Louisiana

Louisiana Notables – Baptist Message

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message.

ON THE MOVE

Andrew Ogea is the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. His father, Reggie Ogea, has been Interim pastor at FBCBR since April 2023.

Kevin, wife Melainie, Ulmer is the new Louisiana Baptists evangelism strategist on the Evangelism/Church Growth Team. He begins on July 1.

Chuck Clinton is the new music minister at First Baptist Church, Greenwood.

Russell, wife Hope, James is the new youth minister for Bonita Road Baptist Church, Bastrop.

Kevin, wife Nichole, Seefried is the new student past at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, West Monroe.

Lane Noakes is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Dry Prong.

Riley Robertson is the new music minister at Victory Baptist Church, Monroe.

Jeff Hoffman, Pastor of FBC Arcadia, is the next Director of Missions at the Bienville & Webster-Claiborne Baptist Association. He replaces Randy Hales who is retiring.

REVIVAL

Topsy Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Spring Revival 2024, July 7-10, Evangelist: Scott McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Lloyd Carroll.

Mitchell Baptist Church, Converse: Harvest Sunday, July 14. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: None.

Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, Dodson: Spring Revival 2024, July 14-19. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Travis Hampton.

First Baptist Church, Keithville: Harvest Sunday, July 21, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Mike Stowell.

Palestine Baptist Church, Grant: Spring Revival 2024, July 21-24. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Hardy Estes,

First Baptist Church, Princeton: Harvest Sunday, July 28. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Darrell Cooper.

Welcome Home Baptist Church, Hebert: Spring Revival 2024, July 28-31. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Jim McKeithen.
Bethel Baptist Church, Livingston: Revival, July 29-August 1. Evangelist: Malcolm Ellis. Pastor: James Courtney

LAGNIAPPE

First Baptist Church, Minden: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 29, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family. Admission is free. Pastor: Leland Crawford.

Alto Baptist Church, Alto: GOD & COUNTRY DAY, June 30, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Ralph Abraham. Worship: Brothers in Christ. A barbecue lunch will be served following the service. Pastor: Alan Miller.

First Baptist Church, Pineville: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 30, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family: Admission is free. Pastor: Stewart Holloway.

First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: The music department of First Baptist, Baton Rouge presents Stars, Stripes and Sounds, July 4, 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor our country’s heritage, faith, and freedom through the power of music. Following the concert, head to the riverfront for spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Admission is free, and this event promises to be a great experience for the whole family. Come and be a part of this patriotic celebration. Pastor: Andrew Ogea.

Red Oak Baptist Church, Livingston: Chronicles in concert, July 7, 11 a.m. Pastor: Carl Varnado.

Ashland Baptist Church, Ashland: Ivan Parker In Concert, July 7, 6 p.m. A love offering will be taking. Pastor: Danny Slack

Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, July 7. Pastor: Kevin Willis.

Cedar Crest Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert, July 14, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Bruce Worrell.

Fordoche Baptist Church, Fordoche: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert with The Journeys, July 21, 5 p.m. Pastor: Toby Delahoussaye.

Grangeville Baptist Church, Pine Grove: Chronicles in concert, July 21, 11 a.m. Pastor: Mike Cotton.

Beech Springs Baptist Church, Quitman: Ben Waites in Concert, July 28, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Womack.

Rose Park Baptist Church, Shreveport: Mark Trammell Quartet in concert, August 4, 10 a.m. Pastor: B.J. Maddox.

Grace Baptist Church, Goldonna: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, August 4, 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Myron Thompson.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

First Baptist Church, Mansfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS 2024, June 16-20, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Sign up at myvbs.org/fbcmansfield. Pastor: Chad Hardbarger.

Atlanta and Sardis Baptist Churches, Atlanta: Vacation Bible School, June 17-19, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: Chad James.

Bayou Oaks Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20, 9 a.m. til noon. Pastor: Clyde Sanchez

North Monroe Baptist Church, Bastrop: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Kevin Crim

Ouachita, Baptist Church West Monroe: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 17 – 20, 5:30 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: MikeHolloway

Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: None.

Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.

Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 21 8:30 – Noon. Pastor: Waymond Warren.

South Winnfield Baptist Church, Winnfield: Scuba VBS, June 17-21, 5-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jack Miller.

Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany: Vacation Bible School, June 17 – 21, 5- 8 p.m. Pastor: Marvin Cooper.

First Baptist Church, Natchitoches: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21, 9 a.m. – noon. This is for all who have completed pre-k 4 through 6th grade. To sign up for VBS go to https://forms.gle/292fQ6nRSrvSA3488. Pastor: Tommy Rush.

Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville: Breaker Rock Beach, June 17-21, 6-8:30 p.m. Online Preregistration is open through Wednesday, June 12. After June 12th, must register in person on campus. Open Registration for Completed Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Kindergarten Note: Maximum of 45 Kindergarteners. Pastor: Philip Robertson.

Judson Baptist Church, Walker: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21. For more information, contact the church. Pastor: David Lane.

Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon: “Stepping Up” Sports Camp, June 17-21, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Chris Stephens.

Cook Baptist Church, Ruston: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 from 9 a.m. til noon each day. To sign up or if you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dandy or register at https://cookbaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/…/2290305. Pastor: Joseph Fowler.

Lakeside Baptist Church, Winnfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pastor: Mitchell Miles.

Springhill Baptist Church, Jonesville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 6- 8 p.m. Pastor: Don Cardin.

Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21 6:00 – 8:00 Pastor: None.

Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.

First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Vacation Bible School, June 30-July 3, 5-&:30 p.m. Pastor: Jerry Pipes.

Southside Baptist Church, Mansfield: Vacation Bible School, June 18-22, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Gary Orr.

First Baptist Church, Tullos: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5:30 -8:30 P.M. Go to www.tullosfbc.com for more information. Pastor: Scott Smith

Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Break Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5-7:30 p.m. To register go www.indianvillagebc.org/2024/vbs-2024.html. Pastor: Kevin Lewis.

Holloway Baptist Church, Deville: The Great Jungle Journey, June 23-27, 5:30-8 p.m. Go online to register. Pastor: Tim Shields.

First Baptist Church, Keithville: Scuba Vacation Bible School 2024, June 23-26, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Mike Stowell.

Woodlawn Baptist Church, Iowa: Start the Party VBS, June 24-27, 6-8:30 p.m. To register go to https://fb.me/e/xyNIdE4uw. Pastor: Richard Louviere.

First Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5:30-8:15 p.m. To register go to https://www.fbcdryprong.com/vbs. Pastor: Trey Lewis.

Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 8 a.m.-Noon. Pastor: Eric Green.

Olivet Baptist Church, Sulphur: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon. To register go to https://www.olivetbaptistsulphur.com/vbs. Pastor: Kevin Craft.

University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: John Astling.

First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Monty Rowse.

First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates Vacation Bible School, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. To register go to https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs, Pastor: Brandon Oliver.

First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, PreK 4 – Kindergarten | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1st – 6th Grade | 8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
To register go to fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor:

Sale Street Baptist Church, Sulphur: Mega Sports Camp – Blaze the Trail, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. To register go to https://www.salestreet.org/megasportscamp. Pastor: Drew Mills.

First Baptist Church, Maplewood: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon Pastor: Jeremy Blocker.

Mt. Olive & Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. This is for ages K-12th grade. Pastor: Braylon Harris (Mt. Olive) and EJ Kemper (Mt. Pilgrim).

First Baptist Church, Mandeville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.- noon. Pastor: Ronny Cooksey.

University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. For kindergarten through the fifth grade: Pastor: John Astling.

First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. For kindergarten thought sixth grade (completed). Pastor: Monte Rowse

First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. For ages kindergarten to 12th grade. Registration: https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs. Pastor: Brandon Oliver.

Faith Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Keepers of the Kingdom VBS, June 23 – 27, 6 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: Stan Wyant.

Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23 – 27, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: William Smith.

Bethel Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 24 – 28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: Tim Post.

Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24 – 28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: John Russell.

Northside Baptist Church, Montgomery: Vacation Bible School, June 24-27, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Pastor Scott Tilton.

First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, Pre-K-kindergarten (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.); 1st-6th grade (8:30-11:30 a.m.) Registration: fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor: Eric Sonnier.

Ridge Avenue Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 26 – 28, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: Jim Wolfe.

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Louisiana

AI regulation clashing with business lobby in Louisiana

Published

2 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

AI regulation clashing with business lobby in Louisiana

Nolan Mckendry
| The Center Square

(The Center Square) − Louisiana lawmakers have filed more than 20 bills this session touching on artificial intelligence, but only a narrow slice of them has moved so far.

The clearest momentum has come on bills dealing with child exploitation. Senate Bill 42 by Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, which prohibits using artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse materials, passed the Senate 36-0 and was sent to the House the next day.

Senate Bill 110 by Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, bars using a child’s image to train an artificial intelligence model to produce child sexual abuse materials, also advanced out of the Senate and is now pending in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee. But the broader regulatory push has moved far more slowly.

Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, told The Center Square the efforts have run into familiar resistance from business groups wary of state-by-state regulation.

“Anything that effects business they say is bad for business,” Carlson told The Center Square.

Carlson has a bill that would create a Louisiana AI Bill of Rights, restrict certain chatbot uses involving minors, create disclosure rules for bots and AI-generated advertising, and bar the state from contracting for AI products tied to foreign countries of concern. Carlson is still working to get his bill added to the Commerce committee’s agenda.Another bill that has managed to make progress is HB190 by Rep. Laurie Schlege, R-Metarie. It passed the House 98-0. Two days after, an op-ed submitted to The Center Square from Citizens for a New Louisiana charged the law as “one that threatens to stifle innovation, burden small businesses and startups.” The op-ed suggested amending the bill, but Schlegel hasn’t budged so far.

Senate Bill 246 by Sen. Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, was scheduled for Senate floor debate Monday but was postponed twice, first to Tuesday and then to Wednesday. The delay followed Luneau’s promise to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry that he would amend the bill after the group sent a memo warning it could create “unnecessary compliance burdens for businesses operating across the state.”

“AI systems are inherently interstate and global, making them better suited for a consistent federal framework rather than fragemented state oversight,” the memo continued. “SB246 risks placing Louisiana at a competitive disadvantage while duplicating efforts more appropriately handled by Congress.” The memo mentioned a December executive order from the Trump administration which instructed federal officials to identify “onerous” state AI laws and said states with such laws could be barred from receiving certain remaining BEAD broadband funds, to the maximum extent allowed by federal law.

Louisiana has $800 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program funding that could be revoked. Responding to questions about concerns that his bill might violate that order, Edmonds told The Center Square, “I don’t see this as over regulation.” He said that, so far, he has heard no concerns with his bill.

Edmonds acknowledged concerns that overregulation could inhibit the use and development of AI, but said that his bill was specific and would not.

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Louisiana

Venture Global CP2 construction site in Cameron cleared after no threat found

Published

12 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Venture Global CP2 construction site in Cameron cleared after no threat found

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Venture Global CP2 construction site in Cameron has been cleared after a bomb threat was made Sunday, according to a spokesperson from Venture Global.

The bomb threat came in around noon on Sunday, according to officials. Louisiana State Police hazmat and bomb squads were called to investigate.

No shelter in place was deemed necessary and no roads were closed, according to the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A Venture Global spokesperson released the following statement:

“Venture Global was made aware of a bomb threat at our CP2 site and immediately activated our established emergency response protocols. We are coordinating closely with state and local authorities as they investigate. The safety and security of our employees and the surrounding community remain our highest priority.”

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Louisiana

Louisiana Children’s Museum hosts fifth annual Mud Fest

Published

2 days ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Louisiana Children’s Museum hosts fifth annual Mud Fest

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — For the fifth consecutive year, the Louisiana Children’s Museum hosted its annual environmental festival, Mud Fest, on Saturday, March 28.

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., parents and their little ones had the opportunity to have fun in the sun and enjoy the “highlight” of the museum’s spring season.

This event was inspired by the iconic New Orleans festival culture which includes good food, live music and a nice, high-energy atmosphere. Mud Fest is tailored for the “youngest environmental stewards” to have fun and make all the mess they want with mud.

Due to the Crescent City being surrounded by wetland habitats, we interact with water daily in both our rural and urban communities.

The festival generates positive associations with our region and also builds critical thinking skills for future educators, engineers, fishermen and farmers. According to LCM, engaging with nature, water and plants “builds a child’s confidence and fosters a lifelong connection to the Earth.”

“As the Louisiana Children’s Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary, events like Mud Fest reflect our long-standing commitment to hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and connects children to the world around them,” LCM CEO Tifferney White said.

This year, Mud Fest had performances from young musicians of the School of Rock, the Louisiana Sunspots and more. There were also a storytelling stage and various family-friendly activities for visitors to engage in.

Mud Fest partnered with Pontchartrain Conservancy, STEM NOL, Whimscapes and Sugar Roots to put on the event.

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