The GAs of Hulon Church, Batesburg, recently sponsored a fund raiser for victims of tornadoes this past spring. GA leader Lisa Blume suggested the idea of a bake sale, and with the help of the church’s Vacation Bible School (which donated half of its offering) along with orders and contributions from church members and the community, the fund raiser resulted in a total of $1,714.66 to donate to Lexington Association disaster relief. Pictured are GA leaders Sheila Hall and Lisa Blume (back, left) with three of the four GAs: Abby Blume, Taylor Shealy and Alyssa Hall.
A team of 53 members from Georgetown First Church traveled to Atlanta July 9-17 for a mission trip. The group partnered with two church plants while there – Connect Church, led by pastor Martez Andrews; and Chattahoochee First Church, led by pastor Cameron Ford. They participated in a five-day Upward Sports camp, which resulted in 86 children registered and 20 first-time decisions for Christ. The team also helped clear a trail in a park near Chattahoochee First Church to provide the church with a more visible presence in the community.
Park Hills Church, Gaffney, chose “Big Apple Adventure” as the theme for its recent Vacation Bible School. Larry Sanders is pastor, and Janet Painter is VBS director at Park Hills.
Acteens and leaders from Rocky River Church, Iva, and Broadmouth Church, Honea Path, attended “Blume” in Orlando, Fla., July 13-16. “Blume,” which began as the National Acteens Convention in 1972, is a three-day missions event for teen girls sponsored by the national WMU and held every four to five years.
The youth of Mount Olive Church, Nichols, recently attended evangelist Rick Gage’s “Go Tell” camp in Toccoa, Ga.
A mission team from City View First Church, Greenville, recently traveled to Wellsburg, W.Va. The group led worship services at Riverview Baptist Chapel, conducted evening Bible studies, built a fire escape for a local church, painted a house that was damaged by flooding, and assisted with several other projects in the community.
Westside Church, Lancaster, hosted “Hometown Nazareth” Vacation Bible School in July, with a total attendance of 68. The children made bags for Operation Kid to Kid to be distributed in Latin American countries. VBS directors are Nancy and Jason Smith.
Hunt’s Memorial Church, Easley, held Vacation Bible School the week of July 17, reporting an average attendance of 94 per night. The youth in attendance had their own special theme for the week – “being a servant by helping others” – and were initially challenged to collect 300 food items for needy families in the area. They exceeded their initial goal by collecting more than 600 items, and made crafts for seniors and children. One of the week’s highlights was a profession of faith by a member of the youth group.
Mt. Bethel Church, Belton, held Vacation Bible School July 25-29. More than 160 children attended during the week, which closed with a graduation ceremony and hot dog supper on July 29. Benette Hawkins Walker is VBS director.
Children and adults at Ravenwood Church, Columbia, enjoyed their “Big Apple Adventure” in Vacation Bible School, reporting an average attendance of 50 for the week.
A team of 36 adults and youth from Pelham First Church, Greer, traveled to Bluffton, S.C., for a mission trip July 23-30. The group held Vacation Bible School each morning at Hilton Head Gardens and evening worship on the beach and at various other sites.
Mechanicsville Church, Welsh Neck Association, had 19 first-time decisions for Christ during its Vacation Bible School in June, eight of whom were baptized on July 10. At that service, Crystal Suggs (below), a mother whose children were baptized that day, made a profession of faith and also came forward for baptism.
A mission team from Willow Swamp Church, Norway, traveled to Sisseton, S.D., July 23-29 to work at Camp Dakota Sonshine, located on the Lake Traverse Reservation. While there, they worked on electrical, construction and ground-clearing projects for the camp, and also delivered 30 “witnessing dolls” made by the church’s WMU.
“Big Apple Adventure” was this year’s Vacation Bible School theme at Green Sea Church, Waccamaw Association – but Noah’s Ark also provided a fun activity for the children who attended VBS. The ark, which is located on Green Sea’s playground, was purchased through a fundraiser held by the church’s couples class.
The congregation of Jones Avenue Church, Easley recently honored pastor Roger Couch and his wife Judy for 20 years of service. Pictured with the Couches is deacon chairman Robert Oliver, who presented a love offering on behalf of the church. A luncheon also was given in honor of the Couches following the July 24 morning service.
The youth at Pleasant Hill Church, Conway, recently spent a week at Camp Longridge. Pictured with the group is pastor Mack Hutson, left.
Four new members were baptized at Fairforest Church, Union, on July 17. Pictured are (standing, from left) Tyler Morton, Debbie Inman and Gladys Henderson; (seated) pastor Allen Gregory and Amberli Simmons.