The Women on Mission at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community assembled packages for migrant workers as part of their April mission project. The “care bags,” which contain personal care items and Scripture, will be distributed by the Laurens Association’s Hispanic ministry to farm workers coming into the area.
The children’s department at First Church of Lowrys, in Chester Association, collected state quarters for their Annie Armstrong Easter Offering mission project. They are shown presenting a check for $125.50 to WMU director Lillie Steen and pastor Mike Shaffer.
Latta Church, in Pee Dee Association, partners with the Helping Hands Food Bank of Dillon as a distribution site to serve the Latta community. Pictured at a recent food distribution event are Teresa Mason of Helping Hands (second from right) with Latta members Ja’Mara Monahan, Vicki Dougherty, Brad Wise and Betty Brooks.
The men of Bethany Church, Belton, recently held their 16th annual Men and Boys Wild Game Supper. Beginning as a small gathering of men in the community, the free event now offers music, food, and an evangelistic message. This year’s guest speaker was Joe Veal, an evangelist who formerly worked with Arnold Palmer, and several decisions for Christ were reported at the event.
Leaders, children, and youth gathered at Pleasant Meadow Church, Loris, April 16 for Bible drill competition. The competition determined candidates to represent Waccamaw Association in upcoming regional and state competitions. Five churches participated initially, but only Pleasant Meadow was represented at the event. Pictured in the first photo are winners in the children’s division, from left: Casey Mason, Allyson Long, John Cameron Huggins and Matthew Branton; second photo: youth winners Gabby Mason and Victoria Mason.
Mt. Leon Church, Carolina Association, recently welcomed several new members, including seven by baptism. Pictured with pastor Lee Singleton are Hope and Ann Willard; Paul and Julie Willard with their sons, Zachary and Zane; Clint Moe; April and Scotty Fowler; and Ruth and Gene Sheppard.
The youth of Hunt’s Memorial Church in Easley held their annual retreat at Look-Up Lodge in Travelers Rest the weekend of April 15. Activities included times of fellowship, games and studying the Bible, and several rededications were reported. On April 17, the group led a youth worship service at the church, which featured special music by Dillan Hagan.
First Calvary Church, Leesville, recognized long-time ministry assistant Elaine Miller on her retirement March 30. The congregation presented her with an engraved crystal tray, a certificate for a cruise, and a drop-in reception where church members, family, friends and former pastors celebrated her more than 42 years of service. Miller has been a member of the South Carolina Baptist Ministry Assistants Association since its organization in 1984 and served on the committee to organize the Lexington Baptist Ministry Assistants Association in 1997. She continues to serve as clerk at First Calvary and is also involved in many other church ministries.
Walt Richardson, of Nebo Church, Brittons Neck, was baptized by his maternal grandfather, Ragsdale Allsbrook, on Feb. 20.
Stephen Cook, right, was ordained as a deacon by Gray Court First Church on Feb. 20. He represents the third generation in his family to be ordained as a deacon. Presenting a certificate of ordination to Cook is pastor Sammie Godfrey.
The Children in Action and Mission Friends from Nebo Church, Brittons Neck, visited several shut-ins in their community on Feb. 19. Pictured are James and Catherine Pace enjoying their company. “Mr. James” had been in failing health for several years and passed away on March 12.
The first “Bethea Cup” was held April 8 at Bethea Baptist Retirement Community in Darlington. In a fun version of a Kentucky Derby-style event, four teams of staff members competed in human-powered but horse racing-inspired events like the barrel race, steeple chase and the quarter-mile. Residents donned their fanciest hats and enjoyed refreshments served on silver platters.