TENNESCENE: OCTOBER 8

Beulah Baptist Association has partnered with an Eritrean church in northern Ethiopia and is preparing to help launch a church plant in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. For several years, the association’s churches have supported Witnesses of Christ International church through providing church rent, funds for new church buildings, solar cookers, blankets, coats, sleeping mats for internally displaced people, audio Bibles and funds for evangelism, discipleship and church planting training. This past August, 11 people came to faith through evangelism training efforts.

Billy Ross recently retired as pastor of Thompson Creek Baptist Church in Como after more than 20 years.

Ethridge First Baptist Church held a deacon ordination service for Clyde Kilburn on Sept. 21. From left: Interim pastor Nathan Holloway, Deacon John Burleson, Clyde Kilburn, his wife Rebecca Kilburn, and Deacon John Crews.

Dresden First Baptist recently recognized Don Cleek, right, and Richard Bennett, left, for more than 30 years of teaching in Sunday school. Pastor Don McCulley, center, presented each with a plaque.

First Baptist Greenfield held a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 10 for a new educational wing and remodel of existing facilities. From left: Kay Callins, Jackie Vaughan, Pastor James Hazlewood, Cary Lehmkuhl, Building Committee Chairman Roger Stewart, Payton Featherston and Haley Featherston. Not pictured: Eric Davidson.

Noah’s Ark Widows Ministry celebrated 15 years of ministry Sept. 6. The group has received 139 members over the years. It sponsors numerous ministries including the Baby Tent at the Middle Tennessee District Fair, Hikers Ministry on the Appalachian Trail, Christmas Card Ministry for nursing home residents and Christmas Day for Children, plus donating to local charities. Front row, from left: Janet Haun, co-leader Debbie Griffin, Betty Liles, co-leader Diane Hildenbrandt, Virginia Fenn, Maria Massey, Carol Belew, Pat Stewart, Pat Myhan, and Marlys Smith. Second row: Becky Bales, Jackie Johnson, Barbara Bunt, Jody Konig, Fay Dodson, Michelle Littrell, Kay Parker, and Fannie Smith. Third row: Karen Demorest, Sally Riley, Janet Rae Franks, Kay Stoneburner, Jane Powell, Linda Huntley, and Bobbie Huntley. Back row: Debbie Nutt, Sherry Jones, Cindy Jones, Sara Gobble, Penni Johnson, and Barbara Gibson. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at Ethridge First Baptist Church. All widows are invited.