FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
Luke 2:11 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Preachers often take a verse of Scripture and craft a sermon. I have and will again. But the more I read and study God’s word, the more I understand every word has power. Two words can transform a life for all eternity. So, consider our verse, Luke 2:11, and let’s focus on the words “…this day…”
When was Jesus born? Critics of Christianity say it wasn’t on December 25th. God’s angelic messenger didn’t say it was. He said it was “…this day…” Jesus was born in time and history. This day you have a choice. Will you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was born “…this day…” to save the lost? Or will you reject him and wait for another day? When December 25th arrives, what will you do with “…this day…?” I would expect non-believers to get up, put on a pot of coffee, and spend the day opening presents, overeating, and lying around the house. Sadly, I believe many Christians will be doing the same things.
Christian, what will you do with “…this day…?” A savior was born on “…this day…” He deserves our best sacrifice of praise and worship, not our lame and leftovers. If we choose not to reverence “…this day…” and live like the world, we smirk in the face of a holy and righteous God and devalue the greatest gift of all time. Give God your best this year, on “…this day…” Choose to honor and glorify Him on Christmas day. Beulah Ann will have church on Christmas Day. It’s the Lord’s Day. Sunday School is at 10 am, and worship is at 11 am. And, yes, we will have service Sunday evening at 7 pm. Give God your very best on “…this day…” And Merry Christmas! ~~Pastor Greg
NOVEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
November 6 136
November 13 127
November 20 124
November 27 118
4) 505 (126) average
The church is thoroughly cleaned between all services. If you cannot attend, all services are streamed live on the Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church Facebook page (church building is the profile pic). You can also watch it on YouTube channel “Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church.”
Prayer requests may be sent directly to the prayer line which is maintained by Sharon Chapman at babcprayer@aol.com, or called in to the church at 304-743-5854.
Offerings may be mailed to the church at P. O. Box 247, Ona, WV 25545. Please mail Sunday School Class (and other groups) offerings directly to your class treasurer.
Your attendance is very much welcome at any time. Love to see everybody back!
BIBLE READING PROGRAMS
WVBC ABWM 5-Year Plan
December – John
January – Proverbs
Daily Bible reading calendars for 2022 are on the foyer table, courtesy of Evangelistic Outreach.
For 2023, we are also offering a chronological Bible reading schedule, if you want to try something different.
OVER 50 ANNIVERSARIES
Buddy & Betty Beckett, Jan. 2, 63 yrs.
OVER 80 BIRTHDAYS
Mary Adkins Taylor, Jan. 8, 83 yrs.
Jerry Zerkle, Jan. 16, 82 yrs.
CONGRATULATIONS to Luke Lunsford, son of Pastor Greg and Jeanne Lunsford, who recently broke the Cabell Midland High School record for swimming the breast stroke.
CONGRATULATIONS to Morgan Zerkle, daughter of Matt and Becky Zerkle, and granddaughter of Jerry and Clara Zerkle, who played on the USA’s Women’s Softball Team that won a Gold Medal in the Pan American Games held in Guatemala in November. Way to go, Morgan
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER FUND
Anonymous $50.00
Willing Workers SS Class $20.00
Linda Lafferre $20.00
Brenda Puryear $275.00
(Brenda’s contribution will pay for our Annual Mailing Permit in January!)
Thank you for your generous support.
We are still needing some addresses updated due to the 911 Addressing Project. If you live in the Ona area, and the address we have for you has “Route” and “Box” in it, it is probably out of date. Please let us know your new address. Thanks!
THANK YOU
To our church family,
We would like to thank each and every one who shared our special day with us. We appreciate all the love and prayers and ask that you continue to pray for us. We are so blessed to be a part of this church and we love all of you.
Willie & Dorey Rose
Hello Beulah Ann,
Thank you so much for your support of BCM and especially BCM at Marshall University. God is doing great things on this campus.
In Christ, Rob Ely
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for all the years that you have showed us love through the holidays. The goody baskets and gift card have always been appreciated and put to good use. We love each and every one of you and continue to keep you in our prayers.
Bruce & Peggy Chapman
Beulah Ann Church,
Thank you so much for the Christmas Gift Bag, very much appreciated. God bless all, love to all, and Merry Christmas.
Sandy Hagley
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF:
JOHN BURTON “JB” CALDWELL, 63, of Ona, whose funeral was Dec. 2. He was predeceased by his father, John Caldwell, and his wife, Robin Caldwell. He is survived by his mother Judy Brose, sister Amy (Bil) Neal, daughter Amanda McClellan, son Josh Caldwell, two grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his fiancée, Karen Morrison. He was a member of our church.
MITZI GAIL CHAFFIN, 63, Huntington, whose funeral was Dec. 2. She was a sister of Pastor Paul Michael Booth.
LORI DINGESS, 4 months old, whose funeral was Nov. 16. She was the daughter of Rusty and Kristen Dingess, and the granddaughter of Rev. Mark Finley (Debbie), Pastor of Sunrise Temple Baptist Church, and great-granddaughter of Barbara and the late Russell Blake.
PATRICK A. KIRBY, 61, of Huntington, passed away Nov. 23. He was predeceased by his parents Vinston and Hazel Kirby. He is survived by several siblings, including Greg Kirby. He was a member of our church.
DR. JEFFREY KEYS, 69, of South Charleston, passed away Dec. 1. He practiced in Milton for many years.
JIMMY J. ROBERTS, 73, of Huntington, whose funeral was Nov. 21. He was a brother of Linda (David) Chapman, and uncle of Marc (Angie) Chapman, and Chad (Jennifer) Chapman.
JANET MAE WALLACE, 84, of Culloden, who passed away Dec. 2. She was the former owner of the Village Inn in Milton.
MISSION PROJECTS
In November, we asked for funds for the Christmas Basket project, and we collected $1,850. With this offering, and a balance left from last year, we were able to complete 84 baskets, which volunteers delivered on Dec. 2 to the widowed, those over 80 years of age, ill and in need. We are sorry if we missed anyone.
Thank you to all who gave funds, brought Christmas cakes and candies, all who helped assemble the baskets, and most especially volunteered to make the deliveries all over this community and a little beyond!
In December, we are seeking donations for Lily’s Place, which was founded in 2014 as the first Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Center in the United States. Infants born in Huntington area hospitals to mothers who have used drugs during their pregnancies, and who have no other serious health issues, are brought to Lily’s Place, where they are given the tender care they need (at much less cost than staying in the neonatal unit at the hospital) until they are weaned off the substances in their systems. If you would like to contribute, please write LP on the memo line of your check. And did you know that you can volunteer to rock the babies at Lily’s Place? The babies need low lighting, no loud noises, and a gentle touch. Learn more at lilysplace.org.
WOWS MEET
Our WOW group was invited to Lighthouse Baptist Church for a brunch with their group recently. There were nine of our group and close to fifteen of their group in attendance. When we walked in, our escort Victor Close, who was dressed up in a black suit, escorted us to our tables. The church ladies served us a plate full of delicious food and desserts. We even had some to bring home.
Connie Chapman then spoke to the group about handling grief. She also gave us a lot of printed information about grief. Connie did a very good job. We then were blessed by Mr. Close singing several songs for us.
Each of us had a wonderful time. We hope to do this again. If you are a widow, widower or single person, you are welcome to join us.
~~Alliene Caldwell
Notice: In search of an adult version of Elf on the Shelf that moves around at night cleaning the house and doing laundry.
God’s Gift
God’s love was fulfilled
In His only son’s birth,
When He sent the Christ child
To redeem all the earth!
Let all mankind rejoice
‘Neath the Heavens above,
In this wonderful Gift
Of God’s mercy and love!
CALENDAR:
**Tues., Dec. 13, 20, 27, 10 am – Sew Blest, in the Family Center.
**Sat., Dec. 10, 9 am – In Stitches Christmas Brunch, in the Beaver Building.
**Sat., Dec. 10, 5 pm – Faithful Servants Christmas Party, in the Family Center.
**Sun., Dec. 11, 11 am – Sanctuary Choir Cantata, “Hope Has Hands.”
**Sun., Dec. 11, 7 pm – Children’s Ministry presents “Christmas in Black and White.”
**Fri., Dec. 16 – Sun., Dec. 18 – Trip to Charlotte, NC for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child to help pack boxes at the distribution center. See Jeanne Lunsford for more details.
**Sun., Dec. 18, 7 pm – Youth Ministries Christmas Program, “Giving Hope.”
**Mon., Dec. 19, 6 pm – Christmas Caroling. There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Family Center after caroling.
**Wed., Dec. 21, 7 pm – Fireside Christmas Service, in the Sanctuary. Come and participate in this time of worship and remembrance of Christmases past.
**Mon., Dec. 26 – Beulah Ann celebrates 148 years!
**Fri., Dec. 30 – Pastor’s Greg’s Birthday!
**Sun., Jan. 1, 6 pm – ABWM, Family Center Dining Room.
**Sun., Jan. 1, 6 pm – ABMM, Caldwell Classroom.
**Mon., Jan. 2, 7 pm – Combined Board Meeting, Family Center.
**Tues., Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center.
**Thurs., Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, 6 pm – In Stitches, in the Family Center.
**Sun., Jan. 8 – Newsletter Deadline.
**Fri., Jan. 13 – Newsletter work party.
**Sun., Jan. 15, 12:30 pm – 100th Birthday Party for Gene Caldwell. Dinner will be served. (He needs no presents; he says he has everything! But if you would like, in lieu of gifts, donations for the Huntington City Mission and the Knight’s Great Hall will be accepted.)
**Wed., Jan. 18, 7 pm – Quarterly Business Meeting.
Get your relatives speaking to one another again by sending them a Christmas card with a picture of your family in it with an extra child no one knows.
BAMBY NEWS – FACING HUNGER
On Sat November 19th, fourteen teens and adults volunteered at the Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington. For most of the group it was their first time volunteering but all agreed it was something that made a difference.
This trip, we divided into groups with one group bagging fresh produce and the other bagging up boxed foods. Both the produce and the boxed items were going to be distributed on the following Monday to over 200 families in the area. Following completion of those bags, we jumped in and sorted cases of food by category to be distributed to local food pantries. In total, 80+ boxes of food were packed and over 400 bags.
If you are not familiar with the foodbank, they provide food to hundreds of individuals and families as well as organizations such the City Mission. Due to their ability to purchase in bulk, $1 can literally purchase enough food for nine individuals. They also supply food for hundreds of kids in the school food backpack program.
The teens enjoy volunteering and making a difference in the community. We look forward to additional opportunities to serve in the future.
~~Mitzi Beckett
GOOD NEWS NUGGETS
We gathered in the Family Center on Dec. 3 for our annual Church Christmas Dinner, which was decorated so beautifully! Thank you, Naomi Dailey, Susan McComas, and all who helped. The Sunday School Classes provided ham and turkey, and everybody brought everything else. For the first time since covid, we had a big crowd who enjoyed the wonderful food and fellowship.
Austin McCoy provided our special music on the evening Dec. 4. He is a talented singer and great guitarist.
You don’t really want to hear of a shotgun in or near a church, but we now have some new “shotgun” mikes that are working great. They make it possible for folks watching services on Facebook to hear testimonies, prayers, and prayer requests coming from the congregation, without our having to run a handheld mike to them. Thanks, Erin Carter for getting these.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
Children and their leaders are really busy this month. On December 18th the Jesus Kids will visit Paramount Nursing home and will do part of their Christmas play there. They love the kids and the kids love them.
The Christmas play at church will be Sunday December 11th at 7:00 pm. The play director Lisa Vititoe is adding to this newsletter about how this Christmas play and soundtrack was acquired: God was in this from 3 months of practice to now. Praise the Lord. Every year our Children’s Ministry team strives to find a wonderful Christmas Play to go with a theme for our Children to perform and enjoy. Many times, these Christmas plays are from previous years, or from conferences where they have been given a variety of sample materials. This year’s “Christmas in Black and White Musical” by Jeff Slaughter is one of those programs. We were blessed to be able have the program and the original musical CD, however we hit a snag when it came to ordering more products from Brentwood Benson Publishing. Brentwood Benson Publishing has closed their business and
their products are no longer available. Thankfully, we were able to find several churches had posted their performances on YouTube. Updating our technology earlier this year in the Children’s Department allowed us to review and use their performances to help direct the children. Unfortunately, we still needed the Split Track CD with only the instrumentals, and we were unable to find one. One evening after church Boo mentioned that maybe we could contact the Compass Bible Church to see if they could possibly help us. In the meantime, Pastor Greg, Duane Adkins, and Debbie Sansom all diligently tried to help us find the split track we needed but they hit the same road blocks. We were able to contact Compass Bible Church Tustin of Santa Ana, CA and speak with their Senior Pastor Mike Elliott who put us in contact with their Pastor Nate Mason who was over their Children’s Department. Pastor Nate was in awe that we were calling, clear across the country, for their help from a post on YouTube that was 3 years old. He was excited to try to help us and searched their church and their sister campuses for the track. Road blocks were in his path too, but as we prayed here in West Virginia, his sound technology team found the digital copy. They emailed it to us so that we could perform our play this year with the tracks needed. We are blessed to be a member of God’s Church where we are all connected and striving to spreads God’s message to the masses across the world. We pray that our little play touches your life as it has touched ours through the answered prayers and utmost kindness from Pastor Nate Mason of Compass Bible Church and the beautiful Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20.
~~Children’s Ministry Team
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Baby Nursery workers for Sunday mornings and for revival. See Boo Meadows.
Safety Team members. See Rick Webb.
Bus/Van drivers. See Pastor Greg. (You need to have a valid driver’s license and be under the age of 70 due to insurance requirements.)
We all know mirrors don’t lie…I’m just glad they don’t laugh.
Laundry:
Washing – 30 minutes
Drying – 60 minutes
Putting away – 7-10 business days
Keeping Christ in Christmas
If shepherd had not come to worship,
When the tidings came to them;
If there had never been a Christmas star,
Or a Babe of Bethlehem;
There would be no Christmas story,
And there would be no “Peace on Earth,”
For a miracle of love occurred
At the time of Jesus’ birth!
So, let’s keep Christ in Christmas,
In spite of what some say,
For without our blessed Savior
There would be no Christmas Day!
(Author unknown)
ABUNDANT LIVING in the NEW YEAR
Think deeply, Speak gently,
Laugh often, Work hard,
Give freely, Pay promptly,
Pray earnestly, Be kind.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Frances Adams; C. J. Adkins; Ed & Mary Adkins; Gary Adkins; Junior Adkins; Leonard & Kathy Adkins; Sara Adkins; Steve Adkins; Connie Akers; Kenny Alford; Mitzi Arnold; Dale Barker; Robert Barker; Daniel Beaver; Nila Jean Beckett; Brad Benedict; Brayden Benedict; David & Sue Benedict; Deloris Bias; Barbara Blake; Ronnie Bledsoe; Joe & Edna Booten; Kathy Bragg; Danny Brotherton; Yvonne Brooks; Brenda Brumfield; Larry Brumfield; Leonard & Bonnie Burks; Libby Burks; Alfred & Gladys Burns; Bruce Bryant; Carol Caldwell; Keeley Carter; Carsen Casey; Sheila Nowlin Castle; Addie Chapman; Connie Chapman; Dave & Linda Chapman; Dorothy Chapman; Landy Chapman; Marc & Angie Chapman; Richard & Peggy Chapman; Ricky Chapman; Rosemary Chapman; Sandra Chapman; Ella Childers; Emmaline Childers; Lewis Henry Childers; Betty Clagg; Ricky Clark; Jean Cochran; Joe Colliflower; David & Susie Collins; George Cooper; Keith Cooper; Mary Cooper; Beverly Dailey Copley; Justin Curtis; Jack Dailey; Naomi Dailey; Norma Dailey; Donna Davis; Luana Davis; Jennifer Nowlin Davis; Devona Dick; Mike & Melissa Diehl; Greg Elkins; Earl Fetty; Charley Flowers; Jonathan Foster; Ron & Gina Flora; Walt & Shirley Frye; Martha George; Darren Gibson; Tim Gibson; Troy and Karen Gibson; Trish Graziano; Bernadine Hampton; Beverly Harshbarger; Jennings & Janie Hatfield; Tasha Haverly; Rosie Hensley; David & Terra Hill; Eloise Hinkle; Troy & Ann Holstein; Shelia Holley; Virginia Holley; John Horn; Jim & Rosa Huffman; Pam Hughes; Patty Jarvis; Phillip Jeffrey; Cleo “Punkin” Johnson; Grover & Lorene Jordan; Derek Justice; Ruby Jean King; Shane Kingery; Ricky Kingery; Dwight Kirby; Rose Kuhn; Bonnie Lewis; Sam Litteral; Chancy Love; Rhonda Lucas; Roger Lykins; Gary & Mary Manning; Tammy Manning; Naomi Henry Massie; Cledith Meadows; Ryan Meadows; Roger McCallister; Kenzie McComas; Wiley McGinnis; Joy Miller; Billie Morris; Wanda Kirby Morrison; Carolyn Murphy; Peggy Neal; Jeff & Becky Nowlin; Nina Nowlin; Jim & Marcella O’Lynn; Fred Painter; Andy Payton; Janelle Payton; Linda Payton; Brett Pearson; Mollie Perry; Wanda Porter; Judy Priestly; Frank & Brenda Puryear; Darrell Rayburn; Betty Reynolds; Tim & Brenda Rider; Doris Rider; Laura Rider; Tom Riley, Jr.; John Rimmer; Mary Jane Rimmer; Curtis & Carolyn Roberts; Joanne Rolfe; Cheryl Rose; Gabe Sansom; Coleen Scarberry; Dalvin Scarberry; Peggy Scarberry; Warren Scarberry; Carolyn Shaver; Crystal Shephard; Johnny Shepherd; Barry Smith; Becky Smith; Tyler Smith; William Smith; Roger Sowards; Phyliss Spurlock; Jane Steele; Donnie Stevens; Jean Stevens; Diane Swann; Avery Sweat; Bryan Tatum; Rose Thacker; Kevin Varney; Leoma Shaw Venoy; Butch & Brenda Vititoe; Rosemary Walker; Amy Ward; Coleen Waters; Eva Watson; Gary Waugh; Gay Waugh; Sonny & BeeBee Waugh; Bob Wellman; George Winters; Willow Womack; Mike Woodard; Carol Woody; Sybille “Billie” Yates; Don Young; Janette Young; Ruby Young; others in our church and community who have ongoing needs.
THE LITTLE DONKEY
The little donkey seemed so tired-
He carried such a load-
But Joseph gently urged him on
Along the dark and dusty road
And when they reached the roadside inn,
The little donkey heaved a sigh;
For now he knew he’d have a rest
Inside the stable closely by.
He didn’t question when he saw
That Joseph led his Mary there;
He only knew that he must rest
Against the cool and nighttime air.
He slept; but suddenly awoke
To angel music everywhere;
He saw the three men on their knees
Beside the Baby’s manger bed.
“Great joy to all the world He brings,
Because He is our Christ,” they said.
The little donkey knelt in awe.
“I didn’t know,” he said to them.
Then pride and wonder filled his voice,
“I brought the Christ to Bethlehem!”
IN LIEU OF CARDS
I am not sending cards this year;
Instead, I’ll give to orphans cheer.
With postage up and finance down,
I cannot greet the whole town.
Of course, I must remember well
His folks, and mine, and Auntie Nell.
And Susie’s teachers, don’t forget,
Or Billie’s either. Oh, you bet!
I have to send one to Bob’s boss,
Or we might have a sudden loss.
Our friends, the Jones, I can’t ignore,
Nor yet the Smiths: they sent before.
No, season’s greetings I’ll not send;
Those hours and hours I will not spend.
Then tell me, please, why I sit here
Addressing cards to far and near.
(Author unknown)
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 