The Faculty and Staff at NSU Elementary Lab School started the school year off with a Lock-In on Aug. 6. Principal Caron Coleman, along with the Leadership Team of E-Lab, planned a night full of learning, team building, games, thinking skills, enthusiasm, food, and fun. The theme of the Lock-In was “The Energy Bus,” adapted from the motivational book, “The Energy Bus,” by Jon Gordon. Coleman presented the 10 rules of riding The Energy Bus and encouraged the faculty and staff to use positive energy to create positive results at E-Lab this year.
Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding an Attempted Homicide (Domestic) July 31 at 5:24 p.m. The suspect Matthew Solice, 33 of Natchitoches, called 911 to report he had just killed the victim, identified as 26-year-old Amy Solice, by strangulation after a verbal altercation. When units arrived on scene Matthew surrendered himself without incident and was arrested.
Matthew advised officers that he and his wife had moved to Orlando a year ago where he got a job at Disney. The couple split up in July, but Amy would watch their young child while Matthew was at work. The incident on July 31 began when Matthew confronted Amy about an affair she was having.
The woman was unconscious and deputies performed life-saving measures on the woman until relieved by Orange County Fire Rescue. The victim was transported to Celebration Hospital in critical condition and was later transported to ORMC where she succumbed to her injuries Aug. 2.
The Northwestern State University Volleyball team held its annual Fall DigFest Saturday August 11th at the Point Place Marina. The Fall DigFest, along with one held in the spring, are fundraisers for the NSU Volleyball team and a fun annual tradition for the community.
The Marina was filled to capacity as ten teams from around the area battled throughout the day on a sand court under a crystal clear blue sky. The DigFest is held to finance projects and extras for the team not covered by their budget, such as new equipment for practicing and renovating the locker room. The funds also allow the team a few nice extras while on the road. This year’s Fall DigFest is expected to raise $1,500.00 to assist Demon Volleyball.
Northwestern State University’s Volleyball team boasts 18 players coming to NSU from Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma. The team has an average grade point average of 3.6 and a phenomenal 100% graduation rate. Team member Madeline Drake played on the United States team at the recent FISU games held in Brazil.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the day’s photography. Copy protection is off and anyone may download any they wish. If you do download a photo, please consider a donation to NSU Volleyball.
The Demons first home game will be on the 28th of August vs. Jackson State University. Their first conference game will be on the 20th of September against Incarnate Word University. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes this group of superb scholar-athletes every success in their upcoming season. Fork ’em Demons!
Have you heard the word? Join the Mobile Rewards Program for Ivan Smith Furniture of Natchitoches for your chance to win up to $500 instantly off your next purchase.
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Ivan Smith Furniture – Natchitoches
Home town faces with big store buying power.
936 Keyser Avenue
(318) 352-5889
It was back to school time at Natchitoches’ First United Methodist Church as the congregation hosted two events to kick off the upcoming school year Sunday, August 12th. Each of the day’s three services featured the annual tradition of the “Blessing of the Backpacks” in which students of all ages brought their backpacks and devices to the front of the church. Each student was presented with a tag for their backpack, after which the congregation prayed for a safe and successful school year.
The day’s events concluded with a Back to School Bash in the Family Life Center. This event featured an inflatable castle, face painting, snacks and games. Over 100 happy children and their families enjoyed an evening of family fun and fellowship.
The NCHS Football Team has been relentlessly focused on victory as new coach Byron Keller embarks on his first year at the helm of Natchitoches Central High School’s football program. Coach Keller comes to NCHS after three seasons as head coach at Lakeview High School. Prior to coaching the Gators, Keller was head coach at St. James at Vacherie, where he was also a player as a student.
Coach Keller’s talented staff includes some gridiron legends. Assistant Coach Vernon Robinson is an alumni of the former Central High School in Natchitoches. He was a standout player there and at Grambling State University. He went on from the Grambling Tigers to play 5 seasons with the NFL’s 49’ers and Dolphins as well as the Canadian Football League where he set several records. He is joined by former NSU football coach Sam Goodwin.
This Thursday, Aug. 9, marked their first practice with full pads. The Chiefs came out 65 men strong to learn, prepare and improve under the Argus Eyed Coach Keller and his equally sharp-eyed staff. The offense and defense worked on various game scenarios as the players honed their skills and continued to meld together into one team and one family.
The Chiefs will play Many High School at the Jamboree on Aug. 24. Their home opener will be against North DeSoto Aug. 31 at NSU’s Turpin stadium. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to extend its best wishes to the Chiefs for victory as they embark on the upcoming season. Go Chiefs!
Outpatient Medical Center would like to welcome aboard its new Dental Director, Dr. Cliff Davis. Dr. Davis left high school for university life at the young age of 16, earning a BS in biology from the University of California, Riverside in1985. He was awarded his DDS degree from UCLA, which included an extra year of special study at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
Since completing his General Practice Residency at the Veterans Afairs Hospital in New Orleans in 1999. Dr. Davis has served Louisiana’s underserved communities whether in private practice or in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Dr. Davis has previously served as dental director at FQHCs in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and brings considerable vision and experience to Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. Dr. Davis enjoys spending time his family. His hobbies include building cars and motorcycles, and trying to play guitar.
If you were represented by attorney James Rex “Kip” Fair, Jr. within the past 5 years, call 318-352-6455 by August 31, 2018 to make arrangements to obtain your file, if you have not already done so.
Files will be returned to clients upon a showing of proper identification. Unclaimed files will be destroyed after August 31, 2018.
Attorney at Law
Post Office Box 60
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0060
Facsimile: 318-352-4401
E-mail: sw35585@icloud.com
Donald L. Young, Esq.
May 3, 1939 – August 6, 2018
Service: Monday, August 13 at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Mausoleum
RAPIDES PARISH:
Alice Corinne Wilson Bain
May 18, 1922 – August 8, 2018
Visitation: Monday, August 13 from 8:30-10 am in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Monday, August 13 at 10 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
Malcolm L. Denley, MD
May 20, 1924 – August 9, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Marcelite Eugenia McCarthy
September 25, 1925 – August 1, 2018
Private service was held.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board released the following charts for the 2018-2019 School Bus routes for the school district. Routes in the rural areas of the Parish will have routes consistent with last year, even with Cloutierville.
For schools inside the City limits, students who are newly registered are still being entered into the system. Busses will pick up students depending on what school the bus is going to. Some allowances will be made to accommodate newly registered students to make sure they get to school until the system is complete and running efficiently.
It’s recommended that students clarify what school a bus is going to before they get on it, to avoid any confusion. The new bus system asks that parents work with them and allow for changes and corrections to be made throughout this process.
For more information call 318-352-6465 during normal business hours.
One of the American Cancer Society’s Tributes of Hope is Sonny Evans. Sonny was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, in February 2000.
Following surgery to remove it, he started treatment. After the usual 5fu chemo and 30 days radiation, he was cancer free by August. Mr. Sonny continues to have follow up scopes and practices early detection.Being an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society, Mr. Sonny has participated in the Relay for Life for the last 16 years with his church team.
Today he enjoys church, Methodist men and Lions Club. He likes coffee and outdoors. So as a survivor Sonny would suggest do the colon check by mail, eat right, do not drink alcohol and use tobacco. Together deadly.
September 15th is right around the corner so be sure to visit http://www.bellesandbeausnatchitoches.orgor call 337-237-3797 to get your tickets. The Belles and Beaus Gala will be from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at Melrose Plantation. The event will feature recognition of our distinguished honorees, a live and silent auction, a catered meal by Lasyone’s, open bar, and live entertainment by Troy Marks No Idea from New Orleans.
There was not a parking space to be had anywhere near the Provencal school as a capacity crowd filled the school’s gym for the Panther’s open house Thursday, Aug. 9. The young men and women of Provencal’s Cub Scout Pack 20 kicked off the night’s events with a flag presentation. Principal Mary Yount introduced her faculty and spoke about the upcoming year. The Panther community also welcomed students from the former Cloutierville school. This year’s student body is over 500 strong.
There is no reason for student learning and growth to stop with the final bell. Students will have sports such as baseball, softball, football and basketball as well as cheerleading from which to choose. Provencal also boasts a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Association chapter and 4-H club. In addition to those traditional activities, the schools has instituted a “club day” in which students can explore a range of interests one day each month.
Provencal is also instituting a music program under Bandmaster Andrew Benjamin, a 2014 NSU graduate. Unfortunately, he is starting almost entirely from scratch as the school has but a few instruments for the students. Let’s help this dynamic young teacher start something good! If you have a musical instrument that needs a new home, please call principal Yount at 318-472-6174 ext. 400.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes the young men and women of Provencal Elementary and Junior High every success in the upcoming year. We look forward to seeing the results of your hard work. Helping students find and develop new skills may open up a new world to them and is part and parcel of the educational process. The new band and club day concept is a superb idea!
Fans attending Saturday morning’s Northwestern State football intrasquad preseason game should enter Turpin Stadium on the east side, due to renovations on the west side that have closed a quarter-mile portion of Caspari Street.
The Demons kick off their competition at 9:30 a.m. after taking the field at 9 a.m. for warmups. Gates on the east side and at the southeast corner of the stadium, nearest the athletic fieldhouse, will be open for fans to use.
There is no parking permitted near the southeast gate.
The west side lower deck of the stadium, which has chairback seats, is open for fans, along with the east side grandstands. Caspari Street runs directly behind the west side of the stadium.
The construction project includes resurfacing Caspari Street and parking areas adjacent to the stadium, and will be completed before NSU’s home opener Saturday, Sept. 8 against Grambling.
Lakeview Jr.-Sr. High held it’s registration Aug. 6. There were steady lines of people filled with excitement as they took care of business. Faculty and staff welcomed parents and students and assisted them with registration forms, Health Center applications, purchase of ID’s and lockers, as well as parking permits. Coaches and club sponsors were also on site to introduce their clubs and other activities. The band and cheerleaders performed during the event to show their enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
It’s that time again! Bring in your pooch or pooches for a spa day on Saturday, Aug. 11 at Tractor Supply from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bath and nails is $15. Bath and nails for dogs over 60 lbs. is $20. Nails are $10. We accept cash and checks made payable to NHS. Please bring your own towel. We hope to see you there!
The Farm at Fulton Road offers an amazing opportunity, allowing clients the ability to buy an affordable new construction quality home starting under $185,000. All of these homes qualify for 100% financing.
“This is a unique and much needed asset for the families of Natchitoches,” said Justin Rhodes.
Justin and his brother James are excited with the high level of interest, anticipation and support they’ve received from the community.
The Farm at Fulton Road is a 35 acre residential development located on Hwy. 494, just 4.5 miles from downtown Natchitoches and 5 miles from the NSU campus. This beautiful subdivision offers a quiet, laid back atmosphere on the edge of town while keeping you just minutes from shopping, restaurants and historic downtown Natchitoches.
“This is the perfect opportunity for a first time home owner or a home owner looking to upgrade to an affordable new construction home,” said Rhodes Realty Broker/Realtor Rodrick McIntosh. “A major plus is all lots are at least half an acre so you don’t have to worry about being right on top of your next door neighbor.”
Call Rhodes Properties and Development or Rhodes Realty today at (318)238-3733 to discuss your options on building your dream home today!
Status of Production:
Lot 37 – 301 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 38 – 303 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 51 – 302 Ranch Blvd – for sale – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 52 – 300 Ranch Blvd – sale pending – complete 9/30/2018
Lot 23 – 309 Harvest Place – for sale – starting 8/13/2018
Lot 27 – 317 Harvest Place – sale pending – starting 8/15/2018
Lot 42 – 311 Ranch Blvd – sale pending – starting 8/20/2018
All of the above homes range from $184,900 to $215,900.
As I look out over the horizon, I like many of you; see the following national disturbing trends:
More hard-working families are struggling to make ends meet
More people are finding it increasingly difficult to land decent paying jobs
A growing insensitivity to families stuck in the cycle of poverty
A growing insensitivity to families who have limited ability to pay for core primary care services required to help keep them healthy and whole
More families struggling with alcohol and other substance abuse
More families losing their life-balance compass and slipping into states of depression, anxiety and hopelessness
More people becoming increasingly desperate and willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise even considering doing – just to try and survive
The gap between the haves and the have nots growing wider
Repeated examples of failed public policy passed to try and address social, moral, ethical and spiritual equity issues only prayer, a genuine caring for our fellow brothers and sisters and united community resolve to globally elevate the human condition can ultimately solve
People at increasingly younger ages being debilitated and/or losing their life altogether from not seeking preventative primary care services routinely to help keep them healthy and whole and/or due to their inability to get behavioral health services in time to save their life and;
“The system” which already has more than its allotted market share; is trying to take what little they don’t already control and/or own from “the people”
This said, never forget that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were brought up over 50 years ago in an effort to be a positive solution to these moral; social and spiritual equity to such challenges and we have been “making a positive difference” for over 50 years helping to:
Provide professional, integrated, culturally-sensitive, personal and compassionate health care services for our valued parish families
Put our valued parish families to work. When more parish families use our health system services, Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. is better positioned to hire more parish family members and thus elevate the economic condition of our parish families and parish (NOTE: We have doubled the number of people we employ over the last 15 months)
Elevate the health and social well-being of our community
Save the state and federal government millions of dollars annually
Save lives
Provide hope and encouragement
Make it “safe” to continue to dream
Care for our valued community families irrespective of whether they could pay for their services or not
This is the community service mission Outpatient Medical Center Inc. has embraced and fulfilled for almost 41 years now. And yes, there have been times we ourselves questioned where the money would come from to allow us to continue to care for you, but, somehow, some way – GOD always made a way for us to stay on the front lines doing what we love to do – take good care of you. As I prepare to close; let me share these very personal thoughts to each and every one of you:
YOU built Outpatient Medical Center Inc. to care for YOU. Protect what you have fought to build by using Outpatient Medical Center Inc. as your family’s medical; dental and behavioral health services provider
Do not let anyone tear down what you have helped build; as what you have helped build is legacy; represents a social equity fight that was born out of the social equality movement and which still exists today and is a powerful example of what we can do as a community; when we truly come together as community to care for our community
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes the” little guy” is the best value money can buy; as it is cheaper for your family to get medical, dental and behavioral health services in our health system than through some of the larger health systems. Outpatient Medical Center Inc. isn’t interested in being the biggest healthcare provider as some systems are motivated to be. We’re only interested in being viewed as being one of the best healthcare systems in our parishes and we never want to become so big that we lose our personal touch with you
At Outpatient Medical Center Inc. – it has never been and will never be about the money or being the biggest. It has been and will always be about the honor and the privilege to care about and for you – and keeping your family and you healthy and whole
While we cannot necessarily change what we see happening across the country, we can stand as one community to protect what together we have built in Outpatient Medical Center Inc. I am honored and privileged to stand beside our dedicated Board of Directors (the majority of which are patients) and almost outstanding 100 staff to be out on the front lines every day; taking good care of you. My family and I came to Louisiana to help fight to keep Outpatient Medical Center Inc. ‘s legacy, independence and autonomy alive for another 41+ years and I ask for the community’s unabated support to help me accomplish the same. How can you help you ask? Simple – come see us; keep coming to see us and trust us to do for your family and you, what we have been doing for thousands of community families for over 40 years.
And let me close with this: If you are someone sitting out there not coming to the doctor or dentist because you have no money, come see us and help us help your family and you stay healthy and whole. If you are among a growing number of people needing hope, inspiration, compassionate care and genuine love and concern, we want to be there for you too. Come see us because at Outpatient Medical Center Inc., caring for you is what we do.
Be well; be informed; be encouraged and be in touch.
The gym at the Marthaville School was packed with students and their families as the 2018-19 school year kicked off with an open house, Thursday Aug. 9. Principal Micah Nicholson was joined by school board member Carroll Daniels in welcoming new and returning members of the Marthaville Hawk’s family. Members of the school’s student council held doors and acted as hosts and hostesses for the evening.
In addition to academics, the 300+ students may choose from a range of extra-curricular activities. The school offers basketball, baseball and softball as well as 4-H, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a music program.
One noteworthy addition to the school truly reflects the close bonds of community in the Marthaville area. The old home economics room now houses the “Care Room”. This project was initiated by the Marthaville Parent-Teacher Organization and collects school uniforms and supplies for use by students in need. The project is in memory of Marthaville pastor, Brother Matt Haggard, who was taken from us all to soon. The Care Room reflects his caring spirit and love for his community. It is a fitting remembrance of a remarkable man.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes the young men and women of Marthaville Elementary and Junior High every success in the upcoming year. Go Hawks!
Dr. Hurst Moreland Hall, Sr
September 19, 1929 – August 6, 2018
Service: Saturday, August 11 at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchitoches,
Interment: American Cemetery
Donald L. Young, Esq.
May 3, 1939 – August 6, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, August 12 from 6-10 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Monday, August 13 at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Mausoleum
Artis Curtis Masingill, Jr.
November 6, 1936 – August 3, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 12:30 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
RAPIDES PARISH:
Alice Corinne Wilson Bain
May 18, 1922 – August 8, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, August 12 from 4-8 pm and Monday, August 13 from 8:30-10 am in the Kramer Chapel
Service: Monday, August 13 at 10 am in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens
WINN PARISH:
Everett Franklin Stanfield
August 26, 1934 – August 08, 2018
Visitation and Services: Saturday August 11 from 8-11 am in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena
Interment: Belah Cemetery Trout Louisiana
RED RIVER PARISH:
Sammie Duewayne Wilson
May 18, 1938 – August 8, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, August 11 from 6-9 pm at Open Door Fellowship Church
Service: Sunday, August 12 at 2 pm at Open Door Fellowship Church
DESOTO PARISH:
Sertonya Eaton
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at Old Morning Glory Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Old Morning Glory Cemetery in Mansfield
Patricia Stephens
Arrangements TBA
Ida Pratt
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
Patrick Simpson
Service: Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 pm at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery
Over 1,200 delegates assembled in the Lake Charles Convention Center for LMA’s 81st annual convention August 2, 2018 Natchitoch was was among 10 Louisiana municipal governments that took home Community Achievement Awards, the Louisiana Municipal Association’s most prestigious award for outstanding municipal improvements and accomplishments. The City took home its award for its Rue Beauport Redevelopment, “Where New Meets Old.”
The project was built by Pat Williams Construction with the parent office in Leesville but with offices in Lake Charles and several other cities. The City started the planning 20 years ago with a master plan.
First phase: Roque House Gardens.
Second phase: Beau Jardin bridal venue
Third phase: Rue Beauport redevelopment project
The benefits are a huge economic stimulus in that the City will be in a position to handle many new and different events that the old venue simply would not accommodate. That was immediately evident with the start of the 2017 Christmas season.
Crowds are not concentrated in the immediate area of the amphitheater but are spread out throughout the entire riverbank area. The new bathroom facility at the South end of the riverbank was needed as much as anything so visitors won’t have to go to the top bank for restroom access. Electrical and sound upgrades are not as evident but now all are state of the art.
The City is receiving constant requests for use of Rue Beauport. A new set of policies and procedures are being finalized that are now required to control and assist the many new uses that are coming forward. The City expects this to continue and grow more in future years.
The LMA’s annual awards program recognizes municipalities for outstanding achievement in basic services, community development, and economic development. Within these categories, awards are presented in four population subcategories. SEE CITY’S SUBMISSION ATTACHED BELOW
“The Community Achievement Awards show that these municipalities have put a lot of hard work and dedication into bettering their communities,” said Mayor Lawrence Henagan (DeQuincy), LMA Immediate Past President. “I commend the winners on their foresight and vision. The competition through the years has really gotten pretty tough and this is a nice reward for hard work.”
Entries submitted were judged by a committee of judges from Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, Capital Region Planning Commission, the Louisiana Main Street, and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall.
“The Community Achievement Awards mean a lot to the cities,” said John Gallagher, LMA Executive Director. “Many folks, when they develop their projects, do so with the idea of entering it into the Community Achievement Awards competition, so there is a lot of thought that goes into the development of projects with the hope of being recognized by the LMA. It’s like the Academy Award for Louisiana municipalities. These folks are very proud and we’re proud to recognize their efforts.”
Years ago I met the most precious elderly man who was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield. He never missed church when the doors were open. That is, unless he was visiting the Catholic Church or the First Baptist Church of Winnfield. He was a firm believer in going to church and he often joked that he wanted to cover all of his bases just in case the Methodist route was not the quickest route to the Pearly Gates. He was also quoted as saying, “if Jesus were to come back he should be able to find me at one of these fine churches.”
I never thought in a million years that I’d find myself becoming a Church Gypsy as well. Being a preacher’s kid I went to my dad’s church by default. My father was born a Catholic who later became a Non-Denominational Preacher. Marrying a preacher’s kid I went to my father-in-law’s church and became Baptist by default. Once we moved to Natchitoches we joined the First Baptist Church and always felt at home with the family atmosphere, amazing choir music and a genuine Pastor. There was never a time I attended church and failed to find the feelings you’re supposed to get at church.
This all changed for me when I divorced a preacher’s kid.
For the first time in my life I had a decision to make that seemed to be the hardest decision of my life. Where do I belong now that I’m Baptist by default and subsequently divorced a Baptist? It seems as though during a divorce one may lose custody of certain things. The words were unsaid but I felt I didn’t have exclusive rights to the Baptist Church since he was there first, so to say.
With this in mind I went on a one woman (plus child) mission to find my church home.
One of my first visits were to Grace Baptist Church in Cloutierville with some of my best friends. The church is small in size but huge in heart. They welcomed me like I was a long lost friend they’d known forever. They ask about me when they don’t see me and invite me to every family event their church has to offer. The Pastor loves his congregation and loves to joke with them from the pulpit.
Now, travel down Cane River to the St. Augustine Catholic Church. This is one of my favorite places in the Parish to visit. The picturesque and historic location just feels spiritual as soon as you arrive. The thing that makes this church special is the many families who attend. Their families have attended for generations. They too welcome you with open arms and well wishes.This is where many of my work friends attend so it’s a divine experience when we all gather to worship and hear the homily brought by Father Charlie. If you’ve met Father Charlie then you understand why it’s so easy to attend.
Let’s not forget my original home church. River of Life Church in Goldonna. This is where I may or may not have carved my initials in a church pew or two. My father’s church is where I was a faithful member from childhood until I married in 1995. Visiting his church is always like a homecoming service. I feel so warm when I visit and I covet the memories of my mother and father worshiping together before her passing. She was wheelchair bound and always sat on the front row of the church. The recollections of our family history in this church are immeasurable but it’s a small hike to get out there.
Staying true to my Non-Denominational roots I decided to visit Freedom Life Church. The Praise and Worship music is extraordinary. Here again, the people make the church. They are so friendly and they genuinely want you there and want you to come back. They have children’s activities for the younger ones and other programs and Bible Studies for those who want to delve deeper. The Pastor is a very animated and an interesting person who will have you on the edge of your seat during his sermon.
With all of these wonderful churches right here in our own town I can honestly say that I’ve been extremely blessed visiting every one of them.
They say that while going through a divorce you should keep the children as grounded as possible and keep them in a routine. I may have dropped the ball when it comes to Sunday stability. Although we’ve been to church nearly every Sunday it hasn’t been the same location. I joke that one of the benefits of being a Church Gypsy is that you can wear the same thing every Sunday and no one will ever know.
There are many downsides as well. No one will know if you have a sick family member or if you’re going through a hard time and need extra prayer. You won’t know if someone you met at church needs support or prayer. You probably won’t know this because you’re only there once a month. If you miss church on Sunday no one will call and ask where you were and that’s because you’re not a regular face. One of the largest downsides, if you’re a drifter, is that you’re never able to participate and use your gifts that God blessed you with.
There is a lot to be said about being a part of church family and knowing where you belong every Sunday without fail but then again, I need to visit the First United Methodist Church.
Mathew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with thee.
Halie Errington is the winner of the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas t-shirt design contest. A check for $250 was presented to Halie for her design by the Natchitoches Christmas merchandise chair, Suzanne Fontenot Bolton.
A final rendering of the t-shirt will be released in the coming months. T-shirts will go on sale around the first week of November and will be available for purchase from several of our local merchants.
