Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, organized in 1910, will hold a dedication service for its new sanctuary on Jan. 24. Church members have already begun worshipping in the new facility. Pastor Lonnie Johnson led the first baptismal service on Aug. 30.
Allendale-Hampton Baptist Association held its first Children’s Celebration on Nov. 24, under the direction of retired minister Tim Minchey. Open to children in grades 1-6 from Allendale and Hampton counties, the event included a gospel message, a time of worship through music and games, and a free dinner. In addition, the Gideons provided a Bible to each of the 200 children who attended.
Members of Greenwood Baptist Church, Florence, who for several years have participated in Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox ministry, decided to take their efforts to a new level after visiting the distribution center last year: They set a goal to collect enough items for 300 shoeboxes and to provide the cost of shipping. After raising enough money to prepay the shipping, the congregation gathered on Nov. 22 to pack 315 shoeboxes and place the mailing barcode labels on each one. On Nov. 30, a group from Greenwood Baptist traveled to Charlotte to volunteer in the distribution center, packing boxes to be shipped all over the world, including several countries that are predominantly Muslim.
The youth of First Baptist Church, Leesville, Lexington Baptist Association, recently visited North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, where they helped two widowers in the community. They also visited Street Reach Ministries and served a meal for the homeless, finishing their trip with a visit to Solid Rock Baptist Church, Surfside Beach, for the morning worship.
Taylors First Baptist Church recently held a “Face of Missions” expo. A volunteer speaks to visitors about the True Love Waits campaign and other ministries being done in Arua, Uganda. (Photo by Rachel Ham.)
More than 150 people attended a Veterans Day service at Denmark First Baptist Church. The flag was presented by James Polasky, U.S. Air Force, retired. Other participants included pastor Andy Hunter, along with several other active and retired military service members. Robert Tilly, a U.S. Navy physician, delivered the morning message. Sandra Scott recognized all veterans in the congregation and presented a veterans plaque, signifying a stained glass window in the church dedicated to those who have served in the military.
Lee Road Baptist Church, Taylors, recognized Juanita McGaffic on Nov. 1 upon her retirement after 20 years as church organist. Presenting a plaque to McGaffic on behalf of the congregation is minister of music Ted Adams.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, held a singing Sunday night, Oct 25. Pictured are the men and women who participated.
Phil Dyar, interim pastor of Columbia Baptist Church, Honea Path, was honored Nov. 8 on Pastor Appreciation Day. Pictured with Dyar are his wife Lorie and son Andrew.
Latta Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association, celebrated homecoming on Oct. 11 with special music by the adult choir and the Celebration Ringers handbell choir and dinner following the service.
The children of Barkers Creek Baptist Church, Honea Path, presented “An Island Christmas,” a children’s musical about giving, as a gift to the community on Dec. 13. SonShine choir leaders Blair Fortner, Joie Kay and Ann Taylor worked with the students for several months preparing for the musical. The program was followed by a time of food and fellowship.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, recently held its third baptismal service for this year. Pictured with pastor Lonnie Johnson (seated) are the five baptismal candidates: Braiden Lott, Amanda Cummings, Becky Dickson, Chelsea Davis and Brittany Strickland.
The women’s ministry at Anderson University completed fall activities in November with a weekend of fun, service and bonding. A highlight of the Nov. 6-8 weekend was a free rummage sale at the Saluda Baptist Association office. Students organized the bazaar and invited the community to shop for free. More than 250 people received clothing, food and household items.