Devotion - Day 1, Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. You are invited to join us at First Presbyterian Church for our Ash Wednesday Service with the imposition of ashes at 6:00pm in the Chapel. Come and worship as we begin the journey of Lent together.

¹⁴“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

Thought for the day: Have you ever wondered how long it took for Jesus and his disciples to get to know each other ~ to form some opinions about each other ~ to become friends to some extent? As their three year “walk to Jerusalem” neared its conclusion, were they friends when they arrived? How long did it take the disciples to get to know each other ~ to become friends?

Many questions arise as we embark on our forty-six day journey to Jerusalem and a cross. In today’s verses, Jesus was trying to help the disciples understand who he really was (more than two years after their journey together had begun). He talked about sheep and their shepherd. He described himself as a “Good Shepherd” who truly knew each one of the sheep in his flock. He suggested that each of those sheep knew who he was, too.

As we begin this Lenten walk, on this first day let’s begin by analyzing our own relationship with Jesus Christ. We rarely find the time needed to accurately describe our relationship with Jesus. Most of us are too busy to explore the relationship, and quite ready to live with what’s worked in the past. To prime your thinking, here are some suggestions that might describe your current relationship to Jesus Christ ~ check those that reflect your thinking, and add your own thoughts through contemplative meditation.

…know him as a key biblical figure

…someone I think about at church

…a name with which I close my prayers

…can’t wait to meet him in heaven some day

…a friend on whom I can count on during this earthly journey

Think carefully about your feelings regarding Jesus as you begin your walk to Jerusalem. Make room for a pause in your busy life to reflect on who you are, and who God is. Also, remind yourself that no matter what your feelings are, Jesus wants you to walk with him, even all the way to the cross.

Prayer: Jesus, on this Lenten walk, help me get to know you better. Amen

Questions for meditation:

1.      What will it take to make more “alive” your relationship with Jesus Christ?

2.      What blessings are yours because of your friendship with Jesus?

Blessings to all,

Spiritual Life Team

Arrangements for Erika Herda

‎Saturday, March 1

1:00 visitation

2:00 memorial service

Our Savior Lutheran Church‎
1074 Dunnavant Valley Rd.
(Off US-280 on Highway 41)

Prayer concerns for 02-26-14

We extend our Christian love and sympathy to Heinz Skolud today.  His Aunt Eirka passed away quietly this morning at 1:43.  She has now entered the nearer presence of her Lord.

Tracy Contorno should be moving to rehab.  Left arm is still not cooperating, worked with left leg and ankle/foot yesterday.  Some of the family took Tracy out of the room in a wheelchair yesterday for her to see where she will be staying at Spain (somewhere between 14 to 20 days).  Sister, Mother and Brian are rotating staying with her at the hospital and when she is moved to rehab, the family can say at night if they prefer.  

Please continue to pray for these family in their times of need.

 

Grace and Peace
Randy Kesler

Prayer concerns for 02-25-14

Please remember Heinz Skolud and family regarding his aunt Erika who is in Brookwood,  she has just been placed in palliative care with her organs shutting down.  Heinz prays that the Lord's will be done, but he also prays that the Doctors take more time with her before doing too far down this path.

Also, here's a note from Charles and Virginia Binney. Please keep Brad in your thoughts and prayers. 

‎Just wanted to ask for your prayers for my son Brad who has been in ICU since Saturday at Princeton. He had minor surgery on Friday and seemed fine. Went home but sometime that night, apparently started hemorrhaging and still is. They have given him 7units of blood and other drugs to try to get his blood to clot. Tonight his color was better and his BP had finally gotten up to the eighties. Today, Tuesday, they have moved him to a room. Praise God!‎ Since he is on blood thinners for his heart valve, they now have to get his blood balanced out which could take a while. We thank you for your prayers.

Grace and Peace

Randy Kesler

Prayer concerns for 02-22-14

Tracy Contorno ‎has been moved within the same unit to a new room, a step down room. She is sitting up in a chair a lot now and this morning, with the aid of a walker, walked 110 steps. All of this is major. She continues to have some issues with her left side, particularly her left arm but doctors assure her the mobility will return but will take time. So please continue praying for her and her family who sweetly care for her. Particularly, ask for her mobility to return. Thanks be to God for his grace toward her and her gracious agreement with His will.

Rev. Randolph ‎‎Kesler
‎‎

Prayer concerns for 02-21-14

We express Christian sympathy to Beverly Wood and family on the death of her sister-in-law, Sandy Benefield, who died in a house fire yesterday.  Please also keep the Benefield family in your prayers.

 

‎‎Tracy Contorno is moving around, though not as fast as she would like‎. She is doing better and will be moved to a private room today.

Prayer concerns for 02-20-14

We have reason for rejoicing  with Ernestine Webb.  We thank the Lord for his goodness.

Now we have other ongoing concerns below:

1.      Tracy Contorno still in ICU, seems to have done fine with the surgery though she has a  little weakness in her left side and face.  Lee remembers that she had this weakness in the original surgery ten years ago.  So our prayer is that she will heal well and that the nodule which was removed will be benign.

2.      We need special ongoing prayers for Ginger Rambin. She has known for some time that she will have to have surgery to place rods in her back to straighten her spine and relieve pressure.  Ginger goes today for many tests and sees her neurologist on March 3.  When this occurs  the surgery is quite difficult.

3.      Nell Hayes is James West's mom. She has cardiac issues and because of recent shortness of breath, is having a stress test Friday.  Please pray for doctors to determine the right course of treatment.

4.      Crickett had some vein surgery related to heart issues Wednesday and is doing well although experiencing some discomfort which should be gone is a few days. This should help the blood flow to her heart.

Thanks for all your prayers for these children of God. 

 

Grace and Peace

Randy Kesler

Prayer concerns for 02-19-14

The surgery for Tracy Contorno was delayed but she is in surgery now.  Please join in covering Tracy, her doctors and nurses, and her family this afternoon in prayers for healing, guidance, strength and thankfulness.

Here's an update on Ernestine Webb's condition - There is no blockage!  The issue, which is still just age related, is that she has a stiffness to her heart that means she just has to give herself a little more time when exerting herself to let her heart catch up to her activity.  So slow down for a second, Ernestine, and take a breath!  Our body is a miraculous machine and we praise God for how he put it all together!

And, it is with a heavy heart that I send word that the cancer had spread to little Misty's liver and the vet said it was a very aggressive form.  Therefore, Suzanne has made the decision to let Misty stay asleep.  Please remember Suzanne in her time of loss. Our pets are here to bring us joy and give us love and Misty did just that.  She was a rescue from Ida Lawrence almost 13 years ago. 

Update on Ernestine Webb

Ernestine's nuclear stress test came back with a passing grade!  She does have a little blockage but the doctor said that was normal for her age and nothing else needs to be done at this time.  Therefore, she is getting sprung from the hospital this afternoon!

 

We are thankful for our blessings!

Love,

Becky

Prayer concerns for 02-13-14

Please remember Ernestine Webb in your prayers.  Having become short of breath today, she went to the emergency room at UABW.  Doctors are keeping her overnight at least so that her cardiologist may check her more thoroughly tomorrow.

Also, Bruce Cornell just received the results from his PSA test following the completion of his radiation and they were 0.0! The previous test was a 14 and the doctors told him to expect the number to go uo or down a little bit but not to worry. What a blessing!

Rev. Randolph Kesler

Sympathy to the Praytor family

Our Christian Sympathy is extended to Thomas and Jean Praytor on the death of their nephew, Dennis Praytor. 

Prayer concerns for 02-04-14

Justin Latta, Buster and Vicki's son, has had some very difficult health issues for many months now.  Justin had another appointment yesterday and the doctors are trying some other approaches to his care and re-checking to see if the doctor has missed anything. Other than making a few minor changes to what Justin is already doing, the doctor said Justin is doing everything she recommends.

 

Please continue to pray for The Latta's as they seek relief and health for this young man, and asking for strength for Justin to return to work full-time.  Pray for the medical professionals they are working with to know what to do next for Justin and for him to feel the closeness of our Holy Shepherd. 

We also have a prayer request for a special person who works at The Presbyterian Children's Home in Talladega.   Karla Conway lost her husband, Chris, suddenly yesterday afternoon.  Some of you will remember Karla who has been the Director of Resource Development there since 2003.  Karla has spoken at our PW programs and other related activities.

 

Please remember Karla and her family and friends during this difficult loss.  Your prayers for them will bring them strength and comfort as we ask our steadfast God to draw close to them through their shock and grief.

 

 

Barri

Prayer concerns for 02-03-14

Please pray for Thomas & Jean Praytor's nephew, Dennis Praytor, who is in the hospital.

 
There will be no Wednesday evening Bible Study this week.
 
The marriage event scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled.

Update on Roberta Perez

This is an amazing story from Mona Cornell concerning her sister Roberta Perez for whom we have been praying. Thanks be to God.

 

Randy Kesler

----------

This is what my sister sent me Randy.  Praise God and thank you and all our friends at FPC.

Mona

----------

Good morning. I just wanted to let you know that all the prayers and love you sent my way worked a miracle. I am home and have no pain at all, like it never happened.

Pathology in the operating room said there wasn't any cancer. Divine intervention.  

Previous blood test and a biopsy could not of been wrong. Unless there is cancer somewhere else. My lungs are clear.  I believe I was saved by the prayers. Thank you so much. Love you!

Berta

Arrangements for Jean Kernan

The funeral arrangements for Jean Kernan are as follows:

Valhalla

Saturday, Jan. 25
11:00 Visitation
12:00 Graveside

Prayer concerns for 01-22

We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Jean Kernan. She passed away earlier this morning. We are thankful for her life and devotion and for the legacy she leaves behind. Her family is absolutely precious. 

Kristi Wardlow McNeal has her first visit with her MS doctor this morning at 9 am.  This is a long awaited visit so let  us join in prayer together for good news in the way of managment of symptoms and ease of mind for Kristi and her family.  There are some very special people in our congregation who are managing or know someone who is managing this condition successfully.  So Kristi is joining the ranks of some tough cookies!  With God's help, she can do it!

 

Although Randy mentioned Pop (A.W. Jinright) this morning, I understand that he is quite lethargic and breathing shallow this am.  Last night he seemed to be better, even continuing to cut up with the nurses.  We are so thankful for his sense of humor!   We are unsure about what is the cause of his lethargy this morning, but are confident that the Lord knows and is with him.  Please continue to keep Keith in your prayers as well. 

 

Roberta Perez, Mona and Al's sister, will have thyroid surgery in California this morning at 11:30 am. Pray for success, wisdom for the doctors and nurses and most of all, for the healing touch of the Holy Spirit. 

Surely there are others but please stop now and pray for these.  Thank you.

Love,

Becky

Sympathy for the family of Jean Kernan

I just received word that Jean died about 7:55 this morning.  Joyce was helping her take some liquids and she stopped breathing. We give thanks for her life and for her sweet family.  Please ask the Lord to help them in their loss.  Jean has gone home now free of the debilitating illnesses which hampered her here.  She was indeed wonderful in her love and devotion to her daughters and family.  Thanks be to God for his immeasurable grace in her life.

 

Grace and Peace,

Randy Kesler

Update on Jean Kernan

Jean was moved today to a palliative care unit. She has improved over the last thirty six hours - kidney output has dramatically increased, she is eating much better, and circulation seems to have significantly improved. Nothing has changed regarding her cancer of course but no one can deny that she has made a turn for the better, praise the Lord. Please continue to remember her and her family in this trying time.

Rev. Randolph Kesler

Update on baby Walker

An update from Friday's prayer request for baby Walker Wyatt.  They turned off the ECMO machine at 9:30 this morning. (this machine was basically supporting his heart and lung function) The doctors are hopeful that with the current medications he is on that his heart and body will be able to function without the use of this machine.  They said that the longer is on the machine decreases his survival rate.  He is in critical condition.  Please take a moment to lift him up to the Lord and ask for healing of his body.  Please also pray for peace and comfort for his family.

Love,

Vicki

Urgent prayer request - 01/17

A friend of Vicki Latta asked to place some friends on our prayer list.  Her friends, Matt & Carla Wyatt, just had a baby boy the day after Christmas. Walker Wyatt was born with a heart defect called HLHS, which basically just means that the left side of his heart does not work. So the doctors have to try and make the right side do all the work. He has already had 4 heart surgeries but is not doing well. The doctors told the parents earlier today that it would take a miracle from God for this little boy to make it. So please take a moment and lift this little boy up to the Lord and ask for healing of his little body and a strengthening of his heart.

Prayer concerns for 01/15

Below is Jim McClelland's update on Julie Williams:

 

Dianne Dennis Bailey Update on our friend, Julie Williams......Julie has been removed from the heart pump and her heart is functioning great!! She is very frightened, but is able to respond and to correctly answer all the questions asked of her. The doctor said they have had a true miracle from God!!

 

Thank you for your prayers!  Let's continue to keep Julie and her family covered up!

 

Love,

Becky

Prayer concerns for 01/13

Jim McClelland has sent a special request from his friend Dianne Bailey whose friends Julie and Cecil Williams were in a bad car accident today.  Julie apparently was driving and had a heart attack.  She is in critical condition.  Please be in prayer for Julie and Cecil and their family and friends during this time.

 

Update on Jinrights:  Claudia is out of rehab and back in her apartment.  Pop is out of the hospital and into rehab.  Please keep them both in your prayers for continued improvement.

 

Love

Becky

Prayer concerns for 01/08

Good Morning and Happy New Year!

 

This morning Pop (A.W Jinright), is having a scan and possibly a procedure (thoracentesis) to extract fluid from around his lungs.  We are hopeful this will help him greatly in regards to his breathing.  He had a pretty good day yesterday being able to sit up in a chair for the first time in a little while.  It felt good to him to get out of the bed!  Please be in prayer for him today that the scan/procedure will be successful and give him some relief and for continued improvement.  Pop is well aware of the prayers that are surrounding him and he is greatful and humbled by them.  Thank you for your faithfulness with prayers for him and for all requested!   FYI, Claudia Jinright is rocking on with her therapy.  I think she may be dancing soon!

 

Additionally, Frank Bruce (Becky's uncle) is having prostrate surgery this morning at St. Vincents.  Please remember him in regards to the surgery and the healing needed afterwards. 

 

Remember prayers for Jean Kernan and Joyce and Jack Cornelius lifting them up and keeping them close during this difficult time for their family.

 

Please also remember Roberta Perez, Mona's Cornell's sister, who is having thyroid surgery this morning as well.  Pray for all involved in her surgery and for her recovery!  The Lord is faithful and always busy!   We are right to trust in Him!

 

Let us also keep in our thoughts and prayers the families of our servicemen who lost their lives yesterday in the helicopter crash.  Sacrifice is a sacred thing and must be honored.  Thank you to all are servicemen and women.  Pray for their safety and well being.

 

Stay warm!

Love,

Becky

Prayer concerns for 01/07/14

Jean Kernan (mother of Joyce Cornelius) came through her surgery okay and was moved to a room but was soon moved to SICU. Please continue to pray for her and her family. 

Also, remember Mona Cornell's sister who is having very serious cancer surgery tomorrow.  She has thyroid cancer and it has spread.  Occasionally we come across seasons of need for intercessory prayer and now is one of those times. 

Scripture encourages us to be priests for one another which means stand before God as you pray for the persons you mention.  That is what a priest does.

 

Update on the Jinrights - Claudia is in rehab and continues to improve following hip surgery. Pop (A.W.) is still in the hospital and is slightly better each day. Please pray for patience and strength and continued healing for each of them. 

Prayer concerns for 12/27

Update on the Jinrights:

Claudia took therapy two days in the hospital, was free for Christmas, and was moved to a nursing home yesterday. She has already started therapy and is doing well.

A.W. is up and down. The infection in his lungs seems to have cleared up some but he is once again retaining a lot of fluid. Any physical activities cause his heart rate to drop dangerously low and h2 is subject to passing out. That's not good at all be he needs to be able to at least sit up from time to time. We're waiting on the doctor to stop by to discuss the situation.

One of the nurses said every morning before she reports to duty, she sits and meditates and then prays for her patients and their families. She also asks for guidance and discernment for herself and those involved in treating the patients. Lots of great folks around here.

We thank you for your continued support.


Keith

Prayer concerns for 12/12

Goooooooood Afternoon Prayer Troopers!   Please see Keith's update below.  Thank you so much for your prayers! 

Pop had a fairly good night, slept for almost 3hrs, but woke up coughing almost constantly for a couple of hours. They wanted to put him on the BiPAP during the night as a precaution but they didn't want to wake him.

His heart rate is up and staying between 130 and 150 so the doc has ordered something for that. They thought he had developed A-Fib over the past couple of days but no, they left off one of his meds. His heart rate is under control now and he is resting a lot better.

He doesn't have much of an appetite but then again he had been on a liquid diet for three days so nothing sounded too good. He's starting to eat a little solid food again so he should be getting some strength back.

The Lord is good and He knows what is best. We just have to be patient and stay the course and things will work out according to His plan.

All in all, he is better than yesterday and better than the day before.

Many thanks for your prayers and support!

Keith

Prayer concerns for 12/10

We need your prayer today for Keith's dad, A.W. Jinright (Pop).  He was admitted to the UAB West last night with double pneumonia.  He is currently waiting on the doctor but he is in good spirits.  Please keep him in your prayers this week. 

 

Thanks!

Becky

Thanksgiving Blessings

On behalf of the staff of First Presbyterian, Brenda Atkins, John Holt, Perry Phillips, Russell Hallman, Barri Pratt, myself and on behalf of the Session, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your faithfulness in serving Christ in this congregation.

Crickett and I give thanks for the simple things of life - for good health, for family, for the call of God in our lives, for purpose in serving Him and for eternal life in Christ. Let us give thanks for our form of government, for those serving in our military promoting peace and fostering justice in this sinful world.

Most of all on this Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the mercy of the Lord is wide, the grace of the Lord Jesus is deep and the love of the Lord extends to all generations. He has taught us to be grateful in any and all circumstances - a tall order. Yet He has also promised that whatever valleys we tread, He goes before us each step of the way. He holds our hands and guides our feet. Thanks be to God.

We begin Advent this Sunday morning in our beautiful sanctuary adorned and prepared for the celebration of the coming of the Lord into our lives. Next year we shall be celebrating Advent in new space and with the same rich grace of our Heavenly Father. Let's make this Advent season the best we've ever known at FPC. We thank the Christmas angels who met Monday morning to prepare the sanctuary for this Advent season.

Grace and Peace,
Randy Kesler
First Presbyterian Church
Bessemer, Alabama

Prayer concerns for 11/27

Please pray for the family of Richard Shane Black (39).  He was a cousin of Vicki Latta. He passed away on Sunday and the funeral is today.  He is one of the men mentioned on the news as being found in a car in the parking lot of UAB West. 

Also, be in prayer for the family of Charles Thomas. He has been on our prayer list for some time and was a great uncle to Gracie Ann Poole and the brother of Sue Parsons (Keith's friend and co-worker). Charlie passed away on Sunday and the funeral is today.

Frank Watson received some good news - his pathology report showed everything benign. Praise the Lord! 

Prayer concerns for 11/21

Frank Watson had surgery this morning to remove a small tumor in his chest.  He came through surgery and may be able to go home by 1:30 this afternoon.  His surgeon did not think it looked like cancer, but of course they will have to wait on pathology reports.

 

Also, A.W. Jinright is continuing to show some improvement with his breathing issues.

 

Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Prayer concerns for 11/19

Keith and I are asking for prayers today for Pop, A.W. Jinright.  He has been having some difficulty breathing over the last couple of days with little excertion and is on his way now for a chest xray to determine if there is fluid in his lungs.  Pop has lived with COPD for a long time and when the weather changes, this sometimes happens.  Please join me in asking our Lord for a clear xray so as to determine what course of care Pop needs to breathe better.  Also, we are trying to get an appointment with his regular doctor today so please lift up that request as well.  And finally, Keith's uncle is with Pop today while Keith is at work which is hard for Keith because he feels like he should be there with him.  Let us lift Keith up today with encouraging prayers that God is with Pop and can relieve him today for a little while.

 

Love,

Becky

Prayer concerns for 11/14, more

Beth is Dr. Percy's niece who is in Princeton. Lung cancer has spread into brain cancer now. Please remember her as well as her family and particularly Percy.

Grace and Peace
Randy

Prayer concerns for 11/14

Charlotte Bruce, Becky Jinright's mom, has taken her radiation treatment as of Wed am and will now be sitting around glowing for the next few days.  The worse part of this whole ordeal for her is the diet she is on.  While it could be a lot more restrictive she is happy to eat some different tasting things playing with spices in place of iodized salt.  No dairy makes food prep a little dicey, but she is a trooper and now counting down until next Wednesday when she will have a scan and afterwards a BIG breakfast at the first place she comes to that WILL include a bacon biscuit I am sure!  Please continue to pray for the radiation to do its thing and for a clear scan next week.

 

Becky's uncle, Frank Bruce, finally heard from his prostate biopsy.  2 of the 10 samples did indicate cancer.  It is not the fastest or the slowest growing kind.  He has an appointment on Friday and they will know more then.  Please keep him in your prayers asking for minimal but effective treatment.

 

Also, Keith Jinright has a friend at work, Laura Silas, who is in surgery as I write.  She is having her neck operated on, removing C1, C2 and C3 and replacing them with cadaver bones.  Please lift her up to our Father in heaven who is overseeing her surgery and pray for a successful surgery and recovery.  Also bless those who donate their bodies and organs for such surgeries as then to be possible.  

 

Love,

Becky

Congratulations to the Hallmans

Congratulations to Madhura and Russell Hallman on the birth of their precious daughter, Elizabeth Anjali, She was born at 5:20 am, November 9, weighting 7 lbs and 19 inches.  All three are well and we give thanks to Almighty God for his grace and blessing.  May she find her purpose in life through Jesus Christ and bring joy and peace to those around her all her life through.  May the God of new beginnings bless this family and use their lives to bring honor to the name of Christ and advance his purpose in our world.

 

Rev. Randolph Kesler

Prayer concerns for 11/08

Charlotte Bruce is feeling better today.  The tingling that she was experiencing due to her calcium deficiency has subsided so she's resting at home.  Thanks for your prayers and please continue them into next week as she tackles the radiation treatment.

 

Love,

Becky

Prayer concerns for 11/07, more

Charlotte Bruce is in need of special prayers today.   She has her radiation treatment scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.  In prep for the shots and pills, she has had to deplete her body of iodine by her diet, eliminating iodized salt, dairy products and fish.  The idea is that once you deplete your body of iodine, the shots and pills have iodine in them and any rogue thyroid cells left in the body (that might be cancerous) will be attracted to the iodine and the radiation will kill them thus eliminating the threat.  However, her calcium is terribly low now since she has been on the diet for about 2 weeks.   She had some blood work done yesterday because she has been feeling so badly and the doc told her to eat her calcium supplements throughout the day today and take her calcium prescription.  If her calcium has not risen by tomorrow they want to put her in the hospital to give to her in an IV.   Please join me is praying that her calcium will rise today, that she will feel better and her reaction to the radiation next week will be positive.

 

I also understand that Justin Latta is still suffering from issues as a result of his gall bladder surgery.  They are trying to regulate with meds but he still is getting sick throughout the day and having cramps.  As you can imagine he has lost a lot of weight.  Please keep him in your prayers that the right meds will be found or if there is another issue that needs to be handled that the doctors will find it. 

 

I'd like to give you an update on Gracie Ann Poole.  She had mutliple surgeries last week including a trach revision, tubes in her ears replaced, GI and hernia fixes and a bronchoscopy taking cultures to see what all is growing in there to alleviate some of her issues hopefully.  As you can imagine, little sista is having a rough time after all that.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers continually, there are more surgeries upcoming.  If you are on Facebook, I recommend you go to Gracie's page, Walking By Faith with Gracie.  There are pictures and updates from her mom and you can see her sweet smile.  And a little ways down the page you can see her Happy Birthday pictures where she turned 6!  Even at 6 years old, she knows, and has known for a long time, that God holds her in His arms and gives her strength.  Be blessed by her story!

 

Love,
Becky

Prayer concerns for 11/07

This is a good friend of Al's and she is 4 1/2 months pregnant and is in the hospital because she is throwing up non-stop and they don't know why.  They are thinking gallbladder.  We need prayer for Stephanie and her baby.

 

-Mona

Sympathy for the Mitchells and Cowherds

Our Christian Sympathy is extended to Mark and Rhonda Mitchell, on the death of Rhonda's brother, Jimmy Cowherd.  Arrangements are at Brown's Bessemer, Friday, November 8.  Visitation from 1-2 PM with the service at 2 PM.

Update on Bruce Cornell

Bruce went in for his first radiation treatment yesterday and we met with Dr Holladay.  Dr Holladay was very pleased and said everything is outstanding.  He is going to check his PSA every couple of weeks and that will tell us our progress.  We had our second treatment today and will continue every day for the next 7 weeks.  Doing great on the meds for the blood clots.  Praise God!  Thank you for your support and prayers.

Sympathy to the Rogers and Wood families

We extend Christian Sympathy to Beverly Wood and family on the death of Woody Wood's uncle, William Rogers. The funeral will be today at 11:00 AM at Brown's in Bessemer.

Prayer requests for 10/30

Please remember Bruce Cornell in prayer. He begins his radiation treatments this week - five days a week for seven weeks.

Prayer concerns for 10/25

We are happy to announce that Leslie Romano has gotten a great report from her oncologist and Beth Barker is due to come home from The Oaks today!  Praise the Lord!

 

Charlotte Hamilton does NOT have a broken foot although it is still giving her some trouble.  Let us pray for healing and the easing of her discomfort.

 

Stacey Bennett is doing well after her shoulder surgery and has successfully made it through her first day of rehab.  Keep it up Stacey!   Work it!  Work it!  Pray for healing, strength and pain relief.

 

Justin Latta has not been sick the last 2 mornings so that is a great improvement!  The biopsies that were taken the first of the week have not shown anything unusual.  He has a followup with his primary doctor on Monday and they may pursue other tests.

 

Donna Cauldwell (Maxine's daughter) is having some difficulty with her MS.  Let us lift her up and pray for a calming of her symptoms and strengthening of her legs.

 

Please also remember William Rogers (Woody Wood's uncle) has been in the hospital this week.  He seems to be improving.

 

And also, Gracie Ann Poole has had some surgeries this week.  She will likely be in the hospital a few more days.  She is doing well (there is more detail on her blog at caring bridge).

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Love, Becky

Reminders for 10/27

There will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 27, for election of officers and approval of Terms of Call.
 
Please remember to bring your items for Heritage Sunday to display on our Remembrance Table, which has been set up in the Sanctuary by Beverly Wood, our Worship Chair.  You don't have to talk about these items to display them.  Perhaps you may think of a Bible, a poem, a bookmark, jewelry, or whatever calls to mind a person or event who impacted your life in Christ.

Update on Stacey

We just got word that Stacey is out of surgery.  We are grateful that everything went well.  She will go home today and start therapy on that shoulder tomorrow! 

 

Please pray for her strength and healing!

 

Barri Pratt

Director of Youth and Outreach

Prayer concerns for 10/23

Please keep Carol Lynn Marsh (Suzanne and Ernestine's Sister) in your prayers.  She went for an MRI yesterday and found she has a ruptured bicep (from physical therapy), torn ligament, possible bone spur and scar tissue in the left shoulder.  She will have surgery again on this shoulder on Wed. Oct. 30.

 

Ernestine Wardlow is waiting on biopsy and sample results.  Hopefully those will be available the first of next week.  She will take the last Hercpin IV on Oct. 28 and will need to take the hormone blocker for 7 to 10 years.  Please remember her this week as she awaits her results and give thanks to God for his constant care of her.

 

Kristi Wardlow McNeal has regained her vision back in her left eye and is able to see all colors except yellow.   She goes back to the neurologist at the eye foundation on December 7th.  Her MS doctor appointment is not until January 22, 2014.  She is numb on the left side of her face and the backside of her left ear and has a heaviness in her left arm.  Let us praise God for the restoration of Kristi's eyesight and keep her close in thought and prayer as she awaits her doctors appointments.

 

Justin Latta was not having a great day yesterday and he has had restless sleep and was still quite sick being unable to really function until mid-afternoon.  HOWEVER, this morning he was able to go to work and has not been sick this morning!  YEA!  Keep him on the list until they either find out what the problem is or get it controlled with medication.

 

Love,

Becky