FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
God’s call can strip pride from the strongest men. Moses had lived in Pharaoh’s house, crossed the burning desert, and tended sheep when the Lord commissioned him to return to Egypt and lead the people out. He was stunned. He wasn’t trained as a priest and knew better than anyone how impossible it was to try and pry slaves from the hands of the Egyptians. He attempted to excuse himself, but God had chosen him. So, Moses humbled himself, received the commission, and marched back to Egypt.
The account would be more encouraging if Moses marched into the palace, demanded the release of God’s people, and Pharaoh let them go. We know that didn’t happen, and Moses suffered for the next 40 years. He may have still had friends among the Egyptians he grew up with. Witnessing their suffering and loss weighed heavy on his soul. His own people dragged their feet for fear of Pharaoh and accused Moses often. They murmured and rebelled against God and Moses. But God stood by him. He’ll do the same for us.
Christians are called to go and teach, baptize, disciple, and train believers to replicate the work of evangelism. Stepping into the arena of faith and practice to win the lost and recall backslidden believers can break your heart and your health. But God will not abandon you. There is too much at stake for us to dance around matters of salvation. Christ is the answer, but many have stopped asking the question. Heaven and hell are real. Eternity never ends. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We know the destiny of all who reject Christ! Demonstrate your neighborly love by boldly sharing the soul-saving, eternal life giving-gospel of Jesus Christ today! ~~Pastor Greg
DECEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
December 1 113
December 8 153
December 14 133
December 22 137
December 29 146
5. (682). 136 average
Your attendance is very much welcome at any time. Love to see everybody back!
FIND US ON MEDIA, OR CONTACT US
Web site: www.beulahann1874.org (Check the church calendar, find the latest bulletin, newsletter, service times, and more.
Facebook: Beulah Ann Baptist Church (Services live streamed.)
YouTube: Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church (available a few minutes after the close of service.)
Radio: WEMM FM, 107.9, Mondays at 7:45 am – a 15-minute program, “Child-like Faith.”
E-mail: BeulahAnnMBC@gmail.com. Also,
prayer requests can be sent to babcprayer@aol.com and will be shared with a large group of prayer warriors.
Telephone: 304-743-5854.
BIBLE READING PROGRAMS
WVBC ABWM 5-year Bible Reading Plan:
January: Acts
February: Ruth
Evangelistic Outreach Bible Reading Calendars give an Old and New Testament selection to read each day of the year. The reading list is on the foyer table (sorry, the calendars are all gone.) If you read the Bible through in 2024, please give your name to Pastor Greg, Debbie Sansom, or Jo Ross.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER FUND
Nina Nowlin $20.00
PSALM 23:6 KJV, “and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.”
In LOVING memory of my Daddy, the late Homer H. Nowlin, who moved to Heaven on
January 18, 1989. (We love and miss you)
Thank you for your generous support.
OVER 80 BIRTHDAYS
David Chapman, Jan. 23, 82 yrs.
Ruby Young, Jan. 24, 91 yrs.
Shirley K. Jarvis, Feb. 10, 83 yrs.
Hobie Champman, Feb. 13, 87 yrs.
Betty Beckett, Feb. 16, 88 yrs.
OVER 50 ANNIVERSARIES
Walt & Shirley Frye, Jan. 20, 53 yrs.
John & Nona Rimmer, Jan. 26, 57 yrs.
Ed & Sheila Braley, Feb. 7, 56 yrs.
Dennie & Patty Dailey, Feb. 8, 61 yrs.
Roger & Sandy Kingery, Feb. 9, 59 yrs.
NEW MEMBER
How wonderful to have a baptism on the first Sunday of the new year. On Jan. 5, Pastor Greg and his brother Brooke Lunsford baptized Ashley Ferguson. Welcome Ashley!
THANK YOU
v Pastor Greg and Church Family,
Thanks for all you do and for the love and prayers. Thanks for the Christmas goodies and gift card you took to Jeff & Becky. God Bless
Nina Nowlin
v I want to thank you for the fruit basket and gift card. It came at a perfect time, and thanks for the two men that brought it to us.
The Pritt Family
v Just a note of thanks for all of the Christmas goodies. Have really enjoyed them. Thanks to the workers and all that contributed. Also, it is always a joy to see everyone when you pay a visit to sing Christmas Carols. Love to all,
Mary Reed
v Thank you ALL for the Christmas gift bag, it is so very much appreciated. God Bless All,
Sandy Hagley
v Thank you for the fruit basket, it was really nice. Launa Davis
v Thank you guys so much for the donation to our Knight’s Great Hall. Our community is able to get the help they need with your help.
Tracy Urian, CMHS Counselor
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF:
JOYCE AUSTIN, 87, of Richmond, VA, who passed away on Jan. 8. She was a sister of Mike (Brenda) Meadows.
MATTHEW RAY BOSTIC, 41, of Barboursville, whose funeral was Jan. 4. He was a son of Linda and Tim Masters, friends of Rick & Debbie Sansom.
IRENE JOBE, 86, of Salt Rock, who passed away Dec. 19. She was the grandmother of Cathy (Mark) Childers.
RAYMOND LEE KINGERY, 74, of Lesage, whose funeral was Jan. 4. He was a cousin of Roger Kingery.
MARY ELLEN KIRTLEY, 99 of Milton, whose funeral was Dec. 20. She was the mother of Ann (Paul) Hinkley.
RUTH RIMMER LEWIS, 81, of Huntington, who passed away on Dec. 19. She was a cousin of Judy Lawson, John Rimmer, Jo Ross, and several others in the church and community.
NONA MAXINE TUCKER, 90, of Huntington, whose funeral was Dec. 19. She was an aunt of Debbie (Rick) Sansom.
ALLEN “SCOTT” WISEMAN, 58, of Hinton, whose funeral was Jan. 9. He was a nephew of Ruby Young.
DONALD RALPH YOUNG, 89, of Carlisle, PA, whose funeral was Dec. 21. He was a brother of the late Phil (Ruby) Young.
MISSION PROJECTS
In December, we asked for funds for Lily’s Place, which opened in 2014 as the first Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Center in the USA. They provide care to newborns suffering from prenatal drug exposure. We were able to send them $585. Thanks!
Our January Mission Project is the Knight’s Great Hall at Cabell Midland High School, which provides food, toiletries and school supplies to teens in need. It is a confidential service administered by the school counselors, which includes our own Jenna McComas. A list of items which can be donated is on the foyer bulletin board. To give, mark KGH on the memo line of your check.
The ABWM Community Outreach Project for January is “undies” (briefs and socks) for women of all sizes at the Huntington City Mission. If you wish to donate, please place items in the basket in the front foyer.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
On Dec. 15, “The Christmas County Spelling Bee” was one of the best plays ever. At least that’s what we have been told. All the children did an outstanding job. Especially one of their dads, who did his part the best! Even the judge was good and fair! We appreciate all the parents for bringing their kids to practice and then practicing with them at home. The children will remember all the different names of our wonderful Lord. Thank you to everyone who helped in the play.
Special treat for the kids was the next Sunday night. They enjoyed food and playing in our wonderful gym with the inflatables. Special thanks to dads who put them out and then put them up.
Our children collected quarters for the church 150th anniversary celebration. They were trying to get at least 150 quarters. They collected the whole month of December. They wanted to give the money to the Huntington City Mission for their children at Christmas. Our children collected a total of $150 in quarters!! This was taken to the City Mission on December 23rd for their children’s Christmas. Thank you, parents and grandparents and adults for helping the children reach their goal with so much more. Pray for our children.
~~Children’s Ministry Team
NOTICE:
If you need a report of your tithes and offerings for 2024 for your tax return, please contact Brenda Lawson. You can call the church and leave a message at 304-743-5854.
NOTICE:
We ordered beautiful blue sun catchers to commemorate our Sesquicentennial, made by Blenko Glass Co. They make a wonderful keepsake of the occasion. We had to order in bulk, and find that we have a little over 20 left. Please contact us if you want one. They are $14, which is cost, we are not making any profit.
SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
On December 26, 2024, Beulah Ann was 150 years old! We have reported on the many events we enjoyed since June, but the big day was celebrated on Dec. 29th.
At 11:00, we gathered for morning worship. Our secretary, Debbie Sansom, had prepared special bulletins for the day, featuring the cover of our new directory, which depicts a crowd of people standing in front of our old white church building, and a crowd of people standing in front of our present building. A keepsake in itself.
A quartet of Erin Carter, Jeanne Lunsford, Tom McComas and Duane Adkins sang a wonderful meaningful song, “This is the Place,” accompanied by a moving video filled with pictures from past and present, created by Susan McComas.
Jo Ross presented her last “Historical Moment” talk, reading a “letter to the editor” written in 1881 by one of our founders Benjamin L. Perry. How poignant to hear his words today!
Led by Duane Adkins, the choir sang many songs from the past (still good now), written by Alfred Brumley, a prolific hymn writer, giving a little history about each one.
Rev. Evan Arkell, our WVBC Area Minister, then brought greetings from the WVBC and presented us with a certificate. He recounted many fond memories of this church, and noted that four people in 1874 said “yes” to God and created this special place.
Next, Gary and Debbie Higginbotham, representing the WV Baptist Historical Society, presented us with a certificate as well.
Ed Beaver, son of our beloved late Pastor Walker Beaver, had very much desired to attend, and represent Pastor Beaver and his wife Lois, but his health did not permit it, so he wrote a letter. At the last minute, he found out his son Jon would be in this area on Dec. 29! Jon did a wonderful job reading his dad’s letter and sharing some remembrances. He also was delighted to show his young son and his wife the plaque honoring Walker Beaver as our Pastor Emeritus.
This was followed by a video created by Susan McComas that recapped all of our celebrations which started in June. Good job, Susan.
Rev. Tracy Mills was our assistant pastor in 1999 and was in charge of the filling our Time Capsule. It was fitting that he got to open it! He said at that time we had just dedicated the Family Center, and were closing out one millennium and beginning a new one. Our members entrusted this time capsule to represent a snapshot of their hopes, prayers, memories and vision for the future. He said, “May we feel the weight of their faith and responsibility to carry it forward with integrity and purpose.”
We then began to fill the new Time Capsule, to be open 25 years from now. Tom McComas crafted a beautiful wooden box to hold our mementos.
Pastor Greg brought the Anniversary Sermon, entitled, “If He Tarries.” He used Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” The vision of our founders and our vision today is the same – to spread the Word to an unsaved community. We honor those who came before us, but it is time to move forward. People are not saved by buildings or programs. If He tarries, we plan to be still teaching and preaching the word of God.
After the sermon and invitation, we adjourned to enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by Adult Ministries. The tables were beautiful with oil lamps for decoration, and our new quilt, made by Karen Caldwell and our quilting groups, was hung for all to see. It is beautiful, featuring the signatures of our members and attendees. Our wonderful cake was made by Debbie Weston, featuring photos of our old white church, and our current church.
Many people enjoyed visiting our Historical Display room and just fellowshipping. We were so pleased to have many visitors and former members coming back for this special occasion.
Many thanks to all who pitched in to help, and especially to the Willie Rose Sunday School Class for letting us take over their class room. We promise to have it cleaned out soon.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Eleven people braved the cold weather to go caroling on Friday, Dec. 20. We visited and sang to nine shut-ins in the church community. While caroling to Ruby Young and her son David we also had the opportunity to meet and carol to Phil’s brother’s family and their pastor from out of state. The shut-ins enjoyed the time of fellowship and caroling. It is such a blessing every year to bring a little joy to them. After the caroling, we returned to the church for pizza and refreshments. ~~Becky Childers
GOOD NEWS NUGGETS
J Our Decorating Committee did a wonderful job for Christmas. Do you remember the big poinsettia tree that was above the baptistry in years past? Well, they got it out of the attic. Its’ framework no longer allows it to be hung, but they assembled it on the sanctuary floor near the piano, and it looked just fine. Add to that four large live poinsettias donated by Christie Scarberry, and the church looked beautiful. Thanks so much to the committee, that took a lot of work.
J Children’s Ministries had a goal to collect 150 quarters for our 150th Anniversary Celebration. They collected over 580 quarters! They gave $150 to the Huntington City Mission children for Christmas! Thanks, children.
J Well, this is good news/bad news. Beulah Ann is known for NEVER cancelling church, but on the evening of Jan. 5, Howell’s Mill Road was officially closed due to snow and ice. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Pastor Greg aired the service anyway, from his home via Facebook, something that could not have been done only a few years ago. His wife Jeanne was his audio/visual staff, and did a fine job. We are so grateful for our Pastor and his good wife.
J Another good news/bad news. On Sunday, Dec. 15, a semi-truck wrecked and turned over on its side on I 64 on the bridge that crosses over Howell’s Mill Road. It was dangerously close to slipping off the bridge, so Howell’s Mill Road was closed. This meant many people could not get to church, and found out too late to detour. The good news is that no one was hurt, and we had a few visitors from this side of the bridge that could not make it to their own church.
J The Hurricane Civic Chorus thrilled us with their wonderful harmony on Dec. 17, when they presented “Sing We Now of Christmas.” Beulah Anners taking part were Judy Lawson, John Rimmer, and Connie Chapman. Others we know were Robert Jackson, Billy Gillispie, and Debbie Finley.
J Our own sanctuary choir presented a splendid program on Dec. 12, under the direction of Duane Adkins. Highlights were “Hope Has Hands,” accompanied by a video complied by Susan McComas, and the quartet singing of “O Holy Night.” Check it out of Facebook or You Tube.
J Dinners and dinners! The Faithful Servants Sunday School Class celebrated Christmas with a dinner on Dec. 21 in the Family Center, and the Willing Workers SS Class met at Fratelli’s in Barboursville on Dec. 21. Yum! Each class had a good turnout.
J Christmas fell on Wednesday night, so what a fitting time to enjoy our annual Fireside Christmas. We enjoyed carols and remembrances we love so much.
1999 TIME CAPSULE OPENED
Just what was in that mysterious box which was filled at our 125th Anniversary celebration? We will attempt to list many of them: The Evangels record, “The Church Triumphant;” a big envelope from the “Quiz Team;” Four VHS tapes (we have to find a way to view them); a box from the Senior Christian Fellowship with a recipe book and a quilt block and other items; an ABWM Love Gift container with some coins in it; a KC and the Gloworms CD (we don’t know why); a cassette tape of Trials of Faith (Lloyd Morrison’s group); the silver bell used to call Sunday School to order from years ago; a photo album (untitled); a photo album of the Caldwell Class; a packet of every bulletin from 1999 (saved by Tracy Mills); the Church History book written by Mildred Caldwell; a Sunday School Quarterly; the position paper written by Tracy Mills for his 1999 ordination; a log of the Children’s Dept. prayer requests throughout 1999; an Anniversary Ribbon (thanks to Glen Dailey for supplying these to us for years); a big white button with a blue W on it (Pastor Paul had us use these to remember to fast on Wednesdays); an ABWM White Cross roller bandage; Pastor Paul’s business card for 2000; many letters – one with greetings from David Peyton in Zambia, Africa, one from Claude Sipple, one to Pastor Paul from the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, written by Judge David Pancake, commending the church and Pastor Paul, his friend, and one from the 4th & 5th grade class; the program from the dedication of the Family Center; a photo album of the nursery; the Senior Ladies class roll and photo; a paper signed by all our visitors from Japan from the Shoshin Girls School; a very nice album of all the highlights of 1999 created by the Anniversary Committee; lots of other wonderful things!
CALENDAR:
v Sun., Jan. 19, noon – Annual Chili/Soup Cook-Off, Family Center. Proceeds will go to the Knight’s Great Hall.
v Tues., Jan. 21, 28, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center, and 6 pm – In Stitches, Family Center.
v Wed. Jan. 22, 7 pm – Quarterly Business Meeting.
v Sun., Jan. 26, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Children’s Ministry Bowling Party for the winter attendance contest winners. See Boo for more details.
v Sun., Feb. 2, 6 pm – ABWM meeting in the Dining Room, ABMM meeting in the Caldwell Classroom.
v Mon., Feb. 3, 7 pm – Board of Deacons Meeting, Family Center.
v Mon., Feb. 3,10,17,24, and March 3, 11 am – Ladies Bible Study will begin in the Family Center. It is a 5-week study from Max Lucado’s “You are Never Alone”.(For those who work, or prefer an evening time, the study will be held on Thurs., Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 6 at 5:30 pm., in the Family Center). See Connie Chapman for more details.
v Tues., Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center and 6 pm – In Stitches, Family Center.
v Wed., Feb. 5 – 5:45 – Wednesday Night Dinner, sponsored by Youth Ministries. Soup/Sandwich. Proceeds for the Huntington City Mission.
v Sat., Feb. 8, 6 pm – Annual Critter Dinner, Family Center.
v Sun., Feb. 9 – Newsletter Deadline.
v Sun., Feb. 9 – SOUPERBOWL Sunday! Youth Ministries will be collecting donations for the Huntington City Mission.
v Mon., Feb. 10, 7 pm – Board of Christian Education Meeting, Family Center.
v Fri., Feb. 14, 9 am – Newsletter work party. Volunteers needed
v Sat., Feb. 22, 8:30 am – GBA Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Camp Ona.
LOOKING AHEAD:
v Sat., April 19 – Children’s Ministry Easter Egg Hunt.
v Fri.-Sun., April 25-27 – Spring Camp-o-rama at Beech Fork Campground.
v Sun.-Fri., June 8-13 – Vacation Bible School.
v Sun., Sept. 14 – Homecoming.
Cleaning is just putting stuff in less obvious places and then forgetting where you put them.
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 