John Settles
“Jesus said, Whosoever will come after me, Let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark: 8:34)
Jesus clarifies discipleship in our scripture passage today. You don’t have to guess at what you must do as a disciple of Jesus. The first step of discipleship is self-denial. Putting aside selfish desires and motives and opening the soul up to Christ is a constant struggle through life. We are called to take up our cross. This is not something that happens to us as a result of sin or sickness. Taking up the cross is a conscious decision to be involved in our world in ways that are Christ like.
As we deny self and take up our cross we must follow Jesus. One of the hallmarks of discipleship is obedience. Are we obeying the pattern for discipleship that Jesus gave? Amen.
Thought for the week
“Carry the cross patiently and with perfect submission, and in the end it shall carry you”.
Upward Bound Ministries Inc.
The Upward Bound Ministry video production department is full service creative facility that is dedicated to providing video production services of the highest quality and standard.
Its first priority is to provide churches with a service that will enhance their growth in the community. We feel that lack of exposure is one of the reasons for low attendance in our local and rural churches. UMB would like to invite all of the local and rural pastors to introduce yourself, your church and its services to the community in an introduction DVD video. The video will be aired on Time Warner Public Access Channel 5 in Richmond and Berea. Sponsored by the Coalition of Ministers for Christ. To register, call Darnell Hill at 986-1650 or 358-5908.
Fish fry
The Hocker Smith-Hocker Yates Family Reunion will host a big fish fry today beginning at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge Hall on Francis Street. Come out and enjoy fish dinners with all the trimmings.
Homecoming/Rally Day
On Sunday, Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church located at 377 College Hill Rd. in Waco will celebrate its annual Homecoming/Rally Day. The special guest at 11:30 a.m. will be Elder Willie Andrews, associate minister of the Sweet Leaf Primitive Baptist Church in Louisville. The 3:30 p.m. special guest will be Elder Michael McPherson, choir and congregation from the Sweet Leaf Primitive Baptist Church. Dinner will be served. Deacon Eric Garrett is the chairperson and Elder John Settles is the host [pastor.
Fellowship Day
New Liberty Baptist Church, Bobtown, will observe Fellowship Day on Sunday at 11 a.m. The special guest will be Pastor Mitch Brown and the congregation of Pleasant Run Baptist Church, Bureye. Dinner will be served. Everyone is welcome. The host pastor is Alfonso Kenny.
Family reunion
The Hocker Smith-Hocker Yates family reunion will be July 25 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Hocker Farm located on Brassfield Road in Brassfield. All family members and their descendants are asked to come out and bring a covered dish and enjoy a day of fun, games and a spiritual service.
Food sale
There will be a giant food sale at the Masonic Lodge Hall on Francis Street, on July 25 at 11 a.m. There will fish sandwiches, fish plates, coneys, hot dogs, homemade pies, homemade cakes and soft drinks. We will take orders for homemade pies and cakes. You may order them before July 25 by calling 624-1602. Delivery is available. Deliveries will be made by calling 979-4399 or 893-5207. This is sponsored by the Concord Predestinarian Baptist Church. Come out and enjoy good food and great hospitality.
Homecoming/Rally Day
Peytontown Baptist Church will celebrate their Annual Homecoming Rally Day on Sunday, July 26. Our special guest at 3:30 p.m. will be Pastor John Pray, the choir and congregation from Town Mountain Baptist Church of Hazard. Dinner will be served. Everyone is invited to come out and worship with us. Clifford Campbell is the host pastor. Chairmen are deacons David Miller and Sammy Letcher.
Fundraising yard sale
The Red House United Methodist Church will conducted a fundraising yard sale on Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8. The sale will be conducted on Clay Drive in Richmond from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days.
Gratitude
Deacon William Kavanaugh, Bro. Roosevelt Kavanaugh and their families would like to thank everyone who came out and supported them on last Saturday at their appreciation service. May God bless you all.
Special note
To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 246 Sunset Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: tpollary@roadrunner.com and all announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish you announcement to appear in the newspaper
Until next week
May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.
