Brian and Teeka Holtzclaw, members of Trinity Way Baptist Church, Greenville, spent a week in Honduras visiting children sponsored by the congregation. Pictured with the Holtzclaws are some of the 24 children who receive assistance from the church. Dennis Holtzclaw is pastor at Trinity Way.
Crosswell Baptist Church, Sumter, hosted a music camp July 20-24 for children from 5K through 5th grade. The camp was organized and led by children’s choir director Paige Hudson. The children learned about worshipping God through games, instruments, songs and dance. More than 50 children and workers participated in the camp.
The children and youth of Cavins Baptist Church, Woodruff, performed “Arkeology” during evening worship on Aug. 30. “Arkeology” is the story of Noah as told from the animals’ perspective. Dressed like birds, rabbits, cats, dogs, lions, elephants and bears, the children sang and performed for the congregation. Phoebe Waddell was director of the musical, and Charles Foster is pastor at Cavins.
The Acteens of Jonesville Baptist Church collected items for their Christmas in August Project to send to David Rhymes, a missionary serving in New Orleans, La. A total of 173 items – including ponchos, batteries, flashlights, toys, blankets and umbrellas – was donated for homeless and hurricane victims in New Orleans.
Concord Baptist Church, Anderson, celebrated the 25th anniversary of Herman Milner, minister of music and senior adults, on Sept. 27. During Milner’s tenure, the sanctuary choir has more than doubled in size, and several new performance groups and a 13-piece orchestra have been created. Milner has directed four major seasonal choral services each year. The senior adult ministry, the “Keenagers,” has flourished with approximately 200 members. Milner and his wife, Anita, were presented gifts and a trip to New England. Pictured, from left, are Don Cox, pastor; Diane Leary, choir president; Herman Milner; Anita Milner; and Gerald Riggins, chairman of deacons.
Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Fountain Inn, held a baptismal service for five of its members on Sept. 20 in the Enoree River, which runs by the church. Pictured are (l to r) deacon Don Bennett, baptismal candidate Geramy Triplette (whose wife and mother-in-law were also baptized), pastor Bob Roach, and deacon Scott Simmons.
The youth from Allendale-Hampton Baptist Association recently traveled to Awanita Valley for their annual retreat. Brunson, Deep Branch and Nixville Baptist churches were represented by 43 youth and adults. The youth went whitewater rafting, participated in the Awanita Valley activities, and took part in praise and worship sessions. The girls and boys also broke into small group Bible study sessions. All 43 people made decisions for Christ during the weekend. Counselors for the retreat were Jason Cook, Christy and Mac Ferguson, Rett and Erin Long, and Todd Terry.
Bikers For Christ Kingstree held its first annual motorcycle rally called “The Gathering” on Sept 12. Hosted by Bikers For Christ Kingstree and Second Baptist Church of Kingstree, where John Hudson is pastor, the event was attended by bikers from Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Florence, Sumter, Kershaw and Kingstree. “The highlight of the rally,” said Hudson, “was when one individual accepted Christ and others came for prayer needs.” There was singing by local individuals and groups, testimonies by bikers about their relationship with Christ, and a presentation by Side Walk Sunday School, an inner-city ministry in Kingstree. BFC Kingstree was organized by Hudson and members of Second Baptist. The current BFC elder for Kingstree is Kenny Sauls, also a member of Second Baptist. Bikers For Christ International is based in California, with chapters in 49 states and 10 countries.
Earle’s Grove Baptist Church, Westminster, began the new church year by honoring members who had perfect Sunday school attendance. Among those honored was Grady Stone, right, who received a plaque from pastor James Dyar for 10 years of perfect attendance.
Elim Baptist Church, Effingham, celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day on Sept. 13 in honor of pastor Ken Moore’s 20th anniversary at the church. The congregation presented Moore, an ardent history buff, with a flag that had previously flown over the U.S. Capitol and a trip to Washington, D.C., as well as a plaque, a recliner, and a luncheon following the service. Pictured are Moore, right, and his wife Anita.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, held the first baptismal service in its new sanctuary on Aug. 30. Pictured with pastor Lonnie Johnson (seated) are the six baptismal candidates (l to r) Bobby Gause, Linda Rheuark, Lauren Eckersley, Trenna Stevens, Brittany Clark and Brooke Clark.
Latta Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association, held Vacation Bible School this past summer, using the Boomerang Express as its theme.
Two women were honored Aug. 29 during the Sunday school kickoff at Latta Baptist Church, Pee Dee Association. Hazel Brumble was presented a plaque for 20 years service as Sunday school secretary. Edith Bryant was presented a vase of roses and made “Queen of the Night” in recognition of her service to the church.
Southside Baptist Church, Chesnee, has been observing a year of celebration in honor of minister of music Jimmy Lockhart and his wife Margaret. The Lockharts have served at Southside for more than 40 years. The Chesnee couple began working at the church in 1969 when it was still known as Chesnee Mill Church. Earlier this year, the church presented the Lockharts with a mantle clock and letters of congratulations from Southern Baptist Convention president Johnny Hunt, South Carolina Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer Jim Austin and others. Pictured, from left: the Lockharts, deacon chairman Billy Husky and pastor Dale Welch. On Oct. 18, the church will honor the Lockharts with a 50th wedding anniversary party.
Southside Baptist Church, Chesnee, observed its 81st homecoming on Aug. 16. Former pastor Jason Williams brought the message and the Danny Jackson Family provided music. “We had a large attendance, a wonderful meal and great fellowship,” said Dale Welch, pastor.
A group of 15 members from Ridgeville Baptist Church, Screven Baptist Association, took Vacation Bible School to Calvary Baptist Church in Bluefield, W.Va., during the week of Aug. 3-8. School supplies were collected by church members and delivered to the area, and three youth made professions of faith during the week.