By Lois Harper

Good morning March 17th and a new promising day. The sun is shining and happy birds twittering their early greetings after the tornadoes have gone.
I’m kind of long in the tooth but that was the most hail I have ever seen that covered up here in Rutledge. There is still some at my front door where it’s shady this morning and it was nickel size and other sizes in diameter. Some windows were broken across the street at the Adams’ house and limbs falling were all the damage I have heard of. We missed the bullet by the wind not blowing like in Atlanta. Thank God for His mercies. His power is great.
In the absence of the old storm pits or a basement the safest place in my house is my small bathroom. Luckily I was over at Dean’s and Betty’s with the grandchildren for supper when it came. When the storm hit Conyers the parents of the great-grandchildren who live in a trailer had to get in a ditch for safety.
Granny Hooper is up there where she doesn’t have to be terrified of even thunder now remembering the many times she would scream, look down on me granny.
Happy birthday to son Harry Junior in Heaven today, enjoy birthday cake with no restraint, happy and healthy with Jesus Christ.
Easter is Sunday and when the choirs render their cantata think who else would die for our sins, shedding saving blood, loving us so much. In the hymn “He lives, He Lives, Christ Jesus lives today, you ask me why I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” Let Him enter in your heart.
Neighborhood News
Condolences go out to Beverly Bailey and family in the death of her grandson from a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning.
Tony Hensler is improving at home after being in an Athens Hospital.
Condolences go out to Lowell Messer in the death of his sister June last week.   
Summer and Jimmy Preston were guests of their grandparents, Dean and Betty Edwards Saturday and Sunday of last week.
My next door neighbor Brenda Lipscomb was in an automobile accident March 1, getting hurt extensively. She is home now with home health care. Pray for her.
Susan Brisco has been at her mother’s residence in Social Circle area, Gertrude Plungis recovering from serious surgery. Pray for her.
We were glad to see Bill and Margie Hailey down at the center after being sick recently.
James Thompson was with mom and dad Sunday and the weekend.
Michael Beal is stationed in Dahlongea.
Stephanie Blanton is in nursing training.
Wayne Ghann was ill last week; glad he’s better.
Remember those in the nursing home Hazel Conner, Eunice Sims, Carol Latimer, Hubert Station, Inez Jones, Virginia Davis, and Dorothy Herbert from our general area. If you know someone else let me know so it can be added to the list.
Baptist Church News
We are looking forward to the new choir section and baptismal pool change being finished. We have some new choir chairs given by donations for the new expanded area.
Flowers were placed by Brenda Thompson in memory of Matthew Jones and Alease Thompson.
We had good attendance Sunday with the choir singing Palms of Victory. Jennifer Peterson brought the special about when Jesus was hanging on the cross. Sorry I didn’t get the title, it was thrilling.
We were happy Wayne was well enough to preach another dynamic message. His emphasis was on the cross as Jesus hung there when it was total darkness redeeming us our sin death, suffering in agony. Blood dripped from his head where the crown of thorns was shoved down hard by the soldiers already beaten, whisker plucked out. How can we not reject Him after torture like this out of love for us? Hanging there in such agony, hearing the mob scream crucify Him, Crucify Him. Before He died saying “Father forgive them for they know not what they’re doing.” Jesus arose as He proclaimed from earth to Heaven. He will be our judge the next time.
So knowing this why keep rejecting Him while there is time. These few words don’t describe his total sermon. Come hear him in person, as our doors are always open
The Sunday night sermon was just as powerful about Moses being raised in a king’s castle, upon finding out he was Hebrew killing a Roman guard beating another Hebrew slave, having to leave and after 40 years God told Him to go back and free the children of Israel not taking notes this is a summary of his sermon, plus much more.
Announcements are our choir will render the cantata “Nail Scarred Hands,” Sunday at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
For Sunday we are decorating the church with Easter lilies so bring one if you want to.
Easter sunrise service is in the City Park at 7 a.m. followed by breakfast at the church. Everyone is invited.
Closing with this thought – John 3: 16 – For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”