Christmas is the season that we celebrate the coming of Jesus, born as a baby in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. During this time of the year, we must remember that Jesus is the reason for the Season. Jesus is the reason why we have victory, life, and joy throughout our lives. We have that blessed assurance that he will continue to put his shield of protection around us. As we enter this Christmas sea-son, may it be a reminder of not only the birth of Jesus Christ, but also a reminder of Christ’s pres-ence within each of us. The birth of Jesus Christ must be the center of our celebrations. It is so amaz-ing to reflect on the fact that God sent his son to us, because he loves us so much. The love of Je-sus helps us to live meaningful, healthy, and prosperous lives and be a blessing to others. Christ commands us to love one anoth-er, because he is the perfect ex-ample of love. If we show this agape love to another, God will pour out abundant blessings on us. In all that we do, always remem-ber to “Seek ye first the Kingdom

of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added un-to you.” (Matthew 6:33) WE are truly a blessed church Unity and we look forward to the great things that we will do in 2016. I pray God’s blessings upon each of you as you celebrate this holiday season with family and friends. May God give you all of the de-sires of your heart. Have a Very Merry Christmas and Prosperous Happy New Year! ■ With Love,

Pastor’s Corner

UMBC Newsletter

UMBC CHURCH

Christmas 2015/New Year 2016

Vol. X, Issue 54 Sunday, January 24, 2016

1

PASTOR’S CORNER . . . . . . . 1

STUDENTS RECOGNITION . . 2

DEACON’S CORNER . . . . . . . 2

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT . . . . . . . .2

YOUTH HIGHLIGHT. . . . . . . . .3

COLLEGE STUDENTS. . . . . . 4

PRAYER NEEDS . . . . . . . . . . .4

CHRISTENING . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

COMING EVENTS . . . . . . . . . .5

FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . . .. .6

BIRTHDAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Barbara West-Ravenell Editor Donna Nesbit Word Processor Ruth Huger Elaine Howell Carol Middleton Robercine Singleton Helen Yeadon Dea. Willie Bryant

Christmas is a busy time of the year, but we should all remember who is the reason for the season. Christmas means more than purchasing gifts, but it is about the birth of Jesus Christ. “Take time to be aware of the reason for the season in the very midst of your busy preparations. Christ is reborn in the Bethlehem’s of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, and be aware of all of the marvelous things that He is doing in your life. Christmas gives us an oppor-tunity to recommit ourselves to lives of hope, peace, joy and love. Do not underestimate the energy that it takes to be the light in the face of darkness, but it is what we, as Christians, have committed ourselves to do. We en- courage you to seek out ways to bring Christ’s light to others during the hol-

iday season. We can be that light

by visiting someone who is lonely, providing a gift for some in needs, or by simply donating a warm jacket to someone who doesn’t have one. Model for your children what this season of peace and joy is truly about. Boldly wish Merry Christmas to every person you encounter. As you gather to celebrate with family and friends, spark in others the hope, peace, joy and love that resides deeply in you. Let God’s Holy Spirit flow through you as your place your gifts under the tree and sing praises to God, who gave us the gift or his only Son – our Lord – Je-sus Christ. Merry Christmas and Happy

New Year!!■ Deacon’s Ministry

Deacon’s Corner

UMBC CHURCH 2

Principal’s List

Students

Eric S. Burton St. James-Gaillard Elementary

Shania Caldwell St. James-Gaillard Elementary

Kylee Mathis Oakview Elementary

Summer Myers Lake Marion High

Zoya Myers Holly Hill Roberts Middle

.Honor/Roll

Brandon Broughton

Jayden Broughton Cross Elementary

Morgan Greene Whitesville Elementary

Malik Gillens St. Matthews K-8

Siyana Howell Kelly Mills Middle

Alayah Jones

Tyler Jones Berkeley High

Jada Middleton Holly Hill Roberts Middle

Malaysia Middleton Bethune Bowman Middle

Destinee K. Ravenell Cross Elementary

Jayla Ravenell Cross High

Jeremiah Ravenell St. James-Gaillard Elementary

Joshua Ravenell Cross High

Jordan Williams High School for Health Professions

MaKaylie Wilson Cross High

Caleb Wright

Layla Wright Cross Elementary

Senior Cor-ner

Highlight Henry Bennett has spent over 80 fruitful years in Unity Missionary Baptist Church. He has held several positions. Whether he was a Sun-day School official, treasurer of the #2 Choir, served on the Senior Choir, or Father of the Year 2002 he always exhibited a Christian character and was an ideal role model for all who came in contact with him.

God has smiled on him and he feels so grateful and blessed. He is a fa-ther, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is affiliated with Jehovah Masonic Lodge #351, for

over 50 years and the Christian Burial. As he lives out his golden years he continues to ride a bike, plant a garden, cuts his own wood and mows the grass. He be-lieves a man should plant more than enough for you. So he shares the harvest with family and friends. He also believes in hard work, at the end of the day only the things you worked on will prosper. In sickness or sorrow his comfort comes from the presence of the Lord and family.

He extends his love and gratitude to God and all those who fill his life with their love and support every day. ■

Kimberly N. Broughton Claflin University

William Broughton Clemson University Indigo C. Casellas Francis Marion University

Brian D. Gillens Clemson University Kristen E. Gillens North Carolina Central University

Camella Howell Clemson University

Keyshawn Jenkins Greenville Tech College

Courtney Middleton S. C State University

Harry Middleton, Jr. S. C. State University

Janesha Alexis Middleton Francis Marion University

Jeremiah D. Middleton Morris College

Jonte A. Prioleau Trident Technical College

Marlica Tilley USC Aiken

David D. Thompson Morris College

Katlin Kanisha Williams USC Upstate

Shalonda Williams Virginia College

Darren Wright O-C Technical College . ■

UMBC CHURCH

C O L L E G E S T U D E N T S

4

Students Recognition DeAndra Thompson Major: Health Science 3.3 GPA Graduation Date: May 2016

PV2 De’ssare Thompson U.S. Army Soldier Human Resource Specialist Stationed in South Korea

Shalonda Williams graduated from Virginia College with Hon-

ors as a Network Technician and continuing her education in Electronic Engineer

■

Kayla Ellis Merit Award Khamari Gaines Character Award ■

Deacon John Middleton Sister Carrie Wright Sister Robersena Mitchum Sister Dorothy Wright Sister Annie Laval Sister Mabel Little Brother Willie West Sister Carrie Mitchum Sister Daisy Ravenell Sister Maple Major Sister Willie Mae Zeigler Sister Ruth Wearing Brother Joe Gadson Brother Johnny Gadson Sister Kittie Mae Haskell Sister Shirley Huger Sister Carrie Lee Wright

Brother Julius Whitten

Sister Celia P. Davis Sister Betty Ravenell Brother Michael Ravenell Brother Robert Ravenell Brother Oscar Zeigler Sister Porzia Micou, IN Sister Gwendolyn Robinson, FL Brother Johnny Brunson Brother Michael Howell Sister Luchrista Waring Sister Sheila Jones Greene Sister Juliann Simmons

Brother James Foye, Jr. Sister Doreen Palencia Brother Kenneth Laval Brother Travis Clark

Brother Clarence Green ■

Dylan

Keith Smith

Born: March 18, 2015 at Trident Medical Center Charleston, SC

Parents are David Vaugh Smith, Sr. & Paris Aubre Smith. Sibling is David Vaughn Smith, Jr.

Grandparents are Keith Smith (deceased) & Miriam B. Smith And Tom N. Hunt, Jr. & Maria Hunt

January 31, 2016

Recognition of Students February 7, 2016

Missionary “Souper” Bowl Offering Sunday Black History Month | American Heart Month February 13, 2016

Brotherhood Outing: Bowling February 14, 2016

Men’s Day Joint NAACP Program Valentine’s Day February 21, 2016

Black History Observance Program February 26-27, 2016

Old Ashley Sunday School & BTU Mid-Session March 20, 2016

Palm Sunday March 27, 2016

145th Church Anniversary and Easter Sunday April 2, 2016 Old Ashley Baptist Association Mid Session April 3, 2016

Deaconess 56th Anniversary April 10, 2016

Morris College Day Missionary Stay At Home Tea April 19, 20, 21, 2016

Spring Revival Services April 24, 2016

Sarcoidosis Month: Wear Purple Sunday May 1, 2016

Combined Usher Ministry Anniversary May 8, 2016

Mother’s Day May 15, 2016

Pastor’s 6th Anniversary June 12, 2016

Children’s Day Recognition June 19, 2016

Father’s Day June 20—24, 2016

VBS and Church Picnic

Miss Summer Myers selected as the South Carolina TRIO Pre-College Student of the Year at the 18th Annual Wanda Hen-dricks-Bellamy Student Leaders Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC, January 8-10, 2016. Ms. Summer exhibited outstanding leadership qualities and she demonstrated characteristics that embraced the conference theme: Go Lead Our World, “GLOW” as she participated the many conference workshops. Summer also participated in the highly selective Emerging Student Leadership Institute at the conference. She was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as the Pre-College Stu-dent of the Year at the Annual Awards Banquet closing Pro-gram. Summer represented the GEAR UP student leader con-tingency from South Carolina State University.

Kimberly Nicole Broughton is the daughter of Willie and Mary Brough-ton. She is currently a senior at Claflin University. Kimberly is major-ing in English with a concentration in Literature and Gender Studies, with hopes of working in the professori-ate. Throughout her matriculation at Claflin, Kimberly remained on the Dean’s list in addition to serving as an ambassador for her institution in many capacities. She represented the university as Miss UNCF 2013-2014 (United Negro College Fund) in which she solicited funds from fami-ly, friends, local businesses, and churches to provide scholarships for college students. She advocated on behalf of college students with finan-cial needs to legislatures and mem-bers of the surrounding community. Soon after, Kimberly was nominated by Claflin faculty to receive the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow-ship which is a two-year fellowship that sponsors her to conduct inde-pendent research and support her through doctoral studies. Once re-ceiving the fellowship, Kimberly had opportunities to study at different institutions and present research at universities such as Emory University in Atlanta, GA, Duke University in Durham, NC, Rice University in Hou-ston, Texas, and the University of California, Riverside through the Lin-don Barrett Scholars Mentoring Pro-gram. Outside of the academic realm, Kim-berly serves as the president of Pinky Promise Orangeburg. Pinky Promise is a Christian movement founded by Heather Lindsey that aims to uplift, guide, and encourage women to honor God with their bodies, rela-tionships, actions, and every other

aspect of their lives. Additionally, she was recently appointed as the spokesperson for the Orangeburg Wesley Foundation. This foundation is a ministry that serves as an exten-sion of Claflin and South Carolina State Universities, used to provide scholarships, networking events, mis-sion trips, spiritual and academic guidance, and opportunities for stu-

dents to give back to the communi-ty. Upon graduating from Claflin Univer-sity on May 7, 2016, Kimberly aspires to attend graduate school to study Rhetoric and Composition and Afri-can American Literature and Cul-

ture. ■

Youth Corner Highlight

3 UMBC CHURCH

Working Together In The

Spirit of Unity

Nehemiah 4:4-6 NIV

2 0 1 6 C H U R C H

T H E M E

4 Hear us, O our God, for we are despised.

Turn their insults back on their own heads.

Give them over as plunder in a land of cap-

tivity .

5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their

sins from your sight, for they have thrown

insults in the face of the builders.

6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached

half its height, for the people worked with

all their heart.

Mission Statement

To teach, educate and equip our members to understand the Word of God and how to apply it to their daily lives.

Jesus sent a Christmas letter to us.

Beloved, (it might read):

I pray this season finds you well.

I just want to share some of the

highlights from this year.

Thanks to many of your brothers

and sisters, thousands of people

have come to faith in Me this year.

Please pray for those who have

gone astray, that they may find

their way back.

Many of your brothers and sisters

in Africa, in Asia, and elsewhere

have given their lives to follow me.

Rest assured, they will be with Me

in Paradise.

Many more of your siblings have

reached out to the poor, the

homeless, the crippled, the hungry,

the sick and those in prison. And

those who have reached out will

receive blessings that will follow

them into Heaven.

I’m sure next year will be equally

busy.

The harvest is plentiful, but the la-

borers are few.

With all my love,

Your Savior and Lord

Jesus

I don’t know about you, but a

Christmas letter from Jesus would

get MY attention. Maybe it’s time

Christmas letters from us got some

attention – for Him.

Dear Unity Missionary Baptist

Church Family,

I’m so happy to see that

you’re on my list of good Chris-

tians this year. Rudolph, the other

reindeers and I are all excited that

we’ll be visiting you soon in Berke-

ley and Orangeburg Counties.

I know you’re looking for-

ward to getting some great fits,

and don’t worry! Santa knows

you like blessings so the elves are

working on something very special

for you!

But remembers that the

most special gift you can get at

Christmas is a gift that was already

given long ago – the gift of our

Savior, Jesus Christ. God gave that

gift to all his children of the world,

and we’re so very lucky that we

can celebrate the birth of Jesus eve-

ry year at Christmas time.

We must always remember

that this is the true reason for

Christmas. Of course, it’s fun to

receive presents, too! But one of

the best ways to celebrate the true

meaning of Christmas is to share

our love and spend time with

those we love during this holiday

season.

I’m very proud of the way

you’ve been behaving this year

and how you have Praised and

Worshipped Our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ. That’s wonderful!

Keep it up!

Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas Keeping Christ in Christmas means

daily revealing the character, love,

and spirit of Christ that dwells in

you, by allowing these traits to

shine through your actions. Here

are simple ways to keep Christ the

central focus of your life this Christ-

mas season.

Give God one very special gift just from you to him: Maybe your gift to God will be to for give someone you’ve needed to for give for a long time. You may dis cover that you’ve given a gift back to yourself Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20 Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together Plan a project of good will this Christmas: Find someone with a genuine need, involve your whole family and see how happy you can make someone this Christmas. Take group Christmas caroling in a nursing home or a children’s hospi- tal Give a surprise gift or service to each member of your family: Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply Set aside a time of family devotions

on Christmas Eve or Christmas

morning: Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions. Read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas. Attend a Christmas church service together with your: If you are alone this Christmas or don’t have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you. Send Christmas cards that convey a spiritual message: This is an easy way to share your faith in Christmastime Write a Christmas letter to a mis- sionary: Write a special Christmas letter to a missionary of your choice, thanking them for giving their life in service to

the Lord. ■

UMBC CHURCH 6

Christmas Food for Thought

B I R T H D A Y S

JANUARY Sabrina Howell 1

LaTelia R. Walley 3

Willie Walley 4

Brandy Gadson 6

Brandon Broughton 7

Harry Wright 12

Carrie Lee Wright 12

Donna Nesbit 16

Dontai Smalls 16

Paul Gadson 16

LaChelle Howell 17

Betty Gaddy 18

Betty Ravenell 19

Georgiann Middleton 21

Dorian S. Yeadon 21

Carrie Gadson 21

Leroy Simmons Jr. 22

Shiya Cas’Teea Walley 23

Vincent Bryant 23

Ruth Gadson 25

Ruthie Haskell 29

Rev. S. T. Nelson 29

Earl P. Williams 29

John West, Jr. 31

FEBRUARY Ervin Broughton 2

Jeanette Ravenell 2

MaKenzie Ravenell 4

Camella Howell 6

Victoria Jones 7

Emily Broughton 7

Dianna Waring 8

Henrietta Prioleau 10

Jeffery Howell 11

Marvin Wright 12

Sandra Ravenell 15

Jonte’ Prioleau 16

Michael Howell 17

Djnuell Williams 19

Imani Ferguson 23

Steven Wright 23

Benjamin Simmons 25

Javen Middleton 27

Robercine Singleton 28

Rose Scott 28

Lucretia Gillens 28

MARCH Harry Lee Middleton Jr. 3

Leroy Wilson 4

7 UMBC CHURCH

Tytiana Bennett 4

Helen Jackson 7

Earline Huger 8

Ruth Huger 8

Reginald Bryant 9

Roxanne Johnson 9

Rebeccca Gadson 10

Agnes Huger 11

Dea. Harry L. Middleton 12

Dea. Willie Broughton 12

Avery B. Ravenell 13

Kimberly Broughton 15

Tyler Jones 16

Joseph Gadson 16

Sandra Gillens 16

Emily Gillens 17

Aaron Bryant 20

Baron Bryant 20

Nathaniel Howell 21

Carrie Mitchum 23

Harry Gadson 23

Charles Ravenell 24

Travis Wilson 24

Mary Bennett 25

Shayla Wright 25

William Bryant 27

Hazel Bennett 29

Tom Bennett 29

Courtney Middleton 30

Ella Gadson 31

APRIL Joseph Nesbit, Sr. 3

Helen Prioleau 5

Anna Bell Brown 6

John Huger III 8

April Eady Cooper 9

Esther Dickson 9

Frederick Ravenell 11

Dea. Willie Bryant 11

DeAndre S. Yeadon 11

Mabel Little 12

Teresa Ellis 13

Brian D. Gillens 15

Brittany Broughton 17

Siyana Howell 20

Ray Ann Gillens 25

Malasia Middleton 25

Theresa Ellis 27

Shelia Jones Green 28

Barbara J. Ravenell 30

MAY Ashley D. Williams 5

Mattie Bennett 4

Jeremiah Middleton 7

Adrienne Huger 7

Selena Simmons 8

Elaine Howell 10

Larry Prioleau, Jr. 11

Bernard Walley 11

Hattie Simmons 12

Dorothy Wright 13

Catherine Middleton 15

Brittany Wearing 15

Jasmine Tilley 17

Javette Middleton 18

Paul M. Nesbit, Jr. 19

Jordan Ravenell 20

Roscoe Walley 20

Timothy Middleton 21

Joshua N. Ravenell 23

Janiyah Davis 23

Harry Broughton 26

Elouise Gillens 27

Alice Huger 27

JUNE Lurine Mazyck 4

Shawn Doctor 6

Gloria Simmons 7

Martha Middleton 8

Nathaniel Gillens 10

Helen Wright 10

Marlica Tilley 12

Jeremiah D. Middleton Jr. 13

Mabel Williams 13

Johnathan Broughton 17

Robert Middleton 17

Yosham Middleton 19

Nathaniel Prioleau 19

Julie Owens 19

Elijah Rob Howell 20

Annie M. Johnson 20

Jerome Middleton 20

Rev. Aaron T. Brown Sr. 20

Shawn Gillens 22

Morris Middleton 26

Breanna Linder 27

Gloria Eady 28

Renee Doctor Washington 29

UNITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH P.O. Box 267 | 14152 OLD NUMBER SIX HIGHWAY EUTAWVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA 29048 Phone: (843) 753-7676 Email: unitymbc@homesc.com | www.Unitymbchurch.org

A N E W Y E A R ’ S W I S H E S A N D G R E E T I N G

UNITY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

May your days be glittery as diamond, may your friends be as good as gold, may your heart stay as

green as emerald, and may your soul remain as pure as pearl.

New Year begins, let us pray that will be a year with New Peace, New Happiness and abundance of

new friends, God bless you throughout the New Year.

I wish you Happy New Year from the bottom of my heart. May God give you the happiness and

strength to overcome your past year failures.

As this year is ending, I wish all the negativity and difficulties also end with this year and 2016 bring

success and desired results for you.

Although I’m not with you but my wishes will always stay with you on this New Year 2016.

Remember if God brings you to it, He will surely see you through it!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!