Brantley Baptist Church, Brantley, AL

Issue 8

September 2015

Editor—Sara McGinty

Summer is beginning to look a little like fall. I have noticed the leaves falling from the pecan trees. Last week the leaves

looked like a swarm of locust as the wind scattered them across the ground. School has started and the taste of football is in the

air. Excitement begins to stir at this time of year. There is so much that will be going on this next quarter until Christmas.

Brantley Baptist Church has had a great summer loaded with activities. It started this quarter with Father’s Day on June

21. A “Sopping Super” came on July 8. On its heels came Vacation Bible School, July 12-15. Mrs. Rachel Moates and Ms. Teresa

Foster did a great job as director and co-director in getting everything ready for VBS. The youth went to camp on July 15 and had

a really great time. We celebrated our 123rd Homecoming. We had about 140 in attendance for the special occasion. The youth

attended a youth rally at Mt. Zion Baptist church on August 12th . Three of our youth made professions of faith and 3 rededicat-

ed their lives to the Lord.. The day before school started, August 16, we went to BHS and prayer walked then came back to

church for a Back to School Celebration for all the children and youth. A great time was had by all. On Sunday night, August 23,

our youth attended a Back to School Blast at South Luverne Baptist Church. Ending out the quarter was the nursing home birth-

day party sponsored by WMU. Fifteen residents had birthdays.

Now we are looking forward to a new quarter and start of a new church year. The budget committee and nominating

committee are hard at work. They continue to covet your prayers as they seek to serve the Lord and Brantley Baptist Church.

Last but not least, the Pastor Search Committee has been hard at work and because of that we now have a new pastor. Rev.

Wes Hatcher and wife Cynthia will be coming to Brantley Baptist Church. Bro. Wes was called as our new pastor on Wednesday

night, August 19. He will begin to serve our church on September 6. We welcome them to Brantley Baptist and can hardly wait

to begin serving with them. It has been a long process in getting a pastor, one covered in prayer. It has been 8 months since Bro.

Burney’s passing but I can say we have carried on in times of sadness and uncertainty. We all worked together to keep Brantley

Baptist alive and flourishing. Now it is time to write a new chapter in the life of Brantley Baptist Church, and with Bro. Wes’s lead-

ership, we are going to make a difference. Bro. Wes and Cynthia, we welcome you to Brantley Baptist Church. We will love you,

work with you, serve with you and most of all we will encourage you and one another and give God the glory for the things that

are accomplished through our church, community, and around the world.

TRUSTING GOD FOR HIS PROVISIONS

Writer—Sara McGinty

News for the Soul

Brantley Baptist Church recognized all of their fathers on June 21, Fathers’ Day. The oldest, youngest, and the one with the most children were recognized and given a gift by Miss Kim Graham. The oldest was Mr. Sam Thornton. The youngest was Matthew Ellis. The one with the most children present was Robert Fisher. We ended our Baby Bottle Boomerang on Fathers’ Day. Baby bottles were picked up by members of the congregation on Mothers’ Day. They placed money in them and brought them back on Fathers’ Day. The Baby Bottle Boomerang is a project of Save-A-Life in Troy, an organization that gives an alternative to abortion. Mrs. Rachel Moates headed up this mission activity for our church. We collected $400. Thank you so much Miss Rachel for your hard work and dedication to this project.

On July 8, the youth hosted a “Sopping Supper”. It is just what it sounds like. We sopped tomato and sausage gra-vies with those delicious biscuits. We, also, had bacon, cheese grits, jelly, and syrup. The youth served the meal to about 50 people. The youth praise band entertained those enjoying the meal. Madison Keener and Grace Grosen-bach sang. Justin Mills, Adam Williams, and Paul Lowery played instruments. Maleighka Jobin is a member also but she was not present. This was a fundraiser for their youth camp retreat. Donations were made to support our youth.

Vacation Bible School came on the heels of the sopping supper. It was July 12-15. Ninety-eight were enrolled in VBS. The theme was “Fun Run”. Racing themes were visible in all areas of the church. We had classes for Pre-K—–adult. Mrs. Rachel Moates, director, led the opening rally while Ms. Teresa Foster, co-director, assisted. Everyone participated in the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Several youth led the songs and the children joined in and sang while doing the motions to the songs. They really enjoyed that. Mrs. Sara McGinty presented a missionary story each evening during the worship rally. The classes were challenged to bring the most money and win a special prize the last night. Stephanie Fisher’s class won and they had ice cream. We collected over $250 which was sent to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. We do want to thank the kitchen crew, Mrs. Elaine and Mr. Jerry Stricklin, Mrs. Linda and Mr. Dale Graham, and Mrs. Shirley and Mr. Sam Noblin, for their hard work. We could not have VBS without them or the teachers who gave of their time to teach, do crafts, recreation, and music.

Homecoming was celebrated on August 2. Rev. Harry Driggers brought the morning message. A memorial time was held for those who passed into eternity this past year. They were: Rev. Burney Enzor, Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson, Mrs. Doris Bryan, Mr. Elton Mitchell, and Mr. Jerry Bell. The families accepted certificates from Elaine Stricklin as a remembrance of them from Brantley Baptist Church. Mrs. Elaine spoke a few words about each before presenting the certificates. Mr. Earl Henderson sang a special tribute to their memory. About 140 were present for Homecom-ing. A meal was awaiting them at the conclusion of the service. There was no evening service. Thanks to the Deco-rating and Homecoming committee for a job well done.

Our Acteens and youth attended a Youth Rally at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 12. About 15 or 20 of our youth attended. Mr. Wade Morris brought the message after the meal. He spoke from Philippians 2 and John 4. It was a spiritually charged service. Three of our young people, Kaitlyn Smith, Maleighka Jobin, and Hannah Fish-er made professions of faith while Paul Lowery, Madison Keener, and Anthony McCarthy made rededications of their lives. The youth were joined by Mr. Michael and Mrs. Peggy Marvin, Mrs. Patricia Smith, and Ms. Teresa Foster.

Brantley Baptist Church welcomes new members

Linda Williams, Justin Mills, Alyson Gibson

Denny and Tula Bludsworth

By Transfer of Letter

Writer—Sara McGinty

B r a n t l e y B a p t i s t C h u r c h

Greetings to everyone in the name of our Lord…

I am writing this with rejoicing and thanksgiving in my heart for your calling me as your Pastor. Thank you so much for allowing

me to serve you at Brantley. I am anticipating some great things for the church. Cynthia and I are so thrilled at the opportunity

that the Lord has afforded us. Mike Green, the former pastor of South Luverne and friend of mine, used to say at the start of

every service, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” How true and accurate. It would be impossible for my

finite mind to list all of God’s wonderful attributes, but ‘good’ would be a great place to start the list. I am anticipating Septem-

ber 6 as my official Sunday as your Pastor. I hope each one of you will be in the service so I can meet you and start the process of

learning everyone’s name. Should any of you need me before that start date, my cell number is 334-434-2577, and my home

number is 334-335-3750. Feel free to call anytime. Again, thank you so much and God bless you all. Bro. Wes

Greetings from the pastor…..

News From Youth Camp!!

This year our youth headed up north to Odenville, Alabama for their youth camp. Seventeen went. They were Michael and Peggy

Marvin, Justin, Alyson, Chris, Adam, Paul, Grace G., Madi, Kaitlyn, Gracie, Madison, Anthony, Bryce, Abigayle, Hannah, and Lillian.

We went to Springville camp to the Renown Ministries, “All in for Jesus,” retreat. Our memories began with a bus ride up there

without cool air in the back. A few lucky ones got to ride with Miss Peggy, whose AC worked just fine. On the trip Justin played

the guitar, and the youth sang. Thanks to Birmingham traffic and a few jams on the interstate, we just missed supper. Thankfully

the other churches remembered us and put back some plates. From there it was on to worship which was led by “The Next Level”

praise band. This brought us into the right mindset, opening the door for the Spirit of God to move.

Greg Key brought the message Friday night from the book of Philippians chapter 2:1-8. Greg is the youth minister of Lakeview

Baptist Church in Auburn. The focal point of the message was having the mindset of Christ, the attitude that we as His followers

should carry. Stepping out of heaven, Jesus became as His creation putting on flesh. He set aside the right to His glory and power

and humbled Himself. Our Lord gave His all for us. He was on a rescue mission to pay that which He did not owe so that we would

not have to face eternal death. Our Lord was “all in.” Shouldn’t we be “all in” for Him?

Saturday brought a day filled with worship and fun. After breakfast our youth were encouraged to break into groups with students

from different churches. They were given questions and topics to discuss among themselves about Friday night’s message. I was

proud that our youth were ready to answer many of those questions. From there it was back to worship with “The Next Level”

and another great message from Greg. God’s hand was definitely in it. The message was on John 4, about the Samaritan woman.

This lesson was one that we had during VBS. Our Lord was “all in” for us and His patience and mercy are beyond our ability to un-

derstand. He will pursue us until we either respond to Him, or by our own choice and hardness of heart, we make ourselves un-

reachable. The Samaritan woman’s life was changed when she realized who Jesus was. She was emboldened to become all in for

her Savior. This attitude is one that we should have. Are you doing your part to tell others about the Savior?

After lunch it was time for the lake, and the youth as well as adults got to enjoy many activities on the water. Zip lines, a five story

waterslide, floating trampolines, paddle boats, and of course the famous Blob were a blast. After dinner our youth were asked, by

surprise, to play a song during the offering. They performed like pros, not missing a beat when the sound system went haywire.

This led to a repeat. The evening’s message culminated in John 4 about the parable of the workers and the harvest. All of us who

claim Christ as Savior are missionaries, and the field is ready for harvesting. Some of us plant while others sow, but we are equally

responsible for seeing souls won to Christ. So let’s go to work! From the youth group to all of our church members, thank you for

your support and prayers. Bro. Michael

NEWS FOR THE SOUL (CONT.)

We had a Back To School Celebration Sunday afternoon, August 16 for the children. After the Acteens, some from our youth group, and several adults went to BHS to prayer walk, they returned to the church to enjoy fun games and food. There was a water slide and a water baseball game to enjoy. About 60 people enjoyed the event. The youth furnished the hot dogs and sausages while the ladies furnished side dishes and desserts. We were joined by Rev. Wes Hatcher and wife Cynthia whom since we have called to be our pastor. We are excited to have them join us at Brantley Baptist in serving our Lord . We can hardly wait for Bro. Wes to begin serving as our pastor.

Brantley Baptist youth traveled to South Luverne Baptist Church, Sunday night, August 23 to join them in a Back to School Blast. Eric Hixon, Director of M.U.D. Ministries, was the guest speaker. Music was provided by the “Of the Tide” musical group. After the rally, everyone enjoyed a fellowship meal. Six churches were represented. Thirteen of our youth attended. Michael and Peggy Marvin accompanied them.

Brantley Baptist WMU sponsored the nursing home birthday party on Thursday, August 27. There were 15 residents having birthdays in the month of August. About 40 gathered in the dining to celebrate the occasion. Gayle Hender-son, Sara McGinty and Teresa Foster were there to serve the residents. We had ice cream, cookies and cheese puffs. Sara McGinty led in the birthday song. Teresa Foster read scripture, read a poem, and said a prayer Gifts were given to all who had birthdays by the WMU. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

Prayer Meeting

Youth

G.A.’s and R.A.’s

B’day—William

Bradshaw

3 4

B’day—Nell Hall

5

B’day—Judson

Stricklin

6

Deacons’ Meeting

Bro. Wes’s first

Sunday with us!

Acteens’ meeting

7

Hostess meeting for

Women’s Confer-

ence 5:00 p.m.

B’day—Maggie

Myer

8

B’day—Marjorie

Pettus

9

Prayer Meeting

Youth

G.A.’s and R.A.’s

10

B’days—Sara Solt ,

Ann Godwin

11

12

13

Quarterly Business

Meeting

Acteens’ meeting

14 15

B’day—Troy Bran-

non

16

Family Night Supper

6:30 p.m.

B’days—Peggy John-

son, Anne Kelly

17 18 19

Anniversary—Sam

and Shirley Noblin

20

Brotherhood meet-

ing

Pray for our chil-

dren 4:00 p.m.

21 22 23Prayer Meeting

Youth, G.A.’s and

R.A.’s

B’day—Julie

Ballard

24 25 26

27

Acteens’ meeting

28

B’day—Teresa Fos-

ter

29

B’day—William

Thomas

30Prayer Meeting

Youth, G.A.’s and

R.A.’s

B’day—Adam Wil-

liams

September 2015

Kathleen Mallory State Mission Offering taken this month —Goal $500

Brantley Baptist Church

PO Box 61

Brantley, AL 36009

We are on the web:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brantley-Baptist-Church/106195596069386

PASTOR:

Rev. Wes Hatcher

Cell: 334-434-2577—Home: 334-335-3750

MUSIC DIRECTOR:

Kim Graham

YOUTH MINISTER:

Michael Marvin

DEACONS:

Michael Marvin, Earl Henderson, Dale Gra-

ham, Mike Morris, Pete Johnson, Blake

Moates, Sam Thornton, Jerry Stricklin

OPPORTUNITIES TO WORSHIP:

Sunday:

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Night:

Acteens 4:00 p.m.

Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.

Choir Practice 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night:

Prayer meeting 6:30 p.m.

Youth and G.A.’s and R.A.’s 6:30 p.m.

Events and Activities for This Quarter

September

Kathleen Mallory Offering—Goal $500

September 6 —Deacon’s Meeting

September 13—Business Meeting

September 16—Family Night Supper

October

October 1—Women’s Conference

October 19—WMU Associational Meeting (New Ebenezer)

(We are co-hosts at the New Ebenezer meeting)

October 22—Associational Annual Meeting (here)

Trunk or Treat—TBA

November

November 2—Womens’ World Day of Prayer (South Luverne)

November 11—Veteran’s Day

November 26—Thanksgiving