“In the Light of the Lord”
“But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge”
Psalm 94:22
In uncertain times it’s good to be standing on something that’s certain and proven. God is the ROCK that cannot be shaken. Pastor Carter Edmondson Join us this Sunday to find refuge from the storms of this world. Our services are 10:30 AM on Sundays. If you can’t make it to worship with us in person just yet, please tune in to KXOX 96.7. We are also on YouTube at this time for those who can watch the services anytime. We are not meeting on Wednesdays but plans are being made to start meeting then ASAP.On Sundays we have children’s church, Kingdom Kids, meet during the same time as our regular services meet in first in the Fellowship Hall and then in separate age appropriate classes after worshipping Kingdom Kids are for ages 4-12. We also have our nursery open for ages 0-3. We will have hot coffee and donuts ready before Sunday services, so please come early and fellowship with us if you can.
Pastor Carter began a series of sermons titled ‘CONNECT, CULTIVATE, AND CARRY ON’ last Sunday.
John 15:5 - Jesus said, “I AM the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, will bear much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.’”
It really does matter what you’re connected to. #letsabide #letsconnect. OUR REDEEMER LIVES !!!
BROADWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Dogs and Squirrels
I don’t know what it is, but my dogs do not like the squirrels hanging out in the backyard trees at all. Our dogs have different kinds of barks. They bark loudly when we get home or when they see someone walking down the street. They have a different pitch when they spot something they are not quite sure about, like when we’ve had snakes in the yard. Then, there is the lower pitch, almost a growlbark they go into when the squirrel is in the tree. Is he a friend? Or, is he a foe? I’m not real sure.
I do know this, it’s not the first time we have had this issue/question. It seems that the squirrels follow us around everywhere we go just to torment our dogs. It happened years ago when we were living in Abilene. The squirrels would set on the fence and torment our two dogs incessantly. That is, until Kim got after it with a broom! That squirrel learned not to mess with a pregnant woman’s sleep!
Back to our current situation. I believe the same thing is going on again and the same squirrel shows up every morning just to torment our dogs. It just sits up there on the lower branches waiting to be spotted. When it happens, the low-pitched barking begins. I know what’s happening because I know speak dog language. So, I go outside, shoo the squirrel up to the top of the tree, then finish whatever I was doing at the time of the interference.
The question remains in my mind; are they friends? Or, is that squirrel a nuisance and a foe? I feel as if there can be several things like this in our lives today. Is social media a friend or a foe? Is television news a friend or a foe? Are some of our friends and associates friends or foes?
I believe there can be things or people in our lives that need to be prayed over. We need to ask the Lord for wisdom. Are they needed and putting me in closer fellowship with Him, or not? If not, then that thing or that person is a foe and needs to be dealt with appropriately. Just thinking…
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Worship this Sunday
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Lent and Interim Pastor Jerry Hendrix will be speaking on Seeing the Way of the Lord from John 9 and Ephesians 5.
Men’s Ministry
Our Men’s Ministry will host a breakfast on Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Lenten Worship
During this Lenten season we walk with the people of God to the cross. It is our hope that the journey will deepen our faith and prepare us for new life with Christ. April 2 Palm Sunday, Myles Werntz guest speaker. April 4-6 Holy Week lunches hosted by local churches Ministerial Alliance.
April 7 Tenebrae Service, 6:00 PM.
April 9 Resurrection Sunday 10:00 AM.
Youth and Children’s Ministry
Our Wednesday night programming for Youth and Children meet each Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
Youth programming includes theme oriented games, Bible study and a meal for grades 6-12.
Children’s programming includes a meal, music, Bible study and theme-oriented games for grades K-5.
For more information about the ministries of First Baptist Church you can go to www.fbcsweetwater.org. Weekly messages are posted on iTunes, Facebook and YouTube.
LAMAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH (LSBC)
Join us for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. morning worship service at 10:40 a.m. and evening activities at 6 p.m., Nursery is provided.
There is a men’s Bible study every other Monday at 6:30, the next one is March 20.
There is a coffee fellowship every Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. in the rec. building, everyone welcome!
Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., there is a meal, then at 6:30 p.m. there is Bible study for adults, youth and children activities. There is a new adult class upstairs “Person of Interest Study”. Come check it out!
Our monthly breakfast is the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the rec. building. Everyone is welcome.
Rent a Youth to help them raise money for camp. If you need help with a project contact Justin so he can get it scheduled.
Continued to pray for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North America mission field.
We will have a Good Friday service on April 7.
Our annual Easter egg hunt will be on Easter Sunday, April 9, that morning during Sunday school this year instead of the Wednesday evening before Easter. Plan to come eat breakfast with us at 9 a.m., egg hunt for the children, then morning service at 10:40. No evening services on Easter Sunday.
Continue to pray for our pastor search committee.
LSBC is located at 513 Lamar Street. Steven McCaslin, Interim Pastor. Justin Niksich, Youth Pastor, and Jimmy Davis, Music Director. If you have any questions about our services or events, please call 325-235-1779, if no answer, please leave name and phone number and someone will call you back.
ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (502 Locust) welcomes all to our 11:00 AM service on Sunday, March 19, 2023, the Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Rev. Bryan Callen is our vicar, leading us in worship with Eucharistic Prayer Rite I.
The Scriptures assigned for this Sunday are 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41, and the Collect: “Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
On most Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in Argos, we meet for “Coffee with Jesus”, a half hour of Morning Prayer liturgy. As well, on Wednesday, March 15 at 6 PM in St. Stephen’s bishop’s hall, this will be the second in a series of Lenten Soup Supper with a discussion about Kate Bowler’s new book “The Lives We Actually Have”.
Next Saturday March 25 at 9:00 AM we will participate in Eucharist as we walk in God’s creation. This will take place at one of Sweetwater’s local parks, location to be determined later. It will be an easy as possible walk. Everyone is welcome to any and all of these activities!
The mission of St. Stephen’s, Sweetwater and of All Saints, Colorado City is to help restore the people of our communities to God and each other in Christ through worship, service, and friendship. Every Thursday during Lent at 5:30 live (but can be viewed later) on our Facebook page, Father Callen presents a brief service of Evening Prayer. Be sure to visit us on that Facebook page where our Sunday morning services are now Live Streamed: facebook.com/ St-Stephens-Sweetwater-All-Saints-Colorado-City, and we can be found at our website, https://ascsss.dionwt.org.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10)
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Spiritual blindness is the refusal to see that we need God’s forgiveness. We are all blind to some degree and need God to open our eyes, that we may see our sin and His love and forgiveness. Christ is the light which shines upon us, giving us the sight we need. May Christ shine his light upon us, and heal our spiritual blindness. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
First Presbyterian Church, Sweetwater, welcomes all to join us for worship. Our Church is a warm and loving church, and we would love to have you be our guest.
We will worship together at 10:45am on Sunday, March 19 for the 4th Sunday in Lent.
Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, March 21 at noon. Kathy King will facilitate our lesson on Chapter 6: You Can’t Take it with You, So Live Courageously Now: Rising above Disillusionment and Disappointment. Lunch will be provided.
Session will meet Wednesday, March 22 at 5:30pm in the fellowship hall.
You are invited to use the Home Worship provided by our pastor, Kathy Monroe. The link for the worship is available on the church’s website, www.fpcsweetwater.org.
The mission of First Presbyterian Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by being an oasis of God’s love. Worship services are each Sunday at 10:45am. We are located at the corner of 14th Street and McCaulley, across from the high school. Find out more information about our ministry by calling 235-5491 or visit the church’s website www.fpcsweetwater.org.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 2 Timothy 4:22
FAITH HARVEST FULL GOSPEL CHURCH
400 Alamo Street Sweetwater
Happy fall from all of us at Faith Harvest Church. The seasons are changing and change can be a good thing, especially if you are changing for the good. Change you say, no way not me.
Most of us don’t like change but change can be good if it is positive steps forward.
Many are stuck in discouraging and dead cycles. I believe that Jesus still wants to rescue everyone out of them.
I can say from my own personal experience that Jesus makes everything new and he also refreshes our souls. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
So if you are stuck in discouraging cycle I would encourage you to cry out to Jesus for help. Ask him to show you new things to do for him. I believe you will feel a new well and a freshness as Jesus beings to make things new in your life. May the love, joy, and peace of God be in your life today and everyday as you learn to trust him more.
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
We look forward to seeing everyone Sunday morning at Trinity Baptist Church for Sunday school classes at 9:45 a.m., followed by our worship service at 11 a.m. led by Pastor J.T. Thornton. We have classes for all ages. Nursery is available for children under 3 years of age. Children’s church activities during worship are available for children ages 3 to Kindergarten.
Following our church services, we will host a new membership class for new members in the Family Life Center. Lunch will be provided. The deadline for sign-up has concluded.
We now host a Men’s Group that will meet together every Wednesday morning at 6:45 in the Family Life Center. All ages are welcome. After taking a break for Spring Break, our Wednesday night activities will return as usual. We host Kids BLAST for children in K-5th grades and Pulse for our youth in 6th-12th grades from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Children meet in the Family Life Center while our youth group meets in the youth room upstairs. Our adults will have their prayer meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 in the sanctuary.
On Thursday, March 23, Trinity will host a free concert put on by the Singing Men of Texas. It starts at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
Trinity will be hosting a church-wide baby shower on Sunday, March 26 at 6 p.m. for several families who have or will soon have new babies. If you would like to help with the shower with decorations, food, setup, or clean-up, contact Vicki Foust or Briana Strickland. You may also come and gift these families at any time prior to the shower. They are encouraging gift cards, which will be easier to store before the shower.
Our next Senior Adult Lunch is planned for Thursday, March 30 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. We always look forward to this time of fellowship. All are invited to join us.
We are now collecting plastic eggs stuffed with candy in the hallway outside of Kellen’s office for the upcoming Easter festivities. We will have our annual Easter egg hunt and dinner on Sunday, April 2, starting at 4 p.m.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
309 Cedar St. FUMCsweetwater.org / 325-236-6617 You are always welcome at FUMC Sweetwater! SUNDAY SCHEDULE
First United Methodist Church will gather for worship in-person at 10:30am as well as via livestream @ 10:30am. All are invited and nursery is provided for children 3 and under. See you Sunday!
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Sunday Nights 5:00-7:00pm
All children and youth are welcome to gather on Sunday nights for games, food, lessons, & music!
FUMC PODCAST & VIDEO
If you missed last week’s sermon you can find a podcast link on our website (FUMCsweetwater.org) or by searching “FUMC Sweetwater” in your podcast app of choice. For video of recent services or Livestream link, visit our YouTube channel (search “FUMC Sweetwater TX”).
RHEMA VALLEY CHURCH
Searching for a Church Home? We invite you to come Worship with us at Rhema Valley.
Sunday morning service time is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday night at 7 p.m. We offer a Children’s Church and Nursery during Sunday morning. Pastor Ollie has begun a new series: “Through the Book of Jude”. Rhema Valley is a Charismatic Ministry located at 3304 East Broadway. Come join us as we celebrate Jesus!
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH
First Assembly of God Church, located at 312 E. Ave. “B” in Sweetwater where Rev Wayne & Pat Kirk are pastors, wishes to invite you to a Revival at the Church Beginning November 7, 2021. The Evangelist is James and Sharon Smith from Oklahoma.
The services will begin with Sunday School at 9:30 followed by Morning Worship at 10:30 and Evening Worship at 5:00. Monday the 8th through Friday will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Smith’s have traveled as Evangelist and pastored a number of Churches, their last Pastorate being in Arroyo Hondo, NM. They semi-retired from there at the end of last year. They say they retired from Pastoring but not from Preaching. They are both very gifted in playing musical instruments and singing. Their ministry in music and preaching will bless you.
First Assembly of God Church would like to invite you to come and join them for this Revival and to any or all services at the Church. Sunday morning Sunday School starts at 9:30a.m. for all ages. Morning Worship and Children’s Church starts at 10:30 a.m. Evening service starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday night services are at 6:30 p.m. for children, with programs for girls and boys, youth service and adult Bible study.
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Witnesses To Christ: People From His Passion
John tells us why he wrote his Gospel: “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31). Life! When we believe that Jesus is the Christ, God gives us life-abundant life, forgiven life, and eternal life.
Historically, the Fourth Gospel is likened to an eagle-an image that suggests John soars to heights of glory and grandeur. That’s because the evangelist paints a stunning portrait of Jesus, who is the bread oflife, the resurrection and the life, and the way, the truth, and the life. Life in Jesus. That’s God’s gift to you!
This Lent, our life in Christ will be strengthened as we hear the witness of those in John’s Gospel who journeyed to the cross. Along the way, we’ll meet villains, such as Barabbas and Pontius Pilate, as well as sinners, such as Peter (who denied Jesus three times), Mary Magdalene (who was possessed by seven demons), and Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver).
Please join the people of Faith Lutheran Church, 1607 Josephine Street for Wednesday Midweek Lent worship services at 7:30 P.M. and Holy Week services as listed. We will hear the witness of these people in John’s Gospel:
Midweek of Lent 1: March I. Mary, the Sister of Lazarus and Martha, John 12:1-11
Midweek of Lent 2: March 8, Malchus, John 18: 1-11
Midweek of Lent 3: March 15, Peter, John 18:12-27
Midweek of Lent 4: March 22, Barabbas, John 18:33-40
Midweek of Lent 5: March 29, Pontius Pilate, John 19:1-16 HOLYWEEK
Palm Sunday: April 2, The Disciples, John 12:12-19, service time: 10:45 A.M.
Good Friday: April 7, John, the Gospel Writer, John 19:25-37, service time 7:30 P. M. Easter Sunday: April 9, The Resurrection of Our Lord: Mary Magdalene, John 20:1-18, service time 10:45 A. M.