WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023
BANKS COUNTY NEWS
PAGE 5A
Church and Social News
Looking back at 2023
When looking back at 2023, some
of us may have mixed emotions. There
have been highs and lows in the politi
cal arena, on the world’s stage and right
here in our surrounding communities.
A rematch between former President
Donald Trump and President Joe Biden
could be in the works which may send
shivers down the spine of some people.
I’m not predicting that will happen, but
God knows, and no matter who comes
to office or stays in office we have an
obligation. God tells us to pray for our
leaders.
First Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that
petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made
for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness.”
No matter which team we are on, it is God’s will for us
to pray that our leaders. Let us pray that they will come to
know the Lord or grow closer to the Lord and have an ear
to hear God’s will in every decision that is made.
I was shocked when Russia attacked Ukraine then it
seems like all our attention shifted to the war between Is
rael and Palestine. As we wrap up this year, both conflicts
continue.
Scripture is clear that we are to pray for Israel, God’s
chosen people, the apple of His eye.
Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,”
while Genesis 12:2-3 reminds us of the seriousness of this
command. It says, “I will bless those who bless you, and
him who dishonors you I will cruse, and in you all the fam
ilies of the earth shall be blessed.”
Scripture also reminds us that these wars and rumors of
war are a sign the end is near. Matthew 24:6 reminds us,
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye
be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but
the end is not yet.” While this looks like the end, it reminds
us that our redemption is drawing nigh.
May we never forget that God is still in control, and His
plan is still in place, so be strong and courageous according
to Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for
the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
I also wanted to look back at our communities. Many of
us have experienced hardships this year. Some have known
sickness; others have lost loved ones while others are suf
fering with financial hardships like never before. During
times such as these, I ask God to give us the strength to
seek the comfort of the Holy Spirit like never before. John
14:16 reminds us that God has given us another Comforter
that will abide in us forever.
The Lord will not leave you where you are today. Luke
21:6 tells us, “Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall
laugh,” while Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that seasons in
our lives will come and they will go.
May we be reminded that God is in control no matter
how out of control our situations may seem.
My prayer is that each of us will grow closer to Him,
depend on Him, and experience the comfort of the Holy
Spirit as we close out 2023 and welcome in 2024.
sherry
lewis
Community Brotherhood
to meet Jan. 7 in Homer
The Community Brotherhood breakfast will be held on
Sunday, January 7, at 7:30 a.m. in the Don Stewart Hall at
Homer Methodist Church.
The speaker this month will be Mike Campbell, pastor at
Homer Methodist Church.
The church is located at 141 Sycamore Street, which is
at the comer of Sycamore and Church Streets in downtown
Homer.
Brotherhood is the only ecumenical, basically lay, group
in the county. Churches of every denomination are invited
to participate.
Tim Harper is president of the Community Brotherhood.
Visitors are always welcome, leader’s state.
Festive fun at Maysville library Christmas program
The Maysville Public Library hosted its annual Christmas party on Dec. 14. Santa joined the crowd and played his mandolin to
entertain kids and adults. There was food, crafts and prizes for all the children.
Youngsters visit with Santa at the Maysville library.
Brothers JW and Riker Mitchell listen carefully to what San
ta is saying.
Addie Rae Brown is all smiles with Santa Claus.
Kids enjoy crafting at the Maysville Public Library Christmas
party.
Great uses for Christmas trees
By ZACH MCCANN
It seems that every year
more and more people are
buying an artificial tree for
Christmas. It’s amazing
how real artificial trees look
nowadays, so in the long
term, they are cheaper and
easier to set up.
However, you just can’t
beat the beauty, fragrance
and enjoyment of a live
Christmas tree inside your
home. And now that the hol
idays are over and the orna
ments are being packed up
and the tree has been thrown
out in the yard, what should
you do with it? You could
throw it out in the woods
behind the house where it
will be an eyesore, or you
can haul it to the landfill.
There are better uses for
that skeleton of a tree with
the needles tinning brown
and falling off the limbs.
Old Christmas trees can
be chipped up, turned into
mulch, and added to a com
post pile to be composted
for eight to twelve months.
It can then be used to add as
an amendment to the soil in
your garden or as a mulch
around your shrubs and
flowers.
If you or your neighbor
has an area on your proper
ty that is washing out, you
could place the tree in that
area to prevent soil erosion.
And still another way
to make good use of your
Christmas tree is to sub
merge it in a pond.
They make great homes
for fish. Small insects and
other natural food collect on
the needles and branches of
the tree. Small fish are at
tracted to feed on them and
larger fish feed on the small
er fish.
You can simply toss the
tree in the water anywhere
as long as it is submerged.
Or if you want better results,
you can weight down the
trunk of the tree and sub
merge it upright.
This will provide a more
natural setting for all aquat
ic life involved. So, this
year make better use of your
discarded Christmas tree
and keep it from filling up
the landfill.
We are always here to
help at the Banks County
Extension office.
Ways to contact us are to
call us at 706-677-6230, by
email at zmccann@uga.edu,
or to come by the office at
413 Evans street, Homer.
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