FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK…
“How many loaves have ye?” Mark 8:5.
God has a way of taking little things and achieving great results. Jesus fed 5,000-plus in chapter six by multiplying the ingredients, but his disciples struggled to grasp the miracle. This second feeding drives home the point, “Nothing is impossible with God.” We can easily miss the power of God in the works He accomplishes through the Church because we don’t see all the little pieces in play. Your piece matters, whether it be large or small. Jesus encourages us to come and be willing vessels for the ministry of saving grace. Your witness to another is valuable.
Mark 8:5 reminds me the Church thrives when every member brings their talents and gifts to bear in service to the Lord. I can preach, but I can’t play the piano. You can teach, but only one class at a time. Another can run the sound, computer system, or camera but cannot drive the bus. Some can do more than one thing, but the point is, in Christ, we are more than the sum of our parts. We are the Church, “…and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). We have the power of God coursing through us in the Holy Spirit. Everything we need to fulfill the mission of the Church is available when we come together in the name of Jesus.
I am thankful for God’s movement in our congregation. We’re experiencing growth, especially among the younger generation. New families have come to worship with us. Christ is drawing the additional pieces we need to be more effective. Jesus took a few loaves and fed thousands. What can He do with us if we humbly offer ourselves to be the Church in every situation and occasion? What Jesus did with a few loaves and fishes impacted thousands. Imagine the miracles He can work through a few hundred willing Church members! ~~ Pastor Greg
DECEMBER SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
December 4 135
December 11 149
December 18 136
December 25 117
4) 537 (134) average
**Class secretaries: Please report Perfect and Faithful attendance for 2022 to Sun. School Superintendent Tom McComas asap.
The church is thoroughly cleaned between all services. If you cannot attend, all services are streamed live on the Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Facebook page (church building is the profile pic). Immediately after services, you can watch 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 into 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!
OVER 50 ANNIVERSARIES
John & Nona Rimmer, Jan. 26, 56 yrs.
Ed & Sheila Braley, Feb. 7, 54 yrs.
Dennie & Patty Dailey, Feb. 8, 59 yrs.
Roger & Sandy Kingery, Feb. 9, 57 yrs.
OVER 80 BIRTHDAYS
Viola Adkins, Jan. 19, 92 yrs.
Gene Caldwell, Jan. 19, 100 yrs.
Ruby Young, Jan. 24, 88 yrs.
Hobie Chapman, Feb. 13, 85 yrs.
Betty Beckett, Feb. 16, 86 yrs.
CONGRATULATIONS to Luke Lunsford, son of Pastor Greg and Jeanne Lunsford, who recently broke another Cabell Midland High School record for swimming the 200-meter freestyle.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER FUND
Thru church treasury $50.00
Thank you for your generous support.
BIBLE READING PROGRAMS
As we start this new year, it would be a good time to make a goal of reading the Bible more in 2023! It will do your soul good! To assist you with this, this year we have three plans available:
Through the WVBC ABWM’s plan, you read one book each month, and you will complete the whole Bible in five years. In January, read Proverbs, and in February, read Esther. The complete chart is on the foyer table, and the books will continue to be posted here.
Also, Evangelistic Outreach provides us with very nice calendars which have a reading plan in the back that gives you a reading from both the Old and New Testaments each day. Thank you, Pastors Cal Ray Evans and Brian Baer.
Also, for 2023, we are also offering a chronological Bible reading schedule, if you want to try something different. It is also on the foyer table.
If you have read the Bible through in 2022, please let us know! Contact Pastor Greg, or Church Secretaries Debbie Sansom or Jo Ross.
MISSION PROJECTS
In December, we asked for donations for Lily’s Place, where newborn infants born to mothers who used drugs during their pregnancies are tenderly cared for. We gave $376 for this worthy cause.
In January, our project is the Knight’s Great Hall at Cabell Midland High School. The counselors there oversee the confidential distribution of food, clothing, school supplies, and personal care items either donated or bought with donations. There is great need among the students and their families. To give, just mark KGH on the memo line of your check. Thanks so much.
The ABWM Mission Outreach Project for January is snacks for the Veteran’s Home in Barboursville. We need individually wrapped items such as cakes, candies, peanuts, cashews, crackers and microwave popcorn. If you wish to help, place the items in the basket in the front foyer. Thanks.
THANK YOU
Friends, Thank you for your partnership in the gospel! Phil. 1: 3-5. May the joy of Jesus fill your hearts this Christmas season,
Love, Russ and Jan Perry
Unfolding Word
Thanks so much for your donation to our Knight’s Great Hall. We appreciate it and your continued support.
Tracy Urian, CMHS Counselor
Thank you so much for the treat bag. It was highly appreciated.
Yours in prayer,
Jr. Adkins and Joyce McKinney
I would like to thank everyone who had a part in the Christmas treats. They are very nice and will be enjoyed for several days. Also, thanks to Lee Ann Beckett and Becky Childers who made the delivery and for the nice visit. Love and prayers to all and a very Merry Christmas and prayers for a Healthy New Year. Peggy Neal
Thank you church for being such a caring loving group of people who have so much concern for others. Thank you for the wonderful fruit and treat bag. Also, I would like to thank all those who are involved in the process of enabling the people, like me and so many others who are not able to get out at this time, to be able to watch all your services from my home. I sing with the choir and rejoice with everyone, listen to the sermon and really feel like I am attending church with you. I like to watch the children’s programs and the special singing. I truly miss being there with everyone though. Happy Holidays to All! Love and prayers,
Sandra Chapman (Christy Black’s mom)
I want to let you know how much I appreciate your generous gift to Samaritan’s purse. Thank you for your partnership and prayers for this ministry.
Franklin Graham
(The church also received many Christmas cards, too many to name. Thanks for thinking of us, and we pray you had a happy Christmas too!)
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF:
ANGELA SUE BENEDICT, 69, of Ona, whose funeral service was Dec. 21. She is survived by her husband, David, her two sons Brad (Brandi) and Aaron (Caitlyn); her grandchildren Brayden, Bryson, Jameson, Avelyn, Coleson and Jackson; and her sister Pam (Steve) Browning. She was a faithful member of our church, and a friend to many in our church and community.
BONNIE PEARL ADKINS BURKS, 91, of Ona, whose graveside service was Dec. 15. She is survived by her husband Leonard, and daughter Terry (Peter) Stockman. She was a sister of the late Helen Rimmer, and aunt of John Rimmer and Judy Lawson.
CHARLES “CHARLIE” FLOWERS, 69, of the Milton/Ona area, whose graveside service was Dec. 15. He was the uncle of Brandi (Brad) Benedict and a friend to many in the church.
KEN FRYE, 70, of North Carolina, formerly of Hamlin, who passed away Dec. 14. He was the brother of Walt (Shirley) Frye and uncle of Sharon Chapman.
MARTHA GEORGE, 64, of Charleston, who passed away Dec. 8. She was an aunt of Chris (Erin) Carter.
PATRICIA “TRISH” GRAZIANO, 58, of Huntington, whose funeral was Jan. 1. She was the mother of Caitlyn (Aaron) Benedict.
JOHN ALAN PINKERMAN, 79, of Lesage, whose funeral was Dec. 28. He was an uncle of Samantha Childers.
JEFFREY ALEXIS PRICHARD, 59, of Huntington, whose funeral was Dec. 29. He was a son of Janie (Jennings) Hatfield and the late James Prichard.
PAMELA SUE SANSOM, 56, of Huntington, whose funeral was Dec. 14. She was a sister of Jerry (Lisa) Ruley.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Baby Nursery workers for Sunday mornings. 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.)
CALENDAR:
**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.)
**Tues., Jan. 17, 24, 31, 10 am – Sew Blest, Family Center.
**Wed., Jan. 18, 7 pm – Quarterly Business Meeting.
**Thurs., Jan. 19, 26, 6 pm – In Stitches, in the Family Center.
**Sat., Jan. 21, 9 am – Youth Ministries will be going to assist at Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington. See Mitzi Beckett for more details.
**Sun., Jan. 22 – Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.
**Sun., Jan. 22, 7 pm – Children’s Ministry Awards.
**Sat., Jan. 28, 6 pm – Critter Dinner, Family Center. Bring your best “critter” dish, sides, and desserts for a wonderful meal and time of fellowship.
**Mon., Feb. 6 – Ladies Bible Study will begin, based on Max Lucado’s book, Because of Bethlehem. This will be a 5-week study. See Connie Chapman for more details.
**Sun., Feb. 12 – Souperbowl Sunday.
**Mon., Feb. 13, noon – Pro-Life Rally in the lower rotunda, Charleston.
**Sun., Feb. 19 – Chili and Soup Cookoff. Donations will go to the Knight’s Great Hall.
**Sat., Feb. 25 – AB Men’s Prayer Breakfast. More details to come.
**Sat., Feb 25, 9 am – Youth Ministries will be going to assist at Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington.
**Fri., March 10 – Youth Ministries will be participating in Rec the Rec at Marshall University.
**Sat., March 11 – Beulah Ann Men’s Breakfast, sponsored by the Adult Ministries.
**Fri.-Sun., April 28-30 – Spring Camp–a– Rama, at Beech Fork State Park.
NEW MEMBERS
On Nov. 29, Anthony and Kaitlyn Lawhon, husband and wife, presented themselves as candidates for baptism! And they wanted to be baptized on Christmas morning! What a joy to have them join our fellowship. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Kim Blake and the late Roger Blake, and granddaughter of Sharon Hayes.
GOOD NEWS NUGGETS
J On Dec. 10, the In Stitches quilting group met in the Beaver Building for a Christmas Brunch, and really had a good time. That evening, the Faithful Servants enjoyed a Christmas Party in the Family Center.
J The choir box was full on Sunday, Dec. 11, when the Sanctuary Choir presented a cantata, “Hope Has Hands.” It was accompanied by Bob and Joyce Ryder portraying Simeon and Anna, and Rebecca Hunt & Luke Lunsford portraying Mary and Joseph. Also, during the theme song, a beautiful and touching Power Point animation of the song was shown, which was created by Susan McComas.
J The cutest little penguins you ever saw presented a play, “Christmas in Black and White” on the evening of Dec. 11. Children’s Ministries always bring programs that are both fun and meaningful. We thank all those that dedicate so much time to our children.
J Next, on Dec. 18, our Youth Ministries presented “Giving Hope.” It was outstanding. Thanks to Rianna Kingery who directed, and to all who helped in any way.
J Blessings always do a great job of bringing us special music, but they outdid themselves on Dec. 18 with wonderful Christmas music, bringing tears to many eyes. Thank you, Bethany Beckett, Erin Carter, Carrie Hunt, Angie Chapman, and Cassie Maynor.
J The tradition of Christmas caroling is still alive around here! Duane Adkins led around 30 singers to homes around the community (mostly shut-ins), on Dec. 19, and ended the evening with pizza!
J We held our annual Fireside Christmas in the sanctuary this year, on Dec. 21. With the lights down low and the rocking chair in front of the fireplace (yes, it’s fake but it looks good) we enjoyed hearing each other tell of Christmases past and what Christmas means to us.
J Patty Morrison hosted the Christmas Party for the Caldwell SS Class at her lovely home on Dec. 16th. This class loves to fellowship!
J On Christmas morning, our cups ran over. A quartet consisting of Duane Adkins, Tom McComas, Jeanne Lunsford and Bethany Beckett sang wonderful Christmas music, including Oh Holy Night and the Hallelujah Chorus. Incredibly wonderful.
J The prison ministry at the Western Regional Jail, led by Rick Webb, resumed the first week of January, after a long covid break.
CHURCH OFFICERS FOR 2023
Church Clerk – Joyce Ross
Asst. Church Clerk – Rebecca Childers
Church Treasurer/Secretary – Debbie Sansom Asst. Church Treas./Sec. – Joyce Ross
Financial Secretary – Brenda Lawson
Asst. Financial Secretary – Phyllis Noble
Asst. Fin. Sec. Helpers – Debbie Dillon, Lisa Henson, Christy Black, Sharon Chapman, Leigh Bellomy
Sunday School Superintendent – Tom McComas
Asst. Sun. Sch. Superintendent – Kevin Elkins
Sunday School Secretary – Jeanne Lunsford
Asst. Sun. Sch. Secretary – Judy Webb
Chair. of Christian Bd. of Ed. – Tom McComas
Chair. of Children’s Min. – Brenda Meadows
Asst. Chair. of Child. Min. – Kara Litteral, Sharon Hayes, Loretta Floyd, Casey Morrison
Chair. of Youth Ministries – Marty Beckett
Asst. Chair. of Youth Min. – Mitzi Beckett, Sammy Litteral, Carrie Hunt
Chair. of Adult Ministries – Connie Chapman
Asst. Chair. of Adult Min. – Brooke Chapman, Jeanne Lunsford, and Erin Carter
Chair. of Ushers – Rick Sansom
Mission Advocate – Stella Bartram
Music Committee – Vera Miller, Bethany Beckett, Rianna Kingery
Budget Committee – Duane Adkins, Brian Bellomy (Deacon), Debbie Sansom (Treasurer), Brenda Lawson (Fin. Sec.), Mike Meadows (Trustee)
Audit Committee – Roger Kingery, Jimmy Beckett, Rick Webb
Mission Committee – Joyce Ross, Betty Byrd, Juanita Nance, Stella Bartram, Leigh Bellomy
Decorating Committee – Judy Webb, Naomi Dailey, Linda Chapman, Linda Hayes
Hospitality Committee – Ed Braley, Connie Chapman, Linda Hayes
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
The kids started the New Year with an after Christmas Play party in the gym. We are so thankful for our nice gym. The kids in the play earned some fun. We have started learning about a Bible Hero each month. This month is Noah.
The Jesus Kids went singing the 2nd Sunday of the month. Paramount Assisted Living Home loves to hear the kids. Also, Christy Holley has been leading a Gospel sing along with the residents. The 4th Sunday of this month is Children’s Ministry Awards. They are learning their Bible Verses. We have a lot planned for 2023 but most of all in 2023 tell more children about our Jesus.
~~Children’s Ministry Team
TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED
~~No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats.
~~When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don’t let her brush your hair.
~~If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.
~~You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.
~~Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
~~You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED
~~Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
~~Wrinkles don’t hurt.
~~Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
~~Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.
~~Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.
~~Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
~~Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
~~Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
~~When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.
~~It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
~~Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician.
~~Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.
~~You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
(Shared by Alliene Caldwell, from the dinner at Lighthouse Baptist Church that WOW attended.)
GREETINGS FROM THE FINDLEYS
Many of you will fondly remember Fred and Barbara Findley, who worked with New Tribes Missions, which the church supported for many years in the past. They worked among a native tribe in Venezuela, but the country became dangerous due to crime and political upheaval, and they eventually retired back to the United States. Fred stayed active in the Hispanic Pastors Fraternity in Indiana, and stayed in touch with the ministries in Venezuela. A recent Christmas letter informs us that both Fred and Barbara have been having a lot of health problems, and have moved with their daughter Melanie into a 55+ community, where she can care for them while she works from home. They love their new residence in Avon, Indiana! Sadly, Covid-19 caused the disbanding of the Hispanic Pastors Fraternity, and the closing of their home church in April 2021. But God led them to another church that they just love.
Fred writes, “Things in Venezuela continue to deteriorate politically and are just very bad. However, amidst all this God is blessing His church there. Reports from the tribe that we worked with there are now over 125 functioning churches and they have sent two families to the Missionary Training Center that we helped start for training and will be working as missionaries in a different language group. Also, the sons of Bautista, my main translation helper, are now translating the complete Old Testament in their own language after receiving help and training from another group of missionaries from another mission. God continues to work, and it is thrilling to us to see and hear about all this happening.
In closing we wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and may we remember the true meaning of it. So often we get taken up with buying gifts, having a fine Christmas dinner, all the decorating and festivities that we kind of forget the true meaning of Christmas, the BIRTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. We have so much to be thankful for. Also, we want to thank you for your love and prayers for us.”
911 Address Updates
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!
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 