Swift Creek Baptist Church, Hartsville, recently honored Eunice Howle, who celebrated her 99th birthday on July 12. A lifelong member of the church and former Sunday school teacher, she still attends church every Sunday.
Kendall Hamby was baptized Aug. 5 at Wren Baptist Church, Piedmont, by pastor Harold Sanders.
First Baptist Church, Gray Court, held a “mini summer camp” Aug. 10-12. A total of 13 children and 10 adults attended the event. Connie Godfrey was director of the camp.
A team of 102 members from Carolinas Cornerstone Church, Fort Mill, traveled to Savannah, Ga., July 29 to minister in the community of Garden City. The group did a variety of home repairs in two trailer parks; installed playground equipment in a vacant lot; and met many local residents, who they invited to worship at their partner church, Silk Hope Baptist. They also led a Big Stuff camp for kids, providing a meal for them and their families at the end of the week. In addition, they handed out 73 book bags filled with school supplies for elementary-high school students in the community. A total of 20 professions of faith were made during the week.
The women of First Baptist Church, Leesville, are engaged in an ongoing mission project making sleeping mats for the homeless using “plarn” (yarn made from plastic grocery bags). Volunteers cut the bags and roll them in a ball, and the “Crochet for Christ” volunteers make the 6-by-3-foot mats. The first completed mat was donated by Henrietta Waters and her granddaughter, Annabell.
Langston Baptist Church, Clinton, held a birthday celebration on May 27 for Grace Osborne, the church’s oldest member who turned 95 on May 31. Friends and family members joined the congregation in honoring “Miss Grace,” who continues to drive her car to church each Sunday.
Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, in Union County Association, baptized five new members on Aug. 12. Pictured from left are Stacey Briggs, Starla Wilburn, pastor Carrol Caldwell, Julia Wilson, Danny Rodgers and Blaine Estes.
Friendship Baptist Church, Pauline, celebrated its 247th anniversary Aug. 5. Guest speaker was Kenneth Harmon, who served with his wife, Joy, for nine years at Friendship before being called to First Baptist Church, Newberry, where they recently retired. Friendship Baptist, which had a total of 11 baptisms this year, is reported to be the 11th oldest church in the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and is mother church to churches in Spartanburg, Laurens and Union counties. Pictured are Joy and Kenneth Harmon with Friendship pastor Brian Harris, right.
The youth of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, recently spent a week at a Go Tell youth camp in Georgia, which is affiliated with Rick Gage Go Tell Ministries.
Woodfield Park Baptist Church, Columbia, recently held its first Vacation Bible School in several years, with a total enrollment of 72 and eight professions of faith reported. The week began with a VBS block party kickoff on July 18 and nearly 150 in attendance, and ended with “Celebration Sunday” featuring guest speakers Corey Miller, former USC and New York Giants linebacker, and Stanley Hunter, former Clemson linebacker.
The GAs and RAs of First Baptist Church, Ware Shoals, were recognized on Aug. 12 for their accomplishments during the past year. They were awarded with sashes and vests decorated with badges and patches, as well as certificates of recognition.
“Amazing Wonders Aviation” was the theme for this summer’s Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, Leesville, which reported an average attendance of 73 each night.
A mission team from Marion Baptist Association spend the week of July 15-20 in Spartanburg, working with two local ministries – Hope Remains Youth Ranch and Shepherd’s Door.
The men’s ministry of Marion Baptist Association began a long-term project in July to make a number of repairs at the home of a local resident.
The student mission team of First Baptist Church, Georgetown, led by Jason Mitchell, minister to students, recently held a sports camp for a church plant for the Karen (Burma/Myanmar) people group of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C. “The theme for the week was ‘No Spectators,’ ” said associate pastor Keith Wall, “as we all served, played, and shared about God’s story – and the roles we should play in the story.”
The congregation of First Baptist Church, Norris, honored Wayne Swords (right) on Aug. 26 for 38 years of service as church treasurer. Pictured from left are Mike Kendrick, deacon chairman; Royce Addis, pastor; and Swords.
A group of adults, teenagers and children from several churches – West Side Baptist, South Main Street Baptist and New Covenant Tabernacle in Greenwood, and Harmony Baptist in Rock Hill – traveled to Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in eastern Montana for a weeklong mission trip. Working with local missionaries Bruce and Sande Plummer, the team hosted soccer camps for children, performed three concerts, and spent time getting to know the children and their families while also sharing the gospel.
Folly Beach Baptist Church, Charleston Association, recently held its 17th baptism for the current church year. Pictured with pastor Richard Summey is baptismal candidate Erik Barr.
Folly Beach Baptist Church, Charleston Association, recently recognized Paul Grimes, Terry Blankenship and Henry Schultz for 18 years of service helping prepare the church’s Wednesday night meals. The congregation presented them with recognition awards and gift certificates. Pictured from left are Grimes, pastor Richard Summey, Blankenship and Schultz.
East Side Baptist Church, Batesburg, held Vacation Bible School for children and adults July 29-Aug. 2, focusing on the study of Daniel and his faith during captivity in Babylon. Average attendance for the week was 75, with a high attendance of 91.
In first photo, members of Rehoboth Baptist Church, Florence, recently raised funds to send pastor Thomas Brown and church member Phillip Godbold to Nicaragua, where Rehoboth sponsors a Nicaraguan pastor and his family. Brown and Godbold will carry with them a thousand crocheted butterflies (made by church member Ann Witt) with Bible verses attached. In second photo, Brown and Godbold agreed to sit for “buzz” haircuts after church members successfully raised $2,500 for the mission trip.
Blue Ridge Avenue Baptist Church, Belton, held two special events on March 4: The congregation rededicated its sanctuary and celebrated Willis Bannister Appreciation Day in honor of his 70 years of service. Bannister is a lifelong member of the church and currently serves as music director at Blue Ridge. The service included special singing by the Hart Strings and a message by John Dill, Saluda Association director of missions. Pictured, from left, are pastor Richard Busha, Willis Bannister, Peggy Bannister, and John Dill.