First Baptist Church of Iva held a birthday party for Jesus on Dec. 11. The annual event provided needy children with the gift of Jesus through food, fellowship, presents, and the reading of the Christmas story. Lindy Shaw was in charge of the Women on Mission project, and the church’s WMU raised money and bought gifts for 100 children in the Iva and Starr area. The ladies, with the help of the Women of Faith Sunday school class, then held a party and invited all the children and their families to come and celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Handing out gifts in the first picture is Beth McGee, left, and in the second picture is Lauren Dodgens, above center.
Two staff members of Matlock Baptist Church, Jackson, retired Dec. 31 and were recognized during a reception held in their honor. With pastor Mark Riser are Betty Greene, who served as church secretary for 33 years, and Syble Thomas, who was treasurer for eight years.
Lake Murray Baptist Church, Lexington, presented its 18th annual Christmas drama during the first three weekends of December. During the 15 performances, 35,049 attended, 371 first-time professions of faith were made, and 1,429 rededications were recorded. The 19th annual drama is planned for the first three weekends in December 2006.
The main dining room of Bethea Baptist Retirement Center was recently renovated by volunteers. Several churches helped in replacing windows and exterior vinyl. Members of First Baptist Church, Florence, who contributed time and money to to the project, completed all of the interior work.