East Highland Baptist Church
1030 Main Street East - P. O. Box 888, Hartselle, Alabama 35640
Phone: 256-773-4157 Fax: 256-773-4158 www.easthighlandbaptist.com
Walter Blackman, Pastor * Tommy Gray, Music & Education * Jason Sapp, Children * Charles Stone, Missions * Larry Long, Sr., Youth
2012 February Newsletter
Dear Precious People,
We are well into a new year, full of opportunities for every individual, and for our church as a whole, to carry out the Great Commission and fulfill the law of Christ in our lives. We started well by exceeding our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal by nearly $3,000. I'm so grateful for your generosity these past few months in supporting so many things in such a short time. I believe the offering for the Gideons was about $1,500. Combined with the sacrificial giving you are making towards the Harvest Day Offering, and other projects - I can only give the Lord the praise for what He is doing in your lives.
The Lord continues to add to His church. We rejoice in Billy Aaron's decision to unite with our church by letter from Southwest Baptist. We also give thanks to the Lord for Molly Johnson's profession of faith. Also, Terri Norwood came for baptism. She is already a member, but was baptized at an early age and she could not remember the event. Also, Josh Pohl was saved at an SEBC event and presented himself for baptism. He is the son of Dr. Jay Pohl and his wife Beverly. God continues to bless, so continue to pray for the Lord to be at work in the life of His church at EHBC. The Missions Committee presented a written report at the last business meeting that every member of the church should read. It highlights last year’s involvement by our church in mission work. Our prayer is that more of our folks will step out of their comfort zone and go on a mission trip this year if physically able. Talk to one of our mission committee members, and secure a form from the Hall of Missions if you are being led to go do missions somewhere. We have mission trips scheduled for Belize and Nepal in the coming months, and later Peru. Pray as our folks answer God's call.
On a personal note, thank you for all the prayers and expressions of concern for our daughter Alyson. We pray she is on the road to recovery, but you have been a blessing to us by keeping us in your prayers. Also, I want to thank you for the cards and your sweet comments on my birthday. Most of all, thank you for your prayers, and support. You are a great congregation to serve, and as Paul said, "I thank my God for every remembrance of you." Also, to those who rolled my office (and you know who you are) and put the bottle of Tide on my desk - even for that expression - I am thankful for your "celebration" of my day.
Come to worship Sunday with praise, thanksgiving, and a willingness to hear from the Lord through His Word and by His Spirit. To God be the glory, great things He has done!!
In His Love,
Bro. Wally
Happy Highlanders
Dear Church Family, Friends and Family,
To all of you who have been so kind to let me know that you have enjoyed my article about the "Good Old Day" each month, I feel that it is time for me to pass the torch to someone else. I have enjoyed all of these years of service in this capacity and it is with sadness that I step aside. I just know that it is time. I just want to say Thank You for all you have meant to me.
Thank you!
Laverne Black
There will be a different touch to Happy Highlander News after this month. After a number of years (since 1987), in fact after the only one who has written news for our Senior Adults, Mrs. Laverne has given up her writing for our newsletter. She has over the years brought to our minds so many memories of the early days of living in the south and on the farm. I’m sure many of us have relived a number of experiences that we had tried to push in the back of our minds because they were not always pleasant but trying times in our lives. Yet it was so good to recall them because it makes us thankful for what we have today. Laverne, on behalf of ALL the Senior Adults and our younger members, thanks for the many memories. We have appreciated all your writings and will always be grateful for the many remembrances you rekindled. Bless you as you continue to be a part of His kingdom work.
Bettye English
Senior Adult Director
Mark these dates on your February calendar:
Wednesday, February 1 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Those married 50 years or longer will be recognized.
Thursday, February 16 - Trip to Burritt Museum in Huntsville. Cost is $8.00 - Leave the church at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be at Victoria's.
Friday, February 17 - 5:30 p.m. - Fun, Food and Fellowship
Wednesday 22 - 11:30 a.m. - Covered Dish Luncheon. Musical program by Susan Hines.
Tommy's Tunes
Music Ministry
- The Worship Choir has loads of new music we are learning on Wednesday nights. Now would be a great time to join the choir as we begin to prepare Easter Music.
-The Handbell Choir is meeting on Monday nights in the Choir Room. Please check the Sunday morning bulletin for rehearsal time. We always welcome new members.
-Our Student Choir is getting back into the swing of rehearsals in this new year. All 7th- 12th grade students are needed on Sunday afternoons. Watch your Sunday morning bulletin for rehearsal times and dates. We will usually sing in the evening worship service following our afternoon rehearsal.
Education Ministry
-The DivorceCare group has begun meeting Thursday evenings and God is already doing wonderful things in the lives of those participating. Do you know someone who would be helped by attending this group? Tell them about DivorceCare today. Childcare is available.
-The Women's Bible study has begun on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 and Tuesday nights at 6:30. Beth Moore's Bible study in the book of James has begun, but it’s not too late to attend. Call the church office or talk to Debbie Bell.
-The College and Career group will sponsor Dinner and a Movie on Saturday, Feburary 11, at 6:00. Tickets are now available.
-Put Saturday, February 25, on your calendars! This is our church-wide chili supper. We'll start at 5:30. Bring your favorite chili to share with everyone. We'll introduce our newest church members and then sample the talent of EHBC. We already have several people/groups signed up to participate. If you would like to "show off" your talent, see Bro. Tommy A.S.A.P.
-Who have you invited to Sunday School? It is important to the growth of EHBC that each of us be busy inviting people to come to church.
Youth News
Hello to the best youth in Hartselle.
As we look at the way the world is, we want to think about how we can make it better. Paul Shane Spear said, "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person." Whose world are you willing to change? ________________ or _________________.
As we look forward, we see D-Now weekend February 1 and 3/4/5/ at E.H.B.C. We are going to be with the Student Net of Morgan County Baptist this year. We have around 50 students signed up for this event. We also have 12 host homes and a lot of food preparers and we would like to say a BIG THANK YOU. Our Leaders this year are Jeremy and Carman Mitchell. The Bible study is Breathe. Please be in prayer for this event.
Drama, Clowns, Puppets, Arise Team are still working on Wednesday night for up-and-coming events. We see a FUN night that could be COLD; come prepared. February 26 will be Praise/Worship at EHBC for our Youth. Come bring a friend and see what God is doing.
There are two other dates you need to put on your calendars:
1. Spring Break Bible CAMP March 31 B April 2, 2012, Location T.B.A.
2. EHBC Youth Mission Trip is July 8 - 13, 2012.
Keep company with good men and good men you will imitate. - Prov. 27:17
Who are you trying to imitate?
May God always lead,
Bro Larry
