Old Greenbrier Baptist ChurchPO Box 456Alderson, WV 24910STAFFPastor: Rev. Dr. Bill Bryan(304) 646-8631Ministers of Music:Dell & Nancy WoodDiana HalsteadCarolyn Holliday Treasurer:Charlotte MeltonCongregational Visitor:Peggy BollenbachOfficial Board, ChairShelia HarrisStreet Address:301 North Monroe St.Church Phone: (304) 445-7854

Old GreenbriER

Baptist News2011

Listen to “Message of Hope” Monday through Friday on 95.3 FM radio or on the web at www.hearthealthyradio.com

following the morning news at 8:00am and again following the 95 min. Power Hour at 6:35pm.

Non-ProfitPostage PermitNo. 32

Volume XIII No. I

Church website: http://oldgreenbrierbaptistchurch.typepad.com/

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART

Here we are in the midst of the winter doldrums—short days and long nights awaiting the next winter storm. We pray ‘ol Punxsutawney Phil sees no shadow on February 2nd. Scientists believe our depression in this season of year stems from a lack of light. We need light to feel right, to perk up, to be happy. This physical reality is also a spiritual reality. We need the Light of God in our lives in order to feel right, to be awake in our living for him, and to be happy in our service with him. Throughout the month of February I will be preaching a series of messages on the light. We must walk with God (Mi. 6:1-8) as we see the Light (Mt. 4:12-17), walk with the Light (Jn. 8:12), stay in the Light (1 Jn. 2:1-11), serve only the Light (Mt. 6:24-34), and listen to the Light (Lk. 9:28-35). Yes, I said listen to the light. You’ll have to be here March 6th to hear or see what I mean by that one!I appreciate your prayers and support while I was away on my sabbatical leave for three weeks in January. I spent the time at Duke University working on my PhD dissertation. It was a very fruitful time. I finished an important book translation, reviewed nearly 100 books and journals, wrote drafts of the first two chapters of my dissertation, and outlined the last two chapters. I still have much work to do between now and my May deadline. However, this was a major move forward toward completion. I appreciate all those who filled in various roles for me while I was gone, and I appreciate the financial and prayer support given by the entire

Be A Disciple

church. I look forward to completion of this academic journey of the past six years by summertime. I can’t wait

for those long sunny days as we bask in the glorious Light.

The March Men’s Community Prayer Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 5th at 8am at Old Greenbrier Baptist.

3 – Amanda Bowden

5 – Sheldon Carter 7 – Sharon Reed 10 – Becky Pence 13 – Lee Forbes Cody McVey 15 – Betty Alderson 16 – Cathy Shafer 17 – Bonnie Kirby

Nancy Wood 18 – Carolyn Holliday 20 – John M. Alderson V 21 – Mary Martinez 24 – Phillis Merritt 25 – Ella Forbes 26 – Carol Brown 27 – Bobbie Jones 28 – Bill Jarvis

1 2Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

3Ruth Thurmond Circle ~ 1pm

4 5Men’s BkfstROL ~ 8 am

Communion Sunday 6S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

Soup ‘r ChiliCook Off ~

7 8 9Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

10 12

13S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11aOfficial Bd. ~ noon

14 15 16Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

17Pack Food Pantry ~9am

18Food Pantry~9am

19

20S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

21 22 23Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

24 25 26

27S School ~ 9:45 aWorship ~ 11 a

28

A girl returning home from Sunday school expressed disappointment with the class’s reaction after the day’s lesson. “We were taught to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations,” she said, “but we just sat!” –Source unknown

Alderson Hospitality HouseFrom the the church’s mailbox . . .

Dear Friends at Old Greenbrier Baptist Church,

Thank you for the donations of $40.00 deposited 1/7/2010, $250 deposited 1/20/2010, and $671 deposited 12/10/2010 to the Alderson Hospitality House. . . .

Your congregation’s willingness to support the Hospitality House not only financially, but also in prayer and action all throughout the year is such a blessing for us. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces at Ministerial Association lunches, in your church when we visit, and everyday around town reminds us of how much support we really have in this community. Your prayers, both for our ministry and for our guests are powerful beyond measure.

Old Greenbrier Baptist has been supporting the Hospitality House with financial contributions since long before our arrival. Yet we had no idea of how God would use you to answer our prayers with your Thanksgiving donation. We love the work we do, we love to see Christ’s face in every guest that walks through our door and we thank you for helping to make this ministry possible.

Your generous contributions during this past year are truly appreciated. It is only through caring people such as yourselves that the valuable work of the Alderson Hospitality House can continue.

Thank you again and sincere regards,

Brian DeRouenDirector, Alderson Hospitality House

From the Mission FieldThe following is an excerpt of a letter the church recently received from Debbie Mulneix, our ABC missionary to India/Nepal and a fellow West Virginian.

Recently, 411 delegates and over 1,000 additional attendees gathered for the Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association, Women’s Department’s Second Triennial Conference. The three day conference’s theme, “True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted”, was explored through workshops, Bible studies, interpretative dance, cultural displays, handicrafts, vocal competition and worship. The conference began Friday evening with the procession of flags into the sanctuary, each flag representing a participating associational tribe. Children and youth from the host church shared their talents in interpretative dance and song.

Mrs. Vasantha Thomas, Director, Arpana Ministry, Pune, joined local pastors and me in leading the conference. Mrs. Vasantha is in charge of Arpana Ministries, “. . . an interdenominational movement among Indian Christian women dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus” and is sponsored through OM (Operation Mission) India. She travels extensively, conducting Bible-based training in prayer and Bible studies.

A three day conference where several tribes and denominations meet to worship and learn together is a huge achievement. . . . The Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association overcomes the tribal boundaries and is comprised of men and women from most of the tribes of Nagaland.

Encouraging Words

Our American Baptist Churches have similar characteristics. Our members are diverse in age, social standing, political association, geographical preferences, and yes, even “tribal association”. Our differences enrich our individual lives in order that our unity in Christ is made stronger and more fruitful. As the New Year begins, let us honor the differences while we celebrate our unity in the God of Creation. May God use our lives in this new year to change the lives of others through the ministry of His Church.

Yours in Christ, Debbie Mulneix

Mario Morales Family NewsThe following is an excerpt of a letter the church recently received from Mario Morales, our ABC missionary to Boliva. Rev. Jim Anderson, our WVBC Area Minister, works closely with Mario on his mission trips to Bolivia. We have been praying for Mario and his sons as they experienced the death of Iris, Mario’s wife and MJ’s and Benji’s mother, in 2010.

Dear friends and partners of the mission in Boliva, Today is the last day of the year and it seems to be a good moment to look back and reflect on the fact that God is always with us in good times and in challenging times (Psalm 23). For us, this is a time to be thankful to Him and to all of you who support our missionary ministry in Bolivia. For certain, God brought us together at this time of history to create, in His name, an impact of His grace and love among all those who are victims in the Bolivian society: Women and Children.

On behalf of Mario Joshua (Pastor MJ), Seth Benjamin (Benji) and I, we want to thank you for your demonstration of love and solidarity to us during Iris’ illness and during the last few months after she passed to be with our Lord. For us life continues and we know that God has great plans (Jeremiah 29:11) as we focus back in our ministries and education.

Benji finished his first semester at Arizona State University with great success and is ready to start classes on January 19th. Pastor MJ continues his pastoral ministry in California and his studies for ministry. It is at his place and church in California where both Benji and I came to meet him and spend a few weeks together, sharing

and doing ministry as a team before I go back to my ministry at the House of Hope in Bolivia. I am looking forward to being part of the Youth Evangelistic crusades of the Bolivian Baptist Union before I go to a special project that BIM invited me to be part of in India.

2011 is a happy New Year Because of Jesus!

In His service, Mario Seth Morales, Pastor MJ & Benji Morales

I am made in God’s image, and he doesn’t make

any junk. God loves me and wants me to live a fulfilled life.

Communing with God constantly brings light, direction and blessings from him.

Life is astonishingly wonderful. Even the rough spots often turn out to be pluses. Hard lessons make me wiser, kinder and more fruitful.

When I feel boxed-in or blocked, I can know that in God’s good time, he will help me be victorious.

??? Bible Quiz ???First Corinthians 13 is a popular Scripture reading at wedding ceremonies. The so-called “love chapter” provides an extended definition of what Paul calls “the greatest” gift (verse 13).

Which of the following characteristics of love isn’t found in 1 Corinthians 13?

A. Love is patient.B. Love rejoices in the truth.

C. Love believes all things.D. Love is childlike.

Answer: D

Prayer Needs as of January 25th

Church Family Or Their Immediate Family Who Are Ill or In Need of PrayerBetty AldersonShawn Ashworth (family of Donna Simms)Dreama CarterReggie ClarkBill Cohenhour (brother of Rose Carter)Cheryl and Carolyn CopelandBrian Craft (cousin of Carol Brown)Emma Crouch (g-daughter of Diana Halstead)Carolyn Dixon (Sister of Jim Johnson)William Ellis (relative of Jo Johnson)Jimmy Gill John HedrickBetty HighlanderBetty HollidayMargaret JackJanet Kennedy (Anne Parker’s sister-in-law)Dolin KirbyJanet Latiners (family of Donna Simms)Joyce LehmannRaymond LinkTeresa Link (Raymond Link’s sister-in-law)Betty Linkenhoker (sis of Charlotte Grimmett)Joe LuskMargaret Massey (Bud Massey’s mother)Roger Melton (Ron Melton’s brother)Sharon Mullens (Carolyn Holliday’s sister)Myrna Osbron (John Osbron’s mother)Barbara Parker (Jo Johnson’s sister)Darla Patriacca (M-i-L to Laurie Patriacca)Renee Pauley (Curtis & Beverly Pauley’s daughter)Dick & Neta SimmsEvelyn Sonnamaker (mother of Elisa Bryan)Virginia SurgeonTracy Trahant (family of Donna Simms)Ralph Williams (Carolyn Knapp’s bro-in-law)

ALL TROOPS In Our Armed ForcesBrian Belcher (Iraq)Mark Dunbar (Gayle LaRue’s son, Kuwait)

Brent Taylor (Greg & Barb Taylor’s son, Grandson of Dorothy Taylor)

Government Officials Heads of State

Students and teachers: Amanda Bowden, Holli Harris, Jamie & Stephanie Massey, Kelsey Still, Cynthia Huffman, Joseph & Hannah Bryan, Bethany Burdette,Stephanie Willis

Note: Please notify church office 304 445-7854 to delete or add to prayer list.

Friends of Our Church Family Who Are IllDale Berry (Friend of Rick Parker)Rosita & Norman BlevinsLamon Brown (former Missionary Thailand)Alice ColeBoone & Boots CochranRev. Phil CombsMary Davis (Sister of Dickie Honaker)Barbara Doing (Aunt of Peggy Bollenbach)Dan & Becky Drumhiller (niece of A. Parker)Courtney GloveDana Godby (Bro-in-law M. Godby)Valerie Helms (Friend of Knapp’s)Anita HillMelba Hill (Friend of Bill Bollenbach)Jean Himes (Friend of Diana Taylor)Ora HonakerSharon HypesFrank & Ann JonesGlenn & Shirley Jones John & Pearl McCurdyJohn & Betty Miles (Bill & Bob Holliday’s uncle and aunt)Roylence Link (Raymond Link’s brother)Milford ManleyTom McClungConstance McClure - baby GracieJohn McDaniel (friend of Bob Holliday)Rhonda, Jimmy, Camary McCrowsky (friends of Dora Hylton) Abby Miles (Friend of Thomas Willis)Brenda Morgan

Gary O’DellCatherine Sams (Sister of Joe Bradley)Susan Scott (Friend of Sylvia Keaton)Juli Simmons ShaferTaylor Shriver (Friend of Massey family)Delvia SimmsTom SizemoreMarguerite St ClairEmily & Allen ThomasJaime Turner (Friend of Cynthia Huffman)Linda WalkupRev. Billy WicklineKendra Weikle (friend of Brennan Wood)

Church Family Shut-inRuth Altare Faye KirbyMary Lou Bowden Ernestine LightFrances Canterbury Junior MerrittMamie Copeland Juanita ReedJulia A. Fletcher Louise Utterback

(RMMO)

With his hands, Jesus touched, comforted, prayed and blessed people. The power in those same hands restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk and miraculously fed 5,000.

In Christ, we have both the model and strength to touch and transform people in the church and community. Our personal walk with the Lord transforms and enables us to serve God by serving our neighbors, rather than living only for ourselves. Our hands become the tools of Christ in a world of need and opportunity. Christ’s work of transformation is accomplished when we step into the lives of people around us.

The America for Christ (AFC) 2011 theme—“Touching Lives, Transforming People”—is an exceptional reminder of the ministry modeled by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

America for Christ Offering 2011Touching Lives, Transforming People

Children in Poverty Grants that Help Families—Preparing children to return to school after summer break can be a considerable expense for families. Janet Newell, founder and board president of Referral, Opportunities, Advocacy and Resources (ROAR) in Seattle, Wash., was awarded a grant enabling the organization to provide backpacks, a full complement of school supplies and shoe vouchers to 329 Seattle school children.

Haitian Ministries Supports English as a Second Language Program—After the Haitian earthquake, Dodo arrived in Boston on Jan. 19, and began attending Eglise Evangelique De L’Union Chretienne in Brockton, Mass. Within the next two weeks, Dodo enrolled in English as a Second Language class, in which he was the first student. Three times weekly, for two hours, he attended, eager to learn English. It has been several months, and Dodo is still learning English.

Together, we can touch and transform lives every day. Since 1824, American Baptist Home Mission Societies has been faithful as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, preaching the gospel and reaching out to those

in need. Your gifts to the AFC Offering 2011 support this important work of mission at our doorsteps.

We will receive our annual AFC offering during February. AFC banks are available at the back of the sanctuary. AFC envelopes are available in the church pew racks, or you may simply designate AFC on your check or regular envelope.