Late church news The Messenger, November 20, 2009 The following news was received too late to appear on Thursday’s Religion Page. Manna Ministries will welcome Vickie McNeely of Troy at the 6 p.m. service Sunday. She will be sharing her testimony and Rodney and Pam Gregg of Union City will provide special music. Read More ...

Lael SS Class has meeting The Messenger, November 19, 2009 Lael Sunday School Class at Union City First Baptist Church met recently at the family life center, with president Faye Passmore opening the session with prayer. Read More ...

Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone The First Thanksgiving The Messenger, November 19, 2009 By ARTHUR W. HUNT III Special to The Messenger Our images of the first Thanksgiving have been shaped by Victorian illustrations showing the Pilgrims praying over a white tablecloth while the Indians look on, bemused. However, the truth is always stranger than fiction. Early on, the Pilgrims lived in fear of the Indians. When the local natives appeared on a distant hilltop, an alarm would sound, prompting the sick to be pulled from their beds and propped up against trees with muskets in hand. These Calvinists were not afraid to protect their own. Read More ...

Church news The Messenger, November 19, 2009 Alpren to speak Rabbi Ken Alpren, representing Chosen People Ministries and pastor of a Messianic Jewish congregation in Nashville, will be welcomed to a special service Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Union City First United Methodist Church, located at 420 East Main St. His topic will be “Christmas Through Jewish Eyes.” Alpren holds dual citizenship in the United States and in Israel. His organization is aimed at furthering understanding between Messianic Christians — Messianic Jews are those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Messiah — and the Church. A nursery will be provided, along with special activities for children in grades kindergarten through sixth. Christian illusionist Terry Scott of Dyersburg will be a part of that children’s program. Read More ...

Senior Friends enjoy outing The Messenger, November 12, 2009 The Senior Friends of Cobb’s Chapel United Methodist Church will meet at Autry’s Country Kitchen in Troy Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. The October meeting was held at Autry’s, where good food and fellowship were enjoyed. Read More ...

Angels in Recovery celebrate a graduation story The Messenger, November 12, 2009 Another “Angel” completed the requirements for graduation from Angels in Recovery recently and received her certificate from the group’s founder, administrator and board president, Cindy Jackson. The milestone event for the woman, who is a recovering alcoholic and addict, was celebrated at Troy Church of Christ. In the audience were “Jodi’s” family and members of the board of directors, her fellow “Angels” and other supportive friends from the church and community. Read More ...

Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone Plymouth Plantation The Messenger, November 12, 2009 By ARTHUR W. HUNT III Special to The Messenger The Plymouth Plantation was both a business venture and a religious one. To secure passage across the ocean the Pilgrims were establishing a new colony on behalf of the Virginia Company. But the Mayflower missed its target by 220 miles, and the ship’s crew thought it too dangerous to sail south.  Read More ...

Reid assumes pastorate at Union City church The Messenger, November 12, 2009 Dr. Roger T. Reid will begin his new pastoral duties Sunday at Union City Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located at 631 East Church St. The congregation invites the community to attend the 11 a.m. worship service. Read More ...

Church news The Messenger, November 12, 2009 Free concert slated There will be a free gospel music concert Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Union City. There are 365 tickets available, but they are being handed out quickly at Lanzer’s Printing and Office Supply. The community choir that will be a part of the program is asked to meet at the theater at 5:15 for practice, according to a spokesman. There will also be several soloists and groups on the program.  Read More ...

Late church news The Messenger, November 12, 2009 The following news was received too late to be included on today’s Religion Page: Fulton First United Methodist Church, located at 200 Carr St., will host a potluck luncheon Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at the Willingham Center, next door to the sanctuary. Following that morning’s water aerobics classes, free blood pressure checks will be offered by Lifeline Home Health Care. Read More ...

Hunter Hynds Unit has meeting The Messenger, November 5, 2009 The Hunter Hynds Unit of United Methodist Women held its October meeting at Stanley’s Chapel United Methodist Church near Union City. There were nine members present. Read More ...

Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone Voyage of the Mayflower The Messenger, November 5, 2009 By ARTHUR W. HUNT III Special to The Messenger For 65 days the passengers of the Mayflower remained sandwiched between the ship’s upper and lower decks in a space 75 feet long and five feet high. Below them were the provisions they had brought along for the new settlement: beer, wine, hardtack, salted beef and pork, dried peas, fishing supplies, muskets, armor, clothing, tools and trade goods for the Indians. Read More ...

CHURCH NEWS The Messenger, November 5, 2009 Harvest Day set Annual Harvest Day will be celebrated Sunday at Woodland Mills First Baptist Church. Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a.m. and morning worship at 11, with a fellowship meal to follow in the church’s ACTS Building, located behind the main church building. There will be no evening service. For more information, call the church office at 885-2033. The pastor is the Rev. Rick Burton.  Read More ...

Late church news The Messenger, October 29, 2009 The following news was received too late to be included on today’s Religion Page. Exchange Street Church of Christ’s “Trunk-or-Treat” event, set for 4-6 p.m. Friday, will be held inside because of the adverse weather conditions being forecast. Read More ...

New UC church welcomes all those who seek stimulating worship and in-depth Bible study The Messenger, October 29, 2009 In ways similar to the Reformation movements throughout history, a group of people in Union City became aware of their need for revival and renewal.  Read More ...

Soli Deo Gloria: For the Glory of God Alone Saved to the Uttermost: John Bunyan (1628-88) The Messenger, October 29, 2009 By: EMILY PRITZEL Special to The Messenger Imagine two companions at the end of a long journey. They have been threatened by monsters, tempted by worldly delights, sometimes defeated and often distracted along the way, yet have finally reached the end of the difficult path that is Christian life. One final trial stands between them and the glorious city of Heaven: Death itself — a dark, turbulent river. One traveler, Hopeful, enters the stormy water and feels firm ground beneath his feet. He walks calmly through to the other side. But as the second traveler, Christian, steps in, he is swept off his feet in a swirl of fear. His hope vanishes: his faith is not strong enough to carry him through.  Read More ...

From ghoulish and ghosties, Good Lord, deliver us! The Messenger, October 29, 2009 Written by members of the Obion County Ministerial Association Well, it is that time of year again. What time? The time when we are assailed by haunted houses, haunted farms, haunted corn mazes, haunted asylums and fear factories!  Read More ...

Church news The Messenger, October 29, 2009 Fall Festival planned A Fall Festival is being planned for Saturday evening from 5-7 on the square in Troy. Free food and drinks, inflatable games, hayrides and much more will be offered. The fun will be hosted by the churches of Troy and the community is invited to attend.  Read More ...