By Lois Harper

I was honored and blessed last Saturday when my home was chosen by Douglas Adkins, youth minister at Madison Baptist Church, as a work place for two van loads of teenagers from churches in Alpharetta, Cartersville, Atlanta, Conyers and Madison.

They had already worked at another location in the morning, resting while eating lunch, and their conversation was of their church back home.

They went to work trimming the rail tips, washed the sides of the house, raked and bagged leaves, trimmed the rose bush running up the wall, painted the woodwork on the front porch, cleaned out the gutter and other things–freely toiling in the time they had.

These young people are an inspiration to everyone now, and as future leaders of their home churches, Christ will be magnified. May God bless them, and my heart felt thanks extended.

Town Topic

Don’t forget the area’s largest yard sale in the park April 5. Booth space is $10. Call 557-9020 for information.

Neighborhood Notes

Paul Jones said his mom, Doris Jones, was doing better, now at transitional care in Madison.

Other residents at home: Jackson Baily and Lamar Stapp are having rough health problems. Neighbors, let them know you care.

Carl and Eunice Sims enjoyed a weekend visit from Eunice’s son Larry and his wife from Texas. Larry has retired, and they will soon make their home in Alabama.

Dean and Betty Edwards and I went to Caldwell and Cowars funeral home Sunday
afternoon in the death of my cousin Sarahlene Barnes. Consolations go out to her sons, Terry and Ronnie, her family, sister Pauline Cardell in Social Circle.

Nina Long has been ill and in Walton County Hospital. We wish for better health.

Our prayer chain has been alerted for Sally Latty in Athens Regional with congestive heart problems. Richard Turk is at home with his mother, Rosalee, residing with him.

Lois Davis’ cherry trees are a beautiful sight to see. She is missed, as she now resides in McGeary house in Madison.

Be in prayer for our troops fighting for their safety. Some have already paid the supreme sacrifice. Remember their families. May this war soon be over and innocent lives spared.

Rutledge Baptist Church

We had a wonderful day at church, singing the old well-loved hymns, which inspire with their message. Flowers were placed by Brenda Thompson in remembrance of her grandbaby, Dylan Jones.

Russell Smith’s children’s church was about following instruction, using Gen. 6:21, telling the story of Noah using God’s instructions to build the ark. He asked if they listened to instructions and obeyed their parents.

Our choir brought a powerful message in their special, "The Blood Will Never its Power."

Wayne’s sermon from 2 Corinthians was on the cross, placing emphasis that Jesus took our place on that old cross. It’s the most powerful symbol on earth. As a Christian, wearing it in some farm. His message was powerful and plain. How God loved us so much. Jesus His Son died willingly to save us from hell. I can only point out a few things. Come and hear him. He ended with–our bad choice
s of rejection will send us there, not God. Salvation is a free gift from God.

Announcements: March 29 at 2 p.m. Michelle and Wesley will take their wedding vows.

Joel Singleton, choir director, announced a sunrise service April 20 in the park. Both Methodist and Baptist churches are combining. In the case of bad weather, it will be held at the Methodist church.

The combined choir will present their cantata on Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m. with supper following. This is a change from the usual, but the Baptist choir will be singing some of the cantata in the morning service.

Vacation Bible School plans are underway. Gerann Blanton announced they needed baby animals.

Closing with this thought from our bulletin supplied by Brenda. "Make your eternal reservations now, smoking or non-smoking."

Senior Center Notes

Pictures were hung on the walls last week, making our new place homey. We are getting ready for the official opening Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come on out and see our beautiful new center.

We can play games in one room, assemble in the recreation room for other projects, and enjoy the round tables with plenty of room to move between them in the dining room.

We are happy to have so many coming now to enjoy fellowship, and we are very happy to have such a place to enjoy with caring personnel where we meet with our second loving family away from four walls alone.

Rmember this thought, "I asked god to help me love others as much as He loves me, and God said, ‘Finally, you have got the idea.’"