Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist We are in the church season of Lent, 40 days not counting Sundays leading up to Easter. It is a time where we Christians are encouraged to…
Category: Faith & Family
How to be included in our 2026 Summer Camp Directory
Does your organization offer summer camps or a vacation Bible school? If so, the Monticello News will be happy to publish registration information at no charge. We will begin running our Summer…
Greater Fellowship to celebrate Mission Anniversary
Story Submitted More than four and a half decades ago, a group of devoted and resolute Christians at Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church ventured out on a mission to extend their mission…
Obstacles to opportunities
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will a trouble. But take heart! I have overcome…
Procrastination — and God’s mercies
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist It’s 1 pm on Saturday at my house. I finally turned off the TV and sat down to write this (hopefully) inspiring column. I already feel better…
Cody Church offers weekly Community Night
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Cody Church extends an open invitation to their free Community Night, which takes place every Wednesday, 4:30-6 p.m. The evening includes supper, games and choice-style open shopping…
God’s love transforms us
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Unresolved conflict has a way of consuming us. It occupies our minds, tightens our stomachs and sets our hearts racing. The longer disputes continue, the more resentment…
Dare to be a Barnabas
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Throughout history, the Church has been influenced by unsung heroes; ordinary men and women who were significant in the fulfillment of God’s purposes. One such individual found…
First Baptist Church of Lloyd to mark 50 years with jubilee homecoming
Story Submitted The Year of Jubilee: 50th Anniversary Homecoming at First Baptist Church of Lloyd promises to be a heartfelt celebration of faith, family and community. On March 1, 2026, the church…
“God, please send us a hot water bottle today”
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It was National Prayer Breakfast Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, when the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast took place at its regular time, the first Thursday of the…
Casa Bianca M.B. Church to feature renowned storyteller and Highland Descendants Council during History and Heritage Sunday
Story Submitted Pastor Tobbie Berrian III and the congregation of Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church will be welcoming renowned Storyteller Sheila Arnold Jones and members of the Highland Descendants Council during a…
Out of the overflow of the heart
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist In computer programming, we had a term called GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out. The Scriptures put it this way, “Out of the overflow of the heart the…
Casa Bianca M. B. Church celebrates Pastor Tobbie Berrian III for 29 years of faithful service
Story Submitted Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its pastor, Rev. Tobbie Berrian III, and also First Lady Sharon Berrian’s, 29th anniversary with a service this coming Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026,…
Memorial M.B. Church hosts mid-week Bible Study
Story Submitted Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, located at 780 Second St., is presently hosting a mid-week Bible Study each Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited to join…
St. John’s Baptist to launch AA meetings
Bryant Thigpen Contributor St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church is excited to announce the launch of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon as a ministry to help those who struggle with alcohol abuse. The first…
How does God want to use you – today?
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist What would you imagine Jesus saying if you asked Him, “What is Your plan for me, Lord?” We can easily rattle off a dozen spiritual answers. We…
Kiwanis to host Feb. 5 prayer breakfast
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The upcoming Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast will be hosted by the Monticello Kiwanis on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Jefferson Country Club, located at 748 Boston Hwy….
Scored Wisdom
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Score derives from the Old Norse skor, meaning notch or incision. Back in the 13th century, shepherds would carve notches into wood to tally their sheep, one…
Facing our Goliaths
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist A teacher was giving an exam to identify notable figures in the Bible. One of the questions was, “Who said, ‘Give me a man?’” One student wrote…
Faith when the world feels out of control
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist In the erratic times we live in, when emotions run rampant, do you ever wonder if you’re living with the right focus? I do. As Christ followers,…