I want to share with Hartselle Enquirer readers a story by Shady Grove Baptist Church Pastor Tom Campbell, which was published in the church’s newsletter.

The title of the story is “Stand By Me.” and it reads as follows:

“It was a normal winter Monday.

“The McDonald’s coffee really hits the spot when it’s cold. As we settled down in our conversation, my friend told me a most interesting story.

“It seems that he had some repairs to be made at his home so he hired the community handy man to come and do the work. While the work was progressing, the worker was invited to lunch each day and the two became friends.

“Shortly after the work was done, the bill settled, each went their way. Some time later, the repairman’s best friend passed away.

“Having heard the news, my friend visited and was by his side during the whole funeral ordeal. At the cemetery, he shared the committal and did the closing prayer.

“A short time later, my friend received a most moving letter thanking him for being there in that troubling time. As a result the repairman has come to faith and he is now quiet involved in a local church.

“I am sure the love and comfort of one who went out of his way, to stand by this man in his hour of trial went a long way in his conversion. I would encourage you to be sensitive to those around us, whose circumstances beg: stand by me.”

Johnson’s Chapel United Methodist Church Women’s group met Wed., Jan. 8. Marla Long presided, and the program was the traditional pledge service.

The group also made plans for some New Year projects. They will continue their project of sending food for the needy at Decatur Community Care.

The Johnson Chapel congregation enjoyed a fellowship supper Wed., Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. Bible study classes were held after the meal.

Get well wishes go out this week to Essie Holladay, Dana Henslee and Betty Braswell Thompson.

Belated happy birthday wishes go out to Helen Taylor and Beau Terry, both on Jan. 20.

Happy birthday wishes also go out to Lillie Ann Dobbins on Jan. 22, Keith Roberts on Jan. 24 and Jimmie Lake and Zack Alred, both on Jan. 26.

On Jan. 11-12, Kevin and Cynthia Smithson and Becky of Alma, Ga. and Taylor Childress of Milledgeville, Ga., visited in the Corinth community. Kevin is the son of Becky Childress and the late Ronnie Smithson of Corinth.

The Smithson family and other relatives enjoyed supper Sat., Jan. 11, at the Corinth West Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Those attending were Tony and Donna Smithson and Shirley Pope of Corinth, Tim and Shanda Garner and Carson and Bryant of West Point, Phillip Smithson, Lelton and Jacob of Sardis, Joey and Rachel Smithson, Lee Ann, Laura and Will of Vinemont, Greg Smithson of Eva, Drennan and Janet Smithson of Vinemont, Dana Henslee and Aaron and Stephanie Hopper of Hartselle, Kevin and Cynthia Smithson and Becky and Taylor Childress of Georgia.

Kevin and Cynthia were guest speakers Sun., Jan. 12, at the 11 a.m. worship service at Corinth West Baptist Church. Kevin and Cynthia have been in training for mission work from the Alma First Baptist Church in Georgia. They have been on the mission field in Nepal in Asia for six months.