By Baptist Message POLLOCK, La. (LBM) – A fire destroyed the worship center, education building and fellowship hall at New Friendship Baptist Church Thursday. According to church member Wayne Baum, a church lady was inside the fellowship hall when she smelled smoke a little after 9 a.m. Fire crews from Jena, Grant Parish, Deville and Ruby-Kolin responded. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. The parsonage, which is across the road from the other buildings that burned, was not harmed. Baum asked for prayers as they move forward. “Pray for our congregation,” Baum said. “We are devastated but are thankful no one was injured.” … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University convergence media students recently were honored during the 2023 Southeast Journalism Conference for their work in writing, broadcast reporting, public relations and editorial cartoons. Additionally, LCU Professor Elizabeth Clarke, chair of the Division of Media, Communication and Theatre, was recognized with the Byron St. Dizier/David Sloan Award for the SEJC Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for 2023. Eleven students attended SEJC at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Feb. 9-11, and participated in on-site competitions against students from other universities across the Southeast. The SEJC includes 38 colleges and universities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The following LCU students received awards: Nathan Roper, Micah Meche, Phoebe Lim and Emily Slay: public relations campaign, 2nd place Noel Schonhoff: television anchoring, 2nd place Kai Stone: television news reporting, 3rd place Camille Soileau: news/feature photography, 2nd place In addition, Best of the South awards were given to the best student submissions representing published and broadcast works of journalism for … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Cardiovascular surgeon Gary Jones will discuss his campaign to “Keep Louisiana Walking” during Louisiana Christian University’s Happy Heart Day, Feb. 8. Jones, a native of Franklin and graduate of Tulane University, will share the program that promotes awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of peripheral artery disease including a history of smoking, Type 2 diabetes, advanced age, high blood pressure, a family history of PAD and high cholesterol. “February is Heart Health Month, and walking is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle,” said Sonia Tinsley, division chair for Allied Health. “We want to prevent and manage heart disease in central Louisiana. “Dr. Jones has graciously offered to come to campus and discuss what it takes to keep your heart healthy,” she continued. “His initiative of ‘Keep Louisiana Walking’ goes along with our Step Up, CENLA program - which is to get our community physically active and decrease the risk for chronic health conditions.” The event will take place at 4 p.m. in Granberry Conference Center and is free and open to the public. Attendees to the event will be invited to visit and walk the Parrish Fuller … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will celebrate Black History Month with a celebration of worldwide cultures, Gospel concert, and rhythm and blues nights, and a basketball tournament. “Diversity is something we embrace at Louisiana Christian University, said LCU President Rick Brewer. “We have a diverse student body and a diverse faculty and staff. We look forward to taking time this month to focus on the important contributions of African Americans to our state, nation and world.” Culture from ‘Around the World’ will kick off Black History Month, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. “We invite all international students to come in their native dress,” said Joshua Joy Dara, associate vice president for engagement and enrichment. “This is an opportunity to showcase and learn about the food and culture of other countries, and we will showcase the talents and gifts of these students.” LCU’s Gospel Choir will be joined by the choirs of Nazarene Baptist Church in Alexandria and Zion Hill Church in Pineville. This event will include a video presentation of black legends, Dara said. Other Black History Month events include: The fourth annual … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor WASHINGTON (LBM) – The Employee Retention Credit is a tax refund that is available to churches who kept employees on the payroll during the pandemic of 2020-21. Initially, eligible employers had to choose between the Paycheck Protection Program or the Employee Retention Credit. Then in 2021 Congress allowed eligible employers to apply for both. So, the two programs can be used together to maximize benefits, but they cannot be used to compensate churches twice for the same wages in any quarter of either 2020 or 2021. Importantly, the PPP was a loan that converted to a grant if certain conditions were met. However, the ERC is a refundable payroll tax credit. The Louisiana Baptist Message has compiled the following information from multiple sources, and it is provided on a general information basis only. Churches should consult with their respective accountants for specific financial advice. ELIGIBILITY The timeframe includes March 13, 2020, through December 31, 2021, if a state mandate was in effect. The following Louisiana proclamations were issued by Governor John Bel Edwards: -- On March 13, 2020, all public gatherings of 250 or more persons were … [Read more...]

By Lexi Rachal, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Kylee Vanhoof, a senior at Tioga High School in Ball, was awarded the Smith Scholarship for 2023. Vanhoof, who will receive a four-year scholarship that covers tuition and room and board at Louisiana Christian University, won the Jan. 28 competition against 12 other students. All contestants were evaluated by LCU faculty members based on their leadership qualities and Christian character in their written responses and the on-sight interview portion of the competition. The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after Tom and Beverly Dunham began an endowment donation to honor Beverly’s mother, Elizabeth Smith. “One of the highlights each year at LCU is the Smith Scholarship competition,” said LCU President Rick Brewer. “These high achieving students are impressive and full of promise for the future. Kylee Vanhoof proved to be the best of the best this year. I am confident Kylee and the other Smith Scholarship contestants will make a significant difference in and out of the classroom over the coming years at Louisiana Christian University.” Vanhoof, a member of First Baptist Church, Pineville, said she was honored to win the Smith Scholarship. “I feel … [Read more...]