1. family and parenting
2. children

Mars Hill
Church of
Christ
1330 Mars Hill Road
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: 256-766-5100
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.marshillcc.org
Service Times
Sunday
9:45 A.M. - Bible Study
10:30 A.M. & 5:00 P.M. - Worship
Wednesday
7:00 P.M.
Ministers
Chris Moran
Bill Bagents
Youth Minister/Song Leader
Mark Marks
Elders
Bill Bagents,
Tim Morrow,
David Underwood Jr.
Deacons
Mark Marks, Randy Medley
Office Secretary
Lisa Collum
Televisit With the Bible
Comcast Channel 3
Tues. 8:00 P.M., Wed. 8:30
P.M., Sunday 8:30 A.M.
Presented by the Church of
Christ in Florence, Alabama
The Mars Hill Messenger
April 5, 2015
I Like Being Southern
I like being southern. Admittedly, it’s all I’ve ever known, but those “southern by the grace of God” sentiments
resonate with me.
I get along fine with grits, gravy, and greens—of course not all at the same meal. But unlike my brother Ricky
who hits what he aims for, I never have been much for guns. That probably makes the world a bit safer.
Though I’m married to an English teacher, I get along fine with relaxed grammar. Best not to overdo it, but the
occasional ain’t and ya’ll has done me no real harm.
I know hospitality isn’t restricted to the south, but I love the southern version. Waitresses don’t offend me
when they call me honey or darlin’. So long as the food and the service are good, we get along just fine.
I like the version of southern-style manners that we were taught. Be good to old folks. If you live long enough,
you’ll become one. Hold the door for ladies and most anyone else. Say “ma’am” and “sir” and mean it.
Always speak when spoken to and don’t ever “high hat” anyone. Be helpful if you can; at the very least, do no
harm. Don’t blow your leaves onto your neighbor’s lawn. Basically, follow the Golden Rule.
It has never been my belief that my southernness made me either inferior or superior. I was blessed to be raised
with a strong dose of everyone-is-made-in-God’s-image (Genesis 2:26-27, Acts 17:26). I was blessed never to
be taught the myth that being white made me “chosen” or that being black was a curse. We grew up with being
taught that people are just people.
I’ve never been much offended that some think southerners to be backward and slow. Being underestimated can
bring serious advantage. And sometimes, they’re right if they’re thinking such of me. I’m not always the
sharpest knife. At certain times and in certain ways, I’m OK with being a spork. If the choices are give offense
vs. take offense, I’ll go with “none of the above.” I love peace and calm. It’s a Romans 12:16-21 thing.
I realize that in some respects I don’t much fit the southern stereotype. I do have a passport, and I’ve been
blessed to visit several countries on several continents. Thanks to the persistence and vision of my parents, I’m
part of an education-loving family. I do not wish that the south had won the war—I wish there had never been a
war. I have never had a desire to secede.
I’m glad that I know about the stereotype and its inaccuracies. Maybe that will leave me less judgmental and
less willing to label. Maybe it will leave me more willing to listen and learn. Cultural and regional differences
need not be hindrances. They must never be allowed to hinder the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Such
differences can be both blessings and excellent conversation starters. They can call us to be kind, caring,
thoughtful, and respectful toward all as part of God’s creation. --Bill
NEWS & NOTES
We express our appreciation to all who are inviting friends and neighbors to our gospel meeting
April 19-22. Ted Burleson will present an excellent lessons. We will be so blessed to hear him.
Please keep Joanne Barnett and Margaret Haygood in your prayers as they recently requested.
Please remember Denise Golden in the loss of her uncle, Marvin Thigpen.
Upcoming Opportunities:
April 6
April 7
April 11
April 13
April 14
April 17
April 19-22
April 19
April 21
April 21-23
April 22
April 24-25
April 26
Monday Night for the Master
Elders and Preachers meeting
Alpha Center Rummage Sale
Sisters and Friends
African Violet Dinner in Nashville. Let Bill know if you can attend.
Game Night
Gospel Meeting. Special Sunday schedule. 7:00 Monday-Wednesday.
Shoals Area Youth Series
Luncheon at the Larimore Home
India Missions Workshop at HCU
Potluck and Singing
GLOW
EXALT
Thanks to all who have brought items for the Alpha Center Rummage Sale on April 11 in the
HCU gym. We do have room for more items. If April 11 rushes you, Friends of the Overton
Memorial Library will be having a yard sale in the gym on May 2.
Bill’s teaching in the Philippines went well, and he returned to the States on March 30.
Students at Asian Christian University baptized four precious souls while he was there. As
scheduled, he spoke in the Fil-Am Lectures, taught eleven students in intensive courses in
Fundamentals of Counseling and Crisis Counseling, preached, taught Bible class, spoke for
commencement exercises and participated in curriculum development meetings for the
university.
The ACU campus is some 4 to 5 hours north of Manila in a rural setting. Campus includes
lecture halls, library, dining room, staff and missionary quarters, administrative offices, and
dorms. There are also orphan homes for both girls and boys. Currently the orphans number 10
girls and 12 boys. They are exceedingly lovely and loving. University students are zealous and
bright. In addition to their usual studies, preacher students are also learning Mandarin in
preparation for mission work in China. Visiting the ACU campus was some more adventure.
Bill describes the Filipino Christians as some of the most hospitable people he has ever met.
Tonight’s sermon will offer a fuller report on this mission effort.
WORSHIP LEADERS
FACTS AND FIGURES
Sunday Class Attendance
Morning Worship Attendance
Evening Worship Attendance
Wednesday P.M. Attendance
Weekly Contribution
Budget
1st 5th Sunday
82
148
108
$14,174.00
$7,494.46
$6,679.54
NURSERY ATTENDANTS
A.M.
Denise Golden, Ann Ligon, Leta Milstead
P.M.
Willodean May, Laura Bagents, Summer Cruz
PICK UP CARDS
Matthew Moran
Austin Moran
Continue Praying For
Wayne Rhodes
Jesse & Debbie Sain
Leighana Ray
JoAnn Rickard
Coriene Riedout
Amelia Daly
Barbara Springer
Vida Clemmons
Pearl Kimbrough
Lisa Reid Wisdom
Cherie Gresham(surgery 4/7)
Earline Price
Tony Hollingsworth
Thomas Tidwell
Loraine Hanback
Clyde Danley
Barbara & Marla Wynne
Doris LaPlante
Don & Hautie Pounders
Martha Chambers
Betty Sparkman
Columbus Coker
Nancy Jones
Keestone Assisted Living
Blanche Horsman (room 103)
Columbia Cottage
Mildred Gross (room 40)
Merrill Gardens
Howard Lewis (room E-158)
Vernon & Dottie Shuffett (room D-153)
Mitchell Hollingsworth
Wadean Hinton (room 616)
Louise Graham (room 409 A)
At Home
Charles Hoard, Bud Pilkinton,
Julia Buffler, & Susan James
SERVE COMMUNION
1. O. Easley
4. R. Skipworth
2. R. Fowlkes
5. A. Britnell
3. R. Roberts
6. S. Nichols
ALTERNATES
1. A. Britnell
2. M. Dooley
Bible Reader:
A.M. Opening Prayer:
A.M. Closing Prayer:
P.M. Opening Prayer:
P.M. Closing Prayer:
Dale Givens
Hubert Powell
Michael Dooley
Lawrence Alexander
Oscar Easley
For Food and Food Group Needs
Call Jane Blalock 256-366-0441
Or
Martha Hill 256-766-2215
PANTRY ITEMS
BABY FOOD CANNED SOUPS
JUICES
EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Sara Goldman (HCU)
Bob Comer, Nancy Jones’ brother
Doris Berry, sister of Phyllis Underwood
James Leo Hogan, Polly Underwood’s brother
Randy Parrish
Willodean Blalock, mother of Mack
Ruth Fowlkes, Robert Fowlkes’s mother is in Glenwood 109B
Novella Anderson
Harold Coonrod, father of Debbie Newton
Joy Kelley, friend of June Smith
Richard & Faye Hollingsworth, parents of Shari and Tony
Bobbie Peck, friend of Betty Beadle is now at Keestone
Ann Hill, friend of Debbie Newton
Megan Robertson and Brinley, Phyllis Underwood's niece
Shane Green, relative of Doris LaPlante & Meg Phillips
Michael & Krisi Wray and baby Charlie, niece of Alӓna Marks
Sherry Moore, niece of Martha Nichols
Marsha Sanders, friend of June Smith
Julie Ford Tavlock, friend of Troy Rogers
Mary Linville, neighbor of Meg Phillips
Connie Waddell, relative of Jackie Lewis
Pride Sherrill, friend of Tony Hollingsworth
Lavonne Bain, aunt of Jane Blalock
Cecil Stacy, brother of June Smith
Katie Long, great niece of June Smith
Marold Pigg, nephew of Margaret Marks
Brenda Collum, friend of Meg Phillips & Doris LaPlante
Harry Campbell, brother-in-law of Thomas Tidwell
Elijah Hudson, friend of Dawn Downey
Maye Coil
Quenton & Judy Hogan, brother & sister-in-law of Polly Underwood
Erica King & Preston Aldridge, friends of the Blalocks
Lisa Williamson, daughter of Julia Milstead
Donna Hays, sister of Randy Medley
Betsy Barnett, friend of the Underwood’s
Wanda Hamm, cousin of Chris Moran
Mary Neil Simon Sullivan, friend of Edith Broadfoot
Leon Crosslin, brother of Wanda Jones
Francis Herston, neighbor of Loraine Hanback & Wanda Jones
Bobbie Rayburn, daughter of Vida Clemmons
Joel Lewis, grandson of Howard Lewis
Danny & Laura Sale, relatives of Pam Eckl
Tony Britnell, father of Anthony Britnell
Mattie Scott, mother of Debbie Newton
Tommy Coker, son of C.A. Coker
Canera Wisdom
Jennifer McCain, niece of Laura Moran
Eilie Brewer, niece of Colton Gross
Katie Kirk, relative of C A Coker & Tamsie Rogers
Harry Price, son of Earline Price
Mike Nichols, son of Sonny & Martha Nichols
Willie Hamblen
Ginger Renee Bowie, friend of Michael & Mary Dooley
Doris Green, sister of June Smith
John Skipworth, friend of Troy Rogers
Lisa Hargett, friend of Debbie May
Tula Henson, resident at Montreat
James Phillip Long, former Mars Hill student
Mrs. Lindsey and son Kenneth, resident at Glenwood