The WMU of Barkers Creek Baptist Church, Honea Path, recently honored the senior adults and shut-ins with a luncheon. Pictured are the two oldest members of the church: Pauline Clinkscales, 99, left, and Edith Parker, 96.
First Baptist Church, Joanna, recognized Gladys Nabors June 24 for 58 years service as church organist. She was presented a plaque, and a dinner was given in her honor. With her is pastor Alan Todd.
On Mother’s Day, the family of Tannie Teal helped to reopen the newly renovated office of First Baptist Church, Central. The office was dedicated and named the Tannie Teal Office of Ministry Assistants in her memory. From left are her children Greg, Jim, Nancy Thomas, and her husband James Teal.
On July 15, Four Holes Baptist Church, Orangeburg, recognized R.L. “Buster” Zeigler Jr., who is retiring as treasurer after 45 years. He has also served as deacon, trustee, and on a number of various committees. His son, R.L. Zeigler III, music director, was also recognized for more than 35 years of service. He continues to serve as music director, teacher, fills the pulpit in the pastor’s absence, and serves on various committees. Both men are lifelong members of the church. Pictured from left are Tom McElhaney, pastor; R.L. Zeigler III; Bobby Riley, chairman of deacons; and R.L. “Buster” Zeigler Jr.
Mountain Springs Baptist Church, Piedmont, held Vacation Bible School July 15-20. On Wednesday evening, balloons that contained an invitation to the church were released. Average nightly attendance was 68 children and 20 workers. Director Mindi Howard said, “This has been the best year yet. Of course, I say that every year!”
Kittiwake Baptist Church, West Columbia, sent a team of 27 to Harlan County, Ky., in July. The team conducted Vacation Bible School at Riverside Baptist Church, where there were three professions of faith. They also completed three construction projects and ministered at local nursing homes. The team plans to continue ministering there, returning at Thanksgiving, Christmas and next summer.
North Conway Baptist Church, Waccamaw Association, baptized 13 people Aug. 12. The church met with Grace Temple Baptist July 29 at the Conway Marina for a joint fellowship of more than 300.
Lexington Medical Center Extended Care held its fifth annual intergenerational Vacation Bible School July 23-27. Participants ranged in age from 6 to 103. Supplies were donated by Mt. Ebal Baptist Church, Batesburg.
A group of teens from Faith Baptist Church, Ridgeland, took its first mission trip to the Orangeburg campus of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home Aug. 4. The youth delivered kitchen and cleaning supplies, and painted the gym walls. Pictured are pastor Bob Crosby, Shaye Roberts, Courtney Williams, Colby Richardson, Tiffannee Able, Shelby Gregorie, Justin Ethington, Steven Davis, and youth leader Chris Malphrus. Not pictured: Genia Crosby and youth leader Carrie Malphrus.
Nine students and six adults from Dean Swamp Baptist Church, Edisto Association, recently participated in World Changers in Rock Hill. Projects included building wheelchair ramps, scraping and repainting decks and ramps, roofing, and working at Restoration House and Cornerstone Ranch. The group, representing approximately one-third of the active population of the church, included (front row) Marie Porter, Taylor Williams, Joe Warden, Cameron Dunker, Evan Dunker, and Cory Dunker; (back row) Kelly Godwin, Torie Gartman, Julie Gartman, Matthew Hammond, Brady Baughman, Daniel Porter, Braxton Baughman, and William Porter. Not pictured: Nick Brayton.
Bethea Baptist Retirement Community in Darlington recently was voted among the “Best Assisted Living Facilities” by readers of the Florence Morning News. Also, Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community in Laurens was voted the top retirement community by readers of the Clinton Chronicle. Holding the banner presented to Bethea by the Florence Morning News are, from left, Richard McLawhorn and Ben Spurling.
A mission team from Rivelon Baptist Church, Orangeburg, conducted Vacation Bible School July 15-20 at Gilbert Creek Baptist Church, West Virginia. Team members included missions director Mitzi Williams, VBS director Caroline Mills, Joshua Mills, Jimmy Martin, Melba Martin, Valerie Martin, Jamey Martin, Chelsea Elliott, Mary Morton, Judy Patrick, Josh Beck, Tom Porterfield, Andy Varn, Debbie Kinard, and Debbie Berry. Gilbert Creek pastor John Thompson, who conducts a clothing/food ministry for area families, transported children to VBS. Three children rededicated their lives and five children accepted Christ. Gilbert Creek was adopted in 2005 as part of Rivelon’s outreach ministry.
Bobby Welch recently attended a pastors’ breakfast in Florence, where he was conducting revival services at a local church. He spoke about his role in the Southern Baptist Convention, the future of missions and evangelism, working globally with other Christians, and the downward trend of baptisms. Pastors from Florence and Welsh Neck associations and DOMs from both associations were in attendance. Pictured below are David Dinkins, DOM, Welsh Neck; Henry Simmons, DOM, Florence; Bobby Welch; and Mark Spurling, who arranged for Welch to speak.