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UNITY NEWSLETTER GRANT HILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

“Its all about Ministry inside the four walls, and Mission outside the four walls…”

Pastor Clifton N. Witherspoon

In This Issue:

10th Pastoral Anniversary

Deacon Ordination

Family and Friends Day

Free Spirit Church League

Spring Fling and Yard Sale

Senior Choir Celebration

and Mass Choir Anniver-

sary

Sunday School Teacher

Appreciation Day

New Members and more...

Photo Caption: Minister Ernest Pitts

10th Pastoral Celebration!!!

On Sunday, March 20, 2016, the Grant Hill family had an awesome 10th Anniversary celebration for Pastor Clifton N. Witherspoon and First Lady Claudette Witherspoon. The Scripture “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38). The morning program began with an array of songs from the Praise and Worship Team. We were blessed to have Minister Ernest Pitts and his family from St. Mark 4-B Missionary Baptist Church-Sumter, SC; visiting with us. His message was “ The Power of Appreciation. His scripture text was from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18; with specifics referring to versus 16-18. He indicated that we have learned overtime to “love and appreciate things; dominate and manipulate people”. We actually have it backwards… We even love & desire those who ignore us; and we ignore those who desire and love us. It was a very inspiring

and thoughtful message for the occasion. The celebration did not end with the morning service. Another dynamic program was held at 3:00pm.

Continued on pages 2-3

Spring Edition May 2016

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During the 3p.m. Program celebration , the Worship Leader was our own Minister

Quentina Gregg, who did an outstanding job. The program

began with The Praise and Worship, Scripture (Sis. Ann

August), Invocation, (Sis. Dorothy Nelson), Welcome (Sis.

Phebe Levell), The Occasion (Dea. Roosevelt Sanders),

Tribute (Sis. Pamela King) and the Introduction of the Speaker

was done by (Min. Jake Sanders, III). The Congregation

listen intently as the Choir “One Purpose” provided a litany of

inspiring and uplifting songs. They sat the program on fire in

preparation for the Speaker of the Hour who was Minister Kenton

Rogers, from Baltimore, Md.; who provided a heart wrenching and

powerful message. Special presentations were provided

to the Pastor and First Lady from State Representative David

Weeks, Officer Tiller, Representing Sumter County Sheriff Dept. and

many others. The Pastor and First Lady thanked everyone for being

so thoughtful, and for sharing their special 10th Anniversary

Celebration. (c)

Photo Caption: Entrance of the Pastor and First Lady

10th Pastoral Anniversary Continues...

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10th Pastoral Anniversary Photo Gallery...

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Praise the Lord, Grant Hill. It is once again we greet you in the might and

wonderful name of Jesus Christ. It is a privilege to have an opportunity to share my heart with you by way of this newsletter. I appreciate your patience in waiting for this edition to be printed.

So much has happened in our lives (Grant Hill) since the last edition, but we are happy to say that God is still in the blessing business. We are finding out what it really means to have the Favor of God (FOG). We found out that having Favor of God does not always seem fair. It sometimes feels overwhelming and very challenging. Thank God he has equipped us with the necessary tools essential to overcome any trials we have faced. He has called us to a high calling and he has shown us the route we must take in order to walk in his will and to fulfill our purpose. We must not be afraid to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. We must fellowship with him as often as possible. Sunday morning worship is just not enough. He is looking for those souls that are willing to chase after him daily. Chasing after God carries you be-yond your comfort zone and out of the box or should I say, out of the church. Some of us have God scheduled in for Sundays only. As I have stated many times Sunday Morning Worship services is not enough. The Church of this generation needs to be educated and trained properly to fulfill the purpose of God.

Thank God for those who have found out, that Bible Study has proven to be a great blessing, and is not robbery to commit themselves to attending.

God has told us to use what we have in order to get what we need. He has blessed us with the gifts and talents in order that the kingdom of God may manifest itself. The question is: Are we willing to be used totally by God? Can he count on us to step up to the challenge? He has declared to us if we are scared, then we should say so. However, we must understand that this fear does not come from him; because God has not given us the spirit of fear. He has given us power, love and a sound mind.

We must allow the mind of Christ to take over and lead us into our destiny. You may ask, “What is our Destiny?” The answer to this question is found in the Gospel of Matthew. It is better known as the great commission. Are You Ready? ©

Happy Belated Birthday to those who have previously celebrated their birthdays before the printing of the Newsletter; and Happy Birthday to those who will celebrating after its printing. May God continue to bless you to

celebrate many, many more...

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On Sunday, January 17, 2016, Grant Hill made history with its

Deacon’s Ordination; when three (3) women were ordained into the Deacons’

Ministry. It was one of the most exciting events ever held at Grant Hill, and will

certainly will leave its mark in the history books.

The Deacons and Deacon’s Candidates marched in on the song “Grateful”.

The Deacon’s Candidates are left to right, and top to bottom:

Sister Denise R. Nixon

Brother Herbert June, Jr,

Deaconess Gladys G. Grant

Brother Tyron Alston

Deaconess Rhetta S. Sanders

The Scripture was read by Deacon L. B. Johnson; Invocation, Deacon David Glover and

introduction of the speaker was provided by Pastor Clifton N. Witherspoon. The Ordination message was

delivered by Pastor Rinzee L. Stansberry, Sr., New Enoree Baptist Church – Newberry, SC.

The Acts of Ordination Acceptance was provided by Pastors Dr. Nate Brock, Mulberry

Missionary Baptist Church and Julia V. Sanders, Jerusalem Baptist Church. The Declaration of Ordination

was presented by Pastor Witherspoon; Presentation of the Bible, Deacon Larry Harris; Presentation of the

Hymn Book, Deacon Alexander Jenkins; Presentation of the Communion Kit, Deacon Roosevelt Sanders

and the Presentation of the Certificate of Ordination by Pastor Witherspoon and Deacon James L. Sanders,

Chairman, Deacon’s Ministry. ©

Special Prayers for our Sick and Shut-in…

The following individuals were on our sick and shut-in list as of this printing.

Please call or visit with them when you can, and always keep them in your prayers. Pray for one another, that ye should be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous

availeth much. ©

Sis. Maggie Johnson Sis. Alma Pollard Sis. Marie China Dea. George Williams Bro. Leonard Scott

Photo Caption: Deacon’s Candidates

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On Sunday , February 28th, 2016 Grant Hill celebrated its Family

and Friends Day; the color for the day was Red and Black. The

Theme: ”Its Praise Time in the Family”. The Worship Leader was

Sister Yolanda Gause, Deacon Denise Nixon provided the Invocation,

our very own Pastor delivered an inspiring message and Sister

Dorothy Nixon provided remarks and thanked everyone for attending. A good time was had by all.

Photos capturing our Pastor, some members and friends after church.©

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Athletic Corner By Deacon David L. Glover, Jr.

As fall turned into spring, flowers begin to bloom and birds begin

to chirp, there was another sound that we began to hear. It was the sound of

basketballs bouncing on the Hillcrest gym floor. Yes another season of Free Spirit League Basketball

has begun. On Saturday, February 27 excitement was in the air as 18 teams began a new season with

high hopes of winning a championship. As usual Grant Hill has three teams in the league this year.

We have our Junior Varsity Boys team being coached by Brigitte Newby; the Varsity Girls team is

being coached by Petina Calhoun, as head coach and Alexis Bradley and Patricia Jackson as assistant

coaches; and our Varsity Boys team is being coached by Dennis Nickens, as head coach and Del

Choice and Patricia Jackson as assistant coaches.

We had a total of 37 young people to sign up to play for “Big Blue” this season. As always it

has been a pleasure as well as a challenge working with them so far. We continue to try and instill in

them the kinds of character traits that will help them be successful in life, as we impart the word to

them in our practices; and in our devotions held at the beginning of each game. We are doing our part

as members of the league, and as a part of the great Grant Hill Baptist Church family to help train up

our young people in the way that they are to go; so that when they are older they will not depart from it.

Now I would like to share some things from the ministry side of the League with you. On

Saturday, April, 16 we held our Annual Community Unity Service at Hillcrest Middle School. This

was a day of worship and fellowship with our players, coaches, members of sponsoring churches and

the community. Our speaker this year was Minister Napoleon Bradford from Jehovah Missionary

Baptist Church-Sumter, SC. He shared a powerful word with our young people on “The Three P’s –

Plan, Position and Purpose”. After such a powerful message 22 young people either committed or

re-committed their life to Christ. Then on Sunday, April 17 we invited all of our players to come

worship with us on the Hill. It was good to see them worship together just as they play together on the

court. Our youth praise team and our praise dancers ministered to us during the service, and when it

was time for the word Pastor Witherspoon brought forth a very inspirational message in which he

asked the question, “Who Are You”? These are just a couple of the ways that we show our youth that

its more than just basketball, it’s about life and living it with a purpose.

We encourage you to come out and support our teams whenever you

can. It means a lot to the players to look up and see some of Grant Hill

members in the stands cheering for them. Our games are played on

Thursday evenings beginning at 6:15 and on Saturday mornings at 9:15.

The season ends on May 15. That’s my time, thanks for yours, and

remember “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in a

person’s determination”.©

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The Wateree Baptist Association, LD Semi-Annual Session

By Dr. Gladys M. Grant, Association Clerk

The Semi-Annual Session of The Wateree Baptist Association,

LD, under the auspices of Dr. Sammie D. Simmons, Moderator was

held on Friday, April 15, 2016, 6:30 p.m. The session was held at

Union Missionary Baptist Church, in Wedgefield, SC, with Rev. Frederick Martin, Host Pastor. The session

featured two (2) workshops for Pastors, Associate Ministers, Deacons, Trustees, other church leaders,

laypersons and youth. The Theme, “Letting Its Light Shine Through Worship”.

The Adult Facilitators: Mr. Ben Griffith, Agent, State Farm Insurance, Sumter shared his expertise and

illustrated to those in attendance the different types of homeowners policy coverages, and

Mr. Ernest Sessions, Agent, AllState Insurance, Sumter, expressed the importance of owning a flood

insurance policy. The adult workshop was sponsored by The Wateree Baptist Association, LD, Disaster

Relief Team Ministry, Dr. Nate Brock, Coordinator and Pastor, Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church,

Sumter. Additionally, the youth workshop was conducted by Dr. Tiawano Mayo and Sis Rosetta Mayo, who

followed the same theme while engaging youth in a dialogue on “How do you Worship?”

The worship service began immediately following the workshops. Rev. Eugene Myers, Jr., Vice

Moderator, presided during the services. Rev. Frederick Martin, was the messenger for the Semi-Annual

Session. Musical selections were rendered by The Wateree Baptist Association, LD Choir, Liberty Hill,

Canaan, and Union Baptist (Wedgefield) Choirs.

Dr. Simmons thanked the various churches for their attendance, financial and spiritual support of the

2016 session. Rev. Martin offered the closing prayer and the benediction. ©

Grant Hill Celebrated Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day on Sunday,

February 14, 2016. The Scripture was “But seek first His Kingdom and His

righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). The

service was great with presentations and remarks being made by Sister Louise

Johnson, Superintendent and Deacon Rhetta Sanders, Asst. Superintendent.

The Sunday School Teachers were honored, while the Male Chorus ministered to

the congregation through song. A wonderful time was had by all. ©

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The Healthcare Ministry By Sister Donna M. Dennis, RN

The Healthcare Ministry is one of the newer ministries here at

GHMBC. The ministry became active in Dec.2015.Our purpose is to meet the medical needs of the church congregation. Pictured are four of the members. The Ministry is comprised of twenty-two members and growing. The Healthcare Ministry was founded

on the principle of… "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.©

Free Smoke Detectors! By Brother Jimmy Deas

The Sumter County Fire Department is offering free smoke detectors to those living in the City of Sumter,

or Sumter County. This is a great opportunity to update your smoke detectors, or get them placed in addi-tional rooms. For additional information, please see Bro. Jimmy Deas or contact the Sumter County Fire

Department..©

Grant Hill Black Heritage Month

culmination took place on Sunday, February 21, 2016. It

was a terrific celebration, that enlighten the congregation

with a Skit performed by the Praise Dance Ministry, a dy-

namic Black History Moment Reading by Sister Patrice

Williams, Ministry in Dance by the Praise Dance Ministry,

A litany of historical songs by the Mass Choir and a power-

ful message from our own Pastor Clifton Witherspoon.

The Scriptures were Matthew 12:36 and Luke18:11-

12. The Pastor stressed to everyone, that “You Better

watch your mouth; and watch what you say, as well as

who you say it too.” And that a good man falls at least

seven (7) times…©

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New Members! Grant Hill is very pleased to introduce two new families, who decided to join

church prior to the printing of this Newsletter. The Goode Family, stationed at 3rd Army, the children attend the Sumter Schools. Bro. Jimmy and Sis. Frances Sanders relocated from Manassas, Virginia; and Bro. Roger Richburg, the

Spouse of April Rogers–Richburg. ©

Senior Choir Celebration!

On March 6, 2016 the Senior Choir had

a fantastic celebration. The Scripture was “Make a Joyful noise unto God, all ye lands; and Sing forth the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.” (Psalm 66:1-2). During the program several members of the choir were honored for their dedication and commitment over the years. They are Sisters Marie Jackson, Mary Johnson, Lorine Mack and Louise Moses. Pastor Witherspoon is holding up one of the lighted plaques being provided to the choir members. ©

The Goode Family

The Sanders Family

The Richburg Family

Roger Richburg

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Unity Mass Choir 4th Anniversary “Order My Steps”

On April 24, 2016, the Unity Mass Choir celebrated their 4th Anniversary in

grand fashion; starting out with an out-standing Praise and Worship. The Scripture for the service was

“Establish my footsteps in your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133) The Grant Hill Members, Family and Friends also had the opportunity to meet Evangelist Crystal K. Cunningham a Candidate for S.C. House of Representatives – House District 50. In addition to the outstanding melody of songs; Sister Earnestine Gathers, President thanked the choir for their support and everyone for their

attendance. ©

Grant Hill 153rd Church Anniversary By Sister Dorothy B. Nixon

On Sunday May 15, 2016, our church will be celebrating is

153rd Church Anniversary. Our guest speaker will be our own dynamic Pastor, Clifton N. Witherspoon. This is a special invitation, for you to come out, celebrate and worship with us, on this One Hundred and Fifty Third Anniversary. ©

Grant Hill Brotherhood Ministry By Brother Darryl Keith, VP

The Brotherhood Ministry has been actively involved within the

fellowship of Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and the local community. Within the past year the

Brotherhood Ministry has organized and conducted activities such as a youth camping trip to Wateree

Recreation Park in Camden, SC, where young men participate in camping activities as we attempt to

establish a mentoring relationship. The Brotherhood Ministry encourages men to serve, by performing

yard clean-up for senior citizens from our church and local community. We have also sponsored a

Senior Brotherhood Breakfast for the men of the community where they meet and share ideas that will

strengthen our Men in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The mission of the Brotherhood Ministry is to promote an organization through a vital and

meaningful Christian fellowship among all men; (young men, and boys) within the church environment;

To teach and guide young men and boys in the tenants of Christian beliefs of the Missionary Baptist

Church; To promote work habits and participation in church activities; and to provide assistance to

members of the church's congregation and local community as needed. ©

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Below are Members, Family and Friends who did not shy away from the Camera, as

they attend or visited with Grant Hill during its Sunday Services. ©

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When A Vision Becomes A Reality…

The Grant Hill MBC Community Yard Sale and Spring Fling

On Saturday, April 16, 2016; the place to be was at 5405 Black River Road, Rem-

bert, SC to attend the first ever Community Yard Sale and Spring Fling. Hundreds of people attended

this special event, visited with many vendors displaying items from figurines, crafts, college career in-

formation, clothing, hats to jellies and jams. The day was filled with so much family fun, laughs, food,

games, blood pressure checks, bounce houses and live entertainment to include the spoken word. The

children enjoyed playing games and bouncing in the bounce houses so much, that the adults got jealous

and decided to join them; this included Pastor Witherspoon, no kidding… I won’t hold you reading

about it any longer; I’ll show you through photos. If you missed this year, don’t worry, we will be back

again next year, even bigger and better.

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues…

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues…

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues…

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues...

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues…

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Spring Fling Photo Shoot Continues…

Special thanks to Minister Gregg, and the Team for coordinating this event.

A good time was had by all !!! ©

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The following article was posted in the Sumter Daily Item...

Grant Hill Baptist Church's community yard sale a success

Posted Tuesday, April 19, 2016 By Adrienne Sarvis ADRINNE @THEITEM.COM

It’s Election Time Again! Please make sure you exercise your privilege to

vote on June14, 2016; too many people died for this privilege, as well as other

freedoms we enjoy today. The Members, Family and Friends of Grant Hill had

the opportunity to hear from several of the Candidates that are running for the

elected offices which are listed below. A couple of candidates

photos were not available. ©

Ms. Bowman—Sumter County Council District 5

Mr. Alston—State Representative House District 50

More than 40 vendors came out to support a local church and local businesses during Grant Hill Baptist Church's first Community Yard Sale and Spring Fling in Rembert on Saturday.

Grant Hill Minister Quentina W. Gregg said the event was organized by the church's outreach ministry, Kingdom Connection.

This is a good turnout for the first time, she said Saturday afternoon.

The vendors purchased a $10 or $15 spot on the church grounds to sell various items and Interact with other community members. There were vendors selling homemade foods and hand-made crafts as well as individuals selling unwanted items, like at a traditional yard sale.

Gregg said members of Grant Hill sold food to event-goers to raise money for Kingdom Connec-tion. The ministry provides free clothing and operates a food bank for the community throughout the year, she said.

Charisma Floyd said she and her business partner, Tiara Thomas, came out on Saturday to support the local church as well as spread the message of their handmade jewelry company, The Unlimited Co. "We want to help the community to think outside of the box," Floyd said.

Dennis Nickens, who was selling copies of his book on healthy relationships, "Doing it God's Way," said he bought a spot at the event because it was an opportunity to get members of the community together.

Nickens said he attended Grant Hill growing up.

The more support given to the community and local vendors, the more resources that can be given back to the community, he said.©

Chris Sumpter—Sumter County Council District 1 Mr. Kevin Johnson —Sumter County Coroner

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Kudos and Congratulations!!!

Our very own Jonah Williams, a senior at Crestwood

High School; was featured in the Sumter Daily Item for

being one of only 1,000 recipients selected to receive the

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship. There were over 56,000

applications received at the Foundation for the Scholarship. The Gates

Scholarship will pay tuition for all four years of his college education in-

cluding room and board. The 2016 Gates Millennium Scholarship will also pay tuition up

through a doctorial degree.

We are very proud of Jonah for his

academic achievements, the example he

has set for his peers and other young

men. We are also thankful and congrat-

ulate his immediate and church families

for their constant encouragement and

support. ©

The GNO 2016 "She's Royalty" T-Shirt is

READY for order!

By Minister Quenitia Gregg

Place Order Today!

Please Note: Pre-orders must be placed & paid in full by Monday, July 4th, 2016 in or-

der to receive your t-shirt prior to the night of the Worship Experience.

*A limited quantity of t-shirts may be available for purchase during the night of

the Worship Experience.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Use the following link to order:

http://gnodatenight.weebly.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Jonah pictured with his Sister Briana & Mother

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Taking The Message Outside The Four Walls

To Sandy Island, SC

By Sister Evelyn Dixon

On Sunday, February 21, 2016, it was my privilege to join members of

the Grant Hill family as we took the message outside the four walls and travelled with Pastor Witherspoon to the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, located 19 Sandy Island Landing, Pawleys Island, SC. Pastor Rev. Karon Jackson invited Pastor Witherspoon to be the guest speaker for their Black History Program. The Theme was "Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present and Shaping the Future". The Program began at 4:00 pm; however we needed to leave the church by 1:00pm, in order to catch the Ferry to the Island. One week before going to the Island, I was trying to visualize what the Island would look like. On Sunday, the day of the service while on the van, I was still trying to picture this place. The image I had in my mind was

totally different from the actual scene I saw. When I got to the landing we had to get on a ferry to go across the water; And the Ferry… Well it was not an updated, it was old. Lord we were praying it would make it to the other side for the worship service. When we got off of the ferry, we thought the church was right there; however, it was only a country store. We had to catch a bus that was waiting to take us to the Church. We were informed that at one time this ferry was used to take the children to the school bus. When we returned to the dock to catch the ferry on the return trip back across the water to the mainland; Thank God, the Ferry this time was updated. Overall, this was a great experience and I would not have missed it for the

world. I would love to have another opportunity to just go back one day, and tour the entire Island. ©

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To Contact Us:

Give us a call for more

information about our

services and ministries.

Grant Hill MBC

5405 Black River Road

Rembert, SC 29128

Phone: (803) 499-2806

Rev. Clifton N. Witherspoon,

Pastor—(H) 803-494-5303

Email

ghpreacher@granthillbaptist.org

Website:

www.granthillbaptist.org

Facebook:

Grant Hill Missionary

Baptist Church

Church Clerk

Bro. Thomas Nickens

ghbcinfo@granthillbaptist.org

Secretary

Sis. Sharon Gathers

Grant Hill MBC

5405 Black River Road

Rembert, SC 29128

Phone: (803) 499-2806

Rev. Clifton Witherspoon, Pastor

PLACE STAMP HERE

Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church