EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event.
ON THE MOVE
Rick Daniels is the interim Pastor at Belcher Baptist Church, Belcher.
Kurt Zortman is the interim Pastor at Elm Grove Baptist Church, Bossier City.
Zeke Toups is the new music director at South Bossier Baptist Church, Bossier City.
Tonya Blanton is the new children’s minister at New Chapel Hill, West Monroe.
Jimmy White and Wes Coleman were ordained to the gospel ministry at McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe. Jimmy serves as music minister and Wes serves as college and young adult minister.
Chris Holloway is the new associational mission strategist for the Gulf Coast Baptist Association.
Harry Brown resigns as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ringgold to become new director of Camp Harris.
Aaron Coffey, First Baptist Church, Homer, is the new director to Bienville, Webster, Claiborne (BWC) Youth Network.
Justin, wife Amy, Berry is the new pastor at the Church of Marksville.
Mark, wife Jeni, Morelock is the new interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Bunkie.
Dustin Pierce is the new pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Franklinton.
Josh Powell is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Bogalusa.
Eddie Wren is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Zachary.
LAGNIAPPE
Steve Bennett, Pastor Emeritus of FBC Moss Bluff, is available for conferences, revivals, or supply. Call 337.263.7114.
Alton Achord is available for supply. Call 318.715.8874.
Singer Baptist Church in Singer is seeking a bi-vocational Southern Baptist pastor. The position entails conducting Sunday morning, Sunday evening worship services and mid-week prayer service and other pastoral duties, i.e., funerals, weddings, etc. Salary and housing benefits will be determined. Applicants must be a leader who is prayerful, wise and steadfast; must be people oriented and possess strong pastoral skills; have good preaching and teaching and counseling skills; have the ability to assimilate with the people and the culture of First Baptist and possess strong pastoral skills and be passionate about reaching out to young people and families. Contact Jimmy Clark at 337,912.9882 or email résumé to jbc14@bellsouth.net.
Calvary Baptist Church, Merryville: A Night in Bethlehem – Live Walking Nativity, December 16-17, 6-8 p.m. We invite your family to wander through the old town of Bethlehem as we depict the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. The church is located at 424 HWY 111, Merryville, LA. Refreshments will be served, and Children will receive a gift bag. Pastor: Jim Miers.
First Baptist Church, West Monroe: NELA Christmas, December 16-18, 6 p.m. Cost: $5 with proceeds going to the community. Tickets are available online at www.nelachristmas.com. Pastor: Michael Wood.
Journey Church, Pineville: 2nd Annual Christmas Light Show, December 16-17, 6 – 9 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. Come enjoy thousands of lights dancing and synchronized to music. There will also be a live nativity, dancing Christmas trees, candy canes, tunnels, free hot chocolate, snow, food trucks and photo opportunities. Pastor: James Greer.
Judson Baptist Church, Walker: Wreaths Across America event, December 17, 11 a.m. Judson Baptist will honor the 65 veterans buried in the church’s cemetery on the that day. Pastor: David Lane.
Eastside Baptist Church, Rayville: Carols at the Cross, December 17, 6-8 p.m. Eastside Baptist and several other Richland Association churches are hosting “Carols at the Cross.” It will be held at the cross on Horn Road. Pastor: Chris Crawford.
First Baptist Church, Rayville: Christmas Extravaganza, December 18, 6 p.m. First Baptist and several other Richland Association churches will be hosting “Christmas Extravaganza,” which is based on the musical “Savior for All.” It is a combination of music and drama.
First Baptist Church, Pineville (Lecompte campus): Christmas in the Country, December 18, 5-7 p.m. There will be food, crafts, hot chocolate, games, live music, jumpers, a live Nativity. We hope you will join us in celebrating the true meaning of the Christmas season. Pastor: Stewart Holloway.
First Baptist Church, Bernice: Mark Lanier will present a Christmas Concert with special guest Andrew Ishe, pianist for the group Shenandoah, December 18, 11 a.m. Pastor: Michael McIntosh.
Holden Baptist Church, Holden: Retirement party celebration, December 18. Pastor Russell Hinson is retiring after 31 years in the ministry. There will be a reception for him and his wife, Lisa, immediately following the morning worship service. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, please contact, Holden Baptist Church, 30130 LA Hwy 441, Holden, LA, 70744 or email sandi.stafford@ymail.com. Pastor: Russell Hinson.
North Shreve Baptist Church, Shreveport: Trevor Thomas live!, December 18, 11 a.m. A love offering will be taken. Pastor: Cecil Marr.
Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Mark Lanier will present a Christmas Concert with special guest Andrew Ishe, pianist for the group Shenandoah, December 18, 6 p.m. Pastor: James Hester.
East Ridge Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Glorious Impossible, December 18, 5:30 p.m. You are invited to a choir presentation of “Glorious Impossible.” Come listen as we focus on the birth of Christ and how glorious and impossible it is that God would send His Son to us.
Cypress Baptist Church, Benton: Christmas Eve service, December 24, 6-7 p.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable time of worship, candlelight, and celebrating the Christmas season! Pastor: John Fream.
First Baptist Church, Haynesville: Christmas cantata, December 18, 6 p.m.; December 24, Candlelight service and Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; Morning Worship, 11 a.m. Pastor: Jeff Tinsley.
First Baptist Church, Zwolle: It Happened in Bethlehem Christmas program, December 18, 10:30 a.m.; Church-wide Christmas Fellowship will be held Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Members should bring finger foods for the fellowship. Christmas Day, no Sunday school, regular worship service with The Lord’s Supper, December 25, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Marty Williams.
Longview Baptist Church, Deville: Christmas Candlelight service, December 18, 6 p.m.; Christmas Day worship service, December 25, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Robby Poole.
Mangham Baptist Church, Mangham: Christmas cantata, December 18, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas Day services, Morning worship, 10:30, December 25. There will be no Sunday school or evening service as we set aside time for families to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Pastor: Rick Aultman.
First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Christmas Eve Candlelight service, December 24, 6 p.m. Pastor: Jerry Pipes.
Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City: Christmas Eve candlelight service, December 24, 6 p.m.; Christmas Day service, December 25, 10 a.m. There will be no Sunday school or evening service.
First Baptist Church, New Orleans: Breakfast in Bethlehem, December 17, 10 a.m.-noon. Come enjoy a free family Christmas celebration featuring a pancake breakfast bar, Christmas activities and the Christmas story, Christmas Eve candlelight service, December 24, 6 p.m.; Christmas Day worship service, December 25, 11 a.m.; New Year’s Day worship service, January 1, 2023, 11 a.m. Pastor: Chad Gilbert.
Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Homer: Christmas Eve & Day services, December 24-25, Saturday, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service with the Lord’s Supper; Sunday, 10 a.m. Worship service (Sunday School will be cancelled). Pastor: Chris Stephens.
Mandeville First Baptist Church, Mandeville: Christmas Eve service, December 24, 4 p.m.; Christmas Day ser[1]vice, December 25, 11 a.m. Pastor: Ronny Cooksey.
First Baptist Church, Lafayette: Christmas Eve service, December 24, 3:30 and 5 p.m.; Christmas Day worship service, December 25, 10 a.m. There are no other activities on December 25. Pastor: James Pritchard.
First Baptist Church, Covington: Christmas Eve communion services, December 24, 1, 3 & 5 p.m.; Christmas Day Service, December 25, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Day Service, January 1, 2023, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Connect groups will not meet on Saturday or Sunday. Pastor: Waylon Bailey.
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville & Horse[1]shoe Drive: Christmas Day Service, December 25, 10:30 a.m. There will be no small groups. New Year’s Day Worship services and small groups, January 1, 2023, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Deville; Worship Service & Small Groups (Horseshoe) | 9:15 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Philip Robertson. n Judson Baptist Church, Walker: Christmas Eve Candlelight service, December 24, 6 p.m. Pastor: David Lane.
Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Drive-thru Christmas Lights, December 15-31, 6-11 p.m. This is a Lake Area tradition. Cost: No charge so feel free to visit as many times as you like.; A Classical to Classic Christmas, December 18, 6-7 p.m. in the Central Venue; Christmas Eve Service – PJ’s with the Pastor, December 24, 6:30 p.m. in the Central Venue.; Christmas Day service, December 25, 10:00 a.m. in the central venue. ; New Year’s Day Worship service, 10 a.m. both venues. Pastor: Steve James.
First Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Live Nativity drive-thru, December 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. FBC Lake Charles will be hosting a live nativity at University Baptist, 4505 Lake Street, Lake Charles. Those attending should enter on Lake Street. Pastor: Johnny Dammon.
Tom Hebert Road Baptist Church, Lake Charles: The Christmas Experience, December 16-17, 6-9 p.m. Make plans to journey with us on a live walk-through experience of the Christmas story at Red Oak Farm in Lake Charles. You will experience live animals, caroling, and drama scenes including Wisemen, angels, shepherds, nativity, St. Nicholas, etc. Parking will be at Tom Hebert Road Baptist Church, 2520 Marty Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70607. From there a trolley will be available to carry 20- 25 guests at a time to the event. While you are waiting for the trolley you can enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Pastor: Carl Whitley.
First Baptist Church, Haughton: Christmas Eve service, December 24, 5 p.m. in the Worship Center. We worship through singing, reading God’s word, preaching, and participating in the Lord’s Supper; Christmas Day, December 25, 11 a.m. one combined service, no Life Group; New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023, 11 a.m. one combined service, no Life group on that day. Pastor: Gevan Spinney.