East Dillon Baptist Church celebrated its 72nd anniversary while Rev. James Smith enjoyed his 18th anniversary as pastor of East Dillon Baptist Church on Sunday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m.
The music prelude was by pianist Mrs. Merle Hopkins.
Mrs. Connie Smith led in the Time of Praise and Worship.
The call to worship was by Rev. James S. Smith.
After the welcome by Rev. Smith, Mrs. Smith led in the hymn of fellowship.
The offertory prayer was by Jerry Huggins, deacon of the month.
The choir special was led by Mrs. Connie Smith.
Pastor Smith had the announcements and allowed children ages 3 to 10 to attend Children’s Church.
There was special music.
Rev. Smith’s sermon was “The Realities of Life” from Luke 15: 1-32 with concentration on verses 1, 2, and 3. The sermon today was part one with part two to be on Wednesday.
In this passage the Pharisees were the spiritual leaders of the time. The Pharisees were very pleased with themselves. Everyone witnessed the murmuring of the Pharisees as to why Jesus would keep company with sinners.
We are all sinners. We are all a work in progress.
Our Savior receives sinners.
Jesus answered with a 3-part parable as one parable. Lost sheep. Lost coin. Lost son.
The first reality is the sinful nature of man. The second reality is the saving nature of God.
Lost sheep are weak and cannot take care of themselves. They need a shepherd, the same as man.
Lucifer is the enemy of very person.
Man without God is weak.
Sheep are wanderers. A shepherd keeps them headed in the right direction.
We need Jesus to lead us. We are wanderers.
The truth about sheep. 1. Sheep are dumb. 2. Sheep are dependent. 3. Sheep are defenseless.
At the conclusion of the sermon, an invitation was given.
A Baptism service was held.
After the service, everyone was invited to attend a homecoming meal and fellowship.
East Dillon Baptist Church is located at 702 South Sixteenth Avenue, Dillon.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
Click once on a photo to bring it into a single screen, and then again to enlarge.