As the holidays approached, members of Friendship Baptist Church, Gray Court, found themselves giving more than just a Christmas cantata. The gifts of love started before Thanksgiving, as members donated, cooked, and delivered Thanksgiving dinners to 60 community residents. In December, the choir of more than 60 members presented “Love Gift” in the Singing Christmas Tree, and all three performances were filled to capacity.
Sixteen people recently graduated from the MARY (Meditate, Arm, Read, Yearn) project of Glenn Street Baptist Church, Newberry. The project is an effort to encourage members to read their Bibles through the course of the year.
Glenn Street also held its fourth annual Singing Christmas Tree Dec. 10-11, with full houses both nights. Todd Kirkland is pastor.
The Woman’s Missionary Union of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, Pickens, made 326 caps for the Seafarer’s Ministry of Charleston Baptist Association.
A group of 11 people from Antioch Baptist Church, Galivants Ferry, participated in a mission trip Jan. 7-14 to New Orleans sponsored by the Mission Lab at New Orleans Baptist Seminary. The team assisted the seminary in rebuilding efforts and helped a group from Southeastern Baptist Seminary minister in the community around the seminary. Tasks included everything from cleaning up piles of donated items to removing items left in houses after the flood. Team members also assisted a professor in gutting the walls and ceiling of his house, cut trees and cleaned yards. It was the first mission trip for the church.
Pickens-Twelve Mile Association partnered with Crossgate Church, Robert, La., in Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. The church, located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, had the front of its new auditorium blown away. Moderator Rick Hayes, left, pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church, Pickens, led the association to raise $25,000 in 14 days to pay the construction deductible so Crossgate could begin construction again. The association also assisted in purchasing bicycles that were distributed to children at Christmas. As a result of the contacts made, Crossgate saw 57 professions of faith. With Hayes are pastor Louis Husser of Crossgate and director of missions Kirby Winstead.
Ted Adams celebrated his 25th anniversary Jan. 8 as minister of music at Lee Road Baptist Church, Taylors. Several gifts were presented during the morning service, including a Taylor guitar and a weekend trip to Asheville’s Grove Park Inn. After the service, the congregation, made up of people who had served with Adams over the years and been involved in and impacted by his ministry, shared a time of reflection and fellowship during a meal in the family life center where Adams and his family were the guests of honor.
Robert Frederick, pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church, St. Matthews, retired Jan. 1 after 18 years there and 44 total years in the ministry. Frederick and his wife Elaine were honored with a plaque and monetary gift. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
Broad River Baptist Church, Smyrma, began the new year with a high attendance day in Sunday school. Fannie Doster was recognized with a gift certificate for her efforts in contacting more than 100 people.