Mrs. Mildred Moore was really surprised on Friday afternoon Sept. 24 when her family threw her a surprise birthday cookout. She was expecting her son and his family, but not the other family members that showed up about the same time with all the fixings for a hamburger cookout with all the trimmings.

The family showered her with many nice and useful gifts, that Moore opened while others prepared the food. After the meal everyone enjoyed birthday cake and ice ream.

Family members helping her celebrate were Mrs. John Bagwell and her son Russell of Brewton and daughter Kelly Bagwell of Daphne, Mr. and Mrs. Joe D. Moore and sons Bryan of Livingston and Brandon of Auburn, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Cox of Montgomery, Mr. & Mrs. Chad Bagwell of Atlanta, Ga., Ms. Ottie Thomas of Luverne and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thomas of Rutledge.

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Louise Fox hosted a back to school party for Chapel Hill Baptist Church Youth Group on Sept. 11. The youth enjoyed playing basketball and softball. The youth also participated in other games led by Jewel Killough. Other party helpers were Jean Moses and Gina Welch.

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Rose Michalski of Luverne/Glenwood County Hwy. 6 and her granddaughter Tammy recently spent several days in Washington D.C. While there they visited The Smithsonian Museum, which houses many various interesting museums, including the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the American History Museum.

After spending a day and a half in the museum they enjoyed lunch at the Wright Brothers restaurant at the Air and Space Museum.

The second day of sight seeing highlights were the Law Enforcement Memorial, which gives tribute to all fallen law enforcement officers. The Memorial holds over 13,000 names.

Other highlights were a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Union Station, which is the largest train station in the world, the National Cathedral, which is the third largest Church in the United States, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The main highlight they visited was the World War II Memorial.

They ended their stay in Washington by shopping at the George Town Mall.

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First Baptist church, under the pastorate of Rev. Donnie Burns, celebrated its 115th Birthday Homecoming this past Sunday. Bro. Gil Barrow, who served as an interim pastor at FBC years ago, brought the morning message.

After the morning worship service, a meal was served in the fellowship hall to approximately 300 members and guests. The event was commemorated with special t-shirts, which pictured the church on front with logo: 'Building Eternal Relationships for 115 years…and we're just getting started.'

After the meal, entertainment was provided with a concert in the sanctuary with members and invited musicians performing.

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This writer was pulled into several different directions on places to be last Sunday. One was to be in her own church at South Luverne Baptist Church or accept special invitations to homecomings at both Mt. Ida Methodist Church and Luverne First Baptist Church (115 year celebration). I chose to go to Mt. Ida to be with dear friends for their morning worship service and lunch. Then I hurried to LFBC for the musical concert.

Being with old friends is one of life's most precious gifts. Ashley Walker Davis was the guest speaker at Mt. Ida. What a great blessing I received.

Davis' message was, "Do You remember what you see?" The special music performed by Dr. Pat and Sandy Walker and Jerry Walker.

Davis' Uncle Jerry Walker introduced her and told of her family ties to Mt. Ida Church. After the worship service everyone enjoyed fellowship and a delicious meal. Although the church is closed for regular services, the families of Massey's, Carnes, Taylor's, Compton's, Walker's and many other community families have a homecoming and family reunions at Mt Ida each year.

The concert at Luverne First Baptist Church was also a blessing. Several solos were given. A group named The Cousins Too was the featured guest singers.

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Praise Report -Evangelist Randy from Cullman will be at South Luverne Baptist Church next Sunday night to begin a Fall Revival, which will be held from Oct. 3-6.

Randy has spoken in over 1,200 churches in 46 states during his 20 years of ministry and has led thousands to faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Mike Green and the SLBC congregation extend, a special invitation to join them during this time of worship.

The Sunday night service will begin at 6 p.m. and other nights at 7 p.m. A special invitation is sent out to all youth because Evangelist Hogue has a special message that has touched the hearts of many youth.

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This Week: God Bless all the many, many volunteers and workers who helped during and after Hurricane Ivan. We in our area have so much to be thankful for! Take time to tell them how much they were and are appreciated.

Lets never take those who serve for granted!