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Church News




May 1, 2002

AS I LOOK BACK OVER MY LIFE I REALIZE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME THREE MOTHERS, and many more if you consider all the women that have ministered to me.

THE FIRST MOTHER I WANT TO HONOR IS MY GRANNY SALLY. Granny Sally, my father's mother, lived closest to us on Gray's Creek Road, the same on which I lived as a child.

On a small farm in a wooden frame house she had raised her children, and now helped raise us grandchildren. Many memories flood my soul as I remember her.

Granny loved to cook on her “wood stove”, not only during winter, but through the heat of summer. I can remember her perspiring sweat as she cooked Sunday lunch, or supper for me and my family. However, she made the best homemade loaf bread, coconut cakes, buttermilk pies, etc. She was a wonderful cook and loved to feed not only her family but also the pastor of the church. While away at college and seminary Granny Sally would send me small care packages filled with peanut butter, crackers, jelly, pickles, etc. She wanted to make sure that I did not go hungry.

My favorite memory is worshiping with Granny Sally. She sat on the second pew from the front, and I sat with her and worshiped the Lord. Long before I could read I would stand in the pew next to her and sing from memory the songs of Zion. She is now buried at the Gray's Creek Baptist Church Cemetary, and one day I am looking forward to joining her in that heavenly choir.

THE SECOND MOTHER IS MY GRANNY IRENE. She lived on Dave Sim's Road in Rutherfordton with my Papa Dave. They had a 100-acre farm, with a couple of ponds, and a whole lot of animals to feed and care for. The daily chores began with feeding and watering about 40,000 chickens, milking cows, and slopping pigs. There was never a dull moment on the farm. Granny Irene was always right beside Papa Dave.

Granny Irene also liked to cook. Almost every Sunday we ate lunch with them on the farm. Special holidays were always a treat with BBQ chicken at 4th of July, and special candies at Christmas.

Jesus Christ, and Piedmont Baptist Church had their rightful place in Granny Irene's heart. Rev. Carl Walker who preacher her funeral said he ate more meals at her home than all the rest combined while he served as pastor. He also shared how Granny Irene became his visiting partner!

One characteristic about Granny Irene was she loved to fish. Many a time she helped me put a worm on my hook. Some wonderful afternoons were spent at one of the ponds catching blue gills and brim which we would eat that night for supper. Granny Irene is buried at Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetary and I look forward to spending time with her and Papa Dave in heaven.

LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST IS MY NATURAL MOTHER, EVELYN. I do not have enough time or space to tell all about her special qualities. She is a woman of love, faith, prayer, patience, kindness, hard work, and endurance, which I have benefited from every day of my life.

It was from my mother that I learned the importance of daily devotions, and much of what I know about the Bible I learned at my mother's knee. I learned about the importance of visiting widows as well as in the nursing homes and hospitals. She taught me my ABC's, how to spell, to read and write even if it killed me! Over and over again she worked and sacrificed so that I could have clothes like the other kids at school.

Mom always made sure birthdays, Christmas and Easter were special at our home.

Mom is a great person of faith. Even before I was born she and dad had determined we were going to have a Christian home. Every time the church doors were opened, we were present. Mom taught Sunday School, Church Training, etc, and “preached regularly at home.” She finally got me straightened out on “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED.” I am most thankful that she introduced me by word and example to her most trusted friend, Jesus Christ, Who gives unto us life, and yes even Eternal Life.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Bill





NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

 On Thursday, May 2, we will join with other Christians across this nation to pray that God will be the Lord of the United States of America.

Join us as we pray that day.

Our sanctuary will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.




YOUTH SUNDAY

Sunday, May 5th

Youth will be teaching Sunday School Classes and leading in Worship Services.





VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PLANNING SESSION

Sunday, May 5

4:00 P.M.

Led by Children's Council

All persons helping with VBS please be present.

(It's not too late to volunteer to help.)
Dates of our VBS are Sunday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.)





BLOOD DRIVE

Thursday, May 9

3:00 pm – 7:30 p.m

Appointments are required

Please call Joyce to reserve your preference, or sign up after Sunday service.





CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY WITH US

Sunday, May 12

11:00 A.M. Worship

All mother's present will be recognized and receive a free gift.

(No Evening Worship Service)




RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES

Sunday, May 19

11:00 A.M. Worship Service

Graduates: Lauren B., Jeni D., Jordan M., Steven R., & Chris W.




GOSPEL SINGING

“GOOD NEWS SINGERS”

Sunday, May 26

6:30 P.M.

Come join us for an evening of gospel singing, as the Good News Singers led by Mrs. Willena Lowamn, accompanied by Mrs. Kathleen Ribet will be leading in evening worship.





ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY

Sunday, June 2

11:00 A.M. Worship

Lunch will be served at Smokey Creek BBQ

(No Evening Worship Service)




DEDICATION SERVICE - Sunday, March 17

Nitro Children's Choir Mr. Julian Newman
Odell W. Mayor Jim Hatley Mr. Jeff Morse
Reception Pastor Bill & his parents




PALM SUNDAY - Sunday, March 24

Forrest, Jamie & Sierra Tressie Cross of Flowers
Children's Choir Kaitlyn




THE WAY OF THE CROSS - Friday, March 29

Pastor Bill Laurel Road Joyce & Randy
Neighbor Janet Leads Music Sunset
Karen Carries the Cross Mary & Janet Tanya, Carolyn, Cindy & Mary Anne




EASTER SUNDAY - March 31

Hunter First Baptized Children's Sermon
Copyright © Cornerstone Baptist Church, Valdese, NC, 2002 - 2004

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