Voice of Hope

As we move further into Easter week celebrations, Christians around the world celebrate Maunday Thursday.   Traditionally, this night has been one of remembrance of the servitude of our Lord, as he washed His disciples feet.  Did you know that not too many years ago, most of the congregations of the Church of God of Prophecy practiced feet washing?  In fact, it often was misunderstood and it actually embarrassed some folks to participate in this practice.  I can honestly say I was never ashamed to practice the washing of the saints feet.  My logic was pretty simple.  Jesus said,  "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13:14)   That was always good enough for me. In the hours following this act of washing His disciples feet, he would be mistreated, falsely accused, deserted by His own followers...He knew all of this would happen, but He still humbled Himself...what a wonderful...

We are so thrilled to hear all of the good reports coming in from across Tennessee about the girls retreat that was held last weekend.  The staff did an absolutely wonderful job of ministering to the young ladies that registered and attended, and they helped to make them feel special...because they are! We face new challenges in the 21st Century, but we are up to the task of instilling the principles and precepts of God's Word into their lives.  In a proper cultural context, we minister to them where they are at...not an imaginary world...hence the title, GET REAL.  We believe in the youth and children of our church and are committed to reaching this young harvest all around us. Once again...great job! Brother McKinley

Today is Palm Sunday.  This day remembers the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the City of David.  The crowds were ecstatic that their king had arrived, and were hoping that he was now going cast off the oppressive yoke of Roman occupation. Unfortunately, they didn't recognize the nature of His Kingdom, and within a week the same people who welcomed Him with open arms would cry out, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him."  I have found it interesting that on that same day, late in the evening, Jesus wept as he sat overlooking that same city, knowing of their coming destruction. Today, let us rejoice that we may understand the true nature of His kingdom.

Lorene Frances Spears 87 of Westmoreland TN passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Funeral services for Mrs. Spears will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 1:00 PM from Lakeside Church of God of Prophecy with  Bro. Leon Graves, Bro. Ronnie Spears and Bro. Mike Creasy officiating. Interment will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Jeff Graves, Stacey Graves, Scott Graves, Josh Graves, Spence Creasy and Chad Fields.  Honorary pallbearers will be be Angela Spears, Tyler Graves, Caleigh Graves, Taylor Graves, Alec Creasy and Connor Graves. Visitation will be:  Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Woodard Funeral Home and Friday, March 15, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Woodard Funeral Home and Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lakeside Church of God of Prophecy. She was preceded in death by: Father - Jesse Andrews, Mother - Zelma Key Andrews, Daughter - Linda Meador, Brother - Wilfred Andr...

Only a few-moments-ago, Sister Bonnie Akers (age 64) passed away after a long battle with cancer.  She had been at Vanderbilt Medical Center and was transferred to the Alive Hospice Unit in Nashville when she passed away.  Jessie, Bonnie's husband pastors our local church in Winchester. I will be posting updates here when I learn of the arrangements, however, I do know that the funeral services will be in Winchester, Tennessee. Please join me in prayer for the Akers family.