Old Greenbrier Baptist ChurchPO Box 456Alderson, WV 24910STAFFPastor: Bill Bryan(304) 646-8631 cell(304) 645-1934 homeMinisters of Music:Dell & Nancy WoodCarolyn Holliday Treasurer:Charlotte MeltonCongregational Visitor:Peggy BollenbachOfficial Board, Chair:Bob LaRueStreet Address:301 North Monroe St.Church Phone: (304) 445-7854

Old GreenbriER

Baptist News2015

Non-ProfitPostage PermitNo. 32

Volume XVII No. 1

Church website: http://oldgreenbrierbaptistchurch.typepad.com/

Forwarding Service Requested

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART

As we begin a new year we look back and forward.We look back on 2014 as our committees submit reports of last year’s activities to Bill Holliday, last year’s Official Board Chairperson. These reports will be assembled into our 2014 Book of Reports which will be presented to the church at a

called business meeting on January 25

immediately following the morning worship service. We will also receive our year-end 2014 financial report at that time.

We look forward to a new year of ministry. We pray

for

God’s blessing as we launch a new ministry of our church—the Emma Alderson Christian Academy. While this new ministry is designed to be self-funding, we should remember that EACA is a ministry of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church. EACA is not something separate from the church but is an important part of the path toward her future as we “sow the seed of Jesus Christ in the world so that people become his truly devoted followers.” I ask that you pray for the success of this ministry and that you open your hearts to hear and act as God speaks to you about ways you can help support this new ministry in 2015.Also, we look forward to the ministry of Bob LaRue as our Official Board Chairperson in 2015. Bob is already at work preparing new Care Cluster assignments for our deacons and deaconesses in 2015. Members of Old Greenbrier should expect a contact early in the year from their newly assigned deacon or deaconess for 2015.As we look back and look forward, may we rejoice in both what God has done in the past year and in what it is about to do in this new year. May you have a happy and blessed new year!

The next Men’s Community Prayer Breakfast will be Saturday, February 7 at 8am at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church.

1 2 3Men’sBreakfastOGBC ~ 8a

4S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

5 6 7Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

8Ruth Thurmond Circle ~ 1p

9 10

11S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11aOfficial Bd. ~ noon

12 13 14Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

15Pack Food Pantry ~ 9a

16Food Pantry~9a

17

18S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11a

19 20 21Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

22 23 24

25S School ~ 9:45aWorship ~ 11aCalled BusinessMeeting ~ noon

26 27 28

Bible Study~ 6:30pChoir ~ 7:30p

29 30 31

Reason for Cheer

The church staff would like to thank the congregation for the gracious gifts given to each of us at Christmastime. Your love and thoughtfulness toward us is heartfelt and warmly received.

A psychologist has determined that the Monday in the last full week of January is the most depressing day of the year. This year, “Blue Monday” falls on January 26. Cliff Arnall calculated this date based on a combination of bad weather, Christmas debts, broken New Year’s resolutions, and the end of the holiday break.

No matter how bleak things seem—regardless of the time of year—Christians always have reason for hope. Thankfully, we can look beyond the things that depress us because we know that God is at work for our good even in the bad things

of life; that our sin debt is eternally paid; that God always keeps his promises to us; and that we can look beyond our dark earthly circumstances to eternal life

in the light of God’s glory.

Finance Team and Official Board monitor our church budget and spending. Thank you for your regular tithes and special offerings. Each month, we want to present an overview of where we are financially.

General Fund for the Month Ended November 30, 2014:Beginning Balance $ 3,721.99

+ Total Income $ 11,087.87 − Total Expenses $ 11,638.86Ending Balance $ 3,171.00

Our 2014 planned budget needs total $131,362.

Actual Need DifferenceGiving Jan – Nov 2014: $120,310 $121,248 - $ 938Giving Dec 7, 14, 21: $ 6,401 $ 7,578 - $1,177 Total 2014 Budget Giving: $126,711 $128,826 - $2,115Thanksgivers’ Offering / Fill-up Fuel-up – Our Thanksgivers’ Offering of $652 was designated by the Board for fuel oil and propane. It is shown as part of November total income above. We now have $4,079 on hand to pay our next fuel bill in January.America for Christ (Goal $1,000) – We received $1,125.28 (113%) with everything above the goal went to the Mountain State Mission Offering.

5 – Heather Craft Dwayne Rider 7 – Joseph Alderson Peggy Bollenbach Theresa Massey

Riley Ward 10 – Michelle Huffman 11 – Greg Dotson 12 – Kelly Parker 13 – Anne Parker 16 – Zachary Butler 20 – Nancy Feamster Tiara Henson Shawn Parker 26 – Virginia Surgeon 27 – Jeffrey Harrah 30 – Nola Craig

This month and next usually bring the worst winter weather for us.

The decision to cancel services and activities will be made by the pastor in consultation with the Official Board. Deacons and deaconesses will be notified by phone of the decision to cancel. They in turn will contact the members of their care clusters by phone.

If you have questions about the cancellation of services, please contact your deacon or deaconess. If they are unavailable, please feel free to contact the pastor or Official Board chairperson.

As always we want you to be safe in your travel to and from the church for services and activities. Please use your good judgment during times of inclement weather concerning your participation.

One Great Hour of Sharing (Goal $1,000) – We received $1,071.86 (107%) and exceeded our goal thanks to our children’s 2014 VBS offering of $153.45.World Mission Offering (Goal $1,500) – We received $1,600.11 (107%) toward our goal.Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (Goal $1,000) – We have received 607 (61%) toward this offering as of December 21.

INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICYEmma Alderson Christian Academy News

The EACA Steering Committee has been hard at work in November and December. They have worked with the WV State Fire Marshal’s office to inspect the church facilities for use by EACA. The good news is that our facilities require only a few small changes to meet state requirements. EACA will work with the House and Grounds Team to effect the necessary changes in early 2015. They have also begun work on important documents such as personnel policies, operating procedures, and a parent handbook. These documents are under review and will be completed soon. They have also applied for a grant and have begun mailing out donation request letters for an EACA scholarship fund. Thus far $1,477 has been received toward start-up costs and scholarships.

With the completion of our annual meeting and the start of a new church year, we now have an official EACA Team in place. The members of the team are Barbara Bradley, Deborah Bryan, Theresa Massey, Shirley Tolosa, Jodi Wiseman, Dell Wood, and Nancy Wood. In addition, our pastor serves as an ex officio member as he does for all of our teams.

Here are some items needed for our academy. To donate any of these items or to make a monetary donation, please contact Pastor Bill.

Art Room Double Easel - 2 @ $100ea Art Room Table with 6 Chairs - $210Art Room Drying Rack - $100 I-pod - 2 @ $200eaLunchroom 30”x50” Dining Tables Table & Chair 3-piece set

with 6 chairs - 2 @ $210ea (housekeeping/reading) - $50Nap Cots - 20 @ $20 each Small Sensory Table - 2 @ $60ea8’ x 11’ Area Rug - 2 @ $300ea Block Storage Cabinet - $150Blocks (2 sets @ $75ea Dramatic Play Wardrobe - 2 @ $200eaBook Display - 2 @ $140ea Toy Storage Cabinet - 2 @ $300eaKitchen Set, Heart of the Home - $130 Kitchen Set, Lifestyle Custom - $100Office Desk - 2 @ $600ea Calculator - $60Computer - 2 @ $1,000ea Telephone - 2 @ $125eaTelephone Headset - 2 @ $300ea 2-Drawer Locking File - 2 @ $130eaHeavy Duty Hole Punch - $75 Heavy Duty Stapler - $65

What if we took our lengthy lists of changes we want to

make in the new year and narrowed them down—way down? Rather than making a half dozen or more commitments that we’re unlikely to keep, how about zeroing in on a single word that captures the essence of what we want to achieve or become?

North Carolina pastor Mike Ashcraft encouraged church members to each find one word that described a characteristic or vision they wanted to achieve in the year ahead. The experiement turned into a movement, with ideas and testimonials available at myoneword.org.

What would your one-word resolution be?

??? Bible Quiz ???In the book of Judges, a cycle is repeated

many times: The Israelites do “what is evil in the sight of the Lord;” God hands them over to an enemy nation; they cry out to the Lord, and he appoints a judge, or political/military leader, for them. Under the judge’s leadership, the Israelites conquer their adversary and prosper—until they start doing “what is evil in the sight of the Lord” all over again. Which one of the following was not one of these judges?A. DeborahB. EhudC. EsauD. Shamgar

Answer: C (See Judges 3-5.)

Prayer Needs as of December 21st

Betty Fleshman familySaeed AbdeniBob AdkinsBill Ambrose (friend of J. Lehmann)Pat AyersKaren Baker (Leonard Carter’s sister)Kelsey Baker (friend of Anne Parker)Jean Ballangee (friend of Anne Parker)Tim Ballangee (friend of Anne Parker)Juanita BarberLinda BengeyAnn Boswell (friend of Joyce Lehmann)Austin Bradley

Eugene BradleyNathan BradleyLena Burdette (friend of Irene Chodhury)Paul Burdette (grandson-in-law J. Smith)Lisa ButlerMichelle Canterbury (Anne Parker’s niece)Gail Carter (friend of Jodi Wiseman)Teresa Catron (Jo Honaker’s friend)David & Rhonda CombsGlenna Daniels (Carolyn Knapps’ sister)Wayne Dotson“Lake” EaryStephanie Massey Estep and baby KinsleyDonna EskinsKendra GoinsBill GrayAaron Halstead (Anne Parker’s nephew)Norella Hatfield (cousin of Anne Parker)Chloe HeckBetty Highlander

Jean Himes (friend of Diana Taylor)Betty HollidayCarolyn HollidayRon HoltRed HonakerRichard & Orah HonakerMadeline Howard (sister of C. Knapp)Patty Jones (Christine Smith’s daughter)Hayden Jude (friend of Page Ward)Linda Simmons Kelly (friend of Jean & Carroll Willis)Christy KennedyThomas Kennedy (Anne Parker’s nephew)Pam Lane (friend of Deborah & Bill Bryan)Janet Latimer and twins Matthew and Annalisa (Christine Smith granddaughter)Joyce LehmannLori Loggins (niece of Anne Parker)Theresa MasseyKristen McCallister

Prayer List

Less Is More

Pearl McCurdyDebbie McInally (Christine Smith’s daughter)Detra McVeyJames Meadows (friend Jim & Jodi Wiseman) Loretta Meadows (friend of Anne Parker)Mary Ann Milam (friend of Peggy Bollenbach)Ruth MilesCharlie Mulkey (friend of Curtis Pauley)Sandy Neely (friend of Carolyn Knapp)Franklin Nutter (friend of Irene Chowdhury)Bernie Patriacca Lee PattersonNene & Don Penn (friends of Jo Honaker)Jo Ellen Perry (friend of Carolyn Knapp)Levi Pugliani (grandson of Bob&Gayle LaRue)Rebecca Rexroad (J. Smith’s granddaughter)G. W. Richmond (C. Smith’s grandson)Vern Richmond (Carla Merritt’s father)Arnold Ryan (Hugh Harris’s nephew)Tom & Neta RoushBrittany ShaferTammy SkaggsChristine SmithJoAnn Smith (Friend of Betty Highlander)Earl Snedegar (Harriett Dancy’s son)Sandy Sweet (Lori Taylor’s father)Ron Taylor (Leonard Carter)Valerie TaylorCarolyn ThompsonMelanie Whitaker (Barbara Taylor’s sister)Renee Pauley White (Curtis& Bev’s daughter)Crystal WileyLyndall Wiley (cousin of Leonard Carter)Stephanie Williams (niece of Donna Simms)Ellen Bengey Winner (Libby Goins’s cousin)

ALL TROOPS In Our Armed ForcesRandy Fleshman (home)Katie Hunter (home)Jess Phillips (home)Brent Taylor (home)Ernie Tincher (Afghanistan)

Church Family Shut-inMary Lou Bowden Ernestine LightFrances Canterbury Juanita RookstoolHarriett Dancy Dorothy Taylor Louise Utterback

Government Officials Heads of State

Students: Jonathan Bradley, Joseph Bryan, Bethany Burdette, SarahEllen Dillon, Hannah Griffin, Cynthia

Huffman, Rhys Rogers, Kari Still, Stephanie Willis, Keith Wiseman, Brennan Wood

Note: Please notify church office 304 445-7854 to delete or add to prayer list.

Support the Emma Alderson Christian

Academy

Dear Member or Friend of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church,

We write to request your help in providing safe, Christian educational opportunities for children living in Alderson, WV and the surrounding area. After a great amount of research and prayer, our church has determined there is a definite need in the Alderson area for both a Christian Pre-K Program and a Christian After-school Program.

Old Greenbrier Baptist Church plans to open the Emma Alderson Christian Academy (EACA) in August 2015 as a new ministry of our church to children and families in Alderson and the surrounding area. The mission of the Emma Alderson Christian Academy is to sow the seed of Jesus Christ in the world so that people become His fully devoted followers. The vision of the Emma Alderson Christian Academy is to meet the needs of families in both our church

and community by providing high quality pre-school education and after-school care in a Christian environment.

This new EACA ministry draws on Old Greenbrier’s rich heritage in the education and training of children and young adults. In 1901 Miss Emma Alderson and others working in cooperation with Old Greenbrier Baptist Church, opened the Alderson Academy to train young people. This academy later moved from Alderson to Philippi, WV and became part of Alderson Broaddus College. We seek to once again meet the needs of today’s children and families by providing necessary education, development, and care in a Christian environment.

If you would like more information about EACA, wish to make a donation to the EACA scholarship fund for needy students, or wish to make a donation of money or resources toward our start-up costs, please contact Pastor Bill Bryan.

Any donation will be tax deductible since EACA operates as a ministry of the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church, which is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Please make your check payable to OGBC and note “For EACA” on the memo line.

God will be glorified and children and their parents will be blessed by your generous support.

Very truly yours,

The EACA Team