Hillcrest Baptist Church, Dalzell, a small church behind Shaw Air Force Base that burned down Feb. 17, needs volunteers through Brotherhood Builders to help build, paint, etc. Contact Bob Salley at salley2@pbtcomm.net or call 803-258-3186 (home) or 803-258-3484. Groundbreaking will be the week of July 28, and Brotherhood Builders will begin their part the second or third week of August.
The congregation of Connie Maxwell Baptist Church enjoys an interview with alumnus Elwood Lackey, right, by pastor Doug Kauffmann during the morning message of the 33rd biennial alumni reunion.
Freedom Baptist Church, Darlington, provided meals for about 150 South Carolina highway patrol and law enforcement officers serving in the area during the annual Mother’s Day race May 10. Seventy-five Bibles were also distributed. This was the first year for the ministry project, and plans for the 2009 season were in the works before the day ended.
Pastor Bill Messer and members of the building steering committee?stand in front of the new family life building at First Baptist Church, Irmo. Several other buildings were also renovated. The church’s slogan is a “Heart Like His,” and members hope to share this heart with all who live and work in the area.
Anthony “Tony” Wayne Stephens was?licensed to the ministry by Harbour Lake Baptist Church, Goose Creek, April 27. Pictured are pastors and deacons (l to r, front row): Don Sponic;?pastor emeritus N. Gordon Luther; Stephens; and senior pastor Jimmy Fuller; (back row) Dan Mills, Bob Maroney, Bill Brasby and Jim Brooks.
Thirty-four adults from nine churches across the state went on a 10-day mission trip to Nikiski, Alaska, in June. Their mission was to help pastor Denver Copeland and his staff prepare the facilities for the approximately 800 participants who will stay in the church ministering to people in the area this summer. The group helped complete three buildings to house participants, painted, cleaned and spruced up the grounds, and held backyard Bible clubs. Participating churches included Augusta Road, Greenville; Brushy Creek, Easley; Brushy Creek, Taylors; Standing Springs, Simpsonville; First Baptist, Liberty; Fairview Street, Fountain Inn; First Baptist, Simpsonville; Southside, Florence; and St. Helena, Beaufort.
Berlin Baptist Church, Salley, has a new addition to its sanctuary – a Yamaha grand piano.?It has been approximately 50 years since the piano has been upgraded. Jacquelynn Rawls is church pianist, and future pianists (in training) are Hunter and Cole Buff and Brianna and Brenna Kirkland.?
Josh Rogers, left, was licensed to the ministry June 8 by Westwood Baptist Church, Easley. Presenting the certificate is pastor Greg Thornhill.
The Women on Mission at Rolling Green Village, Greenville, celebrated their fifth anniversary June 19. Guest speaker Frank Page, pastor of First Baptist Church, Taylors, and former SBC president, spoke on the theme “Celebrate – The Call to Love.” The celebration honored missionary guests who have inspired the RGV group to learn, pray, give and grow as Christ’s followers. The event also included world flags and crafts, Cooperative Program displays, and Native American music.
Jordan Gandy, left was licensed to the ministry May 25 by Black Creek Baptist Church, Darlington. Gandy serves as youth minister at First Baptist Church, Darlington, and was previously youth minister at Swift Creek Baptist Church. He has been active in Black Creek all his life. With him is Randy Woods, pastor of Black Creek.
Mary Hammond was recently presented a plaque honoring her for 22 years of service as church clerk at Spring Branch Baptist Church, Nichols. Chandler Worley, chairman of the board of deacons, made the presentation.
Andy Ray, admissions counselor at North Greenville University, was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for professional achievement in recruiting by the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals during the annual conference in Boston, Mass. The NACCAP is comprised of admissions and guidance personnel from nearly 250 Christian high schools, liberal arts colleges and universities, Bible colleges, graduate schools and seminaries. Ray began his career in the office of admissions at his alma mater in 1992. Over the past sixteen years he has recruited more than 2,000 students.
The Girls in Action group of Richland Springs Baptist Church, Ridge Baptist Association, held a recognition ceremony June 1 to celebrate their accomplishments for the year, which include delivering goodie bags to area public safety stations, preparing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, gathering back-to-school supplies for college missionaries, and raising money for various mission offerings sponsored by the church. The girls received the following badges: 2008 Chevron, Pray and Give, Missions Camp, Christmas in August, and Live Action Project. In addition, Shelbi Onofrey and Carrie Trotter received GA Camp badges for attending Camp LaVida last summer. Pictured are (l to r) Carrie Trotter, Brianna Schmieding, Shelbi Onofrey, Brooklyn Newman, Allyson Bartley (GA assistant leader), Kim Rodgers (GA leader), Samantha Langford, Kaitlyn Herron, Shelby Berry, and Hayley Benson.