Terry Headlight News

There was a major error in last week’s column that will now be corrected. I think that everyone realized that the date for the Meet - the - Candidates in the Terry Park was incorrect. The correct date is Saturday, June 3. I was heavily involved in another similar event at Smith Park in Jackson, and that event was on this past Saturday. I wish to thank 2 of the candidates (David Blount, candidate for the Mississippi Senate and De’Keither Stamps, candidate for Public Service Commissioner) for calling this mistake to my attention!

On Tuesday morning of last week, I learned of the death of a former pastor of the Terry Baptist Church, Rev. A.L. Courtney. This has been quite a shock for those of us who remember Rev. Courtney, his family and the dachshund pet Ralph. He was my pastor as well as my neighbor prior to his moving to Alabama. His obituary follows:

A. L Courtney (December 15, 1834 - May 15, 2023)

Amos Levi Courtney, (known to everyone as A.L.) celebrated his heavenly homecoming on May 15, 2023. A.L. was born in Jackson, Ala. to Amos Levi Courtney, Sr. and Willie B. Courtney on Dec. 15, 1934. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Myra Scroggins Courtney, daughter, Amy Courtney Marott and son, Michael Levi Courtney; sisters, Jean Marie Mathews and Linda Brown; 4 granddaughters Courtney Marott, Laurel Marott, Emile Courtney and Kyndall Courtney; 5 great-grandchildren Ashlyn Marott, Cason Stone, Cash Stone, Lillian Bell, and Asher Hoselton; godson, Tristan Tyler, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and a multitude of friends.

A.L. graduated from East MS Com-munity College, Howard College (Samford) and New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He served as pastor to churches in Mississippi and Alabama for over 50 years. After serving 20 years at First Baptist Church in Pell City, Alabama, he retired in Dec. 1999, and was named Pastor Emeritus. A.L. was also involved in many community activities, as an honorary member of the Pell City Rotary Club where he served two years as President. He also was a member of the Alabama Baptist Board of Missions, the Baptist Foundation Board, Lakeside Hospice Board, and Samford Golden Bulldog President. For nine years, he served as Chaplin of the Pell City High School Football team. He was named Clergyman of the Year by the Pell City Civitan Club, Alumnus of the Year at East Mississippi Community and entered in the Sports Hall of Fame in the same school.

Having officiated an untold number of weddings, funerals, church activities, and community events, A.L. cast a long shadow and legacy of faithful service to the Lord. He is celebrated by many that he brought to a relationship with Jesus Christ, those whose lives he influenced through his discipleship, and is a model of a life well-lived.

A service to celebrate his homecoming was held on Saturday, May 20 at First Baptist Church, Pell City, Ala. at 11 a.m. Following the service, all attendees were invited by the family to join them for visitation in the Family Ministry Building at First Baptist.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideons Organization or First Baptist Church, Pell City missions ministry.

Condolences may be offered online at usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City assisted the family.

There have been a number of recent deaths. On Saturday, Hinds County Judge Larita Cooper-Stokes was also buried. The widow of Terry native Sutter Smith, Jr. was also buried on Monday, May 22. I have not seen an obituary of Mrs. Smith to share, but that should appear in next week’s column.

This Sunday is Pentecost! It is a day when many Christians attending church wear the color red to signify the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles as recorded in the second chapter of Acts. The feast is celebrated on the 50th and final day of the Easter season. In 2023, Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 28. In times past, the Day of Pentecost was a celebration as much as were Christmas and Easter. The season of Pentecost is the longest season of the Christian year. It will not end until the beginning of Advent (four weeks prior to Christmas Day).

Here is a hymn from 1906 which, to me, is a great hymn because its text indicates that the worshiper/singer is one of those whose live has been been set afire by the Spirit and reminds me of the hymn for All Saints Day entitled “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” Both the words and the music of this hymn (“I’m Glad that I’m One of Them”) were written by Missouri native Isaiah G. Martin. “There are people almost everywhere, Whose hearts are all aflame With the fire that fell at Pentecost, Which made them all acclaim; It is burning now within my heart— All glory to His name!— And I’m glad that I can say I’m one of them. “Though the people may not learnèd be, Nor boast of worldly fame, They have all received their Pentecost, Through faith in Jesus’ name; And are telling now, both far and wide, His power is yet the same, And I’m glad that I can say I’m one of them. “They were gathered in the upper room, All praying in His name, They were baptized in the Holy Ghost, And power for service came; Now what He did for them that day, He’ll do for you the same, And I’m glad that I can say I’m one of them. “Come, my brother seek this blessing, That will cleanse your heart from sin, That will start the joy bells ringing, And will keep the soul aflame; It is burning now within my heart— All glory to His name!— And I’m glad that I can say I’m one of them.”

Blessing your home on Pentecost is a popular tradition in many Christian communities. It involves asking God to bless your home, protect it from harm, and fill it with peace and love. This act of blessing is seen as a way to invite the Holy Spirit into your home and renew your faith.

One of the reasons why blessing your home on Pentecost is so meaningful is because it connects us to the origins of the holiday. According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples on Pentecost and enabled them to speak in different languages. This event marked the birth of the Christian church and the spreading of the gospel to people from all over the world.

By blessing our homes on Pentecost, we are acknowledging the power of the Holy Spirit and the role it has played in our lives. We are also asking for God’s protection and guidance as we navigate the challenges of daily life. This act of faith can be a great way to renew our commitment to God and strengthen our spiritual connection.

There are many different ways to bless one’s home on Pentecost. Some people choose to use holy water or anoint their doors with oil, while others may recite a prayer or read from the Bible. Whatever method you choose, the key is to approach the act of blessing with sincerity and reverence.

In addition to blessing your home, there are many other ways to celebrate Pentecost. Some communities may hold special church services or prayer vigils, while others may organize picnics or other social events.

In conclusion, Pentecost is an important holiday for Christians around the world. By blessing our homes on this day, we are acknowledging the power of the Holy Spirit and inviting God’s protection and guidance into our lives. Whether you choose to recite a prayer, anoint your doors with oil, or simply spend time in quiet reflection, the act of blessing can be a powerful way to renew your faith and strengthen your spiritual connection.

The purpose of Pentecost was - and still is - the empowering of the Christian Church, with the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead! We are called to live a unity of life, where our Christian faith is not compartmentalized but rather informs and permeates our daily life. We are called to love the Church, recognizing that she is “Some - One” not something - the Body of Christ continuing His redemptive mission on the earth until He returns.

Help to lead more people to Christ! The missionary mandate extends to every state in life and every Christian vocation. They demonstrate that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are real and still available for all Christians.

There are many cries that the Church needs to rise up in this hour with the same power with which she transformed the world of the first centuries. She can... by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Here is a prayer for the Pentecost season:

“Living God, you sent the Holy Spirit to breathe life into your church. Let us no longer be captives to fear, but instead messengers of your saving love! May all be reconciled in You, through Jesus Christ, our peace.”

The scriptural readings for Pentecost Sunday include: Acts 2:1-21 (coming of the Holy Spirit; Peter speaks to the people.), Numbers 11:24-30 (Seventy elders help Moses.), Psalm 104:25-35, 37 (praise to God, Who made the world); 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 (gifts from the Holy Spirit; The Body of Christ works together.); John 20:19-23 (Jesus appears to His followers.); and John 7:37-39 (Jesus talks about the Spirit.)

These people from Terry or with Terry connections have recently celebrated birthdays:

May 22: Wendy Alfonso Tardo, Shanell Watson, Kendal Rutledge; May 24: Daniel Barry, Cameron Clark; May 25: Margaret Ann Dixon Kenney, Ray Adair; May 26: Chad Sills; May 27: Ann Morrison Patrick; May 28: Greta Mack Harris, Tia Mitchell McCraw, Elsie Moss Berryhill; May 29: Sylvia Hickman.

Have you noticed how lovely the magnolias around town have been? I love this season because these magnolias grow, and I often write about the first magnolia of the season that I have seen. The first one that I saw (on North State Street in Jackson, near the Baptist Hospital) seemed to bloom a little earlier this year.

You have been reading the best newspaper in the state, the Hinds County Gazette. This newspaper has been sharing news weekly about this county since 1845. When you wish to have your news about illness, nuptials, childbirth, or passings, you are invited to share these things with this writer in order that he may have your news printed. He may be reached by e-mail at: terryj1@bellsouth.net. (Pray for PEACE, people everywhere.)