Beth missed the deadline for the news last week (Oops!), so her article didn't make it! So, this article is a combination of the two weeks.
Here are a few more holidays to celebrate this week! OK, some of these were last week, but... celebrate again!
May 27th: Beth's daughter, Dionna's birthday May 29th: National Paperclip Day, National Biscuit Day, and National Alligator Day May 30th: National Creativity Day, National Hole in my Bucket Day, and Water a Flower Day May 31st: National Smile Day, National Speak in Complete Sentences Day, and World No Tobacco Day June 5th: National Gingerbread Day, Hot Air Balloon Day, and National Start Over Day June 6th: D-Day, National Donut Day, and National Yo-Yo Day June 7th: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, June Bug Day, and America the Beautiful Week.
There sure has been a bunch of stormy weather recently. Beth and Ray lost power for a while as did many of you. There was a lot of damage in the area due to strong winds, storms, downed trees, downed power lines, etc. Sunday night brought more storms! Beth and Ray had 4 inches of rain in the rain gauge when they got up Monday morning! Some areas reported more than that! If you are safe, help someone else if you can!
Speaking of helping, Stringtown FBC has a group that is getting ready for a mission trip. Brock's Closet is needing some items ASAP! They urgently need the following items: gallon ziplock bags, deodorant (men's and women's), toothpaste, razors, and bar soap (preferably Irish Spring). Can you help? Contact Louis or Ame Layton if you have donations. You can also bring items to the church any weekday morning. You could drop items off at Brad Tisdale's office in Atoka also. What about if you don't have these items? You can donate money to purchase needed supplies. Please remember this group in prayer as they prepare to serve the Lord in this endeavor. This group will be heading out soon. But, help is still needed. Can you help with the upcoming Back to School Bash? Here are some things to add to your shopping list: deodorant, tampons, soap, and toothpaste. If you add an item or two for each shopping trip, you'll make a big difference! Thank you in advance for your help!
But, backpacks, clothes, and shoes are ALWAYS needed!
The ladies class is continuing the study of the book of Revelation. There's always discussion as learning happens! Patsy Miller has notes for the class with many crossreference scriptures to get additional information about the area of study. Now, Patsy KNOWS these ladies for sure! She made lemon bars to snack on! Obviously, a snack helps get the gears turning in the brain! Thank you Patsy for spoiling us!
Sunday morning (May 25th) was special at Stringtown FBC! The service started with the pledge to the American flag, to the Christian flag, and to the Bible. Do you remember saying those pledges when you were a kid in Vacation Bible School? Beth does! The veterans in attendance were recognized. Several people were wearing patriotic clothes in celebration of Memorial Day.
There was only one birthday celebrated on Sunday. Happy Birthday to Hawken. Just to let you know who this little guy belongs to... Parents Cooie and Taylor, Grandparents Tony and Ronny Potts, Great-grandparents Loyd Thompson and Chris and Alberta Edgar.
There were BUNCHES of anniversaries to celebrate! Jerry and Valinda Elrod celebrated 45 years. Jenna and Justin Bowen celebrated 8 years. John and Christie Miller celebrated 21 years. Helen and Bill Langdon celebrated 59 years. And Danielle and Bryan Hughes celebrated 16 years. Congratulations to all of you!
Brother Scott Ridgway read Matthew 5:6 before beginning the meat of his sermon. 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.' He then preached from Acts 8:26-40: The Divine Appointment of Philip and a man from Ethiopia. Philip was faithful to follow God's leadership and witness to the Ethiopian eunuch, and then there was the transforming faith of the Ethiopian eunuch! Amazing!
Sunday afternoon brought a 'Sorting Party' for Brock's Closet. A group got together and sorted clothing for the upcoming mission trip. There were a bunch of things to organize! They might have room for a few more items such as clean, gently used or new clothes, shoes, etc. As mentioned above, there are some hygiene items needed as well.
Ray made a whirlwind trip to Mexico City last week. There was a bag from USA Softball that needed to be picked up. So, an early start for Ray and Beth! They left Stringtown EARLY (before 3:30 am!) to get Ray to DFW Airport. Beth got to spend the day with her best friend, Terry. Then Beth picked Ray up at the airport. On the drive home, they were stuck in traffic for a while because of an accident on 635! They finally arrived home after 1 am! LONG DAY! But the bag WAS picked up! Success!
Beth and Ray had a chance to see Beth's daughter and granddaughter on Saturday. Dionna is working in Wisconsin these days. That makes it hard to get together! So, they had a late lunch, and did a bit of shopping! It sure was good!
On Sunday afternoon, they headed to Bennington to see Beth's sister and nephew, Jakeb and his family. It's always great to visit family.
Sunday, June 1st, was a bit different. Instead of Bro Scott preaching, the group who went to Ghana reported on their trip. They used Colossians 2:5 as their focal scripture. They emphasized that being connected by the power of the Holy Spirit is One Body in Christ. This group took the Gospel to the 'uttermost parts of the Earth' in a real way. They had many experiences to share, ones that will stay with them (and us) for a long time. If you donated towards this mission -- be it things, money, or prayer time -- then YOU had a part in this mission trip! Thank you to those who donated their time to go on this trip! Thanks to these people who went to Ghana, Africa: Brad and Brandy Tisdale, Briar Martin, Amy Rember, and Geri Smith!
Bro. Scott finished the service by reminding us to be aware of false gospel being preached by some. He also mentioned the need for missionaries here at home, and in other cities, states, and countries. He challenged the congregation to pray and be ready to go and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Birthdays celebrated were Brandy Tisdale and John Miller. Happy birthday to both of you! Alvanell Morris celebrated an anniversary in memory of her husband.
WELCOME to Amos Christopher Potts! He arrived on May 30th. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 6.9 ounces and measured 21 inches! Big brother told Beth that he would arrive on Tuesday (the 27th). He was pretty close!
There's always someone or something to pray about! Sherry just had knee replacement, and a fall. So, pray for healing. She's better, but still trying to get everything healed. Debra had surgery and is better, but has some other issues going on. Lil, we missed you on Sunday! We hope you're feeling better soon! Kenny has a couple of friends who have health needs. Tim is still undergoing treatment. Patsy wasn't feeling really spiffy on Sunday! Keep her in your prayers also! Prayer changes things!
Upcoming Events: June 8th: Fellowship Dinner immediately following morning worship services June 15th: Father's Day June 16th-20th: KBA June 22nd: Soul Sisters @5:00 pm July 7th-11th: Falls Creek (Forms are available at the church) 'It isn’t the big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a big deal out of the little ones.” — Jean Webster, American author
