Story submitted by Refuge House of God Apostolic Outreach Ministry On behalf of our youth at Refuge House of God Apostolic Outreach Ministry, we will be sponsoring a car wash and fish…
Category: Faith & Family
Clearing the decay: What the city’s buzzard problem reveals about our community’s soul
Patricia Smith Guest Columnist A buzzard landed quietly in the grass before her. Its left wing appeared bloodied. More of the birds descended from the sky, gathering around it as if carrying…
Southern Baptist Convention votes to ban women from the pulpit
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) found the saying “the third time’s the charm” to be accurate as they convened on Wednesday, June 10, in Orlando, Fla. After…
Celebrating America!
America is the most generous country in the world, helping other nations in times of crisis. At home, we are a land of endless opportunity, enabling hardworking citizens to pursue their dreams….
Ode to Lucky O. Henry
O. Henry was found abandoned at John Stretch Park. He was such a lovable dog that those who found him didn’t want to send him to animal control. Enter a search for…
Monticello to join 1,000 cities for America Prays 250 event
Story Submitted Open to the community, Transforming Life Church will host the America Prays 250 prayer event locally on July 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. More than 1,000 cities will unite…
Outlaws
They’re outlaws at the Church that don’t have badges to get in If they sat right down beside you, would you think it was a sin? I thought the goal we’re seeking…
Gallup poll shows increase in church attendance
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Gallup’s most recent poll on church attendance in America has widely-held stereotypes running for cover. It has often been believed that women usually have to drag their…
When we’re humbled by God’s mercy
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Everyone felt it – especially the woman standing half-dressed before the condemning crowd. Her eyes frantically scanned every angle of the temple court, seeking an escape. Even…
The parental blessing
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist I’ve received a number of “Dear John” letters in my life, but few things in my life touched my life as much as the words my dad…
Childhood reflections with a touch of grace: Closing the distance
Mickey Starling Columnist As the summer sun again finds its strength, it signals that hunting season is just around the corner. Since my youth, hunting has always been one of my passions,…
When you tell God you love Him
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist “I love You, Father.” When I say this short sentence, it changes my day. Every time I express my love for my heavenly Father, silently or out…
Constitution Alive!” class to begin July 4
Story Submitted The “Constitution Alive!” class is a popular video series filmed in Independence Hall and known as “The Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution.” Presented by Patriot Academy, it aims to educate…
Pulled pork sandwich fundraiser Saturday for Idaho mission trip
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. The Timmy Dyke family, Greenville Baptist Church Pastor Zac Funari and a group of volunteers from Jefferson County are preparing for a mission trip to Rexburg, Idaho,…
Light in the midst of darkness
John Hicks Guest Columnist I didn’t know it at the time, but I grew up in a family with issues. Don’t misunderstand me. My family was and is a loving family, but…
Be encouraged: This is not your ‘forever.’
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Years ago, when I was in and out of mental hospitals, Millie, a kind nurse, cared for me. When I was discharged after a nine- month stay,…
Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore
Rev John Hicks Guest Columnist Occasionally I come across a story or a parable that to me expresses a great heavenly truth using earthly experiences in a way that I can totally…
Warden Hewitt connects “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” to faith
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. An extra meeting was added to this year’s calendar for the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast so that the group could recognize Jefferson Correctional Institution (JCI) as a…
The modern pharisee and the backseat gospel
Patricia Smith Guest Columnist How does worship shift from god-centered faith to self-centered awareness? On a Sunday morning in Jefferson County, church life moves at a familiar pace. Pickup trucks roll down…
Community Revival is June 10-12
Story Submitted The Memorial Missionary Baptist Church will host the 2026 Community Revival beginning Wednesday June 10, and ending Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. nightly. This is a joint revival…