The youth of Westside Baptist Church, Lancaster, have recently been involved in a number of special events. They traveled to Tennessee to attend a youth conference and a concert by Chilli Pepper, and in March they led Sunday morning services and presented the drama “Arise My Lord,” followed by the baptism of two members of their group. A trip to Myrtle Beach to present the drama at a youth retreat is planned for this summer. Jason and Nancy Smith lead the youth at Westside.
Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Hartsville, recently held a dedication service for their new youth building. The facility was dedicated in memory of the late Josh Howle, a young man who was an active member of the church. Pictured from left are Josh’s brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Tiffany Howle, and his parents, Donna and Boyce Howle.
The congregation of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Hemingway, honored their Senior Adults on May 2 during the morning worship service. Pictured are several members of the group.
Several men from Marion Baptist Church held a tennis tournament on April 30 to raise money for a mission trip to Cancun, Mexico. Pictured from left are David Elliott, Jimmy Trussel, Chris Lane, Mark Richardson, Ronnie Baxley, Steve Jordan, Richard Marsh, Kevin Page and James Martin.
Hillcrest Baptist Church, Williston, recently held a Womens’ Celebration Luncheon. In keeping with the theme “A Piece of Cake,” the ladies enjoyed good food, games – and cake.
The GAs and RAs from Marion Baptist Church held a field day on April 25. Although the RAs won the most competitions, the classic decisive battle of tug-of-war was won by the GAs – who will now have the trophy on display in their room (as well as bragging rights) for the next year.
On May 16, Central Baptist Church, York, honored Frances Jones for 70-plus years of service to the church as organist, music assistant and choir director. The service doubled as a dedication for the new Makin (English) organ, donated in part by the Branyon family in honor of Jones. The service was presided over by Carey Caldwell, pastor. More than 250 members and friends were in attendance. Former pastors of Central in attendance were Coit Auten and Ray Talley, who shared their memories of working with Jones. The church received a love offering for Jones and presented her with a lift-chair for use in her home. The service was followed by a luncheon. Pictured, from left, are Talley, Caldwell, Jones, and Auten.
Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville honored Janice Hinnant May 23 for her 15th anniversary as minister of music. Hinnant, a graduate of Furman University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary, was recognized at both worship services and at an afternoon reception. It also was “Music Sunday” at Earle Street. Here, she is congratulated by pastor Stephen Clyborne.
Washington Baptist Church in Palmetto Association recently ordained Bill Kendall to the ministry. He began duties May 1 as associate pastor at Washington. His son Brent, who spoke at the ordination, was ordained 10 years ago by Washington and now is associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Camden. Special music was provided by the candidate’s wife, Gail, and daughters Michelle and Alicia. Kendall, a Michigan native, attended Bob Jones University in his teens and is a former public school teacher, coach and insurance executive. At Washington Church, he previously served as deacon and Sunday school teacher as well as Sunday school director for the Palmetto Association. Kendall (center) and his son are pictured with Washington’s pastor, Stan Candler (right).
Padgetts Creek Baptist Church, Union, honored its graduates on May 16. Pictured are (l to r) Nathan Silvers, Union High School; Katie Southerland, Spartanburg Tech; Carrol Caldwell, pastor; and Dusty Harmon, University of South Carolina.
Buffalo Baptist Church, Kershaw, sponsored “Pennies for Annie” Day on March 27. People of all ages gathered at the walking track and brought pennies to raise money for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. The pennies were laid out side-by-side in a line around the .2 mile track. Each participant helped to lay a total 23,462 pennies, which stretched almost two laps (or half a mile) around the track. The pennies were later exchanged for dollar bills and donated to the offering. “It was lots of fun,” said church member Lisa Williams, “and we celebrated afterward with lunch.” More pennies were donated the following day during Sunday services. Kay Vincent, WMU director at Buffalo, organized the event.
A group of Latta Baptist Church members participated for the second year in the Dillon County Relay for Life. This year’s theme was “One More Birthday,” a celebration of cancer survivors and a tribute to those who lost their battle with cancer. The team from Latta Baptist raised a total of $3,730 at the May 14-15 event.
The 3- and 4-year-olds from Marion Baptist Church kindergarten had spring graduation on May 16. A program of reciting Bible verses, pledges to the American and Christian flags, and songs were enjoyed by parents, grandparents and guests. Each child was presented a certificate, and the 4-year-olds received a Bible.
Jerry Lee, a member of Evergreen Baptist Church in Effingham, was selected to be the first torch bearer for the 2010 Florence Relay for Life, in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Lee is a two-time survivor of stage 3 lymphoma which is currently in remission, and his wife of 54 years, Jean, is a melanoma survivor. A member of Evergreen for more than 50 years, Lee has served in various leadership positions and is currently teacher of the senior men’s Sunday school class. He has raised more than $20,000 for cancer research over the last eight years.
The deacons of First Baptist Church, Abbeville, sponsored their annual Widows/Widowers Banquet at the church’s Christian life center April 24. Guests of honor included 30 widows and widowers in the First Baptist Church family. The deacons and wives catered and served the dinner.
Barker’s Creek Baptist Church, Honea Path, celebrated “Gideon Sunday” on May 16. Church member Maurice Locke, a member of the Belton-Honea Path Gideons, invited Jimmy Martin of Powdersville to discuss the role of the Gideons. Martin pointed out that over the six-year life expectancy of a Gideon Bible placed in hotels or hospitals, there is the potential of reaching 3,000 souls. Additionally, the Gideon wives make a significant contribution by providing Bibles to young women and other specialty groups. The Gideons, formed in 1899, have 295,000 members worldwide. From left are Martin and his wife Lynn, Anne and Maurice Locke, and Anne and Wesley Taylor, pastor.
Caroline Crain, a member of Enoree Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, celebrated her 100th birthday on May 25. Family and friends hosted a special party for her at the Brian Center in Hendersonville, N.C. She served as pianist at Enoree for 46 years prior to her retirement.