Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The fellowship hall of St. Margaret Catholic Church was bedecked beautifully for the Christmas season on Dec. 4, when they took their turn hosting the Monticello Community…
Category: Faith & Family
First graders sing at LLL
Jackie Clemens Contributor At the Dec. 9 meeting of Triple-L at First Baptist Church Monticello, the program featured first graders from Aucilla Christian Academy. The children recited scriptures, sang Christmas songs and…
The Grinch, Rudolph and the miracle
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist The Grinch’s plan is simple. He figures that if he takes away all the Christmas “stuff” the Who’s won’t be able to celebrate Christmas. But the Grinch…
Christ, the firstborn
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist After identifying the Christ as being the one who has rescued people and transferred them into His kingdom, Paul gives evidence to identify Him. Paul begins by saying…
Step by step
Rev. Cheryl Cruce Columnist I’m sure it happened like this, though I don’t remember my first steps. Nonetheless, I imagine Mom there, her two fingers tucked safely in my little hands as…
Don Condon presented with Diocesan Medal of Honor
Story submitted On Nov. 6, 2025, Don Condon of St. Margaret Catholic Church was presented with the Diocesan Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of the Diocese…
From my mom’s typewriter to my first children’s book
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist I’ve loved writing ever since I watched my mother – an aspiring author – peck away on her Royal manual typewriter. Her example sparked my own passion…
Riverlyn Odiorne receives early gift from Jesus
Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Five years ago, Adam and Haley Odiorne were doubly blessed as Haley gave birth to two vibrant twins, Baylor and Riverlyn. The joy of their arrival came…
Christmas reflections with a touch of grace: There must be a tree
Mickey Starling Columnist In Florida, getting in the Christmas spirit can be a little tricky. December may be the wearer of many meteorological hats. It can be as “hot as blue blazes”…
Thanksgiving blessings, one meal at a time
Shirley Gilley Contributor Rev. Martha B. Wilson had a vision about giving and described it this way: “I just wanted to bless anyone, by the aid of God by the Holy Spirit.”…
A visible peace that inspires hope
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Despite your brokenness, wouldn’t you like to experience the kind of peace that others envy? Wouldn’t you like to feel a peace that defies understanding, no matter…
Hallelujah Harvest Festival brings food, fellowship and fun to Cody Church
Bri Rodriguez ECB Publishing, Inc. The scent of simmering chili and the sound of laughter filled the air Nov. 15-16 as Cody Church hosted its Hallelujah Harvest Festival, a weekend designed to…
Christmas IQ Test
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist It’s December, and the Christmas season is before us! We’ve heard the stories and sung the carols, but how much of the scriptural Christmas story do we…
Gifts produce unity and maturity
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist Jesus wanted there to be unity among His followers. He wanted them to grow into mature Christians. Paul said Jesus provided five gifts to “equip the saints” and…
Repent – and clean out the “freezer”
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist I love ice cream. But every time I eat a bowl in the evening, I regret it the next morning when I step on the bathroom scales….
It’s not good to be a turkey
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Turkey is the star of many Thanksgiving feasts and a staple in many holiday food celebrations. As delicious as they are, turkeys have a set of slang…
Being thankful in all of life’s seasons
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. This month’s gathering of the Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast was hosted by Christ Episcopal Church on Thursday, Nov. 6. Ladies of the Church had decorated the tables…
Who will you call to get that support today?
Sheryl Boldt Guest Columnist At twenty years old, Jenny felt like giving up. She had maintained a solid B average during her first year of college, but last summer, her life started…
Fields of Faith to take place Nov. 19
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is holding a Fields of Faith event that includes students from Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties on Wednesday evening, Nov. 19, beginning…
Don’t mess with stress
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist There were two mountain boys who spotted a bobcat up a tree and decided to have some fun. One said, “I’ll shinny up that tree and chase…