Mickey Starling ECB Publishing, Inc. Will Newton is the new pastor at Open Hearts United Methodist Church, in Monticello. He began serving on Sunday, July 6. He is not serving only in…
Category: Faith & Family
Churches play an important role in small town life
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson County is blessed with an abundance of religious opportunities. Churches and other houses of worship are located throughout the county, in both Monticello and the surrounding…
Fifth annual community fish fry held at St. John’s M.B. Church
St. John’s M.B. Church Contributor St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville held its fifth fish fry from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. on Sat., Sept. 15. The community was welcomed to come…
THE PULPIT: What every joint supplies
Ted Okolichany Columnist The longer I live the more convinced I am that there is a scheme of things far grander than we imagine. Each of us was born for our time,…
Pickett Lake Camp director announces retirement, successor needed
Hailey Waldo ECB Publishing, Inc. Pickett Lake Camp, a beloved retreat known for its scenic lakefront, rustic cabins and programs that bring together faith, fellowship and fun, is preparing for a major…
Patriot Day: Remembering 9/11
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist Christians and non-Christians alike sometimes take for granted our days here on Earth. It’s easy to assume that we’re going to live another day. Most people don’t…
Has your reputation been questioned?
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist Have you ever been wrongly accused? Has your good name been challenged? Unfair accusations can wreck your credibility and destroy professional and personal relationships. They can also…
Mary Hartsfield gives praise for a prayerful community
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast started its 2025-26 season on Thursday, Sept. 4, with more than 50 people of various Christian denominations gathering to share a meal,…
Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the pastor’s 23rd anniversary
Mary Roberts Contributor Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of our pastor, Rev. Dr. Melvin Roberts on September 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Ronnie Johnson, Pastor of…
Fundraising dinner to be held at First Baptist Church of Lloyd
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Sept. 10, 2025 is your chance to support an amazing mission and adventure. At 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church in Lloyd will be hosting a delicious dinner…
When you think your life isn’t worth living
I loved my sweet young kids. Still, the lies that kept me awake night after night convinced me that my children were better off without me. Suicide is a tough topic. Its…
The Pulpit: Why is Satan so successful?
Ted Okolichany Columnist In Matthew 13, Jesus gives us the parable of the sower and explains it. He follows this with the parable of the wheat and tares (24-30) and explains it…
Growing Through It: Her faith, my foundation
Amber Moore Columnist This past week, I said goodbye to my grandmother. For so many years, I didn’t know her. My dad and I had been estranged since I was 6, and…
Two from Jefferson County attend Patriot Academy Leadership Congress
Bill Snyder Contributor The Patriot Academy Leadership Congress for ages 16-25 is an intensive life-changing experience for young patriots to learn the legislative process, and it equips them with the tools and…
Memorial M.B. church hosting two events
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Fifth Sunday Community Program Reverend Paxton Rogers from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee will be the guest speaker at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church’s Fifth Sunday…
Community prayer breakfasts to resume Sept. 4
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. The Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast enters its 32nd year on Thursday, Sept. 4, with local resident Mary Hartsfield as the guest speaker. The Monticello Community Prayer Breakfast…
Arms wide open
Cheryl Cruce Guest Columnist I have heard it said, “We often see God in the way we see our earthly fathers.” I’m not sure if that is entirely true, but if it…
Bible verses to pray over our kids this school year
Sheryl H. Boldt Guest Columnist What is your prayer for your child or grandchild this school year? Perhaps you’ll be praying for them to have a great school year; to excel academically…
Life is short. Eternity is forever.
Rev. John Hicks Guest Columnist My brothers and I learned the Heimlich Maneuver in scouts. If someone is choking, you get behind them and wrap your arms around the person’s waist. You…
Prayers for players at Central Baptist Church
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Aug. 10, 2025 was a day of particular excitement at Central Baptist Church. For the sixteenth year, Pastor Daryl Adams and the congregation celebrated Football and Cheer…