142nd FAMILY REUNION
The Annual Meeting of the WVBC met at South Parkersburg Baptist Church Oct. 16 - 17.
WOMAN'S DAY
The meetings began with 219 women registered for Woman's Day where the new two-year theme was introduced:  Come to the Edge with the Theme Scripture from Joshua 1:9. Yes, be bold and strong!  Banish fear and doubt!  For remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
The devotion was brought by Pat Anderson who urged the women to "Come to the Edge" of whatever Jesus is calling us to do.
A total WV love gift as of Oct. 8 was reported:  $107,375.  State Goal is $175,000.  Contributions from the Guyandotte Association topped the chart with $15,408.00.
Special project for 2008 Weirton Christian Center.  Goal $14,000.  The Center recently celebrated 90 years of ministry.  Project money will help with renovation and updating to code the Center kitchen.
The 2008 New Mission Outreach Project is the Tabitha Compassion Center in Manipur, North East India, ministering to women with HIV/AIDS.  The goal for this project is $6,000.
Speakers: Sandy Foster, Renee Tyo, Ella Mae White, and Jan Stoner.  Each of the women shared about a time of crisis in their lives and how their faith in God and the support of the church had brought them through.  There was probably not a woman in the congregation who had not been touched in one or more of the situations that were discussed: being rejected by a husband, not being allowed to minister because of being female, living with a husband with Alzheimer's and/or dealing with serious physical disability oneself.
CONVENTION
The convention theme was Advancing the Kingdom of God; theme Scripture was Rom. 12:18.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)
The Ward Hibbs "Town and Country" Award was presented to Ron Perine, pastor of the Harrisville Baptist Church.  The annual sermon was presented by Ken Miller, Pastor, 1st Baptist Church, Weston.  Using Romans 12:19-21 for his text, Ken reminded us that we are in the blessing business, not the cursing business.
Stephen and Susan Markwood were honored on the occasion of his upcoming retirement as president of Alderson-Broaddus College.
The evening session began with recognition of the 18 graduates from the School of Christian Studies.  Rob Ely, WVBC Director of Discipleship Ministries, presented a report on the progress of the new Dining Hall Complex at Camp Cowen and showed a brief video clip of Michael W. Smith speaking of his experience as a youth at Cowen.
The keynote address was brought by WVBC Director of Outreach and New Church Planting Jack Eades who said that not only has the culture of our world and society changed, but the culture of the church has also dramatically changed.  He concluded his message by reminding us that we need to move out of the room of good intentions to the room of faith.
Wednesday morning featured three peacemaking workshops at the church and a "blessing blitz" as various teams fanned out all over the city to visit nursing homes, teach classes, clean up trash, aid in ministries, trim bushes, etc.  Photographs were taken and shown at the afternoon session.
During the business session, the convention approved the following motion presented by Ron Stoner, Chair of the Camp Cowen Board:  The Board of Directors of the West Virginia Baptist Camp requests permission from the Convention body to secure a loan for up to one million dollars to fund the completion of the Dining Hall Complex.
New officers of the convention were elected: President Richard McClure, 1st Vice President Roger Raikes, 2nd Vice President Nancy Wolfe, Secretary Lois Merritt, and Treasurer Clark Mills.
Executive Minister David Carrico reported some of the great things God is doing among West Virginia Baptists and American Baptists world wide.  He announced that the national ABMen ( who had been without a home for several months) were moving their office to WV; disaster training will be held at Parchment Valley.
The new theme for the coming year was announced – Advancing the Kingdom of God through Mission, Message, Ministry and Mentoring.  This year's emphasis is "Teach It"  using Steve Sjogren's book Outflow.
The final session began with some great music presented by by Heaven's Rush, the SPBC Praise Team and the SPBC Sanctuary Choir.  The evening sermon was brought by Area Minister Mike Derry.  His message was titled "If".  He reminded the congregation of several "if" scriptures concluding with 2 Chronicles 7:14:  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways . . .
Mike pointed out that we often ask and expect God to fix things.  "But" he asked, "Are we willing to surrender to God's conditions to know the fullness of His promises?"  He noted the conditions in the "if" clause and then read the rest of the verse "Then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  He concluded by recalling that Scripture calls believers "living stones" and proposed that those in the congregation serious about being more like our Lord, come to the front of the sanctuary and pick up a stone from among the stones which formed a cross, and to carry the stone with them to remind then of their commitment to God.  Many people moved to the front in an act of commitment.
The annual meeting closed with the sharing of the bread and wine of the Communion Table.  Wonderful worship and great fellowship.
Next year's convention will be at St. Albans First where Joel Harpold is pastor.

BARBOURSVILLE
A search committee has been formed to seek a youth director.
Many activities were held Labor Day weekend in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the sanctuary.  Highlights were the Saturday carnival and the piano concert by Cody McVey on Sunday.
The PEP club (senior adults) traveled to Pomeroy OH, Oct. 1, to the Wild Horse Café.
Fifteen women attended the annual Spiritual Growth Retreat in Parchment Valley, Oct. 5-7.
A Trunk or Treat party was held for the children on Halloween night.

BEULAH ANN
The first apple butter session of the season yielded 119 quarts and 17 pints; the second session, 133 quarts and 44 pints.  Another will be held soon.
The September mission project was new tables for Camp Ona; $574 was contributed.
Motorcycle and Antique Car Sunday was held Sept. 2.  Just before the show, the new Tool Trailer for disaster relief was dedicated to the service of God.
Simcha and Bella Davidov from Ashdod, Israel, were special guest speakers, Sun., Oct. 14.
New member: Josh Newlon and Louretta Venoy
Fifty-two pints of blood were collected at the church's semi-annual blood drive Sept. 17.
Revival services were held Oct. 21-27 with Dr. Max Hill, WVBC Area Minister preaching.

BEVERLY HILLS
Eighty women met to kick off the fall Women's Bible Study at the 4th Annual Ladies Night Out Salad Supper, Thurs., Sept. 6.  Speaker was Christie Eastman.  The study of Beth Moore's "To Live Is Christ" began Sept. 19.
The Senior Adult Fellowship met Sept. 20 with Jean Fuller Butler presenting one of her "Women of the Bible" Monologues.  The Tri-State Mountain Dulcimer Society entertained the group in October.  Cole Tabor will present the program for November.
Snack food and dessert items were gathered for the V.A. Hospital Sun., Oct. 14.
Men's Fellowship Kickoff was held at the Beech Fork Marina, Sat., Oct. 13.
A new young adult class has been formed.  The class meets at 9:45 on Sunday mornings and is currently studying "Counter Cultural Christians: Exploring a Christian Worldview" by Charles Colson.  A Men's Bible Study began Wed., Oct. 17.  They are studying "Man of His Word" by Adrian Rogers.
The Go Global offering received in October totaled $2195.33.  The children's drive netted 98.4 lbs. of money, which together with another 5 lbs. from the congregation totaled $645.33.
The church celebrated its annual Marcum Terrace Banquet Sunday, November 4.

ENON
The church called the Rev. James Darrell "Sam" Morris as pastor July 25, 2007. Dwight "Bill" Nida had been interim pastor for one and a half years.
A "Children's Church Ministry" has been started for Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.  The initial service was held Sept. 5 with a pizza party and carnival games.
Wednesday night Bible study is being taught by Ray Adkins.
New members: MacKenzie Cooper (by baptism), Angel Dingess and Ray Adkins by their Christian experience.
FIFTH AVENUE
The church welcomed the African Children's Choir with a standing-room-only crowd in September.  Over $8100 was received for the ministry.
Dr. Tommy Brisco, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University, was guest preacher Sun., Sept. 30
The church's ALMS (Aid to Local Missions and Ministries) for Sept. was the Ebenezer Medical Clinic; for   October, donations were received for the Branches Domestic Violence Center.
New member Blake Minichan
The 2nd FAB Fall Festival for children was held Sat. Oct. 6.
FAB Mississippi Mission Team continues to work in Pass Christian, MS.
Dynamic Adults met Oct. 2, for a program presented by Ronie Mundy, of the West Virginia American Water Co.  In October, they took a train trip to White Sulphur Springs.  And for November the program was presented by Mike McCray of the Htgn. District of the Corps of Engineers.
Guest speaker for the GRIEF & CARING WORKSHOP Oct. 13, was Dr. Michael Welch of Lafayette, TN.
Reverse Trick or Treat at St. Mary's Medical Center Sun., Oct. 28.
Ross Campbell, the author of How to Really Love Your Child and How to Really Parent Your Child will lead a parenting weekend Nov. 16-17.
The college team is heading back to Nicaragua Dec. 12, for the 6th year in a row. A rummage sale Nov. 10 will help with the needed funds.

MILTON
New youth minister is Tracy Mills.
The church has been recording worship services on CD for those who cannot get to the church.
Debra Mulneix, ABC missionary to India, was the guest speaker Sun., Sept. 23.
The Red Cross presented a CPR training class Sept. 29 at the church.
AWANAs decorated a float for the Pumpkin Festival Parade in Milton, Sun. Sept. 30.
Harvest Happening with costumes depicting biblical characters was held Oct. 26.
Church youth attended the WVBC Fall Festival at Parchment Valley.  A retreat at Camp Ona is planned for Nov. 9-11.
Church women meet Monday mornings at the church for Bible study at 9:00 and exercise at 10:00.
VBS last summer raised $986.70 to help provide wells for people in Uganda.  A "thank you" note was received from the recipients last month.
The church is now providing a worship service quarterly for residents of Midland Meadows.
The 2008 Mission Work Trip to Pass Christian, MS, is scheduled for June 7-15.

PEA RIDGE
Several options are available for Sunday evenings at Pea Ridge, including "Financial Peace University," "Serving in Church Visitation" and "I Had Other Plans, Lord."
A new ministry for College and Career Adults began Sun., Oct. 7.  They will meet during the S. S. hour as well as Sunday evenings.
Apple Butter Weekend was celebrated Oct. 12-13.
A rummage sale was also held on October with proceeds going to Love Gift and other projects of the ABW.
The church's block party drew 700 visitors and 150 church workers for a day of games, prizes, food and fun!
A Mission Conference was held at the church the last weekend in October.  A highlight of the conference was the visit of Rev. Pavel Jirov of Ryazan, Russia, who preached on Sunday, Oct. 28.  John Simmons from the state board gave the Mission Report.   Other guests were Dr. Stan Slade from ABC International Ministries and Kim Weaver, the Executive Director of the Weirton Christian Center.
New members: Tricia Leonard; Jim, Karen and Brittany Twohig; Donald, Christina, Hunter and Katie Black; Chad Forth; and Tim and Connie Forth.

SEVENTH AVENUE BAPTIST
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary Sun., Sept. 30.  Tracy Foster, a former member, preached the morning service and Rev. Keith Creasy led the devotion at the annual church picnic at Camp Ona.
Dedication for the June Ward Memorial Shoe Box Ministry will be held Sun., Nov. 11.
A new fellowship group has been formed.  A new group of 18-40ish from the church have started meeting monthly to fellowship. Their first monthly meeting was Mon.Oct 8, for a fun night of bowling at Colonial Lanes. There were 25 in attendance.
We are also working on a Thanksgiving skits, etc for our Thanksgiving service.
A Pastor's Appreciation Fellowship in honor of Pastor Bob Withers was held after the evening service Sun., Oct. 28.  Bob and Sue Withers' daughter, Mary Elizabeth, associate pastor of Bethel Church in Midlothian VA, was honored by her congregation recently for reaching her 10-year ministry anniversary.

TWENTIETH STREET BAPTIST
The church continues to meet at the Fire Academy on Ohio River Road.
The J.O.Y. senior adults traveled to the Glen Ferris Inn in October.
The church has appointed a three-person exploratory team to work with a similar team at Beverly Hills Baptist to explore the possibility of uniting the two churches in a brand new church in a brand new building with a new name.

 Mission Trip Opportunities
Ryazan, Russia.  Jan. 2-11, 2008.
 Contact Steve Fridenmaker at 304-658-4260.
 

Tom Swartzwelder pastored in our association during the late 1990's and is presently available for pulpit supply. He lives in South Point. His number is 740-894-6129.
 

Editor's Note: I have enjoyed editing and publishing The Communicator for ten years (where does the time go?), but this issue will be my last one.  I have additional responsibilities at school and church as well as health issues and am trying to cut back on some of my activities.
Milton Kinder was moderator, I believe, when he saw the need for our Association churches to be more informed about each other.  I do feel this is a valuable "communication" tool, and hope that someone else will volunteer to produce it.  I will be glad to hand over the mailing list.  My thanks to Jim Morrison who has been so faithful about putting the newsletter on-line.  Thanks also to those of you who have been sending your individual church's newsletter or who have communicated with me via e-mail.
In Christian love,
Lois Merritt
 

                                                                                            An archive of the September, 2007 Communicator follows
 

The Guyandotte Baptist Association held its 10th Annual Day Camp for 1st – 5th graders the week of July 9 – July 13, 2007.   Attending were 119 campers, 15 youth workers and 12 adults from 11 Association churches and 15 community churches.  Association Churches provided lunch for the campers.

The theme was SonHarvest "County Fair".  The Bible lessons were about the fruits of the Spirit.   David Turley was the Camp Pastor and Hiking Guide.  On the final Friday, Camp Pastor (and Hiking Guide!) David Turley led a Vesper Service after lunch.  Fourteen campers accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Praise the Lord!

I am always amazed at the power of the Lord.  He is truly to be praised for all things great and small.  He raised up an army of his servants – which were called by his name to work with the children at day camp.  We praised God for each one of the volunteers and workers, for the work of LOVE they do for the Lord with the children at Day Camp.  The Lord knew our needs and supplied everything according to his will – even the weather on Friday for the swimming party and the evening program were under his divine control.

Friday, evening the closing program was a "County Fair" at the GBA Camp.  Several Association Churches set up booths – Face Painting, Three Legged races, Stick Horse Races, Hay Rides, Square Dancing, Cake Walks, Snow Cones, Auction and etc.   A meal was provided for the families of the campers.  Everyone had a good time.

Each year the campers do not want to see camp end.

We received a Thank You card from one of the parents of a first-time camper which I would like to share with you.
 
 

" I just wanted to thank you and everyone involved in the Day Camp for the time, effort, love and patience you gave.  You have been a blessing to these children & their families.  My Son Sam had a great time; it was his first day camp and one he will never forget.  You all did a phenomenal job this year.   Thank You."

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Becky Childers, Camp Director
 
 

BARBOURSVILLE
VBS "Avalanche Ranch" June 24-29.
The deacons continue to lead monthly Bible studies at Wyngate.
Deacons' retreat at Parchment Valley Sept. 21-22 with Ron Stoner, pastor of Emmanuel in Charleston, leading.
The 40th anniversary of the building of the sanctuary was celebrated Aug 31–Sept. 3.  The activities ended with a piano concert by Cody McVey.

BEULAH ANN
A total of $3997 was raised for the ABMM's disaster relief tool trailer in June.  The July-August project was New Beginning Crisis Pregnancy Center in Huntington.
Sun., June 17, began at Beulah Ann with the traditional Father's Day Breakfast.  It ended as the church "kicked-off" VBS with their annual "Sundae Sunday."  VBS (theme: Take the Plunge) attendance was an average of 153 each night.  An additional 30 attended the Adult Class.  Twelve souls were saved!
Pastor Paul preached one night during Mud River Baptist's 200-year Homecoming Celebration in August.
Beulah Ann brought home the Attendance Trophy from the 72nd annual ABM's Camp at Cowen in August.  Nineteen men attended.
The church sponsored the Association Men's Dinner in September.
Two women from the church participated in Habitat for Humanity's Women's Build.  The house was just recently dedicated and the new owners have moved in.
New members: Karen Elkins, Rianna Kingery, Samantha MacFarland and her daughter Carly, and Isaac Meadows (grandson of Pastor Paul Meadows) all by baptism.

BEVERLY HILLS
AWANA began again Sun., August 26.
The 4th annual Ladies' Night Out Salad Supper was held Sept. 6 with speaker Christie Eastman.  The event kicked off the Fall Bible Study of Beth Moore's "To Live Is Christ", a study of the Apostle Paul.
Fall Clothing Giveaway was held at the Marcum Terrace Sports Center, Sept. 10.

FIFTH AVENUE
Youth FAB Camp was held at Camp Ona July 27-28; a camp for primary children was held Aug. 13-16.
A church-wide picnic was held Aug. 19, at the YMCA Kennedy Center.
The Stephen Ministry Team participated in a retreat at Parchment Valley Aug.24-26.  They also sponsored a guest speaker at the church, Dr. Bill Webb, who spoke on "Addictions."
DiscipleVillage, the new Rotation Sunday School kicked off  Sept. 2.
ALM's (Aid to Local Ministries and Missions) focused the MU Campus Christian Center in August and the Ebenezer Medical Outreach Center in September.
New Members Hannah Adkins,  Bruce and Andrea Vanderwarker, Harry & Ginny McKeown, Herbert & Phyllis Carson, Peter Carson, Sarah Carson, Timothy Carson, Christopher Carson, Leah Carson, Bill & Kay Ransbottom, and Dylan Bentley/
Dynamic Adults traveled to Jenny Wiley Theatre Aug. 15, to see "Forever Plaid."  Their September trip was to the Hocking Hills area of Ohio; a trip to White Sulphur on Amtrak and bus is planned for Oct. 19.
Beginning this month, a new ABWM circle for young women is being formed.
FAB adults will head back to Pass Christian, MS, Sept. 29, to work in the Katrina ravaged area of the Gulf Coast.
Wed. a.m. Bible Study for women began a new study Sept. 5, with the updated version of Beth Moore's, "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place."
The music ministry has already begun working on this year's production of The Singing Christmas Tree which will feature songs of worship by Michael W. Smith centered on the theme of Agnus Dei, or "Lamb of
God."
Dr. Tommy Brisco, currently the dean of the Logsdon School of Theology at Hardin-Simmons University will be the guest speaker at the church on Sun., Sept. 30.  Dr. Brisco has extensive experience in archaeological expeditions, as well as being the author of the Holman Bible Atlas, a winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award.
Parenting Weekend at FAB (Nov. 16-17) will feature Ross Campbell as Speaker.

MILTON
VBS "Take the Plunge" was held July 22-27.
Tracy Mills has been called as interim youth minister for the church.
Over $500 was raised for the Baby Bottle project.
A new group called the "Angels" is being formed to take homemade goodies to visitors and/or new people in the community.
A donation was $1000 was given to the Weirton Christian Center.
The Missions Committee sponsored a fund-raising dinner for the church's next mission trip.
The church hosted its second annual Community Block Party Sun., Sept. 2.
Several new small study groups were started Sept. 9.
A Basic Life Saving course will be offered by the Red Cross at the church on Sat. Sept. 29.

PEA RIDGE
June 24 was Gideon Sunday at the church.
There was a great turnout for the Wild West Frontier Bible Theme Park VBS in July.
Youth mission project for the summer was general repairs at Camp Ona.
Several building projects including renovation of the church kitchen and fellowship hall as well as work to the exterior of the building are taking place.
The annual block party was held Sat., Sept. 22.  Apple Butter Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 12-13.
A new Sunday School class for single moms was begun Sept. 9.
The Golden Group has adopted a new slogan--SOS (Serve our Savior)--for its ministries.  September speaker was Jerry Losh with BCM.
Several options are available for Sunday evenings including financial peace, evangelism, and dealing with grief.
A Mission Conference with Pavel Jirov, Stan Slade & Kim Weaver is scheduled for October 26-28 at the church.
New member: Jim Phifer

SEVENTH AVENUE BAPTIST
Revival services were held Sept. 21-23 with Jim Butcher, II, preaching.
Annual church picnic will be held Sun. Sept. 30 at Camp Ona.  Homecoming services will be held that morning to celebrate our 100 years as a church beginning as Walker Memorial Baptist Church.  Former members are invited.
Promotion of graded Sunday School classes were held Aug. 26 during the morning service.
Youth went to Newport, KY aquarium and Cincinnati Reds game Tues. Aug. 7. They also went miniature golfing Sun. Aug. 19. They meet every Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Bob Withers is leading a study of the Old Testament on Wed. at 7:00 p.m. We are currently in the Book of Exodus.
Monthly movie night was held Sat. Aug.18; The Nativity Story was the feature.

TWENTIETH STREET BAPTIST
The church continues to meet at the Fire Academy on Ohio River Road.
ABW hosted the Association Women's Fall Rally in September.  The Tea Party's theme was "Dress for Success" and was presented by Janey Carrico, wife of our WVBC Executive Minister, David Carrico.
A church-wide retreat will take place Oct. 12-14 at Camp Ona.

A celebration of the life of the Rev. Harry Thurmond Rowe was held at the Barboursville Baptist Church, Sunday, July 29.  It was a wonderful service incorporating so much that Harry loved.  E.g., he loved baseball and there were smiles even through tears when the family procession came down the aisle to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
The Rev. Paul Meadows welcomed the congregation and invited them to worship the God whom Harry served so faithfully throughout his life.  First, there was congregational singing of the first three verses of "How Great Thou Art" led by Bob Smith, song leader for the Guyandotte Association AB Men.  Then Paul read the portion of Scripture from Matthew which ends with Jesus' words of commendation:
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Another of Harry's passions was West Virginia (how he loved this state!), we sang, "Oh, the West Virginia Hills," followed by Paul's reading of the obituary.
The Rev. Dr. David Carrico, Executive Minister for the WVBC, led in prayer and Robert and Mary Ellen Ball sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," the first of two songs specifically requested by Harry when he was in a nursing home in December 2005.
We celebrated Harry's life here on this earth through the verbal memories of his grandson Luke Newlon and viewed a video presentation prepared by his granddaughter Jessica Huff.
Then we celebrated Harry's eternal life with the Lord.  Robert and Mary Ellen sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," and Paul brought the message which he called "I knew a man in Christ" (2 Cor. 12:2).  He described six or seven character traits of Harry, a man in Christ.
James Weldon Johnson's beautiful poem "Go Down Death" was read by Luke Newlon and prayer was offered by the Rev. Donald Walker, moderator of the Guyandotte Association.
The closing congregational hymn was the final verse of "How Great Thou Art" followed by the benediction pronounced by Paul Meadows.
Harry Rowe's ministry career began when he was youth director at the Baptist Temple, Charleston.  After serving as a chaplain with the U. S. Army, he became pastor of First Baptist, Grafton, where he remained for 27 years!  He then served four years as Director of Church Relations at Alderson-Broaddus College.  After "retirement", he and Maggie served as interim pastor for Calvary Baptist and North Hills Baptist in Charleston, Barboursville Baptist, Baptist Temple (Huntington), Beverly Hills Baptist and finally at 20th Street Baptist.
While in Grafton, Harry also served as chair for both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army as well as a stint as president of the Rotary Club.  Even that's not all, for he also served in various positions with the state convention and on the nominating committee for ABC/USA.
Here was a man!  When comes such another?
Harry was preceded in death by his first wife and a stepson, Lynn A. Gough.  He is survived by his wife Mary Magdalene (fondly know to us all as Maggie), two daughters, a sister, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
If you wish to honor Harry's life, contributions may be made to the Harry Rowe Scholarship Fund at Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi WV.
 

Tom Swartzwelder pastored in our association during the late 1990's and is presently available for pulpit supply. He lives in South Point. His number is 740-894-6129.

                     PARCHMENT VALLEY
October 22 - 26.  Old Testament History & Content.   We need the Old to understand the New.
February 11 - 15.  Old Testament Study.
 An introduction to the historical and literary contexts of the Old Testament.
For more information, call Dr. Bill Thomas at 304-428-8725 or e-mail him at wthomas@eastern.edu.

 Mission Trip Opportunities
Ryazan, Russia.  Jan. 2-11, 2008.
 Contact Steve Fridenmaker at 304-658-4260.
 

(Note: See photo of Day Camp finale at end of this webpage, all the way down)

BARBOURSVILLE
VBS "Avalanche Ranch" June 24-29.
The deacons continue to lead monthly Bible studies at Wyngate.
Deacons' retreat at Parchment Valley Sept. 21-22 with Ron Stoner, pastor of Emmanuel in Charleston, leading.
The 40th anniversary of the building of the sanctuary will be celebrated Aug 31–Sept. 3.  Many activities are planned culminating with a piano concert by Cody McVey on Sunday, Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.

BEULAH ANN
On May 5, the church celebrated Paul Meadows' 25th anniversary as pastor.
New members: Wilma Smith.  Baptized: Julia Watts and Charity Richie.
The church raised $866 for Camp Ona for March-April's mission project.  Thus far the May-June project (tool trailer for AB Men Disaster Relief Team) has raised $2603.
Baccalaureate service was held Sun., May 20.
Also in May, the Helping Hands group gave a face-lift to Hinchman Cabin at Camp Ona.
VBS was held June 18-22.

BEVERLY HILLS
Forty-five women have completed a study on Daniel.
June 15 marked the 3rd anniversary of the church's food pantry.
June Butler presented the program for the Senior Adults' June meeting.
VBS "Avalanche Ranch" was held June 11-15.
The Youth will take part in a rafting and camping retreat July 27-29.

FIFTH AVENUE
Dynamic Adults to Cumberland OH, May 15, to the Ohio Theatre in Columbus to see "Wicked"
ALMS project for May: Renaissance Place.  For June: the Ronald McDonald House.  For July: the Jeff George Comfort House of Huntington
VBS "Son Force" June 24-28.
Thirty-two people took part in the annual mission trip to Nicaragua.
"The West Virginians" from AB College led worship music June 3.
Disciple Village will open in September.  The rotation Sunday School classes for children will feature Creation, Imagination, Chronicle, Illustration, and Celebration stations.
Ross Campbell, author of How to Really Love Your Child and How to Really Parent Your Child, will lead a parenting weekend Nov. 16-17.
New members: Matthew Bonar, Laura Mitchell, Kirk Jennings, Gerald & Lenora Sutphin, Keith & Judy Cliff, Richard & Deborah Drum, Alene Blackburn, John & Judy Rowe, Brent & Sabrina Thomas, Cassie Miller, Zachary Andrews, and Eva Willauer.
FAB Camp, The Quest, at Camp Ona, July 27-29.

MILTON
The youth helped clean up Camp Cowen May 18-19.
Also on May 19, a gospel sing was held to raise money for the Murrow Children's Home in Oklahoma.
Graduates were honored May 20.
Pianist Paul Dixon played during worship June 17.
The Missions Committee sponsored special programs for the children in May and June. A mission team of 22 youth & adults worked in Pass Christian MS, June 10-17.
VBS "Take the Plunge" will be held July 22 - 27.

PEA RIDGE
New members: Nathan & Kathy Smith, Clint & Teri Alley, Ron, Stacey, Hannah & Garrett Kemp and Dave, Carla, Sarah & Holden Whitt.
Ignition-a modern worship experience-was presented at Pullman Square, June 2.
VBS "Wild West Frontier" was held July 9-13.
The Golden Group picnicked at Barboursville Park in June and will visit Jenny Wiley Theater to see "Forever Plaid" July 20.
Pastor Greg Creasey is preaching a series of sermons on the Top 10 Issues Facing Today's Family.
Youth are participating in summer-long AmazinGRACE–
earning points through Bible study, service projects and bringing friends to church.  They will also be repairing and roofing a Camp Ona cabin August 8-11.

PLEASANT HILL
Averaged of 65 attended VBS June 18-22.  A pizza party was held on the final evening.

SEVENTH AVENUE BAPTIST
Revival Sept. 21-23 with Jim Butcher, 7:00 nightly, 11:00 Sunday morning. Jim is currently the Pastor at Poca Baptist Church,
VBS "Take the Plunge" July 16-20 from 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. Homestead Southern Gospel will be performing Fri., July 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Youth earned over $600 at a rummage sale; they plan to attend a Red's game and visit the aquarium at Newport KY.

TWENTIETH STREET BAPTIST
The deacons continue to lead monthly Bible studies at Htgn. Health & Rehab.
What many consider the "Best VBS Ever" was held during June at the Fire Academy at 4200 Ohio River Road, the temporary home of the church.  "Rescue Zone" featured a fire truck, ambulance, fire safety house, water rescue and police cars for the children and CPR, Fire Safety, First Aid and Child Abuse Prevention for the adults.
Funds were raised for a centrifuge machine for Haiti.
Missionary Leslie Turley spoke at the church on World Mission Sunday.
A church-wide retreat will take place Oct. 12-14 at Camp Ona.
 

PIANIST CODY McVEY will be playing at Barboursville Baptist, Sunday, Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.
 
 

The Communicator is published bi-monthly.  If you have news to be included, please mail to Lois Merritt, 850 Hibner Ave., Huntington WV 25705, or e-mail to lmerritt@aol.com.
 
 

ABC/Guyandotte Assn
20th STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
1956 FIFTH AVENUE
HUNTINGTON WV 25703

The Communicator is published bi-monthly.  If you have news to be included, please mail to Lois Merritt, 850 Hibner Ave., Huntington WV 25705, or e-mail to lmerritt@aol.com.
The Communicator can also be found online at
http://webpages.charter.net/onaflyer/merritt.htm or  www.beulahann.org  courtesy of Jim Morrison.