Old Greenbrier Baptist ChurchPO Box 456Alderson, WV 24910STAFFPastor: Rev. Dr. Bill Bryan(304) 646-8631Ministers of Music:Dell & Nancy WoodDiana HalsteadCarolyn Holliday Treasurer:Charlotte MeltonCongregational Visitor:Peggy BollenbachOfficial Board, ChairChad McCallisterStreet Address:301 North Monroe St.Church Phone: (304) 445-7854

Old GreenbriER

Baptist News2012

Non-ProfitPostage PermitNo. 32

Volume XIV No. II

Church website: http://oldgreenbrierbaptistchurch.typepad.com/

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S

HEARTIf you want some good soup and chili, then you won’t want to miss our annual Soup and Chili Cook-off on Super Bowl Sunday (February 5) after morning worship. We hold this annual event in memory of Lew Burdette. The meal is provided for everyone on a donation basis. If you would like to enter a soup or chili in the contest, there is a $5 entry fee to have a chance to be named the top soup/chili maker. We will also have gift baskets and baked goods available for a silent auction. All proceeds from this tasty event will go into the pot to begin our 2012 America for Christ (AFC) offering. See the article on the opposite page for more details on this year’s AFC offering.

In 2012 I want us to explore together how we can become a missional church in Alderson as we seek to fulfill our mission of “sowing the seed of Jesus Christ in the world so that people become His fully devoted followers.”

We are in the process of forming our Mission Team. This team currently consists of me and one other church member who has identified herself as interested. The Mission Team will learn about being a missional church. They will share what they have learned and lead us to become a missional church. We need three more persons, one of whom should be under age 29, to complete our team. If you are interested in possibly serving on the Mission Team or would like more information about it, please contact me.

I am in contact with Victor Shields from our West Virginia Baptist Convention (WVBC) staff to connect our church with sister WVBC churches who will join us as we begin the Missional Church Learning Experience (MCLE). Over an eight month period our Mission Team will join with Mission Teams from these other churches in three MCLE training sessions plus two technology contacts between each session. Our church will host some of these meetings.

Please pray that God will identify and draw out our Mission Team by His Spirit. Pray about whether He is calling you to be a part of this team. This is not only a matter of life and death for our church, it is a matter of whether we will be obedient to the command of Christ to reach out with God’s love to our world beginning in Alderson. Will we fulfill our mission?

The next Men’s Community Prayer Breakfast will be Saturday, March 3rd at 8am at Old Greenbrier Baptist Church.

1The OT Lives ~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

2Ruth Thurmond Circle ~ 1p

3 4Men’sBreakfastROL ~ 8a

5Communion Sunday

S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

Soup & ChiliLuncheon

6House & Grounds ~ 7p

7 8The OT Lives ~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

9 10 11

12S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11aOfficial Bd. ~ noon

13 14 15The OT Lives ~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

16Pack Food Pantry ~ 9a

17Food Pantry~9a

18

19S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

20 21 22The OT Lives ~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

23 24 25

26S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

27 28 29The OT Lives ~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

St. Valentine’s Sacrifice

Every February 14, we celebrate the loved ones in our lives with cards, flowers, and chocolate. But Valentine’s Day has another meaning that’s been lost.

First declared a holiday by King Henry VIII of England in 1537, it commemorates the beheading of St. Valentine on February 13, 270 A.D. His crime? Performing wedding ceremonies after Roman Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage.

Valentine was martyred for faithfully doing the work God had given him. Although it’s good to celebrate love and marriage, let’s also remember the courage of a man who gave his life following his convictions.

The Boy Scouts Are Coming in 2013

It is truly an exciting time for southern West Virginia! For the first time ever, 40,000

Boy Scouts will be performing approximately 300,000 hours of community service in

our nine county area during the National Jamboree in July 2013. This equates to

200 projects per day for five days. Each of the nine counties (i.e., Fayette, Greenbrier,

McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Raleigh, Summers, Wyoming) has an opportunity for 20 to 25 projects each day

with up to 1,000 Scouts and hundreds of volunteers per day performing service projects county-wide. The Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia (CCCWV), headquartered in Beckley, has been selected by The Boy Scouts of America as the clearing house for all service projects performed by the Scouts during the 2013 National Jamboree.

By thoughtfully engaging these Scout volunteers, we can undertake projects which will have a significant impact for West Virginia citizens and the communities in which we live, work, and play. We can strengthen and revitalize our communities. We can enhance, conserve, and develop our abundant natural resources while appealing to future visitors by showcasing our great state to Scouts, families, and friends.The scope of these projects is limited only by our imagination. They may include such things as community gardens or Main Street beautification which everyone can enjoy. It may focus on projects which address the specific needs of senior citizens, playgrounds for our children, or trails to promote wellness and tourism.

3 – Amanda Bowden 5 – Sheldon Carter 7 – Sharon Reed 10 – Becky Pence 13 – Lee Forbes Cody McVey 15 – Betty Alderson 16 – Cathy Shafer 17 – Bonnie Kirby

Nancy Wood 18 – Carolyn Holliday 20 – John M. Alderson V 21 – Mary Martinez 24 – Phyllis Merritt 25 – Ella Forbes 26 – Carol Brown 27 – Bobbie Jones 28 – Bill Jarvis

The CCCWV is establishing working groups in each of the nine designated counties with a “county champion” chosen to serve as chairperson for the working group. Each project must be submitted for review and selection. Project applications can be obtained online at www.cccwv.com, from Pastor Bill, or from Roy Grimes. Final nominations are due by March 31, 2012, so get your application in as soon as possible.

Alderson Ministerial AssociationLenten Luncheon Series

The Alderson Ministerial Association will again sponsor the popular Lenten Luncheon Series. We will meet at noon on the following Wednesdays for a worship service. The time of worship will be followed by a fellowship luncheon. Please make plans to attend as we once again join Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem. Everyone is welcome.

February 29 at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Groves speaking

March 7 at River of Life Church of God with Rev. Lanny Howe speaking

March 14 at Alderson Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rick Duncan speaking

March 21 at Old Greenbrier Baptist Church with Rev. Phil Combs speaking

Also, on Good Friday (April 6) Old Greenbrier Baptist will host a Tennebrae Service at 7pm.

Missionary News From Debbie MulneixAs you read this newsletter, I will be arriving in India. The time I spent in the US this year has been a time of reflection, reconnection, and reorganization. It has also allowed me to see even more clearly the challenges that face us as we proceed to spread the Gospel to the peoples of Asia.

I will continue to be based in Assam for the next year, but will travel quite a bit into mainland India and Nepal. I am also planning a visit to our Baptist Partners in the Philippines. In October 2011, Taku and Katie Longkummar, newly appointed IM missionaries, arrived in Assam, and I am really looking forward to working with them.

While in the US, I was able to personally visit with nearly sixty churches, including at least twenty new churches. My travels took me to the states of Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Maine, Pennsylvania, of course, West Virginia, and also to Puerto Rico. It was a wonderful experience. My favorite times at these churches and events came when the people shared with me about their work here in the states. I pray for these churches and their congregations. These churches, YOUR CHURCHES, are involved in telling the Story of Christ in so many ways. It is a joy and an honor to be a part of your ministry.

I was also able to fellowship with around thirty of your International missionaries. We met together for a working retreat in Philadelphia, and many of us also attended the Biennial celebration in Puerto Rico. Meeting with fellow missionaries is truly a blessing, on many levels.

Many of you are aware that I had hoped to sell my house this year, but that did not happen. We will have to see what God has planned for it in the future. For now, though, I have a son that will be living there while I stay in India.

I thank each of you for the prayers and support that you continue to send in my behalf. I pray for each of you, as I know you pray for me.

Again, May God Bless You in Untold Ways in the New Year!

Yours in Christ,

Debbie Mulneix

During Lent, as we focus on Christ’s journey to the

cross, let’s also examine the journey of our lives. The first task when leaving on any adventure is packing. What have you placed in your bag? Are you weighed down with temptations, self-doubt, money worries, relationship troubles? Have you overlooked any important items? Maybe your bag feels too empty for the challenges ahead. Remember to pack mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

Thanks to Easter, we know that our journey in Christ continues, even when the road becomes difficult. So as

you prepare for Lent, carry with you the hope

made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.

−Based on the “Journey to Hope” sermon series,

www.rethinkchurch.org/lent

??? Bible Quiz ???During Jesus’ time in the wilderness after his baptism, Satan tempted him to do three things. Which of the following was not one of the temptations?A. To change water into wine so wedding guests

would know he was God’s SonB. To throw himself down from the top of the

temple, expecting angels to save himC. To turn stones into bread to satisfy his

hungerD. To worship Satan in order to gain all the

world’s kingdoms Answer: A (See Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-

13.)

Prayer Needs as of January 25th

Church Family or Immediate FamilyWho Are Ill or In Need of PrayerNatasha Antonio & baby HazelyTom Borchardt (Peggy Bollenbach’s brother)Nathan BradleyDean ButlerCody Chapman (Alice Clark’s grandson)Dale Cohenhour (Rose Carter’s brother)Johnny Craft (Dorothy Taylor’s brother)Joan Fleshman (sister of Bill & Bob Holliday)Jimmy Gill Dana Godby (Bro-in-law M. Godby)Doris Godby (Sis-in-law M. Godby)

Frank GodbyFranklin GodbyMargaret Heckelman (sis-in-law C. Knapp)John HedrickBetty HighlanderPatty HiserCharles HollidayBetty HollidayBobby Kennedy (Anne Parker’s nephew)Bob LacyBob LaRueRaymond LinkDonna Lipps (Margaret Lipps’ daughter)Shorty MasseyJimmy MasseyStephanie MasseyDebbie McInelly (Donna Simm’s sister)Roger Melton (Ron Melton’s brother)Sharon Mullens (Carolyn Holliday’s sister)

Jerry Murphy (Frank Godby’s first cousin)Anne Parker, grandson Rocco, niecesDarla Patriacca (M-i-L to Laurie Patriacca)Pat PhillipsKevin Richard (Donna Simms’ nephew)Iona Ryan (sister of Hugh Harris)Brittany ShaferMargaret SheltonChristine SmithJewell SmithEvelyn Sonnamaker (mother of Elisa Bryan)Valerie Taylor (Jack and Dianna’s daughter)Vicky Thompson (niece of Anne Parker)Tracy Trahant (family of Donna Simms)Jessie Turpin (grandaughter of P. Bollenbach)Lyndall Wiley (cousin of Leonard Carter)Carl Williams (Donna Simms’ nephew)Stephanie Williams (niece of Donna Simms)

Pack Well

Friends of Our ChurchFamily Who Are IllRosita & Norman BlevinsLamon Brown (former Missionary Thailand)Theresa Brown’s grandmotherDiane Callendine (Amy’s mother)Brent Carper (friend of Brennan Wood)Christine (Friend of Stephanie Massey)James Cockran (friend of Anne Parker)Jimmy Dillon (Friend of Libby Goins)Leann Goodwin (friend of Karla Willis)Fred GreenleafJean Himes (friend of Diana Taylor)Ora Honaker (friend of Bob & Gayle LaRue)Lane Houchins (5 yr old with Leukemia)Rebecca Jackson (friend of Becky Godby)Jim JonesJohn & Pearl McCurdyH.R. McVeyBob and Lynda NeffFred O’BrianGary O’DellJuli Simmons ShaferDavid Shield’s grandsonRichard Talbert (friend of Anne Parker)Joyce UtterbackPam Vines (Friend of Chad McCallister)Gideon Yoder (Friend of Rodney Knapp)

Church Family Shut-inRuth Altare Ernestine LightMary Lou Bowden Juanita ReedFrances Canterbury Louise UtterbackMamie Copeland

Government Officials Heads of State

Students and teachers: Amanda Bowden, Joseph & Hannah Bryan, Bethany Burdette, Holli Harris, Cynthia Huffman, Jamie & Stephanie Massey, Rhys Rogers, Kelsey & Kari Still, Stephanie Willis, Brennan Wood

ALL TROOPS In Our Armed ForcesBrian Belcher (Libya)Mark Dunbar (Gayle LaRue’s son, home)Randy Fleshman (Germany)Brent Taylor (Greg & Barb Taylor’s son, Grandson of Dorothy Taylor)

Note:

Please notify church office 304 445-7854 to delete or add to prayer list.

The America for Christ (AFC) 2012 theme is Engaging Discipleship: Open My Eyes, My Heart, My Hands. This theme is a powerful reminder that we have been sent into the world (Matthew 28) to be ambassadors of God’s love, expressed through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The primary rule of engagement is “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

We can ignore this calling and get busy doing church by singing hymns, listening to sermons, giving our tithes and offerings, getting involved in the choir or joining a committee. These activities may make us feel spiritually good, but God is calling our church to daily follow the incarnational practice

modeled by our Lord, who continually engaged people and cultivated relationships. Active discipleship is a selfless love that responds to the need, hurts, and pain of those at the door of our church. Our true prayer and Christlike attitude should be “open my eyes, my heart, and my hands

that I may be of service to others. Lord, use my life.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer perhaps said it best when he wrote, “God loves human beings. God loves the world. Not an ideal human, but human beings as they are; not an ideal world, but the real world. What we find repulsive in their opposition to God, what we shrink back from with pain and hostility, namely, real human beings, the real world; this is for God the ground of unfathomable love” (“A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Daily Meditations form His Letters, Writings, and Sermons”).

As God’s own children in this world, we are called to engage people. As we meet people every day in our life’s journey, we should share the love of Christ in word and deed. As God’s people, let us extend our hands daily to lift and encourage those around us who may need hope and a transformative touch of love. This year’s theme Engaging Discipleship: Open My Eyes, My Heart, My Hands encourages us to come alongside people. Let us see the need, let it break our hearts and, with our hands, let us comfort and be a blessing to others.

I am asking you to join me in giving generously to this year’s America for Christ Offering and help us reach our goal of $3,000 in support of making a difference in the lives of others for the cause of Christ. Together let’s engage discipleship that reflects God’s Love!