LEADERS
Michael Kelley
Joey Johnson recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church, Selmer.
Duck River Baptist Association has called Genaro Orellana as its new Hispanic missionary. Orellana also serves as pastor of Iglesia Gracia which meets at Grace Baptist Church in Tullahoma.
Michael Kelley, executive director of Nashville Baptist Association, has announced his resignation in mid-January to become director of The Rooted Network, a discipleship and publishing organization which seeks to create life-changing discipleship experiences in the church. While the organization is based in southern California, the position is remote and Kelley and his family will remain in the Nashville area.
DEATHS
Longtime Tennessee Baptist minister Bill Highsmith of Nolensville died Dec. 3 at the age of 81. Highsmith joined the staff of Tusculum Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, in 1991 as minister of recreation/activities and senior adults. Missions and education were added to his responsibilities later in his tenure. He retired from Tusculum Hills in 2022. He is survived by his wife Peggy, two children and two grandchildren.
Helen McCall died Nov. 23 in Simpsonville, S.C. She was the wife of Ray B. McCall, former director of missions for New Salem Baptist Association. They both served in several churches and mission opportunities with over 50 years of service in the ministry.
Retired Tennessee Baptist minister Jimmy Gregory, who served as pastor of Peyton Creek Baptist Church, Carthage, from 2002-2023, died Dec. 10.
William York died Dec. 14. He had a 52 -year career in ministry and was a member of the Tennessee National Guard and served as chaplain. He was currently serving as pastor of Riddleton Baptist Church in Smith County.
Glenn C. Gamble of Walland died Dec. 15 at the age of 82. He was called to ministry in 1962 and served for more than 60 years as a pastor of seven churches. He had the opportunity to preach in several states and countries. He was a member of Broadway Baptist Church in Maryville, where he had served on staff for a few years. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, two daughters and several grandchildren.
CHURCHES
First Baptist Church, Estill Springs, will host Karen Peck and New River for an evening of gospel music on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Admission is free. A love offering will be taken.
ORGANIZATIONS
The Fellowship of Tennessee Baptist Evangelists will have a preaching conference Saturday night, Jan. 13, at 6:30 p.m. and Monday morning, Jan. 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Boones Creek Baptist Church in Johnson City. The public is invited.
Jim Twilbeck, right, director of missions for Western District Baptist Association, based in Paris, recently served on a mission trip to Guatemala. He had the opportunity to baptize eight new believers in Mazatenango.
