Judy Bowman, St. Gerard Catholic Church

Planned Parenthood. It's the familiar name of an organization involved in promoting artificial contraception and abortion services--both of which go against the teachings of the Catholic Church. But it's the word "planned" that is intriguing---as if the creation of a baby could in any way be accidental. Certainly, there are children who are con-ceived outside of a marriage, or at a time or circumstance in the lives of their parents when either one or both of them might not have anticipated or even hoped for a child to enter their lives. But no person is an accident. No person is unplanned by God. "I am your Creator. You were in My care even before you were born" (Isaiah 44:2). As Christians, we are confident in knowing that the Creator of the universe planned everything about us, from when we'd be born and to which set of parents, to the color of our eyes and the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7).

And if He planned us, then He also must have had a reason for our lives. In Scripture, He tells us that we are made "to be holy" (Ephesians 1:4). "Holy" means "set apart for God." We are created to be like Jesus Christ, to be-come like Him in our mind, our heart, our feelings and our sentiments so that we can continue His mission---so that we can be Christ to the world. Jesus Himself tells us what He wants of us. Our mission from Him is so important, so critical, that He explains it five times in five different ways in Scripture. In Matthew, He tells His followers, "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (28:16-20). This is called "The Great Commis-sion" and has been the mission of His Church since the moment Jesus spoke these words. But it's also the mission of each one of us as His children. Remember that He planned you from before the foundation of the world. He knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). Despite what the world tells you, He tells you that you are pre-cious and wanted and loved. He calls you to know Him and to serve Him. You are chosen by God.

He chooses us to come to Him and then commissions us to go for Him. Many people think only priests or reli-gious or missionaries are called by Him to spread the good news of the Gospel. Not true! Remember the story of Isaiah, when he heard the Lord asking,"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah didn't stop to think who might be better-suited or more well-trained or be a better speaker than him. He didn't think of himself at all, but he heard the call of God and responded. He said, "Here am I, Lord; send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) This should be our own prayer, as well. For the Church is not a hotel, it's our family home. In a hotel, we pay some money and other people do the work for us. Just coming to Mass and putting something in the collection basket while others---the pastor, the parish staff, volunteers---do the work, isn't living up to Christ's call. In a home, everyone pitches in. We are com-missioned by Him to put our unique gifts and graces to work for His glory. This is the path for our salvation, after all. It's His plan for our lives. It's the reason He made you the singular and irreplaceable person that you are---because without you, we are all made less. No one else can play your part in His wonderful and glorious plan of salvation. "Before the world was made, He chose us" (Ephesians 1:3).

The Catholic Church of St. Gerard Majella invites all Catholics in our area to worship with us. We are located at 3049 LaFayette Road in Ft. Oglethorpe, just north of the entrance to Chickamauga Battlefield. Sunday Mass is at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. with Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. We have a program of instruction available for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. Do you have questions? Email them to us at website@saintgerardmajella.net.

"We have not come into the world to be numbered; we have been created for a purpose; for great things: to love and be loved." --Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)

Effie Bridges, Boynton Baptist Church

This morning worship service was very good. Dr. McLeod's message was "His Eye Is On The Offering Plate". The special music by Cherry Griffith was very beautiful. Our attendance was not as good as usual. Maybe some sickness is going around and maybe some traveling.

In the evening worship the quartet "Redeemed" was in concert. We had a good attendance with several visitors. If you don't have a church home let us invite you to come be with us. All visitors are welcome anytime.

We regret to report the passing of Norma Jean Harris. She was one of, if not the first, to be baptized in the new Baptistery when the church was first built to include a baptistery. Her funeral is to be Tuesday at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ft. Oglethorpe at 1:00 P. M. with burial in Anderson Memorial Gardens. Our condolences are extended to her children, Terry, Kaye, Joy and Todd and to all of her grandchildren.

On Wednesday there will be Bible Study for the residents of Rosewood Assisted Living at 10:00 A. M. In the eve-ning will be our regular worship prayer meeting time and the children and Youth will be having their Word of Life program. The leader of the Youth and our Associate Pastor Rev. Marty Green will be attending the Word of Life Youth Minister Training in Orlando, FL, November 15-21.

Next Sunday November 22, for the International Missions and Lottie Moon Emphasis we will have as Guest Speakers Mark & Judy Harvey. Mark is the Strategy Group Leader for the Philippines and Judy is the Area Prayer Advocate for Korea and the Philippines. I am sure their message will be very interesting.

Also, next Sunday there will be a Wedding Shower for Amy and Shane Brandon at 2:00 P. M. in the Family Cen-ter. Please plan to attend if possible.

Please bring non perishable food items to the sanctuary before Thanksgiving to be taken to Christ Chapel Share and Care Mission to be distributed to those less fortunate families.

Our Thanksgiving Service will be on Tuesday next week and there will not be a Wednesday Evening Service.

I hope everyone has a safe week. May the Lord Bless and keep you in His care.

Norma Haisten, Pathway Baptist Church

Such a glorious blessed service this morning. Opened in prayer for all needs. Kevin Myers led the congregation and choir in 'I Know Whom I've Believeth.' Such a good old hymn.

Bro. Mark did a very short message from I Thessalonians 2:4. All have struggles in life; even the saved. Faith is working in you and Grace is working in your heart. Our Hope is in Jesus Christ. Look to the Lord to provide the strength to overcome the struggles. Bro Mark was not feeling well. He was not back tonight; please pray for him.

The Holy Spirit began to work on hearts when our special singers began. Our altars were filled over and over. Sue Grimes sang 'Standing On Holy Ground.' Russell Kinsey did the recitation of John 3:16; following by our choir singing 'Jesus Loves Me.' Tiffany Underdown sang 'We Have A Heavenly Father.' Debby Broom sang 'He'll Do It Again.' Gwen Amberson sang a solo, but I did not know the song, therefore I don't have the title. Shannon Smith sang, 'Mary's Alabaster Box.' Each was wonderful and so blessed us.

We are privileged to be so blessed spiritually with God's anointing in our services. Services should be led by God and not man and that's what we have a Pathway.

Welcome from our hearts to new members; Jennifer Talley and children; Enslee, Evan, Ethan and Easton.

Mickey Chattin is feeling better and was in service. Jim Chattin is having vision problems. Lawrence Cross was feeling better and he was able to attend. Linda Hood spent several days in the hospital and is improving. Leon and Margie Schmitt, both have health problems. Dorothy Workman is improved, but not well. Debi Branam will have arm surgery this week. Kathy Clark has many health problems since her back surgery some time back. Ellie Pitts is at home and hop doing much better. Charles Young is home and feeling better. Barbara Lee Jones has diabetes complications. Thank the Lord for healing and improvements, though prayers still needed for these and for Roy and Doris Neal, David Watson, Jane Wilson, Susie Wilson. Bro. Charles Blevins. Pray for Tom Collins. He is now home after many hospital days. He has surgery on Wednesday. Tom will begin chemo in a few weeks; followed by radia-tion. Pray for all who are hospitalized and those in nursing homes. Pray for all caregivers.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering continues thru January 3. November 16, Prayer Walk for Land at 6:30 PM. No-vember 17, Ladies Bible Study at 6:30 PM. Good attendance and fun at last night's Brotherhood Chili Supper and Auction.

Birthday Wishes to Margorie Barefield on November 16. Ryan Cawood and Damon Thomas on November 10. Arey Xaphakdy on November 20. Brandie Parton on November 21.

Good Thought: True worship of Christ changes admiration into adoration.

Lillie Ware, Salem Baptist Church

Rev. Jack Price preached all three services last week while Bro. Glenn Cavin went deer hunting. He is as bad a Gregg Kittle to go deer hunting. They both love it.

We love Bro. Jack Price. He is so encouraging and he really preaches.

The Christmas program is coming along they practice every Sunday. It will be presented on December 20 at 7 p.m.

Mel McGuffey had a procedure done on his back for pain I sure hope it helps.

Missionary Tommy Tillman and his grandson Jordan are back in Thailand preaching to the lepers. They really love Tommy. He hugs them and God protects him from catching leperacy. To God be the glory. He really does a good work. Jordan is following in his footsteps.

The family of Allen Davidson wishes to thank everyone for their kindness shown during his death and funeral. Everything was greatly appreciated.

Little Avve Taylor is now 8 weeks old and has not missed a Sunday at Sunday school and church, she is really growing and is so pretty. All five of the Taylor girls are so cute and friendly. Connie and Timothy are doing a great job as their parents.

Our attendance is really growing every week. Come visit us you will receive a blessing. We have such good Sun-day school teachers and team kid leaders. The team kids are doing great and have good attendance.

We really had a lot of rain from the storm Ida my yard will never dry out it is so wet.

It is so good to have Carolyn and Frank back at Salem they are a blessing.

We will have our fifth Sunday night singing on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. Ron Brewer will be the featured singer. There will be fellowship and food after the singing.

The folks at the Nutrition Center had lunch at the Golden Corral Thursday and they pigged out.

Jack and Barbara Ensley came to see me last week and brought a CD of the New Liberty Men’s Quartet. I really enjoyed them. It was just like a gospel concert. New Liberty is fortunate to have a good quartet. They are as good as professionals. They sang a song about the little things you do that count and that is true.

Genise Nance had surgery for a bleeding ulcer last week hope she is better.

Noel and Dorena Silvey of Daytona Beach, Florida are visiting relatives here this week.

Pray for Pat Bates she is scheduled to have three tests run this week.

Margie Stringer, North Whitfield Baptist

This week has been an eventful week. Margie came home from the hospital. Home health comes two or three times a week she had a blood clot in her leg and she also needs therapy on her left leg and foot. She also needs therapy for the vertigo. She is improving slowly. I hope she is better soon I know it is hard not to be able to do the things she wants to do. Thank you for all the calls and prayers. We sure appreciate everything that has been done.

Bro. Jody Leslie preached Wednesday night he sure did a fine job. Please just bear with me as I try to write the news. I believe Margie is on a long strike from writing it but she sure does remind me that I need to write the news. That might be what is called an uprising. It is just a blessing to just have her at home.

Thanksgiving is nearly here and we should be thankful everyday. Thankful for our freedom and thankful to be an American citizen, thankful for our family and friends. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.

I am sorry to learn of the death of Joyce Gordy Dixon she had been sick for a long time. She lives in Calhoun. She was at Max Brannon Funeral Home. Her funeral was Tuesday morning in the funeral home chapel.

Also Florence Gordy Eaves passed away Sunday morning. She is at Wilson Funeral Home. Her funeral was Wednesday afternoon. So many folks are passing away it pays to be ready.

Sunday was a wonderful day we had a good morning service and had several visitors and folks were in the altar and one joined the church. We have a wonderful youth program. The 29th is Youth Sunday. Bro. Marty Belle is the youth pastor and Bro. Bobby Arnold is the youth director. They both do a fine job.

If you do not have a home church come by and visit. The Lord has blessed the work on the fellowship hall and it is paid for. So many worked and gave.

Our drama practice is at 6:45 each Tuesday night. The program will be presented on Dec. 19th and 20th. Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m. Hope to see all of you there.

Bro. Terry Ray preached Sunday night and did a wonderful job. He is with Rock of Ages Prison Ministries.

Rena Peters celebrated her 75th birthday this week. Glenda Hasty and Connie Norman has a birthday this Thurs-day, Nov. 19, happy birthday to all.

A Friend Loveth at all times. There will be a benefit singing this Saturday night at 7 p.m., the Soul Seekers, the Cummings Family and Forgiven will be singing. The benefit is for Ray Howard 47 years old who had a heart attack. He has been in the hospital for four months and they really need your help.

Emma Jo Davis, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful week we had this past week. We still have several that are sick. We really miss them in church. If you are not going to church somewhere else we would love to have you with us at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Our Pastor,Bro. David Flood is really preaching some very good and heart searching mes-sages. We are so thankful that the Lord sent him to Pleasant Valley.

Last Saturday on visitation Bro. David and Ken Pitts talked to some that were out of church and some that were looking for a church as they are not happy were they are now. Pray for these that were contacted that they will get in church somewhere.

Justin Holcomb was preaching at a church in Marietta,Ga. on Sunday Night. He is going to college at Kennesaw. His Mother and Dad, Tim and Karen Holcomb along with Collis and Joy Holcomb

went down to be with him in the service. We missed them in our service on Sunday Evening. We just pray that the Lord will use Justin while he is down there. We miss him and his twin brother Chad. They do come home as often as they can.

Please remember Jeanette Young in your prayers. Her treatments doesn't seem to be helping the pain. She is to go back to her doctors this week. Bro. Cliff Robinson is back in the hospital. He has really gone down in the last few months. James Robinson is doing well after his liver transplant. Mack Hill is home from the hospital. Some are having test this week remember them in prayers.

Others on our prayer list are: Ellie Pitts, Lula Petty, Bro. Tommy and Rena Eddington, Neno Denton, Louise Clark, Calvin Headrick, Ruby Logan, Steve Wilson, Sam Dill, Arthur Longwith, Our Nation, Our Servicemen and Women and Our Missionaries.

We send Condolences to the Stapp Family in the death of their loved one, Elizabeth Stapp.

Our Wednesday night service on November 25th will be moved to Tuesday night, November 24th because of Thanksgiving. Mark this on your calender so you won't miss that service.