TENNESCENE: AUG. 31

Kevin Minchey

LEADERS

Kevin Minchey, church revitalization team leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, moved from that role to Harvest Field 3 team leader, effective Aug. 15. Minchey is former pastor, associational missions strategist (AMS) and church planter. Prior to joining the TBMB staff, he served as the AMS for Concord Baptist Association, based in Murfreesboro.

EVENTS

The Perry County Tent Revival will be held Sept. 25-28 on the lot beside First Baptist Church, Linden (137 W. Main Street). Services begin at 10:45 a.m on Sunday and 6:30 p.m. each night. Wayne Hudson will preach and Mark Bates will lead music. For more information call 931-576-5100 or contact Pastor Bill Edge at First Baptist Church, Linden, at fbclintn@gmail.com.

The International Mission Board Alumni Fellowship of Middle Tennessee will meet Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. (with lunch at noon provided by Tennessee Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union) at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood. This will be the group’s first meeting since before COVID-19 hit in 2020, according to IMB alumnus Al Hodges. The meeting is for anyone who has served with the IMB. Reservations for the meeting are needed as soon as possible. For more information, contact Hodges at air.hodges@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATIONS

Twenty-four people from five churches were baptized during Nolachucky Baptist Association’s annual lake baptism service on July 31. The combined choirs from Morningside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Morristown, led in worship. Kenny Boling, pastor of Morningside Baptist, brought the message, titled, “Alive and Living It” from Romans 6:6-11.

The Historical Committee of the Tennessee Baptist Convention honored First Baptist Church, Ethridge, July 31 in recognition of 100 years of ministry as a Tennessee Baptist church. Steve Flippo, left, director of missions for Lawrence County Baptist Association, presented a plaque to the church deacons John Burleson and John Crews. A 100th anniversary celebration is being planned at the church’s homecoming in October.
Western District Baptist Association recently hosted an Ignite Rally. Worship was led by Jeremy O’Neal from First Baptist Church Paris, David Roberts from Maplewood Baptist Church, Paris, and Kim Allen from Springhill Baptist Church, Paris, with a choir filled by members from churches in the WDBA. Roc Collins of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board brought a challenging message from Rev 20:20. Overall, the association had members from 10 churches who accepted the challenge to WIN TN, said James Twilbeck, director of missions. The rallies are being held across the state to encourage churches to have a 30-day evangelistic emphasis.
On Saturday, July 23, more than 40 Stewart County families and 101 children were blessed with new clothes and shoes for the upcoming school year at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Dover. Each child received at least two pairs of pants/shorts, two shirts, socks, underwear, and tennis shoes. The clothes were provided by individuals from four local congregations or through monetary donations from the churches themselves. Thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Baptist Convention, through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, each family was also provided with a household box containing detergent, cleaning supplies, hygiene items and a Bible. Those attending the event enjoyed live music provided by the New Haven Baptist Church worship team, an encouraging message from Joe Shannon, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist, a waterslide, snow cones, hot dogs, ice cream floats, face painting and more. In addition to Pleasant Grove and New Haven, participating congregations were: Walnut Grove Baptist Church and Big Rock Baptist Church. All four congregations are located in Stewart County.
Pastor Billy Ross, right, presented Jerry Simmons with a certificate of recognition for 45 years as song leader at Thompson Creek Baptist Church in Como. Simmons was also presented gift certificates for years of dedicated service to the church.
Marble Plains Baptist Church, Winchester, honored pastor Jack Hice, center, on Aug. 21. He celebrated his 90th birthday and his 32nd anniversary at the church. With Hice is Ray Gardner, left, retired pastor of Oaklawn Baptist Church, Winchester, who paid tribute to Hice, and Mark Puckett, director of missions, Duck River Baptist Association, who brought the morning message. — Photo by Joe Blanton
New Salem Baptist Church, Dukedom, held a surprise birthday party for Deacon Howard Harris on Aug. 14 . to celebrate his 97th birthday. He became a member of the church in July of 1947 and was ordained as a deacon in 1988. He is still very active in church and continues to perform his duty as a deacon. “We thank him for his commitment as a church member for 75 years and being a deacon for 34 years,” said pastor Kenneth G. Williams.