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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Phelps, former LBC president, passes away at 88

By Baptist Message staff NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – Calvin Phelps, a former Louisiana Baptist Convention president, died Tuesday, Sept. 3. He was 88. A native of Magnolia, Mississippi, Phelps served two terms at Louisiana Baptist Convention president (1988-1989). According to his obituary, Phelps pastored multiple churches during his ministry in Mississippi and Louisiana, including Chalmette Baptist Church; Parkview Baptist Church, Metairie; and First Baptist Church, Winnfield. He also was interim pastor with several churches throughout north and central Louisiana, concluding his ministry at Harmon Baptist Church this year. Phelps was preceded in death by his parents, Talmadge C. Phelps and Faye Louise Simmons Phelps; son, Billy Phelps; and niece, Theresa Phelps. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Katherine "Kat" Burney Phelps; sons, Rusty Phelps (Martha), Benji Phelps, and Jon Phelps (Yukie); grandchildren, Peyton, Walker, Meredith, Kat, Hannah, Emma, and great-granddaughter, Sawyer Ann. He also is survived by his twin brother, Carroll Phelps (Julia Ann). Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m., at FBC Winnfield. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories … [Read more...]

LBCHFM to offer glimpse of adoption, foster care during conference

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries will hold a free conference for current and prospective adoption and foster care advocates along with church leaders and staff, Sept. 7 at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria. The “Called to Connect” conference also will feature presentations by Clint Davis, a counselor with Clint Davis Counseling and Integrative Wellness, Shreveport, and Chris Johnson, senior director of church partnerships and external advocacy, Birmingham, Alabama; breakout sessions; a panel discussion; resource fair; and lunch. The conference will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. For more information contact christy@lbch.org or 318-458-2227. To register, visit the conference website. … [Read more...]

TLC opens 24-25 season with Wilde’s classic ‘Importance of Being Earnest’

By Cayden Walls, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) - Theatre Louisiana Christian opens its 2024-25 season Sept. 5 with “The Importance of Being Earnest” by renowned Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. The show is Wilde’s most celebrated comedy and often regarded as his magnum opus. First performed on Feb. 14, 1895, the show has delighted audiences with its humorous story of mild treacheries, hilarious confusions and endearingly flawed characters for more than a century. “I’m excited for this production, not only for my students but for the student body as a whole,” said Professor Tabitha Huffman, artistic director of theatre, who plays the role of Lady Bracknell in the production. “’The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a timeless classic that many had to read in high school, and now they get to see it live. I love getting on stage with my students every once in a while, and I am thrilled to play the part of Lady Bracknell.” The story follows Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, played by senior Joseph Johnson and junior Cayden Walls. Both are dapper Edwardian gentlemen who shamelessly invent false personas to escape their responsibilities and follow their whims. Unfortunately, living a double life … [Read more...]