Okolona Baptist Church

06/01/2026

Beth Moore is one of America’s most prolific & beloved Bible study writers. While visiting Tuscany, she was inspired to write a Bible study on John, chapter 15. Made to Flourish will be our summer Bible study for Wednesday in the Word(in-person and virtually). On June 10, we are launching the series with a 6:15 Italian dinner followed by Bible study at 7. Since many churches suspend their Wed. activities for summer, please invite folk to join us. We are providing Beth Moore’s book at absolutely no cost ($14 on Amazon). Comment or PM to receive your copy & reserve your space for dinner on June 10th. We have provided a page to preview “Flourish!” Benvenuto!

05/31/2026

Are you facing a challenge? Today, looking into scripture, we learned there is help. Worship with us as we look to the grace of accepting help from others. Anthem: God is Our Refuge. Compassion Project: collecting school supplies for needful local families.

05/31/2026

Trinity Sunday May 31, 2026 Order of Worship

The Gathering

Call to Worship
Holy, holy, holy God, we worship and adore you.
Today in our worship we long for a glimpse of your glory, seen perfectly in Christ, our Lord.
As we worship, may we gain new insight
about the mystery and wonder of your love.
And may we sense new ways to mirror that love in our community and in our world,
Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Hymn of Praise All Creatures of Our God and King #59
verses 1, 2, 4, & 5

Offering Prayer
For the blessings of this and all our days, we thank you, gracious God. Accept, we pray, not just this money but also our lives freely offered in gratitude for all you have done for us. Use them both, in this place and wherever you might take us. Amen.
Offering I Need Thee Every Hour Grace Kim, piano

Anthem God is Our Refuge

All Together Now! (Grades 1-5 go to their worship time)

Silence + Prayers of the People + The Lord’s Prayer

The Word of God in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Once When Two Were Better Mera Kathryn Corlett

The Gospel Lesson in Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Words for the Journey Mera Cossey Corlett
Jesus in the Orange Bucket Hat

Closing Hymn Walking in Sunlight #403

Benediction

Life Together

Great thanks to Mera Kathryn Corlett who preached on May 10, and Susan Lockwood who preached on May 17. And a greater portion of thanks goes to Allison Hammons and Grace Kim along with the choir and readers for last Sunday’s service. Pastor Mera and Kevin also express gratitude for the prayerful support given to them during the last few weeks and for the lovely, uplifting flower arrangement the church sent to their home.

On June 10, we are launching our summer Bible Study series written by Beth Moore. The premise is: God wants us to THRIVE not just merely survive. Since the writer was inspired while in Italy, our first 7:00 session will begin with an Italian meal catered by Fazoli’s at 6:15 in our fellowship hall. Books are available and are free of charge. Still a basket is provided if you want to donate toward their cost of $7 each.

Our Compassion Project for June is collecting school supplies for needful local students. Things like notebook paper, pencils, pens, composition books, scissors, markers, and glue sticks are needed.

Food boxes to be put into Shepherd’s Pantries are available after worship at our back lower entrance.

We Pray For: an end to war, violence, and dissension in our nation
and world; Terry Robinson in the death of her father; Jean Seaman and Ralph Westin, Jean’s nephew; Linda Strong; Whitney Nall; Karen Parks; Pauline Seigle; Pam Willis; Sirlivia Mahin; Norma Cornish; Debbie Clark; Julie Stilwell; Joy Barry; Pat Cowley; Josh Lewis; Terry Vaught; Tonda Quillin; Charles Hardesty; Marvin & Linda Shepherd; Dawn Smothers; Jody & Joanne Wick; David & Ruth Ann Harmeling; Stephen Corbett; Nicki Bunch; Chris Hardy; Bobby Carney; Angel Cull; the Citraro family; Wilma Sumner; Edna Hargrove; Margaret Johnson’s daughter after cranial surgery; Samuel Cossey; Pastor Mera; Lisa Campbell; Mona Williams; Carol Phipps; the Pulliam & Grant families; those served by our outreach; ministries in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi; ministries in Ukraine. CBF field personnel; unspoken prayer requests; all those in our community experiencing physical, mental, spiritual illnesses and addictions.


ON THE FRONT COVER: photo of persons climbing a waterfall

Many of us are willing to extend
a helping hand, but we are
very reluctant to reach out
when we need help ourselves.
It is as if we have divided
the world into
“those who offer help”
and “those who need help.”
The truth is: we are both.

Trinity Sunday May 31, 2026

Send a message to learn more

05/31/2026

Are you facing a challenge? There’s help. Look closely. Each person is in a distinct position. Which one are you? Join us Sunday at 10:45 AM for worship as we learn more about this photo in light of Hebrew & Gospel texts. We’ll meet in-person and virtually. We welcome everyone. Come see where you belong.

05/27/2026

This photograph is of a place in Jamaica called Dunn’s River Falls. It is described as a waterfall staircase persons can climb. But trust me-that’s not the whole story. Climbing those falls was a test of my strength and endurance. It challenged my fright of rushing water, my fear of the unknown. Mostly? It showed me how hard it is to accept help.

Having surgery and the aftermath has been so similar to my trek up that waterfall. I am much better at giving help than accepting it. Many of you say the same about yourselves. On Sunday, when I return, the message will address what scripture teaches us about resistance to help-from God and others. Keeping with the theme, my daughter, Mera Kathryn will help by sharing her experience of hiking from the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Join us Sunday in-person or virtually at 10:45 AM for worship. In the meantime, enjoy Miley Cyrus’s “It’s the Climb”attached to this post and imagine yourself in the picture, making your way to the top. What are you feeling? Whose hand is reaching out to you? Prepare yourself for Sunday—life can be a struggle but help is on the Way.
Faithfully, Pastor Mera

05/24/2026

For Pentecost-The Spirit Speaks Through Music: A Worship Service of Songs and Scripture. Our Minister of Music, Allison Hammons, designed and directed this meaningful time of praise and prayer featuring our choir, duet and solo offerings, congregational singing, and scripture readings. Many thanks to all who shared gifts and talents. Compassion Project: collecting school supplies for needful students.

05/24/2026

Tomorrow, we will observe the birthday of the church, Pentecost, through worship enriched with music and select readings. Allison Hammons, Minister of Music, will direct the service celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit. In-person and online worship will commence at 10:45 AM. Remember to wear red.