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We
look forward each year to our Homecoming Service, when a poem written by
two of our members detailing the year's events is read. It is
always a special treat to be reminded of the special times we have
shared together during the past 12 months.
Welcome to Homecoming One Hundred Twenty Four at
Marshall today
Thank you for coming to help us “Remember Our Heritage” this way
New Members this year - we’ve had Twenty Four
By Baptism - James Lloyd, Cameron and Logan May, Roger and Michelle
Neal, Cynthia Wheeless, Brandi Strickland, Maranda Neal and Chris
Sorley and there’s more . . .
By Statement - Buck Gautreaux, Jewell Ansley, Tami Hampton and Elly
Jacobs and this just gets better and better . . .
We’ve had - Jason and Kristen Penna, James and Jan May, Bryant and
Cheryl Neal, Ruthie and Nikki Strickland, Broadus and Repurta
Kitchens, Tina Upchurch and Patricia Johnson join by Letter.
One year ago at our Homecoming Service Dr. Mike Williams, from the
Ga. Baptist Convention did speak
After which we gathered around the tables in the fellowship hall to eat.
In the afternoon, music was enjoyed by our families and friends
At the sing brought by the Praise Team from the Church of God in Wrens.
August 5 was a Church-Wide Picnic up at the lake
To which hot dogs and hamburgers the Men's Ministry did take.
These events are always so much fun -
Pretty soon we’ll be having another one.
At a Sunday School Worker Breakfast on September Third
A message from Debbie Long, our new Sunday School Director, we heard.
That morning during the Worship Service the Sunday School Workers
were commissioned and encouraged to do their jobs right,
And a Vespers Service under the pavilion we had that night.
At the Awana Leaders Kick-off on September 6, our Commander Rick
Salley spoke,
He reminded us that although Awana is lots of fun, it’s serious
business,
and that’s no joke.
A Church-Wide work detail we had on September Nine
To get our buildings and grounds looking all fine.
On September 13, a New Year Awana did begin
With each clubber encouraged to bring a friend.
Cottage Prayer Meetings were held at Bruce & Sandra’s, the Prater’s, the
Salley’s and the Long’s
There we prayed for revival, ate, and sang songs.
September 15 & 16 we had a Prayer Vigil for 24 hours
Knowing that the only way we could have revival was through the Holy
Spirit’s powers.
Then revival we had led by Rev. Joel Jackson, September 17 through
Twenty
There was even a noon meeting one day with food a plenty.
For a Ladies Retreat the Women on Mission a cabin did rent
And on September 22 up to Mistletoe they went.
For a weekend of fellowship, prayer and lots of eating
Studying about World Hunger, enjoying nature and our regular monthly
Meeting
Our youth had a Back-To-School Bash on September Twenty-Third
I expect they ate, had fun and heard some of God’s Word.
Experiencing God started September 24, during Discipleship time on
Sunday Nights
Because we want our fellowship with God to reach new heights.
Then on September 26th some of us to
First Baptist in Thomson did go
Because how to be better teachers and leaders we wanted to know.
During the month of October we learned facts about the hungry people
both abroad and here
It’s sad to know there are so many - even very, very near.
These facts help us know where our World Hunger Offering goes
100% of it to the hungry food it bestows.
October 9, Men's Ministry and Women on Mission together met
More information about Disaster Relief to get.
There was a very special event that same day and we think it was super
fine
Brad and Jackie Pittman’s daughter was born on October Nine.
On October 18, a Wednesday Night Supper the Women on Mission cooked
so needy children would not be disappointed when for Christmas gifts
they looked.
Then around the Revilles’ good news was heard
Kevin and Laurie’s son, Noah, was born October Twenty-Third.
Then during Awana on October 25, many Bible Characters we had out in our
gym.
It really was our clubbers just dressed like them.
Our Fall Festival was held on October Twenty-Eight
There were all kinds of booths, games, food and the hay ride was great.
The Keenagers went to the mountains on November Four
To see the beautiful Fall leaves galore.
Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer was November Six
And women from the Thomson area met at 1st Baptist with a dish they did
fix,
There was a wonderful speaker, Mrs. Joe Frank Harris, and prayer time
and lunch
We all know this World needs prayers a bunch.
November 6 there were also voting booths all over our Fellowship Hall
Because it was time to elect a new President for us all.
November 8th Awana Clubbers came dressed in red, yellow, blue, or green
To show Spirit for their Awana Team.
November 18 was our Thanksgiving Communion Service and Meal
God is very good to us and we should be thanking Him still.
Our offerings in rice bowls, envelopes and even bags did bring -
For World Hunger on Sunday morning, November Nineteen.
November 22 with Indians and Pilgrims our gym was filled -
I’m sure glad none of our turkeys were killed!
November 26 was our service for Hanging-of-the-Greens
What a beautiful way to remember what this season means.
December 1 was a sad day for many
We will all Miss Evelina Mills a plenty.
But she is rejoicing now on those streets of gold -
And I’ll bet her crown has stars too many to hold.
On December 1 a Manna Truck with lots & lots of Golden Harvest food
pulled in . . .
And our Men's Ministry, Women on Mission, Youth and other Volunteers to
unload did begin -
Many, many boxes of food under Thelma Brassell’s lead . . .
To be distributed to any Family in need.
And our list of Christmas Parties will start with a Double -Header on
the second of December -
While our Keenagers met at the church and had good food and their fun
filled Chinese gift switch - The Coed/Married Class met at the Salley’s
for a night they will long remember!
December 3 began our four Services of the Advent Season
To help us know that our Lord’s Birth - For the Christmas Season is the
Reason!
We had International Mission Study during Evening Worship that night so
we would know
About how the money we give to support our Missionaries goes.
December 5, was Christmas Supper for the Ladies II Class
Then at the Awana Christmas Store on the 6th, our Clubbers got to spend
some of their bucks at last
Then the Youth II Class had their Christmas Gathering on December Eight
And on the Thriteenth at Awana Nativity Night our little Mary’s,
Joseph’s,
Shepherds, Angels and Sheep looked great.
Then the next night the Awana Sparks went to the Personal Care and
Nursing Homes carols to sing
Then they came back to the Church for Pizza and other good things.
On the 16th Men II went to Golden Corral to eat -
They always take their wives - isn’t that sweet!
The Choir presented a Program of Christmas Music on December Seventeen
And on the 19th some of our members at the Kilpatrick Baptist
Association Open House were seen.
We had a Birthday Party for Jesus on December Twenty
Our Children were reminded of the real reason for Christmas and had ice
cream and cake a plenty.
WOM met for their Christmas Meal on December 21 and wrapped gifts for
children whose families needed extra Christmas cheer -
Because we know what our Lord would do if He was here.
Thanks to everyone who supported WOM’s Meals on Wednesday Nights
Our ladies delivered gifts to 5 Needy Families - That was a wonderful
sight!
Then there were 16 boxes food and Christmas fruit and goodies packed
and distributed by our Men's Ministry to those in need -
For their help to those who don’t have a lot the Lord does bless them,
indeed!
Christmas is such a busy, busy time and before we knew it Christmas Eve
was here -
We met in candlelight to remember our Lord with Communion and one more
time to hear
About the birth of our Lord Jesus so dear.
Bruce took some of our Youth to Youth Evangelism Conference on
December 28 and 29 to join youth from all over our state -
To Worship and grow closer to our Lord and we think this is great!
Then we all got together on December Thirty-One
For an evening of fun and memories - To Bring in the New Year praising
God’s Son!
January 7, Richard Lepard and Max McTier Deacons they became -
Because the truths of God’s Word they always acclaim.
After the ordination service, a reception in Fellowship hall we had -
With people telling them for their commitment they are glad.
Because you must be well trained to work in Disaster Relief -
On January 12 & 13 in Milledgeville those wanting to be taught did meet
Bruce went to be a teacher, it’s true.
Brother John and Rick Salley went to learn what to do.
Experiencing God the Musical Warrenton First Baptist Choirs did come and
sing.
It was super! That was January Fourteen -
Then on the 15th Brother John and Bruce to an Evangelism Conference in
Lawrenceville did ride,
And spent a couple of days learning more about how to teach others in
Christ to abide.
At Awana on January 17, there were white things both fat and thin -
They were clubbers dressed like snow men.
January 20, adults met, volley ball to play
It’s nice to get together and fellowship that way.
There was a Faith Banquet on January Twenty-One -
Faith Team members or prayer partners we did become.
On January 23, Faith Training did start -
It was hard work but now all the team members say they are glad they
took part.
Our gym on January 31 was really quite a sight -
It was Awana Silly Socks Night.
Then on February 14th there were hearts everywhere -
Walking Valentines saying they care.
On February 17 our Valentine Banquet once again was first rate -
Bruce, Sandra, and our youth do the job great.
I Love God and I Love My Church Sunday was the very next day -
Our people had a chance to express their love in a special way.
At the Children’s Bowling Outing on February Nineteen -Not too many
strikes were seen.
But each girl and boy had lots of fun -
And scores improved before they were done.
The WMU Inspirational Meeting was at First Baptist this year -
An inspiring message from Rev. Jimmy Elder we did hear.
Blankets and sheets for the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes we did
take.
So children there their beds can make.
On February 25, Willie Hunter from Gospel Link came a need to tell -
Pastors in Africa need our help to do their jobs well.
Some pastors in Africa support from members here now receive.
We want all mankind in God to believe.
“On Mission Together” was the theme of our North American Mission Study
on March Four
And on the seventh at the Awana Store our clubbers spent bucks galore!
Then on the 14, Awana Clubbers wore their Uniform to School -
To tell other children about Awana and our Savior who in Heaven Rules.
March 17, was a day where our Awana clubbers could come for help with
their cars at the Pit Crew Workshop.
And that night some of us met to play Volley Ball - It was so much fun
they hated to stop.
To Macon our Keenagers went to see Cherry Blossoms and shop the booths
for crafts
And on the 30th, some of our adults and youth went to a Lynx Game and
Concert - they had lots of laughs.
We had our Awana Gran Prix on March Thirty-One
And on April 8, was our Easter Cantata “Once and For All” to celebrate
the resurrection of God’s Son.
On the 12th we had a Baby Shower for Cindy McGee
Then on the 14th at our Easter Egg Hunt lots of Boys and Girls we did
see.
On Easter Sunday, we had Blooming of the Cross at the rising of the sun
-
Then Men's Ministry cooked Easter Breakfast for everyone.
At our Regular Morning Service we were all in one accord -
As we met to worship and praise our wonderful Risen Lord!
Our messengers attended the KBA Spring Inspirational Meeting on April
Seventeen -
And the next night at Awana County Bumpkin Night lots or crazy
“Hayseeds” were seen.
Gideon Ralley Day was April Twenty-Two -
They come every year to tell us about the wonderful job they do.
May 3, for the National Day of Prayer Breakfast some of us went to
Thomson Presbyterian Church for our country to pray-
Then on May 5, at Washington Heights it was VBS Clinic Day!
And that night the Keenagers met at John Edward and Patsy Poss’ house to
eat -
They had an old fashioned country supper, that was really a treat!
There was a Men’s Leadership Conference with John Maxwell at First
Baptist Church on the 12th of May -
And the Mother-Daughter Luncheon was that same day.
Lots of ladies and girls enjoyed the good food -
And a marvelous message by Kim Crabill, too!
The next day, Mother’s Day, every mother present got a book, a special
treat -
And we dedicated Kori Penna and Dylan Spivey, they were really sweet.
Parents dedicating their children and their family to God is really
neat.
Awana leaders met to add up points and count out Awana Bucks on May
seventeen -
And on the 18th at the Green Jackets Game and 4-Him Concert Marshall
adults, children and youth were seen.
Then on May 23, it was Awana Awards Night
To recognize clubbers and leaders who had worked with all their might.
We want to thank Commander Rick and all his helpers for our 10th AWANA
Year - All right!
On the 27, during Evening Worship we moved our service outside -
Our Faith teams, prayer partners and helpers to recognize.
And to change things around the Faith teams cooked the meal -
Because they appreciated the way the ladies served each week with such
zeal.
We want to thank our Faith Teams for all their hard work each week as
they meet to go -
Out and tell others about our Lord who loves them so.
Many have prayed Jesus - their Savior and Lord to receive
We all join the angels in rejoicing when new ones believe!
May 30, was an night filled with excitement fun and games -
To the Carnival and Auction all our Awana Clubbers came.
They spent their hard earned bucks in the booths and the store -
Then at the auction they even spent MORE!
In May we began to distribute Pantry Food each Tuesday Night
Because we felt that to witness to and pray for each needy family was
right.
We’ve had many receive Christ as their Savior and Lord to pray -
Thanks Miss Thelma, our Faith Teams and all our other helpers we want to
say!
The Awana Leaders Cookout at Rick & Lisa Salley’s was a real success -
Then on the 6th, 13th, and 20th, our children on Wednesday Night made
Tracks for VBS!
Bible Study began on June 6, for our Youth -
It’s wonderful to know these young people seek God’s Truth.
June 7, Kym Snyder kicked our VBS Leaders into high gear -
Time for Truth Trackers soon would be here.
On the 16th at Work Detail we were here at the church to clean up our
Buildings and Grounds -
At the same time our VBS Teachers were preparing decorations and
materials so for children the Secrets of the Stone Tablets could be
found.
On Father’s Day, June 17, each Dad received a Key Chain as a gift of
love.
And Bryanna and Roger Lee Neal were dedicated to our heavenly Father up
above.
VBS leaders met June 23, to canvass our neighborhood all around -
To see how many children for TRUTH TRACKERS could be found.
During Morning Worship on the 24th our Teachers and Leaders were
commissioned to serve in VBS -
And that night - TRUTH TRACKERS and The Secret of the Stone Tablets
Musical was a real success!
Alyssa and Carol learned about the Ten Commandments from Mr. Bruce and
Mr. Randy -
With the help of Kenan, Dana, Kelly, Allyson, James, William and Cameron
They all were just dandy!
Then June 25-29, at Vacation Bible School for the Secret of the Stone
Tablets we did search
It was our best VBS ever at Marshall Baptist Church.
We want to thank our successful expedition leader, Kym Snyder, and all
the workers so -
They worked hard that the Secret of the Stone Tablets, Jesus, everyone
would know!
A Vespers Service was held outside to celebrate our country’s birth on
July One
We also commissioned our Mission Team going to Benton, Tennessee to
tell others of God’s Son.
Our caravan of campers and gear pulled out on July Six -
Backyard Bible Clubs to hold, Beach-goers and Rafters to reach, and one
old house to fix.
Twenty campers went to witness for our Lord with the support and prayers
of Marshall Baptist Church -
It was an opportunity they all appreciated so much!
Working, eating, singing, worshiping and praying together was lots &
lots of fun -
And we got to spend some time with our friends Bill, Fran and Farley
Morrison.
Cameron Poss and Cheryl Neal battled with Yellow Jackets and Rick was
asked, “What would Charlie do?”
And we all greated each other - Grace and peace from God our Father and
from the Lord Jesus Christ to you.
We had our very own Camping Barbie and Amanda diving lessons did give
and Randall worked hard with the construction crew.
And Brenda thought she was abandoned at the Laundry Mat by Kathy Drew.
Sandra Poss to Gee Creek Campground and Pineview Baptist Church our
Backyard Bible School crew and the children did lead -
Didn’t have lots of kids but several Christ as their Savior, did
receive.
Debbie, Cheryl and Lisa did lots of painting and things -
While John, Rick, Bryant, Randall, and Bruce did all kinds of
construction
jobs a nicer home to a very nice lady did bring!
Brenda Prater planned each meal and directed lots of volunteers, who
prepared food galore -
We all ate until we could not eat any more.
You’ll hear more about our Mission Trip next week.
While Brother John was gone on July 8th, Rev. Rick Busby came to speak.
That brings us back to this Homecoming Day - we’ve spent time
remembering, praying and singing too -
And now Grace and Peace from God our Father and From the Lord Jesus
Christ to each of you! |
