Looking Back - Our Annual Meeting

Coosawhatchie Baptist Church outdid themselves in hosting our association's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 21. The saints at Coosawhatchie graciously welcomed us and lovingly provided every assistance we needed. The facilities were clean and altogether ready for use. The delicious meal was far more than adequate; the music (including the congregational singing) lifted our spirits heavenward. Pastor Allen Perry coordinated preparation and execution of the event with excellence. Rev. Leon Meadows moderated with dignity and grace. The messengers conducted business "without a hitch." We elected Rev. Jim Baker (Pastor, Grays Hill Baptist) as moderator, and Rev. Kevin Crosby (Pastor, Red Dam Baptist) as vice moderator / finance chair, and re-elected other officers (Treasurer, Kelley Richardson; Assistant Treasurer, Jeannine Malphrus; Clerk, Cindy Rhodes; and Historian, Gerald Wynn).

Though some mitigating factors contributed to a lower-than-usual attendance, the Annual Meeting proved to be successful and encouraging. Thank you, Savannah River Baptists!

Gratitude Evidences "Being Filled With the Spirit"

In the month of November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Sometimes we Baptists talk about "being filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18), though such talk seems more common among our Pentecostal friends.

Really, there's a close connection between being filled with the Spirit and expressing gratitude. In fact, according to the Scriptures, gratitude to God is one evidence of being filled with the Spirit.  Here's the full passage (Ephesians 5:18-21 NASU):

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation,

Welcome to Thomas Riddle, our newest Chaplain to serve at Hunting Island State Park. Thomas comes to us from the upstate, and he absolutely loves life and ministry at the campground. He will be here through the end of November, and then our Spring Chaplains will arrive in April. For the past fourteen years our chaplains have coordinated a Thanksgiving meal at the park, but unfortunately we are no longer allowed by the park to do this due to legal reasons. However food will still be collected to provide many families in our area with much needed essentials, not just for Thanksgiving, but for the need to feed their families now. Food can be dropped off to SRBA or pick up can be coordinated.

There are so many ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus during the holidays - so many ministries and projects are underway right now. Remember that Prisoner Packets are due to SRBA by December 3rd. A list of items to include in the packet can be found at the left sidebar. Several of our churches are participating in Angel Tree and could use donations of gifts for the children they are ministering to at the parties. Also, toys and clothing for all ages are being collected for distribution within our ministry partnerships over the holidays.

As you remember all that you are thankful for this Thanksgiving, remember to be a blessing that someone else is thankful for, too. Allow God to use you in ways you haven't thought of before or that even stretch you a little. Paul's reminds us in Acts 20:35 of Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Be blessed by being a blessing this Thanksgiving!

Blessings to you and your family,

Amanda