SIKESTON – In this COVID-19 era, the annual Christmas show, to borrow the maxim, must go on. First Baptist Pastor Mathew Vroman said the church normally does a Christmas program, but the real and perceived threats of the coronavirus seemed to curtail it. “I told them I could write a play. I wanted to write something quality, funny and relevant. There are three audiences: those who are not saved, but know something of the Bible; those not saved who know nothing of the Bible or God, and the … [Read more...]
FBC O’Fallon Giving Tree has helped local families at Christmas for 25 Years
O’FALLON – One Christmas, a teenage girl hoped for an iguana lizard as a gift. So her name and request were put on the Giving Tree at First Baptist O’Fallon (FBCO). The church partners with other local organizations in its annual Giving Tree ministry but Barb Bateman, an FBCO layperson, has since the ministry’s 1996 inception placed the names and children’s gift requests from area needy families on FBCO Christmas trees every November. Church members, small groups, and Sunday School classes … [Read more...]
Desloge church helps Mo. Baptist Children’s Home celebrate season
DESLOGE – The Upward Sports leagues sponsored by First Baptist, Desloge, stepped up to help the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home this Christmas. Upward Sports is a youth sports program with the purpose of promoting Jesus through sports. They offer programs in basketball, baseball, cheerleading, soccer and flag football. For FBC, Desloge, the league had 270 athletes from kindergarten to sixth grade who played eight weeks of games in a 12-week league The Desloge had basketball and … [Read more...]
Hazelwood church meets need in annual Christmas giveaway, despite COVID-19
HAZELWOOD – Each December, Hazelwood Church members look forward to ministering to their needy neighbors through the church’s Lifelines Christmas Giveaway. The event supplies physical needs but also addresses individuals’ spiritual needs for Christ. Participants receive the Gospel message when they come to pick up needed clothing or toys. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the giveaway served 60 families through its toy and coat distribution, which included approximately 150 children. Church member … [Read more...]
Windermere structure ‘a total loss’ after Dec. 23 fire
ROACH – Firefighters were dispatched to the Windermere Baptist Conference Center here at 5:07 a.m., Dec. 23, as flames engulfed a "structure" attached to the campground’s main dining hall, according to Fire Chief Scott Frandsen of the Mid-County Fire Protection District (MCFPD). Windermere is owned by Straightway Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of the Missouri Baptist Foundation. “Firefighters immediately began to attack the fire using multiple hose lines,” Frandsen reported. “There were … [Read more...]
Children at Lebanon church host drive-in nativity service
LEBANON – It’s not unheard of to see donkeys and camels gathered around a live nativity, but more modern modes of transportation came to see the true meaning of Christmas presented by Hillcrest Baptist Church, here, Dec. 4. Marty Kinnett said the church was inspired by successes they saw this summer with their pandemic-altered Vacation Bible School. She said their drive-in family night was a hit, so they figured it might work for a nativity presentation as well. “We’ve never done something … [Read more...]
WMU’s Carter speaks about grief
ROACH – During the holiday season it is not uncommon to find those who are grieving the loss of a loved one and the Christmas festivities don’t seem nearly as much fun. Those who have lost family in the past year will find the holiday activities and rituals to be even painful to endure without their spouse, parents, siblings or children. Sandra Slocum was thinking along these lines as she planned a recent seminar for the wives of directors of missions (DOM) at Windermere Conference … [Read more...]
Missionaries needed to share gospel with Mo. children
This month we celebrate the greatest gift that was ever given to mankind – the gift of a Savior and a Redeemer. When we accept and receive that gift, we enter into an eternal, everlasting relationship with the God who is the Author of all creation and who formed us and knew us, even in the womb. What a gift! And it is one we are to share with others. The shepherds heard the message of the glad tidings of the birth of the Savior from the angels. But, Jesus told us that we are to be His … [Read more...]
MWMU pushes forward to equip churches missions
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri WMU board members want to push forward their support for international missionaries through the 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO). The topic resonated throughout Missouri WMU (MWMU) Board Meeting held at the Baptist Building here in November. Along with an emphasis on LMCO, the board had a full agenda of reports from board members, consultants and specialists. Messages were also delivered by MBC Executive Director John Yeats, missionary speakers and … [Read more...]
FBC Maysville secretary to retire after 34 years
MAYSVILLE – Martha Spiers is about ready to retire. Maybe. She’s served 34 years as the church secretary for First Baptist Church here. At age 96 she thinks it might be time. She announced her decision but said she will work until a replacement is found. Her pastor, Greg Dixon, said she “exemplifies what a church secretary should be: loyal, discreet, professional, and kind. The delicate balance of these qualities is hard to maintain for a church member who is also a church staff member. … [Read more...]
‘Church undivided’: New curriculum leads churches to grow in love, faith, unity
ST. LOUIS – Bob Ingle says church unity is a bit like a kiss—the actual experience is so much different than a description. “The dictionary definition of a kiss is pretty mundane. But, if you’ve ever experienced a kiss, you know it’s far better than the definition.” He says church unity is similar: “You can give a definition of unity but the experience is far sweeter and you know it when you have it and you know when you don’t. And it’s an awful thing when you don’t.” Ingle, lead pastor at … [Read more...]
Online Youth Evangelism Conference set, Dec. 29
JEFFERSON CITY – High school and middle school church groups are being encouraged to participate in the Missouri Baptist Convention’s (MBC) online Youth Evangelism Conference (YEC), Dec. 29. The virtual event will feature guest speaker Jay Barbier, youth ministry specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Micah Christopher will lead worship, and Christian illusionist Brock Gill will also perform throughout the event. YEC will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., involving three … [Read more...]
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