The Neel United Methodist Women held its January meeting on Wed., Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. at the home of Susan Long.

Susan is the new president of the group and will serve for 2015-2016. The program, “The Call to Prayer and Self Denial,” was presented by Vonee Mitchell. Fourteen members attended the meeting and enjoyed the program, fellowship and refreshments. Their next meeting will be Sat., Feb. 14.

Congratulations go out this week to Mr. Delbert Vest on the birth of his newest great-granddaughter, Ericca Ava Vest. Ericca was born Dec. 29, 2014, weighing seven pounds, four ounces and was 19 ½ inches long. Ava is the daughter of Becca Murphy and Eric Vest. Her proud grandparents are Gina Murphy and Billy and Tammy Vest.

Lynn Hogan is registering those interested in the computer literacy class at McKendree United Methodist Bridge Center. Classes began on Tues., Jan. 13, at 9 a.m. and will continue into spring for a fee of $20.

They also have exercise classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $10 a month.

Everyone is welcome to attend Bible studies at McKendree. One Bible study is in the Bridge Center and is on “The Patriarchs” by Beth Moore. Brother Mike Vest conducts the other Bible study at the church on Wednesday nights, both are at 7:15 p.m. The church group has been studying the “Sermon on the Mount” in the book of Matthew. The schedule for the potluck suppers will be announced before the Bible studies.

Wyllene Carter and Carolyn Besnyl of Massey attended the Salem United Methodist women’s meeting on Thur., Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. Their president, Elizabeth Vinzant, conducted the pledge service program. The next meeting will be Feb. 12, at 10 a.m. in the education building.

The members of Danville United Methodist Church hold their Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Brother Mike Vest, pastor, conducts the study on Matthew.

Reford and Cindy Williams of Pleasant View Road are the proud grandparents of Addison Kate Williams, their first grandchild. Kate’s parents are Bruce and Amanda Williams of Forrest Chapel community. Kate was born on Tues., Dec. 30. Congratulations to the Williams family.

Belated happy birthday wishes go out to Nik Newell and Meagan Weldon on Jan. 19, Helen Taylor on Jan. 20, and happy birthday wishes also go out to Keith Roberts on Jan. 21 and Lillie Ann Dobbins on Jan. 22.

Cedar Plains Christian Church of Massey had several projects in December for needy families. One family they adopted had four children, and the church bought clothes and other gifts for them and the adults. They gave them and other families in need a ham and baskets of groceries. They also sent cards to the elderly and the shutins in the area.

The Rev. Phillip Gilbert is starting a series of sermons on missions. Sun., Jan. 11’s sermon featured scripture from Acts 1:8-2:45. Gilbert says that Cedar Plains is a small church with a big heart.

Forrest Chapel United Methodist Church had joint meetings on Wed., Jan. 14. The Rev. Patsy Carlberg, pastor, conducted this meeting at 6:30 p.m. The planning committee consists of the music program leaders, the sound system director and PowerPoint leader. At 7 p.m., the Rev. Forrest Long of Johnson’s Chapel United Methodist Church led the Bible study on worship. He will begin a new study on Hebrews during the next session at Forrest Chapel.

Carlberg started a new study on Mon., Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. The sessions will be for 12 weeks and are for newlyweds, experienced married couples and engaged couples. The topic is Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. The first nine couples to sign up for the study will receive a free study guide.

Dawn Estes of the Massey community wrote lyrics about Alabama Crimson Tide football star Amari Cooper recently and made a YouTube video with the Rev. Michael Mason singing the song. They used Dean Martin’s hit number “That’s Amore” for the music. The video has been very popular in Alabama and the nation.

Dawn and her family live near McKendree United Methodist Church. She and husband Neil, have three children. Dawn is currently the Falkville town clerk. She was the Falkville librarian for several years. Neil is a coach and teacher at Falkville High School.

Mason is an evangelist and started his music career at Brewer High School when he organized a quartet with other students. He is originally from the Center Springs community and attended Cotaco School before Brewer High School. He and his family live in Hartselle.