Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, Union, celebrated its 228th anniversary Nov. 15 with a mortgage-burning ceremony for the family life center. Pictured are members who were on the planning, fund-raising, and other pertinent committees.
Military veterans were honored Nov. 11 at Ebenezer Welcome Baptist Church in Landrum. The small church has 27 veterans, 13 veterans’ widows and five active servicemen in its fellowship.
The ladies ministry of Unity Baptist Church in Starr led a Christmas celebration for the residents of Exalted Health and Rehab in Iva on Dec. 5. They gave gifts of clothes, gowns, lotions and other items, and led in music and a devotional.
The WMU of First Baptist Church, Newberry, held a “free yard sale” Nov. 10 as part of the “We’re Here for You” emphasis. The sale was open to 20 families referred by the Department of Social Services and to three families that lost everything in fires the week preceding the sale. Afterward, the sale was opened to the public and voluntary donations were accepted. Enough was collected to give each of the families who lost their homes to fire a Wal-Mart gift card for $170 to help with purchasing food and needed items.
Angie Ginn was recently baptized by pastor Shannon Faulkner at Fairview Baptist Church in Kinards.
Ralph Brown retired Dec. 16 as senior pastor of Jonesville Baptist Church after 31 years of ministry. The church held a recognition service to honor Brown and his wife, Janie Willard Brown. Pictured are (front row, from left) the couple’s children – Kerrie Troutman, Misti Motte and Chad Brown; (back row) associate pastor Jeff Dean, the Browns, and deacon chairman Byron Hames.
Milford Baptist Church, Greer, collected 146 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child this year. Pictured are the youth who, along with church members, packed the boxes. The OCC ministry at Milford Baptist is led by Kori Tucker, who has overseen the ministry for 11 years.
First Baptist Church, Lynchburg, honored two of its members Nov. 25. Pastor William H. “Rusty” Wilson III awarded deacon emeritus honors to J.P. Windham (left) and Henry Windham for more than 50 years of service to the church.