CHURCHES
Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, will host its third annual Brentwood Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. The family-friendly experience will be comprised of three walkable elements: Christmas Towne, Journey Through Bethlehem and The Christmas Food Project. The event is open for all to attend. For information, visit www.brentwood.church/christmas.
Brush Creek Baptist Church, Brush Creek, will hold its annual “Life of Christ Drive-Thru” Dec. 3-4 from 6-8 p.m.
LEADERS
First Baptist Church, Madisonville, recently ordained Matt White and Chris Bowers as deacons.
DEATHS
Longtime Union University administrator Maggie Nell Brewer died Oct. 10 at her home at age 89. Brewer served at Union from 1965-1995 as dean of women, dean of students and vice president for student affairs. She was Union’s first female vice president. The Brewer Dining Hall on Union’s campus is named in her honor.
Robert A. Lawrence, pastor of Southwest Baptist Church, Sparta, died Sept. 23. He was 84 years old. He answered the call to preach at the age of 16. He served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, including Isoline Baptist Church in Crossville where he served for 18 years. He also was active in jail ministry. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Yvette, four sons and three grandchildren.
Howard Olive, retired pastor of Monte Vista Baptist Church, Maryville, died Oct. 3 at the age of 93. A veteran of the Korean War, he served as pastor of churches in Kentucky, Florida, Alabama in addition to Monte Vista where he served for 30 years. He was active in the denomination and served as moderator of Chilhowee Baptist Association and chair of the Executive Committee of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board). He also served on the national council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Olive was preceded in death by his wife, Jean. He is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Michael Wayne Thomas, former pastor of New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, died Oct. 11. He was 66. Thomas served in various churches before planting New Vision Baptist in 1988 where he served as senior pastor for 14 years. He spent the last 17 years of his ministry serving on staff at Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville, He is survived by his wife Betsy, five children and stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.
Amy Hood, wife of Pat Hood, senior pastor of LifePoint Church, Smyrna, died unexpectedly Oct. 30 at her home. She is survived by her husband, five children and grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held Nov. 3.