I want to share with our Hartselle Enquirer readers this week Shady Grove Baptist Church Pastor Tom Campbell’s message from their church newsletter titled “Faith or Fantasy.”

When James wrote his letter, he talked about faith without works as being dead. I think in our day and maybe even in the time of James, professions were more fantasy than faith.

Jesus talked about the word of God being sowed onto shallow ground only to sprout and flourish until the droughts arrived. His interpretation was that people would hear the word of kingdom and receive it with joy, but when trials came, they would fall away. When the music is loud, the feelings are good and the blessings are abundant, the buildings will be full. When the cost is high and the times are hard, it might be a different story, or at least it was in Jesus’ day.

The following are some definitive markers that differentiate between faith and fantasy. Faith humbly acknowledges God’s presence in one’s daily life. Faith urges us to talk with our heavenly Father. It causes one to be aware of their sinfulness as well as God’s desire to abundantly pardon. It makes us dependent on our Father. Faith impels one to service. It humbles us, leaving gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Faith moves us to reconciliation with one another. Do you have faith or fantasy?

Belated happy birthday wishes go out this week to Melinda Haynes on March 30.

The Rev. Stanley Reeves was the guest speaker at Round Top Community Church, Palm Sunday, March 29, for the morning worship service. Rev. Reeves plays guitar and sings to provide the special music. He also composes songs. The Round Top youth conducted the service.

The Good Friday Service of Darkness hosted by Forrest Chapel United Methodist Church with Johnson’s Chapel United Methodist Church was Fri., April 3, at 7 p.m. Pastors Forrest Long and Patsy Carlberg conducted an interesting and informative program. There were readers of scripture passages from both congregations. Everyone was blessed by the ceremony.

The Carpenter’s Cabinet Food Pantry and Family Resource Center for South Morgan County announced the purchase of a building and financial aid for a second food pantry in Holly Pond. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs gave a grant of $178,000, and Cullman County Economic Development donated $11,000 for the building.

The building is the old Shirley’s Video behind Jack’s on Hwy. 278 at 60 Finley Drive. The opening of this facility to serve East Cullman County will allow food insecure families to receive food. Chris Warnick, director of the Carpenter’s Cabinet in Falkville is hopeful that the new pantry will open by summer’s end. Financial contributions may be mailed to Laura Symonts, director, Holly Pond Food Pantry, P.O. Box 133, Holly Pond, AL. 35083.

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church at Massey had their Easter program during the morning worship service at 11 a.m. on April 5. Brother Greg Compton, pastor, conducted the ceremony with Pam MacDonald, music director and Charlotte Beavers, pianist.

Arthur Ray, Barbara Summerford and Vivian Summerford of Round Top community attended the quartet concert on Palm Sunday, March 29, at New Life-God’s Church at 5   p.m. The featured quartet was Charles Howse’s Glory Road group. The Revs. Phillip Hardin and Tony Johnson are the pastors.

Corinth West Baptist women’s group and relatives hosted a baby shower for Kamee Shedd Morgan on Sun., March 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall. A blue theme of Pooh Bear was used including blue punch and cupcake icing. The baby boy is due at the end of April. Cody Morgan is the proud expectant father.

John Owens of the Massey community is engaged to marry Stacey Davies of Attalla on Sat., May 2, at 4:30 p.m. The wedding will be in Adairsville, Ga. at the Barney Garden Resort. On Sun., March 29, Dottie Hall hosted a bridal tea honoring Stacey at her home in Hickory Heights in Hartselle from 2 to 4 p.m. Those assisting Dottie were Jane Knight, Frances Rowe, Phyllis Johnson, Rixie Smith, Joan Ellis and Linda Owens.