LEADERS
Brenton Cox
First Baptist Church, Manchester, will celebrate pastor Brenton Cox’s 29 years of ministry at FBC with a retirement reception in his honor on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 3-5 p.m. in the church gymnasium. Under his leadership, First Baptist has experienced significant growth in worship and Sunday School attendance. More than 1,150 believers have been baptized during his ministry at FBC. During the last 29 years, the church has led in several fruitful outreach ministries including Oakley Ministry Center, Upward Basketball, Vacation Bible School, and the Jesus Tent at Bonnaroo.
Jack Hice
Marble Plains Baptist Church, Winchester, will hold a retirement reception for pastor Jack Hice in appreciation of 33 years of ministry and service with the congregation. Special services will begin at 10 a.m., followed by food and fellowship. For more information, contact Tina Sisk at 931-581-5321.
Bethel Baptist Church, McKenzie, has called Bobby Rushing as pastor.
ASSOCIATIONS
Nolachucky Baptist Association held its annual Lake Baptism Service on July 30. Seven churches baptized 27 people. The service featured a combined choir from the churches and a message on “God’s Plan for Baptism” by Kenyn Cureton. Churches that baptized new believers included Hillcrest, Fairview, Buffalo Trail, Bethel, Russellville, Community and First Baptist, Morristown.
DEATHS
Garry Burkacki, pastor of Bethpage Baptist Church, Kenton, and several other churches in West Tennessee, Mississippi, and Michigan died at his home May 28. He was 62 years old and served as a pastor for 45 years. He is survived by three siblings, several nieces, nephews and many friends.
Aubrey Hay
Aubrey Daniel Hay died July 20 in Dyersburg at the age of 87. Hay pastored many churches over his ministry, but most of his pastoral years were spent at First Baptist Church in Erwin; Oakwood Baptist Church in Knoxville; and Good Shepard Baptist Church in Amherst, Ohio. He was also the director of church and minister relations for the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board) from 1990 until his retirement in 2001. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy Hay, a daughter and two grandchildren.
CHURCHES
First Baptist Church, Gordonsville, will hold a Mission House Dedication on Sept. 10 from 2-4 p.m. The mission house will be available at no charge for visiting missionaries, preachers or evangelists. The house is available for churches in New Salem Baptist Association.
Talbott Baptist Church, Talbott, recently recognized Dianne Rorie for 35 years of service as VBS director. With her are pastor Wade McCullough and children from the church.
