of medicine. Really, his message was from Luke 19 about a very short man, Zaccheus, who wanted to see Jesus. The way was created as he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. (Preacher said this was the only instance when Jesus was looked down upon).) When Jesus was passing, He called his name and told him to come down, for He was going to go to his house. We’d sing about him, and Marjell would change it to “You come down for I’m going to your house for tea!” He knew his name, called him by name, and will give him a new name in Heaven. He’ll do the same for us if we ask Him to – for He wants to. Sad that in today’s world, one’s identity can be stolen and caused damage. Zaccheus wanted to right his wrong and even restore four times what he’d taken.

A special friend to all of us Agners was Dr. William Harrington of Gainesville and Scotland, who came and caused Barbara Memorial Church of the Nazarene to come into being over 50 years ago. He was a short man and said he expected to gain stature in Heaven. How he could preach and touch our hearts. Another small man was Dr. John G. McCall, who could stir hearts. His family and he always came to church when they came home and what prayers he prayed and what messages he preached! Preacher Hicks was saved under him at Midway Baptist when he was young!

When we hear great messages, we wish everyone could hear them.

Pray for the many ill ones – Geneva Massey and their brother, Calvin Eddins; Mrs. Pearlie Thompson; Al Spurlock and what lies ahead for him; for Mike Woods for a miracle for him (for them); and for Charlie Wynn.

Beautiful fall flowers were provided by Sue Quick and family in “loving memory of Charlie Quick!” A busy and wonderful weekend.

Come-Back-to-Raiford-Day Saturday, Marjell’s favorite time! Sara Dene and Rhett came home and Lil Jess and they and I went and were blessed. The boys heard a donkey and then saw him, a white one (I’m still talking about DONKEYS). Raiford is a special place for me, too, as I began teaching there in 1952 – sixth grade – had his niece, Barbara but didn’t meet Marjell till two years later.

Then Sunday, at 1 p.m., lots of us Agners and Pulliams met at Jan’s and Sam’s Music Hall and enjoyed talking, eating, remembering. Thanks to all involved!

May our lives reveal that “Jesus has touched us and made me whole.” Amen!

The Churchmen, a bluegrass gospel group, will appear in concert at Sirmans Baptist Church, 168 Sirmans Church Road, Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

The Churchmen have been recognized by the popular web based radio dedicated to Bluegrass Gospel Music 24 hours a day. The web site named them as the 2008 Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year and their latest release “I’ll be Long Gone” as Album of the Year. The Churchmen record for Pinecastle records and their latest release is the 3rd project since joining with Pinecastle. The CD was released in mid-summer to radio with the retail release on November 4, 2008. Highlighted on the album is the song writing talents and voice of David Guthrie, who joined the group January of 2007 and fiddle veteran Tim Smith joining September 2007.

The Churchmen are closing in on twenty years of performing and recording bluegrass gospel music.

By Nell Dobbs

Songs…”Why Do I Sing About Jesus?” “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “God is Good All the Time.” “Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus.” “Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go.” “We’re Marching to Zion.”

Indeed, we are pilgrims in this land and are looking for that City to be with Jesus and all who love Him. We are to rejoice and be glad and sing hymns and songs.

We do not want to follow Jesus afar off; we do not want to deny Him; we do not want to fail to tell of His love, mercy and grace; we do not want to miss Heaven.

Death comes. We pray comfort for our Preacher and Diana in the death of her mother, Mrs. Connie Alvis; and all their family. Marjell always said when you lose your mother, you lost your best friend. He lost his at 62; we lost mine at 88, minus 10 days.

Pray comfort, too, for Eunice (Strickland) Rowell in the death of her only son, Mike, leaving five children; the family of Gerald Haynes in his sudden death (he was indeed a special person and his widow a very special nurse – both friends!); for the family of our friend and neighbor, Jim Newberry. He always cared about everybody.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches!” Proverbs 22:1 Thinking of great women named Geneva: Geneva Bowman, now of Harmony Baptist, wife of Preacher Bob of Pine Grove (long ago); Geneva (Pulliam) Harris, a neighbor and a longtime friend with a lovely family, now in Madison Nursing Home; Geneva Massey of our church, not feeling well at all and asking us to remember her family and her in prayers.

Remember what our hand finds to do, do it with our might, for we shall not pass this way again.

From Archie Strickland as he spoke at Hanson Methodist Church on Sept. 14, 2005:

“If you are planning for a year, sow rice,

If you are planning for a decade, plant trees,

If you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”

And a Chinese proverb: “If you are planning for death, make sure you accept Jesus in order to live with Him forever.”

Jim is issuing an invitation to join the choir, especially to prepare for the Christmas cantata.

Sunday, Oct. 1, is Sunday School Promotion Sunday and an invitation is made by our new director, Kathy McCollum, to come join a class. We pray for her. She left our Dorcas/Mary Martha Class to do that. We give thanks for her being a very Bible-learned teacher. Before her, Debbie Bass was also a wonderful, giving teacher; and now, Teresa Gallegos led of the Lord to be our teacher. She is teaching for the first time and we’ll all be blessed by her. Thanks to all in every position who love the Lord and give so much of themselves to lead and labor. Thankful Iduma Smith joined us for Sunday School Sunday.

Begin filling Christmas shoeboxes.

There’s nothing like newborn babies. Martha and Jimmy Register rejoice over Luke Grant, born to Christy and Carter Grant on Sept. 14, weighing six pounds, four ounces.

We are very, very thankful for all who worship with us.

Prayers continue for Mike and Tori Woods; W.C. and Frances Copeland; Estelle and George Osborne;  Jimmy Roebuck and his daughter, Teresa; Janet and Jeff Bailey; Catherine Maultsby and all those who gave blood; and the many, many other ill ones.

Lord, please help us love You and serve You as we need to – as we love others. Amen.

Submitted by Steve McHargue

FCA Director

Students from Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton, Taylor, Suwannee, Lafayette, and Dixie County schools  will be joining thousands of other youth on athletic fields all across America on Wednesday, October 12,  to share their Christian faith with fellow students during the sixth annual national Fields of Faith event. This rapidly-growing, interdenominational outreach event will be held at more than 475 locations throughout the nation on this same date.

While many Christian rallies are anchored to an entertainer or professional speaker that creates a spectator event, Fields of Faith is structured as a student-to-student ministry movement. Peers invite their own classmates and teammates to meet on their school’s athletic field to hear fellow students share their testimonies, challenge them to read the Bible and to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

I love this event! When I first heard about Fields of Faith at our national staff training I knew immediately this would work in our North Florida area. (Steve McHargue area FCA representative.)

This will be the second Fields of Faith event for our North Florida schools.  Last year, approximately 2,550 students and supporters attended in these seven counties.

The national growth of Fields of Faith has been remarkable. Since the beginning of Fields of Faith in 2004, over half a million students have joined in the movement. In 2010 alone, more than 150,000 students gathered on 475 fields across 40 states to participate in the event.

It’s not just those numbers that have FCA organizers excited about Fields of Faith. It’s the real-life impact that these gatherings are having on young people. Last year’s series of events saw 3,568 students make first-time faith commitments to follow Jesus Christ, 5,290 recommitted their life to Christ and 12,786 committed to reading the Bible daily.

“The impact of Fields of Faith has been incredible in just these past few years,” said Les Steckel, FCA president and former veteran NFL coach. “It’s all about young people in these communities coming together on their school’s athletic field and challenging each other to go back to the fundamentals of reading God’s Word and coming to faith in Jesus Christ.”

The impetus for Fields of Faith began with Jeff Martin, an FCA staff person, who conceived the idea from an Old Testament reference in 2 Chronicles 34 after searching how to help today’s generation of students face spiritual battles and temptations. In the scripture, King Josiah, an influential teenager very similar to Fields of Faith attendees today, gathered his people and challenged them to read the Bible. As a result, they changed their culture.

In 2004, the Josiah-influenced dream came true when 6,000 students gathered on school athletic fields throughout three states for the first Fields of Faith event. That was the beginning of what has become one of the most significant faith-related gathering of students in a single day.

“Fields of Faith challenges this generation to be committed to reading the Bible and living a transformed life for Jesus Christ,” said Martin. “It’s students challenging students, peers challenging peers and that’s the heart and soul of Fields of Faith. We are seeing entire communities changed because of Fields of Faith.”

While Fields of Faith has its roots with FCA leadership, the event is designed to include multiple national Christian organizations, local churches and ministries. A local leadership team will determine the program of each Fields of Faith event.

More information about Fields of Faith is available at Fields ofFaith.com. To learn more about the event in your area, contact Steve McHargue 850-464-0325 or smchargue@fca.org

By Nell Dobbs

God’s love is amazing and unending. “Morning by morning new mercies I see.” And morning by morning, we ask to be led to someone in need.

Preacher Law’s message was about the answer to the question, “Well, then, who is my neighbor?” Jesus told about the Good Samaritan who saw a need and met that need when two others (religious leaders) passed by on the other side, saw the need, failed to meet the need.

Sad, one of Mother’s favorite songs was “Others” (though she never sang) – the chorus: “Others, Lord, yes, others, Let this my motto be, Help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee.”

Hard to believe that even in our area there are those who only have one meal a day. May God help us who love Him find them and feed them and since Jesus said that’s how we serve Him – while being aware Jesus said we’d have the poor with us always. Imagine 40 days with no water, no food! We are to feed on God’s Word.

There are many other hurts in the world – those with one parent; those with no parents; those in bondage of any kind – evil leaders, evil doers; those in jails and prisons with no hopes of ever getting out – just think of being in isolation 23 hours a day, alone in the dark. Jesus said He was in prison and no one visited Him. Bless all who minister in this area.

What great music we have! Worship Choir sang a new “At the Cross” with Willa Branham reading the touching words, “I know You love me.”

Billy Washington gave the offertory prayer.

Our class shared concern for Jimmy and Princess Roebuck and Teresa and pray for strength and healing and wisdom. There are others in sad situations who need prayer, love, support from those who love the Lord and then.

How blessed our whole church is for the family of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ragans – for them and all theirs down to the third and fourth generations. Beautiful flowers were played in memory of Mr. Ragans and in honor of Caleb’s birthday on the 15th by Paula and Tim Ginn. Continued blessings in all their family every days in all their needs.

It’s strange how things come about – talking about donkeys. Sunday night, Frances (Copeland) called and in talking, she said they’d been to see her mother, Mrs. Stewart (now 100) and the donkey they’d gotten her (named Gabriel) and how exciting that was. When we go to our brother Jimmie’s and Bonnie’s in Tennessee to make apple butter in October, we hear their neighbor’s donkey braying. Jimmy (Dixon) will bray so the donkey will keep braying. Our sister Nancy’s (gone since 1993) oldest, Teddy Lee, lives in Texas and he wanted to come to their land down from us and plant to make hay for the donkey someone gave his wife, Babbie and the baby colt, but after figuring the cost (about $20,000) and time he bought a truck, traxtor, gas, etc., they’d just buy hay out there at a great cost.

Then there’s the story of the donkey who got mad at the man riding him and asked why he was being beaten cause there was an angel in the road.

We think of Mary riding to Bethlehem. We think of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on one. Hilda helped me find other references and she also said donkeys are kept in our area to keep coyotes away from farm animals. They can be stubborn!

Many are sad. Many are ill! And all of us stand in the need of prayer.

From “Guide Me, O, Thou Great Jehovah, verse 3: “

When I tread thee verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Bear me thru the swelling current, Lead me safe to Jordan’s side; Songs of praises I will give to thee…”

Amen!

The lineup has been set for the 2011 Gospel Music Spectacular, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Madison. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

This year’s lineup will feature one of the classic quartets, the Dixie Echoes. Celebrating over 50 years of gospel music, the group continues to have success performing the music in an old fashion way, just four voices, two mics and a piano.

One of the youngest groups around, LifeSong will take the stage during the evening. LifeSong will perform songs off their latest project, as well as gospel classics. The group is comprised of Ethan Brooks (baritone), Bryant Thigpen (lead) and Jessica Ratliff (alto).

Back by popular demand, Heaven Sound will make their way back to the platform in Madison. Heaven Sound performs with a three piece band, which is a crowd favorite. The group is made up of Snoopy Stanley, Trish and Trampus McCoy, Tracie Pritchett, Cindy Musgrove and Janet Carter.

For more information, please call (850) 464-0114.